First off, we have trouble being subtle, because there are 7 of us,
and often the hound dog, too. Of course there's always a kid or two
milling around, throwing rocks in streams, etc. instead of focusing
on the task at hand, and the dog wants to greet folks and put the
attention on herself, so maybe this acts as cover, or at least
distraction, in itself.
As to meeting others on the trail, we never have. But one day at
Ringing Rocks in PA, we had found the box, and moved on to the
streambed where Wayne was looking for a geocache. Over by the falls
there was a couple with hiking boots, camera, backpacks, walking
sticks, and those outdoorsy-looking hats. They were right up against
the face of the rock, staring at something, burrowing in packs,
staring again, burrowing again. Very suspicious behavior. Of course
they looked just like letterboxers to me, but Wayne insisted that,
due to the hats!, they must be field biologists, as he works with
this sort of person all the time and knows them when he sees them. As
they continues on their way past us, they smiled broadly, greeted us,
and stopped to pet the dog (of course). Then, as I tried to sink into
the rocks in embarrasment, Wayne up and asks, "Pardon my asking, but
are you field biologists?" "No," says they, "We just wear funny
hats." Turns out they'd found a huge caterpillar on the rocks, wanted
to photograph it with their brand-spanking-new digital camera, and
were burrowing in the bag to find the manual.
So be careful. Those folks on the trail might just be wearing funny
hats. Then again, they might really be field biologists.
Aud
--- In letterbox-usa@y..., "defygravity2001"
wrote:
> I think the last 5 or 6 exchanges were with people we noticed
walking
> through the woods with CLUE SHEETS in their hands! The other
> give-a-way is the suspicious behavior and secretive expressions on
> their faces....
>
> :)
> Aili
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@y..., "p.koss" wrote:
> > That's funny. We were hiking in Pleasant Valley/Riverton and some
> people
> > were sitting on a rock with plastic bags rustling around. Of
course
> I
> > thought immediately that they had found the box we were looking
for.
> I
> > asked if they were letterboxing. They said, "What's that?" I beat
a
> > hasty retreat after they told me it was their bring in/bring out
> lunch.
> > LOL
> >
> > Pat Koss
> > Rubber Soul
> >
> > Be nice - Nice is good.
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: SpringChick [mailto:springchick1219@a...]
> > Sent: Monday, October 14, 2002 2:37 PM
> > To: letterbox-usa@y...
> > Subject: Re: [LbNA] LBNA TODAY in CT
> >
> >
> > I'm with you -- I think everyone I meet is a letterboxer,
especially
> > if they have a backpack or a compass -- duh, they are hiking in
the
> > woods. Do you think it's paranoia?
> >
> > One of my very first boxes was placed in a location that was
visible
> > from a beachy area where we frequently shore our boat in the
summer
> > to swim and just sit and watch the other boats, etc. After I
placed
> > the box there, I was positive that every person who came walking
> > along the path was in pursuit of my box!
> >
> > Still the eternal optimist...
> >
> > Deb (SpringChick)
> > P36 F39 X0
> >