Shootflying Hill

 

Bill-lay and I wanted a quick outing and decided to check out this friendly hike where we looked for a fox, a whale, dolphin, and shark, and a friendly contest over baked goods. 

It was a blustery day but the sun was smiling on us. We enjoyed all of our finds, but came up short on the shark. But overall it was a great little walk in the off season.

Alas! Found!

After nearly 7 years I brought reinforcements to help me try to find the Maryland Black Eyed Susan. I must have been over thinking the clues because they really are not difficult. 

Fortunately, Blue Delft was not over thinking and even though I struggled yet again, she came to the rescue and we were able to add a pretty posy to our logbooks. Many thanks. 

More Ellicott City Adventures

Finding a Wood Thrush box is always a treat and this one was no different. The spot was absolutely gorgeous with the flowing trees bursting.

As if that weren't great enough, another WT gem!

I loved the Trolly Line trail.  We passed some interesting characters. I was particularly impressed with the guy who juggled while he walked.

On our way out of town, we also snagged a quick bite and learned about young love.

It was a wonderful day in a darling town.  Thanks to all the planters, and to Janila, for bringing me here!

Patapsco

I think I need a lesson on how to pronounce the name of this state park.  Enjoyed this hike but the bridge on the way to the bobcat wasn't my favorite.  Janila and BD got a kick out of me running across.

And to make matters worse, an enormous spider jumped on me when we were trying to sail away.  I screamed and danced around giving my friends quite a show.  I wasn't amused...

Creepy

Janila asked Blue Delft and I to accompany her to a creepy spot she had been eyeballing.  It was a perfect day to get on the trail so we set out.

We were first greeted by lots of very steep steps. The approach to the altar was lovely.  We saw a couple of deer and took in the vibes of the supposedly haunted area.

I was glad to have these pals along with me.  I don't think I would have been brave enough to go it alone!

Spring Rain

   

 For a while now I've been dreaming of a Spring series in a local park.  So back in the Fall, Blue Delft and I met to scout the area.

We liked it and saw potential so over the winter we set about the task.  She carved and sewed and crafted.  On the other hand, I procrastinated.  

As Spring approached, we set a date to meet again and install our series.  Family, work, and other commitments got in the way; I think we had to move the date at least 2 or 3 times. Finally the day arrived that neither of us had a conflict.  However, mother nature had her own plan.  Rain!
We didn't care.  We trudged through with our boots, rain jackets, and soaked pants.  It was a super day for us.

Have fun celebrating Spring with us.  If you would like to add your own "installment" to the Spring themed series please do so. The more the merrier!  Show us what Spring means to you.  Just hide it along the same route and email me the details so I can list it with the series.  Thanks and Happy Spring!

 

The Stash

Dumb, I know.  But it makes me snicker every time.

A Different Kind of Hunting Season

Alas, hunting season is over and a different kind of "hunting" season begins for us.  We headed back to Raymond J. Syrjala Conservation Area and hunted some unusual Cape Characters.  

We had a delightful stroll and didn't hear a single gunshot this time.    

Hydeez Mom was with us this time and we cut through the bog because it was so beautiful the first time we wanted to share it again with her.

Rail Trail

The natives needed some physical activity so we headed to the rail trail.  We usually head south when we ride so this time we decided to change things up and headed north.  We took a quick pit stop and I rummaged through the woods to find Breakwater, Grrrr!  We were very disappointed to come up short on the banana.  Maybe someone did steal it.

We were concerned about all of the sounds of gunshots, especially when we saw what we assumed to be a hunter's truck parked there, reminiscent of the thwarted unusual cape characters hike.

But shortly we saw a man come by with his dog.  When we asked him about the gunshots he explained that a firing range was nearby.

The Bog

The bog was gorgeous.  The color was bursting and the sun was warm and bright.  A perfect day for a hike.  The Caped Coder came along and brought Mip.  Was with my posse of E man, TNT, and Hot Lava.

At one point the nerf football landed in the bog. TNT hopped in and did a dolphin dive out.

All of that military action obviously paid off because the moves were very impressive and not even a toe got wet.

In addition to the usual Cape characters, we made some other friends as well including the ghost Phineas.  We very much enjoyed meeting him.

Overall a perfect start to our Easter weekend getaway.

Snow day

What better to do on a snow day than organize your letterboxing backpack?!  I've been meaning to do this for ages.  Here goes.  Dumped out all leaves, pine needles, and dirt.  Retired clues for boxes I've already found.  Gathered together and logged into all the hitchhikers I've been dragging around.   And since I have so many right now, I planned a hostel to plant in the Spring.  Double checked that Hot Lava's stamp is indeed missing - and it is.  :(  Reorganized the pens in a more accessible pen holder.  Pitched old icky ink pads, put a few new fresh ones in the bag.  Added some baggies.  Ball for the dog.  Hand sanitizer and handi wipes for you-never-know-what. New logbook for Baseball Buddy.  And made an LB to-do list.

Seaside Cemetery

Since the Zip fell asleep in the car we decided to press our luck and punch out one more.  I've been to the Seaside Cemetery before but never turn down the opportunity to explore a cemetery, especially one in this area.

The Off-Season

The off-season on the Cape is wonderful, especially for letterboxing.  You can grab great boxes at spots that are teaming with people in season. Getting to the point was a breeze today.  We could almost hear the band playing.  Summer is just around the corner.

After Easter brunch

After Easter brunch, we needed a break so off to yet another cemetery we did go.  This time we met Betsey and learned about her hobby.

From there we headed over to Ridgevale Beach where we were not successful.


Then the Caped Coder wanted to check out the lighthouse.  Unfortunately, the whole area around the memorial rock has been recently landscaped.

Unda where?

I never tire of checking out cemeteries in this area.  This time it was an old cemetery in Orleans.  A wicked cool spot, we dove right in and were thrilled with what we found.

Moon Walk

We definitely didn't have the moon beaming overhead as we went on our moon walk, but instead there was a trifecta of ospreys screeching and circling.  Perhaps they were seeking lunch, we did find a squirrel tail and a bunny tail left behind from someone's meal.  We also saw a bunch of fiddler crabs peeking in and out of their holes.

Sopping Wet

After lunch in Yarmouth Port, we searched for a little peace and quiet.  I've never seen anything wetter, moldier, and rustier.  I'm not really one to infringe on someone else's box but this one needed so much help, I didn't see any other option.  There were three logbooks in it and the first two (full ones) were in terrible shape. I left the third which was dry.  I brought them home to dry them out and will either mail them to the owner or return them to the box soon.

Peace Day Logbooks after drying

Pond Wizard

Since I had so many hitch hikers, I decided to create a place where these transients could rest before moving on.  This is my first HHH and I'm anxious to see how it goes.  I thought the area was cool because it sits up on the hill and it looks like evidence of great battles all around, as if the Wizard has been providing protection from interlopers.

BTW, if you are familiar with E man's Merlin, this Wizard came from the same inspiration.

Hoppy Easter 2012

Today I created a burrow for an Easter adventure.  We've created several Thanksgiving memories, it seemed fitting that we should create some Easter ones too.  Mip created one as well.

Maintenance Loop

After dropping off the self-portrait, we decided to loop around and check in on some other adventures.  We passed by the missing tile and stuck our tongue out at the tree again, and made our way to the 3rd on the 6th.  I took a look through the logbook and thought it funny that so many finders commented on the missing crude bench.  When Eman and I originally wrote the clues in 2007 the bench was very crude then, no surprise it didn't last more than a couple more years.  Anyway, I took care of a few things, removed a useless and filthy outer bag (where did that come from anyway) and hid it much better as it was practically out in the open.  

We also ran into a couple of salamanders in the area of the box.  We enjoyed looking at them but left them alone.  

From there I headed over to check in on Nixon.  I took some bearings to help with the clues since it seemed that some finders were having trouble.  Again, I removed the outer bag and rehid better. All the while, I got a strange feeling that I was being watched.  Perhaps I was.  After all, the woods have eyes.