We didn't feel it was right to leave those boxes unfound by the hosters of the event, so we packed up our 'boxing stuff and drove out there. The first thing we did upon arrival at the park was to check on a few of Kitten's boxes that were remaining in the park. Namely, The Joust, Violation: Improper Use of Gnomes, and Hara-Kiri for Two are still there and in good condition. We also went over and checked the tree where Fish Food was planted, because we realized it wasn't in the bunch of boxes that were pulled after the event. We were quite disappointed that it wasn't still in the tree and had no clue what happened to it. (Thankfully, I found it later in the week amongst the stuff we brought home with us- it had been misplaced.)
Happy that those boxes were still in place, we pulled out our clues to Chadam's boxes and set off. We searched for a good fifteen minutes for Bunnies Are a Real Scream, but had no luck. (A later email to Chadams reveals we may have been searching in the wrong area- so, we'll be back!) However, our quick hike for Evil Bunnies Love to Dance was fruitful, and we sat down in the middle of the trail to stamp in, letting a group of walkers pass us with their dogs. One of them even made a comment ("Find what you were looking for?") that made us think it wasn't the first time they'd run into letterboxers on this trail :D
After this, we had to change locations, since Lock Wench's boxes were not planted within Ellicott Creek Park, but in a nearby 'mystery' location. This would technically be our 'second' try for these boxes (or rather, one of them), since we had previously attempted to find just ONE of these boxes a week or so previously. Unfortunately for us then, Falling Leaves had only written down PART of the clue. This part of the clue was very helpful for finding the PLACE where the boxes were planted, but not so much the actual boxes' locations. Today, however, we were armed with the full text of all the clues. We were able to drive right into the area where the boxes were planted, which was rather nice since it was a little chilly out, so we could just bring the boxes right into the van to stamp.
Our first box to hunt in this area was Bunny Kill, which the Wenchy one tells us is based on a cartoon video online. Well, it was rather well hidden, and I managed to JUST miss seeing it on my first search. So, Kitten popped out of the van and came with me along the edge of the fence, searching other possible hiding spots. I guess we quickly got frustrated because pinecones started flying :D Eventually, we came back to the first place we looked and discovered the very well-placed box.
Our search for Death Bunny - Master of Disguise was short and sweet- we found it right were it was supposed to be. Or, rather, Falling Leaves and Kitten found it; I thought I saw something through the bushes near the water, and went bushwacking to see what it was. So, a few moments after they yelled 'We got it!', I emerged from the bushes carrying my prize- a lost oar.
Yeah, an oar. A little beat up but otherwise intact. What a neat thing! I just had to bring it with me. Of course, I probably looked a little odd walking around a cemetary with that thing...especially with how it's shaped :P
Next up: Necronomiconey. This one took a few minutes- we actually scoured the WHOLE area before finding the most helpful clue, but once we spotted it, the rest fell into place.
Our last box for the evening was Donnie Dies, which actually took us past the time that the cemetary closed. We realized this because someone drove it, and closed the gate! Luckily, that guy drove through the whole cemetary to make sure there were no other motor vehicle visitors in the cemetary before he finished. Also fortunate for us, we found the box JUST before he made it to us, and we ended up driving back out of the cemetary so he could lock up with the box still in our possession. Parked outside, we stamped in and packed it back up, only to have the man who was locking up drive back over to us and ask "Did you find it?"
Apparently, this guy not only knows about the letterboxes in the cemetary, but even knows where they all are. Good for him. Anyway, Falling Leaves ended up taking the box back to it's hiding spot while Kitten and myself discussed some boxes we are planning to plant.
And, much to my satisfaction, we ended the evening by heading down the street to the Shannon Pub, where we bought ourselves some tasty food to fill our empty bellies.
I had a lovely shepard's pie. Two, in fact :D
And that's it for today's post. I hopefully will come back tonight or tomorrow and add a picture or two- and future posts will hopefully have pictures as well. (Except the next one- don't have any from the event :P)
CQ
