--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "werdna2k2"
wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> I just started letterboxing recently here in the Boston area. I
love
> following the clues, especially if they are a little cryptic. The
other
> great feature is that I end up finding all these wonderful little
> forest preserves I never knew about! So I always enjoy the
exploration.
> The problem is, out of the 5 letterboxes I have found, 3 were
missing -
> I only knew they had been there because someone else left a note,
or
> there was some remnant of the box. I always email the placer if
> possible.
>
> Is this a really common thing? do people just search for ones that
are
> really new?
>
> Andy

Hi Andy,
Unfortunately some letterbox placers don't update clues or maintain
their boxes. Not finding a letterbox is part of the game. Are you
sure you read the clues properly? You might want to go to a
reagional list and ask specificly if those letterboxes are viable.

Don

Hi,

It's always disappointing when a box is missing. There's also no way
that we can track all of our letterboxes steadily. It's helpful when
someone posts the info on this list so that we know what's happened.

Although there's a slightly greater likelihood that an older box will
be missing, as compared with a newer box, it's never a "sure thing"
even with a newer box. Location, exposure to the elements, and how
collectible the original stamp is... all of them can be factors in how
soon a box is damaged or vanishes.

Mostly, I figure that I'm getting outdoors, having a great time, and a
certain percentage--for me, maybe 20 - 30%--of the boxes will be
missing or the clues will be too obscure for me to figure out.

For example, in the Boston area, I looked for a box at the DeCordova
grounds in Lincoln, MA about three or four times before someone
pointed out that I was making a very wrong turn at one point. On my
next visit, bingo, I found the box easily.

Also, I often carry replacement supplies--even complete letterboxes,
sometimes--when I'm hiking. I've replaced logbooks, stamp pads,
pencils, and even the container itself, sometimes.

There will always be disappointments on the trail, but the victories
usually offset them.

Just let us know which boxes appear to be missing, so we can update
our clue lists.

Cheerfully,
Aisling D'Art
Houston, TX

On 5/13/05, werdna2k2 wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> I just started letterboxing recently here in the Boston area.

come to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LbNE/ its the new england group.
not that the "big list" isn't wonderful it just might help with
specific boxes in boston.
if I cant find a box. I email the placer..although not all placers
will respond. People who have been to the box or know about it might
be able to help.
good luck and welcome to boxing
-CCL

On the other hand, a lot of times the newer boxes are placed by newbies, and
may not be as carefully hidden. In our area, I have better luck with older
boxes than newer boxes.
Maiden

_____

From: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com [mailto:letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of gwendontoo
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 12:46 PM
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [LbNA] Re: A newbie on missing boxes...


>
> Is this a really common thing? do people just search for ones that
are
> really new?
>
> Andy





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "werdna2k2"
wrote:
> Is this a really common thing? do people just search for ones that are
> really new?


Actually, it has been my impression that many folks in new england tend to
make an extra effort to search for those boxes that are older on purpose. For
one, those are some of the first boxes ever placed (by people such as The
Vermont Viking, DrewClan, Legerdemaine, etc etc) and those clues have
become harder and harder to come across and thus, the box(es) are more
treasured.

So, I personally go out of my way to search for those older clues, un-
published, wom and older boxes and clues that are quite rewarding little
treasures of letterboxing history if you will.

Phyto (in Maine)
P128 F427 X128

That's interesting, Phyto. I guess the boxes that last a while have
to be well hidden, maybe placed by someone who really knows what
they're doing. Another factor may be that I live in Somerville, and
I have started out by searching for boxes close by. There are lots of
people around, so the chances of a box being discovered by accident
are greater. Maybe as I increase my radius I will see more intact
boxes in more secluded areas.

funny thing is, for me finding the spot is about 70% of the fun. Now
if there is an actual treasure there, even better!

Andileo


--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Phyto" wrote:
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "werdna2k2"
> wrote:
> > Is this a really common thing? do people just search for ones
that are
> > really new?
>
>
> Actually, it has been my impression that many folks in new england
tend to
> make an extra effort to search for those boxes that are older on
purpose. For
> one, those are some of the first boxes ever placed (by people such
as The
> Vermont Viking, DrewClan, Legerdemaine, etc etc) and those clues
have
> become harder and harder to come across and thus, the box(es) are
more
> treasured.
>
> So, I personally go out of my way to search for those older clues,
un-
> published, wom and older boxes and clues that are quite rewarding
little
> treasures of letterboxing history if you will.
>
> Phyto (in Maine)
> P128 F427 X128

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "werdna2k2" wrote:
> That's interesting, Phyto. I guess the boxes that last a while have
> to be well hidden, maybe placed by someone who really knows what
> they're doing. Another factor may be that I live in Somerville

[snip] Mass? Say no more. Busy area, I'm quite familiar with that
place. I hope your boxing adventures will reward you with more success
this year. Good luck!

phyto