430 nm

I was a bit blue to find out that my "Men of ABT" calendar was not correctly tuned in to the turning of the seasons. RGBisMe and I celebrated the first day of Autumn a couple of days early, actually about a week early. We took down the maypole, harvested many seeds and spices and generally planned for our upcoming trip.

One day I had the pleasure of enjoying an autumnal indigo day on Nittany mountain. Indigo Vulture from Nescopeck, PA came into the area seeking local letterboxes. It was gratifying to hike my favorite trails all the while getting to better know one of Pennsylvania's most loved letterboxers. IV hiked and talked easily without needing to take extra time to sort out his clues nor breath heavily from the ascent. We shared ideas for future letterboxes, possible hikes and battle wounds from bushwhacking. Happy to show off the area, I sloppily navigated IV from the trail head to a couple of other parks in the area. I look forward to being able to letterbox with him again soon.

As an surprise equinox gift to RGBisMe and myself, Maga11 and Toolman Luke planted their first letterbox, Goose Day. They sent us the clues in an email, presented as a gift and then requested our help in publishing them on the internet in time for the local Goose Day celebration. I must say, we were thrilled! A sweet little box along a new trail that is to link 2 local Lewistown parks. We found the box with no trouble and spent some time with the planters before they were off to Toolman Luke's 50th high school reunion. I have since heard that it went well except for the nasty late summer cold that he came down with that evening.

The days are surprisingly warm again and as around any seasonal cusp we can be caught unaware. I wish my friends and family safety and joyful awareness as they navigate the transition between Summer and Fall, between daytime heat and chilled evenings, between blue and violet.