Linesides

I've sent several emails to contact@Groundspeak.com that have gone unanswered - the last sent on 4/29. I also sent email to a reviewer regarding an archived cache but he never responded. What should I do next? What does it mean if a cache is "permanently archived"?

Thanks to all for your comments! I should add a couple of notes regards my cache in question: This cache is in the Bahamas. I checked with the Bahamian authorities. The beachfront I placed my cache on is absolutely "public access" and digging in the sand is not prohibited in any way shape or form. There is such a thing as "protected dunes" where they install special plants to hold the dunes together. These should not be used for caches. With my particular "cache", I made the mistake of using the word "buried". The fact is, I simply "brushed aside" enough sand to insert a medium size tupperware container in it. It literally took me 10 - 15 seconds to insert the cache. I also marked the cache and made it quite clear exactly where the cache is. I've done this before, people have found my caches, and the caches survive quite well. "Survivability" of the cache in these particular enviroments can be tricky and this is the reason why I install my caches in these areas as such. For what it's worth, one needs to be at least 15' in altitude when placing caches near the beach so they don't get washed away by inclement weather. I usually shoot for 25'+ and place them very close to obvious markers and add a few of my own using natural elements such as driftwood to mark the cache. Even if you were to lay the cache on top of the sand, eventually sand will accumulate on top the cache.

Good point, LETaylor... My cache is very close to the surface and is definately on a public access area where building large sand castles and such are done on a daily basis. I am familiar with protected dunes and would not put a cache on any of these.

Thanks TeamK-9... I agree. That's why I took special care to provide enough visuals so people do know exactly where it's at.

Thanks IV Warrior... Your ruling, as stated, would have been easy to follow if it were integrated into the rule posted. I still believe my cache is acceptable simply because it does not require a "shovel, trowel or other pointy object" to "dig in order to "hide or to find the cache".

Thanks for your comment, TeamK-9 Well then why wouldn't the rule just simply say "caches that are buried" period - the end. As I read it, it would seem the reason for the additional description to the rule was intentionally put there for the exact reasons I'm outlining. Why else would the "If a shovel, trowel or other “pointy” object is used to dig, whether in order to hide or to find the cache, then it is not appropriate" be in the rule if it wasn't to provide some exception? The word "IF" definately infers "exception". I have no problem with the idea one shouldn't have to bring any kind of "tool" with them to uncover a cache - that wouldn't be acceptable. Most importantly, I honestly believe if I "expose" this cache otherwise, it won't survive in the environment it's in.

I recently had a cache "archived" because the cache was "buried" in sand on a beach. I've done it this way in the past, but I'm told now that anything buried is a "no no", yet the rule clearly states: "Caches that are buried. If a shovel, trowel or other “pointy” object is used to dig, whether in order to hide or to find the cache, then it is not appropriate." My cache was buried by hand in a matter of seconds and did not require any tools - easily found and easily uncovered. I've done caches just like this in the past and people continue to find the caches with no complaints. I could move the cache to above ground, but given the particular elements of it being on a beach, I've found it's better to put the cache in the sand so it isn't moved by occasional rough weather. What is your opinion? Doesn't it seem the rule as stated allows me to bury the cache in the sand as long as it doesn't require tools? I appealed to the reviewer once already and they said I was taking the rule too literally? Seems to me the rule is clear and makes sense since it seems to allow for exactly my type of cache placement. Any suggestions on what I should do to rectify this would be appreciated.