A Mobile Cache?

[+Beta Test]

I am currently pondering making a chache that is much like a tb. Each person who finds it will move it and place the coordinates and hints for where they left it. Does anyone have any input they would like to say about this? good idea bad?

[+Stunod]

They will say no. Traveling caches are not allowed.

 

From the Cache Listing Requirements/Guidelines :

 

Cache Permanence

 

When you report a cache on the Geocaching.com web site, geocachers should (and will) expect the cache to be there for a realistic and extended period of time. Therefore, caches that have the goal to move (“traveling caches”), or temporary caches (caches hidden for less than 3 months or for events) may not be approved. If you wish to hide caches for an event, bring printouts to the event and hand them out there.

 

We realize that it is possible that a planned long-term cache occasionally becomes finite because of concerns with the environment, missing or plundered caches, or the owner’s decision to remove the cache for other valid reasons.  Please do your best to research fully, hide wisely, and maintain properly for a long cache life.

Edited April 20, 2004 by Stunod

[+IV_Warrior]

While a traveling cache won't get approved on gc.com, you could send out a logbook as a travel bug, or possibly even a small container with a log and trade items, as a travel bug.

[+Beta Test]

or i could maybe post the cache on an unofficial web page for "officially unoficial" caches

Edited April 21, 2004 by Beta Test

[+CO Native]

Not sure if this cache started before the rules got stricter, but it is a traveling cache that has done quite well.

 

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...fd-6b12669d8240

[+Thea101]

We have one in our region that I believe started out west...

 

here is the link

 

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...4b-96f2c0d276c4

 

it is very hard to get your hands on it, because as soon as it becomes active (the cache owner makes it temporarily unavaiable as soon as someone reports finding it...and does not make it available again unitl the current cacher hides it...) with its new coordinates most people try to get there hands on it....

 

It did start in 2002 so it could be before new rules...but from what I have seen it is quite a popular cache...

 

Good Luck in trying to get one started...if you can

[+hwyman]

Here's another traveling cache:

 

GCD079

 

Hwy

[+Latitude 32]

I am the owner of the "Shutterbug Cache" (GCB92C), the one that Thea101 mentioned. The travelers out there right now have been grandfathered in by Groundspeak. I have tried to get an expanation as to why they are no longer allowed and no one has come up with an accaptable reason. My cache has traveled from the cliffs off of the coast of San Dieg, CA to the East Coast and now it is moving west again. Many cachers that have found this cache had never hidden one before, and have since started creating their own caches. From what I have seen with my cache, everyone has played by the rules and are putting it in safe locations. Seems that Groundspeak just wants the same ol' run-of-the-mill caches out there right now. I tried to create another traveler, but it didn't slip through the cracks.

[+Renegade Knight]

I am the owner of the "Shutterbug Cache" (GCB92C), the one that Thea101 mentioned. The travelers out there right now have been grandfathered in by Groundspeak. I have tried to get an expanation as to why they are no longer allowed and no one has come up with an accaptable reason. My cache has traveled from the cliffs off of the coast of San Dieg, CA to the East Coast and now it is moving west again. Many cachers that have found this cache had never hidden one before, and have since started creating their own caches. From what I have seen with my cache, everyone has played by the rules and are putting it in safe locations. Seems that Groundspeak just wants the same ol' run-of-the-mill caches out there right now. I tried to create another traveler, but it didn't slip through the cracks.

The best reason I can think of is that each location should be approved as a stand alone cache. As apporovers are generally busy enough to have a cache that requires ongonig and special attention once they approve it is more burden than the system can stand.

 

I'm not sure of GC's position on the issue other than they are now banned except for those grandfathered.

[+rusty_tlc]

This cache has a unique method of making sure it is hidden in a spot the will not cause damage. It has been roaming around N. NV and N.CA for a while now.

 

As I understand it the main objection to travelers is that people will continue to look after the cache has been moved. This could result in an area being destroyed. The homing pidgeon cache uses a sign (teepee made of sticks) to signal other cachers that the caache has been found.

 

I enjoyed trying to catch up with the stop and go go go cache, as I think the FTF crowd would.

 

Edit: two fingered it.

Edited April 28, 2004 by rusty_tlc

[+Renegade Knight]

The search problem for when it's foud has been solved about as well as it can be with the rule of three. I learned this from Scout. You use three natural objects and mark the find with an unatural configuration. Three pennies in an urban environment, three rocks stacked, etc. It lets you work with the materials at hand (a problem wiht the Tee Pee method) and notify the other cachers.

[+Latitude 32]

I wish Groundspeak would just try n solve the "problems" rather than ban them. The feedback I have got back on my cache has been wonderful. I dunno', kind of a bummer...

[+rusty_tlc]

Stop and Go... has the problem whipped. It uses a feature common throughout the world, usually spaced a 50 to 100 feet apart min. You know if it is there or not.

[+rusty_tlc]

I wish Groundspeak would just try n solve the "problems" rather than ban them. The feedback I have got back on my cache has been wonderful. I dunno', kind of a bummer...

I think they are solving the problems from biggest, to smallest. I'm not sure where travelers fall.

One solution would be for locals to get thier own versions together, like "Hot Potato" in the northwest. Grass roots type games are a lot of fun and, i think, under-utilized.

[+Latitude 32]

I checked out Stop and Go... Pretty neat idea! But mine has a camera.

[+Texas-Gal]

Here in Austin, we have The Rock That Rolls (GCCF79) - which not only has been successfully rolling around for over a year, but also won the award as the BEST CACHE in all of Austin! (Austin Cache Awards)

 

It's sad when you think that the best cache in Austin couldn't even get placed now.

Edited April 28, 2004 by Texas-Gal

[+yumitori]

There's been a number of successful traveling caches, but we've also seen any number go missing. If every geocacher were responsible, wise and knowledgeable of the basic rules of the game we wouldn't need nearly as many 'bans' as we have. But every one of the guidelines is in response to real life issues that have occurred because every geocacher isn't.