One of the most fun activities we've done in the Black Hills and most places we've visited on vacation is the sport(?) of letterboxing. You can get more background and information on what Letterboxing is all about by clicking LETTERBOXING - I first read about it in a news article some years ago and was immediately wanted to try it out. We did not find that first box until our 2nd outing but we had a lot of fun trying (except the horned toad episode but that's another story) and we discovered probably one of the most beautiful lookout points in the entire state.
Since then, the Professor and I have hiked all over the Black Hills and have accumulated about 8 letterbox stamps from the area (I think there is currently a total of 38 in and around the Black Hills .) All were hidden in locations that have some historical significance either for the town they are in or for the particular landmark near to where the letterbox is hidden .
No, it's not pirate's treasure you'll find instead, it'll be a stamp and a stamp pad so you can place the imprint on whatever you bring along. I actually find it easier to take along index cards which are sturdier and I get a better imprint on the stamp rather than using a piece of paper. Then when you have stamped your book, you in return give an imprint of your own stamp into the book that is kept in the letterbox along with space for you to sign the your name and date when you found the box. We've collected some fifity stamps -some stamps are beautifully handcarved and so totally unique - others are store bought with a picture (as is ours). We will be making our own but still have to come up with a design we agree on.
Hiding a box is creates a big of a challenge for the box owner. You need to find a dry place that isn't too easy to find but is still hidden away securely enough that animals or harsh weather can't get to it. We've found them in trees (and under them too) bridges, rock walls and hedges.
Those placing the box sometimes use a lot of imagination when coming up with their clues and that adds to the adventure. Its a fun thing to do with family and friends - it gets you outside enjoying nature, provides lots of exercise and you most often learn something along the way.
We haven't always been successful in finding the letterbox - sometimes its been removed and sometimes its because the site has been taken over by unfriendly tenants- like bees that don't like a hand coming in through and disturbing their Sunday afternoon (Note to self: Remember to bring heavy gloves next time)
Its an ideal activity for kides and grandchildren . Face it, everyone loves to find hidden treasure and you can end up with quite a collection of unique and colorful stamp imprints in your book that then serves as a great souvenir and something to reminisce over when the weather isn't quite cooperating.
What I especially like about letterboxing is that it takes us to places that we sometimes didn't even know existed or we learn something new about the site so I guess you could say it is also educational and I'm looking forward to finding the perfect spot to hide a special stamp for you all to find somewhere near our Black Hills Hideway.
Til later,
Some people march to the beat of a different drummer. And some people tango! - Anonymous
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