The_Bec

Everyone here already seems very encouraging and helpful, but I'm going to add my two cents anyway! I say absolutely do it! There are so many different caches, and I have done many that take no more than stepping out of my car and grabbing the cache with a bit of walking or no walking at all. As far as GPS goes... I actually use an old cell phone that doesn't have service anymore. I hook it up to my Wi-Fi at home and add GPS coordinates to Google Maps. Then once I enter and search for it I can save it to a list. So I have a list on the Google Maps app for Caches. Then when I'm away from home, without any service or Wi-Fi at all, it still let's me use it no problem. This really isn't a permanent solution, but it's holding me over until I can get a handheld GPS! I've had several members who experienced strokes, so I understand how limiting it can be. But there is no reason you can't jump into this activity and enjoy yourself. It's a lot of fun and it's very flexible, so no matter your interest, time, capabilities, area, etc... there's always something out there for you!

I don't know if I could find a cache that needs minor maintenance, like a bag or a log, and just walk away from it. It would be nice if all CO went out immediately to take care of a cache, or frequently visited them to perform a fix here and there, but the fact is a lot don't. I've been playing a month and already I've seen where CO's take a few weeks just to log back onto the site to even see if they have a NM or a message saying they should visit a cache. If I just leave it as I found it, despite the fact I could have done something quick and simple to fix it, then another cacher could come along and find it in even worse condition. There are no rules as to whether I should or shouldn't do minor maintenance on a cache, but if it takes me two seconds I'm going to do it. And no, when I'm out caching I very rarely, if ever, investigate the CO. I usually just have a GPS with me and I almost never use the app. I guess it's just personal preference. I certainly never mean to offend a CO by doing so. I would hate to think that one day I'll throw my hands up in the air and say it's not my problem and just let whatever happen to the cache.

Even when the cache owner has left the game and is no longer active? I haven't run into that situation, yet. But I wouldn't put a patch on something that I knew wasn't going to be adequately taken care of later on by the CO. I think in that situation I'd probably NA it and open up an opportunity for another person to put a cache there. I don't have a generic solution for every situation or problem I come across, I just use my discretion.

I don't think anyone has ever made minor maintenance on another person's cache (Like replacing a log, adding a zip bag, etc...) and meant it as an insult. I don't think lending a helping hand has ever meant to be negative. I think it's awful that CO's don't see that most cachers are just trying to help, to foster the idea that we're all part of a community. Maybe that's just me, I don't know. But as somebody new to the game I'm actually afraid of helping or pointing out a cache needs a little maintenance because of potential backlash. That's just unfortunate in my opinion. Even if a CO would rather others not touch their caches, there has to be a way to communicate that in a healthy way that doesn't breed hurt feelings. I've started carrying tape and zip bags with me just in case I come to a cache that needs a very minor helping hand. I want the game to be fun for everyone, and that sometimes means giving a cache a boost so the container/log lasts for the next cacher.

I do. Clean out and then restock usually once a year. I've found that if the container contains clean, not broken swag, the contents generally stay in good shape for months (assuming it's a good watertight container). I've often brought a bag of swag plus paper towel to clean out debris, but haven't needed either. But generally I would say most caches are set-em-and-forget em style caches. The owners never go back to check and maintain them. If you feel like it, you could clean out a cache of the junk. I do from time to time if I have a doggy bag on me--highly recommended, they squeezed down to almost nothing in your pocket and can hold about a pint of junky swag. But I only do it for cache containers that are in good shape and are keeping the contents dry. Caches that are in bad shape because the container is broken or not appropriate for outdoor use get an NM log. Sometimes I'm tempted to clean out the junk, but I don't... I don't want to cross a line, but sometimes I think, "No one is going to miss the bottle cap and the candy wrapper if I remove them." I always carry a grocery bag in my backpack, though. Several times I've gone to a cache sight and there's garbage AROUND the cache, so I try to pick that up so the area stays clean and beautiful for the next person looking for the cache.

I'm really new to GC, but I'm really tired of finding trash in caches... I don't know if this is what people consider "swag," but going to your car and finding whatever garbage you can to stuff into someone's cache is not okay. I'm sick of opening a large cache and finding just CRAP in there. If you don't have anything decent to leave, don't leave or take anything. I know as a community we're not asking for diamonds or rubies, but I think it's incredibly disrespectful to leave junk in there. And I'm not talking about these that are cheap or low quality. I'm talking legitimate garbage... Do CO ever clean these out? I'm just curious...

Same thing is happening to me, and I also have Chrome. Don't know where the problem is, but it's not just you, lol

It's my opinion that this cache is beyond duct tape and a towel. It's crushed, the lid doesn't stay on, and the only protection is a rock resting on top of it. The CO hasn't been online in a week, so I am assuming they haven't seen my message, yet. I don't know what sort of notifications they get. In a few days, however, I'm just going to log a NA. It's a nice spot for a cache along a beautiful road, and I'm sure someone would love to have a cache there (or close by). I don't want to seem like I'm being overly fastidious just so I can swoop in and steal the spot. I just want the cache to stay preserved for future participants to find and log.

I'm only a few caches in and I love the ones that call my attention to local history. I love stopping at something I otherwise drive by countless times to find a cache, and learn something along the way. Hiking is always fun (and my first love, it was how I found GC!), but I'm an immense fan of the quick caches that teach me something new. While I've only found 8 caches, only one of these has been regular sized, the rest have been small or micro. I've never had any trouble finding them. And whatever challenge they may pose from their wee size only adds to the game! Thank you!

Oh, I absolutely made no offense to anyone's opinion! I took them all into consideration, and I'm trying to implement them all into this and future decisions, My goal is to fix the cache for everyone, CO included, but of course my fellow cachers take priority. I just want everyone to have as much fun as I am!

Thank you very kindly! I am glad at least one person, so far, seems to agree with my decision. I must be doing something right, in any event. I feel comfortable giving them a few days to get back to me. If not I'll probably log a NA. I want to be friendly, but I also don't want the cache to be ruined, because this affects fellow cachers from enjoying a find. Everyone enjoys a successful and fun caching experience!

Hello, everyone! So thank you for all of the advice. Everyone seems to have their own personal opinion as to what to do next! I finally decided on first sending the CO a message, and giving them a more direct heads up as well as an offer to replace the container if need be. If I don't get a response soon, even though they've logged in, I'm going to log it as NA. Personally, I would rather reach out and try a friendly approach. After all, I am new and I'm trying to makes friends, lol It's better, in my opinion, than not giving them a chance to address this. While I know they've had nearly a year of people giving them a heads up, it would just sit better with my conscious if I messaged them first. At the end of the day it's just a coffee can and a short drive, and if I have the option of helping someone out or just flagging it and walking away, I'd rather lend a hand. Hopefully direct kindness will remedy the situation. Otherwise, I'd rather the next person not find the cache completely destroyed with a weather beaten log. We'll see.

I don't mind even lending them a hand by replacing the container. I just don't want to impose or come off as rude. Maybe I'll message them after all. Thank you!

First off, my apologies, as I'm new and still learning the minor details, LOL So yes, someone has logged this as Needs Maintenance. It seems like this has tagged as NM for nearly a year. I guess I was just curious what to do since it's been a while. But I think I'll leave it and hopefully the CO will take care of it soon. It appears he or she is already aware. Thank you for the help, though! Always good to know for future occasions,

Hey all! I'm just wondering what the GC etiquette is for when you find a cache that needs a little TLC. The cache in question could really use a new container, and several other people have mentioned this in their logs. Is it okay for me to message the owner and maybe give them a little heads up? I don't want to sound like I'm overly fastidious or bossy, but I just wondering if a friendly FYI is warranted. Plus, I'm extremely close to the cache, and it if they'd prefer it I can replace the container myself. Again, I'm not really sure what I should do, if anything. I want to be a friendly member of the community and offer a helping hand, but I also don't want to upset anyone. Thank you in advance!

Hey there! Where in upstate NY are you? I'm new too! (I've only found two caches so far) and I'm interested in meeting more people from the area. Upstate NY encompasses a very large area, so it's been hard to find people so far! Feel free to message me,

I'm in the same predicament. I'm also in New York (Not the city...) And I'd love to find my first cache but the snow is holding me back. I have a couple caches close by that I really looked into/researched, so I know that it's possible to tackle them while there's still snow on the ground. Mostly these are caches that aren't on trails that are easily affected by inclement weather, or caches where the owner mentioned they were off the ground, therefore not buried. If you find any, let me know! Have fun!

Thank you, EVERYONE! I feel very honored that you all shared some tips with me. Geocaching is definitely one of those hobbies that seems straight forward enough (not to belittle the complexity of this past time AT ALL), but all the veterans tricks are absolute treasures to me right now. So, thank you again!

Two things: They're smaller, and therefore harder to find unless they're the really easy ones. Yes, "park-and-grabs" are usually easy and perfectly good targets, but consider a new player trying to find a 1.5-inch by half-inch camouflaged Bison tube hanging in an evergreen tree! As a beginner, do you want to be steered to that one or the lunchbox-sized Tupperware container under the rock next to that tree? Typically, the smaller containers are less satisfying. Smaller logbooks or logsheets or just paper strips and no room for fun stuff like SWAG and Trackables (read those Help files!). These days, it's easy to ONLY go after the little ones because they're just so prevalent, but as you start, make sure you don't limit yourself. TAKE those two-mile hikes for just one cache! ESPECIALLY in Greene County! The North Lake / South Lake area? Definitely makes sense! And I'm about 5 minutes from North/South Lake. Caches are very saturated up here, so it's easy to go for a quick 2 mile hike and get a couple. (Or more than a couple!) Thankfully caches are everywhere in Greene county (and surrounding counties.)

Well I'm really glad I asked for some advice. Definitely some things I didn't think of or know. Thank you! I knew I should ask the experts, Why do I avoid micro and nano caches? I've seen quite a few micros around me, and most of them involve parking on the side of the road and a 3 minute jaunt to fetch and sign them. I would never make them the goal of a serious geo-caching venture, but they seemed like a convenient/as I'm passing by find.

Hello, everyone! My name is Becca, and I'm new to Geocaching! I've known what it was for a while, but I finally decided to take the plunge and check it out myself! I haven't found a cache, yet, but I'm itching to get out there! While I have the technical idea of how to geocache, I'm sure there's a lot I still don't know or understand. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks for new Geocachers. I'm also curious how you all meet each other and get together for some caching! I live in Greene County, NY, which is is fairly rural, and I have yet to locate a local group. Any tips or advice would be great. Pleasure to meet you all, and I look forward to getting to know you!

And hello from Greene County,