HOW TO: Letterbox

So you want to go letterboxing but not sure how to do it? Let me help. I've had many friends and family ask just what do you need to do for this letterboxing thing.

To start, you are going to need your supplies.

• Stamp pad/markers
• Stamp -either homemade or store bought. We are currently using a store bought but I hope to carve a new one soon.
• Logbook (not lined)
• Pen
• Compass - This isn't a necessity right away however you will find that some clues will require it.
• Bag, to carry it all it.
• You also may want bug spray, camera, extra Ziploc bags in case the box you find needs a quick repair, and paper towels or wet wipes. Some boxes are a bit dirty.

Now that you have your supplies you need to find some clues. I use http://www.atlasquest.com/ mostly however you can also use http://www.letterboxing.org/. Once you picked out your box you want to find, enjoy your adventure!

Where is the box?

FOUND IT!

Now that you found the box, let's check out what's inside. There should be a stamp & a logbook. Go ahead and use your stamp to stamp the logbook of the letterbox, this is your "signature". After we stamp it, we will write our trail name (your name you want to go by instead of your actual name. I find this is more private), the date we find it, and the city we are from.

Now, go ahead and check out the stamp from the letterbox. Use this stamp to stamp YOUR logbook. I then record the name of the stamp and where we found it in our logbook.

Once both logbooks are stamped, be sure to put everything back into the box and it is watertight. Hide it back where you found it so it will be there when the next person tries to find it.

To check out my other letterboxing adventures, just click here!

I'll also post more HOW TO's the future :)

And remember, you may not succeed your first time out but don't let that get you down. There are many more out there to find!