Jamie Z

quote:Originally posted by martinp13: I sure would love to be able to see something like: Found: 27, Not found: 4, Note: 6 Me too. I would also like to see this info in folks' profile, along with found and hide. Jamie

quote:Originally posted by martinp13: I sure would love to be able to see something like: Found: 27, Not found: 4, Note: 6 Me too. I would also like to see this info in folks' profile, along with found and hide. Jamie

quote:Originally posted by MattandLaura: ...the person who hides also has the responsibility to maintain it. Don't just hide and leave. I check on mine every 2 weeks. M&L, I agree, the hider is responsible for the cache. Unfortunately, I don't think many people see it that way, at least in my experience. I haven't yet placed my first cache, I'm still working out the details, but already I've visited each location of the future multi-cache several times. I intend to visit my cache periodically. I don't expect it to get found very often, so it's likely I'll visit it more often than it is found. But at least around here, I've found that very few owners maintain their caches. I've emailed several owners of caches that seem to be in disrepair according to the logs, but to date, only one owner has ever responded. He told me he planned to fix up the cache in a day or two. I went out there two weeks later, and it appeared to be in the same condition. Fortunately, I was able to contact another local cacher and we're gonna fix it up together later this week. I usually carry some ziplocks, pens, and notepads with me in case a cache needs one or two of those items. On two separate occasions, I've contacted owners about caches that had been seemingly abandoned and in dire need of repair, inquiring of their intentions. Neither owner responded, so in both instances I completely replaced the caches, containers and all. Both times, I attempted to contact the owner after my repair, explaining that if they were no longer interested in maintaining their caches, I would be happy to take over ownership. In each case, the owner then responded that they wanted to keep their cache. Not surprisingly, neither owner has done anything with the cache since my repair, even after telling me that they intended to keep the cache. (One owner now lives about 800 miles away, Arggh.) I sure don't mind replacing a broken or missing pen, or putting a new logbook in a cache where the first logbook has gotten full or soaked. Those are naturally occuring things... but too many cachers set-it and forget-it. The paradox is that most of us here on the forums probably don't fall into that category, so our talking about it doesn't address the problem very much. If there were a way to impress upon cache hiders that they are responsible for that cache, then maybe this wouldn't be such a problem. Maybe requiring a minimum number of finds before you can place one... but I don't like the idea of a bunch of restrictions. Dunno.. I guess we just need to all continue to be cache-doctors for those who don't take the responsibility to keep their cache in good condition. Jamie

I've returned to about four or five caches I've already found, some more than once. Of course I log these visits at notes... Usually it's because I'm in the area and want to check on the condition of the cache. Once it was to retrieve a travelbug. Jamie

Went cache hunting the other day at night. I had to drive about an hour to a state park that I'd never been to. No idea if the place closes or anything. I was happy to see the entrance ungated and the sign said "Park Closes at 10:00pm." It was about 8:00 when I got there. I stumbled around in the woods for a little while and found the cache accidently after about 10 minutes of searching. Since I'd left the rest of my things on the trail so I didn't have to bushwack while carrying everything, I set my GPS down on the cache and returned to get my things. When I tried to get back, I couldn't find the cache or my GPS that was on top of it. I searched for about 10 minutes before I found it. In the meantime, I was getting nervous. Signed the logbook, left a travelbug... and went home. Jamie

Went cache hunting the other day at night. I had to drive about an hour to a state park that I'd never been to. No idea if the place closes or anything. I was happy to see the entrance ungated and the sign said "Park Closes at 10:00pm." It was about 8:00 when I got there. I stumbled around in the woods for a little while and found the cache accidently after about 10 minutes of searching. Since I'd left the rest of my things on the trail so I didn't have to bushwack while carrying everything, I set my GPS down on the cache and returned to get my things. When I tried to get back, I couldn't find the cache or my GPS that was on top of it. I searched for about 10 minutes before I found it. In the meantime, I was getting nervous. Signed the logbook, left a travelbug... and went home. Jamie

Max, I dunno about that... I was talking to a girl in class today and mentioned caching. She was familiar with GPS and wondered why I had one. Well after I explained caching to her she said. "I guess that would be cool if you didn't have anything else better to do." I guess maybe she didn't get it. (Or maybe I didn't.) Jamie

Sounds too much like the religious scene from O Brother, Where Art Thou? I know what you mean. Religious folks can be scary! Jamie

Sounds too much like the religious scene from O Brother, Where Art Thou? I know what you mean. Religious folks can be scary! Jamie

Anders, I'm more interested in that bracket you have to the right of the GPS, mounted on the stem. Is that for your cyclometer? I've been looking for a horizontal mount to fit on the stem like you have there. Jamie

Anders, I'm more interested in that bracket you have to the right of the GPS, mounted on the stem. Is that for your cyclometer? I've been looking for a horizontal mount to fit on the stem like you have there. Jamie

When you do a search, does the engine check the sub-subjects? Jamie

Yeah... I think the Civil War is what determines the Southeast, and the subsequent expansion westward were the southwestern states. Also.. I think Minnesota should be midwest. Jamie

quote:Originally posted by unclerojelio: I was able to change a Not Found to a Found today. UR, Are you changing your not founds to founds when you finally find the thing? Arrrg.... Not a rant, but a little peeve of mine, since I enjoy reading the not-found logs. I'd prefer you leave the not-found and add a found when you go back to find it. Jamie

Macro, A popular cache could indicate that the surroundings of the cache may be taking a beating. Recently I visited a cache with many entries in the logbook. The cache was hidden about 20 feet inside the treeline near a park. There was a well worn path straight to the cache and then about a five foot circle aound the cache that was trampled down to the dirt. That sort of situation is no good. Cache owners should watch for this excessive impact, and if need be, the cache should be archived (at least temporarily so) to give the environment a break. This is not only in the interest of tree-hugging, but a worn path invites uninterested parties to visit your cache, increasing the chances of plundering. Also, if placed on public property, a worn path does not look good to land managers (park rangers). Jamie

I think we've seen a lot of improvements to the site in the past few days and weeks.

I think we've seen a lot of improvements to the site in the past few days and weeks.

I just noticed that there is no default selected for the Found it!/Couldn't find it!/Post a Note radio buttons. Perfect. I think we're as close to solving the accidental Found it logs as can be expected. Thank you, Jeremy--once again. Jamie

Well, I just used this feature... and it was great. I had decided to change a "found" log to a "note" on a locationless cache... since I really don't think it should count as a find. Anyway, I went in to edit, saw the radio buttons (COOL!), changed my log to a "note", and added a line at the bottom of my log. The default date stayed the original date of the log. Thank you Jeremy. My Jeremy Irish shrine will be erected soon. Jamie

Brenna et al, I can't explain this phenomenon either, but I know it's not just Travel Bugs. I've sent many, many emails (not regarding geocaching) to people through their websites or through bulletin boards. Almost always, it's regarding a topic that they are personally interested in. I've found my response rate to be about 15%. (Not scientific, simply an estimate) I don't know if it's unfamiliarity with computers, or apathy, or what. I think it comes down to the fact that many people forget that another person is on the other side of the screen. Someone who expects a response, much like if you were having a conversation with them. I've said it before, but I think there is a large number of people who imagine the internet as a big computer game made just for them. It's very easy to turn on your computer, go online, and be surrounded by a big game. That will only change with familiarity with the internet. I can only suggest attaching a laminated card to the travel bug, and writing with as few words possible, it's goal and instructions. Jamie

RK, Ouch! I'm no saint, but I feel that when you post that you basically consider any unfenced or unsigned property as open game for caches, I believe most of the caching community winces. I think it's pretty clear that if you want to place a cache on some sort of public property, permission should be requested. If permission is denied, then maybe you can have a talk with the person in charge in order to change their stance. If the permission is still not granted... oh well. Place your cache somewhere else. It's not good for any of us if caches are placed where they shouldn't be. That's how cache bans are created. Jamie

So Wesley, What's the outcome? What'd you decide to do? Jamie

Chob, Maybe a four part Barbershop Quartet? "...Goodnight Ladies..." Jamie

Jeremy, I like it just fine the way it is. Jamie (no, no, no.. I'm only kidding)

I prefer track up, but on my Meridian Gold, the map screen doesn't seem to update fast enough in this mode, so I usually keep it in north up while I'm driving, and if I remember I change it to track up if I'm hiking or biking. Jamie