Help Me Find My Bloomers LbNA #15646

4/30/2008 update: they finally removed the fallen tree, so the clues have been revised
9/19/05 update: a recent visit to this box pointed out two changes to the clues. First, the "brackish pond" that I found in June totally dries up in late summer. If you use your imagination you can still see where a pond had been, and the clues aren't hard to follow even without the pond. Second, the tree that was leaning toward the path...is now lying IN the path. This box will probably be moved soon, as the location is more exposed since the tree fell, but for now it remains there.
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I must confess to being a rather old-fashioned girl, I mean, how many women still wear bloomers? But I enjoy a degree of civility, so appropriate undergarments are always a must. I was wearing an enchanting purple polka-dotted pair as I indulged in a Sunday drive through West Bloomfield. You can imagine how surprised I was to happen upon a park named after my favorite unmentionable. I decided to detour and delve into this pleasant park’s features. I bypassed the basketball court - too much activity for my taste. I strolled about the grounds for a bit, and rested myself in the picnic shelter. From there I had a lovely view of Middle Straits Lake, and I reflected on the beauty of nature as I looked out over the serene waters.

As the park was relatively empty, I decided to chance a dip in the cool blue water. I found a private place to change into my (quite conservative) bathing attire, packed my tasteful togs into a satchel, and returned to the water. After a modest dip, I spread a blanket on the grass and began to read - Oscar Wilde, as I recall.

While my attention was thus diverted, a most appalling event occurred. Apparently some other patrons had arrived at the park, and brought a canine companion. Although the animal in question was charming enough, it was also quite mischievous. While I was involved in my literary exploration, the puppy approached my area, and snatched my bloomers! He ran off into the woods, and I was compelled to follow.

At first I was very concerned, because the headstrong hound headed for the park exit. Just as I was afraid my precious bloomers were going to be lost across Richardson Road, the purloining pooch turned left onto a path near the exit. I followed, trying to be as dignified as I was able (and failing, I’m afraid). I pursued the puppy past a tree that looked like one of his kind might have been chewing on it. Then, just when the path was close to emerging from the trees that covered us, the dog took a left turn onto a path into the woods. I followed, and immediately encountered a path that formed a triangle around the base of a tree. I suspended my pursuit momentarily, and seemed to hear rustling to the right, so I ventured that direction.

I continued ambling down this pleasant path, noticing that the trail seemed to follow the contours of a rather brackish pond. As I stopped to admire the features of the pond, I caught sight of the culprit. I resumed my pursuit down the path, keeping him in sight, until the trail zigged to the left and I lost sight of him again.

The trail varied a little, and then it turned to the west to follow the north edge of the pond. At this change of direction, I noticed a smaller trail off to the right. Far too rough for me, I continued on the paved path. Counting off 32 steps - the number of matching china place settings my mother gave me - I saw a noble tree, once dead but now struggling anew, still standing tall to the right of the path. Behind this dead soldier stood the misbegotten mutt. Look in the trunk of the tree and you will find my bloomers!

Once you have stamped in, continue along the path. When you reach the point where the path splits, a left turn will take you to the parking lot, while the right turn will lead you toward my idyllic picnic spot.


Please email kanderson2000@aol.com with any reports on this letterbox.