Event #3547

MI Fall Gathering: FrightFest in the Forest

Grose Park, 22200 24th Ave, Casnovia, MI

Registered Boxes: All Traditional HH/Cootie/Flea Postal LTC Event Box Traveler Other

Starts	Sat October 24, 2015 10:00am
Ends	Sat October 24, 2015 7:00pm
Owner	SpringChick
Admins	Familyof6 SpringChick
Signups	40/∞
Location	Grose Park, 22200 24th Ave, Casnovia, MI View Map
Add to Calendar	Google calendar ICS file (e.g. Outlook, iCal, etc.)

Description

Seeing there was no fall gathering in Michigan on the Calendar, we decided something must be done to remedy this situation ("we" being SpringChick and Mr. Familyof6). We heard some frightful, freaky things had taken up residence on the trails at Grose Park near Conklin and answered the call!

Obviously we're pulling this together spur of the moment so if you're into finding hundreds of boxes at a gathering, let me just tell you right now, this one is not going to be your thing as we're planning a rather low-key get-together, a time to renew old letterboxing friendships and rekindle the fire, so to speak! Of course, it wouldn't be a letterboxing event without some boxes... we've got that covered and will be sending you out on the trails to scare up some of those frightful, freaky things.

If you'd like to send along your own frightful, freaky thing in a box and can commit to doing that within the next couple of weeks, we'd love to have it (message SpringChick for info). Or feel free to bring your frightful, freaky thing with you... he can either hit the trails or hang around in the shelter.

There will be a potluck meal around 4:00 pm. Hotdogs and table service will be provided, you just need to bring a dish to pass (there are electrical outlets at the shelter if you're thinking about something warm in a crock pot... ahem, Charlie Zamzow, looking at you...).

This event is being held at Grose Park, 22200 24th Ave., Casnovia, MI, at the Lake Shelter. There is a very nice playground next to the shelter; you should also be aware this is on a lake, so if you are bringing small children, please have a plan to watch them at all times. Dogs are not permitted at this park at this time of year. No alcohol is allowed.

Sep 9, 2015: I'm baaaaacccckkkkkkk..........
Yep. You heard correctly. Mr. Familyof6 is back in the game. Hope you're ready for my infamous clues and carves because I'm coming back full force. -Andrew

Oct 16, 2015: Update
Hello All,

Springchick and I are looking forward to meeting old friends and new next weekend at Frightfest in the Forest. The extended forecast looks favorable so it looks like we will have wonderful weather. In case you didn't know, there is a truly terrifying event happening the night before at The Haunt in Grand Rapids. Perhaps you might join?

Oct 20, 2015: Update

Only a few days until Frightfest! I hope you are all as excited as we are! We were at the park this past weekend finishing up the planting and it is gorgeous on the trails! The weather has warmed up a bit this week and the forecast is looking nice for the weekend! A few things to pass along:

1) If you are planning to play Great Lakes Bingo this year, Wisconsin Hiker will be at Frightfest and you can bring her your booty item to save on postage.
2) In addition to the traditional box hunting, there will be a scavenger hunt running simultaneously... there is nothing special you need to do to prepare for this, but you may want to be thinking of teams -- a family unit, or 3-4 unrelated people... also, it would be a disadvantage if you were coming to the event with a brand new logbook.
3) Some of the event boxes have a puzzle component to them (after all, this is a SpringChick event)... so as you don't have to spend half of the day figuring out puzzles, the puzzle piece of these clues will be posted on Wednesday night... and if you really are not a puzzle person, some of the solutions (not all) will be available at the gathering, although asking for them may cost you scavenger hunt points.
4) Don't forget to check for personal travelers of your fellow Frightfesters...
5) There is still time to jump on board for the Friday night haunted house and dinner being hosted by 4eyesMcGee and PoofMagicEvilKitty!

See you on Saturday!

Oct 20, 2015: What's in the treat bucket????
Don't forget to ask about treats! Or tricks...your decision. Either way, there may be more in store for you if you know what to ask ;-)

Oct 21, 2015: Frightfest Puzzles Are Available!
Some of the Frightfest boxes have a puzzle component to them. Since we don't want you to spend your entire day sitting in the shelter figuring out puzzles, the puzzles are available early so you can come prepared! Get them here:

http://stamp-in-the-box.com/files/springchick-puzzles.pdf

Not really a puzzle person? Don't worry, some of the puzzle solutions will be available at the gathering and there are plenty of awesome letterboxes that have no puzzle at all! Between creations from Familyof6, SpringChick, and a few generous box donors, there are plenty of letterboxes for everyone!

Oct 22, 2015: The TRICKS get you the TREATS!
Frightfest in the Forest is almost here....and one can tell that Springchick will keep you hopping with her puzzle clues, that's for sure....but don't expect anything less from little old me. Turn some tricks, to get your treats!

Don't worry, you will find out on Saturday. Buhwhahahahahahaaaaa.......... ;-)

Can't wait to see everyone there!

Oct 25, 2015: MY event boxes are listed
Hey all,

I have listed all my event boxes. The Goblin of Grose Park and Creature from the Black Lagoon are staying put. All the other's are temporary and will be picked up Thanksgiving weekend so if you are still planning on getting them, make sure to get them by the Sunday after Thanksgiving before they go to their new homes.

Traditional Boxes at the Event by Familyof6:
Goblin of Grose Park
Death's Watchman
Nosferatu
Which Witch?
The Angel of death
The Zombie Hand
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Boneface

and if you found the bonus boxes, they are:
Hootie
Just Shave a Bit Off the Top
Demon on the Rockl

I had a GREAT time yesterday, even in the rain and the threat of Renee's cane! Enjoyed meeting old friends and new!

Oct 25, 2015: Scavenger Hunt Update
I received Scavenger hunt worksheets from 6 teams. The final tally is:

226 points - Wisconsin Hiker, Martini Man, Tiptoe, and Tonto
212 points - MichKathy, TrailMark, Mysterina, and Mysteryas
202 points - Team Rabbit, Aurora, and Azobox
199 points - 4eyesMcGee and PoofMagicEvilKitty
179 points - Familyof6 *
176 points - PapaSolo

*Includes finding his own boxes, which may have given a slight advantage

Congratulations to our IL/WI boxer friends! Thanks everyone for playing along -- great job by all! The prize is bragging rights... until next year!

Oct 25, 2015: Thoughts on the MI Fall Gathering...
Where to start... what an awesome, joy-filled day! I have to admit my anxiety had kicked in a bit in the days leading to the event... it has been several years since I'd seen most of you, let alone done anything letterboxing-related. But it really is true what they say about old friends... years can pass without seeing each other, but it feels like only yesterday when you see one another again. It was such a blessing to renew those old friendships, and an added treat to meet the new letterboxers who were there!

Despite the rain, everyone was in good spirits and after a bit of time at the shelter doing exchanges, personal travelers (Trail Troll, I will figure that thing out yet...) and working through the puzzles (I do believe I heard a few under-breath mutterings...) teams hit the trails and it appeared to be letterboxing success for most!

As usual there was plenty of great food -- letterboxers are good cooks! A lot of wonderful treats, but my personal favs had to be PapaSolo's chili casserole, Wisconsin Hiker's pumpkin bars, and that bean and corn relish (my apologies, I am not sure who brought this).

The majority of the boxes are now listed at AtlasQuest so you can log your finds or head back out on the trails. A handful of the boxes are permanent placements, but many will only be available through the end of November, so if you missed any, you've got a few weeks yet!

A big thank you again to everyone who came out and played a part in making this a wonderful day!

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