Letterboxing In Seal Cove

What is Letterboxing?

Letterboxing is an intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming "treasure hunt" style outdoor quest. A wide variety of adventures can be found to suit all ages and experience levels. Follow the clues to a letter box and bring a small notebook. "Collect" an unique stamp in your notebook when you find the letterbox.

Right down the road from us is a letterbox hidden and maintained by Memlili of Southwest Harbor. The directions start from Southwest Harbor.

Memili calls this box the Algerine Coast box because this is what some of the locals call this rugged stretch of coastline. Legend suggests that the name comes from the long-ago wreck of a ship from Algeria. Or perhaps its just that its such a wild looking place, like one where you might find pirates. For those who have discovered this place, it is a lovely spot for a picnic or just for walking along the shore and exploring the tidal pools.

Directions

From Route 102 in Southwest Harbor take Seal Cove Road into the Park. This begins as a paved road but as it enters a sections of Acadia National Park land it becomes a narrow "washboard" dirt road. Slow down and enjoy the forest. You will pass several Park roads and trails for future excursions. Be watchful for hikers, bikers, horses and other cars as this is a VERY narrow road. When you reach the end of Seal Cove Road turn right onto Route 102A. Continue for just over 2/10 mile. The road
curves bridging water emptying from Seal Cove Pond into Seal Cove and then you will see a land locked red bell buoy on your left. Turn here (Cape Road) and continue down the road, your pass Zoom Resounds Riding stable where you can purchase a limited edition "Seal Cove, Lobster T-Shirt" - just pull in and give a honk for Peggy, further down the road you'll see a tree on the left that has Fishboy flyers to pick up, proceed down to the landing. Park on the right.

Clues

Facing the water, go to the right of the picnic area and you will find a path down to the shore. Take time to notice the unusual geology around you and enjoy the peaceful view. Walk along the beach toward the boat launching ramp until you can see the ramp, and a large ledge of stone (looking rather like an overturned boat) is to your right. Search among the varied stones for one with a hole in it. The Algerine Coast box lies hidden here. This area is best enjoyed at half tide or lower, though it can be reached at high tide. This replaces the first box I ever planted. I hope you enjoy it. I would love to hear from you - memlili54@yahoo.com. (Note: This is a popular spot for campfires and kayakers so please be discreet and be sure to replace the box so that it is well hidden. Thanks!)