Sandy

The concern about couch potato logging is a valid one, but something that our specialized EarthCache Reviewers are highly aware of when reviewing EarthCaches. We do not in any way want people to log EarthCaches without actually having been to the cache location. To curtail this behavior, EarthCache owners must create logging tasks that *require* the person to be at the cache site. The logging requirements must be educationally and geologically-based, and the cache owner should be able to determine from the response to the task(s) whether or not a cacher was actually at the site. The specialized Reviewers are asking cache owners with logging tasks that are not stringent enough to change their cache submission. Photographs will remain an option when logging EarthCaches.

You and other concerned virtual cache owners can direct cachers to these forum threads: English-speaking cachers: Couch Potato-Caches (Groundspeak Forum) German-speaking cachers: Couch Potato Caches (Groundspeak's German Forum) The threads explain the guidelines about logging virtual caches and tries to discourage cachers from 'couch potato caching', as it is not in the true spirit of geocaching, and it violates the geocaching.com guidelines.

I was honored to be a part of this process, and am heartened by such a show of community and the honoring of tradition.

Great! Thanks for helping get the word out.

The language of location. That simple sentance is the big picture. It's why virtuals are caches, why webcams were fun, why locationless caches have a place and why Waymarking, and benchmarking have fans. Think of as FTF only cache, which is what it is. Nicely put!

Jeremy (President of Groundspeak) has launched a site called 10 Balloonies detailing how you (our beloved geocachers) can get involved in Groundspeak's quest to win the DARPA challenge. If we do win the $40,000, Groundspeak will be adding another $10,000 and donating it all to charity through donorschoose.org. The money will help fund geocaching projects for disadvantaged children in schools across the U.S. We need you to help us win this. Keep your eyes out for the big red balloons!

It is great to have this positive feedback about our Reviewers. As you know, they are a team of dedicated volunteers, and we are forever grateful for their efforts.

Congratulations! We're so pleased to hear of your success with this event. Great stuff!

Hi everyone, I have checked with Brian, and his definitive answer is that these 'rogue' TBs are not of concern to us - reviewers and GS staff. We cannot govern their usage, and Geocachers are allowed to give out GC codes. I hope that helps, and puts minds at ease. Sandy

I will be checking into this issue. I hope to have a response for you later today. Sandy

I love this story. Happy ending. Did you go back for the cache at a later point?

Many thanks to you for all your work. It has been greatly appreciated by the Aussie community.

Stunning photo. The sort of place you want to keep to yourself : )

Hiking in New Zealand - the Franz Joseph Glacier. Precarious steps with spikes lashed to our hiking boots. We were not even half way up after more than 90 minutes of climbing. Spectacular views and an incredible experience.