"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.

"Stratford Hall" by Silver Eagle

Springfield, Virginia

Finds: 13
Attempts: 1


ATTEMPT!!!

Darn. The first letterbox we have not found. I am very disappointed. I am absolutely sure we were in the right spot too. I even had Michael reading the directions, but to no avail.

The upside is, we had a lovely family walk at Lake Accotink today. Looked at the beach, took a walk on the path, went out of the park into a lovely neighborhood bordering the park. Back on the trail we headed back to the playground where the boys had a lot of fun.