I found out about letterboxing sometime in early 2004, and was disappointed that there seemed to be precious few boxes planted here in Scotland. I am not an accomplished orienteerer, nor skilful carver. Rather than waiting for someone else to make it happen, however, I decided to try and get some boxing momentum going in this bonnie green land. At the time of writing this, I have planted eight boxes—all with hand carved stamps and most with hand made journals. Unfortunately, one has already gone missing. In consulting with boxers in New Zealand and the US, the common feedback we received has been, “If you build it, they will come.” Prove ‘em right, eh?

There is a generosity inherent in this activity, as well as a playfulness and sense of wonder—qualities easily lost in the day-to-day grind of the adult world. I was struck by the lovely connections contained within this strange and wonderful pastime. Obvious connections, like connecting with nature and the creative part of oneself, and the unusual way letterboxing creates connections between strangers, many of whom will never meet face to face. Perhaps a stronger sense of connectedness is one important remedy for what ails us, walking around on this planet, and as a human race overall.

Laura Letterboxer.