hugesinker

I've had this problem with the Dashboard for a few days as well. It's just the updated dashboard-- the old version works, so I've just been working with that, even though I like the updated better. Today the same thing started happening with Messages though-- and that's annoying since it's stuck flagging me I have new messages.

Are you talking about the term Waypoint? How else is that used in this hobby? Obviously I don't mind changing it.

I'm good with that. Though, if a cache is especially lousy, my logs tend to be shorter. For example-- a cache called "LP cache", and the description is also "LP cache", and it's an unaltered Altoids tin under a lamp post skirt with a piece of notebook paper stuffed in it. Sometimes it doesn't seem worth the effort if they haven't put much in themselves-- though now I've tried to make things more interesting with a joke or something if I can't think of anything nice to say. I agree, but the exception I'm talking about is if the intended position has somehow been altered. For example, the original placement was obviously in a tree stump, but now that stump is shredded into small bits of debris and the cache is sitting in the open on a sloped hill. It seems reasonable to place it behind an adjacent tree and send a note. Ok, so your philosophy is-- if they didn't want you to add a date, they should have said so in the cache description? That makes sense. Still think it's a good idea to switch to initials unless you have a really short cacher name. So, do you log a find without signing the log sheet? That's something I want to avoid. I figure if the cache is too full of old deteriorated log sheets, they've abandoned them and removing the oldest one, taking a photo that shows the signatures, and posting that photo is actually a better option because it preserves the log digitally. I understand that this is doing maintenance that the CO should be doing, but they could have legitimate reasons or they could have abandoned the cache. Ideally, I'd like to see otherwise functional abandoned caches continue to be enjoyed for as long as they can without being NM flagged into oblivion just for being stuffed full of old logs. Yes, this suggestion is assuming they are still reachable. This is a different topic, but I wonder if this is a policy that should be changed to preserve very old or iconic caches-- allow them to be put up for adoption if certain criteria are met.

Thank you for your suggestion that I shouldn't make suggestions. It's in the forums so that I can get other ideas and corrections from other people. These aren't dictates, though I'm glad to see that several other more experienced people are largely in agreement. I'm sure there are things you wish other finders would take care to do more often.

These are several of my recommendations for a cache finding etiquette for experienced cachers. They're a bit beyond the basics, and intended to make this hobby even better for cache owners and finders alike-- as well as ways to set a positive example: If you find a good cache, try to leave a good activity log. TFTC logs should be reserved for crappy caches, or not used at all. Endeavor to leave a cache as intended based on the description and hint, if you can clearly tell what the intent is. Otherwise leave as found. That is, unless the placement is likely to be muggled, moved, or otherwise destroyed. If you move the cache from an intended position, message CO with a photo of your new placement and offer to move it again if they want. Try to verify a cache's current TB inventory if there is any. If a TB is missing, comment as such on that TBs activity log. Discover present TBs you don't take. Tiny nano caches only need your initials, no date. Mention your initials in the activity log. If you take the last line on a log sheet or start a new page of a log sheet, say so in your activity log. If you need to add a fresh log sheet, prefer to leave older log sheets for CO unless there is not enough room or if an old log sheet is in very poor condition. If you remove a log sheet, try to open it carefully and photograph it to record the signatures, then include those photos in your activity log entry before throwing out the old log sheet. Replace plastic baggie for log sheet when needed if you can. It is nice to offer to replace a cache that is verified missing-- but DO NOT replace a cache without approval of the cache owner, confirmed with an activity log entry made by them. (say no to throwdowns) If the cache owner is no longer active and you cannot adopt the cache, flag it to make room for something new. If you have any points that you think should be added, or you disagree with any of these, let me know.

I've been Geocaching for exercise since April 2019 and it has been a lot of fun. It seems clear that a certain strategy is required for this activity to qualify as exercise in an urban setting, where parking is normally so close to where the caches are. So, rather than driving up close to every hide, I walk/run/jog to every cache site from either another cache, a "Spawnpoint", or a "Waypoint". NP&G is what I'm calling the meta-game I've created around this, though I doubt it is entirely original. So far I've found it to be pretty rewarding, and full of discoveries-- not so great if you're mainly in it "for the numbers", but to each their own. Here are my guidelines and definitions in case you want to try something similar. If you do, I would be interested to know. A Spawnpoint is a place you can start caching from without ever having to walk from anywhere else. This is limited to-- Any cache that would award you a Souvenir for finding, starting with finding that cache. This includes your very first find and a first find in other states and countries. Any place where you have stayed overnight. Any Challenge Cache when you meet all the requirements, starting with finding that cache. A reward for qualifying is a free victory ride up to the Challenge cache. Any Event Cache, during the time in which that event is held, starting with attending that event. (+Added 08SEPT2021) Also see special cases below. A Waypoint is a parking area, preferably a public parking lot where you can legally park, that you have previously walked to from either-- a physical cache you had previously found, a Spawnpoint, or another Waypoint. Walking from a previously found cache means starting from anywhere within 150ft of the POSTED LOCATION of a previously found physical cache according to your GPS. Alternatively, you are allowed to find a cache first, and then walk to a previously found cache, a Waypoint, or a Spawnpoint afterwards to make up for it. This is especially useful if you doubt you will be able to find the cache. If you are unable to find the cache, this extra effort isn't necessary (try somewhere else). Special cases and clarifications-- Non-physical caches, such as Virtual caches and Earth caches, can be found whenever you have visited the area in question, without having to walk to the area from anywhere else. However, they do not qualify as starting points themselves for future finds. If finding one of these cache types awards you a Souvenir, you are then allowed to create one new Spawnpoint at any other physical cache any time later, starting with finding that physical cache. In effect, you have banked a Spawnpoint. If the Ground Zero(GZ) of the physical cache is different from the Posted Location, such as a coordinate puzzle cache or a physical multicache, only the posted location qualifies as a starting point for future finds. You still need to walk to the GZ from any qualifying starting point. This can quickly get you into new areas if the posted location is distant from the GZ and the GZ is readily accessible from where you've already cached. DNFs, disabled caches, and archived caches do not qualify as starting points.