ah . . .the gathering at last

hello mates- looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow- anyone else up late tonight working on finishing up stuff for tomorrow . . . searching for personal travelers to come . . . ??? Though my crew won't be camping I look forward to a day of sloshing around in the water and catching up with some folks-

off to snooze land-mamaroots

Tortuga Clues

My fellow shipmates!

Tortuga is definitely a spot to wet ye whistle and grab some gruel! These pictures will lead you to a featured box to start your gathering spirits!

Indeed, as a true treasure map - X marks the spot! This is a highly highly visible and busy spot! I would recommend parking next to the large hamburger shaped stone and heading north 5 paces to grab your booty and give it a stamp!

Also, if you find the five B's at the gathering and join a rousing chorus of '15 men...yoo-ho-ho and a _____________' fill in the blank for a bonus treasure!

See you there!

Oh and if you need an additional visual clue...head on over to my blog for an extra hint!

Spring Gathering Newsflash!

Graham Cave State Park is wet. After a full day of trompsing about, I feel qualified to assure everyone that every inch of the park is indeed wet.

In the event everyone hasn't caught on, inside me is a ten year old who loves sploshing his way thorugh creeks. Everyone should come prepared to do more than a bit of their own sploshing given the current conditions. Besides, a good bit of sploshing is good for the soul.

Lnd-Crzr

D'oh!

This post was an error. I was trying to post to my new mushroom blog and accidentally posted it in here. I deleted the text but does anyone know how to delete the actual post? Or C2B2, perhapos this is something only you guys can do.
Thanks,
ahistory

GLO NODECVIPER EXERTBOLT

Below is the long awaited final part of the clue for the GLO NODECVIPER EXERTBOLT letterbox. I gave out hard copies of the clue at the Fall 2006 Arts and Craft Letterbox Gathering, and meant to post the clue within a month, but then it took me months to figure out how to scan and post pictures (it didn't help that my computer also crashed in the interim). Before hunting for this clue, check out the GLO NODECVIPER EXERTBOLT listing on LBNA in Boone County, Missouri (NE Region) then review the following:


This clue uses four different kinds of ciphers. It is up to you to determine which ciphers are used.

ZYFE PFAXEGRJ SJMW VKH BRUSH-SVYWW SFSVW RISWYBPSRFI FZ YFXSW V (SF SVW WJBS) JIL AFN DYFQRLWIPW YFJL (SF SVW KWBS).



DHEA TWES ALEVERS SMILE NO GLO NODECVIPER LUNTI UYO HREAC A RCHCHU DAN ERYCEMET, NTHE RREFE OT PMA WLOBE.



(PSA ENCIENC TIPHES RQUART ED OCECODM EAU).






Happy hunting! --Fox-fyr

Gathering Tips and Reminders

Here's a few last-minutes tips and reminders to review before the Gathering.

SPEEDING: Don't speed when you reach the park. The posted speed limit in the park is only 20 mph. The park ranger has been known to issue speeding tickets to a vanful of nuns traveling less than 5mph over the speed limit (I'm not kidding!) and has even stopped park staff for the same reason.

CAVE TOUR: If you're signed up for the Letterboxing Devil's Icebox Wild Cave Tour May 11, don't forget to bring your $25 and all your gear so that I can look at it (this includes three lights including at least one headlamp; several layers of non-cotton clothing; footwear with ankle support and traction; a daypack; spare batteries; and anything else you are thinking of bringing). So far, the people I have scheduled for the trip include Ahistory, One Mean Green Bean, Touch Trek, Mr. McMonkey, E-volution, and possibly Drag-a-Long for Fun and Lnd-Crzr. Anyone else interested needs to contact me ASAP at difxofire@hotmail.com and see details about the tour at www.mostateparks.com/rockbridge.cave.htm.

CAMPING ACTIVITIES:
I'm bringing a guitar and my copy of "Rise Up Singing." If anyone else has copies of the songbook (or similar songbooks) or other appropriate musical instruments (no grand pianos, please), please feel free to bring them. I'm also bringing some night activity surprises for after dark.

FIREWOOD: In an effort to stop the spread of invasive species such as the emerald ash borer and gypsy moths, Missouri State Parks has requested that campers either purchase wood as locally as possible for campfires or, if bringing their own, to burn everything they bring and quickly so that any insects that might travel with the wood do not escape into the park.

Steer a clear course! --Fox-fyr

Tortuga!

All right mates! This is a heads up!

Tortuga was the infamous pirate hangout. This is important for you because there is a box located at mid-MO's version of Tortuga!

Where are the clues you say? Check back here tomorrow for your pictures to the clues!

Hint: if you know what the McMonkeys and thefiveB's have in common, then you will find Tortuga!

See you at the gathering!

thefiveB's

Arghh! Arghh! Arghh!

A vast me hearties! ‘Tis but a smidge over a week ‘til the gatherin’ of this motley crew of letterboxers. As it ‘tis, I be needin’ a few of yuz to bring aboard a few bits n’ pieces of this its and that’s its. If’n ‘ya can bring a this or a that, post a comment below deck.

A rough guess is we’ll be feeding 25 on Saturday night. I’m in hopes that folks will look at the list and bring a few items form it. Don’t feel like you need to bring 14 peppers. If a few bring two or three it will all add up the same.

-Large skillets (3)
-Fajita Flour Tortillas (50-60?)
-Tortilla Chips (3 bags or so)
-Peppers; Red, Green, Yellow (14)
-Red Onions (7)
-Salsa (3 jars or a big old bucket if its homemade)
-Sour cream (3 tubs)
-Good old Coleman lantern


OneMeanGreenBean has already committed to bringing her famous guacamole and someone else (sorry, I forget who) is bringing a Tortilla soup/dip, which sounds like a meal unto itself. If anyone else wants to contribute a side dish or desert, please feel free, though remember, no nuts.

Drinks are bring your own as are plates, cups and utensils.

Regarding where to meet on Saturday morning, click HERE for a small map of the park. Notice down low, near I-70 is a picnic shelter? That's where we'll meet. It is the only big shelter in the bottom. Again, I've reserved the shelter but have not told the park exactly what we're up to so please be discreet (read 'Don't ask the park staff where the Letterboxing party is'.).

Argh! One more item. Along with the other reading you’ve done, browse through ‘How I Became a Pirate’ by Melinda Long and David Shannon. Any bookstore should have it in their children’s section.

Feel free to post questions and comments.
Lnd-Crzr

Arrrrgh ye ready?

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Kingdom+City&state=MO&site=LSX
7-Day Forecast for Latitude 38.95N and Longitude -91.93W (Elev. 820 ft)

I am getting ready and getting more excited as our gathering date draws near. I have posted a link to the 7 day forcast for the site. I am watching it with an anxious eye. I imagine all this rain and warm weather will explode the growth in the woods. Be sure to pack bug/tick repellant. The ticks seem to be kind of thick this year. Either that or they just like me!
I know that Lnd-Crzr has planned some fun things. Do you have your entry ready for the contest? Just one short week to finish your entry. Just to remind you the contest involves creating a way to identify your logbook as yours. The books will be laid flat on the table for us to exchange stamps. The cover of your book will not be visible. Your identifier will be next to your book. If you need more details see the gathering post below for more info.
I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces. I am also excited about putting faces to trail names and making some new friends!
Food, Folks, Fun and Fajitas. See you there!

Spring Gathering Clue

Thanks to Perdu's post, I recalled that I owe some of you a picture regarding a certain book which you should read before the gathering. Of course it is not required, though it will make your day much easier and meaningful.

If you're needing a bit more help to go on, the illustrator for this book is one of my favorites and his last name is shown below in the form of an anagram. Unscramble it if you need to.

HEWTY

Enjoy!

Lnd-Crzr

Carpooling to Gathering?

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

http://www.columbiatribune.com/2007/Mar/20070326Feat003.asp

Here's a good article in the local paper about picking a good pack for the trail. Am I the only person who has never heard the trerm "slackpacker"? Happy Hunting this Spring!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Hey, there's a Minute Man in this box..

Dr. Pepper has a reputation as the unfriendly digger-upper in Boston. In another "guerilla advertising" project gone awry, the soda owned by Britain's Cadbury Schwepps promised big bucks to the finder of a special coin. Follow the clues to the coin -- sound familiar?

However, the company they hired to hide the coin buried it in the 347-year-old Granary Burying Ground in Boston. Nice place. Sam Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock and others occupy the boxes buried there.

There was no damage -- primarily because the cemetery gates were locked due to weather. In fact, the parks folks only found out about the contest when a bunch of irritable searchers called to complain about the locked gate.

The UK press went wild on this, with good stories in the Independent and the Guardian. But now the U.S. media are picking it up.

Watch for a negative bounce on this for letterboxing. It's hard to prevent stupid people from being stupid, but the explanation (an indignation) of conscientious people goes a long way.

Road Trip Anyone?

I love LBing but prefer to go with someone for lots of different reasons, besides the obvious. I am on vacation March 25-April 1st. I am proposing a road trip to Marshall, MO to find "Jim, the Wonder Dog". I have not made any plans for the week yet so I am free to go almost any of those days. I will drive. I just need someone to ride shotgun. Interested? My car will hold five comfortably. Drive time is about one hour each way. Maybe there are even other boxes in the area we could hit also. We could make a day of it or just try to find "Jim". Either way I am open to possibilities! E mail me if you would like to take this jaunt with me!

Third Annual Mid-MO Spring Gathering Announcment

After much deliberation, the date has been set for the third annual spring gathering. It will be same as last years, Saturday May 5th. The event starts promptly at 10 AM and will run until roughly 4 PM, though everyone is invited to stay longer as camping will be available, and it is doubtful that 10-4 will allow enough time to hit all the boxes. Potluck of course! The location is being kept secret.

For those of you who have not experienced a Mid-MO spring gathering, let me elaborate a bit on what to expect. This is our BIG event. Big in terms of number of boxes, elaborate clues, number of folks who attend, contests, prizes…everything. If you can only attend one Mid-MO gathering, this is the one.

To take a peek back at last years spring gathering go HERE.

Several folks have already offered to make prize bags and now I’ll take you up on the offer. If you’re willing and able to create a little something to be awarded as a prize, please let me know. I’ve received MANY comments from past gatherings that people LOVE the prizes other folks make. You a generous crew to be sure!

I’ll be sending out invitations, but only the first 15 folks who RSVP e-mail me get them. Just zip me an e-mail with you mailing address (it won’t be shared). It’s a small price.

The theme? It’s a secret too. At least until the 15 invitations go out. Don’t want to ruin that ‘Ah-Ha!’ moment!

Send in those RSVP e-mails!

Lnd-Crzr

Vox Article Published

Well folks, we're in print. Let's see how it goes.

You can read the article online at http://www.voxmagazine.com/stories/2007/02/15/scavenger-hunts-hit-mid-missouri/

Letterboxing D.C. or not and other stuff

Well you know the old saying. All good plans...

I had made all the arrangements for letterboxing in D.C. I had even arranged to meet a seasoned D.C. vet, Scarab, who was interviewd on NPR about letterboxing. (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1832303

He had an incredible hunt planned for me, which had a very mission impossible like feel and semmed perfect for D.C. If you are planning to go to D.C. I would highly recommend contacting Scarab. Upon reading his starting instructions for this hunt (which I am not at liberty to disclose) I must say I had some trepidation but was willing to give it a try no matter how scary it seemed.

So, the last day of my conference I figured I would sneak out a little early, get in a few boxes and undertake his challenge and then meet up with the man himself. I am sitting in a general session listening to Senator Baucus talk about the potential for health reform (o.k. I wasn't really listening, I was actually planning out my route for later that day) when I get the news that my boss was struck by a car while running earlier that morning in D.C.

He saw it coming and jumped at the last second which probably saved his life and sent him over the top of the car instead of getting pulled underneath. After a battery of tests, he only had a few minor fractures and required no surgery. After a day at the E.R. he was finally released in a wheelchair and instructed to rest. I spent the rest of the trip working out the logistics of getting him what he needed and making the arrangements for the return trip. And in case you didn't hear, the news last night called Wednesday the worst travel day to be flying out of east coast in 5 years, so the trip home was quite eventful and very long. I was just glad we didn't fly Jetblue.

Anyway, I did try and find one box before I left, making an attempt on Radio Days. I was in the right spot but as with urban boxes, I was forced to hold my attempt due to some of the local residents sitting and staring right at the location. I waited for a while but no one moved and I had to return to my hotel and check out.

I really wish I could have more to report, but in the end I was just glad that everyone got back relatively safe and in one piece.

In other news, to celebrate the spring to come and chase off the some of my winter doldrums, I have begun a new series highlighting one of Missouri's finest and longest state parks. (Hint: if you love biking and letterboxing then this series may be for you). I may have mentioned this to a few who attended the recent winter gathering. For now the seires is word of mouth (WOM) only so if you are interested contact me via LBNA, Atlasquest, or email, and I will pass on the clues.

Devil's Icebox Update

Cave tour season is approaching and if you're interesting in doing a letterboxers' trip into the Icebox, I need firm commitments ASAP (preferably this weekend) so that my boss can finalize the rest of the caving schedule, including what other trips I am available to lead for the general public. (See January blog for details on the trip). E-mail me at difoxfire@hotmail.com

First, there's a slight conflict with one of the original dates I offered which is April 20. Apparently another group has received permission for a trip that evening and my boss forgot to let me know. While it is still possible for a second group to go, i would involve a few more logistics of shuttling a canoe trailer, not to mention coordinating trip start and end times with the other group. The other date I offered was April 27. Both dates are Friday nights. In light of the schedule conflict, I will also offer a third option of May 11 which is also a Friday night. This is the last weekend available before the cave closes for the summer, and is less slightly likely to be rained out than the April dates. It does not conflict with the Spring Gathering which seems will be either May 5 or May26 depending on how people answer's Lnd-Crzr's question on which date they prefer.

Second, in order for this trip to happen, I need a minimum of three people plus myself. If we have less than four, we cannot go into the cave (safety reasons). I also need to collect a $25 fee (refundable if tour is canceleddue to rain) from each person. Several people have told me that they are considering the trip but have not yet commited to a date or given me adefinite yes. If you have given me a yes for April 20 (Ahistory, Touch Trek, One Mean Green Bean), let me also know if you can go on May 11 instead. If anyone wants me to send them a pre-trip preparation packet so that they can see what a trip entails, I can do so, or you can view it on the web at www.mostateparks/rockbridge.htm . If you would like to go on the trip but are not available for any of the three dates, you can sign up for a public trip. E-mail rock.bridge.memorial.state.park@dnr.mo.gov for a schedule.

--Fox-fyr

Favorite Music PLBRing

Greetings all. Will winter ever release its grasp on Mid-MO? I thought the winter gathering would supply an ample LB fix to carry us through ‘til spring, but I didn’t plan on the relentlessness of Old Man Winter. Thus I present another LB undertaking that I’ve had in my back pocket for sometime.

We all love the aspect of LB which introduces us to new places or ideas, or historical lessons and so on and so on. This undertaking gives us an opportunity to share a bit of ourselves and introduces folks to something new.

The task, if you decide to play, is to create a PLB (Postal Letterbox) based on your favorite musical artist or band. Within you PLB must be either a cassette or CD (I’ll be happy to help folks burn CDs) with a minimum of three songs by your band or soloist.

I’ll be running this as a PLBRing, that is, everyone who wishes to participate must have a PLB in the ring. You’ll send your PLB, and all subsequently received PLBs to this same person. Your PLB will venture ‘round the ring until it finally makes it way back home.

To participate, simply drop me an e-mail telling me you wish to do so. You can also post a comment on this article so folks can see who’s in, but be sure to e-mail me as well. I’ll set a launch date of March 15th so all entries must be ready to mail on the March 15th. I will expect all mailings (your original and all thereafter) to purchase the optional ‘Delivery Confirmation’ (another .50 or so) so we can track any lost packages. I also expect all PLBs to be moved on to their next recipient within one week. That is, don’t hold onto them any longer than needed. Our last PLB that circulated ran silky smooth as folks shuffled them right back out the door once they got them.

Now the tough part (at least for me) is to narrow it down to one group or person. To ease this dilemma, I will allow each person two entries, that can be mailed together, but each will require their own logbook, stamp and sampling of music.

That brings up another point, once you receive a FM (Favorite Music) PLB, I do ask that you listen to at least the three samplings the creator has chosen. You may include additional tracks, but indicate in some way which are the three that you have chosen as the ‘required’ or ‘essential listening’ tracks.

Additional information such as biographies, lyrics and so on are completely open to the individual.

Hey! Lets make this a contest with fabulous prizes (again, not new car fabulous…). When you receive a FMPLB, keep a little scorecard for yourself. Once the ring is completed, I’ll call for a ‘Favorite Overall’ and a ‘Hey, That’s Good Music’ winner.

I'll place a limit of 12 entries, with Mid-MO folks taking precenedce. So hurry and let em know you want in.

I look forward with great anticipation to the eclectic mix of music which I expect for this world-class LB community!

Lnd-Crzr

Unsolicited Product Endorsement

When you have dogs in your family, you are frequently out and about rain or shine, fair weather and foul. This being the case, I usually run past a box...either a hunt for yours, or a check on mine. The recent ice has added difficulty points to these efforts. I now have what appears to be one of those trendy tattoos on my lower back/upper buttock. I think it is either a sick walrus or an amorous amoeba. Unfortunately there is no thrilling story, it came from a nasty fall in my driveway. Last week I was off after one of Ahistory's quality hunts...when the dogs and I both slid willy nilly down a hill. Yesterday I found the solution to the problem at Dryer's downtown. Yak Tracks!!!! Light weight, stretchy rubber is run through a coil spring and wraps around the bottom of your shoe. easy to put on...you don't notice any difference in walking, except that you CAN! They cost me $20, and you could probably find them on the internet for cheaper, (I wanted to go for a walk asap...so i wasn't going to wait). The only caveat is that you can't walk on concrete or hard surfaces, or you squish the coils.
Good luck and safe hunting all!

Mid-MO Winter LB Gatheirng of Games & Surprise Potlatch

When downright frigid temperature grip the mid west for weeks at a time what are die-hard LBers to do? Venturing out would surely result in the loss of digits.

A winter gathering is the way to get your fix! Recently the Columbia Library was home to the second annual Mid-MO Winter Gathering. This year’s theme was ‘A LB Gathering of Games’.

The theme was based on one of two contests. The first was C2B2’s excellent ‘Now You See Them, Now You Don’t’ contest in which local LBers created boxes which were hidden in plain sight and in high traffic areas. The winner was AHistory’s ‘Ode to Charolette’ LB with Mamaroots’ “Nancy Drew’ and TouchTrek and her ‘Oracle’ both took home prizes for second and third places. Speaking of prizes, thanks to OneMeanGreenBean, JennyJ and Mamaroots for bringing fabulous hand-made prizes to give away. Of course we must also mention C2B2’s fabulous grand prize which was an ingenious hand made (by C2B2) wooden box with a lid that had to be ‘tricked’ open.

The second contest, which the gathering revolved around, was for each to make a LB based on their favorite game. The LB and the game were brought and you could earn the right to stamp in by playing a bit of the game. The afternoon was spent moving from game to game stamping this and that, and of course fending of the continuing Cootie infestation.

Of course there has to be a surprise or two. My birthday was just a few days before and my son’s birthday was shortly after the gathering so we decided to give gifts. You see we were reading this fabulous book called ‘Zen Shorts’ by Jon J. Muth in which a Panda named Stillwater tells of his uncle who though he has little always gives gifts on his birthday. I mentioned it to our own JennyJ and she said it sounded like a Potlatch. I’d never heard of the phrase so a bit of research enlightened me that it is a tradition among NW Indian tribes to hold big parties and the host gives gifts to secure their place in the tribe. Well, we just wanted to do something fun. So my boy and I made a good number of handmade books and small whimsical photo albums which we handed out at the gathering. See, you never know what might happen at a Mid-MO LB Gatheirng!

Unfortunately such a good time was being had that we failed to actually vote on the favorite games LB contest. So if you attended and played through some of the games, send an e-mail to me voting on your favorite. I’ll send them a fabulous prize (not new car fabulous) and post the results when they’ve been decided.

We cannot speak of a Mid-MO Gathering without mention of the pot-luck. Oh how the saliva glands begin to fire at the mere mention of it! If you’ve never experienced a Mid-MO LB Potluck you have certainly missed out. These fine folks lay out a truly wonderful and generous spread fit for a king and queen.

I’m certain I have left out much of which people want to know or wanted shared. Please feel free to add your comments, or your own article.

I personally had a fabulous time as did my son. I cannot think of a better way to spend a frigid winter afternoon of gaming and boxing with this truly word-class community of LBers. If you’re interested in making this an annual Winter LB Gathering of Games, let me know.

For more pictures of the gatheirng click HERE.

You all deserve a root-beer!

Lnd-Crzr

Pan's Labyrinth

Sounds like this Friday night might be awfully busy, with an opportunity for fine dancing, but if anyone is still free there is a neat movie playing at the Missouri Theater. There's always so much to do in Columbia, sometimes its hard to decide! The Ragtag Film Series is opening Pan's Labyrinth at the Missouri Theater at 7pm Friday night. While I can't say exactly what the movie is about, it sounds kind of mysterious and fantastic and I thought it might peak the interest of the LB community - the adults at least, as its rated R. While it has received rave reviews from critics, Pan's Labyrinth blends science fiction, horror, and fantasy and isn't for the faint of heart. The movie tells the story of a little girl in postwar Spain who escapes real world violence by creating her own "gothic fairy tale" world. Looks pretty visually stunning so I'm excited to catch the premier on a big screen. If anyone else is interested, I'd love to hang out - no event stamps, no logbooks, NO COOTIES, just pizza and a movie. How about Shakespeare's Pizza at 5:30 this Friday, Feb 9? Then we can walk over to the theater - just next door - after dinner. Tickets are $8 for gen. admission, $6 for students. If you'd like more info on the movie, check out http://www.ragtagfilm.com/, or the movie's website http://www.panslabyrinth.com/. If possible, let me know if you plan to come with so I can save seats. Sounds like we'll have a great weekend, even if it stays cold!

Hitchhikers

I am heading to Milwaukee during the last weekend of February for an Irish set dance weekend. In addition to some dancing, I am also planning on hunting down some letterboxes during the breaks so if you have hitchhiker or two ready to go, you may want to let me know or simply drop it off at the Mid-Mo Bed & Breakfast Hitchhiker Hostel which I will check before I go. (For those of you who found it early on, you may like to know that it has been moved from its original location--it is no longer in the valley and is easier to get to, though I hear that it may be frozen in place at times). I have a conference to attend in ST. Louis earlier that week so I'll be leaving town on Tuesday, Feb. 20th. If you have a Hitchhiker that would like to head north, drop if off at the Hostel, and I will see what I can do. Likewise, if anyone is planning trips out of town, let me know, and I may send one with you.
And speaking of dance, there's an Irish ceili this Friday (Feb. 9) and a contradance the following Friday (Feb. 16), both in Columbia. PERSONAL-ly, if you do your research, you've got another shot at a TRAVEL, er, dance-related stamp. And it's loads of fun!
--Fox-fyr

Bean a box real soon

Time is running out on the Now You See It, Now You Don't contents. For me, that means I need to finish the prize (a hand-made box) by Feb. 3. For you, it means get out there and find our quarry. It is supposed to be a nice weekend.

Fox-fyr has a great idea for voting that I'd like to use:

"Since there are so many entries, I'd hate to have to vote for just one. I would like to vote for several. Also, unlike other contests we've had in which we can all see whatwe're voting on, not everyone has found all the contest entries. I propose a voting method that addresses both of these issues: For each box, assign a paper cup or other contaiiner labeled with the box name, and give people beans to put beans in the cups for which they'd like to vote. The number of beans would vary based on the number of boxes each person found. 1 box = 2 beans 2 boxes = 4 beans 3 boxes = 6 beans Mre than 3 boxes = 6 beans plus one for every box in the contest they've found. People could put any number of their beans in anyone's cup. They could put all in one cup or divide them among several cups. That way, the voting is more weighted, andi it helps spread out the votes. I hate it when some really nice boxes boxes get no or very few votes because we are restricted to choosing only one. The kids could count the beans and anounce the winners.
And -- being the nice person she is -- Fox-fyr even included a list of the entries:

Frog in a Box by C2B2
Oracle by TouchTrek
Promenade by Touch Trek
Ode to Charlotte by Ahistory
Wagon Wheel by Ahistory
Gemini by Ahistory
Nancy Drew by Mama Roots
Use Your Noodle by MamaRoots
Home Twet Home by Fox-fyr
Sun, Sea and Sky by Fox-fyr
Mud & Strings & Artful Things by Jenny J

Have a fun weekend!

Letterboxing 101: Lost in the Woods

Last fall at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Columbia I taught a beginner's map and compass class called Lost in the Woods. I am willing to offer it again for letterboxers interested in learning how to use a compass, how to read a topographical map, how to use a compass in conjuction with a map, how to count paces, and how to recognize natural landmarks so you know where you are on the map. The class consists of about a 1-hour lesson followed by about three hours of hiking mostly OFF-TRAIL and AS A GROUP for about two miles. Bring water and snacks.

Of course, there will be at least half a dozen stamps to collect and a logbook to sign into if you make it to the end. Letterboxing etiquette will also be shared, and, of course, you will get to hang out in the excellent company of mid-Missouri 's fine letterboxers. The class is free unless you wish to purchase a $2 colored map of the park which will aid you in your land navigation. I am thinking of doing this on Saturday March 3 from noon to about 4 p.m. with a make-up date of the following Saturday, March 10 if the weather is inclement. Any takers? I will bring a sign up sheet to the Feb. 3 Gathering. (So, Touch Trek, I will need my map back before then ;)

You may also wish to check out an excellent website at www.learn-orienteering.org that provides some basic instruction on map and compass use.
Fox-fyr

Local Box Gives a Great Bonus!

Winter is a tough season on everyone, especially those who are die hard letterboxers! Recently, I was on a great quest for a local box and found that the word camoflauge can mean a variety of things - I am calling this camo 'the squirrel effect'.

I have followed my clues faithfully with my 2 year old in tow and have approached the moment we LB'rs love - the box..will it be there? what's inside? Oh such sweet anticipation!

This box had a squirrel effect. I looked into get the box .. I saw the rock and leaves and fur on top. Fur? A fur tail? I thought it was alive and then I realized it would've been gone..then I thought oh how clever..put a fake fur tail on as camo..so I just moved it and got the box.

As I was putting it back, I happened to move the rock back and some of leaves and this fur was stuck to it all. So I pulled on the tail and ta-da I was rewarded with a squirrel corpse! It couldn't have been dead too long b/c there was a lot of fur attached and just the body was shriveled from dehydration and wrapped around the debris surrounding the box.

After that I was pretty grossed out a little and thought..you know if some stranger is pokin around in here, this will keep them away! Plus, I thought hmmm someone else will be braver than me to pull it all the way out. Not to mention my son would've been too curious about the whole thing!

Enjoy! Just know your next winter box can have a bonus of some nature!

The location of this box has been hidden from you, if you would like to see the squirrel corpse...good luck!

Rubber Trouble

A questions from a stamp carving novice: What product is everyone using for stamps. I bought some "Speedy-Cut" from the Speedball Art Products Company, and have found the rubber impossibly soft for detailed carving. What brands are working for you, and where are you purchasing?

nugglebugs
//o\\

New Blogger, new MidMo design

Blogger released a new version of its software this week that allows more options and more functionality. I used it to switch our page design and will continue to tweak items as you comment upon them. Go to your Blogger Dashboard and click "What's New" to learn more about changes or just click HERE.

The new program lets us customize the site in many ways. I made a quick logo to put in the corner, but those of you with a more artistic bent might offer something better.

It also allows us to put a list in the right column. I think that could include a image set of person stamps, if you are interested. I'm also trying to update the list of trail names we have come across in our boxes. Once I get it formatted, I'll want you to read it and update it.

Meanwhile, there is one catch. In order to post to the blog now, you must update your Blogger account. That means you will sign in via a gmail address instead of a user name. You probably already have one through your registration with Blogger. This switch to internal email address es rather than user names is spreading through Google, Yahoo and all the major Web hosting sites.

Take a look, rip it up and comment like all get out. The nice thing about the Internet is that we can change items immediately. Don't be afraid to suggest.




Clyde

Caving Anyone?

Anyone want to go caving?

Last fall, several local letterboxers expressed interest in going together on a trip this spring into Devil’s Icebox Cave at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Columbia. To accommodate this request, I made some inquiries and have been granted permission to lead such a trip in April, 2007 (see below for possible dates). (FYI, normally, groups are not allowed to sign up on trips—they have to follow individual registration procedures just like the rest of the public. If you are interested in going, read below for details.

About the Trip
First of all, let me stress that the Devil’s Icebox Cave is not for everyone. It is an all-day adventure-style caving program that involves 5.5 hours underground (including a half-mile canoe trip with occasional LOW ceilings) as well as special equipment* and being in good physical condition. (*You may be able to borrow some equipment—see end of blog for details). While no prior caving experience is required, participants must be at least 14 years old, able to carry a 65-pound canoe for a ¼ mile, and willing andprepared to walk, crawl, or climb over muddy, wet and uneven surfaces in a 56 degree cave. Caving in the Icebox is a very strenuous activity.

Other Requirements
The usual fee of $25 per person and the maximum of 10 participants also applies (sorry, I can’t waive the park fee). The park provides the canoes, lifejackets, paddles and helmets. Participants must provide three sources of light including at least one headlamp, shoes with excellent traction and ankle support, non-cotton clothing, and a lunch and water to take into the cave. For more details, please contact me or visit the state park website at www.mostateparks.com. Select “Places to Go,” choose Rock Bridge State Park, then select “Cave Trips” from the drop down menu near the top right..

Why Go Caving?
If you’ve never been caving and are wondering why anyone would choose to go on such a trip, here’s some info about the cave: The Devil’s Icebox Cave is a 6.25 mile cave system that currently ranks 7th longest in the state. It also ranks 2nd or 3rd in biodiversity within the entire state of Missouri (out of more than 6000 caves). Animals you may see on a trip include several bat species, salamanders, frogs, crayfish, monorail worms and the elusive pink planarian: a rare flatworm whose only known habitat is the stream of Devil’s Icebox cave. Besides animals, you get to see a number of pretty cave formations, and there is simply the challenge of navigating through such an immense, intense, and unique environment. Most of the tour (except for the canoe portion) is upright walking, but there are sections that involve some climbing and crawling. We’ll have some choice in which sections we visit, so if visiting the nooks and crannies appeal to you we can venture out of the main passage. If you like the higher, drier road, we can do that, too. As a certified cave tour guide, I promise not to get you lost and to keep you safe.

When is the trip?
The trip would be on a Friday night starting sometime in the late afternoon (5:30p.m.?) and lasting till about midnight. Possible dates are Friday, April 20 or Friday, 27. The cave is also subject to flooding so trips maybe cancelled due to rain. (FYI, the Spring LB Gathering will likely be Saturday May 5 or May 12). If you would like to go, please let me know, and LET ME KNOW WHICH DATE YOU PREFER, preferably BEFORE the end of February so that I have tome to make arrangements. You can reach me at difoxfire@hotmail.com

And before you ask, NO you can’t plant a letterbox in the cave, but YES, I will carve an event stamp.

*Borrowing equipment: A number of us have extra headlamps we can loan (at least enough for one per person). Also, some clothing and shoes may be borrowed and can certainly be purchased used for very low prices here in town.

--Fox-fyr

now you see them again now you don't . . .

Nancy Drew is active and alive again if you want another shot at it! All in the fun and sport of the now you see it now you don't contest. And since I had to retire "use your noodle" I think it is safe to share some pics that "grace to you" took- thanks for the pics, I have to confess it was time to retire this box, since JaWS wanted his bunny box back and the author of the book came to campus and it was wonderful to host this signing with him. But if you do some research, I think you will find that Strega does like to travel! Now onto the next contest . . .

Winter Gathering of Games Update

As everyone should know the Mid-MO Winter Gathering of Games is set for Feb 3rd at the Columbia Public Library from 10 AM to 4 PM. As always, staying the entire time is not required, though being there for the beginning is strongly suggested and of course you'd be a fool to miss out on the Potluck (again, no nuts please)!

I would like to ask that everyone who will be attending please RSVP me via an e-mail. Please let me know how many will be coming with your crew, names if you're comftorable. Special incintives apply here so don't delay.

For further details scroll down a bit and see the initiail announcement or contact me.

Lnd-Crzr

May I Have This Dance?

One of the great things about letterboxing is that it introduces people to places and experiences that they may have otherwise never known about One of my passions is dancing (American contradance, Irish set & ceili dance, English country dance, and other styles). It is not only fun and good exercise, but PERSONALly, if you’re a TRAVELLER like me, you not only meet new people but also see new places. Lucky for us, we also have lots of good local dancing.

I would personally like to invite you to a dance. This coming Friday, Jan. 5. 2007 is a special FREE DANCE designed especially for brand new dancers. If you missed the dancing venues at Columbia's First Night, you may want to check out this dance. Local callers Jim Thaxter and myself will be teaching all the dances, and you may find that you have the STAMP of a good dancer. The free dance info is below:

Special Dance---January 5, 2007---FREE!
Learn the secrets of great contra dancing. If you, or someone you know, has heard about contra dancing and wondered what it is all about, this evening is for you. All moves will be carefully explained, demonstrated, and practiced. By the end of the evening, you will be a contra dancer. And if you already know how to contra dance, come learn some tips to improve your style.
Taught by two of Columbia's most experienced callers. It doesn't matter if you have two left feet. Either left foot will work. Free. Live band.
At our regular place and time: First Christian Church, Tenth and Walnut, Columbia, MO. 7:30–10:30 p.m. Come alone, or bring a friend or two. Wear comfortable lightweight clothes (so that youwon't get too hot) and soft-soled shoes to protect the floor.

If you can't make it to the free dance, you may want to stop by a regular dance. The local contradance group dances on the first, third and fifth Fridays of most every month (except July and August). The Irish set and ceili group dances on the 2nd Friday of every month. Both dances are located at the First Christian Church in Columbia (enter from the parking lot side on Ash Street between 9th and 10th streets). Both have beginners lessons at 7:00 p.m. with the dance starting at 7:30 and running to 9:30 or 10:30 p.m. There is normally a fee of $5-6 per person (children under 12 get in free). You may also wish to check out schedules and more info about the Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers contradance group at http://mmtd.missouri.org (note there is no “www”) or the Mid-Missouri Celtic Arts Association at www.moceltic.org. If I’m teaching a dance, you can bet I’ll be there. If I’m not scheduled to call, but you want to find out if I’ll be there, you can contact me through PERSONAL channels or through www.letterboxing.org either through the regular channels or the TRAVELLERS page.
--Fox-fyr

Yule Log Gathering Pics

I did manage to snap a few pictures between fending off the cooties.

Thanks to Mamaroots for setting up a time designed for chatting and log browsing (snicker).

Click HERE to see more pictures.

Best wishes for the new year!

Lnd-Crzr

Mid-MO Winter Gathering Date

Hello all. I hope you're all coming through this holiday season in fine shape, minus the cooties plague that has hit all us poor souls who attended the excellent Yule Log Gathering.

I'm pleased to announce the date is indeed set for the 2007 winter gathering for February 3rd 10 AM to 4 PM (flexible) at the Columboia public library in the 'Friends Room'.

This event is a potluck, so please bring a dish, but please be aware that there will be some folks attending who have serious allergies to nuts. So please, NO NUT items.

I believe all those who have found boxes connected to C2B2's contest of 'Now You See It, Now You Don't' will be voting on their favorite entries.

Another contest is also currently running regarding 'Fvaorite Games' LBs. Just below you'll find a full description of it, but in brief, create a LB based on one of your favorite games. Bring the box and the game to the gathering on the 3rd. Attendees can earn the right to stamp in to your box by playing the game (just enough to get a good feel for it). After the gathering everyone takes their FG LBs and plants them as usual. Near the end of the gtahering we'll take a vote to see which FG LB is considered the favorite and the winner will walk away with a fabulous prize.

Lnd-Crzr

Did You Catch Any Cooties?

Did You Catch Any Cooties?
Thanks to MamaRoots for hosting what turned out to be yet another fine Letterbox Gathering. Her idea of sharing Yule Logs (i.e. logbooks) in an informal social setting sparked the sharing not just of many stories and tales of letterbox adventures (thanks everyone), but also a few other surprises. While gathered around the couches and coffee tables of the Cherry Street Artisan, we were also treated to chocolates (thanks Mama Roots), baked goods (thanks, Grace to You), holiday stamps (thanks Mama Roots, Surly Mama, Ahistory and One Mean Green Bean), and sharing of personal travelers (names not revealed to protect the, um, innocent?)

Of courses, winter is also often the season of sharing colds and flus and other such diseases, and this Gathering was no exception. The disease that escaped into the letterboxing community, however, was neither germ-based nor a virus. Instead, it was an influx of cooties. Yes, cooties. No, this is not the kind of cootie you were warned about in junior high. Instead, cooties are a fairly new form of traveling letterbox.

Unlike hitchhikers, which are moved from from letterbox to letterbox, cooties travel from person to person, often by being left by the infected person in an open backpack or coat pocket of an unsuspecting victim, er, healthy person who only later discovers that he or she has been infected. At least 14 strains of cooties are currently floating about Mid-Missouri, and at least of dozen of them were present at the gathering. I have it on good authority that EVERY PERSON OR TEAM WITH A TRAIL NAME WAS INFECTED AT LEAST ONCE. Several people who discovered they were infected managed to pass along the outbreak before the end of the evening, only to find that in some cases, they had quickly become re-infected. If you don't think you were infected, check your pockets, bags and backpacks. You may find something that you did not expect.
How do you know if you were infected? Like regualar letterboxes, cooties usually possess both a stamp and a logbook, though some varieties are stamp-only. Most are clearly marked "Cootie" in some fashion. Cooties can come in all shapes or sizes. Most are generally small (perhaps an evolutionary advantage to be able to infect someone quickly and without detection). Unlike regular letterboxes and hitchhikerswhich must survive rain, snow, and cold, many cooties are not waterproof due to their tendency to seek more protected niches (i.e. indoor settings). Some varieties have developed special features, such as carabiners and clips, to more easily infect an unsuspecting victim, or have developed outer shells that looks like ordinary household objects--perhaps to be able to blend in better). Some varieits are actually megacooties, and may actually be larger than some regular letterboxes and hitchhikers.
What do you do when you find a cootie?
Like any letterbox, stamp the cootie stamp into your personal logbook. Since cooties tend to be small, it is customary to leave a thumb doodle in the cootie logbook instead of your signature stamp, especially if your signature stamp is too large for the logbook (though feel free to leave both). Leave a brief note with your trailname and hometown then carefully sneak the cootie onto the next letterboxer you meet. Please contact the placer to update them on the status of the cootie so that the Letterboxing Center for Disease Control can monitor any epidemics. If a personal e-mail address is not listed, you may search the travelers's page on www.letterboxing.org and look up the "Other" category. The www.atlasquest.com site also lists cooties.

Lastly, be aware that cooties, like any form of Letterboxing, can be highly contagious. The Letterboxing Surgeon General warns that frequently attending Gatherings may be detrimental to your health. Also, although ink stains on the thumb may be an indication that a person is infected, there are many strains of cooties for which a person carrying the disease may show no visible symptoms.

Favorite Games LB Contest

Before C2B2 departed on their epic adventure, they left the Mid-MO LB community a challenge. The entries I have had the pleasure of finding have been absolutely fabulous. If I’m not mistaken, the winner of this contest will be announced at the up-coming Winter Gathering.

I’m throwing out another contest to this fabulous community. It will not only generate more boxes, but also tap into one of my favorite aspects of LB which is being introduced to new things, in this instance, games.

Create a LB based on one of your favorite table games and bring not only the LB, but also the game (here’s the catch). At the gathering (date still yet to be determined as of this writting), everyone must earn the right to stamp in. How do you ‘earn’ the right? Simple…gotta play the game. Of course we don’t intend to play for hours and hours as some games can, but rather a few short minutes or long enough to get a good taste of the game. After the stamping/gaming has concluded, we’ll take a vote and the winner will receive a fabulous prize (as always, don’t think new car fabulous).

Duplicate FG (Favorite Games) LBs are fine as each person will make it with their own artistic flair.

To help spark the game themed boxes, take a look at the picture. There are at least 14 games here. Can you name all 14? Anyone who e-mails me with at least 10 gets a prize. Bonus points for all 14. Think now.

Lnd-Crzr

Mid-MO Winter Gathering

Greetings all. It appears there is going to be a grand crowd at the Artisan on the 22nd...and lots of surprises!

I'm looking ahead and wanted to throw out a date of February 3rd (Saturday) for the Winter Gathering.

We'll celebrate the return of C2B2 and a few milestones. Potluck of course (wouldn't pass up an opportunity for a Mid-MO feast!). Lots of browsing logbooks, sharing of stories and certainly a few surprises. It should help get us through the winter and eager for spring.

Fox-Fyr has done a bit of leg work and has a big room at the Columbia Library reserved for us, I believe from 10-4, though we might not use it the whole time.

After I get some confirmations on the date I will set it in stone and let everyone know for sure.

See you on the 22nd.

Ln-Crzr

reminder for yule logs and some retiring boxes

Just a reminder for a very informal gathering next week at the Artisan in Columbia on Friday Dec 22 at 7:00 for some chai, or other libation of choice (I heard the chocolate martini's are pretty good!) and to share of the logs! My sons will be snoozing in their beds hopefully so this mama will be solo and hope some LB folks come by! No secret passwords needed, just look for the carving tool injured or inky fingers. Of course there is also that certain look in an LB'ers eyes, some say it is from being around the plastic tupperware too long- the PVC toxins eeking into our system, or maybe just the countless hours solving decryptions, or maybe justing thinking up fun and clever ways to send other folks out in the woods in search of the sacred lock n lock! Either way if you are new to the group I think you will find us! Remember to do some research on personal travelers- maybe there will be some LB action to boot!

Also I wanted to remind folks that I am retiring my 3 boxes for the "now you see it now you don't challenge" - Use Your Noodle, and Nancy will officially retire by 4:00 on Thursday Dec 21- maybe they will travel a bit, maybe not, that is left to be seen, but if you want to get these boxes before they are gone- time is ticking . . . tick . . .tick

mamaroots!

Just a reminder

I know there is still some snow on the ground which may deter many a Mid-Mo letterboxer, but in case cabin fever has struck you hard and you are planning to get out and try and find a box or two this weekend, please keep this in mind.

A half-dozen state parks will be closed this weekend for special deer hunts. Locally I know Rock Bridge and Three Creeks will be closed, but there may be others I missed. So, if you plan on doing some non-deer hunting this weekend, be sure and double check before heading out.

Ahistory

A Rockstar in our Midst!

As those of you who attended the fantastic fall arts and crafts gathering may recall, I posed a slight challenge - mostly in jest - to two of our fellow letterboxers. That challenge was simply to locate a box, which had been planted in a park, with no clues. Though I told them which park the box had been planted in, I told them no more. I'm happy to report that, though I had my doubts, this feat has been accomplished! The box was found -sans clues- by a 'rockstar' letterboxer...in fact, an entire family of rockstar letterboxers! A great big pat on the back and a very loud "rock on!" goes out to GraceToYou for doing the impossible!

The origin of this strange challenge came on an early fall day that found me out strolling through a small neighborhood park looking for the perfect place to plant a box of my own. When I thought I had spotted the ideal location, I moved some debris and found - much to my surprise- a letterbox already inhabiting the spot! It was an unposted box planted by none other than GraceToYou! Word spread that I had literally stumbled upon an unposted box and Foxfyr began a quest to find this most mysterious of mystery boxes. When I heard that she too found the box without clues, I was astounded by her extreme dedication and incredible sleuthiness (we'll just pretend thats a word)! Now I know that we've got world-class letterboxers around these parts, but letterboxers who can find boxes even without clues? Wow!
I wanted to see if this incredible feat could be done again, so I planted a box and withheld the clues. At the fall gathering, I slipped a piece of paper with the name of a park written on it to Foxfyr and GraceToYou. With nothing more to go on than a few irritatingly ambiguous answers to their questions, they were off!

I'm happy to report that GraceToYou deserves a hot chocolate - because thats what rockstars drink!

Winter Letterboxing

Ten hours of shoveling snow (oh my aching back) just to clear a path wide enough for my car to get out of the driveway, (it's a long driveway), and I got the car stuck three times, and had to get out a rear passenger side window because the doors were either frozen shut (as was thedriver's side window) or blocked by thesnow bank I drove it into, and I still can't go anywhere because my CR-V rides too low to clear the fiften inches of snow in the road. The snowplow is just now coming through at 5 p.m. on Saturday so maybe the adventures of the last two days will not be repeated tomorrow. Still, I learned some valuable lessons.

Lesson One: When snow is in the forecast, park the car closer to the mailbox rather than closer to the house
Lesson Two: Don't assume your car will back straight backwards just because you want it to.
Lesson Three: Keep the snow shovel in the vehicle so you don't have to hike back for it each time you get stuck
Lesson Four: Always time your road blockages at about the same time your neighbors are returning home so that they had help dig out your car and push it back in your driveway
Lesson Five: Stay at home and carve stamps and make logbooks anddecrypt clues. It's much safer than trying to go out and get to work.
--Fox-fyr

Mid Missouri Letterboxers

Missouri Forestkeepers Network

I was reading the December issue of Rural Missouri yesterday when I came across an advertisement for the Missouri Forestkeepers Network. It's a program where individuals/groups/families volunteer to be responsible for checking on the condition of trees in an area of their choosing, and then report their findings to the network just once a year (or more often if desired). Sounds like a great service to combine with letterboxing! Here's the link: http://216.119.79.248/index.asp

Grace to You

Un boxing in London

I've been waiting to send you a note about letterboxing in London until I actually found a box. But it hasn't happened.

Another "box" always gets there first.

Letterboxing and geocaching are for all intents and purposes dead in London. The problem started with terrorist bombers who liked to hide small plastic packages in discreet places. But the ax fell with the mass installation of crime-fighting CCTV.

London is blanketed with closed circuit television cameras. They are on street corners, buildings, in parks and in hallways. A recent newspaper story said that the average person is captured on CCTV in London once every five minutes daily. You can read more about the phenomenon at http://www.missouri.edu/~bentleyc/ukjourprojects/mo_london_mid06.html, a site where my student papers are housed.

To be fair, not all of the cameras have someone on the other end watching. Most just record the scene and are checked when an incident is reported. But many can be remotely turned and zoomed and are equipped with a loudspeaker from which police constable's voice booms warnings. No one can prove they actually prevent crime, but they know they help catch those who are trying to get away. Including letterboxers.

We even tried one box we thought would never have a CCTV camera. It was located on the grounds of St. Augustine's Anglo-Catholic Church. I'm not sure whether he had a camera or a tip from a higher source, but within minutes of our entering the churchyard a vicar was at our side.

We've made some great excursions, though. We found an empty container near an East London bridge that was supposed to be a site. And poked around under a fence next to a pub nearly 500 years old. No stamps in the book, however.

Our only success was in Prague, where we found one box high on a hilltop across from the castle. I doubt it will survive, however. The only residence on that hilltop is the president's house and we were greeted on the trail out by a friendly soldier -- carrying a machine gun.

British letterboxing thrives only in the rough and wild moors. Dartmoor is famous, but the Yorkshire moors are coming on strong. But you have to plan a day-long train trip from London and then another day of trekking through the heath.

Moors make great holiday excursions, but forget about urban letterboxing.

To be sure, I have changed my mind about hiding boxes in the city. I think special care must be taken to assure people that a letterbox is not a precursor to violence. All it will take is one nut who plants a bomb disguised as a letterbox and the sport will be over.

And look around. CCTV cameras are looking at you all over Columbia now.

So what do you think? Should letterboxes be restricted to the great outdoors?

Mid Missouri Letterboxers

Letterboxing with Aloha

We had the pleasure of letterboxing last week on the island of Oahu...thanks to the ‘boxers who planted their treasures for us, we got to see some of the natural treasures of this island that we would surely have missed otherwise. We found 5 boxes and a hitchhiker, with only two unsuccessful attempts; the ones we didn’t find were hidden in a rainforest with a 150-foot waterfall at the end of an hour and a half hike…incredibly worth the attempt! Visit our flickr account to see pictures of our adventures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12634712@N00/

Fall Gathering Wrap Up

Here's a little information to go with Lnd Crzr's pictures.

The Mid MO Letterboxers are crafting a tradition of well-attended, activity-packed events. About 31 folks turned out for our Fall Gathering on Nov. 4. During the flurry of stamp exchanging, LBers reconnected with "old timers" and put faces to trail names of newer members. We even had guest LBers from Kansas City and St. Louis to enliven the event.

After the exchange, the group broke into two smaller groups, and Lnd Crzr led a workshop on his signature logbooks, while Foxfyr gave a workshop on her tricky piano-hinge logbooks.

All the enthusiasm and craft activities of the morning worked up a mighty appetite in the group, so the potluck lunch was set out and folks set to it. What a feast! Soup, chili, wasabi-devilled eggs, Ahistory's marvelous morels, pies, oh my! and much more. Everything was delicious, no one could have walked away hungry.

We let our lunch digest a bit by enjoying the show and tell of letterbox memorabilia brought by some members. Young LBer Jaws proudly shared the contents of his mystery package, left on his doorstep by pirates - or was it Lnd Crzr?

In the afternoon there was just time for a workshop on aging paper, again led by Lnd Crzr. To our amazement, the day had slipped away, so folks made their goodbyes, already looking forward to the midwinter gathering. The LBers from the "far sides" of the state took advantage of the remaining daylight to hunt for some boxes, accompanied by some of the local group.

What a fantastic event - here's to many more!

Mid-MO Fall Arts & Crafts Gathering Pics

Greetings all. I've gathered some great pictures from folks at the gathering and have them at my flickr account. To browse them, and other LB related pics just click HERE.

Enjoy!

Lnd-Crzr

gathering of yule I mean your logs!

I had alot of fun seeing new and old faces at the last gathering and I am approaching my 1 year anniversary of letterboxing thanks to my good friend surlymama and was thinking I didn't get near as much time to peek at folks log books so I wanted to throw out an option, how about a casual gathering of folks at the Cherry Street Artisan on Dec 22- Yule and share of the logs!! I will plan on being there solo at 7:00 and hope to see some other boxers- and here is an intriguing thought I am really interested in the personal traveler idea- this might be a good time to introduce some personal travelers if they were to exist by then- that should give enough time to either make and/or research. Heck I will even carve an event stamp and maybe have a little treat for you if you come. Give a shout if you are interested in coming-

mamaroots

Tae the Weaver's Gin Ye Go!

Jenny J had a mighty time at the Fall Gathering of the Mid Mo Letterboxers this past weekend - great folks, excellent eats and nifty workshops. This coming weekend she'll be at a gathering of a different cloth. However, she'll still have you stalwart letterboxers in mind. On Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 to 4, and Sunday, Nov. 12, 11 to 4, she invites all interested letterboxers to a little adventure.
It's simple. Find Jenny J at this gathering and say hello. If, in the course of your conversation, you declare "You have to be warped to weave!", she may send you on a brief quest. Upon completing your quest, you will be rewarded in true letterbox fashion.
Here's a hint on where to find this other gathering: http://cwsg.missouri.org. Remember, this quest is only available this coming Saturday and Sunday. Good 'Boxing!

Cipher Lesson Plan

RAED SREXOBRETTEL,

At the Fall 2006 Gathering I gave out some handouts of the "Letterboxing with Codes and Ciphers" lesson plan. If you want to receive a copy by e-mail, whether or not you made it to the Gathring, please contact me at difoxfire@hotmail.com to request a copy. There is one section that includes some practice ciphers, but I did not include the answers. So if you picked up a hard copy and want a copy of the answers, please also let me know.

Other sections in the document include the following:
Reasons for using (or not using) encrpytions
The difference between a code and a cipher
Explantion of the two main categories of ciphers
(i.e., Substitution vs. Transposition)
Tips for Solving Simple Substitution Ciphers
List of 100+ words common in letterboxing clues
Examples and explanations of various ciphers

YPPAH GNIDOCED!

Fox-fyr

Fall Gathering - Parking

Here are some tips for parking at Access Arts. There is a small parking lot on the north side of the weaving/pottery studio. Parking space in the lot may be limited due to children's pottery classes downstairs. You may park on both sides of McAlester Street. Parking is allowed on the west side of Moss Street (entrance to the weaving studio faces Moss), but please do not park on the east side of Moss. You may also park farther down the block (north) on Moss Street in the Baptist Church parking lot.

Letterboxes near Fall Gathering

If you plan on doing some letterboxing before or after the Gathering this weekend (Nov. 4), below are boxes that are located within a mile or two of the Gathering Site. (Let me know if I forgot any). Please note that the starred boxes may require that special circumstances apply (i.e., cover of darkness, business hours, etc.) above and beyond normal circumstances (no one present, etc.) in order to obtain the box.

Mud, Strings, and Artful Things
Looney Tunes #2: Greetings Earthling
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Looney Tunes #1: What’s Up Doc
Da Vinci in the Park
Sun, Sea and Sky*
The Architect’s Series #1
Mr. Owl
Rocking the Bench
Rocking the Rock
Rocking with Clyde
Rocking with Ron
Rocking with Love
Higher Education
Creek Crossings
Oracle*
Ode to Charlotte*
Mid-Mo Letterboxers*
Alley Cat*

Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival

Though this is terribly late notice (I wasn't sure until just this moment I would be heading out)...I am headed to the Pumkin Festival in Hartsburg this afternoon. I will be there from approximately 1pm to 4pm. Should any of you be in the area, perhaps hunting new boxes, here's a reason to wade through the crowd: should you be able to locate me amongst the throngs of festi-goers, identify yourself as a letterboxer and I might have special surprise to add to your collection. If we've not met, you can locate a picture of me in Lnd-Crzr's post April 2006: Pictures from the Spring Gathering. In the pictures, I'm the one in the bright orange (pumpkin colored!) hat. Today, as my name suggests, I'll be dressed almost entirely head to toe in green and carrying my orange and grey Osprey backpack that is more an extension of my body than an accessory. Again, sorry for the late notice, but hope to run into some fellow boxers on this beautiful fall day!

Fall Gatheirng Project

Some time ago our esteemed JennyJ put forth the idea for our little (at the time) community to do some kind of collection for a not for profit agency such as the Rainbow House. We all agreed it was a grand idea, but as of yet, we’ve taken no action on it. That’s about to change. This is by no means mandatory, but we’d like to present the opportunity for everyone to bring something the Rainbow House needs to the Fall Gathering. We’ll bundle them up and make an anonymous donation. No need to go overboard, but if everyone picks up one or two small items, I’m certain it would be greatly appreciated and there will be a little bonus for those who choose to bring something.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Rainbow House, here’s a brief explination taken from their website. Rainbow House is a children’s emergency shelter and a regional child advocacy center. They serve abused and neglected children, as well as families in crises. The Shelter houses children that are in foster care; and assists parents who need placement for their children during a family crisis. At the Child Advocacy Center (CAC), we serve children who have been sexually abused and/or severely physically abused.

Here is a condensed list of items they’re in constant need of. At the bottom of this article is a link The Rainbow House and a link to the complete list.

Copier paper
AA & AAA Batteries (Regular & Rechargeable), C and 9-volt batteries
Large salt and pepper shakers
Educational games (especially for literacy skills and math)
Wooden puzzles
Role play/dress-up toys for boys and girls
Activity Passes
ARC
Movie
Skating
Art/Craft class
Craft Materials
Paints
Brushes
Glitter
Glue
Blank Journals
Juice boxes
Bottled water
Ranch dressing
Grape jelly
“Sippy” cups w/ lids
Kleenex

http://www.rainbowhousecolumbia.org/

http://www.rainbowhousecolumbia.org/wishlist.html

Thanks in advance to everyone who participates.

Lnd-Crzr

a little reading

if you haven't seen the article yet, there is a fun article about letterboxing in Nov. issue of Games- we carry it at MU bookstore if you are out in about this way FYI-

mamaroots

Mid-MO Fall Arts & Crafts Gathering Update

As promised, here is a list of supplies suggested for the upcoming gathering. Please note, you are not required to bring anything except something for the pot-luck lunch. However, as with most learning experiences, we feel the workshops will be much richer if you jump in and learn ‘hands-on’. As we won’t be providing materials for everyone (cost prohibits) we ask that if you wish to participate ‘hands-on’ style, please bring what you’ll need. If you simply want to watch and learn, we simply suggest bringing a notebook to jot down ideas.

Here’s the most current list of workshops and their materials lists.

Book Binding
Scrapbooking paper (8.5” x 11” or 12” x 12”, three to four sheets)
-for book covers
Cardstock paper (8.5” x 11” or 12” x 12”, three to four sheets)
-for book covers
Heavyweight construction paper, white (I buy the big 12” x 18”)
-for pages
Acid free glue (I strongly suggest Aleene’s Tacky Glue)

Aging Paper
Paintbrushes
-nothing fancy: 1” to 2”
-cheap hardware store brushes work fine
Several small (1 cup or so) containers
Newspaper
-to protect tables
Something to age
-feel free to bring something to work on
-a photocopy of anything will work well

Carving Workshop
Carving material
-Fox-Fyr is making a run to Dick-Blick if anyone wants to put in an order for their
gray carving material
Carving tools
-a handle, No. 1 ‘V’, No. 4 ‘U’ and an X-acto knife is plenty
An idea


Codes and Ciphers
Pencils
Full sized notebook
Blank white paper

General items
Please lable all your tools.
Ruler
Scissors
Pencils
Cutting mat
Cutting knife


Potluck Items
Please bring your own plates, utensils, cups and serving items needed to serve up your delicious dishes.

Of course don’t forget to bring your logbook and personal stamp as browsing through well worn logs is always a fun way to gain insight into those mysterious trail names. Also feel free any itmes you wish to show-and-tell. We all love seeing artifacts and momentos related to Letterboxing.

Please feel free to send any questions my way.

Lnd-Crzr