Letterboxing
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What Exactly Is Letterboxing?
An intriguing mix of treasure hunting, navigational skills, problem solving and rubber stamp carving appeals to the best of us in this fun new sport.
The object is to correctly interpret and follow a set of clues, leading you to the location of the letterbox.
The clues may come in a variety of formats depending on the box owners preference. Some are cryptic in nature and need to be deciphered ahead of time. Others may contain compass orientation references in which a compass is needed, and some may even utilize descriptions of local landmarks that only make sense when one is in the general vicinity of the box.
Each letterbox contains a unique rubber stamp and logbook and all seekers carry their own personal rubber stamp and logbook.
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When a letterbox is found, the finder records their visit by stamping their personal rubber stamp image into the letterbox logbook, then stamp the rubber stamp image found in the letterbox into their own personal logbook.
Sometimes a hitchhiker is found, which is a separate stamp and logbook that has been left in the box by a previous finder of the letterbox. Hitchhiker's have no permanent box and are moved from box to box as different people find them.
When a hitchhiker is found, the finder stamps the hitchhiker image into their personal logbook and stamps their personal rubber stamp image into the hitchhiker logbook. Next, they remove the hitchhiker from the letterbox and take it with them, placing it into the next letterbox they find.
Thus, it "hitchhikes" a ride from letterbox to letterbox without ever having a true letterbox home of it's own.
Occasionally, hitchhikers have been known to travel clear across the continent and back.
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After recording your visit, the letterbox is to be hidden again in the exact location in which it was found.
It is helpful if a little extra time and effort is given at this point, to ensure the box is completely hidden from view so it cannot be detected from any angle.
Once back in its hiding location, the letterbox is ready once again for the next letterbox seeker.
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Letterboxing is a wonderful activity suited well for families, singles, couples and groups alike. People from all walks of life and backgrounds are discovering this intriguing pastime. Once you've mastered the skill of finding a few letterboxes, you'll want to try creating and placing your own. Carving your own stamp images can add to your enjoyment, especially to the one who finds your letterbox and discovers your own hand-carved stamp!
For more information on letterboxing check out Letter Boxing North America (LBNA) and Atlas Quest.
Responsible Letterboxing & Personal Safety
While letterboxing is a reasonably safe pastime, some general considerations should be reviewed and practiced.
A Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer statement is included with all clues posted through the LBNA. It is wise to read and become familiar with these statements prior to searching for letterboxes.
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