Miles Francis Kitten-Cat

Over a week ago a stray cat looking just like our youngest planted himself on our back porch. I did not want to encourage him to stay; I was sure his people missed him and I wanted him to return. He was starving though and required food, then love. All he wanted was to come indoors. This was during a very warm spell and we felt it was safe for him to stay on the back porch while we tried to locate his home. After much running around and expense, we had no luck and someone was removing our posters (odd!).

With the weather turning colder and the fact that our cats did nothing but act like he was one of our family, we took him to the vet for tests and allowed him to come in. This dear fellow now has the name of Miles. He gets his middle name, Francis, from the day he appeared on our doorstep. October 4th is St. Francis of Assisi Day. Why that didn't kick me between the eyes that very day is beyond me. Miles fits into this family perfectly.

Amphigorey with a Walk

Maga11 and I had to take a very large potted tree to Tracdc before the cold weather set in. We we happy to get together and visit at Tracd's home. She told us about her upcoming foot surgery and lamented the fact that she wouldn't be able to walk around freely for over 6 weeks. She happily accepted the idea of seeking Indigo Vulture's Edward Gorey letterbox series as kind-of a final hike before her surgery.

The creek was low but our spirits were high as we came quickly to the first box. It was just a nudge off trail and it suited us to be a bit hidden. Amazingly, Tracdc was true to frm and even in the thick of the woods managed to be a disc magnet yet again. OUCH!

We enjoyed the trails and the area very much but the highlights were the nicely carved stamps in each letterbox of this series. We snaked around the park trails. Tracdc didn't realize that the trails in the park were so many and she was happy to know of another great local park. We all agreed that it is one of the most enjoyable things about letterboxing; when a letterbox opens your eyes to something that was right under your nose but you didn't fully appreciate it.

Toward the end of the walk, Maga11 regretted not bringing her cane. Not because she was fatigued but she probably wanted to bean me for getting goofy with some feathers I found along the way. We had a long drive back to our homes that evening but it was pleasing to be able to look back on this letterbox series that allowed us to visit in a cool area.

There's No Place Like Home

What ever made us think we could start out early Sunday morning is a mystery to me. It was just hard enough waking up and on top of that we had to say goodbye to our close friends. It reminded me of when my family would travel to MS when I was under 10. We would travel a few days, visit a few days or a couple of weeks and travel home a few days. This had been another intense trip like when I was a kid and when we had to leave, I felt myself choking up. It is rare when you make such a connection with someone. Mososo Kruppe are so down to earth and big hearted. They opened their home to us and lavished us with praise on our letterboxes. I know I will think back on our conversations for months and they will bring a smile to my face.

The beginning of our trip would have been more glum if we had a dull stretch of interstate to start with. Our goal was to get through Atlanta while everyone was in church. (As it turned out those who weren't in church could watch a service on tv at the McDonalds in McDonough). Navigating the city was a thing I had been dreading, it turned out to go very well and we busted into South Carolina in not time at all. After a quick letterboxing grab at a rest stop, it was on to North Carolina.

I had taken some time to solve a mystery box near Charlotte, NC. We didn't take time to get it on the way down because we planted a letterbox, Draw a Red Card, near Gastonia. The park in Charlotte was a good place to take a break but we came up empty handed on the trail we chose. We trailed another access point to the trail to try to make the clues work but failed again. After two more access points we found it, isn't it always the last place you look? I was pretty happy that RGBisMe encouraged us to persist. I was getting pretty tired.

We did manage to push on past Roanoke to Staunton for the night. We had stopped for some Chinese food off of I77 exit 14 and, well, it wasn't sitting very well with us for the next day. RGBisMe maybe should have washed his hands after rubbing that Buddha belly.

During the trip we were treated to vistas and rolling hills. The Blue Ridge Mountains really are blue in certain lighting and the Piedmonts are breathtaking. It was with pleasure that we swept into the flat area from West Virginia to north of Harrisburg, this meant we were almost home. We missed our kitties. We had been keeping in contact all throughout our trip with the reliable and generous folks who took care of our pets. Here is to DaBraLady, Maga11 and Terra for making our trip possible.

When we drove up and through the region called the Seven Mountains I commented to RGBisMe, "We live in a beautiful area!" Each region has wonderful things to offer. Meeting new people spawns new and creative ideas. I can say, I love where we live and the letterboxes that surround us. Visiting an area with differences can sometimes make you appreciate all that your own home has to offer.

99 Bottles Tour, Taco Mac

We were late but we were much more fresh than if we hadn't stopped at the MK homestead. We also felt a little sad leaving the Barghest behind but we had no choice. Even showing up an hour late, the other event attendees had not yet gotten their entrees. I am sure we missed a round of beers and maybe some bloomin' onion but my ever expanding thighs didn't need that anyway.

I had done some research about Taco Mac online and until very recently the only thing they had for vegetarians were a side salad and maybe french fries. We couldn't even have the grilled cheese on the kiddy menu because it clearly stated it was for children 12 and under only. I wrote to the corporate headquarters asking for some suggestions on what entrees vegetarians might be able to take advantage of. The fellow that wrote back to me, within the day, was pleased to share that they had just expanded their menu . Although it wasn't on their online menu there were some very tasty veggie entrees. I can't remember what all they had but there were some nice selections. We both opted for the vegetarian burrito.

The party was underway and everyone was quite happily seated at the two outdoor tables they had secured in the mellow evening. Then came the part that made my evening... I was CARDED! I later found out everyone has to be carded, unlike in PA where you only have to look like you are over, um, 29. Regardless, our waiter was guaranteed a substantial tip.

I sat by the charming Artemis who told me about her travels across the country to different letterboxing meccas. She was a wonderfully caring conversationalist but it was at this point in the evening, I am afraid, I went from being antisocial to obnoxious. I neglected to ask little if anything about the people I was sitting near and laughed loudly at my own jokes. I started channeling demons, being rude to underaged peoples at the party, even after they generously brought me a drink.If there are rumors of my behavior at this party, it is all true. Things that normally just stay in my head as thoughts came pouring out of my mouth. The only time I regained my decorum was for when some boxers asked me for my Of Things Arcane personal traveler. I read the cards truly as they fell and was honest and pure of heart with intent. Leave it to tarot cards to sober me. I was glad to give Oread a second reading as it gave us a chance to chat a bit when we hadn't earlier.

The meal was good, the brews were very tasty and unique. It was a great place for a get together. Before we left for some night boxing (I know right?) RGBisMe and I were able to sneak away and get one of the coolest little boxes, Mooky's Beer Run. It had a lot of inspiring elements as do a lot of MookyDipper's letterboxes. We were pleased it came as our 400th find.


The night boxing we did wasn't quite like any we had ever done before. The theme of the stamps was for the 99 Bottles series so it wasn't a night theme, well I guess you drink beer at night so it kinda was. The plants weren't hidden in a way that they used reflective materials so I am thinking they will be regular boxes after they debuted. The clues weren't chosen as to what is easily seen at night, like lights that are only on at night or reflective devices. I guess it was more like regular letterboxing but at night. The planters of some other nearby letterboxes were along so they generously allowed us to slack box and stamp in.

It was a long day but the evening went on until the very last box was found at 1AM, near the courthouse, with police parked all around the other side of the building. We said our goodbyes to many of the folks we had met and most likely insulted over the course of the evening. I am afraid I didn't do our Central PA letterboxing reputation proud but I was glad to have met these hospitable and polite folks.

Pow Wow 2007

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.

We are in GA!

Our first day in Georgia was amazing. We made a good choice navigating around Atlanta and made it to Stockbridge area with plenty of time to find a few letterboxes before we met up with Mososo Kruppe. The first Georgia letterbox we found was a mystery box and we stamped into it with huge grins. We were in a territory where some really accomplished carvers were planting. All of their clues were engaging and accurate. This was going to be fun!

After finding a handful of boxes, we drove to Mososo Kruppe's home in McDonough. Their house is in a nice development with some older growth trees. This might sound like a typical residential area but it is becoming atypical for the county they live in. New developments and homes are going up everywhere. The dust being whipped up by the construction in the area and all of the tiny placard signs that little the roadsides are pollution themselves. We were glad their home was a haven in this crazy area.

We got the grand tour of the house, brought in all of our stuff from our car and met the Barghest, an 11 week-old German Shepherd puppy. We said hello to Loki and Thor before we went off to find some more local boxes. We stopped off at a cool pizza joint to fuel up then zoomed to a really neat park to find their Garden Gnome. Now, we will admit that some of our finds were slack boxing but ever step along the way was so enjoyable. The garden in this park reminded me of the PSU Trial gardens before Dickinson Law School messed them up. When we got to the final location of the box, there was some light construction and renovations being made on the building next to where it was hidden. Some men in bright orange jump suits were being put to work making the park a better place. I was challenged to run by and taunt, "You're in jail, I'm not!' but I didn't have the guts.

The same park recently had a nice boardwalk added too it (perhaps by the same convicts!). It was well done but had ruined landmarks that acted as clues to another letterbox in the same park. It was not one of Mososo Kruppe's boxes but they were really interested to see if the box was even still there after the construction. They visualized where certain landmarks had been and felt that the one nearby stump had a lot of the trademarks of the final hiding place. RGBisMe went into the thicket off of the boardwalk and said, "It's still there!" He brought it out and we stamped into the cute Unicorn box. I later owned up to the placer that we couldn't have found it if it were not for Mososo Kruppe leading the way. RGBisMe carefully put the box back and as we chatted a muggle came round the bend. RGBisMe was just coming out of the thicket and it all looked a little weird so I raised my voice to him and ask, "Did you find any rare species? I was hoping you would find the green winged scarab." This came from how Scarab deals with muggle, his idea just came readily to mind. The muggle didn't even stop so all was good and we walked back toward the car. We walked and chatted until something stopped us in our tracks about 30 feet down the boardwalk. Darned if it wasn't our rare species!
I can't believe how many neat parks and letterboxes we were able to fit in that day. I took some really awesome photos near Mososo Kruppe's Local Legends Series - Camp Creek Train Wreck but the images would give away so much of what makes this one of our all time favorite letterboxes. So much thought and work were put into this letterbox. It didn't hurt the atmosphere that a train went by as we were logging in.

The next location where a couple of mythical beast letterboxes were hidden reminded me of the quaint little church camp of my youth in Mexico, PA. Memories of the decent Methodist people all coming together in the summer to support each other as we worshipped and communed came flooding back. I had a a bittersweet moment, remembering the inside of my grandmother's cabin and her showing me the eggplant she planned to prepare for supper. Every memory I have of the time I spent at Island Grove Campground (except for the bulldog I was afraid of) is of the good and loving people there. They lived with the glory of God in their hearts. I imagined similar people getting together in the cabins at this campground.

The carvings of the 2 mythical beasts were great. Either our pens were drying out or our card stock doesn't take it well so our impressions will never do them justice. We were also a bit rushed to get to our last destination. This didn't stop us from noticing a bit of a pattern that some local letterboxers seemed to have in central GA. Not only was a lengthy reprimand that the beast that was features was not mythical (it is in the Bible) but an abrasive and foolish piece of pseudo-christian literature was left in the box for us to take. I typically find it to be bad form to post photos of stamp imprints but this was so distasteful that I am compelled to give credit where credit is due. So there you go Lil JP, your shining moment. Maybe you think you are saving souls with actions like that. I think the kinds folks folks of Island Grove Campground would have disagreed that it is your role to point out that we are all "lying thieves."

At our very last location of the day. We hadn't printed the clues and we were all rushed to make it out of the park before the gates close (and locked us in!). The area is precious, the boxes were amazing and our hosts for the day generous in allowing us to slack box. It was just starting to get dark as we hoped to see a muskrats along the boardwalk. We didn't get a glimpse of one but did see two teen deer and some blue herons.

While stamping into the last box, we heard a horn honk near the main gate. We had overstayed our welcome and Mososo went out to make sure the car did not get locked in while Kruppe ran the box back to it's hiding place. I took this really lousy photo of her running back from hiding the box but I had to share it. It is oddly reminiscent of Mapsurfer leaping a log while orienteering. Do I think of anything in my life other than letterboxing? Yes, but I do think of it a lot.

We returned to the MK homestead and spent a wonderful evening of updating our exchanging of homage stamps (OMG! Granola Posse!), hitch hikers, event boxes and other sundry stamps. The Barghest was very happy that we spent some time in the house visiting. Loki and Thor came out and snuggled under a blanket near RGBisMe. We could have spent the entire night visiting and stamping but the next day promised to be an even bigger one with two letterboxing events and hours of time needed for traveling to them. The Barghest promised he would do his best not to bark all night because he was still getting used to his crate. I was asleep almost as soon as my head hit my pillows but not without a final thought about Proverbs 3:5-6 (another letterboxer's trail name by the way).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

As I looked back on the twisted path I had traveled over the day, I was glad to have the intuition and knowledge that when traffic backed up because of an accident on the interstate I could take the side route. I have good friends who provided me with knowledge of this less straight path. It turned me through some beautiful Georgia country side and suburbia. I was glad to lean on my knowledge and looked forward to more challegenes that would shape me into the ever evolving person I was/am/will become.

Pushing South

I know I must sound like charlie Bucket's Grandpa Joe to many. But RGBisMe and I haven't taken a trip like this in about 15 years. Lining up pet sitters we trust was the biggest stumbling block.

We started out just as a thunderstorm hit at 4am. By the time we got to Harrisburg, the storm was gone but the sun did not rise until we were almost out of West Virginia. It was a nice break stopping in a small park along the way to find aletterbox/geocache hybrid that had an awesome hitch hiker in it. The local hiding technique was a bit different than we are used to.

The trip was going well. It was exciting to show RGBisMe areas he had never seen before. We stopped in Roanoke for a bite to eat and our first contact with real southern type hospitality. I am not sure if it was that or that all of the waitresses in the restuarant had varying shades of red hair but I think RGBisMe was feeling like he was visiting something like another country. We smiled at the differences and joined in saying a little prayer over our meal. By this point, I was getting the shakes from being in civilization but not accessing the internet. I took to roaming parking lots with my WiFi locator.

The day progresses as did our journey. We were able to find letterboxes in each state we had not yet found any in. We have ended our day in Anderson, SC but not until we planted a very special box somehwere down here in the south. We had a great time exploring the area where we thought a plant would work out. The couple of miles we hiked broke up our travels very nicely.

Tomorrow we will continue into Georgia and meet up with Mososo Kruppe and get ready for the Pow Wow event on Saturday.

Car Trouble

When is the best time and place for your car to have a problem when you are setting off from PA to GA and back? Hopefully it is at home a few days before departure! RGBisMe was checking fluid levels this past weekend, coolant was down but not to minimum. After filling it to normal level, a little puddle appeared along with a slow drip. Today we will be proud owners of a new thermostat and serpentine belt that the coolant ruined.

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.

Glenn's Memorial Bench

RGBisMe & I went to the dedication of DaBraLady's father, Glenn's, memorial bench. The family decided this bench will have a prominent location on the land they own in Poe Valley.

The bench and day of it's dedication were just lovely. The thing I thought was most beautiful was how the shine on the black granite of the bench allowed it to reflect back the splendor of the sky and the mountains and Glenn's cabin.

Family and friends gathered to share a meal and memories. His presence was clearly felt as his heart hand touched many and the work he put into his cabin and land is evident. We will miss him but have only to look around to know he is not far from us. Poe Valley is a slice of heaven itself.

The Circus is Coming!

maybe....

An idea about a national letterboxing convention is being thrown around by a few people. When I first heard about it I though that it was a bunch people who had big ideas and liked to talk a lot. I didn't give it much notice because it was nothing I was interested in, at all. Then someone pointed out that a prospective location for this event was central Pennsylvania. Then I read about it and thought that there was no way this area could work out for them. If anyone decided that it was a good idea however, there would be serious implications on letterboxing here.

I posted my concerns with the hypothetical location choice and if you wish to read my thoughts you may choose this link. I do not ask for everyone, nor anyone for that matter, to agree with me. I just wanted the planners to see the implications of being responsible for the impact such an endeavor might have on the area they choose.

The originator of the idea had asked for feedback but his girlfriend seemed to easily take offense, calling my response huffy. I suppose that is subjective but the analogy of implying I was trying to "rain on our parade" was a poor one in spite of another poster's claim that it was "well said".

Let's look at how "well said" that analogy was. If their prospective event is likened to a parade, my raining on it implies that I would be doing it harm. In the dictionary to "rain on someone's parade" is defined as to prevent someone from enjoying an occasion or event, to spoil someone's plans. I guess that leaves me to wonder how my choice to not participate in the prospective event would spoil it. Maybe I am so important or integral to the success of their plans if the parade were to march through central PA that my non-participation would ruin everyone's time. Maybe our letterboxes are so looked forward to and sought after that having them unavailable during the month of the parade coming into the area that it would lessen the enjoyment for everyone. I seriously doubt that with all of the jugglers of Lock n Locks and acrobats of exchanges that lack of the Crayola Posse's presence or our letterboxes in the field would be missed at all.

My choosing to pull our letterboxing is not "raining" on the parade, it is choosing not to blow any sunshine up it's skirt. I do not care if the decision is made to make it just a meet and greet or all out letterboxing circus. Letterboxers would be seeking a few boxes while they are in any prospective area. My letterboxes are not planted in a way that over 10 people in any given week/month can seek them without some damage being done. Believe it or not, less than 10 a month is how little traffic our boxes currently they get. If things would change under normal non-circus-like circumstances, I would be pulling them then too. This is not to rain on anyone's parade. "Raining" would be threatening to undermine the enjoyment or success of the parade. Nowhere did I threaten to confiscate or damage any event boxes if the parade marches through central PA. I would be gathering up my own boxes (not just pulling our clues), and getting out of the area until it's over. I have at least a year to make it clearly stated in our clues so that the boxes will be pulled so that only the people foolish enough to not update their clues within the year will be tromping through any area. I am planning accordingly. How does this threaten rain for your parade?

I understand the location for the parade has not yet been determined. My information was intended to give you an umbrella from any rain that might come your way. There are going to be folks in any location that will have difficulties with a circus coming to their town. When an area is thrown out as a hypothetical location, realize there are real people living there whom it will really impact.

If you read my post with care, you will see that my concern is that if said parade chooses to march through this area, I am concerned about it's impact. I wanted to bring it to any planner's attention that it might be in their best interest to have people in residence who, after the last dancing bear has lumbered out of town, does not mind playing the role of the clown with the broom. I don't want to be the one left sweeping up other people's peanut shells and confetti from the streets and forests of central PA while a bunch of out-of-towners agree what a great parade it was.

"Don't rain on our parade" you say?
"Well said :):):)" you say?
I think not.

More on Knoebels!

FUN
After I woke up more completely today I realized that there was a lot I had left out of our weekend of at Knoebels. RGBisme and I had a lot of fun talking with Cyclonic Friday evening. We got to hear about some of the letterboxes he tried for that day and shared carving ideas. His event stamp this year was yet another masterpiece.

Although I was alone, I did get to play a game of DDR. The machine I played on at the grange seemed a lot more sensitive; I am sure it gets a lot less abuse than the one at Knoebels. I played 3 really easy rounds and would normally have aced them all but rated C, C and D on them. The floor pad really required me to stomp on it to get it to read accurately. This limited me to feeding it only one dollar. I look foolish enough playing this game in public, the last thing I wanted to do was flail about step-dancing style like a deranged, cross-dressed, Michael Flatley.

At the event, I got to see MizScarlet again. She had a lovely hand crafter pin for me which I will cherish forever. Such thoughtfulness and out of nowhere! I was touched.

Some great folks we were glad to have met were the Castle Keepers. They had some interesting PTs, not all which we were able to claim but will go for them another time I hope. Fluffy Angel and Carol were so kind as to cut backward in line so that we could all ride the Log Flume together. This is one of RGBisMe's favorites so it was even more fun riding it with these nice ladies. I asked Fluffy Angel if she wanted front or back and she was clear on preferring the front. RGBisMe and I darted into the back of the car. Fluffy Angel coached us all on exactly where to look as a camera photographed our car's final plummet into the big pool of water at the end of the ride. We asked if we should wave and she decided the four of us should all do sign language spelling out L-B-N-A for Letterboxing North America! We spent the ride getting all of our signs straight pausing only to have Hannah and Rainbow Girl choose our log car to be sprayed with an odd focused jet of water. When did they add that little feature for observers!? Our final fall was nicely photographed with a clear strobe flash. We ran to check it out and they captured all four of us at our best! Carol was all kindness in buying a print for us too!

A couple of our last rides were with Rainbow Girl, Mambo Dog, and Fluffy Angel. The Haunted Mansion is an awesome dark ride but it is really showing it's age. I kidded Rainbow Girl that she wasted $1.40. She could have closed her eyes and covered her ears on the bench outside for 5 minuted for free. Mambo Dog and RGBisMe came out all grins then we all shared stories about other cool dark rides we had been on.

Final ride of the day for me was the Skloosh; a ride that is usually reserved for hot days or when you are ready to get soaked. It was just wrong that I would wear a white t-shirt on a cool evening when I had to walk back to camp. I changed as quickly as I could.

The 4Rhines made an all too brief visit at our little campfire. Princess Fiona and Cookie Monster were pretty tired from their day at the park. I thank them for allowing us to catch up a bit with Stonefly and Puddleby. We juts do not see enough of these dear people.



FOOD
Lunch on Saturday was a much looked forward to meal. It is not often I anticipate a meal at a food court but any food at Knoebels is an exception to that thinking. Bean burrito platters from the International Food court were enjoyed while visiting with Hunter Jumper, Rainbow Girl, Fluffy Angel and Hannah of the Castle Keepers whose trail name I neglected to get.

My food choices have been more limited lately, by my own choice. For those reading who do not already know, I am a vegetarian. Lately, I have been trying to cut eggs and dairy out of my diet as much as I can. This is because of a lot of problems I have with the animal industries. When I am on the go and don't plan properly, I can have a bit of a melt down because of a mixture of lowering blood sugar and internal moral conflict and in not being able to find anything to eat. My apologies to Mambo Dog, Castle Keepers and Rainbow Girl for bailing out of riding the Scooters by crying, "I need pizza!" What I needed was a kick in the butt for not eating back at camp. My apologies to the von der insels for having to experience the moment I discovered that the pizza place I was counting on was closed. I think I was crying, "I need food!" I really needed another kick in the butt for not eating back at camp.

Camp food highlights included smores with fluff instead of marshmallows (yes it had egg whites and the chocolate had dairy) that were heated to perfection in a mountain pie maker, Sangria, Hunter Jumper's Killer Kosmos (spelling for Knoebels homage), a breakfast of mountain pie pizza made with feeze and fepperoni and maybe an ant, a nice drink of pizza sauce, PA Paddler's fresh french pressed camp coffee (use a spoon) with really fun maple shavings. Bummer food included fries from a stand that used to have the best. It was still fun using the ketchup and vinegar udders.



FANTASY
I had a blast pretending my horse on the Grand Carousel was a real one but the real moments of fantasy were the kids on the inner ring of moving horses holding their arms out hoping or pretending to grab for a brass ring. I noticed this as we waited in line and commented on it to RGBisMe. We were never really certain if it was something fun for them to imagine or if they were frustrated in not being able to reach the arm that allow the outer ring of stationary horse riders to grab for an iron (or brass!) ring. When we got onto the carousel, RGBisME was on the stationary horse behind mine. Neither of us caught the brass ring that time but RGBisMe seemed to make a little fellow's fantasy come true. He told me that a smaller boy beside him on a moving horse was holding his arm out like we saw many of the kids doing before. After RGBisMe had caught a few rings, he called to the youngster, "Hey kid," and gave him a ring then said, "just make sure to try to toss it into the lion's mouth at the end of the ride." The boy started showing it off to someone watching him from outside of the ride, each time the carousel would turn around. He showed it off to his sister beside him and RGBisMe handed one over to her too with the same reminder that they weren't to keep but to toss as the ride slowed. Eventually the bell clanged and announcer asked that all ring holders throw their rings with, "one toss only." The noise of clattering rings made for cacophony with the band organ and we soon exited the ride as a happy boy hustled past us to his dad. As we walked past them he excitedly pointed to my husband and got even more animated in his chattering. RGBisMe then told me what all had happened behind my back. The boy was able to toss the ring back and it sailed directly into the lion's mouth.

Mucho fun reading tarot cards for folks as part of my Of Things Arcane personal travelers. More folks were enthusiastic about it than I thought would be and anyone who found it offensive must have just steered clear. A humorous thing to mention is that I have pretty good peripheral vision. I am able to note exactly who was so very engaged in watching/listening to me share my PTs yet never asked me for it although they had plenty of opportunity during other conversations we had. My sincerest apologies to those who requested this PT yet I did not get to give it, remind me next time you see me and you may draw twice.

I am a little afraid of when and where a photo of me and RGBisMe singing for a Camelot PT might appear. I love Arthurian legends but am sure that we are doing them some disservice or sacrilege with our butchered interpretation. Was it wrong we sang the pirate song PT to the same tune? uughhhh!


QUOTE from throughout the weekend (Please feel free to add more in the comments below):
"I am NOT going looking for more cooties, we have found enough." - parent to child
"I just can't seem to get drunk anymore." - sad lamentation heard about 1:30 AM
"I will NOT do interpretive dance for you." - no matter what was quoted on AQ
"You didn't carve those!? OH! I am sucking up to the wrong person then!" - quickly turned from person 1 to person 2 and never talked to person 1 again
"When I was a little boy, I had my picture taken in this very car. My wife wants to take a picture of me in it. Could you move to another car?" - to young girl sitting in Flyer car #1

Letterboxing Amusements

Knoebels Amusement Resort lured us to Cyclonic's 3rd annual gathering of letterboxers. We had a hard time getting all of our camping stuff out the door as our kitten thought he was going with us again this year. We reminded him how he gets all introverted around people lately, must take after me, and he allowed us to go. Because we were cat free we were looking forward to riding some rides and playing DDR at the arcade.

On route, RGBisME and I had a great time finding a couple of boxes near Montoursville. The first took us to a park we knew nothing about; the best kind of letterboxing experience is finding a new cool local place. The walk was decent and the history was very cool. The second box was a bit more remote and hidden near the great Loyalsock Trail. A hand carved stamp with a appropriate theme made us remark pleasantly. Being on the trail made us want to keep on hiking in our soul filling PA wood but our plans took us to Elysburg and beyond.

Just before reaching our destination, we saw a local church with a memorial Field of Flags that made us turn the car around and stop to recognize the loss of life that has occurred. The death of our many folks in the US military are recognized as individuals, one flag each. Seeing a number, a big number like 4,163 is never easy to visualize as a physical volume or presence but this memorial brought it home. The flags flapping freely in the breeze reminded me that just as many individuals, each someone's baby, was no longer able to move or live their lives. I am grateful that I am free to move and live.

Setting up camp was fun. It was so cool to use the big canvas BSA tent my Toolman Luke gave us. We brought so much stuff, even an extra tent. Having an electric hook up expanded the list of things we had brought along. We felt a little goofy stringing up purple lights but were glad when it got dark to have a way to clearly find our spot. A hammock was another thing that felt like a silly indulgence but between JBZfarm (our camping neighbors) and us, it got a lot of use.

A trip into Ashland with some of the others that were camping made for a nice change of venue. We took over a large table in the back of Devito's resturant where we enjoyed a good meal with Schizokeet, Cyclonic, JBZfarm, Pink Panther and Gerania. There was no local girl cat fight as entertainment this year but plenty of good food and conversation was had. Pink Panther treated us all by picking up the tab! A joyful and generous person, thank you Pink Panther I wish we had been able to visit more.

The event in the morning drew folks much farther than just central PA, I sometimes got confused as to where each letterboxer was from so apologize to Schizokeet whom I forgot was from VA not somewhere in NE. I plopped myself down in pretty much one spot to share exchanges and personal travels with many good letterboxers. A highlight of the morning was being reunited with my hiking stick. As was promised, Bibliochicks returned my stick which they has found on a long hike near Ithaca. Amazing coincidence that they found it, picked it up, and located me!

After sitting for so long, we were glad to be treated to some challenging letterboxes. Aweomse boxes planted for the day by JBZfarm, Cyclonic, Phynstar and Felix Felcis were hidden right in the park.

Cyclonic's event series of 4 came together to make an image that reflected the great times we had in the park that day. We will never forget the excitement of waiting and watching to see how each of the letterboxers in front of us jockeyed themselves in line to get the exact car on The Flyers ride to find one of the four event stamps. As we stood in the sunshine Lotus was the first we saw get into the correct car and she had her head down, stamping in, during a long time as the ride spun her car into the air. We minimized the time we would waste by having the ink we needed and log book ready to go, I didn't want to get sick looking down and stamping in the air.

Before the ride started with it's next group of passengers, the sky started to fill with a few clouds and a little breeze picked up to cool us off. We allowed the kids behind us to get go ahead so we would be first in line and have our choice of cars! Sheba and Phynstar had no problem getting into the only car that had the stamp. It looked like they stamped into both of their logs and got them packed away even before the ride started up! Excellent except... was that the sound of thunder? A few drops of rain started to fall as Sheba and Phynstar disembarked from the ride. Would the operator tell us The Flyers were closed for a while?

Even in the light rain the operator oened the gate to us! Thanks to being in front we made a bee line to the #1 car that was secretly monopolized time after time by an odd group of people who insistited on groping the seat of their car the moment they sat down. Near my knee I felt for the 1" x 1" stamp that had a magnetic strip on it's back and success! RGBiMe and I stamped into the framework of the main stamp we had stamped onto 3 separate cards. I had no idea if I was going to mess up stamping on the ride so I wanted a few tries, all three turned out really well. We packed the log away and settled in as the ride lifted us into the air.

We weren't sure if it was raining harder or if it was it that the ride pushed us onto the raindrops with more force. As the wind picked up and whipped the leaves on the trees around the ride, the screams of glee took on a more panicked sound. The skies opened up and we screamed as we were pelted with what could only be classified as stinging rain. I was glad the log books were packed away and I looked down to see the line for the ride clearing out a bit except for a few die hard boxers that were standing there drenched.

We exited the ride and the rain let up some. We stood with Diane von der Insel to watch as her husband Dave handed the operator his ticket for the next go round. Oh no! A little girl made it into car #1 but Dave walked on. From a distance, we watched as he stood and chatted with the girl for a few seconds. She calmly got out of car #1 and walked to another car! RGBisMe, Diane and I totally cracked up into laughter; only Dave could successfully and kindly talk a girl into moving to another car on the same ride. As it turned out, he had told the girl that when he was a small boy that someone had photographed him in that very car and that he was hoping that his wife could take a photo of him in the same car. Would she mind moving? Apparently she didn't mind. Dear Dave, the most disarming spinner of tales we know.

After finding some amazing carvings by JBZfarm and finally riding some rides just for fun. Our evening was filled with visiting at 2 different campfires. The big party had many letterboxers, old and new. The friendship and laughter shared at this campfire was peppered with great stories of good times, letterboxing and otherwise. RGBisMe were a little overwhelmed with some attention and interest we received. It is very amusing to have folks who have never logged any of your letterboxes come up and want to chat you up about your carvings. Personally, I am much more comfortable talking about any of my boxes as a whole experience but have no problem sharing carving and design techniques. I guess my comfort level also increases with smaller groups; quietly sharing a few good stories with the 4Rhines, Wanting Snow and crew, and/or JBZfarm at the campfire near our tent holds even warmer memories for me. Learning how PA Paddler can make some great french press camp coffee and flip a mean camp pancake capped off our very full weekend. Thank you to everyone who came together to make this event what is was.