Let's Go Letterboxing!

And also learn about Geocaching

A cross between a scavenger-hunt and a quest for buried treasure, letterboxing is an activity that can involve the entire family in a search for hidden notebooks in scenic, remote, and interesting places. According to legend, the hobby started in England in 1854 when a gentleman left his calling card in an empty jar in the bank of Cranmere Pool in North Dartmoor . Over time, visitors to the pool left self-addressed cards, which subsequent visitors mailed back to their owners. Eventually a logbook and then a rubber stamp were added. By 1998, the phenomena had crossed the Atlantic to the Colonies and now Tohono Chul Park is joining the other 16 boxes already in the Tucson area.

Here’s how it works. Hidden somewhere on the Park grounds is a waterproof box containing a logbook, a pen, and a rubber stamp designed for us by Dave Fitzsimmons. Docent Barb Pepper has written a poetic clue that will guide you on your way. You can also check us out on the national website (www.letterboxing.org). This site has great ideas on how to make your own, personalized rubber stamps, and a fun kids’ page.

If you decide to become a hunter of letterboxes, you will need the clue(s), and at least a pencil, a personal rubber stamp, an inkpad, and a personal logbook. Once you successfully decipher the clue and find the box, stamp the logbook in the box with your personal stamp, and stamp your personal logbook with the box's stamp. Make a note of the date and time of your visit in both books. The box's logbook keeps a record of all its visitors, and the hunters keep a record of all the boxes they have found, in their personal logbooks. Happy hunting!

Tohono Chul Park Letterbox Clue - download the clue, print them out, bring them with and start searching!

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