Our second summer fun item is going to be an ongoing adventure through
eight of the Delaware Parks to do some letterboxing.
Never heard of it? Don't feel bad - we hadn't either.
But, it's basically like a treasure hunt within the park.
We registered our family at the library and got the "clue book".
This book contains all of the maps, park info, and clues you would need
to find each letterbox.
Auntie Stacy came along for our first experience at Shale Hollow Preserve!
The clues are very simple (i.e. find the tree with the beetle markings and turn left).
And eventually, you discover the actual letterbox! (see below).
The inside of the box contains a stamp, stamp pad, "conservation hero", and
memo pad for recording your name. Max was less than impressed with the contents
of the box, until he realized we could use the stamp not just in his book,
but on his body. He loves getting stamps on his belly now (thanks to We Joy Sing).
So we stamped him up, signed our name, rehid the box and were on our way.
Previous to our trip to Hocking Hills, I wouldn't have thought
to bring a toddler hiking, but now - I kind of like having him along.
Max forces us to go slower and look at everything - we
try to find bugs, look under logs for salamanders, throw
rocks in the creek (bonus points if they skip on the water)
and generally just appreciate things more.
Shale Hollow is aptly named for all of the thin shale rocks that
are on the banks of all the creeks! We saw tons of chipmunks,
a water snake, and even a chipmunk SWIMMING through the water! Crazy!
Our second adventure took us to Emily Trapehagen Park
early on a Sunday morning. This park was perfect because it had
a pretty cool playground and lots of different habitats to explore too!
The trail hike was a little bit longer this time but Max actually walked quite
a bit more too - so no complaints here. (And when you can't walk, no better
place to sit than Daddy's shoulders, right?)
The actual letterbox wasn't hidden that well, but never fear, Eagle Scout Rob
used all his camouflaging techniques to fix that!
I just love getting outside! If I pass on anything to Max (other than his curly hair) -
I truly hope that he loves nature and learns to appreciate our wonderful planet!
The best part of completing the letterbox adventure?
Well, the snacks of course! :)
We have six more letterboxes to find...so stay tuned!
xxOO
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