Read Messages
Re: This Day In History: Vanguard 1 launched
Board: History is Alive
Reply to: #1044360 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Mar 17, 2026 8:10pm
I'd loove one of these
When I wiin the lottery I'll get you a dozen --- don't hold your breath though!
Re: This Day In History: Vanguard 1 launched
Board: History is Alive
Reply to: #1044360 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Mar 17, 2026 9:13pm
I'd love one of these
In 1969 I was 10 and I built a scale model of the Saturn V using found items scrounged up. It was for a school project and I got an A+ My grandfather was an engineer and he helped me take measurements from a photo of the actual rocket and scale it down accurately. End result after many hours of effort was quite amazing.
Re: Patience, Călători
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1044303 by Elana Chivani
Mar 18, 2026 2:38am
I find it interesting that a certain date is in 2 weeks. Coincidence?
New Hostel Coming Soon in VA but where to plant?
Board: Hitchhikers, Cooties, and Fleas
Mar 18, 2026 6:33am
I have a new HHH ready to plant, stocked with HH to trade here in Coastal Virginia, but I’d really like to plant it in an area with high travel traffic from letterboxers. I would also like it to be near enough that I can maintain it. I thought I would just reach out to get a feel for possible areas you all might travel through.
I live in Norfolk VA along I-64 & it seems our area has just a handful of dedicated & active boxers, though Im hoping activity picks up with the season change. I want to encourage passersby to stop & share a renewed joy of LB here.
I’ve considered planting the HHH near Williamsburg with easy access to & from I-64 or somewhere just on this side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. I’m leaning toward Williamsburg. I’d love to plant it near the I-295/I-64 interchange, but that’s a little far.
Would there be anyone here interested in having a HHH stop (with a permanent box stamp, of course & maintained supply of HH) along this route?
Is there another place you might suggest in my vicinity (within 45 min drive of Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel)?
I live in Norfolk VA along I-64 & it seems our area has just a handful of dedicated & active boxers, though Im hoping activity picks up with the season change. I want to encourage passersby to stop & share a renewed joy of LB here.
I’ve considered planting the HHH near Williamsburg with easy access to & from I-64 or somewhere just on this side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. I’m leaning toward Williamsburg. I’d love to plant it near the I-295/I-64 interchange, but that’s a little far.
Would there be anyone here interested in having a HHH stop (with a permanent box stamp, of course & maintained supply of HH) along this route?
Is there another place you might suggest in my vicinity (within 45 min drive of Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel)?
City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Mar 18, 2026 7:00am
I'm just going to post the whole email I got rather than try to summarize it, but sounds like it's time to start removing your boxes from the cemeteries in New Bern.
I'll start deleting/retiring the boxes, but it sounds like there are quite a large number of them so it'll likely take me a bit of time. If you have boxes in them, though, please delete/retire your boxes to save me the effort. Thanks!
-- Ryan
I'll start deleting/retiring the boxes, but it sounds like there are quite a large number of them so it'll likely take me a bit of time. If you have boxes in them, though, please delete/retire your boxes to save me the effort. Thanks!
-- Ryan
Mr. Carpenter,
The City of New Bern has received several complaints regarding Letterboxes listed on at least one or more of your websites, including, but not limited to AtlasQuest.com and Letterboxing.org directing trackers to grave sites in Cedar Grove Cemetery, and potentially other city-owned cemeteries such as New Bern Memorial, Greenwood, and Evergreen Cemeteries.
Cedar Grove Cemetery and the other city cemeteries are historic burial grounds and the final resting places for many individuals whose graves are fragile and easily damaged. The city has become aware that containers, pouches, or other items associated with Letterboxing activities have been placed at, in, or on gravesites within these cemeteries and that participants may be directed through instructions to retrieve or interact with certain items on sacred gravesites. It has been reported that letterboxes are being retrieved by defacing grave sites by removing dirt, stones, bricks, copings, and more from grave sites. We have also been made aware that participants may have trespassed on city property by accessing the clues when our cemeteries are closed to the public.
The city must ensure that all activity within cemeteries respects the dignity of these sites and does not disturb the graves, monuments, or surrounding materials. Activities that require participants to search for, retrieve, or manipulate objects at gravesites create a risk of damage to historic graves and present potential safety concerns.
Furthermore, City ordinance provides that the city does not permit activities that disturb graves, monuments, or surrounding materials. Disturbing, climbing on or stepping on gravesites can be considered vandalism and may constitute property damage. We do not tolerate reckless activity that disturbs the peace of our cemeteries.
One of your websites lists over 70 letterboxes in Cedar Grove Cemetery alone. Accordingly, the City of New Bern requests that your members remove all containers, pouches, or similar items located within City-owned cemeteries, including Cedar Grove Cemetery. We also request that any locations within City of New Bern Cemetery and other city cemeteries be deactivated immediately on your websites so that participants are not directed to these locations in the future. Warning Signs are posted at all cemeteries. If trackers are caught defacing gravesites, they will be subject to legal action to the fullest extent allowed by the City of New Bern code of ordinances and North Carolina General Statutes.
The city values historical interpretation and educational efforts related to Cedar Grove Cemetery and would welcome discussion of alternative ways to share historical information about individuals buried there that do not involve physical interaction with gravesites. Please contact Kari Warren, Director of Parks and Recreation, at (252) 639-2902 to discuss possible alternatives.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your cooperation in helping preserve and protect these historic burial grounds. If you have any questions, feel free to respond to this email or the number listed below.
The City of New Bern has received several complaints regarding Letterboxes listed on at least one or more of your websites, including, but not limited to AtlasQuest.com and Letterboxing.org directing trackers to grave sites in Cedar Grove Cemetery, and potentially other city-owned cemeteries such as New Bern Memorial, Greenwood, and Evergreen Cemeteries.
Cedar Grove Cemetery and the other city cemeteries are historic burial grounds and the final resting places for many individuals whose graves are fragile and easily damaged. The city has become aware that containers, pouches, or other items associated with Letterboxing activities have been placed at, in, or on gravesites within these cemeteries and that participants may be directed through instructions to retrieve or interact with certain items on sacred gravesites. It has been reported that letterboxes are being retrieved by defacing grave sites by removing dirt, stones, bricks, copings, and more from grave sites. We have also been made aware that participants may have trespassed on city property by accessing the clues when our cemeteries are closed to the public.
The city must ensure that all activity within cemeteries respects the dignity of these sites and does not disturb the graves, monuments, or surrounding materials. Activities that require participants to search for, retrieve, or manipulate objects at gravesites create a risk of damage to historic graves and present potential safety concerns.
Furthermore, City ordinance provides that the city does not permit activities that disturb graves, monuments, or surrounding materials. Disturbing, climbing on or stepping on gravesites can be considered vandalism and may constitute property damage. We do not tolerate reckless activity that disturbs the peace of our cemeteries.
One of your websites lists over 70 letterboxes in Cedar Grove Cemetery alone. Accordingly, the City of New Bern requests that your members remove all containers, pouches, or similar items located within City-owned cemeteries, including Cedar Grove Cemetery. We also request that any locations within City of New Bern Cemetery and other city cemeteries be deactivated immediately on your websites so that participants are not directed to these locations in the future. Warning Signs are posted at all cemeteries. If trackers are caught defacing gravesites, they will be subject to legal action to the fullest extent allowed by the City of New Bern code of ordinances and North Carolina General Statutes.
The city values historical interpretation and educational efforts related to Cedar Grove Cemetery and would welcome discussion of alternative ways to share historical information about individuals buried there that do not involve physical interaction with gravesites. Please contact Kari Warren, Director of Parks and Recreation, at (252) 639-2902 to discuss possible alternatives.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your cooperation in helping preserve and protect these historic burial grounds. If you have any questions, feel free to respond to this email or the number listed below.
Re: This Day In History: Vanguard 1 launched
Board: History is Alive
Reply to: #1044365 by shutterbug2012
Mar 18, 2026 8:07am
When I wiin the lottery I'll get you a dozen
Oh shutterbug, you're the best!
"wiin"
😉
Re: This Day In History: Vanguard 1 launched
Board: History is Alive
Reply to: #1044367 by zdz
Mar 18, 2026 8:11am
In 1969 I was 10 and I built a scale model of the Saturn V using found items scrounged up.
Ooh, I love to see it. Any chance you have a photo?
Edited to add:
In 1969 I was 10 and I built a scale model of the Saturn V
From the listing, "92176 Building Set for Adults (1,969 Pieces)"
There's no way that's a coincidence.
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044372 by Green Tortuga
Mar 18, 2026 8:25am
By a strange coincidence, I was reading the "Guidelines For Cemeteries" thread from 2023, just yesterday (strictly for entertainment purposes only!).
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044372 by Green Tortuga
Mar 18, 2026 9:42am
It is interesting how the city became aware and suddenly wants the boxes gone after McGinnis Again stopped working there and moved out of town merely a few days ago.
SUGGESTION -- If somebody could go to New Bern, search for the cemetery boxes, and remove them, that could clean up the cemetery and salvage the letterboxes. Plus, it would be a day or weekend of lots of interesting finds because McGinnis Again researched a lot when carving and planting her letterboxes. If course, you would have to search for retired boxes.
SUGGESTION -- If somebody could go to New Bern, search for the cemetery boxes, and remove them, that could clean up the cemetery and salvage the letterboxes. Plus, it would be a day or weekend of lots of interesting finds because McGinnis Again researched a lot when carving and planting her letterboxes. If course, you would have to search for retired boxes.
Camping Reservations for Pop3
Board: State: Michigan
Mar 18, 2026 9:55am
If you plan to camp at Fayette State Park, for the Pop3 event, reservations can be made 6 months out, I just made mine today!
Re: Firm Kut
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #1044068 by Wise Wanderer
Mar 18, 2026 2:52pm
Thank you for your tips regarding the inking of firm cut. They sure were helpful!
WW52
WW52
Re: Firm Kut
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #1044069 by Tri-Colored Paws
Mar 18, 2026 2:53pm
Thanks for the helpful tips regarding Firm Cut!
WW52
WW52
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044372 by Green Tortuga
Mar 18, 2026 3:45pm
As avid tapophiles, we have many cemetery plants. Number one rule is to never plant a box under, around, or even close to a grave marker! (unless it's a family member or explicit permission is obtained).
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044377 by RDHG
Mar 18, 2026 3:46pm
I might could go this weekend and retrieve
Re: This Day In History: Vanguard 1 launched
Board: History is Alive
Reply to: #1044374 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Mar 18, 2026 4:09pm
Ooh, I love to see it. Any chance you have a photo?
My grandfather was not only an engineer, but an avid amateur photographer. I spent many hours in his darkroom developing and printing photos, a lost art these days. I am certain that photos exist of my Saturn V school project, but finding them is not currently possible!
My sister has taken on the task of trying to catalog and digitize more than ten thousand photos from my grandfather but the task has proved to be overwhelming.
Interesting about the 1,969 pieces in the model, surely paying homage to Apollo 11 and the moon landing in 1969!
City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044382 by the pink dragon
Mar 18, 2026 4:54pm
That would be very cool, tpd.
Re: Firm Kut
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #1044069 by Tri-Colored Paws
Mar 18, 2026 5:15pm
Sanding is a must.
Don't use a power sander. Gently sand by hand. Vigorous sanding can create enough heat to ruin the benefit. I learned this by experience! Belt sander was wicked fast but it did not work out in the end.
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044372 by Green Tortuga
Mar 19, 2026 4:50am
There is a pre-Revolutionary War cemetery here in downtown Norfolk VA, and it’s such a beautifully historical treasure that I deem necessary to encourage visiting, but planting a box there would just be… well, I don’t even know the right word, but you get my drift. I fear some letterboxers (few, I hope) overlook locations for finds sometimes anyway, so I’m hoping to create a puzzle that requires people to respectfully visit and experience this site in order to decode the location of a box planted nearby, in a less hallowed & historically valuable spot.
I wish I could help you in your great task to remove so many boxes from New Bern. I know the city of Suffolk, VA has stated similar concerns and enforcements for their city cemeteries. I’m sure there are many others as well, so besides being a call for help & note to your locals, your post is a good reminder to all of us that, even if we as planters are considerate & respectful of locations, sometimes searchers are not, especially if they misinterpret clues and go digging in places they shouldn’t; and in turn, a reminder to searchers who haven’t been so mindful in the past to do so going forward.
I wish I could help you in your great task to remove so many boxes from New Bern. I know the city of Suffolk, VA has stated similar concerns and enforcements for their city cemeteries. I’m sure there are many others as well, so besides being a call for help & note to your locals, your post is a good reminder to all of us that, even if we as planters are considerate & respectful of locations, sometimes searchers are not, especially if they misinterpret clues and go digging in places they shouldn’t; and in turn, a reminder to searchers who haven’t been so mindful in the past to do so going forward.
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044372 by Green Tortuga
Mar 19, 2026 5:56am
Here's a thought:
Maybe don't hide dozens (or even hundreds) of boxes in one cemetery!
A single box can be a tour around a cemetery and show off the history, if someone is interested, but not have the extreme traffic and damage that the "Must hurry to stamp everything!" Mentality can cause.
I refuse to visit that famous letterboxing cemetery in Ohio (or that part of the country) for exactly this reason.
Maybe don't hide dozens (or even hundreds) of boxes in one cemetery!
A single box can be a tour around a cemetery and show off the history, if someone is interested, but not have the extreme traffic and damage that the "Must hurry to stamp everything!" Mentality can cause.
I refuse to visit that famous letterboxing cemetery in Ohio (or that part of the country) for exactly this reason.
Re: Patience, Călători
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1044303 by Elana Chivani
Mar 19, 2026 8:16am
We found one of your Tarot card boxes a
year ago, it was sitting on another box we were searching for.
And yes, we are interested!
year ago, it was sitting on another box we were searching for.
And yes, we are interested!
Cleveland's Farmers Market Event - March 28
Board: State: North Carolina
Mar 19, 2026 10:01am
I just added the last bit of details to the event page, but wanted to share here too.
CLEVELAND'S FARMERS MARKET
Cleveland City Park, Cleveland NC
March 28, 2026 - 10am-4pm
Event box, tabletop boxes, HIPS boxes, multiple series around the park, some around downtown, seed/plant swap (with over 1000 seed packets donated from the Second Harvest Food Bank), raffle, farmers market items such as tallow lotions, salves, jellies and other handmade items, and dinner at the local Pizzeria!
Event starts at 10am and we'll be handing out clue sheets when you arrive! Hope to see you all there!
CLEVELAND'S FARMERS MARKET
Cleveland City Park, Cleveland NC
March 28, 2026 - 10am-4pm
Event box, tabletop boxes, HIPS boxes, multiple series around the park, some around downtown, seed/plant swap (with over 1000 seed packets donated from the Second Harvest Food Bank), raffle, farmers market items such as tallow lotions, salves, jellies and other handmade items, and dinner at the local Pizzeria!
Event starts at 10am and we'll be handing out clue sheets when you arrive! Hope to see you all there!
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044393 by RIclimber
Mar 19, 2026 11:01am
I find myself disappointed in some of the reactions here. What has happened to the supportive group that used to offer sympathy and help to fellow boxers? No one deliberately planted there knowing there were rules against it. Given the examples from around the country of many boxes planted in one location, including cemeteries, why wouldn't boxers - several, not just one - have thought that was an acceptable example to follow?
The people who planted boxes there undoubtedly feel bad enough already, and are doing what they can to handle the problem. They don't need judgement; they need understanding and help from fellow boxers who may have made a less than ideal choice or two along the way. If you haven't, good for you, but consider giving others a little grace.
Many thanks to those who have offered to travel there to remove boxes. I am willing to help as well - please contact me if my help is needed.
The people who planted boxes there undoubtedly feel bad enough already, and are doing what they can to handle the problem. They don't need judgement; they need understanding and help from fellow boxers who may have made a less than ideal choice or two along the way. If you haven't, good for you, but consider giving others a little grace.
Many thanks to those who have offered to travel there to remove boxes. I am willing to help as well - please contact me if my help is needed.
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044397 by Frankie and Benjy
Mar 19, 2026 12:43pm
No one deliberately planted there knowing there were rules against it.
Maybe the issue isn't just that it's against the rules. One also needs to use common sense. I'm not passing judgement as I have not visited that particular cemetery. But speaking broadly, that seems like an unusually high concentration of boxes in a spot that one would expect a little reverence be paid.
I have no problem with cemetery boxes in general but, again, use common sense. Here's part of the clues to one of the last cemetery boxes we visited:
Once in the upper cemetery...
Turn 90 degrees to your right and look for a rock wall surrounding an old, unmarked grave.
You’ll find the ******* Letterbox under the middle stone on the south wall.
Turn 90 degrees to your right and look for a rock wall surrounding an old, unmarked grave.
You’ll find the ******* Letterbox under the middle stone on the south wall.
Guess how much of that old stone wall was left? This was at an historic spot too.
A hide placement can be 'not against the rules' and still be not wise.
Again, my remarks are about graveyard hides in general and not New Bern specifically.
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044398 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Mar 19, 2026 1:32pm
Maybe don't hide dozens (or even hundreds) of boxes in one cemetery!
This doesn't just happen in cemeteries - there is a park near me that is not that big - town owned and someone planted 180 boxes in there... I had just moved across the street and was looking forward to putting a small series in there - now it's not possible.
No location - historic or otherwise can support/sustain hundreds of boxes. IMO
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044398 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Mar 19, 2026 4:00pm
I’m a huge fan of graveyard boxes but in my experience there haven’t been that huge of a concentration in the ones I’ve been to. Maybe it’s because there are so many in TX or they weren’t deemed important enough (most are small and from pioneer days), but it’s unusual for there to be more than 3-4 active ones and that’s in a huge cemetery in Dallas. I’ve also not experienced ones that required interaction with monuments or stones in more than a directional or milestone capacity.
As an end of life doula I enjoy and respect being in the places of rest, so while I enjoy boxing in cemeteries and am careful and humble, I know not everyone is and cannot imagine that many boxes being searched for en masse. It really does seem excessive.
My question is, are all of these active boxes? Or were some already retired or missing and a search just turned up all those as well? I’m still new to the site so sometimes I have to fiddle with the search.
As an end of life doula I enjoy and respect being in the places of rest, so while I enjoy boxing in cemeteries and am careful and humble, I know not everyone is and cannot imagine that many boxes being searched for en masse. It really does seem excessive.
My question is, are all of these active boxes? Or were some already retired or missing and a search just turned up all those as well? I’m still new to the site so sometimes I have to fiddle with the search.
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044397 by Frankie and Benjy
Mar 19, 2026 4:40pm
No one deliberately planted there knowing there were rules against it.
There probably wasn't any rules against it... until a couple hundred were placed and started causing problems!
Up here a large park allowed caching for 20+ years. Then someone hid hundreds of caches all at once. The increase in traffic (among other things related to that) got caching banned in that area completely and permanently.
How to Letterbox presentation??
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Mar 19, 2026 6:50pm
A few months ago, a letterboxer posted a thread offering materials they’d created on how to get started with letterboxing. (Can’t remember which board!)
I’d like to connect with them to get ideas or handouts, whatever’s available.
Is this you, or does anyone remember who??
I’d like to connect with them to get ideas or handouts, whatever’s available.
Is this you, or does anyone remember who??
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044400 by mudflinginfools
Mar 19, 2026 7:24pm
there is a park near me that is not that big - town owned and someone planted 180 boxes in there
Wow! I thought planting a 40 box series in a 1500 acre park was overdoing it! It brought the park up to about 60 boxes. Now I don't feel so bad.
Re: Patience, Călători
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1044334 by Wise Wanderer
Mar 20, 2026 5:33am
The "flavor" of tarot/astrology is not compatible with one's spiritual beliefs.
Some people may not want an involved puzzle-solving exercise, because they simply enjoy a more leisurely outing - and finding a LB along the way is a bonus.
Someone is currently up to their ears in life happenings, and don't have the energy or time to add a complex puzzle-solving exercise right now.
Some people may not want an involved puzzle-solving exercise, because they simply enjoy a more leisurely outing - and finding a LB along the way is a bonus.
Someone is currently up to their ears in life happenings, and don't have the energy or time to add a complex puzzle-solving exercise right now.
True. To each their own. And this is certainly not the first time that Tarot cards have played a role in the game...
https://www.mapsurfer.com/mcbrae/ch07.html
Re: City of New Bern, NC - Letterbox Complaints
Board: State: North Carolina
Reply to: #1044372 by Green Tortuga
Mar 20, 2026 6:01am
but sounds like it's time to start removing your boxes from the cemeteries in New Bern.
I've enjoyed visiting various cemeteries over the years. The notable people and intricate carvings on some markers are very intriguing. I have found some boxes at cemeteries over the years but have always felt a bit 'off' about it. In the beginning it was not as much an 'issue' for me. I was always respectful of the location and if it seemed a plant would cause me to show "disrespect" then I left it alone.
Awhile back, one of my last outings to a NJ cemetery was just because we were spending time in a nearby town. I had been there before for a box but this time it felt different. Not that the more recent plants were an issue but because it was becoming a 'place' for people to add more boxes. It went from a couple to several more and then more. Yes, it's nice to rack up the finds in one spot but it seemed more like that was the only reason as opposed to the early boxes that had a 'story' or purpose. These newer boxes really had no connection to the place and it was just a spot to put a box. While I like a driveby as much as the next person, I don't favor several driveby boxes in cemeteries. That seems more like highway rest-stop planting and not for cemeteries. But that's just me .. In any case, while there I also noticed an increased police presence in the area. They were hanging out as if there has been recent issues... whatever that might be. After a few minutes they left and I could have looked for the box - but the vibe was off. I decided there were other boxes that I could look for at other times but that I would most likley not search for cemetery boxes again.
Now, if there are clues that state you go to a cemetery to learn details needed to find a nearby letterbox that's not actually in the cemetery - I'm all for that. I've done those before. But I've also come across a box where the only way to get to it was to stand on the side of the grave stone and lean on it and over it to get to the box tucked behind it-between two large shrubs and it was up against a chain link fence. No other way to get it. And it had been found a number of times. That crossed a line for me. I'm not hanging on the stone playing twister to get a box- so I walked away. Not willing to do that for a box. But again, that's me. You do you. But that memory sat with me that day when I left the last cemetery because It didn't feel fun anymore. It felt disrespectful. One caveat to this - I know of at least one cemetery in my area that encourages and has involved letterboxing in approved spots as well as ghost tours. That's cool - and a great way to balance the hobby with being respectful.
Lastly, in no way are my comments meant to disrespect anyone else's thoughts or planting methods on this subject. They are just my own. I'm sure there are plenty of respectful plants and boxers who do the hobby the 'right way' while in cemeteries. But it's just not on my dance card anymore. And that's just my 3.5 cents on this subject- adjusted for inflation.
