jwmoe1973

So the consensus here is log NA for the trash caches and let the process happen? Now ADKer's point was good caches disappearing through CO archival. How do we go about saving them when the owner archives before any contact?

Just my opinion..., but I'd rather find the CO's cache as it was intended to be. The spirit of Popo's cache was violated. I'd do as others have suggested. So, my question is this: I've been planning a multi/puzzle for some time. A tribute series to some personal heroes of mine. As they don't have headstones yet (two separate accidents, they didn't know each other, same cemetery) I have plenty of time to do this right. A lot of thought and purpose is going into this. Obviously, I have a point and spirit to this cache idea. "If" you were to get a blatant I intentionally place a throw down log, would you delete it after explaining why? I didn't start caching to make virtual enemies, but..., (knowing the cache was fine) I'd have to delete a log like that.

OK, we all know and agree upon the fact that caches are owned by the CO and not GC.com or Groundspeak. I would prefer that most of the caches in question be archived and the area opened up for possible new caches. The problem as I see it is the geotrash left behind by these caches. In many cases (at least locally) the CO is non-responsive to NM logs or even e-mails. In one case, the cache is mere feet from their back yard. If there were a log generated upon a NA log and and archival log from a reviewer, there might be a chance that someone could remove the trash cache... Ah, never mind. That could be done anyway, but it wouldn't be the CO. I just talked myself out of my own argument. Archive 'em.

This might be the way to go. My part of town is saturated with junk caches that were abandoned more than two years ago. No response from CO on NM logs. I hate to play the "Get 'em archived" game, but if there was an ethical way to adopt them and make the needed maintenance or improvements, wouldn't that benefit the caching community?

West Michigan has SkipHerr. I've yet to find any of his hides. I used to work near his turf and don't any more. Wish I did. His hides are deviously hidden. I can't tell you more..., I haven't found them ;-) SkipHerr is somewhat of a SW MiGo legend. I hope to someday meet him. Another more local favorite of mine is Team Eggeman. They have some rather clever multi/puzzle caches that are great for our Scouts to build problem solving and teamwork skills.

We've got one of those. Cache is not at posted coords. Go about 40 yards west and then start looking south. Same folks took a lot of prime cache real estate and quit the game over two years ago...

How about when someone proudly logs a find on a stated throw down in their log? Not my cache, but I went to look for one near me and it was missing. I logged my DNF. Later that day the following was posted to the cache log: "Today was not a day about the numbers, more about grabbing some older caches and filler caches. This one was the first on the list... Had read the previous log and did find that it was missing. I had a spare container and log with me so I replaced it. It is now a magnetic hiding under the rail." Obviously for that cacher it was a day about the numbers. Why else blatantly place a throw down and then post about it? The original container was an ammo can in an obvious spot under the gate post. Not a wasted trip fro me as we had a nice visit with the RC aviation club members that were there. I went back last night to try again. Still no ammo can. I choose not to log a find on the replacement as it was not placed with owner permission and is not in the spirit of the original intent of the cache. I also posted a NM log and have been in contact with the owner with an offer to replace the can. They politely declined and offered unnecessary apologies. I just don't get the folks who are so obsessed with numbers that they would openly do this.

I'd log a note. If you had actually attempted to look for the cache and DNF'd, then log your DNF. I've made several attempts at cemetery caches in the last week and ended up simply driving back out upon seeing a funeral in progress. I didn't attempt the find, so I logged a note. If I had gotten out anyway and wandered about looking for it without luck, I would have proudly logged my DNF.

I was hesitant about yard caches too. There are two notable front yard caches near me (there are others, but these are memorable). I finally stopped for the first (GC2DT2) after visiting a few of the CO's other caches and receiving an e-mail about a DNF I had posted for one of them. The contact, though not in person, made me feel more comfortable about hunting their front yard. Glad I did as the CO introduced himself and gifted each of my kids a pathtag. The second, GC3PC8X, I had driven by several times before finally stopping. The cache page and description offer positive clues to identifying the correct house and the expectation of visitors. I saved this one for my 100th find just to make it more memorable. It was worth the wait. There is a third (GC46QWB) that I will be visiting soon after meeting the CO at a recent event. She has assured us that it is worth the effort, very clever and fun, and that she enjoys meeting those that stop by. This one has 7 favorite points since it was placed in Feb 2013 and most of the more experienced and well known cachers in the area seem to have very positive reviews in their logs about it. Knowing what to expect and who to expect helps. Develop a simple raporrt or make quick contact with the CO before you stop if you are unsure. In most cases you'll find that they are welcoming and enjoy the visits. I also think that many front yard caches are probably more frequently maintained and in better shape, thus more enjoyable than finding a broken container full of water and a destroyed log in the middle of the woods.

There's a multi with a puzzle nearby me that did something like this. The cache description says "don't let it make a monkey out of you". Some of you know where this is going... The first stage was indeed a LPC with coords for stage 2 in the woods. Stage 2 has the locked container, but also hidden rather cleverly are coords for stage 3. Stage 3 sends you back to 2 where some think they are looking for the key.... to the "puzzle".