LB Weekend -- Putnum County

Well, we hit two letterboxes today. There was one at the rest stop between Hurricane and Teays Valley. We went for that one first, but stopped at the west-bound area. The clues really didn't make sense, and we had no luck finding the box. I was a little disappointed because I figured this one would be the easy one. The other one we were going to find had been reported missing so we weren't sure we'd find one there. But, after about 20 minutes we admitted defeat and got back on the interstate. I got off at Hurricane and got back on the Interstate to head back to Teays Valley where we would get off to go across the Winfield bridge for our next box. Well, as we approached the rest stop on the east-bound side I wondered if maybe we hadn't been at the wrong rest stop. So, with nothing to lose, we stopped. Once we pulled up hubby said that this was the place -- the clues fit right in with everything he was seeing. We found the box in no time, and sat in the lovely spot where we could leisurely stamp in.

When DS took out the contents, I saw something not usually in a letterbox and asked him what it was. He handed it to me and I got really excited. It as a hitchhiker! This is the first hitchhiker we have ever found. I am currently trying to decide where would be a good place to plant it....

Also, while stamping up we saw a lovely bird, one we hadn't seen before today, and we had just happened to see one in our yard this morning. I do a lot of birdwatching at my window and have binoculars and a book that has lots of pictures and information on birds. I looked it up and learned it was a Northern Flicker. I thought it rather interesting that we would see the bird twice in one day.

After this, we headed to Winfield bridge where the directions for the next box started. Hubby got us started in the wrong direction -- toward Eleanor -- because he had worked at the Eleanor armory for almost a year and they called the location "Red House." But Red House was actually in the opposite direction. So, after a little while he commented something about heading toward Red House and I had to explain that it was in the opposite direction than where we were headed. We got back on track. This was a very challenging trail. About half-way up I did regret ever trying for this box, especially since we didn't know it would be there. However, we finally did get to where we where going, and hubby brought up the box. I was very happy to be able to email the creator and let him know that his box is not really missing afterall.

Well, fortunately there was a Dairy Queen in Eleanor, and that is right where I headed once we got back to the car. After a nice chocolate sundae, I was revived and feeling much better about the whole day.

Maybe we will hit another tomorrow....

Failed Plant

Well, I got the "Clan Kincaid" letterbox all put together and we went out in search of Kincaid, WV to hopefully plant the box. Well, it took a little longer to get there than expected (WV roads....) and it was rather small, mostly residential. We scoped out the cemetary in hopes of planting there, but I think half the town was there mowing and weed-wacking in preparation for the Memorial Day weekend. With much disappointment we had to leave without planting the box. Hubby suggested we try again this weekend, but I have a feeling it will be just as busy through Monday. Hubby is supposed to have Tuesday off, so maybe we can take a trip then....

Boxing Buddy Doyle

This is Doyle. He is a shy, unassuming little lamb. He is getting ready to travel the country in search of adventure through letterboxing. He has never been away from home, so he will be relying on some very friendly hosts to show him around. As you can see, he has his little backpack and is just about ready to head out! He will be writing home frequently and we will post updates as available.

First Letterbox

Yesterday, with the help of my mother, we planted our first letterbox. The idea of the box was her idea, and I put it together, then she hid it. It is titled, "Rand History Library" and can be found on Atlas Quest or LbNA. I am working on another box, because I learned that today is International Plant-a-Letterbox Day.

Letterboxing

I discovered letterboxing in approximately 2005. I really don't remember now how I stumbled across it. We got more active about it last year -- it took me that long to get the rest of my family interested. Now, by joining some online groups, we are branching out into "postal" letterboxing in order to experience places we probably wouldn't be able to visit otherwise. We want to share our experiences with you.