Letterboxing is a outdoor recreational activity which combines collecting, puzzle-solving, and treasure hunting.
Briefly, letterboxing enthusiasts hide and hunt weatherproof containers in remote or scenic places. Each container holds a guestbook, a rubber stamp and stamp pad. The planter of the letterbox distributes clues to its location; solution of these clues may require a combination of skills such as mapreading, orienteering, and puzzle-solving.
Letterboxers carry their own stamp book and personal stamp when hunting for hidden boxes. Upon finding a letterbox, they will impress their own book using the found stamp, and leave their own stamping or personalization in the letterbox guestbook.
Letterboxing has its roots in Dartmoor, England, in 1854.
Hitchhikers are a form of traveling letterbox. Site includes lists of hitchhikers and last reported letterbox location. alum.wpi.edu/~p_miner/travelers
History of the activity, similar to orienteering, begun in 1854 at Cranmere Pool on the moor, and now popular in many countries. Offers a forum and contact information. www.dartmoorletterboxing.org