Hello again!
Where have YOU been, Ian??
Much has happened in the past 5 years.
But noticing my blog has reached a remarkable milestone 150,000 page views, and
Letterboxing isn't dead yet, I thought it was worth doing a little update.
No, I
do not regularly visit Dartmoor, nor am I Letterboxing much either. in fact I've
visited Dartmoor just a handful of times since I last posted on here.
I remain
happy and healthy: living and working in neighbouring Cornwall. Parenting,
Cornish coastal adventures and house & garden renovation keep me occupied.
My
new blended family, including Junior Challenger (now aged 8), his younger
brother Tiny Challenger, my partner and her son Tiddly Challenger joined me for
a walk out to Middle Tor last week to check on my Letterbox. I have made this
pilgrimage alone twice since 2019, as any responsible Letterbox owner would and
should do to maintain their 'property'.
On this occasion though, there was nothing to show the family. The site lay
empty, the box missing. Everyone was understandably disappointed. Those in my
group who were new to Letterboxing were confused. Usual questions like: "Who
took it?" and "Why?" came up. I fielded them as best as I could.
But with my
box's disappearance - almost like a metaphor - any personal ties to Dartmoor Letterboxing I had have gone.
A further line of separation drawn.
Dartmoor is a breathtakingly beautiful place, definitely
worthy of exploring and sharing with our growing kids. My fondness for this upland has not diminished. However Letterboxing is and
will always be just a fond memory.
I occasionally enjoy re-reading my blog, and I
hope it brings others joy and information too. If so, my work here is done. :)
