The Barghest was a very good fellow all night long but our day started out way earlier than any of us would have liked. After a yummy breakfast of mix n match cereals, we headed off to the Pow Wow that required a couple hours of driving. We were tempted to stop and buy some golf clubs but stayed focused so that we would not be late.
When we arrived at Macintosh Park, we realized that none of us knew just where the letterboxing event was gathering in the park. I had also neglected to copy StarSAEL's cell phone number down before my Atlas Quest mail was not accessible. We decided to wander around the park and pow wow area and eventually hope to bump into some other letterboxers. Our stroll took us along the bank of the Chattahoochee River. Now jbzfarm pay attention here, this is NOT the Susquehanna yet there is a letterbox hidden on a little island out there. The Chattahoochee is not quite as wide as the Susq but even when the water is low due to drought it is rushing! That is one powerful river. Folks have swam out to the letterbox even in November! We were going to bring our rubber raft but thought that the pow wow would have brought so many folks to the park that our escapades would draw undo attention to the letterbox. As if they would have gone out to check it out, ha! As it turns out, Ma Pickle later swam out to the box the same day and logged in. Crazy!
As we expected, we ran into some kind letterboxers who were coming down to also enjoy the area around the amazing and beautiful Chattahoochee. They directed us to where a few folks were parking their cars and getting ready to exchange with each other. The Barghest lead the way, unless it was in the sun then he decided to lie down. When we got there we were glad to meet our host, Star SAEL's (our event host), Nature Crew and the intrepid Ma Pickle. We stamped onto the event log, got the impression of the event stamp and settled down for a brief meditative moment before the cheerful exchanges began.
We met so many new folks, a few like MookyDipper we have heard about for years but knew nothing about. RGBisMe had an advantage over me as he had done research on everyone's personal travelers. I had gotten tired of doing so much research for the answers then not having the guts to approach anyone to get the stamps. What I found I missed was not knowing anything about the people I was exchanging with. I found there were all sorts of personalities, many reminded me of letterboxers from Pennsylvania. RGBisMe agreed that if we can eve get PA Paddler, Lightnin Bug and Eidolon together and harness their enthusiasm that there would never be an energy crisis again.
If you are ever feeling peckish at a pow wow you know that it is time to seek out some FRY BREAD (recipe below)! I got in the line for some fry bread and "res juice" while RGBisMe went to a different vendor for some fried potatoes. My line went more quickly so I stood and waited with Mososo Kruppe and watched the Barghest get puppy socialized with many kids and adults. It was so neat to see him be approached by a fellow in native Creek garb with his face painted and the Barghest didn't even flinch. He was much more interested in a pair of furry leggings with bells that a man who walked by was wearing. From tear dresses to loin clothes to ribbon shirts, our good people were in full regalia. The Barghest had a chance to meet a few other dogs as we stood there too. I looked over to see RGBisMe paying for his food and saw a couple of well groomed dogs waiting in line behind him. I pointed them out to Mososo Kruppe but they were confused and said they could only see RGBisMe. We then realized that "Look, there are some boxers," had a couple of meanings on this day.
We walked back toward where the letterboxing event was centered but decided to get a few boxes along the way. Mososo Kruppe were kind enough to orient us to find a few boxes they had already found. They were on the same paths as some of the newer boxes put out just that day. All of the clues were really straightforward and many of the boxes were pretty much right on the trail. Carving styles were very diverse but all were crafted by hand. No complaints at all. We dodged road apples as the trails were shared by horses. This gave the Barghest a few new experiences.
Chatting with our good friends on the trail, we realized we would all like to freshen up before the next event. Although 3 of us had pre-arranged to hitch a ride with Oread, Artemis and Eidolon, we changed our minds and all decided t.o all go back together. Visiting on the 2 hour trip back was more good fun once the Barghest got cooled off from the air conditioning. We were glad he was tuckered out because he wasn't invited to the next event, 99 Bottles at Taco Mac.
true indigo's fry bread
4 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon canola oil plus oil for frying
Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of water water all at once and mix well. Add more warm water until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a clean, dry surface and begin kneading adding additional flour if the dough becomes too sticky. When dough is smooth and elastic, add 1 tablespoon of oil and work it in a little, leaving the dough slightly moist. Place the dough in an oiled bowl in a warm spot, covered with a clean dish cloth, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours.
Heat oil in heavy skillet until almost smoking. Pull off small balls (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) from the dough and roll them out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Deep fry the dough patties in hot vegetable oil, turning once, until golden. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately, with powdered sugar, honey or best of all, plain.
