Legochugglers

In my opinion it is the people that get so worked up about other cachers enjoying a FTF hunt that need to take a good look at themselves. It seems to me that the most moaning comes from the following groups; - Prospective FTFers who just ain't that good at it yet. - The ones that say they don't care but as usual have an enormous amount to say on the matter.

Crikey you're on the ball. Became a member on the 30th. Found 2 caches (one before you joined) and within 24 hours you're posting on the forum challenging the final location of a multi that you dont appear to have logged as found. In my experience any place in the world has the possibility of having a cache if... and its a big IF... they have permission and a reviewer accepts it. Do you or your SP feel there is a serious problem with the cache?

I have to admit that most of my physical 'log books' in my caches (even larger ones) are rolled up strips with just a line for signature/date. I had the opportunity to check one of my puzzle caches this afternoon as I was in the vicinity and had had no reason to visit GZ since it was originally placed. This one has a proper hardback notepad as the log book and I thought I would have a glance at the entries just to recall the finders names. Half an hour later I was still sat under the tree reading the entries which just seemed all the more real and personal. There were some that you could really feel their relief/excitement/adventure coming back off the page. I also noticed a couple that had definately written much more kind words in the log than they had 'on-line' which was also quite special as they were names I recognised and I wasn't sure if they had enjoyed the cache and now I know that they did. My favourite was an entry that read something like this ....my name is Alice and I live in the house on the other side of the fields and I found this Geocache by accident. I was really excited as I had never heard of Geocaching and now I am going to find out more... It makes me wonder if she did take up geocaching. I forgot to check the date so we may never know. I get the feeling that when geocaching first started the comments in a proper logbook were much more important than the logs on-line and I can understand why. I am certainly going to try and put proper books in my larger caches from now on and encourage cachers to record their experiences within them. In turn, hopefully I will be able to take the time to go out and read them and I encourage others to try this out. Maybe others have some stories to tell from their log books but just need to go out and read them.

Oh dear, that seems a bit peculiar. I notice that when I now try and enter EMcache I get a personal blog that seems to express the same sentiment. I really enjoyed the EMcache site. It was one of the first sites I logged into when I started Geocaching. What a shame that matters seem to have caused such problems.

Oh dear, that seems a bit peculiar. I notice that when I now try and enter EMcache I get a personal blog that seems to express the same sentiment. I really enjoyed the EMcache site. It was one of the first sites I logged into when I started Geocaching. What a shame that matters seem to have caused such problems.

As an avid follower of interesting information in the GS forums I sometimes also visited the local East Midlands caching web site/forums for news and information closer to home. It would appear that this has been recently closed down. Does anyone know why and if there were plans to reinstate the site.

Often said but ufortunately rarely quoted; Why the hell have they put a cache here!!! There is a much better place over there.

Moretimetolookforthenextcacheoflage. NotaDNFoflage.

The actual quote from the site is as follows; It's required that your FTF log entries are tagged with one of these: {*FTF*} {FTF} (FTF). Please note that these are the common ones in northern Europe, but still not everyone uses them. Also some have taken FTFs before it has gotten to be "standard" and haven't been able to change all their old FTF logs since some geocaches are locked. Whether I scroll down my finds, locate all the FTFs and add this is doubtful. Maybe a task for a cold winters night.

2nd place equal with... everybody. Total of 0 caches found in the Northern Mariana Islands.

I'm on the side of ensuring my logs are a reflection of my experiences when looking for/finding a cache whether it be one of a series or a puzzle or anything in between. According to the geocaching homepage this is what was intended when logging on line and I enjoy doing it. I really enjoy writing up my experiences and adventures and will often 'watchlist' various caches so I can enjoy other cachers experiences as well. It really disappoints me to see 'TFTC' on an interesting offset multi with puzzle element, beautiful scenery and an interesting hide. Something just doesn't feel right when a finder then posts TFTC. It almost seems rude. All to their own, however I hope this thread encourages cachers to give some real thought about recording their experiences. It is quite cathartic to look back at some of your logs/adventures in the future. I have also had a number of CO's e-mail me and thank me for the logging stories. Sometimes we should use the logs for constructive/polite feedback or criticism regarding the cache. If people think that TFTC is a way of showing they did not like the placement/quality then I don't think this does any good whatsoever. Be specific, so subsequent finders and prospective future 'hiders' understand that this may not have been a particularly good place. Logging is an art form and to me the experiences are often more beautiful than the cache.

You left TB at the cache?...what was your daughter doing going out with TB and then putting blood on the log?

Thanks very much Legochugglers, you have now confused me even more. When I tried your solution, my laptop gave off smoke and then blew up. We are currently sifting through the debris of our former house for anything of any value. Are you certain that Kl'D23d! is 'OK'? Are you sure that isn't a typo and what you actually mean is: K2'D23d! is OK? PS.... Are you going to pay our Travel Lodge bill for the next 3 months whilst they re-build our modest semi in Bicester? G^*($%?@~)......You're welcome. Just send 5t6t34y6er57ju6er32q to Travel lodge and they give the 2nd month free.

@#HgTYffd n6"#+ ^t D3!$ @#Lk*7^ Kl'D23d! OK!!!! Now follow- F421!2)/@ (htdres) )-K7 But if you have only certain GfRtdkdRts then: &~@'~@ ! and @#@+&

Sounds a great idea as I've always thought Premium Membership was a bit expensive... DOH!!

A whole over reaction by all of you spoilsports. We are only talking about a very small window of time. We are only talking about a very unusual set of circumstances (temporary disablement during the Olympics). We are only talking about an exception involving one of the greatest sporting events on Earth. Some of the smiles and positive comments on the logs (for a few weeks) should surely override the guidelines. If it hadn't been brought to the forums the other day nobody would have been any the wiser. Just a little bit of leeway for just a little bit of time, I hope, was all the CO wished. If he keeps it as a 'virtual' after this weekend and doesnt convert everything back then please... hunt him down and 'hang him high! Could the correct response have been: This type of listing amendment is contrary to the guidelines however for 7 further days I am going to make an exception and allow such positive logs to stand and continue during such a wonderful global celebration of sport. There is no precedent set by this decision and I will ensure the listing is amended within 7 days or it will be archived.

Wrong decision! No... correct decision. Play by the rules or don't play at all... your choice. Simples. 'Rules?' - I thought they were 'guidelines' which were open to sensible interpretation. Having read some of your previous posts I am surprised that you have never felt the need to challenge some boundaries?

Oh dear...subversion? Very dramatic! Cachers who are in London for the Olympics can have a great time AND post on this cache (sorry, could). What a pleasent post you have recorded to describe your fellow cachers posts/pictures as 'random drivel'. Well done.

What a shame it's been archived. It is clearly not a 'Virtual'. It is a traditional that due to absolutely obvious reasons has been temporarily removed for a very short period with the listing amended accordingly. The CO has used some initiative in allowing cachers visiting the Olympics to record some extremely interesting photos/logs relating to their experiences in this area which was not doing anyone any harm. It is clearly not an attempt to set up a long term virtual cache and I assume the CO would have been reverting to the original cache listing anyway next week. I hope the CO can unarchive the cache next week when the Olympics are concluded.

Personally I think its a great idea although, as others have said, hopefully some additional thought could be put into the actual cache presentation. A multi-cache option has already been mentioned but another idea would be that a 'puzzle' cache could be used where information could be used regarding the particular athlete/discipline to which the chosen Post Box relates to which could add a further dimension to the relevance of the cache. This would also allow it to be offset from the exact location to allow larger/different cache containers to be used.

As a cacher that enjoys the FTF chase I am also fully aware that the OPs scenario is just a typical scenario that we just have to accept as an occupational hazard. I have come across friends/family pre signing logs from time to time but I have also come across many other issues. Incorrect co-ordinates, placements well outside the guidelines, cache not actually placed yet, etc etc just to mention a few recent ones. I wsould guess that most FTFers are used to the above and accept it as part of the game they play. They will just move on to the next e-mail notification and not get hung up on it.

Ive been out today and in the end it just didnt matter. I got stung on top of stings and I think my shins just got numb. However, on one of my last caches of the day, as I was bending down I got stung on the ear lobe @~#'@&*!!!. I tell you something, thats still smarting. Maybe its beacause its never been hit before.

How do you know what the site is about? What do you think it should be about? enlighten us!

Sorry, you can't write on a piece of paper and put it into the rock, you have to sign the log book that is already in the rock!... If you are going to interlope, at least keep up!!

Numbers have definately been to the benefit of geocaching. Great fun doing lots of number walks. Good for the health getting out in the fresh air with the kids. Quality of hides and places we are taken to have improved considerably as more people try and set more series. I have found top cacher stats incredibly impressive. I am quite jealous of their ability to get out and explore so many new areas, plan new challenges etc. I find it quite inspirational to follow such a range of experiences. I wish I had the time. I see no real reduction in quality. There are a few lame micros dropped in here and there but the actual variety of caches and quality of series feels better then ever at the moment. I have thoroughly enjoyed a whole group of new series in our area. I have never attended an event so can't really comment. The one point that does appear to be a constant is that there is always someone who is going to come on to the forums intimating that Geocaching is deteriorating and more and more peoples enjoyment is to the detriment of others. Maybe in its improved format it isn't the game for you anymore.