"Napoleon Dynamite: Box #3 - Whatever I Feel Like, Gosh!" by The Golden Seven

Fairfax, Virginia

Finds: 10


Box #3 in the series. This one was further down the street. Headed into a park, and it was hidden underneath a bridge. Neat idea. I'll keep that in mind for when I plant some someday.

"Tucked in Tight" by X Marks the Spot

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Finds: 8


We were lucky enough to find a letterbox along the boardwalk at Virginia Beach. We rented a four-wheeled family "bike" and rode the length of the boardwalk and back. This letterbox was ingeniously hidden - a plastic box that actually looked like a utility box. I wasn't even sure if I was looking at the right thing. Fortunately, "X" did mark the spot, and that clinched it for me. (We even found a bonus stamp outside the Howard Johnson.

It was a perfect day to go on a bike ride. Although it was warm, there was a blustery wind which cooled us off and made the ride bearable. However, it did make the water very rough and too cold, and not much fun for swimming.

"Huntley Meadows Park: Frog Box" by Squirrel

Alexandria, Virginia

Finds: 7


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Today I had a nice mother's day surprise. My 3 boys brought me to Huntley Meadow's Park for a nice nature walk. This is a huge nature preserve with woods, meadows, and marshy areas.

"Ma's Artistic Box" by Family Man

Vienna, Virginia

Finds: 6


What a great little park! Two playgounds, basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, and a PAVED trail. (VERY important information for a stroller-wielding letterboxing mom!) Unfortunately, the box was very wet. We'll have to let them know.

Benjamin had a lot of fun on the playground, crawling through tunnels, going across bouncy bridges, and down slides. He was so proud of himself! William had fun too -he made a new friend. Well, 2 actually if you count the stretchy lizard toy he found and brought home.

"Fallen Tree Trail"

Springfield, Virginia

Finds: 5


This was found in a little park, perfect for an easy hike, right in the middle of Springfield. I never would have known it was there. I swear, for such a populated area of the country, I never cease to be amazed by the number of green areas that there are.

This was William's first real hike - on a trail. He did so well (and even helped to water some plants - the natural way!):P This was no terrain for a stroller though. Benjamin had a nice relaxing ride in the backpack as we traversed streams and trails, and climbed over downed trees. I was almost worried that I wouldn't be able to find my way back. I was surprised at how far we travelled.

This letterboxing is a great hobby!!! It's inexpensive, and it provides great exercise! :)

A Light in the Darkness by EllBee

Luray, Virginia

Finds: 4


Our first letterbox away from home.

Luray Caverns is absolutely amazing! I could probably come back every year, and never get bored with seeing these amazing geological phenomena. We are on our way to a weekend at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, and took a detour on the way to see the carverns. Benjamin rode on my back in the backpack and William walked/was carried for the 1 hour tour. Again, it is absolutely amazing!!! It makes you wonder how many more caves like this there might be that have yet to be discovered!

The stalactite organ was incredible - to think that music can be made with stactites. It was amazing. And the crystal lake was sooooo clear. You couldn't even tell that it was water. It looked exactly like you were looking down at stalagmites growing up. I could have explored for another hour down there and still been in awe.

After the tour, we took a little break down by the bus parking lot and had some snacks and drinks. A great cover-up for my clandestine operation. The box was easily found and stamped in. I'm having a hard time trying to determine what exactly it is a picture of though. Maybe stactites and stalagmites. Regardless, we were very pleased with our find.

"The Centennial of Baseball" by Postmystress

Mystery, Virginia

Rutherford Park

Annandale, Virginia

Finds: 3


Our 2nd letterbox today. This one was called a mystery letterbox. It had actual clues we had to figure out and then follow. But we found it. It was at a park somewhere in Northern Virginia. (I am not going to give the answer away on here, but let's just say it is quite close to home. It is a nice park, with a GREAT playground for William. Following the trail into the woods, you come across a wonderful stream there that was perfect for throwing stones into. Kids from neighboring houses were running through the footpaths in the woods. I know we will definitely be coming back to this park. And there should be another letterbox across the street. But we'll save that one for another day.