+olbluesguy Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 According to the Gocache rating system the cache hide I am planning comes out a 5/5. It says....Finding this cache requires very specialized knowledge, skills, or equipment. This is a serious mental or physical challenge. What I want to know is, am I obligated to say what eqipment is required,or should I let the cacher decide for himself after he sizes up the challenge. There may be more than one way to skin a cat on this one. O'BG Quote Link to comment
+Docapi Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Personally, I would state the equipment required. It would realy stink to get all the way to the cache site and find out then that you need something to complete the cache that you don't have. Quote Link to comment
+Cache Heads Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 I haven't hid nor found a 5/5, but as far as I know the owner is not obligated to give any information that they feel will take the challenge out of the hide. If you think figuring out what type of equipment to use is part of the challenge, then it's your right as the cache owner not to include that info on the page... IMHO. Quote Link to comment
+Woodlit Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 I would tell them what type of equipment, but nothing exact. If it is under water, I would say something like " going to need more than a snorkle for this one " Now if you are going to have them repel down a cliff, say something like " rope might be a good idea " Just so they know what type of extreme measure they will coming up against. This will save the SCUBA divers from carrying their equipment to the side of a mountain but leave the rest for them Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 (edited) No, you are not obligated to tell anybody what equipment is required. I would expect to make 2 or more trips for a true 5/5. The first would be to size up the situation. Too many people expect an homogonized, predictable hunt. It's a 5/5. Its supposed to be hard. No need to hold their hand. Edited October 28, 2006 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
+Okiebryan Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 If not having the specialized equipment will make an attempt dangerous, I might tell them "You possibly may need to make another visit to the site after you see for yourself what equipment you will need to bring in order to safely and successfully retrieve and replace this cache." Quote Link to comment
+Renegade Knight Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 (edited) You have no obligation whatsoever to reveal the equipment that you will need to do the cache. 5/5 is meant to be hard. Very hard. If you like you can reveal the equipment. SCUBA caches would be a good example. There are people who like to seek those out and plan trips around them. Mentioning the equipment makes it possible. Edited October 28, 2006 by Renegade Knight Quote Link to comment
+9Key Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 I agree with the folks above. If its a 5/5 then they should be prepared for almost anything including making multiple trips to the cache site. Be prepared for some complaints though. Quote Link to comment
Clan Riffster Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 If you are going to describe the necessary equipment, keep it vague. Nothing ruins a 5/5 like "You'll need 471' of 11mm climbing rope, webbing, at least 24 carabiners and an SLCD, along with a belayer". If you decide against mentioning the necessary equipment, you can describe the environment, and include a statement to the effect of, "Because this is a true 5/5, you will probably need to make more than one trip". Quote Link to comment
CoyoteRed Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 I agree with most of the above comments. However, we like to have the cacher prepared, somewhat, for the challenges. We figure the hunt is supposed to fun and challenging, not frustrating. There's no need to hold their hands, but a bit of foreknowledge helps smooth out the rough spots and makes it more enjoyable, IMHO. Quote Link to comment
+lacey38655 Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 (edited) list types of equipment,not specifics Edited October 28, 2006 by lacey38655 Quote Link to comment
+lacey38655 Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Though i haven't attempted any cache that recquires the type of specialized equipment you are referring to,i fully understand that if i was going to go after a 5/5 that i would need to gather imformation about what would be involved in getting to and from the cache.It is expected that there may be several attempts at this before completion of the event.I feel it up to the cache owner how much info is disclosed in the cache description.If it were me i would include references as to the type skills needed and leave it up to the cacher to assemble what they feel is appropriate equipment. SniperChicken Quote Link to comment
Tahosa and Sons Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 I didn't tell them much when I hid the Dessert and who knows if I tweaked it a tad bit to make it a wee bit more difficult. Quote Link to comment
+TheAlabamaRambler Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 I would say consider your audience. If you want it found only by locals with time to return to the site then minimal info is fine. If on the other hand you want folks who travel to get it, who may not be able to dedicate multiple trips, then I would elaborate, maybe even be specific. Perhaps consider a contact option - tell folks that if they are traveling more than 50 miles to get this cache and time is limited to email you and you will tell them what gear to bring. Ed Quote Link to comment
DogFleazJR Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 No, you are not obligated to tell anybody what equipment is required. I would expect to make 2 or more trips for a true 5/5. The first would be to size up the situation. Too many people expect an homogonized, predictable hunt. It's a 5/5. Its supposed to be hard. No need to hold their hand. Right on. The second 5 represents the difficulty of the terrain and whether specialized equipment is needed. The first 5 represents the difficulty in solving the hide. Once you put that first 5 on you've declared it is going to be a difficult challenge and likely not to be solved on the first try. A traditional ammo can under some rocks on top of a butte where climbing equipment is required would be a 1/5. If you want to let potential finders know that climbing equipment and experience is required, great. An ammo can disguised as a rock perched on the side of the abutment 50ft down from the top, that's a 5/5. No explanations or apologies required. Quote Link to comment
Neos2 Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 I agree with the folks that say you can leave the discovery to the searcher if you prefer. If the trip out to the cache just to do the intial scouting is a long trip, you may get fewer searchers, though. Fewer folks are willing to hike ten miles just to see what they need to drag back with them on a second trip. On the other hand, if mere distance is part of the challenge, that's fine too. Quote Link to comment
+olbluesguy Posted October 28, 2006 Author Share Posted October 28, 2006 I would say consider your audience. If you want it found only by locals with time to return to the site then minimal info is fine. If on the other hand you want folks who travel to get it, who may not be able to dedicate multiple trips, then I would elaborate, maybe even be specific. Perhaps consider a contact option - tell folks that if they are traveling more than 50 miles to get this cache and time is limited to email you and you will tell them what gear to bring. Ed I did not think of that option good idea, thanks I think I will use that. You will have to give me your home co-ordinates to get a clue LOL O'BG Quote Link to comment
Clan Riffster Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Right on. Jr, the phrase, "Right On" is not an officially sanctioned complimentary statement for BrianSnat. Please stick to, "You da Man, BrianSnat". Thank you for your time. Quote Link to comment
AZcachemeister Posted October 29, 2006 Share Posted October 29, 2006 If it was (supposed to be) a 5/5, I would be disappointed if it didn't take more than one visit to finish. Quote Link to comment
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