Relocating A Cache...

[+SnoWake]

Gang:

 

I recently discovered a programmed limit within the geocaching.com site which limits the maximum distance a cache may relocate (and still be self-serviced by the hider). I discovered this the hard way when posting a new cache, and selecting the wrong set of coordinates (from several potential waypoints I set in researching/selecting the hide). So I'm working with an admin to get that one corrected, but...

 

I would like to know what that actual limit is - and here's why. I've got another cache that seems that have fallen prey to frequent visits from muggles - who draw crude, offensive things in the log, leave inappropriate items in the cache container, took the disposable camera, and perhaps have even made off with a TB or two.

 

So, I'm planning on relocating the cache, but within the same park. If I knew, for example, that the maximum relocation allowed by the hider was .1 mile, I would focus my efforts on finding a new secure hiding spot within 500'. If, conversely, it's .25 miles - I have a much wider scope of potential hiding spots.

 

About all I know is that the limit is somethig greater than a few feet (as I've made minor, .001 type changes to previous hides) but less that 1.3 miles (the HUGE distance between the incorrect coordinates I entered and the actual placement of my new cache).

 

Knowing this threshold might prove valuable for a variety of reasons - so I'm just wondering if someone can clue me in? My apologies if this is already documented or discussed somewhere - but I looked over the hiding guidelines, the FAQ, and even did a handful of searches here in the forums, and couldn't come up with the specifics (or even a discussion of the issue).

 

Thanks in advance for any insight or answers.

 

Have a great evening!

Billy

(aka SnoWake)

[+RichardMoore]

I don't know what the limit is, but I would just contact the admin who approved the cache in the first place.

I would:

1) Temporarily disable the cache.

2) Find a new location in the park. Making sure that it is not within .1 mile of any other cache.

3) E-mail the admin who originally approved the cache explaining why you need to move it and giving them the new coordinates.

4) Wait for a response. After it is approved, I'm thinking the admin might just change the coords on the page for you, put the cache the new location and un-disable it.

[+IV_Warrior]

Also remember, sometimes it's better to just archive the cache and submit a new cache in the new location. If you're moving the cache far enough that it significantly changes "the hunt" or the experience, perhaps that would be a better idea than just changing the coords on an exisiting cache.

[+SnoWake]

These are both correct responses, and actually describe the process I've taken (working with an admin in the one case where it's required). I also considered the "simply delete the cache, and create a new one" in order to self-service this request. However, that (over the long haul) introduces OTHER problems - so I'm hoping that someone "in the know" still understands the value of sharing this information. In the case of the cache that has been found by muggles - I don't want to move it far, or significantly "change the hunt or experience" - just far enough so that it's not readily discovered from the previous location, but close enough that I can "do it myself" (e.g. change the coordinates on the cache page). There are no other caches in this particular park, and it's large enough that I could probably move it as much as .25 miles without significantly changing the "experience".

 

Anyway - I understand some of my alternatives, and as I've mentioned, I AM working through them. I still think it's useful information for the community at large to be aware of.

 

Thanks for the responses, and thanks in advance for an answer...

Billy

[+SnoWake]

Final Word:

 

My problems were resolved by Hemlock (thank you, THANK YOU!), as well as my specific question answered. For the record:

 

The maximum distance a hider may relocate a cache without admin intervention is .1 mile (528 feet).

 

End of story! Thanks to all...