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Cache by appointment only?


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In looking for a perfect spot to hide a new cache I've started turning to my own property. I considered a "front yard" cache and came to the conclusion that it wasn't the right idea for me. There is plenty of acreage behind the house but I don't really want just anybody turning up to hunt at any hour of the day and bushwacking through our woods. Now if they called (emailed) ahead and I was there to follow along, that would be different.

 

I've re-read the guidlines and didn't see specific verbage. I know of other caches that aren't always available due to park hours, events on the property, or weather conditions. Would this fall under that?

 

I would, of course, sate clearly on the cache page that I must be contacted and a time arranged prior to hunting the cache and that it should not be approached from neighboring private property.

 

So has this been done? What are your thoughts, how would this fail?

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C M,

 

Since I live in the area I would be a likely candidate for FTF on this one. For the record, I rarely ever read cache descriptions unless I get to ground zero and can't find the cache. Would you allow people to claim a find if they failed to contact you in advance? I used to have a front yard hide and had no issues with it. I say go that route.

 

edit - typos

Edited by wesleykey
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So has this been done? What are your thoughts, how would this fail?

 

I wouldn't think the guidelines would be a problem in that area, but the practical application of the scheduling idea might end up as a nightmare.

 

You might end up with all sorts of visitors you weren't expecting. In addition, trying to schedule a time that was convenient for both you and the cache seeker might be a test of patience for everyone involved.

 

Maybe rethink this, and put it in a more public place?

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So has this been done? What are your thoughts, how would this fail?

 

I wouldn't think the guidelines would be a problem in that area, but the practical application of the scheduling idea might end up as a nightmare.

 

You might end up with all sorts of visitors you weren't expecting. In addition, trying to schedule a time that was convenient for both you and the cache seeker might be a test of patience for everyone involved.

 

Maybe rethink this, and put it in a more public place?

I agree with this. Do you really want people traipsing around your property at all hours of the night? So many people don't read cache descriptions they'll just run back there anytime.

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C M,

 

Since I live in the area I would be a likely candidate for FTF on this one. For the record, I rarely ever read cache descriptions unless I get to ground zero and can't find the cache. Would you allow people to claim a find if they failed to contact you in advance? I used to have a front yard hide and had no issues with it. I say go that route.

 

edit - typos

 

I was the last finder of that cache, I believe. I concerned about the safety of the four cats, two large dogs (and the cachers that they might eat), and three young kids. Not to mention my Aunt next door that regardless of how many times I told her that no, I've never met these people, but yes, they are "safe" and aren't dropping drugs for the kids to find would still pass along the country-wide network of family gosip that we are selling meth in a giant plastic castle in the front yard because golly they get visitors at all times of the day.

 

Mostly the Aunt was the reason.

 

Would it help called the cache "Call Me Before You Hunt"?

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I don't think Groundspeak will list a cache with those requirements. You can't even get a new cache listed where you have to contact the owner for final coordinates (this used to be common with "Challenge" type caches); they'll never allow one where a hunter has to contact the owner and set up an appointment to be guided to the cache.

 

Sure, lots of caches are in parks or other areas only available during certain hours (dawn to dusk, 8-5, only certain days, etc.), but usually those hours are publicly available and most do NOT require a baby-sitter tagging along to find the cache.

 

If you set it up as a daylight-only cache (very common) but otherwise make it available without an appointment, then you shouldn't have any trouble.

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So has this been done? What are your thoughts, how would this fail?

 

I wouldn't think the guidelines would be a problem in that area, but the practical application of the scheduling idea might end up as a nightmare.

 

You might end up with all sorts of visitors you weren't expecting. In addition, trying to schedule a time that was convenient for both you and the cache seeker might be a test of patience for everyone involved.

 

Maybe rethink this, and put it in a more public place?

 

I've considered this. I was thinking of calling it something along the lines of "Call Ahead!" list it as a "?" cache (with the ALR of calling ahead) and maybe post a sign with the GC logo in the front yard with a quick note.

 

I'm not totally sold on the idea which is why I posted here.

 

I'll post a google maps view of the area if I can...

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In looking for a perfect spot to hide a new cache I've started turning to my own property...

... I concerned about the safety of the four cats, two large dogs (and the cachers that they might eat), and three young kids. Not to mention my Aunt next door that regardless of how many times I told her that no, I've never met these people, but yes, they are "safe" and aren't dropping drugs for the kids to find would still pass along the country-wide network of family gosip that we are selling meth in a giant plastic castle in the front yard because golly they get visitors at all times of the day.

Looks to me like you need to keep looking for the "perfect spot", 'cause this ain't it.
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In looking for a perfect spot to hide a new cache I've started turning to my own property. I considered a "front yard" cache and came to the conclusion that it wasn't the right idea for me. There is plenty of acreage behind the house but I don't really want just anybody turning up to hunt at any hour of the day and bushwacking through our woods. Now if they called (emailed) ahead and I was there to follow along, that would be different.

 

I've re-read the guidlines and didn't see specific verbage. I know of other caches that aren't always available due to park hours, events on the property, or weather conditions. Would this fall under that?

 

I would, of course, sate clearly on the cache page that I must be contacted and a time arranged prior to hunting the cache and that it should not be approached from neighboring private property.

 

So has this been done? What are your thoughts, how would this fail?

"but I don't really want just anybody turning up to hunt at any hour of the day and bushwacking through our woods." is enough to make it a bad idea for you.

 

I really enjoy my front-porch cache (Irondale Pit Stop), but people come at all times of the night and day. That's not a problem for me or my neighbors.

 

If you are concerned about who will come and when, or what path they may take to the cache, then placing a cache to attract strangers seems sorta self-defeating.

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In complete agreement with most of the previous posters; however, if you persist...take a look at this one. It has worked out well, but there have been a few "problems" with cachers not reading the cache page :D .

 

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...ac-af53d76bbbe7

 

Wow... an ALR cache listed as a Traditional, pre-signing and faxing waivers, attributes indicated Dogs Allowed but only during two two-hour windows, essentially open weekends only during the winter (it gets dark before 6PM), deleting "Found It" logs...

2 geocachers logged this as a find without signing a waiver or even alerting the owner that they were on the property. These logs have been deleted. If this continues to be a problem we will deactivate this cache.
This cache is 500.1 miles from my home coordinates and I'll likely never go there, but I'm putting it on my ignore list anyway.
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In complete agreement with most of the previous posters; however, if you persist...take a look at this one. It has worked out well, but there have been a few "problems" with cachers not reading the cache page :) .

 

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...ac-af53d76bbbe7

 

Wow... an ALR cache listed as a Traditional, pre-signing and faxing waivers, attributes indicated Dogs Allowed but only during two two-hour windows, essentially open weekends only during the winter (it gets dark before 6PM), deleting "Found It" logs...

2 geocachers logged this as a find without signing a waiver or even alerting the owner that they were on the property. These logs have been deleted. If this continues to be a problem we will deactivate this cache.
This cache is 500.1 miles from my home coordinates and I'll likely never go there, but I'm putting it on my ignore list anyway.

Your posts to this thread have been very much on-target.

 

With that example cache, perhaps it's easier to understand why extra sentences creep into the guidelines every year or so.

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I have seen several with time restrictions. One example was a multi with the final cache location being the public library. Another couple hidden at our Community College are not accessible on Sundays (by car).

 

Then there are those that I self restrict to hours. Somehow a few in our area are placed on or near school playgrounds (yes, have sent them in to moderator) so I only hunt those on evenings weekends, during the summer. . .

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Then there are those that I self restrict to hours. Somehow a few in our area are placed on or near school playgrounds (yes, have sent them in to moderator) so I only hunt those on evenings weekends, during the summer. . .

 

you know, the day i went to my stepbrother's funeral as long as i had the day off, i went to do a geocache in the area. it was (and is) right behind an elementary school. it was during school hours, so i just marched me right into the school and told them i was here to look for the geocache and could they please point me toward the trail.

 

we made some chitchat, they expressed sympathy, and i went for a lovely walk to a nice container.

 

i really, really recommend this straightforward approach.

 

besides making you and your search appear completely un-weird and not creepy, it has the added benefit of smoking out caches that do not have adequate permission.

Edited by flask
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Then there are those that I self restrict to hours. Somehow a few in our area are placed on or near school playgrounds (yes, have sent them in to moderator) so I only hunt those on evenings weekends, during the summer. . .

 

you know, the day i went to my stepbrother's funeral as long as i had the day off, i went to do a geocache in the area. it was (and is) right behind an elementary school. it was during school hours, so i just marched me right into the school and told them i was here to look for the geocache and could they please point me toward the trail.

 

we made some chitchat, they expressed sympathy, and i went for a lovely walk to a nice container.

 

i really, really recommend this straightforward approach.

 

besides making you and your search appear completely un-weird and not creepy, it has the added benefit of smoking out caches that do not have adequate permission.

Wow. So many things spring to mind about that plan, but since the plan and my comments would be off-topic, I'll take a pass (for a change).

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To answer the OP's question:

 

Waving In the Coyotes is an Earthcache you need to make arrangements to do. If I had planned this out better when we were in the area, I'd have found it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f3/TheWave_GB.jpg

 

Words fail me. If only my hypothetical backyard cache provided the same view!

 

I think we're going through with the front yard cache (in a way that adresses our concerns and with the understanding that the responsibilty is ours) but if our reviewer gives me a positive response then I still might consider doing the escorted cache- with the "?" cache type and starting coordinates that do not lead you straight to the middle of our land.

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It's at times like this that I wish I had a "civilian" account so that you would clearly understand that the views expressed below are my own and have nothing to do with my role as a volunteer reviewer. As a reviewer, if your cache meets the guidelines, I will publish it. That is my official role and I am faithful to do it.

 

However, on a personal, non-reviewer level, I am always concerned when I see someone place a cache on their own property, especially if they live on this property. Essentially you have given very specific details (precise coordinates!) to where you live and blanket permission for strangers to come onto your property (or at least a pretty good excuse for being there). You have given strangers a "code word" that may disarm your children's suspicions ("Hi there! Are you one of those geocaching kids?"). You have given a reason that your spouse/roommate or children might feel s/he must invite someone s/he doesn't know into the home even if you're not there ("Good evening, are you a geocacher? I've come to meet and greet!").

 

I've seen some where the owner would even say, "if the blue Ford isn't in the driveway, I'm not there -- come another time" which to me could easily be translated as, "if the blue Ford isn't in the driveway, the coast is clear -- come get my stuff!"

 

Please understand that I am by no means implying that fellow geocachers are evil-doers. I have met some of the finest people in the world through geocaching and have made good friends through the sport. We're a friendly bunch and that's part of why we have so much fun with geocaching. However, except for MO caches, the webpages can be read by nearly anyone. Should there be any incident, you have no way of knowing who took advantage of an invitation to visit since pages are published and available to anyone worldwide. This is true not only of pages published on geocaching.com, of course, but on many other sites as well. Perhaps I have a nasty suspicious mind, but when it comes to the safety and peace-of-mind of my family, I don't want to take any chances.

 

Again, this is the personal opinion of a concerned geocacher who's been in the sport for 6 years -- and who is also a wife, mother, and grandmother -- and has nothing to do with my role as a geocaching.com reviewer.

 

If you wish to meet your fellow geocachers, then I would suggest attending some local events or even hosting one yourself. They're great fun.

 

honeychile

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Honeychile, I completely appreciate your candor and respect your opinion. Nearly every reservation you've listed is one that the wife and I have also shared- and why you haven't seen that new listing notification pop up for "Castle Mischief- The Key is Under the Door Mat" in your email.

 

I guess the main attraction to having a cache in the yard is the ability to have complete control over the location. Something appeals to me about taking that old plastic castle play "fort" that we have in the yard (that our kids are to big for) and sticking at the edge of the yard filled to the brim with swag and travel bugs.

 

At any rate we are both still hesitant and for that reason I'm going to hold off submitting a cache on the land.

 

Thanks for taking the time to respond and for being such a great reviewer.

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C M,

 

Since I live in the area I would be a likely candidate for FTF on this one. For the record, I rarely ever read cache descriptions unless I get to ground zero and can't find the cache. Would you allow people to claim a find if they failed to contact you in advance? I used to have a front yard hide and had no issues with it. I say go that route.

 

edit - typos

 

And can't understand why there are sooo many issues for the rest of us.

 

Many cachers are uncomfortable with front yard hides, others aren't going to bother when they see the ALR's, the go to next cache crowd may search for it and then read the description then move along....as long as you are fine with low found it logs and people showing up anyway without making an appt then list it.

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We have a travelbug hotel in our area that is by appointment only. The cache will literally not be there for you to find unless you advise when you will be hunting it. This is because we have a cache maggot in our area the specializes in stealing caches at every opportunity. Many time he is the FTF on a cache. This was the only way the cache hider could guarantee the safety of the travelbugs.

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In looking for a perfect spot to hide a new cache I've started turning to my own property. I considered a "front yard" cache and came to the conclusion that it wasn't the right idea for me. There is plenty of acreage behind the house but I don't really want just anybody turning up to hunt at any hour of the day and bushwacking through our woods. Now if they called (emailed) ahead and I was there to follow along, that would be different.

 

I've re-read the guidlines and didn't see specific verbage. I know of other caches that aren't always available due to park hours, events on the property, or weather conditions. Would this fall under that?

 

I would, of course, sate clearly on the cache page that I must be contacted and a time arranged prior to hunting the cache and that it should not be approached from neighboring private property.

 

So has this been done? What are your thoughts, how would this fail?

 

Not exactly the same scenario as what you desire to do but there is a multi-cache on Oahu that is on property owned by, I believe, the University of Hawaii. The place is sort of a garden/plant reseach center and it is only open to visitors from 9AM-2PM, Monday - Friday. Yep, it is closed on weekends & all holidays. The staff makes the visitor sign in and out, for liability purposes I'm sure. It is a little tough to get out there when it is open (I've only been out there once) but it was well worth it.

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There are several caches at Lula Lake in GA that have very limited access.

 

GCXZ9T

Please note that the Lula Lake Land Trust is only open to the public from 9-4:30 on the first and last Saturdays of each month, with occasional additional days for events or by special request.

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This may be a bit off topic, but it reminds me of the cache, listed as a very large, that was a front yard cache and only available on Tuesdays. The coords were right at the curb of the owner's home. Take a guess what it was :-)

 

I am NOT signing the log on anyones dadgum trash can!

 

Edit-Don't you just love the nanyware?

Keeps me from gett'n tossed.

Edited by gof1
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This may be a bit off topic, but it reminds me of the cache, listed as a very large, that was a front yard cache and only available on Tuesdays. The coords were right at the curb of the owner's home. Take a guess what it was :-)

 

I am NOT signing the log on anyones dadgum trash can!

 

Edit-Don't you just love the nanyware?

Keeps me from gett'n tossed.

 

Since you know what the cache container was, I must ask: Were you one of the ones who found it but did not log it?

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I have been waiting for days for someone to mention this but it just doesn't look like it is going to happen. The Groundspeak HQ cache requires an appointment. And as far as I know everyone who has found the cache has been happy and thrilled to have done so. How could you not be thrilled when you have the chance to meet Miss Jenn, Annie, Raine, Jeremy and others? And the treasures across the street? Divine.

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