Seaplane Letterbox (actually a letter-cylinder)
American Lake North Park & Marina
Lakewood (8 miles S of Tacoma)
Pierce County
Washington

Level of difficulty: Easy SHORT, SHORT, SHORT walk. Clues
moderate. The only thing that will get a workout during the hunt
for this letterbox will be your brain & perhaps your eyes! Handicap
accessible although the box itself might be difficult to retrieve
without assistance.

Setting: American Lake North Park & Marina is a gorgeous little
park on the shore of idyllic American Lake. It is co-located with
the only full service seaplane base between Seattle & Mexico.

Highlights: On a clear day, the park affords an incredible view of
Mt Rainier. Bring your binoculars to view an Eagle's aerie on a
spired tree near North Shore. Across the lake is the gorgeous
32,000 sq ft Thornewood Castle built in 1909-1911.

Facilities: A restroom is located at the parking lot. Bring a picnic
lunch and enjoy it after you find the letterbox. There is a nice
beach and a playground, too!

Restrictions: No elephants or martians. You can bring your boat or
your seaplane if you like.

Length of trek: About 1/32 of a mile (perhaps even shorter than
that).

Directions: Take I-5 to Exit #124 (Gravelly Lake Dr), head North
(although you'll be on the West side of I-5) and get into the
left hand lane. After 1.2 miles, turn left (West) on Veterans Dr
SW. Drive 1.1 miles, the road will curve to the right near the park
entrance creating a `Y'. Veer to the left on Vernon Ave SW
for 0.1 miles. Follow the sign to American Lake North Park
entrance. Turn Right into the driveway and park. Cost: Free.
Start your trek at the parking lot.

Seaplane Letterbox:

Away to the southwestern seat of the `dinner table' you
`slide', spot the nautical base for a seaplane ride. Across
the
water, an eagle's aerie and Thornewood Castle doth hide. Still
seated, find the 2 from 1 oak not far from the feast table's lake
side. Look through its window to find what you eye'd, for at its
base a little plane in a box under rocks does reside.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE hide me well when you're through. This
park is well manicured and a playground for many!!! Ensure that
your camouflage will survive through a strong storm or a curious 3
year old should either ever pass through.

Placed 17 Sep 2002 by DVN2R CKR