Basics of Letterboxing event to take place Aug. 4 in Colton during Raquette River Awareness Week

COLTON – Among the many fun outdoor events being held during Raquette River Awareness Week is the opportunity to learn about letterboxing, a century old activity with its roots in Great Britain.

Letterboxing is an outdoor treasure hunt that is gaining great popularity in North America.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, an Introduction to Letterboxing event will be held at the Raquette River Information Center on State Rt. 56 in South Colton starting at 6:30 p.m.

“There are many hidden boxes all along the Raquette River from community settings to wilderness trails. It is great fun to follow clues and find the hidden treasures,” said Ruth McWilliams, who oversees the Raquette River Information Center.

Avid letterboxers in the area will present the basics of letterboxing and introduce participants to the many facets of letterboxing. Letterboxers have a signature stamp and search for hidden boxes following printed clues (no GPS needed). Upon finding the hidden box, participants stamp their mark in the trail log and mark their personal journals with the stamp in the hidden box. The activity has taken on artistic expression, as many who hide boxes carve their own stamps. Participants will learn how to find clues on the Internet for places all along the river or elsewhere in the world; and instructors will share clues for nearby boxes.

Information about “Leave No Trace” also will be on display. Letterboxing enthusiasts as well as organizers of the Raquette River Blueway Corridor have adopted the “Leave No Trace” principles as a way to protect trails, waterways, and community places while exploring the world around us.

Raquette River Awareness Week (July 30-August 6) is a celebration of the longest north flowing river in New York State – 174 miles from its source near Raquette Lake in Hamilton County to its convergence with the St. Lawrence River at Akwesasne. Bicycle rides, hikes, paddles, concerts, presentations, and more are scheduled to be held along the river during the week.

Contact the Potsdam Chamber at 274-9000 or [email protected] for more information.