Nature’s Canvas

The Hike…

This is a long hike in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that will require most of the day. The exact distance will depend on the route you choose to take to reach the starting point and any side trails you might decide to pursue. You should plan to set out on the trail before 10:00 a.m. to ensure enough daylight hours to complete the hike. The terrain is more difficult than average with many ups and downs on steep, narrow pathways, rocks, roots and stairs. At times the trail follows the edge of a cliff very closely and it is not recommended for children or inexperienced hikers. Once you have figured out the clues, please consult a trail guide for distance, terrain and directional information. Be sure you know what you are getting yourself into when hunting for this box; allow yourself plenty of time, bring food and water and wear proper clothing and footwear. The hike is long, the terrain is tough in places, but the sights you will see along the way are unparalleled and well worth the time and effort required (and the letterbox is a nice little extra reward). Don’t forget your camera!

The Location…

Perform the following set of instructions on the string of letters that comprise the name of this letterbox, disregarding the space and the apostrophe:

1. Move the 2nd consonant from the right to be the first letter
2. Change the 2nd ‘S’ from the right to a ‘D’
3. Switch the positions of the 2nd consonant and the first vowel from the left
4. Change each ‘N’ to a ‘C’
5. Change the middle ‘C’ to a ‘R’
6. Insert a ‘K’ to the right of the first ‘A’ from the right
7. Replace the first consonant from the left with the word for 3.14
8. Insert an ‘O’ to the left of the 2nd ‘A’ from the left
9. Remove each ‘A’

This is Location Clue #1

Now perform the following set of instructions on the string of letters that comprise location clue #1:

1. Switch the positions of the 2nd vowel from the right and the first consonant from the left
2. Change each ‘C’ to an ‘N’
3. Switch the positions of the 2nd consonant from the left and the 5th consonant from the right
4. Change each ‘S’ to an ‘I’
5. Add an ‘A’ after the 2nd vowel from the left and before the 2nd vowel from the right
6. Change the ‘K’ to a ‘L’
7. Switch the positions of the 3rd and 4th consonants from the right
8. Duplicate the center letter, placing it between the 2nd and 3rd vowels from the right
9. Move the 7th vowel two places to the left
10. Move the 3rd consonant to be the 3rd letter
11. Change the 1st vowel from the left to a ‘T’
12. Change the 7th and 8th letters to be identical to the 12th and 13th letters
13. Change the left-most ‘I’ to be a ‘G’
14. Move the last letter 4 places to the left
15. Move the first letter from the left to be the first letter from the right

This is Location Clue #2

Now perform the following set of instructions on the string of letters that comprise location clue #2:

1. Remove the second ‘R’ from the right and the letter proceeding it
2. Change the last letter to a ‘L’ and move it 13 places to the left
3. Change each ‘P’ to an ‘E’
4. Change the sixth vowel from the left to a ‘R’
5. Move the second vowel from the right 3 places to the left
6. Change the ‘D’ to a ‘K’
7. Move the 2nd consonant from the left 2 places to the right
8. Move the rightmost ‘N’ next to the leftmost ‘N’
9. Switch the positions of the 2nd consonant from the right and the 6th vowel from the left
10. Move the 2nd letter from the right 2 places to the left
11. Change the double letter pair to ‘SH’

This is Location Clue #3

The Letterbox…

Use location clues #1 and #2 as the beginning point for this letterbox hunt. Follow [location clue #3] eastward to the place where 3 short sandy paths lead to nowhere off the trail to your left within close proximity of each other, all offering excellent views of the place where you began this letterbox hunt. Pieces of a fallen tree line the right side of the trail here. Follow the pointing piece to its base and find your treasure tucked in an underside crevice.

Note… Please be very discreet when removing and replacing this letterbox; carry the box well away from the hiding spot to stamp in and be sure to cover and hide well when replacing the box!