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What A Face! – Midwest Reprise LbNA #31501

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Jun 2, 2007
Location:
City:Ann Arbor
County:Washtenaw
State:Michigan
Boxes:7
Planted by:J&B Books
Found by: Angel Winks (2)
Last found:Jul 4, 2013
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Jun 2, 2007
When we were letterboxing in Connecticut in 2006, we decided to do a series called “What a Face.” We were very excited by the idea for the series; each box contained a stamp for a part of the face and, when finished, you ended up with a complete face. Unfortunately, the series had been placed a while ago and many of the landmarks and boxes were missing. We ended up with only half a face! However, we still thought it was a wonderful idea and decided to pay homage to it with a series of our own.

Located in Barton Nature Area, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Park at the southern most entrance on Huron River Drive. For a printable map see: http://www.ci.ann-arbor.mi.us/CommunityServices/Parks/Parkdescriptions/Barton/barton.pdf

A few things to note about this series:

1. There are 7 boxes; but a total of 20 stamps. How is this possible? All of the boxes have at least 2 (and sometimes up to 4) stamps in them. This is to allow you to “create your own” face (i.e., Mr. Potato Head). So, you could complete this series with 1 face and 7 stamps, or 2 faces and 14 stamps, or 3 faces and 20 stamps, or… you get the picture. It is completely up to you!

2. Only Box 7 has a logbook for you to stamp in to.

3. There are occasionally long distances between clues. This is due to the nature of the park, which does not have a lot of “letterboxing landmarks.” If you are ever in doubt, chances are if you stay on the trail and keep walking, you will come to the next clue.

UPDATED on 5/5/08 (see below in caps)

Box 1:
Cross the bridge. Notice the steep slopes and heavy undergrowth along the trail? No letterboxes are hidden here! You will see a power pole directly ahead with a dead tree ahead and to your left. After passing the dead tree, there is an opening to your right with some tracks not made by any animal we know of. Travel 8 steps down this trail. On your left you’ll see several small trees. In a teepee of sticks at the base of one, you’ll find your first prize.

Box 2:
Head back to the main trail. Keep walking past more power poles. On your left, there will be a large oak. Just beyond it there is an intersecting trail. Follow the trail on the right. As you head down the path, watch for the sharp remains of an old wire fence laying across the path. Find the dead stump on your right, followed by a split tree. Box 2 is nestled behind the split trees.

Box 3:
Continue on the main trail. Pass the intersection to your left and head into a clearing. Keep walking and walking (and walking!) as the trail snakes back and forth. Pass another trail to your left and walk under an arch of branches. At long last (phew!) take a seat. 40 degrees and 10 paces from the center of your seat, check beneath a pile of logs for Box 3.

Box 4: (UPDATE: Part of this trail is closed due to erosion. The box is still in place and can be reached via the new trail created by the park service, a map, and a sense of direction. We are not changing the clues yet; we want to wait and see if they reopen the original trail. Please respect the park's decision and do not hike on the closed trail.)
Return to the main trail. Ignore the intersections to your left and right. Don’t cross that bridge when you come to it! Instead, follow the trail to your left. Follow this idyllic trail along the Huron River. At one point, it appears to be heading directly into the water, but the trail saves you to the left at the last minute. Pass the snaky roots, leading out to the trees in the water. Pass under the bird house (twice) and through a meadow along the river. Look, there’s an island in the path! Hang a left; 10 paces down the trail several large, gnarled tress are visible to your left. Box 4 awaits behind, near the base.

Box 5: (UPDATE: Missing as of 5/5/08)
Continue on the trail, heading away from the river. Head out of the trees and into a clearing – enjoy the view! At the fork, head right. Enjoy the nice, LONG walk through the meadow and bushes. Walk under an arch of branches. Head into the woods. 13 steps past the large, light stone in the trail, there is a dirt trail on the right at 166 degrees. Follow this path to the fallen tree blocking your way. Box 5 lurks under this lazy log.

Box 6: (UPDATE: this set of clues was changed on 5/5/08 to reflect the new hiding spot of the box)
Head back to the main trail and follow its curving way through the tall bushes. See the large pine on your right? 28 paces beyond this there is a path, also on your right. Follow it to the birdhouse. Box 6 is hidden at the base of a tree, 20 paces roughly to the west.

Box 7:
Head back to the main trail and continue to the right. As the trail heads generally northwest, you’ll pass in and out of small stands of trees and bushes. Eventually, you’ll emerge again into a large meadow. Take the fork to the right and proceed past the embracing pine brothers. Follow the twisting trail through the scrubby tall bushes and make a right at the next intersection. Once you are in the trees again, look for a large pine in a clearing to your right. Head 206 degrees and 20 paces from the pine to the log for Box 7. Please note: It is a very tight fit for all of the contents for this box, but they all do fit!

To your car:
Follow the path to the right and turn right at the next intersection.