Checking a Cache (not mine)

[+Coyote's Girl]

I've been keeping an eye on one of the first caches I found, and noticed many people logging DNFs. I don't own the cache, but I could go back to it very easily. Is it bad form to check-up on a cache that isn't my own, just to see if it's still there or not?

[+Derb522002]

You may want to email the owner to see if they want you to go check on the cache. You can also can go check on the cache to see if it is still there and then email the owner. It sounds like the cache is missing.

 

I have a cache that is a distance from my house and one of the local cachers keeps an eye on it for me and will check on the cache if a DNF logged. He then emails me on the condition of the cache. Just my .02

[+StarBrand]

That is always a welcome thing to do. Go check on it and confirm to the owner whether it still is in place or not. Add your DNF log or a note explaining it is still there.

 

How very kind!

[+Coyote's Girl]

Thanks! It's right next to where my son practices soccer tonight, so I'll look into it afterwards.

[+Rockin Roddy]

Being helpful is nearly never bad form, my friend!! if I were the cache owner and someone wanted to lend me a hand checking a potential problem on one of my caches, I'd be grateful and might even find a way to reward the cacher!

 

Go for it! Let the owner know what you found and THANKS for thinking of others!

[+Wild Thing 73]

Great to have you concerned about an other catchers cache. I wish you lived near me, sometimes I need a little help....Again, thanks for your concern...geocaching is fortunate have you as a member....Happy Trails.

[+DiamondDaveG]

I have checked on a few caches in my area that have had a number of DNFs or possible MIAs. The cache owners have always welcomed the assist. One local CO has a number of caches closer to me than to him & doesnt always get the time to check them quickly. Since I have found them before i know where they should be and can advise if there is a problem.

[+rubberchickenclan]

by all means go and check it, if its there post a note to say you did so and its still there, then other cachers will know they are not waisting their time. if its not there send a note to the owner, we replaced one that had gone missing 2 days ago.

[+jeffbouldin]

This past spring a tornado went through Jackson, TN. The first cache I found was in the east bound rest area, and it was hit. The cache owner disabled the page while the area was shutdown and until he could make sure it was not blown away or cleared by the 'dozers. On my way back from Memphis I noticed the rest area was open so I stopped and checked on the cache. I went online and posted a note that all was well and the clean up in the cache area was done. The owner was very grateful to not have to waste his time or gas to check it and the next cacher to come down the interstate was grateful to have a cache to find!

 

There is another that my daughter and I were FTF on. After a few DNFs I checked on it and it was missing. The cache owner was overseas and appreciated my checking so he knew to disable it.

 

Lets all help each other make this a great hobby.

[+Kohavis]

It's very considerate of you and I'm sure the CO appreciates it.

 

I have informally "adopted" a cache very close to home. It also was one of my first finds when I started, and is rather special. The cache has been there since 2005.

 

The CO is stuck on the east coast now (business, I think) and there was a recent issue with the cache condition. I fixed it up for him, replaced the log, and told him I would check it periodically for him. It's not a big deal for me to do that, as the cache is only about a mile or two from my house, but he was extremely happy and grateful. He even sent me a beautiful unactivated New Mexico Geocaching geocoin as a token of his gratitude. I wasn't expecting that

 

A cache of mine was muggled, and a cacher found it laying out in the open, hid it under some rocks, and e-mailed me about it. I promptly moved it to another location because of muggles. He went out of his way to make sure my cache was safe, and I really appreciated it

 

If we all help each other out like that, everyone benefits.

 

Bravo to you for taking the initiative!