Letterboxing in Missouri

I told you here we'd be going Letterboxing while we were in Missouri--well, we did!

The first one we did at Beaver Creek Conservation area was a bust. We followed the excellent directions, but there was no box hidden at the location. It seemed to us that this place was well used by people who maybe don't have a lot of other things to do and possibly the box was stolen because of that. When we pulled up to park, a white car pulled in after us and parked three spots to the right. They were hot and heavy getting it on and they didn't even put their car in park. We had to cover Zane's eyes and Mike wanted to go scare them.

The second one made it all worth while. This one was located at Maramec Springs State Park.

I didn't set out to take photos of all scenic mentions in the directions, but it seems I have. So let me show you how letterboxing works in our family. Mind you, we're not typical. Sorry to disappoint.

We entered the and parked as the directions stated. Then it said, "Head east toward the bridge with a yellow sign. Read the sign and heed it. Cross the foot bridge and enjoy the trout scenery. You can buy fish food 10 or 25 cents and feed them if you wish." So of course, who can resist popping in quarters to feed the fish? Not my boys!

Next, "Follow the trail toward the green spring house, cross the bridge before the spring house."

"You will see a tunnel on your left. Take the stairs under the bridge. Continue straight on the trail." I don't think they intended Zane to take a pit stop, but what can you do?

Then, "Follow the main trail past the furnace. Up the hill you will see green and yellow equipment built for fun. No time for that now. Take the low road to the river."

"Continue North on paved path. You will hear the babbling brook in the distance & see people with fishing poles. "


Past the tiny spring you will follow the trail up the hill and continue on the trail between the two black rails. Continue trail down the trail.

A big tree once stood tall is where you’ll find it all. Take a break on the edge of the fallen tree and you’ll see a brown building with green roof at 2 o’clock. Reach where moss always grows under the tree covered by debris.

So. We looked for a fallen tree. And Phil dug with a stick. Because there might be spiders or snakes. Don't the boys look excited? But the box wasn't there. So we looked for another fallen tree. And we dug some more. And we couldn't find the box. And everyone was bummed. But the park was so amazing and beautiful that we were all glad we stopped anyway. We figured the box had been planted before the flood and it must have been washed away. You could see the flood lines and the water had covered the path the box was supposed to be hidden on. So we decided to make the best of it and enjoy the day.

But wait! What's that? We miscalculated? Or maybe the one reading the directions didn't quite "get it?" It said, " If you pass the 2nd stairs past the big rippling water you’ve gone to far. " Lord have mercy we didn't pass the 2nd stairs yet!! So we found yet another fallen tree. And Phil dug again. Don't the boys look even more excited? Well, at least Phil pretends for me.

And there it was!!! The box!! So we all stamped the book inside the box and used the stamper inside the box on our journals. Finally. Success. Now the boys at least look interested, don't you think?
The directions then read, "Continue North on the trail and enjoy the swinging bridge."

We did. But I've posted tons of pictures today so I might have to continue this tomorrow. Or because I know myself, it might be a week or a month from now. But I'll remind you where I talked about it first.