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The Original Magic Mission Series LbNA #57382

Owner:Marissa Moon
Plant date:Apr 6, 2011
Location: Phantom Creek Trail
City:Bellevue
County:King
State:Washington
Boxes:2
Found by: orihalcon (2)
Last found:Feb 19, 2024
Status:FaaOF
Last edited:Oct 3, 2023
The Original Magic Mission Series ~ CLUES

Planted by: Marissa Moon and her dad, MoonPop, on 4/6/11

Active as of: 10/3/23

Inspired by: girlnextdoor, w/ her 'Spooky Forest' letterbox

The Phantom Creek Trail is approximately 1.3 miles south of Northup Way, and starts immediately north of 2021 W. Lk. Sammamish Pkwy. SE. Three hour visitor parking is minimally available at the trail head. The entire trail is 0.3 miles long, running between the Parkway and 168th Ave SE, with an elevation gain of around 200 ft (ish).

I think it is the most magical of all the trails in the Weowna Beach Park, which is why I chose it for the Magic Mission Series. I began on the Parkway, and have planted two boxes here; "Streamside Selkie" and "Forest Fairy."

Note: Long pants and durable, sturdy shoes recommended due to nettles and rough terrain.

***

So here is what I saw as I began the mission:

My path began with a downward slop, passing a lagoon which mermaids may visit on the right. Soon after, I hurried past the remains of an abandoned ogre den on the left, and then saw a steep pixie bridge over the stream on my right. Distantly, I could hear falls.

The trail made a sharp switchback and led me ever higher, as though to a gryphon or dragon's nest. All around are abandon swords, green with age. Perhaps dragons do lurk here...

Then, I was met with a fork in the trail. I went to the right (along the next switchback), and soon passed a tree with two trunks side by side on the left, resembling a swordfish head protruding from the ground. Soon, I was walking past a princess's tower dwelling, overlooking roaring falls. A huge giant stood to the right, guarding it.

Next, I strode up 23 wooden steps. As the stairs began to take a right hand turn, I saw a faint and steep uphill path on the left (away from the stream). I followed it upward about 20-30 feet, (PLEASE NOTE: THE FOOTING HERE CAN BE EXTREMELY TREACHEROUS, PARTICUARLY WHEN WET. ATTEMPT AT YOUR OWN RISK.) ducking under the dangling roots of an upended tree, and entered a small fairy glade with a carpet of moss. (WATCH OUT FOR STINGING NETTLES) I looked straight ahead to a cluster of slender tree trunks, like a fairy hideaway, stretching towards the sky. Hidden among them, I found the "Forest Fairy".

Returning to my path, I continued up the steps. I passed under an immense guardian cedar tree on my right, and several steps on, another on my left. The trail led me by the highest room in the princess's tower.

At the next fork in the road, I went right and followed the trail across a bridge. I turned left and entered into a place perfect for a royal feast. I proceeded to travel beside the creek, heading upstream, again along a faint path. I passed a knotted tree, and pushed through overgrown plants, like in a witch's garden.

Eventually, I came to another fallen tree. Moving to the creek-side end of it, I discovered the "Streamside Selkie", hidden amongst the roots.

***

Please ensure the letterbox is well-concealed after you have exchanged stamps and resealed baggies/lids.

Good luck on your mission,

Marissa Moon and her dad

Copyright 2023 - This is an original work. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be copied or reproduced in anyway without the author's express permission.