Etiquette question from a newb.

[+CanDMan47]

I ran into a situation today and I'm not sure how I should have continued. I was hunting for a cache at a roadside park. I looked for about 10 minutes or so. I didn't find it, and a few people were eying me suspiciously. As I was headed back to my car, I saw a woman get out of her car, carrying what I assumed was a GPSr and headed right where I knew the cache to be. I got in my car and watched her walk right too (she was good) and sign the log. I didn't speak to her, and waited for her to drive away. I was going to go in and sign the log after she left, but;

 

1.) There were several people around and I'm sure I would have really aroused their suspicion and

2.) I'm not sure if it's considered bad form to sign a log that I didn't really find.

 

So, I didn't sign it, I just drove home. If it's not frowned upon, I will be back in that area in 6 weeks and will sign it and probably note the whole event in my online log. Thanks in advance for advising a newb on the etiquette here.

 

The CanDMan

[+StarBrand]

If you don't think you can grab the cache and sign the log without comprimising the cache - then you should not do it.

 

No problem signing the log after watching somebody else find it. Think of it as a non-GPS way of locating a cache!!

[+BlueDeuce]

It's all part of gaining experience. Balancing discretion vs trying to hide what you are doing.

 

I tried for a cache today that some nearby kids became interested in what I was doing. I just didn't feel like gaining their trust and their watching parents, so I moved on. Another day I might have made the effort.

 

The next cache was in a library parking lot and I knew when to lift the skirt to grab it, and then to wait for that family to get into their minivan before replacing it.

 

When in doubt, just move on.

[+bartrod]

So, I didn't sign it, I just drove home. If it's not frowned upon, I will be back in that area in 6 weeks and will sign it and probably note the whole event in my online log.

You did the right thing! And by all means, make a note of your experience in your log...I always like reading them when cachers log my hides. Welcome to the adventure[]

[+busterbabes]

Myself, I would have hopped out as soon as I realized she was also a cacher and introduced myself (while also signing the log).

I find muggles pay less attention to cachers if you are with someone else, going about your business and ignoring the muggles (unless your are both doing acrobatics on a bridge or such-LOL)

Plus, you could have made a new friend, gained information..etc.

 

On the flip side of that...If you truly feel that the cache could be compromised by your actions, you did the right thing.

 

Welcome to Geocaching!

[+CanDMan47]

Thanks for the responses. I will make sure to go past this park next time my route takes me to that area. I would have never found it if I hadn't watched her, in my short time I never had seen a hide like that.

[djhobby]

"Finding" it in that way is no different than if you were with someone or a whole group of people that were caching, and they found it right before you did. You would still log it as found. Just remember, it's a game, have fun, and do what is right for you, without compromising the cache.

[+The Blorenges]

Sorry... ignore me!

 

MrsB

Edited July 24, 2009 by The Blorenges