We have had a few fun letterboxing trips lately I thought I'd share with you.

On Memorial Day we headed to the SC state highpoint, Sassafras Mountain. With a height of 3, 560 feet it is not huge, but it is higher than the FL state highpoint (300 something feet)! The mountain was truly covered in Sassafras trees. And the trails descending it were beautiful. We explored them a little, but we didn't get to do much real hiking since we had my nieces with us. Two year olds and long hikes generally don't mix. After nabbing our letterbox, we headed over to Stumphouse tunnel. This is an unfinished railroad tunnel carved out of a mountain. It was carved back in the days when hand tools and black powder did the work. Amazing! The letterbox here was hard work, but fun!

Last of all we hiked a short trail to a local waterfall. Some generous letterboxes planted three close together, so we had plenty to keep us busy on the trail. All of the waterfalls around here seem to be trickling now, though. We desperately need some good rain!

Yesterday we also spent some time with our local letterboxing friends in Hendersonville. We found a few boxes and had fun visiting. It's amazing how easy the clues are to solve when you have more than one brain figuring!! We got to see a popular landmark and an impressive view.

Now back to real life...

I truly enjoy letterboxing. I love being outdoors, especially on trails. I love having something to find at the end of the trail. This hobby brings peace to my mind, which at this time is raging with depression. This is one reason I have not been updating my blog. Writing is hard for me right now. I will be visiting my doctor again soon. I have struggled with this for years and have been on medication. I was so proud when I was finally able to quit taking it. I was stable, strong and ready to face the world.I have been medication free for several years now. Last year I had some concerns I discussed with my doctor, but I wasn't sad. Those concerns have escalated and I am struggling with sadness now. Depression is a disease that I cannot leave untreated. Pray for me as I get this under control again.

On the bright side, I have joined a beginners running club. This has come at a time that it has been a Godsend for me, just like letterboxing! I am able to have a sense of control, be outside and get in shape! I remember running in high school. Mt family life was a mess, but I could be free when my feet hit the pavement. Last week was Week 1. We walked 4 minutes and ran 2 minutes for a 30 minute total. I aimed to do this every other day. This week we are walking three minutes, running three minutes. Yesterday was my first stab at the increase. I was surprised that it was a challenge. I had done fairly well with the first week and I was very comfortable with the pace but it was time to push a little harder. By the end of 10 weeks, I think we are supposed to be able to run for 30 minutes, I am not sure. I will keep you updated on my progress. I encourage any of you who were thinking about running or getting in shape to consider doing it this way. Especially if you have a friend to do it with you!

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Posted by ddmcnair

For the past year I keep reading about letterboxing. I keep thinking that one of these days we will start looking for one. Maybe even put one out ourselves. We will be going to Washington state, I looked up where my parents live and there are tons to be found there. Well also stop by Grand Canyon, and they have some hid there. I just need to plan on it. We will see.
My husbands sister just sent us a book called "the non-runner's marathon trainer", first you have to be able to run 30 minute before starting, and it tells you how to get to that 30 minutes, it sounds alot like your plans. I know I won't ever do a marathon, but my husband and I talked about working up to the 30 minutes, maybe starting next week.
Sorry about the long blog.... Hope you get to feeling better.
Donna

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Posted by jugglingpaynes

I'm so glad to hear you are taking care of yourself. Exercise is the best way to fight depression. I remember going to a psychologist whose first advice was to buy a mini trampoline and spend 30 minutes per day jumping on it. We must take care of ourselves so that we can take care of our families.

Peace and Laughter,
Cristina

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Posted by sockmonkey

This may be a silly question, but how do you keep time? I mean, do you just use your watch, or some other time-keeping device? I'm thinking this is a good idea for interval training and increasing stamina, but I can't imagine watching my tiny second hand while I'm walking/running.

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