nd73

Actually, I didn't know the answer, but it doesn't sound like there is a right answer, or even a consensus. It seems pretty evenly split based on the responses. Reasons to replace the cache: I wanted to help out by maintaining/providing a cache in a country were there aren't many opportunities. There are only 25 or so caches listed in this country, and almost half have never been found, mainly due to owners who didn't understand the concept and never maintained their caches. Reviewers have made no threats to archive, probably because there is no demand to free up the real estate for new hides. I've read logs of people doing these long power trails where they assume that if they can't find a cache, it must be missing and therefore in need of their intervention to keep the trail intact. It seemed an odd response to a DNF to me, but I understand the logic, especially if the CO has given permission (although often, they don't mention whether or not they have permission). Reasons not to replace: I can't guarantee at this time that it would be maintained. If this trip becomes a regular thing, I may offer to adopt the cache. Reasons to log this as a find: I would like a record of my geocaching activities in this country to reflect that I was here at this spot that the original CO wanted to bring geocachers. Reasons to not log: No search is required, other than finding the coordinates. Also, I would be the first to log a find, although under the circumstances, I am more than willing to allow the next logger to claim FTF. I know it's not an official part of the game, but it's still part of the game. This is the reason I asked the question, to be honest. I'm sure the find would be noticed because it would be the first find for this cache, and I'm skittish of the potential controversy. Maybe I'm overly concerned about what other people think, but I believe that's the purpose of this community and this forum: to establish and maintain standards for the game. There have been lots of good points made during the discussion, but I still haven't made a decision as to what to do. I guess I was hoping for a consensus that this was an appropriate or inappropriate action from people who have been at this longer than I have. Anyone want to offer any further opinions?

I am headed out on an international trip to a country with very few caching opportunities. There was a cache in the town that I am visiting that was placed by an American but has since been muggled without anyone ever logging a find. After contacting the CO, I have agreed to replace the cache for him. So now my dilemma... should I log this as a find for me? I would love to log a find in another country, but it seems a little sketchy to "find" a cache that you placed yourself. I know that some cachers will maintain someone else's cache, up to and including replacing a missing container, while logging a find. This would likely be my only opportunity to log a find on this trip, as there are no other caches within 20 miles, and I don't have much sightseeing time. I hope to make this a recurring trip (every year or two), but there are no guarantees. Any thoughts from veteran geocachers would be appreciated!