My sister Jenny posted this clue for her first letterbox earlier today.
I will be setting up a home page and individual clue pages for her on
my server, so you do not need to create a Web page for this clue. As
soon as I've created the page, I'll post the URL (probably tonight).
Thanks!
Bonnie
in muggy muggy Massachusetts
P14 F27
--- In letterbox-usa@y..., "jnfibre"
> Hello
> I've been aware of letterboxing for some time, thanks to my
> sisters in Mass. Finally hid my first box on Sunday, also have
> visited the Bat Cave box in Columbia - very cool! Here's my info.
> THREE CREEKS LETTERBOX
> Planted by Jenny J
> September 8, 2002
> County: Boone
> A pace = approx. 22"
> Trail Notes:You will need to be moderately adventurous to enjoy this
> hunt. Three Creeks Conservation Area is a state forest, not very
> developed, no water, no latrines. The trails are merely worn paths.
> Maps are available from Mo. Dept. of Conservation, District Office,
> 1907 Hillcrest Drive, Columbia, MO 65201. As in most wild areas,
> poison ivy is common. Insect spray in the summer is highly
> recommended. Terrain is rocky in some areas, but not difficult. I
> like to use a walking stick when hiking here. Wear sensible shoes.
> The creek is frequently bone-dry or very shallow. After a rainy
> spell, there may be several inches of water. Best not to hike the
> area in periods of heavy rains or flash flooding.
> Good Luck!
> From Kansas City or St. Louis, take I-70 to Columbia. Go south
> on Hwy. 63 for 7.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto Deer Park Road.
> (Turning left will put you on AB.) Drive 2.5 miles on Deer Park Rd.
> to the Three Creeks C.A. parking lot.
> Enter the trail at the iron gate next to the Cedar Creek Club
> sign. Hike along the grassy path, first tree-lined, then opening
> into a meadow for approx. 1/4 mile.
> There is a fork in the path with a yellow sign prohibiting
> horseback riding. Take the left fork, heading south.
> After about 110 paces, if you look carefully, you will see that
> you are crossing an old fence line, only rough-hewn posts remain.
> Here is the forest.
> Go 70 paces to another fork in a small clearing. Choose the
> left fork, still heading south/east.
> 32 paces will bring you to a spreading oak tree on your left.
> The path is still grassy.
> Another 56 paces, another large oak tree on your left. You will
> shortly begin your descent to the creekbed.
> The path will become a bit rocky. You can see Turkey Creek
> below to your left. After a longer walk, about 270 paces, there will
> be a clearing with a rocky campfire site on your right.
> 95 paces bring you to another fork in the trail. Go left.
> 150 paces farther is a second campfire site in the midst of
> several downed trees on your right. Your descent continues and the
> path begins to wind to the north.
> The creek is at your right. At 70 paces you will find an old
> trail marker "8". Perhaps you'll hear or see a pileated woodpecker
> in this area.
> 70 more paces will take you to the edge of the woods with the
> creek on your right.
> Follow the path along the edge of the creek. Quite soon you
> will see a large rocky outcropping on your left and a huge, fallen-
> away boulder.
> Pass between the outcropping and the boulder. Stand with the
> boulder at your right shoulder and face the creek. Look towards"10
> o'clock" across the creek. This is where the trail resumes, at the
> bend in the creek.
> After crossing the creek, take 14 paces along the path. The
> creek is on your left now.
> Look right for a tree with a forked trunk, about 7 paces off the
> trail. There is a hollow at the base of the tree and an animal's
> hole in the smaller fork of the trunk. In the hollow at the base is
> a large, flat, white creek rock. Poke into the hollow with a stick
> first, then lift the rock. You've found the letterbox!
> You can finish the trail loop for about a 2.5 mile hike or
> return the way you came, about 1.5 miles.