OK UK Geocachers... Do we need to raise the bar a little?

May 13, 2002

I know the general feelings about the hunt being the most important part of geocaching, but just recently I have done some caches where the contents are to be quite honest disgraceful, also I have seen the cache page that advertises an empty cache.

Personally I pride myself on the presentation of my caches and I know most other cachers do too. I just feel that in order to place a large quantity of caches the contents are being forsaken in some cases.

As far as i can see there is no need for this to be so, a well spent £5 note in a pound shop will kit a cache out nicely with lots of nice items.

If like me you need to travel at least 40 miles to do your next cache and when you get there it contains a few broken pieces of plastic and give away stickers it's quite dissapointing, especially if you have been out and put plenty of thought into the items you you purchased to exchange.

This is not intended to start a flame war, just to encourage discussion and get some of your thoughts on the matter.

Regards

Monz

[This message was edited by Monz on May 13, 2002 at 03:39 AM.]

1.4k · May 13, 2002

Well said that man. Personally our rating for wether a cache is any good (or not) is based on th following priority.

1, It contains one of T&Js bears that need rescuing.

2, A great view, interesting/unusual place, nice countryside.

3, Pleasant walk to the cache.

4, Having an idea where to park.

5, A cache with lots of goodies.

We've done some that havn't scored on points 1-4 at all and could have been rescued by 5 but by the time we got to them they were full of tat.

We don't exchange that often as if you find something you want then you have to find something to replace it with. Also we tend to exchange for travelbugs as otherwise caches can start to look rather empty.

Chris

"We're not lost - we just don't know where we are"

London & UK Geocaching Resources: http://www.sheps.clara.net

May 13, 2002

Personally, the cache 'prize' is just a token item - something to remind me of the visit - and nothing more, maybe with the exception of travel bugs that have a specific purpose.

We do make the effort to keep the contents of our own caches of reasonable quality, but only for the reasons of keeping small children quiet having been dragged across the wilderness with their parents.

Ok, some caches are full of tat, but it is not something that worries me. Would you rather be out for a nice walk on a sunny Sunday afternoon, getting fresh air and enjoying the scenery, or be sitting at home in front of the telly?

If it's moving, it's not dead...

1.4k · May 13, 2002

quote:
Originally posted by Team Tate:

Ok, some caches are full of tat, but it is not something that worries me. Would you rather be out for a nice walk on a sunny Sunday afternoon, getting fresh air and enjoying the scenery, or be sitting at home in front of the telly?...

You are right...but what about caches that arn't a nice walk, with nice scenery and still are full of tat ?

Chris

"We're not lost - we just don't know where we are"

London & UK Geocaching Resources: http://www.sheps.clara.net

1k · May 13, 2002

Ok I think an important point has to raised here...

I know all of us are guilty of it..

Have you ever reached the cache after doing so many other caches in the same day and finding something in the cache you really really want but have nothing to replace it with? I personally have only ever done this once, and on doing so went back to the cache the next week and put something in,,,,however if people do do this on a regular basis its no wonder that caches are either empty or full of tat!

The full of tat theory comes from the same idea but instead of literally stealing the item they just repace it with something of half the value...which is breaking Geocaching rules I would say.

There is'nt in my eyes anyway to really combat this....I think though that onthe cache page one should write down all you took and all you replaced it with that way there is a log on whats been taken and put in....then the cache owner can decide when his/her cache is low on resources...

But with everyone on this site going to the cache and just saying " NICE DAY NICE CACHE, THANX" Theres no chance of this happening.

Pid xx

Watch out its a Golfcourse... (Team Dan + Pid)

May 13, 2002

I dont think a perpetual inventory is the answer to this... IMHO anyone that places a cache has a duty to start it off with some quality items and most visiting cachers tend to return the compliment by exchanging "non-tat" trinkets. One of my caches "Nimby" has been in place for 12 months and has always been stuffed full of quality goodies, Ive even had to remove some at times as the lid wouldnt close

It cost about 15 quid to place includind the cost of the container (maybe a bit over the top but it was my 1st cache) I have had visits from cachers that for whatever reason have only left small items but because it was kicked off whith enough items to start with it isn't a problem.

I suppose in the end it comes down to one of those seven deadly sins... PRIDE, I like to think that people who visited the cache would think it nicely stocked and would have enjoyed rummaging through to find something they or their children fancied.

However Pid... I do agree that some members of the caching fraternity seem to persistantly leave next to nothing and take plenty... maybe they are stocking up to place a mammoth cache I'm sure the people that abuse this unwritten law know who they are and will have guilt pangs and mend their ways.

[This message was edited by Monz on May 13, 2002 at 07:34 AM.]

May 13, 2002

I dont think a perpetual inventory is the answer to this... IMHO anyone that places a cache has a duty to start it off with some quality items and most visiting cachers tend to return the compliment by exchanging "non-tat" trinkets. One of my caches "Nimby" has been in place for 12 months and has always been stuffed full of quality goodies, Ive even had to remove some at times as the lid wouldnt close

It cost about 15 quid to place includind the cost of the container (maybe a bit over the top but it was my 1st cache) I have had visits from cachers that for whatever reason have only left small items but because it was kicked off whith enough items to start with it isn't a problem.

I suppose in the end it comes down to one of those seven deadly sins... PRIDE, I like to think that people who visited the cache would think it nicely stocked and would have enjoyed rummaging through to find something they or their children fancied.

However Pid... I do agree that some members of the caching fraternity seem to persistantly leave next to nothing and take plenty... maybe they are stocking up to place a mammoth cache I'm sure the people that abuse this unwritten law know who they are and will have guilt pangs and mend their ways.

[This message was edited by Monz on May 13, 2002 at 07:34 AM.]

May 13, 2002

We also enjoy caches that are in beautiful countryside, a nice walk (up to four miles round trip), and that contains a travel bug and a disposable camera. I can see the attraction if you are taking children along that the cache should have some goodies inside. It's all good fun and that's the most important thing.

May 13, 2002

We think your words are right on the line.

If this sport is all about just getting there and seeing the spot, then why bother placing caches at all ?

This game is about getting there, seeing whatever is there and then finding the cache. If the cache contains just a "stickle brick" and a rusty nail, what was the point in hiding the cache in the first place ?

When we visit a cache we more often than not take nothing, but it was fun rummaging through, and we are not dissapointed if it is well stocked. We allways leave something, Even if only one of our signature bears.

We don't understand the logic in 'Swapped a yada yada yada for the so and so we picked up at the blah blah cache', what's the point of taking something if we do not intend to keep it as a souvenir/keepsake ? If you want to create a traveller, create a traveller.

When we plant a cache, the content is important and June reckons that now our kids have grown up and Santa does not visit any more, she can carry on the good work for all cachers to enjoy in caches rather than in stockings.

A little off topic I know (sorry Monzers) is the camera issue. How many cachers are placing disposable cameras in their caches without realising the danger they are putting themselves into. Suppose someone wants to take a pop at you, they visit your cache and borrow your camera or simply swap it for another pre-prepared camera. So you take your full camera into Boot's (or wherever) for processing. Boot's find it full of hard porn and are duty bound to report to the Police. Your defence that the photos were taken by some mischevous or malign cacher is unlikely to hold much sway. You wont get your photo's back but you could end up with your own personalised entry in the Sexual Offenders Register. Nope, no cameras in our caches but if you want to discuss it I suggest another thread would be better.

quote:
Originally posted by Chris n Maria:

1, It contains one of T&Js bears that need rescuing.

Guess we had better buy some more then!

Tim & June (Winchester)

To cache, or not to cache. That is the question !

Oh to hell with the work.

May 13, 2002

We think your words are right on the line.

If this sport is all about just getting there and seeing the spot, then why bother placing caches at all ?

This game is about getting there, seeing whatever is there and then finding the cache. If the cache contains just a "stickle brick" and a rusty nail, what was the point in hiding the cache in the first place ?

When we visit a cache we more often than not take nothing, but it was fun rummaging through, and we are not dissapointed if it is well stocked. We allways leave something, Even if only one of our signature bears.

We don't understand the logic in 'Swapped a yada yada yada for the so and so we picked up at the blah blah cache', what's the point of taking something if we do not intend to keep it as a souvenir/keepsake ? If you want to create a traveller, create a traveller.

When we plant a cache, the content is important and June reckons that now our kids have grown up and Santa does not visit any more, she can carry on the good work for all cachers to enjoy in caches rather than in stockings.

A little off topic I know (sorry Monzers) is the camera issue. How many cachers are placing disposable cameras in their caches without realising the danger they are putting themselves into. Suppose someone wants to take a pop at you, they visit your cache and borrow your camera or simply swap it for another pre-prepared camera. So you take your full camera into Boot's (or wherever) for processing. Boot's find it full of hard porn and are duty bound to report to the Police. Your defence that the photos were taken by some mischevous or malign cacher is unlikely to hold much sway. You wont get your photo's back but you could end up with your own personalised entry in the Sexual Offenders Register. Nope, no cameras in our caches but if you want to discuss it I suggest another thread would be better.

quote:
Originally posted by Chris n Maria:

1, It contains one of T&Js bears that need rescuing.

Guess we had better buy some more then!

Tim & June (Winchester)

To cache, or not to cache. That is the question !

Oh to hell with the work.

May 13, 2002

Personaly i dont mind what i find in a cache. The odd nice suprise is always good but my main goal in Caching is to complete as many caches as possible. I dont believe that what it contains really has much bearing on the persuit but thats just my point of view.

Can i recomend that people who are put of by poorly presented caches with minimal prizes dont do 'Oxfords First Cache' check out the picture me and Pid got there posted on the cache page and you'll find out why

Dan Wilson (Team Dan and Pid)

May 13, 2002

Personaly i dont mind what i find in a cache. The odd nice suprise is always good but my main goal in Caching is to complete as many caches as possible. I dont believe that what it contains really has much bearing on the persuit but thats just my point of view.

Can i recomend that people who are put of by poorly presented caches with minimal prizes dont do 'Oxfords First Cache' check out the picture me and Pid got there posted on the cache page and you'll find out why

Dan Wilson (Team Dan and Pid)

1.4k · May 13, 2002

quote:
Originally posted by Tim & June
Guess we had better buy some more then!

Tim & June (Winchester)

Well we now have 3 of a possible 4 varieties - will we be the first to get all 4 ?

Chris

"We're not lost - we just don't know where we are"

London & UK Geocaching Resources: http://www.sheps.clara.net

1.4k · May 13, 2002

quote:
Originally posted by Tim & June
Guess we had better buy some more then!

Tim & June (Winchester)

Well we now have 3 of a possible 4 varieties - will we be the first to get all 4 ?

Chris

"We're not lost - we just don't know where we are"

London & UK Geocaching Resources: http://www.sheps.clara.net

May 13, 2002

I personally don't mind what's in the cache, as the last 30 odd, I've done on my own! I usually keep the item to trade in my pocket, to put in the next, as I used to set off without it! I have just done "Hareshaw Linn", a mile to the cache, and the real treasure was the scenery. I then spent ages looking for the cache, and the buzz was still there when I found it! The swap came from "The Long Drop", another nice place to see.

Happy 'caching folks,

GAZ

May 13, 2002

The most important thing for us has got to be the hunt, and the walk. What’s in the cache doesn’t matter, however I understand the view point. We are planning our fist cache and want it to be recognised for its unusual place, area, and goodies.

David

May 13, 2002

Tombraider I and II

and Cluedo !....

No TAT there I hope...

Wear those, medals with pride, fellow tombraiders !!! (you know who you are)

May 13, 2002

There certainly isn't, Scotty. In general I'm not too bothered about what's in them but I do like the theming of the "prize" to the cache or area and when I finally get off my backside and finish the Cluedo series I'll no doubt reap the reward. Looking forward to Tombraider 3 and my next medal in the series.

Finding your caches - Losing my marbles.

May 14, 2002

In my opinion and view of what goes in a cache. I thought that the name of the game is to go and find the cache using ones skill and GPS receiver. In my own caches there is a load of tut. Why? If we spend pounds with lots of goodies, what happens if the cache is found by kids, or other non participants of the geocaching fraternity? It gets stolen or trashed. As for swapping a bit of tut for something decent from a cache. What does one do with a four inch orange headed screw? O.K. It’s a laugh, and I have had a laugh at some of the items that I see in the cache. I have lately been putting in mouse traps (unset) that I have a few of.

But now what I take out, I am putting back into other caches. Except for the popcorn which I like. When I did the ‘Sherlock’ set of clues and final cache I felt that I wanted a souvenir, All I took was the key ring, and left a golf ball which was of good quality (about a £1 each) left over from my golfing days.

May 14, 2002

One thing I will say is that if you do not intend to keep a gift you take from a cache why take it?

If you see that a cache is poorly stocked why not leave a couple of things and not take anything?

If you note this on the cache page you will probably find the next visitors do the same and soon the cache will be better stocked!

Thanks

Chris

LASSITUDE- (noun) Tiredness and apathy: a state of weariness accompanied by listlessness or apathy[15th century. Via French from Latin lassitudo , from lassus 'weary'.]

May 14, 2002

Good content can add to the experience. I try to avoid taking nothing and leaving nothing, though on occasions I havn't had anything suitable to trade. I see no harm in taking something from one and placing it in another. It keeps the contents of caches changing. It's also sometimes an idea to leave something without taking anything...

Purrs... LazyLeopard http://www.lazyleopard.org.uk

May 14, 2002

The quality of the goods inside has never been high in my own assessment of the quality of the cache, although my daughter tends to think differently.

The person who places the cache chooses the location and has full control over that part, but even a well stocked cache may in time become full of tat, or worse yet become emptied of stuff. And sometimes the location demands a particular size of container which limits what can be placed in there as well. This has been a factor in several caches I have placed. Anybody who tries Smuggler's Cave would see what I mean.

So, all in all the contents are not really directly under the control of the hider once the cache is 'in play'.

My own thing I find disapointing is if cache location is not well choosen, as one of two caches I have been to have been to my mind at least boring, or failed to exploit the full potential of the location. A little bit of extra thought in placement makes the whole thing sooo much more fun.

1.8k · May 14, 2002

Maybe I'm a mean so and so but I think I side with those who look on the hunt as the main joy of geocaching and not the meal after it - i.e. I am not so worried as to what I find in a cache. But if I do take anything I try to leave as good or better. But if I am hiding a cache I try to put something in it for the kids to enjoy. And occasionally a joke - like the bent spoon I once found on a canal towpath and added to the cache I was hiding! - and someone thought I was serious! I don't think too much of drive by caches unless they are related to another nearby but have made two virtuals which are in that category.

May 15, 2002

Well fellow Geo-peeps, have read this thread with interest, and everyone has a valid point.

But personally, I would rather know, (before I set off) whether a cache has reasonable booty or not.

I agree that if the cache is in a particularly splendid location, then finding it can be the reward you earn. However, there seems to be an increase in the number of caches that are literally at the roadside, and these seem to be the ones with the "tat" in.

As for the theory of filling them with tat in case they get plundered, well that's the risk you take when participating in this hobby(I speak from experience having had one wrecked and one plundered)

Also,I would rather place one reasonably stocked cache, than 5 or 6 with sparse contents.

With the advent of the "Pound Shop" and also car boot sales (some interesting items can be found at reasonable prices), it doesn't have to cost a packet to stock a cache.

I'm not a big fan of virtual caches,(although I have done some of them) but at least you know there's no loot and can make an informed decision whether or not to go seek them.

I would like to see the cache page listing the items contained at start up, and the finders log what they took/left etc,that way I could decide if I wanted to travel the necessary distance to "do" a particular cache.

May 15, 2002