Many of the clues say to be discreet when stamping up because of the
boxes being in a busy area. Other than trying to look nonchalant
until everyone leaves how can you do this? With three people, three
log books, three stamps, inkpad and lid, pen, box, its logbook and
stamp, dozens of zip lock bags, wet and dry paper towels for cleaning
stamps, even with six hands it seems like such a production. Anyone
worked out a process to make stamping up easy and discreet. Mostly we
must look like a circus with lots of "Don't drop that!" "Grab the
bag!" "Hold this open until it drys!" And why if you drop an inkpad
does it always land ink down?
It's been so wet here that you don't dare set anything down. Or is
that the catch -- wait until it is dryer so you can sit down? Any
suggestions would be appreciated.
--Mahjong
Stamping Up Question
11 messages in this thread |
Started on 2003-06-23
Stamping Up Question
From: abacus00 (abacus00@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-06-23 20:47:13 UTC
Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
From: be ma (bema57@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2003-06-23 20:58:36 UTC
As far as looking like a circus -- we're definitely the three ring show!
With two kids and multiple colored ink pads, we have a real problem being
discreet as well. So far, not too many people have been around when we
stamp in. The only thing we try and avoid is going to get the box and
putting it back when people are around. We worry they might go back and get
the box to see what we were doing. If they see us on the trail, they
probably think we are working on something we brought with us and not
anything related to that particular part of the woods.
I guess we can't offer any good advice, but, at least you know you're not
alone! BeMa
P.S. when our ink pads falls, they always seem to land on Miss Ma! She is
a very colorful girl. I'm not always sure the ink gets on her accidentally
as it often covers each little fingertip in a different rainbow color --
pretty hard to manage by accident!
>From: "abacus00"
>Reply-To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
>Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 20:47:13 -0000
>
>Many of the clues say to be discreet when stamping up because of the
>boxes being in a busy area. Other than trying to look nonchalant
>until everyone leaves how can you do this? With three people, three
>log books, three stamps, inkpad and lid, pen, box, its logbook and
>stamp, dozens of zip lock bags, wet and dry paper towels for cleaning
>stamps, even with six hands it seems like such a production. Anyone
>worked out a process to make stamping up easy and discreet. Mostly we
>must look like a circus with lots of "Don't drop that!" "Grab the
>bag!" "Hold this open until it drys!" And why if you drop an inkpad
>does it always land ink down?
>
>It's been so wet here that you don't dare set anything down. Or is
>that the catch -- wait until it is dryer so you can sit down? Any
>suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>--Mahjong
>
_________________________________________________________________
Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
With two kids and multiple colored ink pads, we have a real problem being
discreet as well. So far, not too many people have been around when we
stamp in. The only thing we try and avoid is going to get the box and
putting it back when people are around. We worry they might go back and get
the box to see what we were doing. If they see us on the trail, they
probably think we are working on something we brought with us and not
anything related to that particular part of the woods.
I guess we can't offer any good advice, but, at least you know you're not
alone! BeMa
P.S. when our ink pads falls, they always seem to land on Miss Ma! She is
a very colorful girl. I'm not always sure the ink gets on her accidentally
as it often covers each little fingertip in a different rainbow color --
pretty hard to manage by accident!
>From: "abacus00"
>Reply-To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
>Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 20:47:13 -0000
>
>Many of the clues say to be discreet when stamping up because of the
>boxes being in a busy area. Other than trying to look nonchalant
>until everyone leaves how can you do this? With three people, three
>log books, three stamps, inkpad and lid, pen, box, its logbook and
>stamp, dozens of zip lock bags, wet and dry paper towels for cleaning
>stamps, even with six hands it seems like such a production. Anyone
>worked out a process to make stamping up easy and discreet. Mostly we
>must look like a circus with lots of "Don't drop that!" "Grab the
>bag!" "Hold this open until it drys!" And why if you drop an inkpad
>does it always land ink down?
>
>It's been so wet here that you don't dare set anything down. Or is
>that the catch -- wait until it is dryer so you can sit down? Any
>suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>--Mahjong
>
_________________________________________________________________
Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail
Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
From: The Carringtons (cshouse@optonline.net) |
Date: 2003-06-23 17:05:00 UTC-04:00
You think you have a production??!!
There are nine of us... Two mothers, and seven kids... boys 11 and 10 and girls 10, 9, 7, 5, and 3!
We've finally gotten it down to a chaotic science LOL
When we get to a box, the line up with their personal stamps. I take their stamps, ink them then hand them back. Behind me is Elegant Elk (the other mom) who holds the log book so each child can stamp in, because of course as everyone knows, you can't stamp someone else's (we were told "Its illegal or something). She also holds the paper towel which gets handed to the next kid when you're done with it. When they are done, they wipe their stamp and pass the paper towel to the next kid put their personal stamp away and take out their own logbook. When I get to the end, I go back and get the box stamp and ink pad and begin stamping each kid's book. For some reason, it's ok for one person to stamp all the books with the box's stamp... go figure.
Sometimes the older kids hold our log books and stamps, sometimes not. If not, we do our own, and wonder why we're so crazy as to be hooked up in such a nutty hobby. If we have the presence of mind and a modicum of sanity left, we even remember to write something.
It gets better and a little more organized with each box we find. I think the kids are finally getting the concept that it we get it done smoothly the more we can enjoy the rest of the hike and get to the next box sooner... but then again, maybe not...
If anyone with a tribe knows the best way, I'd appreciate some pointers!
Talking Turtle
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
There are nine of us... Two mothers, and seven kids... boys 11 and 10 and girls 10, 9, 7, 5, and 3!
We've finally gotten it down to a chaotic science LOL
When we get to a box, the line up with their personal stamps. I take their stamps, ink them then hand them back. Behind me is Elegant Elk (the other mom) who holds the log book so each child can stamp in, because of course as everyone knows, you can't stamp someone else's (we were told "Its illegal or something). She also holds the paper towel which gets handed to the next kid when you're done with it. When they are done, they wipe their stamp and pass the paper towel to the next kid put their personal stamp away and take out their own logbook. When I get to the end, I go back and get the box stamp and ink pad and begin stamping each kid's book. For some reason, it's ok for one person to stamp all the books with the box's stamp... go figure.
Sometimes the older kids hold our log books and stamps, sometimes not. If not, we do our own, and wonder why we're so crazy as to be hooked up in such a nutty hobby. If we have the presence of mind and a modicum of sanity left, we even remember to write something.
It gets better and a little more organized with each box we find. I think the kids are finally getting the concept that it we get it done smoothly the more we can enjoy the rest of the hike and get to the next box sooner... but then again, maybe not...
If anyone with a tribe knows the best way, I'd appreciate some pointers!
Talking Turtle
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
From: The Carringtons (cshouse@optonline.net) |
Date: 2003-06-23 17:13:34 UTC-04:00
Just a note I forgot to add...
The best investment I made as far as letterboxing paraphernalia is the "Neat Sheet." I have no connection to the company (unfortunately)! http://www.theneatsheet.com/
Its a nice sized ground cover made from some alien technology. It folds then rolls relatively small and I strap it to the bottom of my pack with those two straps I never knew what to do with before now. It is water repellent and washable. It's great to put your stuff down on or to sit on when it's wet, and it's great for lunching on when the 3 year old screams because there's an ant on her shoe!
If you call customer service, they'll even send you a $2 (I think it was $2) off coupon. But at $7.99 its still a deal.
Talking Turtle
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
The best investment I made as far as letterboxing paraphernalia is the "Neat Sheet." I have no connection to the company (unfortunately)! http://www.theneatsheet.com/
Its a nice sized ground cover made from some alien technology. It folds then rolls relatively small and I strap it to the bottom of my pack with those two straps I never knew what to do with before now. It is water repellent and washable. It's great to put your stuff down on or to sit on when it's wet, and it's great for lunching on when the 3 year old screams because there's an ant on her shoe!
If you call customer service, they'll even send you a $2 (I think it was $2) off coupon. But at $7.99 its still a deal.
Talking Turtle
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
From: (HANNAHKAT@aol.com) |
Date: 2003-06-23 17:28:09 UTC-04:00
Usually we try to be discreet about pulling the box out or putting it back.
Once we have it out, we usually step some distance away and stamp away. With
our sketch book logs, colored pens etc, we figure we look like a couple of
artist types doing some artwork. Most people don't look twice.
We figure that it's most important not to attract attention to the box's
hiding place...though I suppose that is how a lot of people stumble upon the hobby.
In terms of sitting on the soggy ground...I have recently taken to carrying a
couple of rolled up trash bags in my pack to sit on when stamping in. I just
cannot seem to stamp in while standing or squatting. I love them, because the
roll up to the size of a fist, yet they allow us to spread out all our stuff
while sitting on them.
Happy boxing!
Kim (Rustypuff)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Once we have it out, we usually step some distance away and stamp away. With
our sketch book logs, colored pens etc, we figure we look like a couple of
artist types doing some artwork. Most people don't look twice.
We figure that it's most important not to attract attention to the box's
hiding place...though I suppose that is how a lot of people stumble upon the hobby.
In terms of sitting on the soggy ground...I have recently taken to carrying a
couple of rolled up trash bags in my pack to sit on when stamping in. I just
cannot seem to stamp in while standing or squatting. I love them, because the
roll up to the size of a fist, yet they allow us to spread out all our stuff
while sitting on them.
Happy boxing!
Kim (Rustypuff)
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
From: Peppermint Patti (peppermint.patti@att.net) |
Date: 2003-06-23 19:36:25 UTC-04:00
I just saw this Neat Sheet at stores...Shaw's, CVS, Wal-Mart. I can't remember the price though.
Peppermint Patti
----- Original Message -----
From: The Carringtons
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 5:13 PM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
Just a note I forgot to add...
The best investment I made as far as letterboxing paraphernalia is the "Neat Sheet." I have no connection to the company (unfortunately)! http://www.theneatsheet.com/
Its a nice sized ground cover made from some alien technology. It folds then rolls relatively small and I strap it to the bottom of my pack with those two straps I never knew what to do with before now. It is water repellent and washable. It's great to put your stuff down on or to sit on when it's wet, and it's great for lunching on when the 3 year old screams because there's an ant on her shoe!
If you call customer service, they'll even send you a $2 (I think it was $2) off coupon. But at $7.99 its still a deal.
Talking Turtle
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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ADVERTISEMENT
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Peppermint Patti
----- Original Message -----
From: The Carringtons
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 5:13 PM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
Just a note I forgot to add...
The best investment I made as far as letterboxing paraphernalia is the "Neat Sheet." I have no connection to the company (unfortunately)! http://www.theneatsheet.com/
Its a nice sized ground cover made from some alien technology. It folds then rolls relatively small and I strap it to the bottom of my pack with those two straps I never knew what to do with before now. It is water repellent and washable. It's great to put your stuff down on or to sit on when it's wet, and it's great for lunching on when the 3 year old screams because there's an ant on her shoe!
If you call customer service, they'll even send you a $2 (I think it was $2) off coupon. But at $7.99 its still a deal.
Talking Turtle
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
From: defygravity2001 (defygravity@snet.net) |
Date: 2003-06-23 23:48:20 UTC
Bruce & I aren't too bad at stamping standing up, and we only seem to
drop things when we're standing over poison ivy.
If it's wet out, we are very often wearing our rain pants so sitting
in puddles isn't a big deal. Bruce also carries a little folding stool
strapped to his pack, which is very handy especially when Erin is with
us.
We, too, try to move a little away from a hiding spot in case we are
happened upon while stamping. Stamp time usually equals snack time so
that's what most people probably think of rubbermaid boxes & ziplock
bags.
~ Aili
drop things when we're standing over poison ivy.
If it's wet out, we are very often wearing our rain pants so sitting
in puddles isn't a big deal. Bruce also carries a little folding stool
strapped to his pack, which is very handy especially when Erin is with
us.
We, too, try to move a little away from a hiding spot in case we are
happened upon while stamping. Stamp time usually equals snack time so
that's what most people probably think of rubbermaid boxes & ziplock
bags.
~ Aili
Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
From: abacus00 (abacus00@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-06-24 12:24:31 UTC
We already own one of these!! What a good idea. I'm sure it would be
worth packing along.
Just wait until you have a 14 year old screaming because she has an
ant on her shoe. :-)
Thanks for the good ideas.
Mahjong
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, The Carringtons
wrote:
> Just a note I forgot to add...
>
> The best investment I made as far as letterboxing paraphernalia is
the "Neat Sheet." I have no connection to the company
(unfortunately)! http://www.theneatsheet.com/
>
> Its a nice sized ground cover made from some alien technology. It
folds then rolls relatively small and I strap it to the bottom of my
pack with those two straps I never knew what to do with before now.
It is water repellent and washable. It's great to put your stuff
down on or to sit on when it's wet, and it's great for lunching on
when the 3 year old screams because there's an ant on her shoe!
>
> If you call customer service, they'll even send you a $2 (I think
it was $2) off coupon. But at $7.99 its still a deal.
>
> Talking Turtle
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
worth packing along.
Just wait until you have a 14 year old screaming because she has an
ant on her shoe. :-)
Thanks for the good ideas.
Mahjong
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, The Carringtons
wrote:
> Just a note I forgot to add...
>
> The best investment I made as far as letterboxing paraphernalia is
the "Neat Sheet." I have no connection to the company
(unfortunately)! http://www.theneatsheet.com/
>
> Its a nice sized ground cover made from some alien technology. It
folds then rolls relatively small and I strap it to the bottom of my
pack with those two straps I never knew what to do with before now.
It is water repellent and washable. It's great to put your stuff
down on or to sit on when it's wet, and it's great for lunching on
when the 3 year old screams because there's an ant on her shoe!
>
> If you call customer service, they'll even send you a $2 (I think
it was $2) off coupon. But at $7.99 its still a deal.
>
> Talking Turtle
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Stamping Up Question
From: winduphiker (winduphiker@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-06-24 13:21:06 UTC
When I was at camp we all went letterboxing, around 14 people. We
would sit in a circle and pass the book around, it wasn't till the
end that people started having their own stamps. When each person got
the book to stamp they stamped their stamp into the book, and the
letterboxes stamp into their book.
Mr. Windup Hiker
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, The Carringtons
wrote:
> You think you have a production??!!
>
> There are nine of us... Two mothers, and seven kids... boys 11 and
10 and girls 10, 9, 7, 5, and 3!
>
> We've finally gotten it down to a chaotic science LOL
>
> When we get to a box, the line up with their personal stamps. I
take their stamps, ink them then hand them back. Behind me is
Elegant Elk (the other mom) who holds the log book so each child can
stamp in, because of course as everyone knows, you can't stamp
someone else's (we were told "Its illegal or something). She also
holds the paper towel which gets handed to the next kid when you're
done with it. When they are done, they wipe their stamp and pass the
paper towel to the next kid put their personal stamp away and take
out their own logbook. When I get to the end, I go back and get the
box stamp and ink pad and begin stamping each kid's book. For some
reason, it's ok for one person to stamp all the books with the box's
stamp... go figure.
>
> Sometimes the older kids hold our log books and stamps, sometimes
not. If not, we do our own, and wonder why we're so crazy as to be
hooked up in such a nutty hobby. If we have the presence of mind and
a modicum of sanity left, we even remember to write something.
>
> It gets better and a little more organized with each box we find.
I think the kids are finally getting the concept that it we get it
done smoothly the more we can enjoy the rest of the hike and get to
the next box sooner... but then again, maybe not...
>
> If anyone with a tribe knows the best way, I'd appreciate some
pointers!
>
> Talking Turtle
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
would sit in a circle and pass the book around, it wasn't till the
end that people started having their own stamps. When each person got
the book to stamp they stamped their stamp into the book, and the
letterboxes stamp into their book.
Mr. Windup Hiker
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, The Carringtons
wrote:
> You think you have a production??!!
>
> There are nine of us... Two mothers, and seven kids... boys 11 and
10 and girls 10, 9, 7, 5, and 3!
>
> We've finally gotten it down to a chaotic science LOL
>
> When we get to a box, the line up with their personal stamps. I
take their stamps, ink them then hand them back. Behind me is
Elegant Elk (the other mom) who holds the log book so each child can
stamp in, because of course as everyone knows, you can't stamp
someone else's (we were told "Its illegal or something). She also
holds the paper towel which gets handed to the next kid when you're
done with it. When they are done, they wipe their stamp and pass the
paper towel to the next kid put their personal stamp away and take
out their own logbook. When I get to the end, I go back and get the
box stamp and ink pad and begin stamping each kid's book. For some
reason, it's ok for one person to stamp all the books with the box's
stamp... go figure.
>
> Sometimes the older kids hold our log books and stamps, sometimes
not. If not, we do our own, and wonder why we're so crazy as to be
hooked up in such a nutty hobby. If we have the presence of mind and
a modicum of sanity left, we even remember to write something.
>
> It gets better and a little more organized with each box we find.
I think the kids are finally getting the concept that it we get it
done smoothly the more we can enjoy the rest of the hike and get to
the next box sooner... but then again, maybe not...
>
> If anyone with a tribe knows the best way, I'd appreciate some
pointers!
>
> Talking Turtle
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Stamping Up Question
From: cavy_lovers4 (adelcoll@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-06-24 17:39:24 UTC
Mosquitos are fierce with all the rains we've had, so we have tried
to shorten our stamp-in time a little.
We noticed that another letterboxer pre-stamps onto stickers
(Moonstone Baby?). Although we prefer stamping directly, we have
recently taken to using this idea for the stamps in our group that
take more than one color.
We do these multi-color inked stamps on white self-stick labels
before we go. This allows us to put in a nice image quickly without
getting ravaged by mosquitos.
Fluff hasn't taken to this approach so she still stamps in. She uses
only one color, so I can live with that.
We also keep only a single family log book - that saves us time as we
stamp the box's image only once. That just happened to be how we
started and the kids have turned down later offers to get them
separate ones. I suspect it would be hard to get kids who currently
have their own book to adopt this though!
We don't have a perfect system -- discussion about who's turn it is
to do what can be frustrating - especially when I'm trying to bat
away the mosquitos!
Cavy Lovers
to shorten our stamp-in time a little.
We noticed that another letterboxer pre-stamps onto stickers
(Moonstone Baby?). Although we prefer stamping directly, we have
recently taken to using this idea for the stamps in our group that
take more than one color.
We do these multi-color inked stamps on white self-stick labels
before we go. This allows us to put in a nice image quickly without
getting ravaged by mosquitos.
Fluff hasn't taken to this approach so she still stamps in. She uses
only one color, so I can live with that.
We also keep only a single family log book - that saves us time as we
stamp the box's image only once. That just happened to be how we
started and the kids have turned down later offers to get them
separate ones. I suspect it would be hard to get kids who currently
have their own book to adopt this though!
We don't have a perfect system -- discussion about who's turn it is
to do what can be frustrating - especially when I'm trying to bat
away the mosquitos!
Cavy Lovers
Re: Stamping Up Question
From: cavy_lovers4 (adelcoll@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-06-24 17:39:57 UTC
Mosquitos are fierce with all the rains we've had, so we have tried
to shorten our stamp-in time a little.
We noticed that another letterboxer pre-stamps onto stickers
(Moonstone Baby?). Although we prefer stamping directly, we have
recently taken to using this idea for the stamps in our group that
take more than one color.
We do these multi-color inked stamps on white self-stick labels
before we go. This allows us to put in a nice image quickly without
getting ravaged by mosquitos.
Fluff hasn't taken to this approach so she still stamps in. She uses
only one color, so I can live with that.
We also keep only a single family log book - that saves us time as we
stamp the box's image only once. That just happened to be how we
started and the kids have turned down later offers to get them
separate ones. I suspect it would be hard to get kids who currently
have their own book to adopt this though!
We don't have a perfect system -- discussion about who's turn it is
to do what can be frustrating - especially when I'm trying to bat
away the mosquitos!
Cavy Lovers
to shorten our stamp-in time a little.
We noticed that another letterboxer pre-stamps onto stickers
(Moonstone Baby?). Although we prefer stamping directly, we have
recently taken to using this idea for the stamps in our group that
take more than one color.
We do these multi-color inked stamps on white self-stick labels
before we go. This allows us to put in a nice image quickly without
getting ravaged by mosquitos.
Fluff hasn't taken to this approach so she still stamps in. She uses
only one color, so I can live with that.
We also keep only a single family log book - that saves us time as we
stamp the box's image only once. That just happened to be how we
started and the kids have turned down later offers to get them
separate ones. I suspect it would be hard to get kids who currently
have their own book to adopt this though!
We don't have a perfect system -- discussion about who's turn it is
to do what can be frustrating - especially when I'm trying to bat
away the mosquitos!
Cavy Lovers