© 2008 Dub Scroggin (I’m in disguise)
Letterboxing involves following clues to a hidden box. In the box you’ll find a rubber stamp and a small journal. You use the stamp from the box to mark your personal journal, and then use your own stamp to leave an impression in their journal. A little experience at this and you’ll be planting clues and concealing boxes for others to track.
© 2008 Dub Scroggin
Solving a mystery appeals to most everyone. Letterboxing is a much safer way to satisfy your clue-seeking wanderlust than real crime. Following the clues enhances reasoning, navigation, and map reading (Ms. Drew would applaud) skills—and you’ll explore new places that heretofore might have escaped your notice.
You’re probably wondering how all this got started—an easy mystery to solve. The first letterbox was placed at Cranmere Pool in 1854 by a guide at England’s Dartmoor National Park. An April 1998 Smithsonian Magazine article ("They Live and Breathe Letterboxing") is substantially responsible for this addictive activity here in the U.S.
The Letterboxer's Companion
leads you through the letterboxing process and what you need to get started. Other books on the subject (I’ve not read them) include:
My letterbox kit
So where do you find the clues? Letterboxing North America (see Clues below) is the best source for letterbox locations in North America. They also provide links leading you to the rest of the world (I’ve letterboxed in the Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands, along the Mexican Riviera, etc.).
Clues
- Carve Your Own Rubber Stamp Tutorial
- Dartmoor Letterboxing
- History of Dartmoor Letterboxing
- Letterbox USA Yahoo group
- Letterboxing North America (LbNA)
- Smithsonian Magazine’s “They Live and Breathe Letterboxing” article
© 2008 Dub Scroggin
Happy sleuthing!
14 comments:
I love letterboxing! I also use Atlas Quest (atlasquest.com) quite a bit, along with LBNA.
Sounds like fun!! I'd be stuck at "carve your own stamp"!
We've done a bit of Geocaching (similar) and the kids loved the secret, treasure discovering element of the whole thing.
I was slightly put off, because geocachers seem wedded to their GPSs and we don't have one! It's old fashioned map references for us.
Love your detective pix! You're so cute, June.
Hi Junie,
Just happened to be on the computer.
So sorry I haven't visited in awhile. Just busy with that glitter.
So glad you liked my creations.
That Halloween Ball sounds wonderful, wish I could go.
Thanks,
Rosemary
That looks so fun Ms. Moon! I have a friend who is really into geocaching which, I think, must be similar.
I love your stamp- I look forward to someday seeing it in my box :-)
What a NEAT post ! Tomorrow will be posting about my very favorite mystery series :).
crystal :)
i first heard about letterboxing through amy of life in the lyons den and i was so fascinated. it does sound like nancy drew sleuthing and i really want to try it!! love your detective picture!!
How interesting! I've heard of geocaching, but it seemed a little technical to me, but letterboxing sounds fascinating. I'm going to check out some of your links.
Hi June!
It sounds so interesting! I would imagine most boxes are in rural or secluded settings? I can't imagine one surviving here in the city!
I love your mermaid stamp! I own hundreds of rubber stamps -- mostly of cat images ...lol!
Hugs, Pat
You are having way too much summer fun... good for you!
Oh gosh June, I love the photograph of you! LOL!
I've heard of Letterboxing, but I've never known anyone who participated. It sounds like fun. Recently my friend Liisa had an evening at her studio where we experimented with making our own rubber stamps. Next time I go, I'll have to mention this activity to her. It sounds right up her alley!
There are a few letter boxes in the Black Hills. Maybe before summer is over, I'll take a little hike and see if I can find them. I think it's a cool concept.
Jody
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