Stone Walls, Guardians of the Maine Woods

Robert Frost wrote, "Good fences make good neighbors". Have you ever read his

meandering poem, "Mending Wall"? It's worth a read if you never have.

Image provided by: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Stone_wall_20041106.jpg

(Find Frost's poem at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15719)

Frost describes how he and a neighbor walk the wall and repair it each spring. He tells of hunters chasing their prey and tearing apart a wall. He describes the way in which winter snows and frosts push and pull on the carefully placed stones. And tells of finding gaps big enough for two to walk through abreast. I wonder what Frost would have said of letterboxers?

I've only planted a few letterboxes. And have never planted one in or near a stone wall. In fact, I think it's frowned upon. And I can see why... Stone walls are amazing, don't you think? Robert Frost thought so too! He wrote, "Something there is that doesn't love a wall..." I do love them. And have often marvel at their constancy.

Walls that have stood as time marches on. Gathering moss and weathering the cruel elements.

Why chance their destruction by planting a box in or near them?

We Thompson Twins cringe wistfully when we read a clue that directs us to a stone wall. We've had terrible luck whenever it comes to a letterbox hidden in a near a wall. Most of our "letterbox attempts" have been related to stone walls.

Again today, we searched for a box in Lewiston. And once again the clue led to a stone wall. Something inside me said, "Here's another attempt." And yet another voice said, "Tread lightly... protect the wall." So, we took it easy. And walked away without logging a find. But the joy in letterboxing is in the journey, not necessarily the find.

I'm pleased to report the wall is intact. And our boxing journey was full of great sights... sounds and smells! We spotted a family of ducks bobbing around a reedy pond edge. Several squirrels passed our way. And we even saw a large gray one try to tackle a crow! It was quite a sight.

Perhaps planting a box several feet away from a wall would allow planters to use it as a clue, and allow the hunting boxer to appreciate it from afar?

One thing is certain. Stone walls are intriguing landmarks peppered all throughout the Maine woods and countryside. We will often encounter them as we follow our clues. Let's admire and respect them. After all... Robert Frost wrote, "Good fences make good neighbors."