I had Thursday off. I had to plant a couple boxes, find one before it was pulled (a box of the month) and check on one that someone had attempted but not found to make sure it was still there. I was also going to be watching my youngest niece (age 5,) she was so happy she was going letterboxing.
We started off at the park, the little one wanted to play on the playground. So, on the swings, down the slide, and across the monkey bars she went. Then we took a walk...time to plant. She did very well helping me choose which way to go on a path and as we were planting the first box, we found a buckeye nut. Very excited, she tucked it away in her letterboxing pouch. Off we went to plant the second box and when we were done we headed back to the vehicle. On the way we found a small snake skin. I explained how when snakes grow they must shed their skin, and she tucked that away into her pouch as well.
Our next stop was to find a box. This would actually be her first time finding one. We reached the park, no playground this time, and after a quick stop at the port-a-potty, down the trail we started. We had not gotten too far when I heard a truck pull into the parking lot, I could still see it somewhat, enough to notice the color. My first thought was it's a letterboxing friend of mine...
I was right...Pioneer Spirit had pulled in, and as he started down the trail, I called out that I
knew what he was there for. He jogged to meet up with us, and we made the walk to the box together. My niece found the box, and we all stamped in. Pioneer Spirit had to take off to get to work, so we finished with the box and put it back. It was a fine opportunity to teach her how to re-hide well. We began our walk back to the parking lot, and along the way found a lovely rock, which my niece proudly placed in her pouch.
The last stop for the day was my own box, a maintenance check. I was happy to see it was still there, though the area has changed a little, it's still able to be found by following the clues. We took the box to a picnic table, and I helped my niece stamp in, and then it was time to return the box and return home.
It was a very relaxed and enjoyable day...and though I love my niece dearly, my next letterbox outing will be more intense, and will not involve babysitting.
We started off at the park, the little one wanted to play on the playground. So, on the swings, down the slide, and across the monkey bars she went. Then we took a walk...time to plant. She did very well helping me choose which way to go on a path and as we were planting the first box, we found a buckeye nut. Very excited, she tucked it away in her letterboxing pouch. Off we went to plant the second box and when we were done we headed back to the vehicle. On the way we found a small snake skin. I explained how when snakes grow they must shed their skin, and she tucked that away into her pouch as well.
Our next stop was to find a box. This would actually be her first time finding one. We reached the park, no playground this time, and after a quick stop at the port-a-potty, down the trail we started. We had not gotten too far when I heard a truck pull into the parking lot, I could still see it somewhat, enough to notice the color. My first thought was it's a letterboxing friend of mine...
I was right...Pioneer Spirit had pulled in, and as he started down the trail, I called out that I
knew what he was there for. He jogged to meet up with us, and we made the walk to the box together. My niece found the box, and we all stamped in. Pioneer Spirit had to take off to get to work, so we finished with the box and put it back. It was a fine opportunity to teach her how to re-hide well. We began our walk back to the parking lot, and along the way found a lovely rock, which my niece proudly placed in her pouch.The last stop for the day was my own box, a maintenance check. I was happy to see it was still there, though the area has changed a little, it's still able to be found by following the clues. We took the box to a picnic table, and I helped my niece stamp in, and then it was time to return the box and return home.
It was a very relaxed and enjoyable day...and though I love my niece dearly, my next letterbox outing will be more intense, and will not involve babysitting.
2 comments:
Don't you hate it when work gets in the Way?
Hi - left a message for you at AtlasQuest about one of your boxes in Towner's Woods. I'd love a hint. Let me know when you get a chance to get over there and check the message :) Thanks!
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