Webmaster - Please do not post these directions yet. They are still
a draft but I'm posting them just in case for Thanksgiving holiday
boxers. I have a website for my clues and a webmaster for that.
Knights of Columbo I hope will post the clue there later and post
here the link for you.

Thanks, Scarab of the Doubtful Guests
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DRAFT of new Letterbox

Ant Castle Tree
Placed by The Doubtful Guests
Thanksgiving, 2002
Sarasota County
Sarasota, Florida
hand made stamp
dogs on leash ok
easy 10 minute walk

This end of Sarasota Bay was once a dumping ground. Now flora and
fauna have been restored with mangroves, small tidal streams, ponds
and a boardwalk nature walk called the Sarasota Bay Walk. It is
still kinda trashy but we saw a lot of interesting plants and
creatures. It is just before the Mote Marine Aquarium and the
Pelican Man Sanctuary. After you turn off the main road towards Mote
and Pelican turn immediately right into a small parking lot at the
sign for Sarasota Bay Walk.

Examine the map at the entrance to the bay walk. Your goal is on
the "Hill". Follow the boardwalk past the coca cola pond.
Apparently the color is due to the mangrove's tanic acid. Turn right
just before the bay watch over look. Take the next boardwalk left.
It will change from boardwalk to trail. Look for the prickle pillow
plants. Trail changes back to boardwalk. When the boardwalk ends
again, stop. You should be looking at a double tree that splits into
many large branches. Step behind this tree and take a bearing. At
215 degrees is the Ant Castle Tree. You may have to move further in
to see it. It is about 30 steps away though you have to go around
some trees to get to it.

When I was there I saw fine dirt piles at the base because walking
all up and down one of the large limbs was a steady stream of ants.
You've been warned. I brushed off a dozen ants after placing the
box.

Duck under to the left of the tree. About one third clockwise around
the base you will find the box stuck in under some leaves. Take it
away from the ants to stamp in. Please replace the box carefully in
the same place so it doesn't wash away in the rain and cover it with
leaves so it is not easily seen. There is something of a path
leading to the Ant Castle Tree. I don't know why. Perhaps someone
is studying it.

Continuing on the path returns you in a loop. Afterwards be sure to
visit the Pelican Man Sanctuary. There is a letterbox there that I
hope is restored by now.

If you find this letterbox missing or damaged please write
theDoubtfulGuests@yahoo.com