View Full Version : Caches that should be retired.
Mainiac1957 02-12-2005, 03:56 PM I know that we have a place for cache rescues, however. Some of these have been inactive for so long I don't feel there is much chance of them being saved and repaired by the owners. Especially the ones that the owners haven't been active for monthes or even years. I went through a bunch and posted a note requesing they be archived. Maybe then some reviewer at GC.com will notice that no one has done anything about it. I just get sick at looking at caches with lines through them week after week.Some even have notes from the owners saying they will be back up shortly. Like last April for instance. If anybody feels the way that I do feel free to add a "Should be archived note" to the caches in question. It may just take several voices to be heard. Of course these are just my opinions. And here are my smilieys so I don't hurt anyone feelings. :) :) :D Thank you for your support.
brdad 02-12-2005, 04:55 PM I saw your logs, and I agree with you. I posted notes to at least one of them, hoping the owner would read it and do something. Despite having logged onto the site and obviously getting the log, nothing happened. I guess that's when it's time to seek the intervention of an approver.
I think in some hider's cases, the owner doesn't cache much, and most likely prints a printout that day and heads to one or two caches. They don't see the issue the rest of us have with disabled or otherwise needy caches showing up on our closest caches list or coming through our PQs.
And then there are those from away that place knowing they can't maintain caches.
Others are just busy, like JustJen aka Geochicks- do something with those caches, will ya?? :eek:
Haffy 02-12-2005, 05:18 PM I have noticed that this has been disabled for quite some time so I got in touch with the owner about adopting this cache and he said go for it as he has no time for it anymore. This has a special significance for me as it was my first found cache,thanks to Brdad who met me there and showed me how to use my GPS, Thanks Brdad for doing this. So I have notified GPS fun our approver here in Maine of my intentions and am waiting for a reply as I speak. I probably won't be doing anything with it til spring though,and that goes for my cache on French's Mountain as well.
Mainiac1957 02-12-2005, 05:45 PM As a result of my requests to be archived. "The Strip" where Msteelee and I happed to both be there on the same day was just archived by the owner. He did because of the nice way I asked. :)
WhereRWe? 02-12-2005, 05:57 PM I have noticed that this has been disabled for quite some time so I got in touch with the owner about adopting this cache and he said go for it as he has no time for it anymore. This has a special significance for me as it was my first found cache,thanks to Brdad who met me there and showed me how to use my GPS, Thanks Brdad for doing this. So I have notified GPS fun our approver here in Maine of my intentions and am waiting for a reply as I speak. I probably won't be doing anything with it til spring though,and that goes for my cache on French's Mountain as well.
This location was really nice - a great resource for the school. Too bad it has been allowed to run down. And a great place for a cache. Glad Haffy is going to adopt it.
brdad 02-12-2005, 06:00 PM Nice Job, brad. He said he'd replace it in Sept, I guess that date has gone by, eh?
And nice of haffy to adopt, that was a good spot.
For those wondering, there are currently 45 caches disabled in Maine!
Here they all are. Remember, some of these are rightfully disabled, let's not reqest the entire list to be archived. But for the others, maybe someone knows something here about the cache or owner and can look into why it is disabled.
GC8746 1.5 million dollar view
GCJ1EE A Bridge Over Historic Waters
GCHBT1 A Narrow(s) Escape
GCK6MP A Place to Watch
GCG4CM A.S.P.
GCKJDD Apple Acres Cache
GC8950 B52 CRASH STASH
GCKPDF Barnes Leap Signature Cache
GCGKBB Bay Bridge Landing Cache
GCGQ2M Bicentennial Park One
GCJW17 Birch Point Cache
GCG34Q By the Piggery
GCHQF5 Chicken Cache
GC9E3D China School Forest
GCKDF0 Collins Pond
GC5052 Deer Isle Smile
GCGB0Y Deja Vue Falls
GCJK2M Did you say Caesar Salad?
GCG6QC Dorr Steps
GCJ1ET Fields of Old
GCJJKR Fort Hill Cache
GCJFZR French's Mountain
GCG9MF Gilbert School Cache
GC67BA Gleasons Trove
GC2A79 Heart Pond Stash
GCGVGQ "It's not the Allagash Cache...."
GC774F Kayak Cache - York River
GCJZ1W Launch Lookout
GCF80D LBC
GC8A26 Lead Mtn. Golden Cache
GCHYDF Lobster Lounge
GCHCJD Mt. Ararat Fire Tower (Formally Scott's Sourdough)
GC1647 North Isleboro
GCHH54 Old Man Cave
GCK8HH Old Narrow Gauge Cache
GCGGT7 Owl's Head Delight
GC5F9B Smalls Falls
GCGBYD The Evergreens Cache
GCJK5E The Pen is Mightier than the Sword-North
GCJDBX The Rips
GC4DF0 The Strip
GCGQF7 The Trestle Nestle
GC55FB The Wigazee
GCJM6G UMM College Party Cache
GCGVJ5 Under the Mighty Oaks
WhereRWe? 02-12-2005, 06:08 PM Nice Job, brad. He said he'd replace it in Sept, I guess that date has gone by, eh?
And nice of haffy to adopt, that was a good spot.
For those wondering, there are currently 45 caches disabled in Maine!
Here they all are. Remember, some of these are rightfully disabled, let's not reqest the entire list to be archived. But for the others, maybe someone knows something here about the cache or owner and can look into why it is disabled.
GCK6MP A Place to Watch
Sheesh! Guilty, guilty, guilty!
But (always an excuse, right?) after this cache was geomuggled, I've been at a loss as to what to do to replace it. I WILL NOT replace it with a micro - hate the darned things - but even a small cache in this location is ripe for discovery.
I thought it was a great location, though, and I've been working an idea for a replacement. Bear with us - we'll get it back up... ;)
Geochicks 02-12-2005, 06:17 PM Others are just busy, like JustJen aka Geochicks- do something with those caches, will ya?? :eek:
I'm working on it!! Actually now that Colleen is older (she's 4 today!), and been fully potty trained, once the snow is clear, we are going to cache some more. It was just hard before with a child in diapers!
get cache
exchange items
change daughters diaper
carry stinky diaper out with you
But we know our caches are in desperate need of help!!
Sudonim 02-12-2005, 07:21 PM Just don't get it mixed up and put stinky diaper in cache!!! :D
WhereRWe? 02-12-2005, 07:27 PM Just don't get it mixed up and put stinky diaper in cache!!! :D
We've got 2 kids ourselves, so we know about "dirty diapers", but finding a nasty thing in a parking lot or along a trail is one thing that REALLY winds me up.
Glad Geochicks' young'un is "trained" now! LOL!
parmachenee 02-12-2005, 07:59 PM As a result of my requests to be archived. "The Strip" where Msteelee and I happed to both be there on the same day was just archived by the owner. He did because of the nice way I asked. :)
I emailed the owner that this was probably the best solution because that area is being restricted more tightly lately. Good move Brad. :)
I am very reluctant to ask an approver to archive a cache. As a gerneral rule, I prefer to let others do what they want, as long as it doesn't cause trouble for others.
So, I looked at one of "black listed";) caches in my area a few minutes ago. An unsuspecting cacher not only wasted his time visiting the cache (should have looked first!), but also found it and left someone else's travel bug.
I've met the cache hiders before and they are very nice people, but they don't seem to be as active in caching as they used to be.
So, what should I do? I have emailed the hider and offered my help. I also emailed the cacher and offered to o retrieve the TB, which I plan to do tommorow. I'd like to either adopt the cache or just "fix" it. But, there is one other potential problem with the cache: it is in the Rachel Carson NWR and I'd rather not risk a posible fine for helping out. Leaving it there is not a good option becacuse if it is not being actively used in our sport, it is litter. And, it could cost the life of a travel bug.
brdad 02-12-2005, 09:35 PM I often hesitate to request for archive - too bad there isn't an anonymous "Hey, approver, look at this cache" log....
Most people place caches with good intentions. But if things don't work out well, it is better to adopt and maintain or archive in order to promote good standing with any authorities.
Making sure caches are looked after also helps set a good example for the newbies, possibly preventing them from making a mistake or two when placing their own.
Geochicks 02-12-2005, 10:49 PM Just don't get it mixed up and put stinky diaper in cache!!! :D
Only did that once or twice.... :p
RanMan22 02-13-2005, 08:14 AM Just don't get it mixed up and put stinky diaper in cache!!! :D
I can see the log entry now, "Took McToy, left used diaper"...
-RanMan22 :cool:
Pooh and friends 02-13-2005, 09:16 AM I think in some hider's cases, the owner doesn't cache much, and most likely prints a printout that day and heads to one or two caches. They don't see the issue the rest of us have with disabled or otherwise needy caches showing up on our closest caches list or coming through our PQs.
Others are just busy, like JustJen aka Geochicks- do something with those caches, will ya??
Busy, busy, busy......the home heating oil delivery season is upon us and my caching has been put on hold for now, although I may get to do one today possibly.
I temp. disabled the Rips because there is no parking there in the winter, and I have some issues with the safety aspects (crossing river ice) at this time of the year.
Am I a now in a different class of cacher because I still use print outs? :confused: Thats just the way I do it, print out a couple and go to find them and have a great day. Im sorry "the rest of you" are having issues. :rolleyes: Perhaps Jeremy at GC.com could come up with a couple of programming changes to help you out if its that big of a problem. :)
Mainiac1957 02-13-2005, 11:10 AM The caches I was speaking about are not the ones taken down for maintainace or because of parking issues. The ones I was aiming at are the ones that have been dead ducks for a year or more. One that had been missing for a long while has been archived already by the owner. Several others have been given the word by the reviewer GPSfun to restore them or archive them. I wasn't on a crusade to remove all inactive caches. Just a nudge to get some of the older dead wood moving in one direction or the other.
brdad 02-13-2005, 11:40 AM Am I a now in a different class of cacher because I still use print outs? :confused: Thats just the way I do it, print out a couple and go to find them and have a great day. Im sorry "the rest of you" are having issues. :rolleyes: Perhaps Jeremy at GC.com could come up with a couple of programming changes to help you out if its that big of a problem. :)
Not at all, we have the "temporarily disable" feature on caches for a reason. There is nothing wrong with your disabling a cache for seasonal, safety, maintenenece, or other issues. It's just that some people miss the "temporary" part and leave a cache disabled for over a year, often posting notes saying they will replace it but it never happens.
And for those of us that are paperless, there is the option to exclude disabled caches in our files. I just prefer to keep them in, as many disabled caches are still there, and still loggable. If I am in an area where one of these caches are, i might check on it just to see.
It helps out even more now that cache hiders have to leave a log explaining why the cache is being disabled.
Sudonim 02-13-2005, 11:52 AM There seem to be 2 types of disabled caches. One is where a temporary situation occurs (parking at a particular season, snow impediment, temporary activity around cache like construction). That is what I view a disable action to be used for.
The second type is where a cache is abandoned (no maintenance after cache lid is broken/full of water, muggled, cache missing, etc). The cache placer would naturally disable the cache until he/she could service it. The problem is when this cache sits for many months or more. That is what I would call abandoned. If it is a long term problem, it should be archived.
I get confused when I see a cache that's disabled, with no notes that it's missing or muggled (and sometimes people are still logging it as a find). Should I take a stab at visiting it or is there a (safety or other) reason that I shouldn't attempt it?
My peeve is when I do a search for caches in my area, and many of them have lines through them. If I knew that they were coming back at some point, fine... I can wait, but I wish I could block the ones that are gone permanently from my search list.
I understand the hesitation to archive a cache if you ARE planning on fixing/replacing it as it has to go through the whole application process again, but if the cache will never be refreshed, please archive it :D
Would an automated process where a cache disabled for a certain time period (9 months/a year) is automatically archived be reasonable? The cache owner would still be able to reactivate the cache if the issue was resolved and it would flush abandoned caches from the system.
-Just some coffee driven thoughts :)
team teebow 02-13-2005, 01:14 PM I'm feeling a little guilty here that I have 5 caches that have made the “Maine Disabled Cache Listing”. They are all disabled for what I think are good reasons and in most cases for respect for property owners. They WILL be back in the spring. I try to update the cache pages with notes every so often to let fellow cachers know that I have not forgotten about bringing them back.
Here’s the status of the caches:
GCGKBB Bay Bridge Landing Cache - This cache was muggled this summer, where it is such a nice area I opted not to put it back right away hoping the mugglers would forget about it. This cache WILL be back this spring.
GCJK2M Did you say Caesar Salad? - This cache will also be back this spring and in a slightly different spot. The state does not plow the parking area and any parking on the road is dangerous.
GCGVGQ "It's not the Allagash Cache...." - This cache gets disabled every year due to respect to the property owner and the town of Brunswick does not plow into this portage. The cache usually comes back after mud season.
GCHCJD Mt. Ararat Fire Tower (Formally Scott's Sourdough) - This is a new adopted cache for us and I am not planning on bringing it back until spring when I can find a good new hiding spot.
GCKPDF Barnes Leap Signature Cache - This cache is along the same lines as the "It's not the Allagash Cache....", it has been disabled due to there is no parking in the winter and the trails are closed for the season. This too will be back after the Maine Mud Season.
:o
brdad 02-13-2005, 01:29 PM I'm feeling a little guilty here that I have 5 caches that have made the “Maine Disabled Cache Listing”. They are all disabled for what I think are good reasons and in most cases for respect for property owners. They WILL be back in the spring. I try to update the cache pages with notes every so often to let fellow cachers know that I have not forgotten about bringing them back.
That list was not meant to be a blacklist, just thought some people might notice a few close to them that could be tended to in one way or another.
I've noticed your notes on your disabled caches from time to time, I think you do better than most as far as letting people know the status of your caches.
WhereRWe? 02-13-2005, 01:38 PM Not at all, we have the "temporarily disable" feature on caches for a reason. There is nothing wrong with your disabling a cache for seasonal, safety, maintenenece, or other issues. It's just that some people miss the "temporary" part and leave a cache disabled for over a year, often posting notes saying they will replace it but it never happens.
I'm starting tio get annoyed with the tone this thread is taking. The owner disables the cache for reasons they think are appropriate. It's THEIR cache.
If a cache remains disabled for some length of time, I think it is perfectly acceptable for someone to ask that they archive it or reestablish it. End of story.
But to imply that there is "something wrong" with leaving a cache disabled for an extended period REALLY rubs me the wrong way. The cache belongs to the owner. Period. I regret that some people feel that they need to make the owner feel guilty, or that the owner needs to "justify" the reasons for disabling the cache, or that they need to be publicly embarassed.
Sheesh!
(And NO smileys!!!)
brdad 02-13-2005, 02:44 PM But to imply that there is "something wrong" with leaving a cache disabled for an extended period REALLY rubs me the wrong way. The cache belongs to the owner. Period. I regret that some people feel that they need to make the owner feel guilty, or that the owner needs to "justify" the reasons for disabling the cache, or that they need to be publicly embarassed.
Sheesh!
(And NO smileys!!!)
Quoted from geocaching.com's TOS (http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#maint):
"As the cache owner, you are also responsible for checking on your cache periodically, and especially when someone reports a problem with the cache (missing, damaged, wet, etc.). You may temporarily disable your cache to let others know not to hunt for it until you have a chance to fix the problem. This feature is to allow you a reasonable time – normally a few weeks – in which to arrange a visit to your cache. In the event that a cache is not being properly maintained, or has been temporarily disabled for an extended period of time, we may archive or transfer the listing."
From that, it seems as though gc.com feels that something is wrong with a cache if it is disabled for an extended time. The cache owner should justify a cache being disabled for a longer period of time, such as teem teebow does, to show that their cache is being tended to. It's all part of maintaining a cache.
I didn't attempt to make any owner feel guilty by posting the list of disabled caches. (Excepting Geochicks, but I know her enough to know she'd take it lightheartedly).
team teebow 02-13-2005, 03:24 PM I took no offense to the posting, I too feel that caches that have been missing or disabled for a long time should be archived or adopted. I have adopted a couple myself because I thought they were worth keeping around. Please except my apologies if anyone thought I may have had an angry tone in my last posting, I did not mean it that way.
Team Teebow loves this sport and we have our slow times of the year for caching. To us an active cache is a happy cache and we strive to make ours fit in with the community and make them as interesting as possible for everyone to enjoy.
We do not make many of the event caches but we love reading all of your logs. I think we must have every cache in Maine in our "watch list" since our mail box is always full.
Enough rambling, I know the point that was tying to be put across here and I hope everyone else does too. I'll wrap up by saying "A happy cache, usually has happy owners!!! If the disabled / Archived cache is worth saving either adopt it or find someone to adopt it and make it happy again!!!"
Team Teebow :D
WhereRWe? 02-13-2005, 04:07 PM Quoted from geocaching.com's
I didn't attempt to make any owner feel guilty by posting the list of disabled caches. (Excepting Geochicks, but I know her enough to know she'd take it lightheartedly).
From reading the thread, I know at least one cacher was upset.
Well, I've got it off my chest. :D
(I was going to "temporarily archive" my "temporarily disabled" cache, but see that once archived, it requires a Geocaching.com administrator to unarchive it.
I'm going to stubbornly leave the cache disabled until I get around to replacing it.) :p
Mainiac1957 02-13-2005, 05:50 PM I'll reitterate. This thread was NOT started to get ANY one mad or upset. It was NOT directed at active cachers who need to temporarily disable a cache. Team Teebow, you are what a good cache owner is. I have done several of yours and enjoyed them. Taking them down because of parking restrictions or landowner issues is your perogitive. It will keep someone from trying to get into a place they just shouldn't be. The only caches I had an issue with were ones that no one as found or even looked for in many many months. I am entitled to my opinions as much as anybody in this forum. These are just my feelings on this subject. If it's been misconstrued, I'm sorry. :( Let's let this thread die before things go to far(If they haven't already).
Geochicks 02-13-2005, 10:44 PM I didn't attempt to make any owner feel guilty by posting the list of disabled caches. (Excepting Geochicks, but I know her enough to know she'd take it lightheartedly).
What was the question?? :p :rolleyes:
Seriously:
It's one thing that I kind of agree with. I got great intentions (I truly do plan on fixing up our caches), but it's (excuse my mouth) piss-poor follow through. Things happen... and of course the biggest excuse... I'm lazy!! :o
Just ask poor parmachenee who has kindly asked me to do something with the geo-coins that he left in our hands WAAAAY back at the 2nd BBQ. Well, lazy-butt that I am... I haven't had a chance to do anything with them.
I may sit here and joke about it, but I really feel bad about not following through like I said I would... so I understand where other cachers are coming from...
:p
WhereRWe? 02-14-2005, 07:50 AM Well, Geochicks...
It seems we are comrades - great procrastinators! LOL!
But I agree with Mainiac - this thread should die. :D
drbugman 02-14-2005, 01:36 PM I'd be interested to see if Down by the "sea" is still there and active. I posted a "did not find" back in November asking about it but haven't heard anything about it. I've got a unique travel bug there (though it hasn't been properly logged in yet) and am curious.
brdad 02-14-2005, 04:34 PM I'd be interested to see if Down by the "sea" is still there and active. I posted a "did not find" back in November asking about it but haven't heard anything about it. I've got a unique travel bug there (though it hasn't been properly logged in yet) and am curious.
I remember that cache as being fairly easy to find (It is rated a 1/1 after all), and in a location where a storm or high tide might move it out into the open, or a geomuggle might have come across it.
Did you try contacting the cache's owner? The cache page states a local cacher is maintaining it for him, perhaps you can find out who that is. The owner logged into the web site only a week ago, so he is still around.
parmachenee 02-14-2005, 05:54 PM Quoted from geocaching.com's TOS (http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#maint):
"As the cache owner, you are also responsible for checking on your cache periodically, and especially when someone reports a problem with the cache (missing, damaged, wet, etc.).
I've been to the Etna Bog cache twice in the last month and was disappointed in the condition of the cache. Both times the contents were frozen inside the container because of holes allowing moisture in. Some of the contents had to be removed and trashed out. I noticed the owners haven't logged onto gc.com since Sept. 2003. I emailed them to ask if they minded if I replaced the cache container but got no response. I felt the cache area is unique and the chance of being muggled very small so I replaced the container with a waterproof ammo can. I'd like to see this cache remain active but apparently the owners aren't maintaining it.
Mainiac1957 02-14-2005, 06:32 PM I know we talked about it, but are you SURE you wouldn't like to adopt that one :cool: I imagine it could be arrainged. ;)
parmachenee 02-14-2005, 06:40 PM I know we talked about it, but are you SURE you wouldn't like to adopt that one :cool: I imagine it could be arrainged. ;)
I'll adopt it in the winter if you will adopt it the rest of the year Mainiac1957?? :D
Mainiac1957 02-14-2005, 06:44 PM Sure I think annual maintainance is better than what it's used to. We just both go in around Halloween. No bugs and frozen ground. It's all good!
Sudonim 02-14-2005, 08:03 PM If you two share the load, I'll kick in and maintain it on Feb 29 (what are the odds that it needs work on that day :rolleyes: )
brdad 02-14-2005, 09:55 PM Etna Bog is a cache that doesn't need the same type of maintenence as the typical caches, that's for sure! Kudos to you, Parmachenee for placing the ammo box there!
I think it is quite possible the hider of Etna bog is no longer interested. It would be nice to get an email one way or the other though. It'd be too bad to see this one archived as it's a good challenge. But, since the issue of geomuggles finding the cache is minimal and you have replaced the container, you can easily let it sit for a while until you decide to adopt it. ;)
parmachenee 02-15-2005, 10:11 AM Etna Bog is a cache that doesn't need the same type of maintenence as the typical caches, that's for sure! But, since the issue of geomuggles finding the cache is minimal and you have replaced the container, you can easily let it sit for a while until you decide to adopt it. ;)
That's a good idea. It has survived on its own since it was placed so I can let it be for a while longer.
is back on line! Sometimes, it just takes a little inspiration!
parmachenee 02-27-2005, 09:16 AM I've been in touch with the owner of the Etna Bog Cache and he has updated the cache coordinates and description. Circumstances had prevented him from maintaining the cache but that shouldn't be a problem now. He has enjoyed reading the logs and seeing the pics posted about the cache. Another great cache site saved!! :D
brdad 02-27-2005, 10:17 AM Yes, it's great to see that it lives on.
Mainiac1957 02-27-2005, 10:56 AM That's really nice to see that they are going to stay with it. Maybe they will actually go out and find a cache now. ;)
Mainepod 02-27-2005, 08:50 PM My husband, our kids and I are mostly "local" geocachers, and there are lots of great caches within 20 miles or so of Brunswick. We also have a few on Swans Island (I'm still chagrined that Parmachenee searched all over for one cache that has yet to be found on the Island, since it had the incorrect coordinates until 2 DNF's led me to triple-check and correct my error....)
Anyhow, we've thought that it might be a good idea to move caches after a year or two. For example, we were thinking of changing Bradley Pond to a multi-cache, to encourage people to walk the entire loop trail, so folks could see all of the land that the Brunswick-Topsham land trust is preserving for the future. Pirate's Plunder has been accused of being a "drive and dump" (or is it "dump and drive"), so we could move that one further from the end of the road.
This would encourage people to re-visit some very nice areas in their local environs. What do y'all think about that?
Mainiac1957 02-27-2005, 10:00 PM to me. It would not only make for some new areas to be seen, but would also give people some "new" caches to discover. I can think of quite a few that could stand to be refreshed as such. Who knows, maybe you can start a trend.
Mainepod: As a kayaker, I always love to find places like this. But, when I did Pirates Plunder, I had to come back a few times in order to keep from annoying other people who were trying to enjoy the place and to keep them seeing me find the cache. Moving this cache a little further away would make it much better.
Thanks again for the cache! :)
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