Gleeful from the news that people had in fact found and enjoyed the first
box we planted.... BeMa set out to plant a second box (which has been
sitting on the kitchen counter for a couple of weeks).

This box is in infamous commemoration of "The Mole" Robert Hanssen, who,
just blocks from where we used to live and walk our dog, betrayed his
country.

We wanted to place it on a date of historical significance, but then would
have to wait until February when he was arrested or May when he was
sentenced (too long). Instead, the day was sunny, the air was fresh and we
were happy -- so we planted it yesterday. After the fact, we discovered
that CBS is coming out with a mini-series starring William Hurt about the
whole sad, messy affair (the spying, not the boxing). Interesting timing
after all.

P.S. This is our first hand carved stamp and, even with three different
colors of ink, it is a little hard to tell what it is supposed to be....

THE MOLE
Foxstone Park
1910 Creek Crossing
Vienna, VA

Placed by BeMa on Nov. 3rd, 2002

Clues: easy
Hike: easy

Pets allowed on leashes.
No bathrooms, gets muddy after it rains.

Inmate #48551-083/D cannot go boxing. Nor can he do much else. Because, on
Sunday, February 18th, 2001 at this very unpretentious suburban park (our
best babysitter's house backs up to it) he was arrested for betraying his
country. He betrayed his family, his company (or should I say bureau) the
FBI, the Russians aiding the U.S. whose identities he divulged, for money.
Inmate #48551-083D, as of his sentencing on May 10, 2002, now resides in a
super maximum security prison in Colorado -- for life. This man was Robert
Hanssen.

In an effort to commemorate a little bit of history and perhaps erase some
of the stigma caused by his actions, we dedicate this letterbox. You need
no money to enjoy it and you can spend some time with your family. Let's
let the true purpose of this little park shine through!

The entrance to Foxstone Park is very small and easy to miss. It is nestled
in the woods on the side of Creek Crossing in Vienna. From Tysons Corner,
off the Beltway, take 123 into Vienna. Take a right onto East Street. Go
through the first stop sign (intersection with Church Street). At the next
stop sign, take a right onto Creek Crossing. Before the hill heads back up
again, on the right, is a cul de sac owned by the town of Vienna. You can't
dump there, but you should be able to park. If you pass Fairway Drive
you've gone too far (which isn't a good thing 'cause then you would be too
close our old house and would see what a mess they made out of the
landscaping....). The entrance to Foxstone Park is across Creek Crossing
opposite to this cul de sac.

Enter the park and take the path to the right. Follow this wide paved path
feeling free to crunch on all the leaves. Pass the very old swing set and
concrete tunnel on the left.

Continue down the path (if you go off of it you might get mired in the mud!)
and cross over the bridge. Pass by an above ground sewer manhole marked
with an "s" Cross over the stream by way of the stepping stones further
ahead on the left. Back on dry land, take the path to the right and
continue deeper into the park. Pass between the metal bars and cross over
the bridge to your right. We know this puts you right back on the first
path, but it's a fun little excursion. After all, who doesn't like crossing
bridges and stepping stones?!

We believe, after looking at all the bridges and comparing them with the
news clippings, that this last bridge may have been the drop site for the
spy and his Russian handlers.

After crossing the bridge, and contemplating this sad state of affairs, you
may need a dose of innocence. So, stand and gaze ahead at the playground,
looking for a goofy yellow smile... With your back to Mr.. yellow goofy
guy's smile, look North and you will spot two above ground septic manholes.
Go to them. Cross over the gulley/dry stream bed to the right as you are
facing the manholes. On the other bank, take a reading of 290 degrees and
look for the Three Bear Tree. Well, that's what we called 'em 'cause there
was a big "papa bear" tree, a medium "mama bear" one and a smaller "baby
bear" one that all seem to be growing out of the same trunk. "THE MOLE" has
dug under some branches and leaves at the base of these trunks. Be careful
of the thorn bushes around.

Once you've found the stamp and successfully figured out just what it was
supposed to be... enjoy yourselves on the playground -- it's a far cry from
a cement cell....

If there are any problems with this box, please contact BeMa at
BeMa57@hotmail.com. Thank you!

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