What To Do When Cache Owner Is Unreachable?

[+AV Tumbleweeds]

We've only recently taken up geocaching and have found it to be great fun. During a day trip to Legoland yesterday, we decided to try and do the Legoland Hunt virtual cache (GC3009). The instructions give multiple coordinates to find the clues, and you must then email the answers to the cache owner for verification before logging the find. Unfortunately, her email was returned as undeliverable, saying the account had been disabled. Being fairly new to this, I'm not sure what the proper thing to do is. Do I go ahead and log the find? What are my options?

 

Thanks,

AV Tumbleweeds

[+Miragee]

You can go ahead and log the find.

 

This sometimes happens. I usually log the find, then send the email.

Edited March 20, 2006 by Miragee

[+Gary and Mary Adventurers]

I agree, Log it as a find, and try again to email the owner. You have done what was required.

 

After you log it, you might want to log it as "Needs Archiving" with a note that the email is not useable. That way the approver can decide if the cache should continue, and others should have the same problem that you had.

[+Eye Cacher]

Log it.

[+Touchstone]

Most people just log it as a find and add "email sent" on the end. Could be they're changing ISP's or email accounts and haven't updated the information on gc.com yet. When they get back online, they'll notice your log and probably contact you.

 

We did this particular cache back in January, and there were some problems with a few of the stages (inaccessible and/or missing). Seeing that the cache owner was from New Jersey, it didn't seem likely that they'd get out and fix it very soon. I posted a DNF(even though the owner said I could log it as a find) rather than a NA, mostly because it sounds like people still have fun searching for what's left. It still a pretty cool cache, but it would be nice if someone local could adopt it and update it when necessary.

 

***End of soapbox***

[+The Leprechauns]

This is an excellent example of why virtuals need maintenance too, and why the vacation cache guideline was also applied to virtuals. In the many hot debates of those issues back when virtual caches were an available cache type, these concerns were dismissed by many as theoretical or isolated.

 

It's also a good example of the reason for the virtual cache maintenance guideline provision which says the following:

 

Virtual Cache, Webcam Cache, and Locationless Cache Maintenance Guidelines

 

The cache owner will assume all responsibility for their cache listings.

 

Although the cache is not something you physically maintain, you must maintain your cache's web page and respond to inquiries. In the case of Virtual Caches and Webcam Caches you must periodically check the physical location. You may temporarily disable your cache to let others know not to hunt for it until you have a chance to fix the problem. This feature is to allow you a reasonable time – normally a few weeks – in which to arrange a visit to your cache.

 

You should also return to the Geocaching.com web site at least once a month to show you are still active. Caches posted and "abandoned" may be archived by the site.

 

The poster will assume the responsibility of quality control of logged “finds” for the cache, and will agree to delete any “find” logs that appear to be bogus, counterfeit, off topic, or not within the stated requirements.

 

In the event that a cache is not being properly maintained, or has been temporarily disabled for an extended period of time, we may archive the listing. Grandfathered caches may not be unarchived.

 

IMHO the cache warrants a "should be archived" log to attract the attention of the local volunteer cache reviewer. If the cache is archived, any points of interest can be submitted to Waymarking.com or used as stages in a new multicache hidden and maintained by an active local geocacher. And remember -- even if this cache isn't archived, nothing prevents someone from hiding a micro nearby, or using the points of interest in a new multicache TODAY.

[+AV Tumbleweeds]

Thanks, Everyone!

 

I have to say, the caching community truly does appear to be one of the friendliest groups of people around! I'm glad we just happened to stumble across it. I'm going to log the find!

[+qattales]

you might try to pm the owner here on gc.com then when they log on they will see it. either way you have met the requirements.