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Current Events Letterbox (Previously 2007 LB) LbNA #28045

Owner:BostonRott
Plant date:Jan 3, 2007
Location:
City:Sherborn
County:Middlesex
State:Massachusetts
Boxes:1
Found by: Mim
Last found:Nov 12, 2007
Status:FFFFFaaa
Last edited:Jan 3, 2007
EDITED: I decided to leave this in place, feel free to find, and be sure to record a current event! :)


This box was placed to ring in the new year. It is a "limited time" box in that it will be pulled on 1/1/08. I'd like to see people help chronicle the year of 2007. Therefore, when you set out for this box, please have in mind a current news story to record. When you find the box, in addition to stamping in, record the news story, so that we may all look back on the events of 2007. :)

Hike: mostly flat with several moderate hills. Fine for dogs (note that Sherborn does NOT have a leash law and you may find unleashed dogs on this trail). Hike length: probably 45-60 minutes. I power-hiked it (to beat the sunset) while planting the box, wearing a 25lb toddler in a pack in about 40 minutes.

Location: Use a map to find the intersection of Rte 16 and Old Orchard Rd. Turn onto Old Orchard Rd and IMMEDIATELY park on the left side of the road. If you're coming from Sherborn center (or 27 and 16), this will be on your right, and comes up quickly after a curve, be looking! The trail head for Bailey trail is here, and is marked with a green sign proclaiming "dawn to dusk" as well as a brown sign further in, naming the trail network.

I suspect this area to be QUITE wet in the spring (wear water-proof shoes), as about 40% of Sherborn is swamp. I know for a fact that it can be buggy in the bug season, bring plenty of repellant.

Directions:
Follow the trail in, across the stream and notice a large boulder on your right with a tree growing out of the center of it. Continue on, and when you come to an intersection, bear to the right. Shortly you will pass, on your right, the balanced boulder. This whole area is full of granite outcroppings, but this is the only balanced boulder.

Continue on through a stone wall, and maintain your path. Notice the gorgeous rock wall off to the right, draped like fine pearls upon a fine neck. Sherborn was almost cleared, in it's entirety, in the early 19th century. All throughout the town, you will find gorgeous rock walls that are over 200 years old.

The trail bends 90 degrees left, follow it along. Note a large boulder (waist height) on your right, and then soon after, a break in the stone wall. Also note a large grey house. You should soon spy, on your left, a VERY large boulder (approx 10' high). Head off the trail to the back side of the boulder. There you will find a small rock on a pile of branches. The box lies underneath.

Please be discrete, I do not know if this area is frequented by neighborhood children. PLEASE be sure to re-hide very well (use leaves/sticks to cover and rock to secure). IF you get to the location and can not find the box, please email me.

Head back to the trail, and turn to the left (same direction you were headed). Follow the trail along, past the houses, and deeper back into the woods. You'll find some moderate hills, up and then down. Notice a small stand of beech trees on your left. Odd how they suddenly appear, eh? The rock wall will be on your right.

You are looking for the Purple trail (trails in this area are marked by colored dots on the trees). It will be on your left, the marker was on an old tree that literally rotted and fell over. I brought it down to the intersection and leaned it between a beech and pine tree. Not sure if it will hold up to strong winds or heavy snow. Look for a rotting tree, no thicker than your lower leg, that has a purple circle on it, with most purple paint worn off. The trail is a bit faint at first, but very obvious as you head up the hill.

The purple trail is a short connector. Soon afte you pass through the young pine forest, you will end at the blue dot trail. You will also see the corner of a stone wall here. Turn left.

Follow this until it ends at a 4 way intersection. Turn right. Continue on until the next intersection and turn left. Follow until you see the end. :)