We received this travelogue just now from Mark. He spent a great day at the Mountain today. Thanks for sharing about with us, Mark.

Desi and Darren,

I had a hoot tracking down your boxes today. Very
clever hiding spots...but wait, let me tell the story.

My good friend Amyrica and crew were out scouting
around at Stone Mtn. and I could not get up there for
the life of me. Frustration at that soon sucked into
deeper doom when the Dawgs lost another one to their
sworn enemies: Florida Gators. I tried to sleep early,
giving the day up as a loss and a lesson. But I kicked
sheets all night, flipping and flopping in my delirium
over letterboxing. I just couldn't rest, and I had an
extra hour due to the time change. I said, "uh, He&&
no. Not today." I rose at 7 and showered, severely
determined to do something with the day.

I grabbed bread and peanut butter, a tired banana, a
pack of pop-tarts, and 2 cheese sticks. I added 2
waters, an orange juice box, and a beer. I didn't know
what the beer was going to be for but I wanted to be
prepared for anything. "Aimless Endeavor" by Beloved
was pulsing out of my Mac as I got the gear bag ready.


Usually upon departure for a grand day of boxing I
would grab a map, my car keys, and my letterboxing
bag. Today I was without wheels, but a good set of
feet so I started trooping. I got to Stone Mtn. about
9:30 after a mile walk.

My first duty was to check on Gardening Granny and Paw
Paw's Happy B-day Great Grandmother Frances.
Everything was smooth so I moved onward.

I, in a moment of sheer impulse, went for the walk-up
trail and to attempt the intimidating Real Easter
series by the Drgdlgs. Most of the intimidation comes
from having to climb that rock. I nabbed 2 on the way
up.

I checked on my box on the top and alas it is gone.
What a good and faithful friend it was...I can only
hope the winds took it. I decided to depart after that
less I disturb the other natural beauty up there.
T-Rex, sorry. I dejectedly ate a chesse-stick and was
silenced by the beauty around me. Hey, that stamp
could have been a lot better anyway, we all know it.

So, on the jarring descent I discovered another Real
Easter clue and sat down for a smoke and some h2o.
Life was nice yea about 11:30 on a cat-nap sunny spot
on the mountain. I had miles to step before I got
home...onward.

Amyrica had secreted some special package in one of
the Stone Mtn boxes, thus my journey and its
importance. I must secure the most valuable cargo. All
is well and safe Amyrica.

My next stop was for rest. I pooped out where the old
swimming hole is located, somewhat near the Cherokee
Trail and the grist mill. I paused for station
identification and nipped at a pop tart. Lots of folks
around these parts, and moved on through a very
celebratory Asian birthday party. I smiled and began
to feel the miles in my kicks (feet).

As I departed, I took the time to search down a drgdlg
box nearby. It was a good stamp and I was on the
dodge/sneak plan with the looming crowds. Rehiding is
the hardest. The impulse to slither off is so
provoking within crowded scenes, but I had to keep
checking it from all sides. It is hidden, I'll be able
to sleep tonight. Whew.

The other side of the mountain is a gray blur. I
wandered into a rhythm of stepping and looking at the
views. It all became a very enjoyable green and
fall-patterned roadway stencil on an infinite roller.
I almost passed up the Radio Flyer. It turned out to
be not only my favorite drgdlg stamp, but the best one
to turn out all day in my logbook. Too cool.

I double-stepped it. I consider rash, crazy mindfarts
of attempting FORE!, another good 3 miles from where I
was currently located. I had a HH! Maybe swooping back
over to GG/PP's HHH? Delusions all! No...in the end I
opted to save my legs. I headed out of the park and
hit downtown Stone Mountain. I didn't head toward
home, nope.

I went to the splash pad for the SE Gathering:
Brigadoon Pub. Walked in, drank a few, ate some wings,
and headed home.

5 boxes. 7 hours. 9.4 miles on the kicks. 3 beers. 10
wings. 1 heck of a good day.

Thanks Desi and Darren for some awesome boxes and
adventures,

Mark