New hobby: Letterboxing

Okay, If you don't know this yet, I have quite a few hobbies that keep me busy. Genealogy, sewing, collecting, DIYing etc.
Enter Letterboxing.

It all started on the 4th of July at my husbands grandparents house. Waiting for us were his cousins and Aunt. They couldn't wait for us to get there to tell us (me) about their new hobby. Once they explained it, I said "lets go", and out the door we went. =)

It's basically a scavenger hunt, throughout the country and actually worldwide! People make a rubber stamp or they buy one and they also include a logbook. These items go into a hard, plastic "letterbox" (usually Rubbermaid type box). Then the "planter" the person planting the letterbox, writes up clues for you to follow and posts it online. There are two major websites for letterboxing. Atlas Quest and Letterboxing North America. Just do a search (usually by zip code) of what area you are looking for and you will finds TONS! and I mean TONS!! of letterboxes in your area!

All that you need for this fun adventure is an unlined logbook or notebook and a pretty cool stamp of your liking, this is your "signature stamp", an ink pad and also a "trail name" that you register on the website. Once you find where the letterbox is hiding, empty the contents of their box. Stamp your signature stamp into their logbook and sign your trail name and date, also the area where you are from too if you like. No personal information! Then take their stamp and do the same with your own log book. Make note of the date and the letterboxes name in there as well. Then close up their letterbox and hide it back in the spot you found it. As discreet as possible, we don't want any passersby to realize what you are up to. =)

 Basically you are collecting stamps that are secretly hidden. And I am HOOKED.

Usually the clues to where the letterbox is hidden takes you on a journey to beautiful places, quiet spots that you didn't even know where in your area. Some are historic and some are brain teasers that really make you think!

Butternut Creek Recreation and Nature Area

Old Orville Cemetery

It's a fun activity to do with the kids or family. My son and husband enjoy going with me. I've even got my sister hooked! It's a cheap date for sure, and we are spending our time together outside in the beautiful weather. Making memories, I think that is my favorite part.

My sister Lisa and I

Some of my favorite stamps so far:

These were hand carved!



My trail name is "Love Mom" which is one of my tattoos in my mothers handwriting that I have on my right forearm. My signature stamp is a picture of two vintage women with a background of a dress pattern instructions. =) Totally me!

Once you and your family start Letterboxing, I guarantee you will not want to stop. You will be jonesing for another find! Next up I plan to carve a stamp for my sister. We shall see how that goes!