----- Original Message -----

From: dmlathrop

To: LbNA-Webmasters@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, September 24, 2001 9:28 PM

Subject: [LbNA-WM] new letterboxes in Maine

Well here I go again.  I've been having internet problems, I don't know exactly what to do, but I hope this is right and gets posted on your website.  My family and I planted three letterboxes a month ago in Maine, and there they sit while I get frustrated over technology. Oh well.....this will be the third time I've typed up these directions, and God willing, you'll receive them! 

 

My family vacations every summer in Aroostock County, Maine and we were bummed to discover that letterboxes are scarce in Maine, let alone Aroostock County.  So we planted three letterboxes with the hope that the locals might pick up on this and plant some for us to find next summer. So here they are.....

 

 

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ECHO LAKE LETTERBOX, Presqu'isle, ME.  Aroostock County

 

Follow Rt. 1 South from center of Presqu'isle to Aroostock State Park.  Follow signs.  Stop at the entry gate and pay the park ranger a minimal entry fee and be sure to pick up a brochure and map of the park.  This is a lovely park where for a mere dollar or two, you can enjoy a picnic area, swimming area (with lifeguard in season), and great hiking trails.  There also is a campground and X-country trails for winter activities.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some time in this great park.  

 

To get to what you're looking for, park in the parking lot by the swimming area, and head SW onto the Quaquahog Nature Trail.  Take time to find out what "Quaquajo" means.  At fork, head to North Peak, 1 mile.  Be careful not to follow X-country ski trail.  Follow the blue blaze up and up.  This is a wonderful steep trail.  Can you just imagine what this would be like in the winter?  You would need ice picks attached to your shoes!!  

 

At the T, head North (duh) up the trail to the North peak.  When you almost at the end, look for an overlook opening on the left.  Immediately after this opening, take a small path off to the right, 120'.  Go 15 paces SE.  On the left, spot a small grove of lovely white birch.  Find what you seek hidden in the rocks to the left.  Please stamp up and rehide carefully.  Enjoy the view of Presqu'isle from the North peak and rest a moment.  Go ahead and shout from the top and maybe you'll hear your echo.  The day we were here, there was a whole family of kids shouting.  It was funny actually because we could hear them all the way up the trail.

 

Head back down the way you came, or head towards the South peak.  Follow the sign.  There is a trail that heads down the mountain from the South Peak that will lead you to the camping area, which connects to the parking lot and your car. We hope you enjoy your visit at Aroostock State Park as much as we did. 

 

Comments or problems?  E-mail us at pineknoll@snet.net.

Planted August 19th, 2001 by the Bonnie and Clyde Gang of Connecticut.

 

 

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Haystack Mountain Letterbox,  Castle Hill, ME, (between Ashland and Mapleton, ME) Aroostock County

 

Follow Rt. 163 West from Presqu'isle for approximately 15 miles.  Haystack Mountain is on the right.  Or follow Rt. 163 East from Ashland for approximately 9 miles.  Haystack Mountain is on the left, just past the Haystack Mountain rest area.  Turn up drive and park at base of mountain.

 

Take a NW trail up.  At a medium sized boulder in the middle of the path, take a left at 270'.  This is the easier way up, a blue blazed trail.  Continue in a northerly direction picking your way up the rocks.  Take care here with children and pets.  This is kinda tricky.  Carefully find your way to the top of the mountain.

 

At the highest point, notice the tallest lone pine.  Facing South at the pine tree, walk 6 paces at 200' to Maine DOT survey control marker.  Walk 18 paces down at 90'.  In an old set of lichen and moss covered roots, you will find what you seek.  Please rehide carefully and cover up when done stamping in. (If you think you may be one of the first to find this letterbox, could you please take a ziplock bag with you to put our pad and stamp in.  This was the first letterbox we've ever planted and we forgot the plastic bag.  I can't imagine what an Aroostock winter might do to an underprotected letterbox!! Many thanks to you!!)

 

Enjoy the view from the top.  There are potato and grain fields to see in the summer, like checkerboards intermingled with forests.  I can imagine the fall foliage views are worth the short, but steep hike too.  Every year we hike this mountain (elevation 1,341')  and we love it.  It's short and sweet!!

 

If there are problems or comments about this letterbox, please e-mail us at pineknoll@snet.net.

Planted on August 18th, 2001 by the Bonnie and Clyde Gang of Connecticut.

 

 

 

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Portage Lake Letterbox, Portage, ME. Aroostock County

 

Take Rt.11 North from Ashland to Portage, ME.  At center of town by hotel and general store, turn left over the railroad tracks.

Stay to  the left and the Portage Town Beach will be on your right.  Pull in and park.  This is a wonderful little town beach open to the public.  It offers a beach area, covered picnic area with grills, perennial flower gardens, an occasional duck or goose, and a playscape for the little ones. The logging trucks that rumble by provide entertainment, especially for big and little boys.  My son loves them.   Take a swim, grill some burgers, and relax.  You also might want to do some letterboxing.  While you're discovering all that there is at this little beach, look for the pair of populars.  Go in and over, then left and look under.  Find the box and stamp up secretly.  Please rehide carefully.  And continue to enjoy your day at Portage Lake. If you stay late enough, you may get to see a wonderful view of the lake at sunset.  It's worth waiting for.  And you could always get dinner at the hotel.  They have good home-cooked food.  Our family just loves Portage and we know you will too!

 

problems or comments?  e-mail us at pineknoll@snet.net

Planted August 20th, 2001 by the Bonnie and Clyde Gang of Connecticut.

 

 

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