2007 Stats

Well, that is it for our first year of letterboxing. Final tally for the year 2007.

We have found 24 letterboxes, and attempted 3 letterboxes. I have yet to plant any, but I am not that artistic of a person. Everywhere I go know, I look for potential places to hide letterboxes. My favorite stamp this year has to be the "Tucked in Tight" stamp found in Virginia Beach. That was probably also my favorite location. It was fun to try and be very stealthy while looking for that stamp.

"Just Another Cheesy Halloween Series" by Schizokeet

Annandale, Virginia

Finds: 23
Attempts: 3

This was a cute little park over in Annandale. Not good for strollers, but both boys hiked the whole thing! We missed box #1 and box #2 - started looking for them too late. But we did find box #3, which stated there was also a bonus box. So we attempted it and thought we found it, but actually turned out to be box #1. Turns out the park is one circle so we were right back where we started from. Using our new box #1, we were then able to find box #2. Never did find the bonus box though.

"Way To Go" series by The Golden Seven

Fairfax, Virginia

Finds: 20
Attempts: 3


Again, I am so glad that I have taken up this hobby, because I am really getting to know Northern Virginia better. There are parks EVERYWHERE. And nice ones too. The trails in this park are stroller friendly. Too bad the boys aren't with me. But finally.....a letterboxing friendly park! There were benches to sit on and stamp. Definitely the most comfortable I've been. Too bad I had to run back to the car when I found the first box because I did not have any writing implements with me. I will definitely make sure that I have something with me at all times in the future.

"Count Dracubox" by Paper Trail

Fairfax, Virginia

Finds: 18
Attempts: 3

I guess that since there is such a large number of townhouse developments in the area, some people need to have an area in which to garden. We found this little park right off of Braddock Road. Not really a park per se, but lots of gardening plots. I briefly thought it might be kind of fun to look into for next summer. But then quickly thought against it. We barely take care of plants in our own yard. We're certainly not going to haul out butts somewhere else to water and weed plants.

Need to be careful where we bring the stroller on the letterbox hunts. This was definitely NOT stroller friendly. Fortunately, Benjamin is big enough to walk some now. And this was a short enough walk. And the end result was pleasing enough for him to have made it worth his while.

"Midsummer Solstice" by Paper Trail

Annandale, Virginia

Finds: 17
Attempts: 3


So far, this has to be one of my favorite searches. It is a beautiful day to go letterboxing. (We are finding great places to go walking.) The recommendation on this one was spot on - not a good place for a stroller. But it did give me lots of good exercise.

Started at the Audrey Moore rec center and then followed a bike path for a while before heading into the woods and then back around.

"Grant's Superhero Adventure" by Katie A.

Burke, Virginia

Finds: 16
Attempts: 3

What a great day we had! I LOVE Burke Lake Park. It has something for everyone to enjoy. There is a train, playgrounds, a frisbee golf course, a regular golf course, an ice cream store, fishing, boat rentals, and more. Check it out at the following link: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelake/

We started out in the parking lot near the boat house. After a stroll past the frisbee golf course, we stopped and had fun watching the ducks at a little portion that stuck out into the lake. It amazed me how close to the trail this first box was hidden, yet completely out of the way. As we continued, I was amazed to see the huge number of people who were out enjoying the day. Walkers, runners, bikers, strollers, dog walkers. Everyone was out! There is a wonderful trail, which I assume goes all the way around the lake. It's not too bad for a stroller either. A jogger would probably be a better choice though because there are areas that have more roots and rocks and such.

Very cool series of stamps. This was one that the boys enjoyed doing too. It was a decent walk, but not too too long.

"Haiku by Basho 1 & 2" by John

Springfield, VA

Finds: 13
Attempts: 2 & 3


ATTEMPT!!!

I cannot understand why we can't find this. They were found very recently. But there is absolutely NO sign of them anywhere. Niether one. Oh well.

I took this little adventure with just Benjamin. It is a beautiful late summer evening. We headed out with the stroller. Now I understand the sign at the top of the hill telling people to dismount their bicycles. It was difficult to control a stroller going down as well. Benjamin enjoyed meeting some doggies on this walk.