Wow, fajitas, guacamole, etc.! I'm mightily disappointed that I'll miss out on the evening feast. However, my DH is neither a letterboxer nor a camper, so I'll be coming by myself and will only be staying for the day on Saturday. Which brings me to the reason for my post. Is anyone else from the Columbia area planning on going for Saturday only? If so, would you be interested in carpooling? I'm completely flexible regarding times.
Thanks!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Mid-MO Spring LB Gathering Announcment
I trust everyone who RSVP’d me pronto quick has received their invitation regarding the spring gathering. If you think you should have received one and have not, please send me e-mail.
Just because you didn’t receive an invitation doesn’t mean you’re not invited.
The Third Annual Mid-MO Spring LB Gathering is open to any and all. Invitations (handmade jobs) were sent out the first 15 folks who RSVP’d me.
So here is the info, in a nut shell, for everyone else interested in attending.
When: Saturday May 5th, beginning promptly (unless I am late) at 10 AM and officially running until 4 PM. Staying this entire time is not mandatory. I do however suggest being there at noonish, as you wouldn’t want to miss our famous potluck luncheon and this will be the time that we do the exchange and judge one of the contests (more on that in a moment). I’d also suggest staying until four, as some goodies will be given away.
Where: Well that is the big question isn’t it. As the folks who received the invitations had to do a bit of work, I certainly won’t just give it away here, though I will make it pretty easy. Below is a anagram which when descrambled will reveal the location. Hint, it is a state park about 20 miles East of Kingdom City.
RAHGMA VCEA TTEAS RPKA
See? Easy enough.
As mentioned, lunch on Saturday is potluck, so if you plan on eating, please bring something to share.
Allergies will be attending so pleas NO NUTs.
Water and restrooms are available at shelter where we’ll meet and the days activities will center around. It is labeled as ‘Picnic Shelter’ on the map you’ll find if you click HERE.
Camping is available and several are planning on camping Friday night and a good number will be staying over Saturday night. Campsites can be reserved. The campground has both electric and non-electric sites as well as showers and water. We have discussed trying to camp as a group and reserving sites close to one another. In order to do so I have reserved on site right in the middle and everyone else can build off it. When you do so please post a comment here as to which site you’ll be staying at so we can stay close together. I will be at campsite 34. A campground map can be found by clicking HERE.
Saturday night I am also hosting a Fire-Side Fajita Feast featuring my famous fajitas slow cooked over an open fire. I’m asking everyone who wants to partake in this culinary treat throw in $3 to help cover costs. Also, if you’re gonna eat fajitas, please let me know through a comment posted here so I have a rough idea of how many to plan on.
As of now, there is one contest I have running which will require your work prior to May 5th (though there will be many more running that day). The contest is to create some manner to indicate your logbook as yours during the big exchange. The exchanges are always chaos, so through this contest we’ll try and tame the beast. The idea is everyone will lay their logbooks around a table with something by the book to indicate whose book it is. Then we’ll be able to walk around the table and stamp into any books we haven’t stamped previously. So you book will be lying flat open, so don’t do something on the cover. Please make sure it clearly indicates your trail name, as that’s the whole point. We’ll judge this based on the most creative and the entry that most reflects the owner’s personality. Fabulous [prizes will be given away to the winners!
What’s the theme? Pirates! There is a specific book that by reading it prior to May 5th will not only help in some clues, but will also make the day much more engaging, but I won’t disclose the title so simply. I’ll post a picture which will require you to do a bit of leg work.
Just because you didn’t receive an invitation doesn’t mean you’re not invited.
The Third Annual Mid-MO Spring LB Gathering is open to any and all. Invitations (handmade jobs) were sent out the first 15 folks who RSVP’d me.
So here is the info, in a nut shell, for everyone else interested in attending.
When: Saturday May 5th, beginning promptly (unless I am late) at 10 AM and officially running until 4 PM. Staying this entire time is not mandatory. I do however suggest being there at noonish, as you wouldn’t want to miss our famous potluck luncheon and this will be the time that we do the exchange and judge one of the contests (more on that in a moment). I’d also suggest staying until four, as some goodies will be given away.
Where: Well that is the big question isn’t it. As the folks who received the invitations had to do a bit of work, I certainly won’t just give it away here, though I will make it pretty easy. Below is a anagram which when descrambled will reveal the location. Hint, it is a state park about 20 miles East of Kingdom City.
RAHGMA VCEA TTEAS RPKA
See? Easy enough.
As mentioned, lunch on Saturday is potluck, so if you plan on eating, please bring something to share.
Allergies will be attending so pleas NO NUTs.
Water and restrooms are available at shelter where we’ll meet and the days activities will center around. It is labeled as ‘Picnic Shelter’ on the map you’ll find if you click HERE.
Camping is available and several are planning on camping Friday night and a good number will be staying over Saturday night. Campsites can be reserved. The campground has both electric and non-electric sites as well as showers and water. We have discussed trying to camp as a group and reserving sites close to one another. In order to do so I have reserved on site right in the middle and everyone else can build off it. When you do so please post a comment here as to which site you’ll be staying at so we can stay close together. I will be at campsite 34. A campground map can be found by clicking HERE.
Saturday night I am also hosting a Fire-Side Fajita Feast featuring my famous fajitas slow cooked over an open fire. I’m asking everyone who wants to partake in this culinary treat throw in $3 to help cover costs. Also, if you’re gonna eat fajitas, please let me know through a comment posted here so I have a rough idea of how many to plan on.
As of now, there is one contest I have running which will require your work prior to May 5th (though there will be many more running that day). The contest is to create some manner to indicate your logbook as yours during the big exchange. The exchanges are always chaos, so through this contest we’ll try and tame the beast. The idea is everyone will lay their logbooks around a table with something by the book to indicate whose book it is. Then we’ll be able to walk around the table and stamp into any books we haven’t stamped previously. So you book will be lying flat open, so don’t do something on the cover. Please make sure it clearly indicates your trail name, as that’s the whole point. We’ll judge this based on the most creative and the entry that most reflects the owner’s personality. Fabulous [prizes will be given away to the winners!
What’s the theme? Pirates! There is a specific book that by reading it prior to May 5th will not only help in some clues, but will also make the day much more engaging, but I won’t disclose the title so simply. I’ll post a picture which will require you to do a bit of leg work.
This will be a very kid friendly event, but due to the location close adult supervision will be required.
It looks as if we’ll have close to 50 attendees on Saturday.
Please be sure to come prepared for a full day of LB, meaning sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and so on.
It looks as if we’ll have close to 50 attendees on Saturday.
Please be sure to come prepared for a full day of LB, meaning sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and so on.
Wow! That is some nutshell!
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to shoot me an e-mail. Also, if anyone has a clever idea they'd like to share, feel free to share it and we'll collaboarte on making it happen.
Lnd-Crzr
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to shoot me an e-mail. Also, if anyone has a clever idea they'd like to share, feel free to share it and we'll collaboarte on making it happen.
Lnd-Crzr
What's in a name?
When Cecile and I started letterboxing lo these many (3) years ago, a trailname was often a somewhat secret identity -- some boxers worked hard to make sure you never associated their personal stamp with a face.
Now it is more of a shorthand means of logging a find. It is much easier and much more fun to stamp C2B2 and a speeding dog into a book than to merely write my name. We now meet face to face often and address each other by our real name. Many -- me included -- sign our real names under our stamp.
So what are the protocols these days? I rather like our moniker, as it stands for both Clyde and Cecile Bentley -- neither first, neither last but as one unit. I think of it more as a family brand.
All this comes up now because we are buying a new car. Our shiny black Prius will have custom chrome wheels, but I would also like a custom license plate. The first "number" that came to mind was C2B2.
So what do you think? Does having that on my bumper spoil the sport any more than "Bentley", "TwoCs" or "ltr-bxr" (I don't really plan to use the latter)?
Please comment quickly -- the tax break for hybrids expires Sunday.
Now it is more of a shorthand means of logging a find. It is much easier and much more fun to stamp C2B2 and a speeding dog into a book than to merely write my name. We now meet face to face often and address each other by our real name. Many -- me included -- sign our real names under our stamp.
So what are the protocols these days? I rather like our moniker, as it stands for both Clyde and Cecile Bentley -- neither first, neither last but as one unit. I think of it more as a family brand.
All this comes up now because we are buying a new car. Our shiny black Prius will have custom chrome wheels, but I would also like a custom license plate. The first "number" that came to mind was C2B2.
So what do you think? Does having that on my bumper spoil the sport any more than "Bentley", "TwoCs" or "ltr-bxr" (I don't really plan to use the latter)?
Please comment quickly -- the tax break for hybrids expires Sunday.
What's in a name?
When Cecile and I started letterboxing lo these many (3) years ago, a trailname was often a somewhat secret identity -- some boxers worked hard to make sure you never associated their personal stamp with a face.
Now it is more of a shorthand means of logging a find. It is much easier and much more fun to stamp C2B2 and a speeding dog into a book than to merely write my name. We now meet face to face often and address each other by our real name. Many -- me included -- sign our real names under our stamp.
So what are the protocols these days? I rather like our moniker, as it stands for both Clyde and Cecile Bentley -- neither first, neither last but as one unit. I think of it more as a family brand.
All this comes up now because we are buying a new car. Our shiny black Prius will have custom chrome wheels, but I would also like a custom license plate. The first "number" that came to mind was C2B2.
So what do you think? Does having that on my bumper spoil the sport any more than "Bentley", "TwoCs" or "ltr-bxr" (I don't really plan to use the latter)?
Please comment quickly -- the tax break for hybrids expires Sunday.
Now it is more of a shorthand means of logging a find. It is much easier and much more fun to stamp C2B2 and a speeding dog into a book than to merely write my name. We now meet face to face often and address each other by our real name. Many -- me included -- sign our real names under our stamp.
So what are the protocols these days? I rather like our moniker, as it stands for both Clyde and Cecile Bentley -- neither first, neither last but as one unit. I think of it more as a family brand.
All this comes up now because we are buying a new car. Our shiny black Prius will have custom chrome wheels, but I would also like a custom license plate. The first "number" that came to mind was C2B2.
So what do you think? Does having that on my bumper spoil the sport any more than "Bentley", "TwoCs" or "ltr-bxr" (I don't really plan to use the latter)?
Please comment quickly -- the tax break for hybrids expires Sunday.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The BIG 200 Contest Winner
Drum roll please…and the winner is….AHistory! I know many folks have been eyeing the regional total in anticipation of hitting the 200 and it’s been done in grand style with what appears to be a very clever series that I know young and old alike will enjoy.
Thanks to everyone who continues to make Mid-MO a world-class LB community with their wonderfully artistic and creative LBs.
AHistory will receive something for his accomplishment, though at this point it is still a secret (or undecided). Once he receives it maybe he’ll post a picture of it.
Well done AHistory…and just before the morels too!
Lnd-Crzr
Thanks to everyone who continues to make Mid-MO a world-class LB community with their wonderfully artistic and creative LBs.
AHistory will receive something for his accomplishment, though at this point it is still a secret (or undecided). Once he receives it maybe he’ll post a picture of it.
Well done AHistory…and just before the morels too!
Lnd-Crzr
Monday, March 26, 2007
A flavorful favor
This isn't truly box related and more of a selfish indulgence (though there is a special stamp in it for any lucky ones). this is just a brief reminder that the morel mushroom season is upon us.
So if you are out boxing and happen to see any of the little spongelike jewels, please do me a favor. Take a few moments to note the general location (rocky slopes, creek bottoms, etc) and any plants and especially trees that are growing nearby the mushrooms (especially if you stumble across a nice patch). Drop me an email letting me know. I am not interested in the exact location though if you decide not to pick them please include this (Can't have any of the little guys going to waste).
I am more interested in the places they are popping up this year so I can refine my own hunting spots. Of course, anyone who provides information will be rewarded in true letterbox fashion.
Thanks for your time and your help, perhaps with a little luck I can find enough morels to bring some to the Spring fling in May.
So if you are out boxing and happen to see any of the little spongelike jewels, please do me a favor. Take a few moments to note the general location (rocky slopes, creek bottoms, etc) and any plants and especially trees that are growing nearby the mushrooms (especially if you stumble across a nice patch). Drop me an email letting me know. I am not interested in the exact location though if you decide not to pick them please include this (Can't have any of the little guys going to waste).
I am more interested in the places they are popping up this year so I can refine my own hunting spots. Of course, anyone who provides information will be rewarded in true letterbox fashion.
Thanks for your time and your help, perhaps with a little luck I can find enough morels to bring some to the Spring fling in May.
Favorite Music PLBRing Up-Date: Vol. II
Just a quick check for those who signed up for the FM PLBRing. Things should be well under way and everyone should at the least have recieved their first box from this ring.
If you have not recieved at least one box from this ring, please let me know and I will follow up as to the delay.
I know several (myself included) were delayed at their start, though I believe all were deleievered within a few days of the launch date.
I for one have thuroughly enjoyed the boxes I have recieved thus far and eagerly await those forthcoming.
Enjoy!
Lnd-Crzr
If you have not recieved at least one box from this ring, please let me know and I will follow up as to the delay.
I know several (myself included) were delayed at their start, though I believe all were deleievered within a few days of the launch date.
I for one have thuroughly enjoyed the boxes I have recieved thus far and eagerly await those forthcoming.
Enjoy!
Lnd-Crzr
Friday, March 23, 2007
Boxin' Trash Out
I don't know why, but long ago I got on some geocaching email list and so occasionally I get updates on what those other treasure hunters are out there doing in the woods. Today I saw this:
Cache In Trash Out Day is an opportunity for geocachers worldwide to make a positive contribution to our environment by cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly locations. Through our volunteer efforts, we help preserve the natural beauty of our outdoor resources.
And I thought to myself, what a great thing and us letterboxers cannot be outdone by those "others" (no offfense intended). It reminded me of a national program I used to participate in organized by climbers in which every fall we would clean up a local area.
I was wondering, is there such an organized event for letterboxing, either nationally or locally? I haven't been involved long enough, so I thought you guys might do something.
If not, how would you feel about such a program? Be sure to include how often you would be willing to participate in a year. I know I would be willing to organize special "clean-up" events with special clues and prizes. We could easily coordinate these with state and local park officials. I have found it a rewarding way to help overcome the misperception concerning the impact of an activity on local parks and further reinforce the Leave No Trace philosophy we all follow. Also it's a good way to give back to the places we all love.
Ahistory
Cache In Trash Out Day is an opportunity for geocachers worldwide to make a positive contribution to our environment by cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly locations. Through our volunteer efforts, we help preserve the natural beauty of our outdoor resources.
And I thought to myself, what a great thing and us letterboxers cannot be outdone by those "others" (no offfense intended). It reminded me of a national program I used to participate in organized by climbers in which every fall we would clean up a local area.
I was wondering, is there such an organized event for letterboxing, either nationally or locally? I haven't been involved long enough, so I thought you guys might do something.
If not, how would you feel about such a program? Be sure to include how often you would be willing to participate in a year. I know I would be willing to organize special "clean-up" events with special clues and prizes. We could easily coordinate these with state and local park officials. I have found it a rewarding way to help overcome the misperception concerning the impact of an activity on local parks and further reinforce the Leave No Trace philosophy we all follow. Also it's a good way to give back to the places we all love.
Ahistory
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Favorite Music PLBRing Up-Date
Greetings fellow music enthusiast!
For those of you who signed upfor the Favorite Music postal Letterbox Ring, you’re wait is near its end. I have just sent out e-mails containing your one ‘Mail To’ address, which you will be mailing your FM PLB an all-subsequent FM PLBs you receive to.
If you have not received this e-mail and you think you should have, e-mail me pronto.
Please remember, each PLB will contain at least three songs which are required listening. Despite the stories of bleeding ears caused by being forced to listen to (insert bad music here), please do listen to at least these three.
One other little item. I had opened it to twelve and have told several of you that twelve pages should be enough well I was wrong. As it turns out, 13 have made it onto the list. Come on now! Embrace the chaos!
Please contact me if any problems arise, and thanks to all who jumped into this project.
Lnd-Crzr
For those of you who signed upfor the Favorite Music postal Letterbox Ring, you’re wait is near its end. I have just sent out e-mails containing your one ‘Mail To’ address, which you will be mailing your FM PLB an all-subsequent FM PLBs you receive to.
If you have not received this e-mail and you think you should have, e-mail me pronto.
Please remember, each PLB will contain at least three songs which are required listening. Despite the stories of bleeding ears caused by being forced to listen to (insert bad music here), please do listen to at least these three.
One other little item. I had opened it to twelve and have told several of you that twelve pages should be enough well I was wrong. As it turns out, 13 have made it onto the list. Come on now! Embrace the chaos!
Please contact me if any problems arise, and thanks to all who jumped into this project.
Lnd-Crzr
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Family Fun Article
Family Fun magazine has had small blips about LB before, but a friend drew it to my attention that a full fledged article was published in th September 2006 issue.
It is 5 full pages with the first two being a full spread with a huge title "Let's Go Letterboxing' splashed across a picture of a family hiking across a waterfall. Lots more pictures than words, but it does a pretty good job of introducing the hobby and emphasis the family fun aspect as well as how easy it is to get started.
The article was written by a family who lived in MA and moved to England where they discovered LB. Once addicted to Dartmoor they realized they had been hiking past LBs in MA for years.
My one complaint was that they didn't emphasize 'proper re-hideation'. At the end of the story they had a box with 'How to Plan Your Own Outing' with several blips. The last one was 'Practice Responsible Letterboxing'. "Try to disturb the enviornment as little as possible, and always take your belongings or trash away with you. Be discreet (try not to let nonletterboxing 'muggles' see what you're doing) and be sure to put the boxes back just the way you found them". -Aili Peterson
I'll bring it to the gatheirng if folks are interested.
Ah-Ha! Found a link.
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/feature/ff0906-letterboxing/
Enjoy!
Lnd-Crzr
It is 5 full pages with the first two being a full spread with a huge title "Let's Go Letterboxing' splashed across a picture of a family hiking across a waterfall. Lots more pictures than words, but it does a pretty good job of introducing the hobby and emphasis the family fun aspect as well as how easy it is to get started.
The article was written by a family who lived in MA and moved to England where they discovered LB. Once addicted to Dartmoor they realized they had been hiking past LBs in MA for years.
My one complaint was that they didn't emphasize 'proper re-hideation'. At the end of the story they had a box with 'How to Plan Your Own Outing' with several blips. The last one was 'Practice Responsible Letterboxing'. "Try to disturb the enviornment as little as possible, and always take your belongings or trash away with you. Be discreet (try not to let nonletterboxing 'muggles' see what you're doing) and be sure to put the boxes back just the way you found them". -Aili Peterson
I'll bring it to the gatheirng if folks are interested.
Ah-Ha! Found a link.
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/feature/ff0906-letterboxing/
Enjoy!
Lnd-Crzr
Friday, March 09, 2007
Spring Gathering Update
The response has been wonderful in regards to the spring gathering. It looks to be an enormous crowd with many coming in from out of town and a good many who have never been to one of our gatherings.
I just checked the camping reservation system and it appears the whole campground is available on our date. Invitations will be going out soon. As Fox-Fyr suggested, it might be fun to get a block of campsites together. Let’s do a bit of coordination once the location is disclosed.
I’m also considering hosting a ‘Fire-Side Fajita Feast’ featuring my famous chicken fajitas on Saturday night, if everyone is willing to chip in a few bucks to help cover expenses. OneMeanGreenBean has also volunteered to bring her celebrated Guacamole. Let me know if there’s interest and I’ll formalize the plan.
Lnd-Crzr
I just checked the camping reservation system and it appears the whole campground is available on our date. Invitations will be going out soon. As Fox-Fyr suggested, it might be fun to get a block of campsites together. Let’s do a bit of coordination once the location is disclosed.
I’m also considering hosting a ‘Fire-Side Fajita Feast’ featuring my famous chicken fajitas on Saturday night, if everyone is willing to chip in a few bucks to help cover expenses. OneMeanGreenBean has also volunteered to bring her celebrated Guacamole. Let me know if there’s interest and I’ll formalize the plan.
Lnd-Crzr
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Letterbox Spring Maintenance
Spring is here (almost!). That means people are starting to hit the trails again, especially after the unusually cold and bitter winter we've had. For those of you who have one or more boxes planted, this is also a good time to check to see how well they survived the winter ESPECIALLY if they are near a trail or somewhere easy to stumble upon. I found one yesterday that had either slipped out of the log in which it had been placed or had been improperly re-hidden or both. In any case, it was in full view of the trail. ALWAYS re-hide so that no part of the box is visible. Don't be tempted to leave a piece exposed to make it easier for the next finder. On the flip side, I went to check on a few other boxes and found them all excellently hid. Thank you (especially to Ahistory whose gets an A+ for his re-hideation of Trillium, Trillium. It was hidden so well in the EXACT PLACE I had left it that at first I thought it was missing).
And for everyone, when you're out hunting, it's a good idea to bring along some extra Ziplocs, and maybe even an extra logbook or extra sheets of paper if you find a box where moisture has taken its toll on the existing logbook. Above all, please CONTACT THE PLACER and let us know the status of our boxes. I know those of us with multiple boxes or boxes that are difficult for us to return to would especially appreciate it.
And for everyone, when you're out hunting, it's a good idea to bring along some extra Ziplocs, and maybe even an extra logbook or extra sheets of paper if you find a box where moisture has taken its toll on the existing logbook. Above all, please CONTACT THE PLACER and let us know the status of our boxes. I know those of us with multiple boxes or boxes that are difficult for us to return to would especially appreciate it.
Monday, March 05, 2007
The Mid-Mo Letterboxer's trip into the Devil's Icebox Cave has been set for May 11 (time tentatively from 5:30 p.m. to about midnight). Special equipment and a fee of $25 is required.
See January 10 blog for details. I still have room for half a dozen or so more people so please contact me for details. If you'd told me that you're interested but you have not yet confirmed that you are actually going, please also contact ASAP me with a definite yes or no so that I can put you on the registration list and send you a pre-trip preparation packet.
The only people who have given me a definite yes are Touch Trek, Ahistory, and One Mean Green Bean. The tour needs four people minimum in order to go (including myself), and I can take a maximum of 10 participants plus myself. --Fox-fyr
See January 10 blog for details. I still have room for half a dozen or so more people so please contact me for details. If you'd told me that you're interested but you have not yet confirmed that you are actually going, please also contact ASAP me with a definite yes or no so that I can put you on the registration list and send you a pre-trip preparation packet.
The only people who have given me a definite yes are Touch Trek, Ahistory, and One Mean Green Bean. The tour needs four people minimum in order to go (including myself), and I can take a maximum of 10 participants plus myself. --Fox-fyr
Know any other bloggers?
One of my Missouri School of Journalism students is trying to assemble a directory of Mid-Missouri blogs. Since it is pretty obvious that you all know at least one good local blog, I wanted to find out if you know others.
If you are a blogger or know a blog on any subject that should be listed, please e-mail Jacqwi Campbell at jnc7w2@mizzou.edu. This is a public directory project, not a commercial endeavor.
All bloggers will be contacted for permission before they are listed.
If you are a blogger or know a blog on any subject that should be listed, please e-mail Jacqwi Campbell at jnc7w2@mizzou.edu. This is a public directory project, not a commercial endeavor.
All bloggers will be contacted for permission before they are listed.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Need supplies?
If anybody needs carving medium for the explosion of Spring boxes I'm sure folks are planning, I'm headed to St Louis both this weekend and next for training. I need to pick up a few things so I'm going to try and hit up Dick Blick for supplies. They sell the "grey stuff", I think its officially called Soft-Kut. If anyone would like a block of it I would be more than happy to pick it up. I think it runs about $4 for a 6" X 12", $5 for a 9" X 12" and $8 for a 12" X 18"sheet...a huge bargain compared to other materials! Send me an e-mail or post a reply if you want some.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)