Hey All!

Originally, John and I were going to head for Central Oregon to
celebrate our 6th anniversary of being together. However, at the last
minute (like when John saw the weather report and saw it was like 102
degrees in John Day) we decided to turn tail and head West to Lincoln
City and Newport, instead! What an excellent anniversary weekend spent
letterboxing!

The first thing we did was check on the Devil's Lake State Park box that
I placed way back in 2000. True to reports, the orignal logbook was
completely waterlogged. The letterbox is still there, though, contrary
to a couple reports that said otherwise. Thanks to everyone who
e-mailed me about this and special thanks to Wild Woman for replacing
the logbook!!! I adore you!!! It's still right where I left it years
ago when I first started this sport. I may change the clues a little
bit because some folks have had trouble finding it and I LOVE people to
find my boxes. I don't do that mystery, mapsurfing-type stuff if I can
help it. I like my boxes to be easy, family-friendly no-brainers.

Next we headed down to where the "I Love Lincoln City" letterbox was
placed by Lennens 3. I'm certain this letterbox is still there, but on
a Saturday morning, and then again on Sunday afternoon when the sun is
shining and no wind is blowing and so close to Mo's, and folks are at
every nearby picnic table as well as those milling around on their way
to the beach...Discretion? FORGET ABOUT IT! I have already told its
placer, my good buddy, Carie, that I will retrieve this box on another
day...like at 5:00 am, midweek, on a cold, nasty, rainy day when folks
aren't everywhere and suspicious of our every move.

We did manage to nab the very beautiful Boiler Bay Letterbox, placed by
Lennens 3 later in the day I'm happy to say!!! To me this was a must
have box once I saw the carved image at the Milo McIver Gathering. I
was obsessed to get this letterbox and it's a lovely find.

Next it was the exasperating effort of Beneath the Blue #2 at Beverly
Beach State Park. ARGH!!! Here we go again! We went Saturday, but
came up empty-handed. Still, we weren't going to give up that easy.
Sunday we returned and were actually successful. Surprise, surprise
(with very difficult boxes that are still there, John and I have noticed
that third time's a charm for us)! It was a major accomplishment since
the only others who have managed to stamp in are Ryan and Wild Woman and
THEY BE VERY SMART PEOPLE!!!! I think we just be very lucky people.

Saturday night we stayed in Newport where I was inspired to carve a
brand-new stamp for a location that desperately needs a letterbox.
Devil's Punch Bowl at Otter Rock. Thanks to Carie for the idea for a
great hiding place. I've wanted to place one here for years, and if it
weren't for her creative genius, there'd still be no LB there. We
placed it on Sunday morning.
I have not had so much fun carving a stamp for a letterbox in years! I
was laughing the whole time I carved it. The last time I recall having
this much fun carving a letterbox stamp off the cuff was for Colliding
Rivers in Douglas County. I am big-headed about this stamp and I will
love those who seek it out. I think people will be amused and laugh
when they see the image.

Saturday afternoon we planted a new one at Yaquina Bay Lighthouse State
Park. Yes, the image is on this of the historic lighthouse which was
only in service for a very short time. And the term "Lighthouse" is
literal. This is literally a house with a light on the top. No joke.

Saturday evening after carving my silly little Devil's Punch Bowl stamp
we headed out to the Mike Miller Education Trail to try for the Sitka
Spruce Letterbox. It is listed as placed by Doc Science and Ginger, but
abandoned. We did not find it. We searched and searched diligiently
with the help of many hungry mosquitoes. Still, with all that
assistance, we came away stampless. Has anyone ever gotten this
letterbox??? It's a nice location, and the clues seemed quite
straightforward, yet to no avail.

Sunday afternoon, we went to Toledo for the Waterleaf letterbox placed
recently by Jeep Jeep. Eventually, we did find this one. Interesting
hiding place, though bound to be soaked come winter, I imagine.
Interesting commercial stamp. This is a park definitely worth checking
out. We felt very happy and honored to be the first to stamp in.
Thanks so much Jeep Jeep for placing!!!

So, what...We found three and placed two and I had more fun at the beach
than I can possibly remember. Not only that, but we actually hiked down
and meandered in the actual cauldron of the Devil's Punch Bowl!!!!
That's the first time in my life I'd ever been there at a time when
there was no water within (very low summer tide - timing just right!)
and I've been there a lot in my lifetime.

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful weekend!

Best regards,

Amanda Briles
The Paisley Orca