A Very Short Autumn

I was just hiking in short sleeves the other day. The colored leaves were at their peek. Today has been a different story. The progression of today's weather is recorded below.

Tour of PA

What a week! Maga11 and I started out not knowing how long we would be gone nor where exactly we were going. Our tour of south central to eastern PA was for two purposes: to photograph potential subjects for pen and ink drawings and letterboxing.


Our trip took us first through Cove and shooting the DeCoven Diner. It was closed and could be torn down at any time. Camp Hill turned up nothing even though we were looking for a mill there. Carlisle was a very good stop for letterboxing and photographic subjects. We took some time boxing in the Seven Gables tree park then went on to shoot Old West on Dickinson campus. The old theatre in the middle of town, courthouse and Carlisle Diner were next. Of course taking in a meal at the diner was a terrific break. We tried to get one more box before we left town but a Hallowe'en parade forming in the park where the box was totally chased us out of town.


We were able to photograph another diner, covered bridge and nice barn before we crashed outside of Gettysburg. Niiiice motel, too nice with features we never would be able to take full advantage of. It was a perfect jumping off place for going to the Arendtsville Round Barn as well as a barn on the Gettysburg battlefield. A letterbox close by was just too tempting not to grab.


After this the boxes, subjects and towns all started to blur together. Diners, barns, mills, a mill with a box, a bridge with a box, courthouses, bars, and mansions. Sometimes we couldn't find the photographic subject, sometimes we couldn't find the box, sometimes the park was closed, sometimes the diner was closed, and sometimes even the road was closed. What balanced it all out was the great time we had visiting, stopping when saw something great that wasn't part of our plan and being flexible. When are we going again mom?

Jim Thorpe

RGBisMe and I spent our first letterboxing anniversary with one of the best boxers around, Lightnin' Bug from Allentown, PA. He was nice enough to allow us to tag along while he checked out some potential spots for future boxes. It was great to see a master at work. We met at a local park and did some autmnal hiking. We just loved hearing Lightnin' Bug's mind work, he always has the most creative ideas. He is also one of the most positive people we have ever met; a real decent fellow and a friend to all creatures (including orb spiders)!



We got toward the end of one of the trails where there was an obstacle that I tried to tackle. HA! I really could have used Ravenboy's 180°+ turnout but I managed.


We ended up being obstacles oursleves as we got in the way of a woman who needed a clear trailway for her photograph. "Are we in your way?" "Yes." she clearly responded. We cheerfully moved out of the picture.


We enjoyed the sights at Glen Onoko State Park. The short hike to the falls was very pleasant and we stamped into a nearby letterbox. Before we said our goodbyes, we stopped at the nearby tunnel to look out over the Lehigh River. Many rafters were ending their days' journey there as were bikers from the area's rail trail. The sun was setting and the train whitsle made the whole moment feel nostalgic. Being out enjoying nature with good friends is what autumn is all about for me.

Team Little Dog

Jan and Barney at the final Secret Garden letterbox.

We lured Team Little Dog into visiting our area a couple of weeks ago. They stayed overnight at Poe Paddy State Park after a day of buzzing around central PA counties looking for letterboxes. Not every search ended in success (who WAS that man that sat in his car in the park 2 days in a row!?) but we hope they had fun.

They started their second day by almost being blown off the mountain at Air Sylph then cam into town for a few more urban boxes. I joined with them while they sought out some Magical Mystery Tour and Ticket to Ride boxes.


See Barney at the far end of the bridge? Sneaking away to check things out.

We went on to tackle mountains, got turned away from finding Angler's Heaven because of a scheduled target practice, and generally enjoyed the back roads of the area. I hope they will return soon so we can visit together again!