It's Raining, it's Pouring...The River's a Roaring!

Today I set out to find some 'boxes and I did NOT let the rain stop me! I set out to find a series on the Chattahoochee River by Otter Pause called 'Wildlife at the River - J.B.' Of course I brought my loyal companion Finn the Beagle who was ready for an adventure! An adventure it was for sure! I had never been to Johns Creek before so I figured I would make it my focus today. I did intend to find more boxes, but after the 2-3 mile series (and drenched) I was ready to get home and jump in a warm shower. The 'Hooch (as many call it) was definitely roaring today with all of the rainfall. The trek was very nice because the trail led parallel to the river with many awesome, scenic views. The fog hovering over the river was something straight out of a horror movie--very cool.


One thing I learned from today's journey is that I definitely need a better pair of sneaks! My lack of tread had me slipping and sliding all over the place--I felt at times like I was jet skiing, being pulled by my pups anxious-nature to see what was further down the trail. A very neat thing that happened to me while finding the final box in the series "Yes, Deer." I went in to grab for the letterbox and much to my surprise found it being guarded by a frog! [see pictures posted below]. He evidently did not want to give up the great stamp beneath.

My countdown continues until my trip to the coast of Maine (VERY excited)...just 15 days away! angeltreads (Mom & Dad) already have our letterboxing adventures planned and ready for finding! Look out locals (GA/LBSE) your hitchhiker just may find its temporary home in Maine in just a couple of weeks!

Until next time...

~O.Q.

Off to the Zoo !

     Today should be a good day (or at least that's what I'm hoping for). Hopefully there will be no unexpected catastrophes similar to the one I experienced just a couple of days ago at Six Flags over Georgia [see previous post]. To make a long story short, one of my most prized possessions, my iPhone 4, found itself a new home somewhere beneath a roller coaster at the park. Not only was this a major bummer because it is not exactly inexpensive, but also because this is the most critical tool I use on my letterboxing journeys. Not only could I use it to jump online and view clues from the AQ website, but it also has an extremely accurate compass that assists in making my finds much easier. My new iPhone comes in the mail today and excitement is an understated emotion.
     I am also looking forward to today because I will be visiting Zoo Atlanta for the first time, and, I just completed a carve/box to plant somewhere on the grounds as well. Will it be by the panda bears? Or maybe the monkeys? How about the giraffe or kangaroo? You will just have to venture out to find these answers for yourself. I am also in hopes of finding #200 today at the Sweetwater 420 Brewing Company. I will be taking the brewery tour around 5:30 this evening which will be fun, but I would be lying if I were to say that I wasn't more excited to find the letterbox. I really shouldn't say FIND this letterbox because according to the clue you just need to ask for it at the reception desk (which I HATE doing) but then I think back on some funny stories of building up the gall to retrieve certain boxes, like the one at the Utrecht art store, or asking the ticket attendant to retrieve The Fox Theatre box.
     Also, I just put in my order yesterday for one of the Atlas Quest safety whistles (which I ordered in red). I hope it arrives soon! Yesterday, for Plant-a-Letterbox Day, I hid a series of two boxes at Château Elan in Braselton, just 40 minutes North of the city. We had fun walking around the grounds, discovering the golf course, vineyard, and ropes course while trying to find the perfect spot for the boxes. [UPDATE from this a.m.] these boxes have already been found! Wow!

     That's all for now kiddos....have a great day!

~O.Q.

Hello, 200 !

     Well good morning to you, my non-existent (as of yet) readers of "A Tale or Two From O.Q!" If one did not know, you would think I was a young child today. I am honest in making this confession as I found myself waking up extremely early this morning (5:30am to be exact) out of excitement and anticipation for our trip to Six Flags today; you would think it was Christmas morning or something. I am glad to say I am on vacation (or as I am calling it, a "STAYcation") this week. The weather is supposed to be in the 90's for a good part of the staycation. Hot, yes, but I much prefer it over the rain or cold.

     As my one-year AQ Anniversary approaches, and I am scanning through my PFX log, I must say I am a little disappointed as my original goal was to reach 300 in my first year. I am one box away from 200 which I intend to get (and hopefully more) sometime this week. My Mom, angeltreads, recently made me aware of May 24th: Plant-a-Letterbox Day which just so happens to be this week, so I am eager to get out there into city to plant some neat indoor boxes, which I have yet to do. In the past year I have made the effort to expand the amount of letterboxes that are hidden within the actual city of Atlanta. I found out early on, that this is no easy feat. Although I do think the city boxes are the most fun, (switching it up from taking those long 1 to 3 mile hikes which can get to be monotonous) I do understand why they seem to be the slowest to accumulate finds; PARKING. It is very hard to find areas in Atlanta that have easy, accessible city parking, and almost impossible to find parking at no jab to your wallet. So this will continue to be my project as I really do think the inner-city boxes are the best. I know, for me anyways, some of my favorites and most memorable I have found in the city (The Varsity, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Turner Field box(es) by LAUGH stand out in my mind).

     That is all for now. I must get my 'coaster gear ready! It's gonna be a hot one !