> I would think you'd want to make it such that a complete stranger
> to the area can find the starting point. Other than that, I don't
> think it matters.
On the other hand, I think finding the starting point can be half the
fun. :-) I enjoy clues that require a little thought and research
before setting out. I like to think of it as a treasure hunt within
a treasure hunt -- first a hunt with maps, then a hunt in the field...
--
Randy "the mapsurfer"
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Letters on the Stamp
14 messages in this thread |
Started on 1999-01-17
[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: Randy Hall (randy@mapsurfer.com) |
Date: 1999-01-17 17:58:32 UTC-04:00
[L-USA] Letters on the Stamp
From: (tammy@unity.ncsu.edu) |
Date: 1999-03-17 15:25:29 UTC-05:00
Is it a custom, tradition, or (heaven forbid) a rule that the
name of the letterbox should be carved into the stamp? For
example, if you are placing a letterbox in, say, Eagle Bluff,
should the stamp say Eagle Bluff Letterbox #1 on it? Or could
you just carve an eagle or a mountain or something.
I tried to carve letters and it was not enjoyable and I really
don't want to pursue it anymore. I love to carve pictures.
When you are writing clues, where do you start the clues?
Assuming you are placing the box in a well known park in the
area, could you say "enter the park from the Elm St. entrance"
then continue your clues, or should you, say, start at a well
known landmark in the area (maybe a University) and give clues
to the park from there? I want this to be an easy letterbox -
mostly, easy for me to write the clues for.
Hoggie, I am working on a letterbox for Greensboro - in the
thinking stage now - I have the general area picked out but
not the specific place. Maybe I can get myself in gear to
get it out in a couple months.
Tammy Abernethy * Dept Plant Pathology * N C S U * tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
Lady Belle Starr III CD CGC -- Labrador Retriever
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name of the letterbox should be carved into the stamp? For
example, if you are placing a letterbox in, say, Eagle Bluff,
should the stamp say Eagle Bluff Letterbox #1 on it? Or could
you just carve an eagle or a mountain or something.
I tried to carve letters and it was not enjoyable and I really
don't want to pursue it anymore. I love to carve pictures.
When you are writing clues, where do you start the clues?
Assuming you are placing the box in a well known park in the
area, could you say "enter the park from the Elm St. entrance"
then continue your clues, or should you, say, start at a well
known landmark in the area (maybe a University) and give clues
to the park from there? I want this to be an easy letterbox -
mostly, easy for me to write the clues for.
Hoggie, I am working on a letterbox for Greensboro - in the
thinking stage now - I have the general area picked out but
not the specific place. Maybe I can get myself in gear to
get it out in a couple months.
Tammy Abernethy * Dept Plant Pathology * N C S U * tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
Lady Belle Starr III CD CGC -- Labrador Retriever
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: Thom Cheney (tcgrafx@imagina.com) |
Date: 1999-03-17 13:51:57 UTC-08:00
tammy@unity.ncsu.edu wrote:
>
> Is it a custom, tradition, or (heaven forbid) a rule that the
> name of the letterbox should be carved into the stamp?
no rules Tammy.... do your best! I also have trouble with the letters &
have yet to be pleased at my attempts. I usually sit here swearing
quietly as I muck through another one.
>
> When you are writing clues, where do you start the clues?
Clues are very individualized with this group. Again, we all have our
own style. The Bethany Lake series that Mitch & have been doing started
with some pretty easy street directions to get people in the
neighborhood. It has since morphed into a series of rhymed clues. My
first box, Brown's Camp, is so far out in the boonies that it starts
with GPS coordinates & very little in the way of tough clues... I figure
if someone makes the attempt to find it, they should be rewarded. Let
your concience be your guide. We will applaud your efforts whatever
they may be!!
--
Thom Cheney
tcgrafx... among other things
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>
> Is it a custom, tradition, or (heaven forbid) a rule that the
> name of the letterbox should be carved into the stamp?
no rules Tammy.... do your best! I also have trouble with the letters &
have yet to be pleased at my attempts. I usually sit here swearing
quietly as I muck through another one.
>
> When you are writing clues, where do you start the clues?
Clues are very individualized with this group. Again, we all have our
own style. The Bethany Lake series that Mitch & have been doing started
with some pretty easy street directions to get people in the
neighborhood. It has since morphed into a series of rhymed clues. My
first box, Brown's Camp, is so far out in the boonies that it starts
with GPS coordinates & very little in the way of tough clues... I figure
if someone makes the attempt to find it, they should be rewarded. Let
your concience be your guide. We will applaud your efforts whatever
they may be!!
--
Thom Cheney
tcgrafx... among other things
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: (jdewolf@mail.icrsurvey.com) |
Date: 1999-03-17 22:34:06 UTC
<199903172025.paa1412-@cc00du.unity.ncsu.edu> wrote:
Original Article: http://www.egroups.com/list/letterbox-usa/?start=1137
> Is it a custom, tradition, or (heaven forbid) a rule that the
> name of the letterbox should be carved into the stamp? For
> example, if you are placing a letterbox in, say, Eagle Bluff,
> should the stamp say Eagle Bluff Letterbox #1 on it? Or could
> you just carve an eagle or a mountain or something.
>
> I tried to carve letters and it was not enjoyable and I really
> don't want to pursue it anymore. I love to carve pictures.
I've seen stamps w/ just a date, a year, or you don't need to have any letters if you don't want to. It's your creation!!
>
> When you are writing clues, where do you start the clues?
> Assuming you are placing the box in a well known park in the
> area, could you say "enter the park from the Elm St. entrance"
> then continue your clues, or should you, say, start at a well
> known landmark in the area (maybe a University) and give clues
> to the park from there? I want this to be an easy letterbox -
> mostly, easy for me to write the clues for.
>
> Hoggie, I am working on a letterbox for Greensboro - in the
> thinking stage now - I have the general area picked out but
> not the specific place. Maybe I can get myself in gear to
> get it out in a couple months.
>
I would think you'd want to make it such that a complete stranger to the area can find the starting point. Other than that, I don't think it matters.
Welcome. Looking forward to your stamps. They must be pretty extraordinary.
JDW
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Original Article: http://www.egroups.com/list/letterbox-usa/?start=1137
> Is it a custom, tradition, or (heaven forbid) a rule that the
> name of the letterbox should be carved into the stamp? For
> example, if you are placing a letterbox in, say, Eagle Bluff,
> should the stamp say Eagle Bluff Letterbox #1 on it? Or could
> you just carve an eagle or a mountain or something.
>
> I tried to carve letters and it was not enjoyable and I really
> don't want to pursue it anymore. I love to carve pictures.
I've seen stamps w/ just a date, a year, or you don't need to have any letters if you don't want to. It's your creation!!
>
> When you are writing clues, where do you start the clues?
> Assuming you are placing the box in a well known park in the
> area, could you say "enter the park from the Elm St. entrance"
> then continue your clues, or should you, say, start at a well
> known landmark in the area (maybe a University) and give clues
> to the park from there? I want this to be an easy letterbox -
> mostly, easy for me to write the clues for.
>
> Hoggie, I am working on a letterbox for Greensboro - in the
> thinking stage now - I have the general area picked out but
> not the specific place. Maybe I can get myself in gear to
> get it out in a couple months.
>
I would think you'd want to make it such that a complete stranger to the area can find the starting point. Other than that, I don't think it matters.
Welcome. Looking forward to your stamps. They must be pretty extraordinary.
JDW
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: (tammy@unity.ncsu.edu) |
Date: 1999-03-17 21:48:37 UTC-05:00
So, if I want to hide the box in Lost Lake Park for example (I'm
making up names here) should I say "Enter Lost Lake Park in the
city of XYZ, NC at the main gate on Easy Street" or should I
maybe say "From the Bell Tower at XYZ University, go 3 miles east,
1 mile south, 20 paces north and enter this public area."
Or am I trying too hard to make rules? :-)
Maps....do I need to make a map? Or are written clues alone OK?
Another question: After I get the letterbox all done, would it be
a good idea to put the whole deal in a ziplock bag to help keep
moisture out? (I know it would be a rubbermaid box I'd be using
and they are supposed to be pretty airtight but...)
Tammy Abernethy * Dept Plant Pathology * N C S U * tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
Lady Belle Starr III CD CGC -- Labrador Retriever
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making up names here) should I say "Enter Lost Lake Park in the
city of XYZ, NC at the main gate on Easy Street" or should I
maybe say "From the Bell Tower at XYZ University, go 3 miles east,
1 mile south, 20 paces north and enter this public area."
Or am I trying too hard to make rules? :-)
Maps....do I need to make a map? Or are written clues alone OK?
Another question: After I get the letterbox all done, would it be
a good idea to put the whole deal in a ziplock bag to help keep
moisture out? (I know it would be a rubbermaid box I'd be using
and they are supposed to be pretty airtight but...)
Tammy Abernethy * Dept Plant Pathology * N C S U * tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
Lady Belle Starr III CD CGC -- Labrador Retriever
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: Randy Hall (randy@mapsurfer.com) |
Date: 1999-03-17 23:37:06 UTC-04:00
> On the other hand, I think finding the starting point can be half the
> fun. :-) I enjoy clues that require a little thought and research
> before setting out. I like to think of it as a treasure hunt within
> a treasure hunt -- first a hunt with maps, then a hunt in the field...
> Is this a clue to your VA clue?
No, its just a general view of mine in answer to the question about
whether to give directions to the start. To answer Tammy's question,
there are no rules, do what seems the most fun, or what appeals to you
artistically, etc. I think most people tend to give directions to
the start (in USA Letterboxing), so it is not a rule, but a custom.
I guess I was just saying that I generally do not do that, to make
the point that there are no rules :-)
> Are you going to French Creek this Sunday?
Yep.
Randy.
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> fun. :-) I enjoy clues that require a little thought and research
> before setting out. I like to think of it as a treasure hunt within
> a treasure hunt -- first a hunt with maps, then a hunt in the field...
> Is this a clue to your VA clue?
No, its just a general view of mine in answer to the question about
whether to give directions to the start. To answer Tammy's question,
there are no rules, do what seems the most fun, or what appeals to you
artistically, etc. I think most people tend to give directions to
the start (in USA Letterboxing), so it is not a rule, but a custom.
I guess I was just saying that I generally do not do that, to make
the point that there are no rules :-)
> Are you going to French Creek this Sunday?
Yep.
Randy.
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: (jdewolf@mail.icrsurvey.com) |
Date: 1999-03-18 04:25:16 UTC
Randy wrote:
> On the other hand, I think finding the starting point can be half the
> fun. :-) I enjoy clues that require a little thought and research
> before setting out. I like to think of it as a treasure hunt within
> a treasure hunt -- first a hunt with maps, then a hunt in the field...
>
> --
> Randy "the mapsurfer"
>
Randy:
Is this a clue to your VA clue? I tried a little bit to figure out where it might be, but i'm not there yet.
I'll get MD this weekend though.
Are you going to French Creek this Sunday? If so, maybe we can meet?
Good pt about the clues though. It was fun trying to figure out where your MD cluies start.
JDW
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> On the other hand, I think finding the starting point can be half the
> fun. :-) I enjoy clues that require a little thought and research
> before setting out. I like to think of it as a treasure hunt within
> a treasure hunt -- first a hunt with maps, then a hunt in the field...
>
> --
> Randy "the mapsurfer"
>
Randy:
Is this a clue to your VA clue? I tried a little bit to figure out where it might be, but i'm not there yet.
I'll get MD this weekend though.
Are you going to French Creek this Sunday? If so, maybe we can meet?
Good pt about the clues though. It was fun trying to figure out where your MD cluies start.
JDW
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: (Letterboxr@aol.com) |
Date: 1999-03-18 01:25:38 UTC-05:00
In a message dated 3/17/99 6:42:39 PM Pacific Standard Time,
tammy@unity.ncsu.edu writes:
> Is it a custom, tradition, or (heaven forbid) a rule that the
> name of the letterbox should be carved into the stamp? For
> example, if you are placing a letterbox in, say, Eagle Bluff,
> should the stamp say Eagle Bluff Letterbox #1 on it? Or could
> you just carve an eagle or a mountain or something.
As my neighbor Thom suggests, our only rule is that there are no rules. Just
a personal suggestion, I think its kewl to at least put the year you placed it
on the stamp. Just a picture is fine, though.
Der Mad Stamper
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tammy@unity.ncsu.edu writes:
> Is it a custom, tradition, or (heaven forbid) a rule that the
> name of the letterbox should be carved into the stamp? For
> example, if you are placing a letterbox in, say, Eagle Bluff,
> should the stamp say Eagle Bluff Letterbox #1 on it? Or could
> you just carve an eagle or a mountain or something.
As my neighbor Thom suggests, our only rule is that there are no rules. Just
a personal suggestion, I think its kewl to at least put the year you placed it
on the stamp. Just a picture is fine, though.
Der Mad Stamper
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: Charles Marchant-White (charles@bcasol.co.uk) |
Date: 1999-03-18 08:37:00 UTC
Across the pond there are number of different clue styles. There are word of
mouth clues, there clues based on say an 8 figure grid reference, those
based on bearings of at least three prominent and visible features, cryptic
clues, anagrammatical clues and so on.
Here are just a couple of examples of some clues in my area.
2nd Pub Series- Classics No.1 (??????) No. 1881
Find a small iron gate on northern boundary of Bramble Hill Hotel.Go c N to
a large initialled beech sheltering a dead yew.Then 28p on 020 deg to a 7ft
holly and another 28p on 062 deg to a 6ft stump,head due N for 22p to
beech.Ground floor bar open all hours.
2nd Pub Series - Classics No.2 (??????) No. 1969
The Jolly Giant thought time certainly does drag on,the pub must be open by
now.From the 2nd Car Park sign west of his old home he headed north-wards to
a fallen beech,then proceeded anti-clockwise around the edge of the
wood.With his huge strides the Giant didn't take long to reach a holly
island with a stunted oak.From here,HIS 13p on 320 deg took him to a silver
birch,a further 12 long strides on 280 deg to a yew.Finally he heading on
195 deg he found his sleeping namesake which he entered to quench his
thirst.
Bear-Robics (??????) No. 3159
MEET UPPER FAIR GOLF COURSE. Go to road.Turn left for 65p.Take path on 304
deg,45p to twin silver birches on left.Continue on 340 deg,32p to oak
surrounded by holly.Go 22p on 024 deg to hollow stump,then 46p on 016 deg to
rotten remains. Finally 22p on 020 de
I have been interested to follow the discussions regarding logos for LUSA.
How are you going to choose, they are all great.
To many people the world over, not least America, what epitomises the US in
the eyes of many people is stars and stripes. Would there be any mileage in
bringing these features into any logo?
Regards
Charles
-----Original Message-----
From: tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
To: letterbox-usa@egroups.com
Date: 18 March 1999 02:50
Subject: [L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
>So, if I want to hide the box in Lost Lake Park for example (I'm
>making up names here) should I say "Enter Lost Lake Park in the
>city of XYZ, NC at the main gate on Easy Street" or should I
>maybe say "From the Bell Tower at XYZ University, go 3 miles east,
>1 mile south, 20 paces north and enter this public area."
>
>Or am I trying too hard to make rules? :-)
>
>Maps....do I need to make a map? Or are written clues alone OK?
>
>Another question: After I get the letterbox all done, would it be
>a good idea to put the whole deal in a ziplock bag to help keep
>moisture out? (I know it would be a rubbermaid box I'd be using
>and they are supposed to be pretty airtight but...)
>
>Tammy Abernethy * Dept Plant Pathology * N C S U * tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
> Lady Belle Starr III CD CGC -- Labrador Retriever
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>eGroups Spotlight:
>"Aok-china" - Adopting older kids from China.
>http://offers.egroups.com/click/243/4
>
>eGroup home: http://www.eGroups.com/list/letterbox-usa
>Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com
>
>
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mouth clues, there clues based on say an 8 figure grid reference, those
based on bearings of at least three prominent and visible features, cryptic
clues, anagrammatical clues and so on.
Here are just a couple of examples of some clues in my area.
2nd Pub Series- Classics No.1 (??????) No. 1881
Find a small iron gate on northern boundary of Bramble Hill Hotel.Go c N to
a large initialled beech sheltering a dead yew.Then 28p on 020 deg to a 7ft
holly and another 28p on 062 deg to a 6ft stump,head due N for 22p to
beech.Ground floor bar open all hours.
2nd Pub Series - Classics No.2 (??????) No. 1969
The Jolly Giant thought time certainly does drag on,the pub must be open by
now.From the 2nd Car Park sign west of his old home he headed north-wards to
a fallen beech,then proceeded anti-clockwise around the edge of the
wood.With his huge strides the Giant didn't take long to reach a holly
island with a stunted oak.From here,HIS 13p on 320 deg took him to a silver
birch,a further 12 long strides on 280 deg to a yew.Finally he heading on
195 deg he found his sleeping namesake which he entered to quench his
thirst.
Bear-Robics (??????) No. 3159
MEET UPPER FAIR GOLF COURSE. Go to road.Turn left for 65p.Take path on 304
deg,45p to twin silver birches on left.Continue on 340 deg,32p to oak
surrounded by holly.Go 22p on 024 deg to hollow stump,then 46p on 016 deg to
rotten remains. Finally 22p on 020 de
I have been interested to follow the discussions regarding logos for LUSA.
How are you going to choose, they are all great.
To many people the world over, not least America, what epitomises the US in
the eyes of many people is stars and stripes. Would there be any mileage in
bringing these features into any logo?
Regards
Charles
-----Original Message-----
From: tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
To: letterbox-usa@egroups.com
Date: 18 March 1999 02:50
Subject: [L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
>So, if I want to hide the box in Lost Lake Park for example (I'm
>making up names here) should I say "Enter Lost Lake Park in the
>city of XYZ, NC at the main gate on Easy Street" or should I
>maybe say "From the Bell Tower at XYZ University, go 3 miles east,
>1 mile south, 20 paces north and enter this public area."
>
>Or am I trying too hard to make rules? :-)
>
>Maps....do I need to make a map? Or are written clues alone OK?
>
>Another question: After I get the letterbox all done, would it be
>a good idea to put the whole deal in a ziplock bag to help keep
>moisture out? (I know it would be a rubbermaid box I'd be using
>and they are supposed to be pretty airtight but...)
>
>Tammy Abernethy * Dept Plant Pathology * N C S U * tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
> Lady Belle Starr III CD CGC -- Labrador Retriever
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>eGroups Spotlight:
>"Aok-china" - Adopting older kids from China.
>http://offers.egroups.com/click/243/4
>
>eGroup home: http://www.eGroups.com/list/letterbox-usa
>Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com
>
>
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: (tammy@unity.ncsu.edu) |
Date: 1999-03-18 08:14:29 UTC-05:00
Thanks for the suggestions and for those clue examples!
Tammy Abernethy * Dept Plant Pathology * N C S U * tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
Lady Belle Starr III CD CGC -- Labrador Retriever
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Tammy Abernethy * Dept Plant Pathology * N C S U * tammy@unity.ncsu.edu
Lady Belle Starr III CD CGC -- Labrador Retriever
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: (Stamperhog@aol.com) |
Date: 1999-03-18 13:42:24 UTC-05:00
In a message dated 3/18/99 11:53:40 AM, you wrote:
<<
Good pt about the clues though. It was fun trying to figure out where your MD
cluies start.
>>
Yeah, I am puzzling over that, too. I was thinking of trying that one when I
go to visit my son in Annapolis next. But how the H*** do I know where "the
appropriate point" is???? Will that be more apparent to me when I arrive on
the scene????
HELP!!!!
Hoggie
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: (Letterboxr@aol.com) |
Date: 1999-03-18 16:06:43 UTC-05:00
tammy@unity.ncsu.edu writes:
> So, if I want to hide the box in Lost Lake Park for example (I'm
> making up names here) should I say "Enter Lost Lake Park in the
> city of XYZ, NC at the main gate on Easy Street" or should I
> maybe say "From the Bell Tower at XYZ University, go 3 miles east,
> 1 mile south, 20 paces north and enter this public area."
This is a matter of personal choice. Such decisions may affect the number of
visitors your box has, or even the age group it appeals to, but we are all
doing things a little differently. As for myself, I'm going to try to take a
variety of approaches, with some boxes being very explicit in defining the
precise starting point, and others being more cryptic, or requiring some map
study prior to beginning the hunt.
> Maps....do I need to make a map? Or are written clues alone OK?
This is also entirely up to you. Many of the clues on the site include maps,
but this is not neccessary. As long as you feel you have defined the location
of the box to your liking, a map may not be required. Several of my letterbox
clues do not include maps.
> Another question: After I get the letterbox all done, would it be
> a good idea to put the whole deal in a ziplock bag to help keep
> moisture out? (I know it would be a rubbermaid box I'd be using
> and they are supposed to be pretty airtight but...)
I highly recommend this. All of my letterboxes have the logbook enclosed in a
ziplock bag, which is then placed in the rubbermaid box. This helps protect
from not only leaky boxes, but from perfectly ordinary condensation caused by
temperature variations.
Der Mad Stamper
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> So, if I want to hide the box in Lost Lake Park for example (I'm
> making up names here) should I say "Enter Lost Lake Park in the
> city of XYZ, NC at the main gate on Easy Street" or should I
> maybe say "From the Bell Tower at XYZ University, go 3 miles east,
> 1 mile south, 20 paces north and enter this public area."
This is a matter of personal choice. Such decisions may affect the number of
visitors your box has, or even the age group it appeals to, but we are all
doing things a little differently. As for myself, I'm going to try to take a
variety of approaches, with some boxes being very explicit in defining the
precise starting point, and others being more cryptic, or requiring some map
study prior to beginning the hunt.
> Maps....do I need to make a map? Or are written clues alone OK?
This is also entirely up to you. Many of the clues on the site include maps,
but this is not neccessary. As long as you feel you have defined the location
of the box to your liking, a map may not be required. Several of my letterbox
clues do not include maps.
> Another question: After I get the letterbox all done, would it be
> a good idea to put the whole deal in a ziplock bag to help keep
> moisture out? (I know it would be a rubbermaid box I'd be using
> and they are supposed to be pretty airtight but...)
I highly recommend this. All of my letterboxes have the logbook enclosed in a
ziplock bag, which is then placed in the rubbermaid box. This helps protect
from not only leaky boxes, but from perfectly ordinary condensation caused by
temperature variations.
Der Mad Stamper
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: erik/susan davis (davisarc@wcvt.com) |
Date: 1999-03-18 18:41:14 UTC-08:00
A couple of comments here:
Check out the "Getting Started" part of the web page - I've pretty much
settled on the Rubbermade container - white cover variety. Dan sent me
one of his round tube-types, which also looks good, altho a bit small to
my thinking. I'll give it a try, tho.
Check them out the Rubbermade's individually before purchase - put the
cover on and squeeze - if any air is getting out, moisture will get in -
even just humidity and air pressure changes. Second, put everything in
zip-lock bags inside - especially any paper products.
As for the orphan question, stick in a small pile of pre-addressed
postcards (to you) with the letterbox stamp already on. With luck,
visitors will stamp(their stamp)and mail them back - it becomes a way to
guage the traffic, and is also neat mail-art stuff.
As for how to start writing a clue, etc: Here is how I've done it.(6
times now).
1) Decide on the letterbox name, related to some place, feature,
whatever you choose.
2) Make the stamp, get the box and contents ready, then,
3)Go for a walk in the vicinity and hunt about for a good place to hide
it. It doesn't have to be exactly at the location of the "subject" -
every place is different - hunt about a bit until you find a place to
your liking. Avoid a place where a casual find (i.e., accidental, not
letterboxer) is likely. Under or between rocks is pretty good if
available. I look for permanent (rocks as opposed to fallen trees, etc)
as it may be a while before I get back to them.
4) Once the box is hidden, work backwards to some logical starting point
- landmark, feature, whatever, something easily described to get the
start right. Paces, compass bearings, follow trails, 30 paces towards
Kalamazoo (assuming you are not actually in Michigan), use literary
references (see Tom Cooch's WONDERFUL clues in Randolph/Braintree, VT),
whatever seems to work for the place, and for your own individual sense
of homor. Have fun with the clue. There are scads of ways to
communicate the sequence to the prize - Mitch's rebus (rebi = plural?)
soulnd like a great approach!
Erik
The Viking of VT.
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Check out the "Getting Started" part of the web page - I've pretty much
settled on the Rubbermade container - white cover variety. Dan sent me
one of his round tube-types, which also looks good, altho a bit small to
my thinking. I'll give it a try, tho.
Check them out the Rubbermade's individually before purchase - put the
cover on and squeeze - if any air is getting out, moisture will get in -
even just humidity and air pressure changes. Second, put everything in
zip-lock bags inside - especially any paper products.
As for the orphan question, stick in a small pile of pre-addressed
postcards (to you) with the letterbox stamp already on. With luck,
visitors will stamp(their stamp)and mail them back - it becomes a way to
guage the traffic, and is also neat mail-art stuff.
As for how to start writing a clue, etc: Here is how I've done it.(6
times now).
1) Decide on the letterbox name, related to some place, feature,
whatever you choose.
2) Make the stamp, get the box and contents ready, then,
3)Go for a walk in the vicinity and hunt about for a good place to hide
it. It doesn't have to be exactly at the location of the "subject" -
every place is different - hunt about a bit until you find a place to
your liking. Avoid a place where a casual find (i.e., accidental, not
letterboxer) is likely. Under or between rocks is pretty good if
available. I look for permanent (rocks as opposed to fallen trees, etc)
as it may be a while before I get back to them.
4) Once the box is hidden, work backwards to some logical starting point
- landmark, feature, whatever, something easily described to get the
start right. Paces, compass bearings, follow trails, 30 paces towards
Kalamazoo (assuming you are not actually in Michigan), use literary
references (see Tom Cooch's WONDERFUL clues in Randolph/Braintree, VT),
whatever seems to work for the place, and for your own individual sense
of homor. Have fun with the clue. There are scads of ways to
communicate the sequence to the prize - Mitch's rebus (rebi = plural?)
soulnd like a great approach!
Erik
The Viking of VT.
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[L-USA] Re: Letters on the Stamp
From: (HoofBeads@aol.com) |
Date: 1999-03-19 05:24:14 UTC-05:00
In a message dated 3/18/99 4:09:30 PM, Letterboxr@aol.com writes:
>> Another question: After I get the letterbox all done, would it be
>> a good idea to put the whole deal in a ziplock bag to help keep
>> moisture out? (I know it would be a rubbermaid box I'd be using
>> and they are supposed to be pretty airtight but...)
Well, here's my comment on the ziplock thing.
As a beader, many of my beads were/are stored
in various containers, separated by ziplock bags.
I've found they decompose quite quickly, and it seems
to not matter much if they're in light or dark. Don't
count on a ziplock bag to keep the contents of
your box safe and dry... at least not for long. If
you use them I suggest getting the thickest "ply"
(freezer bags?) and changing them out very
regularly.
Also, I've noticed that the rubbermaid containers
that I have don't seal airtight. They look like they
could use a rubber gasket or something slipped up
into the lid. Has anyone tried that? I think if I
could design the ideal container, it would be a
rubbermaid type box with a hinged lid that sealed
airtight - with a gasket, and had a snap-latch to
hold it fast. I have dozens of this type of container
that I also store beads in, however they have
tiny compartments (they're originally designed
for fishing fly storage) and don't seal airtight. If I
could find them without compartments, I could
probably attach my own gaskets in the lid. I'd love
to see how that works. Has anyone ever tried
an adhesive on rubbermaid? What works? Is it
vinyl?
I actually like the idea of screw-top containers,
but the round shape seems like an inefficient use
of space to me. The rubbermaid sandwich box holds
everything very compactly, but the drawback is it's
not airtight.
Just rambling.
Michelle Spalding
http://www.gigagraphica.com/michelle
mailto:hoofbeads@aol.com
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