Connecticut ABC Series LbNA #44655
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Nearby Boxes
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Add Location| Owner: | Pine Tree  |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Oct 31, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| City: | various |
| County: | Mystery |
| State: | Connecticut |
| Boxes: | 26 |
| Found by: | quiltjoy (4) |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Apr 5, 2024 |
| Status: | FFFFFFFFaaFFFFFFFFaF |
| Last edited: | Oct 31, 2008 |
Connecticut ABC Series
This series or just a simple plant has been in the works for quite some time . I have planted very few stamps in the last 7 years and it was time to start anew. With the successful planting of 3 series in Mansfield , my confidence grew and I wanted to do more for this hobby that has brought new friends , new hikes, new locations and new skills .
The idea for this series has changed many many times until one day I thought about people like me who had been in this hobby for many years but were hesitant to carve and plant . So I wrote to a few people and the series began to take shape . Many of the planters are not new to this hobby and might have been secretly waiting for that push to carve and plant . The following boxes have been planted by friends , new and old who deserve a BIG thank you from myself and the 23 others who carved and planted the Connecticut ABC series .
The boxes are located in towns or at landmarks that begin with a certain letter of the alphabet .
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
A is for... ??
Go to the Doris E. Chamberlain Nature Pond. Go to the bench on your left and find the yellow blazed trail. Follow the trail to the other side of the pond crossing a cub scout bridge on the way. After passing the duct taped trees, count 11 blazes on your right. At the eleventh tree, look left for a large rock. Behind the rock under another rock is your prize.
Carved and planted by Wolfy .
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
Location: Beachland Park, West Hartford, Hartford Co., Connecticut
Letterboxes: 1
Planted: 10/16/2008 by The Bird Stamper
Stamp: Carved by The Bird Stamper
Time: 15 minutes
Length: 0.2 mile round trip, 20 foot climb
Difficulty: Easy
Description:
Beachland Park has picnic tables, swimming pools, and a playscape. It is in the Elmwood section of town.
Directions:
Beachland Park, 847 South Quaker Lane. From I-84 take exit 43, Park Rd. Stay in the right most lane. Take a right onto Park Rd and then a right onto Trout Brook Drive. At the end take a right onto South Quaker Lane and a right into the park. Drive to the rear parking lot beyond the pond.
>From I-84 West you can take exit 42, Elmwood. Take a right onto Trout Brook Drive and follow as above.
The Clues:
Look on the right of the driveway next to the parking lot, and you will see a lone tree. Go to it and you will see it is a sling shot tree. Aim your sling shot to 5 deg and walk 24 paces to a large maple. Now aim to 335 deg and follow the edge of the wooded section. Walk 36 paces to the fattest tree along the edge of the woods. Duck behind without being seen. Now aim to 100 deg and walk down hill 10 paces and you will find a fat tree with a rusted wire fence in it. Look behind for B.
Special permission for this letterbox was granted by the manager of this preserve. Others wishing to plant here should contact me and I will find out if permission can be extended.
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
C" is planted! Here is the info:
Hand carved stamp. Located in Chaplin CT. Compass helpful.
A very short walk, not quite a driveby. Less than 1/4 mile.
Box name: 'C' You in the Country!
As you drive to Chaplin CT to find 'C' you may 'C' cows, chickens, Canada geese, possibly a coyote or bobcat!
Directions:
From Rt 6 in Chaplin turn just past the Post Office onto Lynch Rd. There is a blinking light here. Follow Lynch Rd. to the end where it intersects with Chewink Rd. From the stop sign you will see a dirt path going uphill across from you. Drive across Chewink Rd. and park here. Walk up the slope to the metal gate. Go around the gate to follow the path. At approximately 49 paces you will see a path leave the main trail and go off to the right. Turn here to follow this path, going around a depression in the earth. Continue until the path seems to more or less end. There will be some largish rocks in groups and hillside in front of you. Facing the hillside look to your right and walk between 3 and 4 paces to what appears to be a two trunked tree (the trunks have different types of bark and may be two trees rather than one with two trunks). At the base of the east side of the trees, tucked into the trunk under leaves and small logs you will find 'C'. As always please replant carefully!
***This trail is not far from the Fin Fur and Feather Club. We heard shots while there even though it was a Sunday. We assumed they came from the club. Wear orange in hunting season to be safe!***
Bottom of Form 1
Stamp carved and planted by Kaluga Crew.
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Clues to the D is for Deep River box.
Directions from Rt 9 exit 5. Proceed east on Rt 80. At the stop sign stay straight then go to the traffic light. Cross Rt 154 staying straight onto River st to the first stop sign, passing the town hall. Take a right onto High st. Take the first left after the Blue house into Fountain Hill Cemetery.
Clues to Box. Stay left at the first intersection. Go up hill and take the first left onto a short dead end with a maintenance area, park here. From your car walk to a low stonewall on your left, lined with Cedar trees. Count the trees, at the fifth tree, look low in the wall, to the right of the tree. Remove the stone door to find the D
Stamp carved and planted by Celtic Roots
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
“E”–town Letterbox in the CT Alphabet Series
State: CT
Town: ????
County: ????
Carved by ChicaD and placed by sojourner
Less than 1 mile round-trip.
Clues:
We didn’t know that there’s a small State Park in this “E”-town, but then it’s a very new State Park.
To reach this place, you’ll need to travel on a route whose digits add up to 7.
If you’re traveling westwards on this route, you’ll arrive at the small parking area on your left just 0.3 miles from the town line. If you’re east-bound, you’ll pass “Three Stone Pillars” on your left just before a cute manatee on your right. The small parking area is just ahead on your right, surrounded by a low wooden fence.
Though the trail is not marked, begin your hike from the parking area in a southerly, then south-easterly direction, following the most obvious trail. Pass through a small, open “meadow”, then you’ll see a small sign that indicates the hiking trail.
This trail takes you down into the ravine, and a short walk takes you to a triple-trunked oak tree up on the rocky cliff.
Stand at the corner of the boulder that’s alongside the trail and site about 260 degrees. 7 or 8 steps up the slope takes you to a small cave holding the “E”-town Letterbox, ChicaD’s first carve! The cave’s opening is facing the triple-tree.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
The Letter "F"
planted by Flutterby
This F letterbox was planted on a beautiFul Fall day. The air was crisp, the leaves were crunchy and the scenery was gorgeous.
In looking For this box you may want to bring along the clues to:
Alabama State Stamp
An AFrican SaFari
Baby D Turns 3: My new ride
Gott
Cha
and
Bailey's Ravine
This is a Fun hike that we do oFten just For the pleasure of hiking up here.
There is no ink in the box, but any color will do just Fine.
From the intersection oF route 32 and route 207, head down route 207 towards Baltic. Keep an eye on the leFt side of the road For a sign for Bailey's Ravine/Ayers Gap. There is a good sized paved pull-off here to park.
AFter parking, you will start on the white blazed trail. It goes straight up through the rocks in Front of you. It is a Fun climb, but you should use caution in wet, icy or leaFy conditions. Those leaves are slippery!!!
Continue on white, going ever uphill until you Finally reach the top. Feel Free to stop and catch your breath. It was a long uphill climb!! The rest oF the hike is a piece of cake 8-)
You will now Follow the white trail through gentle ups and downs . Along the way you will pass some Fabulous scenery, including lots oF stone walls, many Fallen trees, a Few amazing WolF trees and an assortment of wildliFe. You will come to stream crossing. If you are Feeling adventurous, aFter you cross it, go along the edge oF the stream, Following it downhill, and you will come to a Fun cave and when the water is running Full Force, a great little waterFall.
AFter enjoying this little side trip, continue Forward on white in the direction you were heading From the beginning. The trail is a little rougher here, but still clearly marked in white blazes.
Eventually you will get to a point where there is water on your right and lots oF ledge/big rocks. If it has been wet lately, the waterFall here is gorgeous. You will need to keep a sharp eye out For a rock that has not one, but two memorial plaques on it. Stand in Front oF them and read them. When you are done you can look For the letter F letterbox.
Look above the place where the two plaques are attached, but still on the same rock. You will see where some cables are anchored. Just beyond those, you will see a skinny evergreen with a much larger tree directly behind it. Look behind the much larger tree in the rocks at its base For the letter F. Please be sure to naturalize the area when you are done.
To go back to your car you can either turn around and retrace your steps, or continue on white to the road, turn right, walk to the stop sign, turn right and see your car in a few minutes.
I hope you enjoyed this Fabulous hike.
~Flutterby~
P.S. Do NOT think oF parking on the road that the trail comes out on. The people that live in the house have, and will, call the police For illegally parking there.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
To find the letter ‘G’ go to North Eagleville Road in Mansfield and go to the Gurley Cemetery on Bone Mill Road. You can also access Bone Mill Road from Rt. 44, but the road gets quite rough from that direction.
Once you are in the cemetery, drive towards the stone wall at the back and park where the road curves to the left.
Look for a “Lucky” rock near the stone wall. From the rock take a reading of 220 degrees and walk about 16 paces. Look for “G” on the ground between two large trees. Go four paces toward the stone wall and find Jacob “G”urley’s stone.
Walk to the stone wall and go right to the biggest tree. From the end of the left-most root of the tree go back one and one half paces. You will find “G” under the first layer of the wall. Move 2 rocks to find “G”.
Stamp carved by Gizz and planted by Graham Cracker Gramma
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (replanted on 1/4/2011)
The Letter H
Location: Simsbury/Bloomfield
Three mile round trip
Exit 41 off I-84, go north on South Main St. cross over route 4 (Farmington Ave.) pass the American School for the "H"earing Impaired, cross over route 44 and go left on route 185. Drive to Talcott Mountain State Park on the left. Drive up to the sign for "H"eublein Tower and park (the walk is longer during the winter months because the gate is locked after the first snow)
Follow what I like to call "H"ot yellow blazes all the way to the tower. If the tower is open be sure to visit, the view is awesome. Find the paved road leading to the tower from route 44 (not open to the public) and start walking down it. Pass an enclosed power station on the right and watch for a woods road/service road on the left. Take this road until you see a massive funky/ "H"unky rock formation off trail on the right. Look in a western fissure behind a flat rock.
Recarved and replanted by Gizz and Rubaduc
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
The clues to the I is for Ivoryton box are:
Directions from Rt, 9 exit 3. Proceed west on Rt 154 towards Centerbrook. Rt 154 will turn right but, stay straight. At the traffic light stay straight on Main St for about 1.5 mi. The Ivoryton playhouse will be on your right. Continue straight for 1/4 mile to the Millrace Preserve which will be on your left at the corner of Walnut St. Turn around and park at the tiny pull off next to the Millrace Preserve sign.
Clues to Box: Walk past the Millrace preserve sign and continue through the 'field' to the green 'nature preserve' sign. At this sign, go left on the trail into the woods. Proceed along the trail until you come to the first information sign. At this sign look for a small triangular stone between the two 'rock eating' trees. The letterbox is behind this stone. Besure to read the information sign so you learn a little about Ivoryton's history.
Stamp carved and planted by Astrii
JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
The Letter J
To find this box you need to find the oldest surviving public building in Waterford, CT. Hint: It starts with the letter J and is on the National Register of Historic Places circa 1740. Once you find the landmark on the Green that also starts with the letter J follow the directions below.
From the circa 1740 landmark find the apple orchard and walk north to the stone wall. Walk 10 steps from the north east corner and your prize is located on the north side of the wall.
Stamp carved and planted by Tony and Veronica
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
K Letterbox clue:
One chilly, breezy October morning Kaluga Mama and Graham Cracker Grandma headed east toward the Ocean State, through a town where the buffalo roam, surrounded by sturdy fences anyway! Traveling on a route of one digit they passed under the Interstate that will take you from Old Lyme into Massachusetts They then turned at the next road on the right (after all the highway entrances) where they saw a brown sign. It led them to believe they might find a spot to warm up but it turned out that the heating device at this spot had been built in the 1830s to melt iron! They found the park's main parking area and a blue blazed trail and decided a short hike would be just the thing to take the chill off. Heading off on the trail they soon heard the sound of water. A stream crossed their path but there were large rocks creating a natural bridge on which they were able to safely continue. They were happy that it was not an icy or wet day or the rocks might have proved a little more dangerous. After crossing the stream, Kaluga Mama strode from the end of the last large flat rock that was part of the path, to the first tree she saw with an orange on top of blue blaze. Looking left she saw a large rock just off the path. To the left of the rock was a smallish tree with two trunks. The base was covered with moss. Walking around to the back of this tree she discovered the perfect hiding place under the roots of the tree to tuck in the letter K to keep it warm and cozy!
Since they needed to pick up the Kaluga Kid who had a half day of school, they returned to the car and headed home. They plan to go back and explore this trail further in the future. It is a beautiful area with a three mile trail to hike. It rises and has a nice view of a pond from a cliff. We hope you are able to enjoy it after you've located the Kaluga Crew's favorite letter!
Handcarved stamp, carved by me, planted by me, mystery clue, Windham county, less than a 1/4 mile hike, dog and kid friendly.
Stamp carved and planted by Kaluga Crew .
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
L is for Ledyard
Mashantucket Pequot Burial Grounds
Ledyard, CT
Native American Ten Commandments ~ Version 1
1. The Earth is our Mother; care for Her.
2. Honor all your relations.
3. Open your heart and soul to the Great Spirit.
4. All life is sacred; treat all beings with respect.
5. Take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more.
6. Do what needs to be done for the good of all.
7. Give constant thanks to the Great Spirit for each day.
8. Speak the truth but only for the good of others.
9. Follow the rhythms of Nature.
10. Enjoy life’s journey; but leave no tracks.
“God created this Indian country and it was like he spread out a big blanket. He put Indians on it. They were created here in this country, truly and honestly, and that was the time this river started to run…When we were created we were given our ground to live on, and from that time these were our rights. This is all true…I was not brought from a foreign country and did not come here. I was put here by the Creator.”
George Meninock
Clues:
The box is planted outside of this sacred place as it did not feel right to plant it within. Please be respectful and perhaps you will hear the faint calling of a red-tail hawk (as I did) during your peaceful visit.
Park your car at the metal gate. Go beyond the gate and uphill to the left, then through a wooden stockade opening. You are now in the cemetery. Find the 5 foot glass-encased statue with the red tail hawk within. Standing in front of it, take a reading of 280 degrees and follow the road until you see a blue blaze tree on your left, passing a large rock on your left. At the fourth blazed tree on the trail – stop. You’ll notice a 4 foot stump to your left. Take 4 paces back the way you came. Go to rock jumble on left – under rock and cave.
Stamp carved and planted by Nomad Indian Saint .
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Go to the Manchester Nike Site Recreation Area. It is located at the end of Garden Grove Rd. which runs off of Keeney St. (Look for signs for "Nike Tykes" and "MSI".) From the softball field at the top of the hill behind MSI walk SE along the fence behind the bleachers at first base.
Follow the fence to a corner and cross through the gap between the fence posts. Follow the path to an old woods road. Move briskly, you are on your way!
At the "T", turn LEFT and follow the woods road to it's first intersection. From the intersection bear LEFT (the road splits to the right downhill and there is an old excavated hole in the center between diverging roads). Walk approximately 57 paces. STOP, turn left and look about 10 paces into the woods for a White Pine with a double (belly-high) stump next to it. Marvelous you are there!
Look between the pine, in a hole at the base of the stump under some leaf litter and chunks of wood for the letter "M".
You may return the way you came or you can continue on the woods road. Less than 200 yards will bring you to a Manchester water tower (the reason why I have such good water pressure!), turn left at the water tower and you will come to a washed-out road alongside the old ski slope. Follow the road LEFT, uphill back to the ball field.
Stamp carved and planted by Connfederate
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN ( updated on 1/5/2011)
The Alphabet Series . ‘N’ is for NIANTIC – and NATURE so I planted it in my favorite Nature Preserve in my home town of Niantic .
You can find a map on line at www.oswhills.org There are several Trail heads to the Oswegatachie Hills and usually there are maps in boxes at trail heads . . A map is important , so please do not hike without one.
The Niantic River is close to the east and perhaps in the winter when the leaves are down , you will see the river peeking through the forest . The map states you can see the Niantic River, but today , in September when we planted the ‘N’ it was not to be seen !
If you park in the Veterans Field parking lot just off rt.161 in Niantic , you will see the Trail sign for the Preserve.
Follow it down and over the small stream to the post where you may pick up a map . Then find # 4 on the map . That is where you must go . It is a short walk with several ways to get there . Today , you must get to teh LLOK OUT Once you arrive stand at the end and listen , do you hear lovely music ??? We did ! Sight due North and begin walking , over the rocks and stop at a tall three sister pine tree . From there , about eight more steps north will be the ‘N’ that you seek . A tiny cave guarded with a small stone and some moss, covers the box. Please tuck it back in well and cover the baggie too . a fire ring close by gives me thoughts that others might find this place fun too .
Of course there are many more letterboxes in this Preserve, but you may already know that !! Have fun
Smile
Stamped carved and planted by butterfly
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
O"ld Maid's Lane Letterbox
Old Maid's Lane is named for the two old maids (the Tryron sisters) who lived on their farm in this area.
After a rather long drive south from the center of town down the main street, turn right onto one of the above names and follow it until it dead ends into the other name. Across from this is a metal barrier which keeps speeders from ending up in the Connecticut River. Look in the right hand side
of the barrier for the box.
Stamp donated by Kathy John’s and planted by PE Sneakers .
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
Presenting the Letter “P” As In... Umm... East Hartford!? Letterbox
No, this is not an alphabetical error! Prior to settlement by English colonists, the area that is now East Hartford was the home to a native tribe, The Podunk. In an excerpt from The Nipmuc Indian Association of Connecticut's Quarterly Newsletter (1/1999):
“Podunk or Pautunke, means "where you sink in mire", a boggy place, in the Nipmuc dialect. But the Podunk called their homeplace Nowashe, "between" rivers. The Podunk tribe consisted of three bands: the Namferoke (Podunk, "fishing place"), who lived near the village of Warehouse Point; the Hockanum (Podunk, "a hook", or "hook shaped"), led by Tantonimo, who lived near the village still known as Hockanum; and the Scanticook (Nipmuc, "at the river fork"), who lived on the north bank of the Scantic River near the section called Weymouth -- their leader was called Foxen (or Poxen). Foxen, a.k.a. Poxen, witnessed land deeds in 1640. He became the great councilor of the Mohegan (Mohegan, "wolf people") and his name appears repeatedly in early records.
Dutch accounts relate that the river tribes were beaten in three encounters with the Pequot (Pequot-Mohegan, "the destroyers"), who then claimed the entire country by right of conquest. After the Pequot sold land to the Dutch at Squkiog (Wangunk, "the ground is dark"), the Podunk conceived the idea of inviting the English to settle in Connecticut. The earliest written record regarding this tribe is in 1631 when a sachem, called Wahginacut, journeyed to Massachusetts and Plymough Colonies to try to convince3 their governors to encourage the English to emigrate to the Connecticut Valley. In 1632, "the year before the Dutch began in the River", sachem Natawanute, (a.k.a. Attawanyut) presented Governor Winslow of Plymouth, MA with a tract of land in South Windsor. The following year, Plymouth Trading Company rewarded Natawanute by restoring him as one of the great sachems of the river tribes.
Within traditional Podunk homelands in Connecticut today are the towns of East Hartford, East Windsor, South Windsor, Manchester, part of Ellington, Vernon, Bolton, Marlboro and Glastonbury.”
DIRECTIONS: This letterbox is on the grounds of a public school and is not available during school hours. Your destination today is Sunset Ridge School, located on the corner of Forbes Street and Silver Lane. There is parking areas just off of either street. Once you have parked, walk around the building until you find the flagpole. Standing next to it, take a compass reading of 185 degrees, then take 150 steps in that direction. Once there, look in the distance for a tall oak tree at 78 degrees. You can’t (and shouldn’t!) get to the oak because it is on private property, so walk in the general direction until you come to a bushy area at the edge of the school yard. From there, spot a large deciduous tree in the distance at 220 degrees. Go there. Standing at the edge of the woods you will see that there is more there than meets the eye... it has a twin! It also has a letterbox hidden at the base. Make your way to it carefully, but beware of the vines! They seem to like to grab your feet! Please stamp in and rehide carefully. This box is in a fairly busy location. Once you have finished, head back to your car and enjoy many other stamps in this series.
Peace!
Stamp carved and planted by “Hello...from Joe!”
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ ( status unknown 1/4/2011)
Q is for Quarry
Brownstone Avenue
Portland, CT
To gravestone students, Portland will always hold a special appeal. From the great quarries of Triassic sandstone located here thousands of the most elaborate and beautiful gravestones were produced. Not only is Portland the source of much of the stone used in gravestone work in the middle and lower Connecticut River Valley but Portland’s first settler was none other than the carver James Stanclift I who had a house in the town as early as 1690. In February 1686/7 the selectmen of Middletown, of which Portland was then part, were instructed to give James Stanclift legal assurance of a parcel of land upon the rocks.
The old quarries are now filled and their history deserves a thorough study, for they passed from owner to owner and for generations were important sources for the stones. The old stones of Portland’s graveyards are as pure examples of the brownstone tradition as you will find anywhere.
Clues:
Find your way to Brownstone Avenue and follow it past the VFW and then passing Brownstone Quarry Park on your right. Continue to the end of the road and pass through the gate where asphalt becomes dirt, then bear left and park on the right shoulder next to the retaining wall before you reach the Kiosk.
From the northern most end of the retaining wall take a reading of 165 degrees and go to this scenic view of the Quarry. Look under the northern end of the largest brownstone in the trio.
Stamp carved and planted by Nomad Indian Saint
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
R is for Rockville by Painterly
Take I-84 to Exit 67. At the end of the ramp follow Route 31 toward Rockville. At Stop light, turn left onto Route 30. Take 1st right onto South Street. Henry Park is located at 120 South Street. Follow the park road to Fox Hill Tower. Park and enjoy the view of downtown Rockville. The tower is open Memorial Day to Veterans Day, Sat and Sun 1-4 if you would like to enjoy the view from the top of the tower.
The Memorial Tower now standing on Fox Hill was not the first to be erected there. In the days of the Indians this hill served as a lookout for the Podunk tribe. As the territory of three tribes, the Podunks, the Nipmucks and the Mohegans all met at Mischenipsit Lake, occupying this high point must have been a great advantage for the Podunks. The Present tower was built in 1939 to honor war veterans from all wars.
Directions to the box.
After enjoying the view, at the Fox Hill Tower, follow the sidewalk back to the road. Standing on the steps closest to the road look South to 3 picnic tables. Go to the table farthest to the right. Take a compass reading of due South. Walk approximately 20 steps to a big Maple. Take another compass reading due East. Bushwhack approximately 30 steps to a smaller Maple tree by a tumbled down rock wall. Directly over the wall you should see a lovely pink quartz stone. Look under the rock next to the pink stone and you will find R is for Rockville.
Sign in and carefully rehide the letterbox, so it will not be seen. If there are any problems with the letterbox, please contact Painterly. My email address is painterly49@yahoo.com.
Stamp carved and planted by Painterly.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
UPDATE : 8/2/11
“S”
An easy (once you know where it is!) drive-by mystery.
S_______ Line S _______ Area
S ________ Rd.
S _________, CT
See signboard.
Stride as seeking Santa.
See sixth small sunny sign.( some signs are missing)
(Seventy six plus six steps beyond second sunny sign )
Site seventy degrees.
Search behind sizable ( slightly surviving )tree.
Stamp carved and planted by Sweetpea .
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
T is for Tolland…. And Tangram By 46R
I suggest printing off a trail map at http://www.conservingtollandct.org/ before you start or pick up a trail map at the trailhead as some of the trails are not well marked. Also bring along the clues to the Ebenezer Tuttle Letterbox if you want a more vigorous hike with a great view.
Directions to Trailhead:
From the center of Tolland take CT 74 west to CT 30 North. Follow CT 30 North approximately 2 miles to Hunter Road on the right. Follow Hunter Road about 0.1 mile to Peter Green Road. Turn left onto Peter Green. Look for a break in the guard rail on the left about ½ mile down Peter Green and turn into the Campbell Peaceful Valley Conservation area.
Trail Directions:
Immediately past the trailhead you will cross a small stream and come to an intersection. Take the Yellow Trail on the left. Less than ¼ mile you will come to an intersection with the Blue Trail straight ahead. Follow the Blue Trail less than ¼ mile across a small dam to another intersection with the Red Trail. Follow the Red Trail to the left as it winds around the ridge on the right. Go through a gate and go straight ahead. The trail is not well marked here as the markers are far apart. The trail is very straight through a well cleared area. Stop at the park bench and enjoy the view.
From the left side of the bench sight about 20 degrees to a big oak 14 steps away. From the oak sight about 315 degrees to another gnarly big oak about 16 steps uphill. Watch out for the barbed wire on the ground as you go to the oak. In back of the oak is T is for Tolland and Tangram. If it’s not busy take the box back to the bench and try to solve the Tangram.
After you are finished and have re-hidden the box you can return the way you came or continue on the Red Trail which will turn and head steeply up the hill and join the Blue Trail which will take you back to the Yellow Trail and you car. Note, watch for the trail intersection by the bridge near your car, it’s easy to miss.
Please bring clues to Ebenezer Tuttle .
Stamp carved and planted by 46R.
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU U is for Uncasville
Comstock Cemetery on Peter Avenue
Uncasville, CT
History:
The Mohegans, an Eastern Algonquian-speaking people located in southeastern Connecticut, first appear on a 1614 Dutch map that shows them located close to the Pequots. If not part of the Pequot tribe, the Mohegan village was under Pequot control until the outbreak of hostilities between the English and Pequots in the 1630s. By the commencement of the English-Pequot War (1636–1638), the Mohegans, under the leadership of Uncas, had broken with the Pequots and joined the English against them.
After the war, Uncas became the most important pro-English Indian leader in New England, but his loyalty did not prevent the English from acquiring most of his tribe's lands. By the 1750s the tribe was split over issues of leadership, which were exacerbated by the last tribal sachem Ben Uncas III. The opposition was led by Samson Occom, Mohegan minister, who after Uncas's death in 1769, organized the Brothertown movement.
The tribe held some 2,000 acres until 1861 when the state legislature divided the land among the tribal members, with the title and citizenship being granted in 1872. Only the plot on which the Mohegan Church was located remained tribal.
The tribe continued to function throughout the twentieth century, centering its activities around the church. It brought suit in the 1970s for the land lost in 1861, and in 1994 it was granted federal recognition and settled its land claim.
Clues:
Enter any of the cemetery gates on Peter Avenue. Dart to Winnie and George’s loveseat then 5 paces far side of “Christmas tree” snuggled next to Nantz.
Stamp carved and planted by Nomad Indian Saint.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Letterbox
Placed by: Dulcimer Dame
State: Connecticut
County: Tolland
Nearest City: Coventry
Number of boxes: 1
Clues:
At the junction of Routes 31 and 275 in Coventry, go west on Lake Street. Going up the hill; you will see the Nathan Hale Monument on the right. As you start down the hill you will see Coventry’s Memorial Green on your left. When you get to the tip at the end of the green, take a sharp left and look for a small parking area on your right.
Cross the street and admire the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Monument. Then, stand with your back to the monument and look for a sidewalk and about 220 degrees. Cross the street and follow the sidewalk until you come to the brown boat launch sign. Turn left and follow the white trail into the woods – taking the right fork after crossing the rocks.
Just as the trail turns left, look straight ahead to a 5 foot stump. Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Letterbox waits for you there.
Stamp carved and planted by Dulcimer Dame .
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
the Letter W is located inside the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center at Wethersfield’s 110 acre Mill Woods Park, located at 165 Prospect St.
http://wethersfieldct.com/town-services/services-and-info/parks-and-recreation/nature-center
Public Visiting Hours
(Please call (860) 529-3075 to confirm before visiting.)
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10:00 - 5:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 5:00
Thursday 10:00 - 7:00
Friday 10:00 - 5:00
Saturday 10:00 - 5:00
Sunday Closed
Their hours are: (Please call (860) 529-3075 to confirm before visiting)
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – *5:00 pm (*on Thursday they are open to 7:00 pm.)
Closed on Sunday and Monday.
The letterbox was placed with the permission of Mr. Christopher Shepard, Director of the EBW Nature Center.
_____________________________________________________________
A Lifelong Wethersfield resident, Eleanor Buck Wolf was an accomplished storyteller, historian, artist, author and activist. She was loved for her modesty, good humor and single-minded dedication to important causes and for her unselfish concern for her community. Eleanor lived by the motto she learned in the second grade:
“Give to the world the best that you can
and the best will come back to you.”
As one of the original founders of the “Friends” in 1972, Eleanor shared the dream to create a free-standing nature center in Wethersfield that would offer environmental and wildlife exhibits and create activities for all the citizens of her hometown. Her dream and ambition to keep the community united by sharing an interest in natural sciences and the environment was finally realized with the building which now bears her name.
(From the pamphlet: “Join the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center in Wethersfield”.)
_____________________________________________________________
After you enjoy the displays and exhibits at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center, stop and read a book in the Program Room. Check out the display in the large case against the right wall, and play a game or two from the white bookcase in the corner.
After you put the game(s) away, reach down low and left between the wall and the bookcase to find the letter W. The letter W is a *Pine Tree Production. ;)
Stamp is carved and planted by Connfederate .
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
X is for Xeriscape Garden
What Does Xeriscape Mean?
Xeriscaping was a term coined back in 1970s in Denver, CO, to mean water wise or water efficient landscaping. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word xeros, which means dry. Don’t let that mislead you into thinking we’re talking about deserts and cactus or even a drought plagued, barren landscape. Xeriscaping is a method of gardening that involves choosing plants that are appropriate to their site and creating a landscape that can be maintained with little supplemental watering.
The sign for the Xeriscape Garden is now gone and access is restricted.
Find the new parking lot ( Reservoir on Rte 4 ) for receational purposes. go the far end and find one of the two paved paths for the red loop. Take one of them to the main road and turn right, walking until you see a small shed. Behind the shed are two signs signifying that bikes are not allowed on the banks. 15 feet to the right of the second sign is a smallish leaning tree with a box at it’s base.
The gardens were (are) behind the round fence up on the hill to the right across from the shed behind the ugly black fence.
Stamp Gizz and planted by Rubaduc.
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Stamp is carved by Kouro Emiko.
New location as of 4/6/2009. ********
Find Pragemann Park in Yalesville , CT. It’s on Oak off of Evansville Road . Use the entrance closets to the sign. Follow the road past the bathrooms and park in the bac lot near the basketball court. Walk away from the ball fields and pass through the area where the picnic tables are. At the end of the grassy area, find a path up an incline near the river. Walk through the concrete blocks. Walk through the chain link fence. Follow the path over a manhole cover. At the intersection, turn right and walk up the hill. Walk about 12 paces (every OTHER step). Stop and look left. You'll see a few large logs. Look in the hollow end of the log furthest from the trail. This stamp was done quickly to replace the one that went missing. It's maybe not as good as the first one.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
It’s a mystery . There are no towns that begin the letter Z in the state of Connecticut. There are 2 sections of towns Zoar Bridge and Zwick Point . Esteemed Connecticut figures with last names beginning with Z are not plentiful. Monuments honoring Z events or people are not in abundance either . So with that said I have planted the letter Z near another object that begins with the letter Z. The trail parallels this object . There is parking off the road at this end of this section of this trail . Do not walk to the other road .that is too far past the box. The other end of this section of this trail crosses a busier country road with a great looking wooden bridge that we did not investigate .
A: About a 15 to 20 minute walk.
B: blue trail .
C: come to a
D: downhill now.
E: EIGHT
F: fork in the trail ,
G: Go to the
H: Head
I: (Box) is located on a
J: Just keep going.
K: keep to the right.
L: large boulders about 50 feet off the trail on.
M: mountain Laurel on both sides of the trail.
N: Next past through a small section of
O : On the left side of the trial ,an elbow tree pointing your way to the group of boulders .
P: Pass through a stone
Q: Quickly , .
R: right side of the trail.
S: SIX, SEVEN
T: TWO
U: Under a mile walk
V: Very soon you will see an interesting cairn on the left side of the trail. NO clues here.
W: wall .
X: (E)xamine the cracks of the left section of the boulders.
Y: You should return the way you came..
Z: ZERO
Stamp carved and planted by Pine Tree .
Thank you .
This series or just a simple plant has been in the works for quite some time . I have planted very few stamps in the last 7 years and it was time to start anew. With the successful planting of 3 series in Mansfield , my confidence grew and I wanted to do more for this hobby that has brought new friends , new hikes, new locations and new skills .
The idea for this series has changed many many times until one day I thought about people like me who had been in this hobby for many years but were hesitant to carve and plant . So I wrote to a few people and the series began to take shape . Many of the planters are not new to this hobby and might have been secretly waiting for that push to carve and plant . The following boxes have been planted by friends , new and old who deserve a BIG thank you from myself and the 23 others who carved and planted the Connecticut ABC series .
The boxes are located in towns or at landmarks that begin with a certain letter of the alphabet .
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A is for... ??
Go to the Doris E. Chamberlain Nature Pond. Go to the bench on your left and find the yellow blazed trail. Follow the trail to the other side of the pond crossing a cub scout bridge on the way. After passing the duct taped trees, count 11 blazes on your right. At the eleventh tree, look left for a large rock. Behind the rock under another rock is your prize.
Carved and planted by Wolfy .
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
Location: Beachland Park, West Hartford, Hartford Co., Connecticut
Letterboxes: 1
Planted: 10/16/2008 by The Bird Stamper
Stamp: Carved by The Bird Stamper
Time: 15 minutes
Length: 0.2 mile round trip, 20 foot climb
Difficulty: Easy
Description:
Beachland Park has picnic tables, swimming pools, and a playscape. It is in the Elmwood section of town.
Directions:
Beachland Park, 847 South Quaker Lane. From I-84 take exit 43, Park Rd. Stay in the right most lane. Take a right onto Park Rd and then a right onto Trout Brook Drive. At the end take a right onto South Quaker Lane and a right into the park. Drive to the rear parking lot beyond the pond.
>From I-84 West you can take exit 42, Elmwood. Take a right onto Trout Brook Drive and follow as above.
The Clues:
Look on the right of the driveway next to the parking lot, and you will see a lone tree. Go to it and you will see it is a sling shot tree. Aim your sling shot to 5 deg and walk 24 paces to a large maple. Now aim to 335 deg and follow the edge of the wooded section. Walk 36 paces to the fattest tree along the edge of the woods. Duck behind without being seen. Now aim to 100 deg and walk down hill 10 paces and you will find a fat tree with a rusted wire fence in it. Look behind for B.
Special permission for this letterbox was granted by the manager of this preserve. Others wishing to plant here should contact me and I will find out if permission can be extended.
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
C" is planted! Here is the info:
Hand carved stamp. Located in Chaplin CT. Compass helpful.
A very short walk, not quite a driveby. Less than 1/4 mile.
Box name: 'C' You in the Country!
As you drive to Chaplin CT to find 'C' you may 'C' cows, chickens, Canada geese, possibly a coyote or bobcat!
Directions:
From Rt 6 in Chaplin turn just past the Post Office onto Lynch Rd. There is a blinking light here. Follow Lynch Rd. to the end where it intersects with Chewink Rd. From the stop sign you will see a dirt path going uphill across from you. Drive across Chewink Rd. and park here. Walk up the slope to the metal gate. Go around the gate to follow the path. At approximately 49 paces you will see a path leave the main trail and go off to the right. Turn here to follow this path, going around a depression in the earth. Continue until the path seems to more or less end. There will be some largish rocks in groups and hillside in front of you. Facing the hillside look to your right and walk between 3 and 4 paces to what appears to be a two trunked tree (the trunks have different types of bark and may be two trees rather than one with two trunks). At the base of the east side of the trees, tucked into the trunk under leaves and small logs you will find 'C'. As always please replant carefully!
***This trail is not far from the Fin Fur and Feather Club. We heard shots while there even though it was a Sunday. We assumed they came from the club. Wear orange in hunting season to be safe!***
Bottom of Form 1
Stamp carved and planted by Kaluga Crew.
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Clues to the D is for Deep River box.
Directions from Rt 9 exit 5. Proceed east on Rt 80. At the stop sign stay straight then go to the traffic light. Cross Rt 154 staying straight onto River st to the first stop sign, passing the town hall. Take a right onto High st. Take the first left after the Blue house into Fountain Hill Cemetery.
Clues to Box. Stay left at the first intersection. Go up hill and take the first left onto a short dead end with a maintenance area, park here. From your car walk to a low stonewall on your left, lined with Cedar trees. Count the trees, at the fifth tree, look low in the wall, to the right of the tree. Remove the stone door to find the D
Stamp carved and planted by Celtic Roots
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
“E”–town Letterbox in the CT Alphabet Series
State: CT
Town: ????
County: ????
Carved by ChicaD and placed by sojourner
Less than 1 mile round-trip.
Clues:
We didn’t know that there’s a small State Park in this “E”-town, but then it’s a very new State Park.
To reach this place, you’ll need to travel on a route whose digits add up to 7.
If you’re traveling westwards on this route, you’ll arrive at the small parking area on your left just 0.3 miles from the town line. If you’re east-bound, you’ll pass “Three Stone Pillars” on your left just before a cute manatee on your right. The small parking area is just ahead on your right, surrounded by a low wooden fence.
Though the trail is not marked, begin your hike from the parking area in a southerly, then south-easterly direction, following the most obvious trail. Pass through a small, open “meadow”, then you’ll see a small sign that indicates the hiking trail.
This trail takes you down into the ravine, and a short walk takes you to a triple-trunked oak tree up on the rocky cliff.
Stand at the corner of the boulder that’s alongside the trail and site about 260 degrees. 7 or 8 steps up the slope takes you to a small cave holding the “E”-town Letterbox, ChicaD’s first carve! The cave’s opening is facing the triple-tree.
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
The Letter "F"
planted by Flutterby
This F letterbox was planted on a beautiFul Fall day. The air was crisp, the leaves were crunchy and the scenery was gorgeous.
In looking For this box you may want to bring along the clues to:
Alabama State Stamp
An AFrican SaFari
Baby D Turns 3: My new ride
Gott
Cha
and
Bailey's Ravine
This is a Fun hike that we do oFten just For the pleasure of hiking up here.
There is no ink in the box, but any color will do just Fine.
From the intersection oF route 32 and route 207, head down route 207 towards Baltic. Keep an eye on the leFt side of the road For a sign for Bailey's Ravine/Ayers Gap. There is a good sized paved pull-off here to park.
AFter parking, you will start on the white blazed trail. It goes straight up through the rocks in Front of you. It is a Fun climb, but you should use caution in wet, icy or leaFy conditions. Those leaves are slippery!!!
Continue on white, going ever uphill until you Finally reach the top. Feel Free to stop and catch your breath. It was a long uphill climb!! The rest oF the hike is a piece of cake 8-)
You will now Follow the white trail through gentle ups and downs . Along the way you will pass some Fabulous scenery, including lots oF stone walls, many Fallen trees, a Few amazing WolF trees and an assortment of wildliFe. You will come to stream crossing. If you are Feeling adventurous, aFter you cross it, go along the edge oF the stream, Following it downhill, and you will come to a Fun cave and when the water is running Full Force, a great little waterFall.
AFter enjoying this little side trip, continue Forward on white in the direction you were heading From the beginning. The trail is a little rougher here, but still clearly marked in white blazes.
Eventually you will get to a point where there is water on your right and lots oF ledge/big rocks. If it has been wet lately, the waterFall here is gorgeous. You will need to keep a sharp eye out For a rock that has not one, but two memorial plaques on it. Stand in Front oF them and read them. When you are done you can look For the letter F letterbox.
Look above the place where the two plaques are attached, but still on the same rock. You will see where some cables are anchored. Just beyond those, you will see a skinny evergreen with a much larger tree directly behind it. Look behind the much larger tree in the rocks at its base For the letter F. Please be sure to naturalize the area when you are done.
To go back to your car you can either turn around and retrace your steps, or continue on white to the road, turn right, walk to the stop sign, turn right and see your car in a few minutes.
I hope you enjoyed this Fabulous hike.
~Flutterby~
P.S. Do NOT think oF parking on the road that the trail comes out on. The people that live in the house have, and will, call the police For illegally parking there.
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
To find the letter ‘G’ go to North Eagleville Road in Mansfield and go to the Gurley Cemetery on Bone Mill Road. You can also access Bone Mill Road from Rt. 44, but the road gets quite rough from that direction.
Once you are in the cemetery, drive towards the stone wall at the back and park where the road curves to the left.
Look for a “Lucky” rock near the stone wall. From the rock take a reading of 220 degrees and walk about 16 paces. Look for “G” on the ground between two large trees. Go four paces toward the stone wall and find Jacob “G”urley’s stone.
Walk to the stone wall and go right to the biggest tree. From the end of the left-most root of the tree go back one and one half paces. You will find “G” under the first layer of the wall. Move 2 rocks to find “G”.
Stamp carved by Gizz and planted by Graham Cracker Gramma
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (replanted on 1/4/2011)
The Letter H
Location: Simsbury/Bloomfield
Three mile round trip
Exit 41 off I-84, go north on South Main St. cross over route 4 (Farmington Ave.) pass the American School for the "H"earing Impaired, cross over route 44 and go left on route 185. Drive to Talcott Mountain State Park on the left. Drive up to the sign for "H"eublein Tower and park (the walk is longer during the winter months because the gate is locked after the first snow)
Follow what I like to call "H"ot yellow blazes all the way to the tower. If the tower is open be sure to visit, the view is awesome. Find the paved road leading to the tower from route 44 (not open to the public) and start walking down it. Pass an enclosed power station on the right and watch for a woods road/service road on the left. Take this road until you see a massive funky/ "H"unky rock formation off trail on the right. Look in a western fissure behind a flat rock.
Recarved and replanted by Gizz and Rubaduc
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
The clues to the I is for Ivoryton box are:
Directions from Rt, 9 exit 3. Proceed west on Rt 154 towards Centerbrook. Rt 154 will turn right but, stay straight. At the traffic light stay straight on Main St for about 1.5 mi. The Ivoryton playhouse will be on your right. Continue straight for 1/4 mile to the Millrace Preserve which will be on your left at the corner of Walnut St. Turn around and park at the tiny pull off next to the Millrace Preserve sign.
Clues to Box: Walk past the Millrace preserve sign and continue through the 'field' to the green 'nature preserve' sign. At this sign, go left on the trail into the woods. Proceed along the trail until you come to the first information sign. At this sign look for a small triangular stone between the two 'rock eating' trees. The letterbox is behind this stone. Besure to read the information sign so you learn a little about Ivoryton's history.
Stamp carved and planted by Astrii
JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
The Letter J
To find this box you need to find the oldest surviving public building in Waterford, CT. Hint: It starts with the letter J and is on the National Register of Historic Places circa 1740. Once you find the landmark on the Green that also starts with the letter J follow the directions below.
From the circa 1740 landmark find the apple orchard and walk north to the stone wall. Walk 10 steps from the north east corner and your prize is located on the north side of the wall.
Stamp carved and planted by Tony and Veronica
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
K Letterbox clue:
One chilly, breezy October morning Kaluga Mama and Graham Cracker Grandma headed east toward the Ocean State, through a town where the buffalo roam, surrounded by sturdy fences anyway! Traveling on a route of one digit they passed under the Interstate that will take you from Old Lyme into Massachusetts They then turned at the next road on the right (after all the highway entrances) where they saw a brown sign. It led them to believe they might find a spot to warm up but it turned out that the heating device at this spot had been built in the 1830s to melt iron! They found the park's main parking area and a blue blazed trail and decided a short hike would be just the thing to take the chill off. Heading off on the trail they soon heard the sound of water. A stream crossed their path but there were large rocks creating a natural bridge on which they were able to safely continue. They were happy that it was not an icy or wet day or the rocks might have proved a little more dangerous. After crossing the stream, Kaluga Mama strode from the end of the last large flat rock that was part of the path, to the first tree she saw with an orange on top of blue blaze. Looking left she saw a large rock just off the path. To the left of the rock was a smallish tree with two trunks. The base was covered with moss. Walking around to the back of this tree she discovered the perfect hiding place under the roots of the tree to tuck in the letter K to keep it warm and cozy!
Since they needed to pick up the Kaluga Kid who had a half day of school, they returned to the car and headed home. They plan to go back and explore this trail further in the future. It is a beautiful area with a three mile trail to hike. It rises and has a nice view of a pond from a cliff. We hope you are able to enjoy it after you've located the Kaluga Crew's favorite letter!
Handcarved stamp, carved by me, planted by me, mystery clue, Windham county, less than a 1/4 mile hike, dog and kid friendly.
Stamp carved and planted by Kaluga Crew .
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
L is for Ledyard
Mashantucket Pequot Burial Grounds
Ledyard, CT
Native American Ten Commandments ~ Version 1
1. The Earth is our Mother; care for Her.
2. Honor all your relations.
3. Open your heart and soul to the Great Spirit.
4. All life is sacred; treat all beings with respect.
5. Take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more.
6. Do what needs to be done for the good of all.
7. Give constant thanks to the Great Spirit for each day.
8. Speak the truth but only for the good of others.
9. Follow the rhythms of Nature.
10. Enjoy life’s journey; but leave no tracks.
“God created this Indian country and it was like he spread out a big blanket. He put Indians on it. They were created here in this country, truly and honestly, and that was the time this river started to run…When we were created we were given our ground to live on, and from that time these were our rights. This is all true…I was not brought from a foreign country and did not come here. I was put here by the Creator.”
George Meninock
Clues:
The box is planted outside of this sacred place as it did not feel right to plant it within. Please be respectful and perhaps you will hear the faint calling of a red-tail hawk (as I did) during your peaceful visit.
Park your car at the metal gate. Go beyond the gate and uphill to the left, then through a wooden stockade opening. You are now in the cemetery. Find the 5 foot glass-encased statue with the red tail hawk within. Standing in front of it, take a reading of 280 degrees and follow the road until you see a blue blaze tree on your left, passing a large rock on your left. At the fourth blazed tree on the trail – stop. You’ll notice a 4 foot stump to your left. Take 4 paces back the way you came. Go to rock jumble on left – under rock and cave.
Stamp carved and planted by Nomad Indian Saint .
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Go to the Manchester Nike Site Recreation Area. It is located at the end of Garden Grove Rd. which runs off of Keeney St. (Look for signs for "Nike Tykes" and "MSI".) From the softball field at the top of the hill behind MSI walk SE along the fence behind the bleachers at first base.
Follow the fence to a corner and cross through the gap between the fence posts. Follow the path to an old woods road. Move briskly, you are on your way!
At the "T", turn LEFT and follow the woods road to it's first intersection. From the intersection bear LEFT (the road splits to the right downhill and there is an old excavated hole in the center between diverging roads). Walk approximately 57 paces. STOP, turn left and look about 10 paces into the woods for a White Pine with a double (belly-high) stump next to it. Marvelous you are there!
Look between the pine, in a hole at the base of the stump under some leaf litter and chunks of wood for the letter "M".
You may return the way you came or you can continue on the woods road. Less than 200 yards will bring you to a Manchester water tower (the reason why I have such good water pressure!), turn left at the water tower and you will come to a washed-out road alongside the old ski slope. Follow the road LEFT, uphill back to the ball field.
Stamp carved and planted by Connfederate
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN ( updated on 1/5/2011)
The Alphabet Series . ‘N’ is for NIANTIC – and NATURE so I planted it in my favorite Nature Preserve in my home town of Niantic .
You can find a map on line at www.oswhills.org There are several Trail heads to the Oswegatachie Hills and usually there are maps in boxes at trail heads . . A map is important , so please do not hike without one.
The Niantic River is close to the east and perhaps in the winter when the leaves are down , you will see the river peeking through the forest . The map states you can see the Niantic River, but today , in September when we planted the ‘N’ it was not to be seen !
If you park in the Veterans Field parking lot just off rt.161 in Niantic , you will see the Trail sign for the Preserve.
Follow it down and over the small stream to the post where you may pick up a map . Then find # 4 on the map . That is where you must go . It is a short walk with several ways to get there . Today , you must get to teh LLOK OUT Once you arrive stand at the end and listen , do you hear lovely music ??? We did ! Sight due North and begin walking , over the rocks and stop at a tall three sister pine tree . From there , about eight more steps north will be the ‘N’ that you seek . A tiny cave guarded with a small stone and some moss, covers the box. Please tuck it back in well and cover the baggie too . a fire ring close by gives me thoughts that others might find this place fun too .
Of course there are many more letterboxes in this Preserve, but you may already know that !! Have fun
Smile
Stamped carved and planted by butterfly
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
O"ld Maid's Lane Letterbox
Old Maid's Lane is named for the two old maids (the Tryron sisters) who lived on their farm in this area.
After a rather long drive south from the center of town down the main street, turn right onto one of the above names and follow it until it dead ends into the other name. Across from this is a metal barrier which keeps speeders from ending up in the Connecticut River. Look in the right hand side
of the barrier for the box.
Stamp donated by Kathy John’s and planted by PE Sneakers .
PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
Presenting the Letter “P” As In... Umm... East Hartford!? Letterbox
No, this is not an alphabetical error! Prior to settlement by English colonists, the area that is now East Hartford was the home to a native tribe, The Podunk. In an excerpt from The Nipmuc Indian Association of Connecticut's Quarterly Newsletter (1/1999):
“Podunk or Pautunke, means "where you sink in mire", a boggy place, in the Nipmuc dialect. But the Podunk called their homeplace Nowashe, "between" rivers. The Podunk tribe consisted of three bands: the Namferoke (Podunk, "fishing place"), who lived near the village of Warehouse Point; the Hockanum (Podunk, "a hook", or "hook shaped"), led by Tantonimo, who lived near the village still known as Hockanum; and the Scanticook (Nipmuc, "at the river fork"), who lived on the north bank of the Scantic River near the section called Weymouth -- their leader was called Foxen (or Poxen). Foxen, a.k.a. Poxen, witnessed land deeds in 1640. He became the great councilor of the Mohegan (Mohegan, "wolf people") and his name appears repeatedly in early records.
Dutch accounts relate that the river tribes were beaten in three encounters with the Pequot (Pequot-Mohegan, "the destroyers"), who then claimed the entire country by right of conquest. After the Pequot sold land to the Dutch at Squkiog (Wangunk, "the ground is dark"), the Podunk conceived the idea of inviting the English to settle in Connecticut. The earliest written record regarding this tribe is in 1631 when a sachem, called Wahginacut, journeyed to Massachusetts and Plymough Colonies to try to convince3 their governors to encourage the English to emigrate to the Connecticut Valley. In 1632, "the year before the Dutch began in the River", sachem Natawanute, (a.k.a. Attawanyut) presented Governor Winslow of Plymouth, MA with a tract of land in South Windsor. The following year, Plymouth Trading Company rewarded Natawanute by restoring him as one of the great sachems of the river tribes.
Within traditional Podunk homelands in Connecticut today are the towns of East Hartford, East Windsor, South Windsor, Manchester, part of Ellington, Vernon, Bolton, Marlboro and Glastonbury.”
DIRECTIONS: This letterbox is on the grounds of a public school and is not available during school hours. Your destination today is Sunset Ridge School, located on the corner of Forbes Street and Silver Lane. There is parking areas just off of either street. Once you have parked, walk around the building until you find the flagpole. Standing next to it, take a compass reading of 185 degrees, then take 150 steps in that direction. Once there, look in the distance for a tall oak tree at 78 degrees. You can’t (and shouldn’t!) get to the oak because it is on private property, so walk in the general direction until you come to a bushy area at the edge of the school yard. From there, spot a large deciduous tree in the distance at 220 degrees. Go there. Standing at the edge of the woods you will see that there is more there than meets the eye... it has a twin! It also has a letterbox hidden at the base. Make your way to it carefully, but beware of the vines! They seem to like to grab your feet! Please stamp in and rehide carefully. This box is in a fairly busy location. Once you have finished, head back to your car and enjoy many other stamps in this series.
Peace!
Stamp carved and planted by “Hello...from Joe!”
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ ( status unknown 1/4/2011)
Q is for Quarry
Brownstone Avenue
Portland, CT
To gravestone students, Portland will always hold a special appeal. From the great quarries of Triassic sandstone located here thousands of the most elaborate and beautiful gravestones were produced. Not only is Portland the source of much of the stone used in gravestone work in the middle and lower Connecticut River Valley but Portland’s first settler was none other than the carver James Stanclift I who had a house in the town as early as 1690. In February 1686/7 the selectmen of Middletown, of which Portland was then part, were instructed to give James Stanclift legal assurance of a parcel of land upon the rocks.
The old quarries are now filled and their history deserves a thorough study, for they passed from owner to owner and for generations were important sources for the stones. The old stones of Portland’s graveyards are as pure examples of the brownstone tradition as you will find anywhere.
Clues:
Find your way to Brownstone Avenue and follow it past the VFW and then passing Brownstone Quarry Park on your right. Continue to the end of the road and pass through the gate where asphalt becomes dirt, then bear left and park on the right shoulder next to the retaining wall before you reach the Kiosk.
From the northern most end of the retaining wall take a reading of 165 degrees and go to this scenic view of the Quarry. Look under the northern end of the largest brownstone in the trio.
Stamp carved and planted by Nomad Indian Saint
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
R is for Rockville by Painterly
Take I-84 to Exit 67. At the end of the ramp follow Route 31 toward Rockville. At Stop light, turn left onto Route 30. Take 1st right onto South Street. Henry Park is located at 120 South Street. Follow the park road to Fox Hill Tower. Park and enjoy the view of downtown Rockville. The tower is open Memorial Day to Veterans Day, Sat and Sun 1-4 if you would like to enjoy the view from the top of the tower.
The Memorial Tower now standing on Fox Hill was not the first to be erected there. In the days of the Indians this hill served as a lookout for the Podunk tribe. As the territory of three tribes, the Podunks, the Nipmucks and the Mohegans all met at Mischenipsit Lake, occupying this high point must have been a great advantage for the Podunks. The Present tower was built in 1939 to honor war veterans from all wars.
Directions to the box.
After enjoying the view, at the Fox Hill Tower, follow the sidewalk back to the road. Standing on the steps closest to the road look South to 3 picnic tables. Go to the table farthest to the right. Take a compass reading of due South. Walk approximately 20 steps to a big Maple. Take another compass reading due East. Bushwhack approximately 30 steps to a smaller Maple tree by a tumbled down rock wall. Directly over the wall you should see a lovely pink quartz stone. Look under the rock next to the pink stone and you will find R is for Rockville.
Sign in and carefully rehide the letterbox, so it will not be seen. If there are any problems with the letterbox, please contact Painterly. My email address is painterly49@yahoo.com.
Stamp carved and planted by Painterly.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
UPDATE : 8/2/11
“S”
An easy (once you know where it is!) drive-by mystery.
S_______ Line S _______ Area
S ________ Rd.
S _________, CT
See signboard.
Stride as seeking Santa.
See sixth small sunny sign.( some signs are missing)
(Seventy six plus six steps beyond second sunny sign )
Site seventy degrees.
Search behind sizable ( slightly surviving )tree.
Stamp carved and planted by Sweetpea .
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
T is for Tolland…. And Tangram By 46R
I suggest printing off a trail map at http://www.conservingtollandct.org/ before you start or pick up a trail map at the trailhead as some of the trails are not well marked. Also bring along the clues to the Ebenezer Tuttle Letterbox if you want a more vigorous hike with a great view.
Directions to Trailhead:
From the center of Tolland take CT 74 west to CT 30 North. Follow CT 30 North approximately 2 miles to Hunter Road on the right. Follow Hunter Road about 0.1 mile to Peter Green Road. Turn left onto Peter Green. Look for a break in the guard rail on the left about ½ mile down Peter Green and turn into the Campbell Peaceful Valley Conservation area.
Trail Directions:
Immediately past the trailhead you will cross a small stream and come to an intersection. Take the Yellow Trail on the left. Less than ¼ mile you will come to an intersection with the Blue Trail straight ahead. Follow the Blue Trail less than ¼ mile across a small dam to another intersection with the Red Trail. Follow the Red Trail to the left as it winds around the ridge on the right. Go through a gate and go straight ahead. The trail is not well marked here as the markers are far apart. The trail is very straight through a well cleared area. Stop at the park bench and enjoy the view.
From the left side of the bench sight about 20 degrees to a big oak 14 steps away. From the oak sight about 315 degrees to another gnarly big oak about 16 steps uphill. Watch out for the barbed wire on the ground as you go to the oak. In back of the oak is T is for Tolland and Tangram. If it’s not busy take the box back to the bench and try to solve the Tangram.
After you are finished and have re-hidden the box you can return the way you came or continue on the Red Trail which will turn and head steeply up the hill and join the Blue Trail which will take you back to the Yellow Trail and you car. Note, watch for the trail intersection by the bridge near your car, it’s easy to miss.
Please bring clues to Ebenezer Tuttle .
Stamp carved and planted by 46R.
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU U is for Uncasville
Comstock Cemetery on Peter Avenue
Uncasville, CT
History:
The Mohegans, an Eastern Algonquian-speaking people located in southeastern Connecticut, first appear on a 1614 Dutch map that shows them located close to the Pequots. If not part of the Pequot tribe, the Mohegan village was under Pequot control until the outbreak of hostilities between the English and Pequots in the 1630s. By the commencement of the English-Pequot War (1636–1638), the Mohegans, under the leadership of Uncas, had broken with the Pequots and joined the English against them.
After the war, Uncas became the most important pro-English Indian leader in New England, but his loyalty did not prevent the English from acquiring most of his tribe's lands. By the 1750s the tribe was split over issues of leadership, which were exacerbated by the last tribal sachem Ben Uncas III. The opposition was led by Samson Occom, Mohegan minister, who after Uncas's death in 1769, organized the Brothertown movement.
The tribe held some 2,000 acres until 1861 when the state legislature divided the land among the tribal members, with the title and citizenship being granted in 1872. Only the plot on which the Mohegan Church was located remained tribal.
The tribe continued to function throughout the twentieth century, centering its activities around the church. It brought suit in the 1970s for the land lost in 1861, and in 1994 it was granted federal recognition and settled its land claim.
Clues:
Enter any of the cemetery gates on Peter Avenue. Dart to Winnie and George’s loveseat then 5 paces far side of “Christmas tree” snuggled next to Nantz.
Stamp carved and planted by Nomad Indian Saint.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Letterbox
Placed by: Dulcimer Dame
State: Connecticut
County: Tolland
Nearest City: Coventry
Number of boxes: 1
Clues:
At the junction of Routes 31 and 275 in Coventry, go west on Lake Street. Going up the hill; you will see the Nathan Hale Monument on the right. As you start down the hill you will see Coventry’s Memorial Green on your left. When you get to the tip at the end of the green, take a sharp left and look for a small parking area on your right.
Cross the street and admire the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Monument. Then, stand with your back to the monument and look for a sidewalk and about 220 degrees. Cross the street and follow the sidewalk until you come to the brown boat launch sign. Turn left and follow the white trail into the woods – taking the right fork after crossing the rocks.
Just as the trail turns left, look straight ahead to a 5 foot stump. Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Letterbox waits for you there.
Stamp carved and planted by Dulcimer Dame .
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
the Letter W is located inside the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center at Wethersfield’s 110 acre Mill Woods Park, located at 165 Prospect St.
http://wethersfieldct.com/town-services/services-and-info/parks-and-recreation/nature-center
Public Visiting Hours
(Please call (860) 529-3075 to confirm before visiting.)
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10:00 - 5:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 5:00
Thursday 10:00 - 7:00
Friday 10:00 - 5:00
Saturday 10:00 - 5:00
Sunday Closed
Their hours are: (Please call (860) 529-3075 to confirm before visiting)
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – *5:00 pm (*on Thursday they are open to 7:00 pm.)
Closed on Sunday and Monday.
The letterbox was placed with the permission of Mr. Christopher Shepard, Director of the EBW Nature Center.
_____________________________________________________________
A Lifelong Wethersfield resident, Eleanor Buck Wolf was an accomplished storyteller, historian, artist, author and activist. She was loved for her modesty, good humor and single-minded dedication to important causes and for her unselfish concern for her community. Eleanor lived by the motto she learned in the second grade:
“Give to the world the best that you can
and the best will come back to you.”
As one of the original founders of the “Friends” in 1972, Eleanor shared the dream to create a free-standing nature center in Wethersfield that would offer environmental and wildlife exhibits and create activities for all the citizens of her hometown. Her dream and ambition to keep the community united by sharing an interest in natural sciences and the environment was finally realized with the building which now bears her name.
(From the pamphlet: “Join the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center in Wethersfield”.)
_____________________________________________________________
After you enjoy the displays and exhibits at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center, stop and read a book in the Program Room. Check out the display in the large case against the right wall, and play a game or two from the white bookcase in the corner.
After you put the game(s) away, reach down low and left between the wall and the bookcase to find the letter W. The letter W is a *Pine Tree Production. ;)
Stamp is carved and planted by Connfederate .
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
X is for Xeriscape Garden
What Does Xeriscape Mean?
Xeriscaping was a term coined back in 1970s in Denver, CO, to mean water wise or water efficient landscaping. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word xeros, which means dry. Don’t let that mislead you into thinking we’re talking about deserts and cactus or even a drought plagued, barren landscape. Xeriscaping is a method of gardening that involves choosing plants that are appropriate to their site and creating a landscape that can be maintained with little supplemental watering.
The sign for the Xeriscape Garden is now gone and access is restricted.
Find the new parking lot ( Reservoir on Rte 4 ) for receational purposes. go the far end and find one of the two paved paths for the red loop. Take one of them to the main road and turn right, walking until you see a small shed. Behind the shed are two signs signifying that bikes are not allowed on the banks. 15 feet to the right of the second sign is a smallish leaning tree with a box at it’s base.
The gardens were (are) behind the round fence up on the hill to the right across from the shed behind the ugly black fence.
Stamp Gizz and planted by Rubaduc.
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Stamp is carved by Kouro Emiko.
New location as of 4/6/2009. ********
Find Pragemann Park in Yalesville , CT. It’s on Oak off of Evansville Road . Use the entrance closets to the sign. Follow the road past the bathrooms and park in the bac lot near the basketball court. Walk away from the ball fields and pass through the area where the picnic tables are. At the end of the grassy area, find a path up an incline near the river. Walk through the concrete blocks. Walk through the chain link fence. Follow the path over a manhole cover. At the intersection, turn right and walk up the hill. Walk about 12 paces (every OTHER step). Stop and look left. You'll see a few large logs. Look in the hollow end of the log furthest from the trail. This stamp was done quickly to replace the one that went missing. It's maybe not as good as the first one.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
It’s a mystery . There are no towns that begin the letter Z in the state of Connecticut. There are 2 sections of towns Zoar Bridge and Zwick Point . Esteemed Connecticut figures with last names beginning with Z are not plentiful. Monuments honoring Z events or people are not in abundance either . So with that said I have planted the letter Z near another object that begins with the letter Z. The trail parallels this object . There is parking off the road at this end of this section of this trail . Do not walk to the other road .that is too far past the box. The other end of this section of this trail crosses a busier country road with a great looking wooden bridge that we did not investigate .
A: About a 15 to 20 minute walk.
B: blue trail .
C: come to a
D: downhill now.
E: EIGHT
F: fork in the trail ,
G: Go to the
H: Head
I: (Box) is located on a
J: Just keep going.
K: keep to the right.
L: large boulders about 50 feet off the trail on.
M: mountain Laurel on both sides of the trail.
N: Next past through a small section of
O : On the left side of the trial ,an elbow tree pointing your way to the group of boulders .
P: Pass through a stone
Q: Quickly , .
R: right side of the trail.
S: SIX, SEVEN
T: TWO
U: Under a mile walk
V: Very soon you will see an interesting cairn on the left side of the trail. NO clues here.
W: wall .
X: (E)xamine the cracks of the left section of the boulders.
Y: You should return the way you came..
Z: ZERO
Stamp carved and planted by Pine Tree .
Thank you .