Just to add in our two cents about the "should we list it as missing"
debate. This email is a good example. Sometimes someone has trouble
finding a box (or three) but that doesn't mean they are missing. We all
interpret clues differently and have different levels of determination. I
think a box shouldn't be labeled missing until the planter verifies the
fact.

Team BeMa has certainly not found more than our share of boxes!! (which we
always whine about and let everyone know!) Most of the times someone from
the list (usually the planter) emails us back with questions or hints and we
find the box on a second try.

When we found the Hidden Pond boxes, there were several mentions in the logs
concerning difficulty finding box #1. That is why we wanted to let people
know that it was still there, perhaps just a little further back than we had
anticipated or hidden by new growth. We certainly don't want to give
anything away, but to clarify things that we found confusing (such as the
two Greeley Blvds that never connect). We hope this is helpful (we really
appreciate the insight from others, especially info such as "really far for
children" or "very muddy right now" etc.)

Just a note that "missing" is often "we couldn't find it". I would hate to
discourage others from seeking a box that someone listed as missing if it is
truly still there.

Happy Boxing! BeMa

>From: "Kathy Kalberer"
>Reply-To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>To:
>Subject: [LbNA] Re:VA - Hidden Pond - YIPPEE, It's not missing!
>Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2003 18:12:09 -0400
>
>The day before we left for vacation, I received an email saying the three
>boxes at Hidden Pond were missing! OH... stab me in the heart! Our first
>plant and they were already missing! I thought about our poor boxes all
>weekend, but thankfully team BeMa found all three alive and well on July
>6th!
>
>When we placed the boxes in March the tree/bush growth was minimal. Box #1
>is a bit far off the trail. The naturalist at Hidden Pond helped us find
>spots for the letterboxes (NOT once did he mention "swamp
>snakes"...eeeewwww). As with anything, the more you practice (writing
>clues, giving directions, placing boxes etc.) the better you become...next
>time we'll place them alittle closer to the trail.
>
>I plan to revise the driving directions to emphasize the 2nd Greeley Blvd
>entrance, it is very confusing if you're not familiar with the area.
>
>Happy Homeschoolers
>

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