Owner abandoned caches

[+HD_Diva]

Hi I'm still pretty new to this new hobby, so I'm still learning. I've noticed that a few caches are missing, or in need of maintenance. It seems that the owner is no longer into caching and has abandoned these neglected caches. There are 2 in my area. 1 missing for awhile and according to past post was in a glass jar. YIKES. And the 2nd cache, has been logged numerous times that it needs maintenance. Today I added a new log. My question is.....Is there anyway to adopt these caches? If so how would I go about doing this? I am willing to replace and maintain these 2 when needed. I currently don't own a cache as yet. Although I am a newbie, I am hooked. Thanks for any help.

Edited June 22, 2017 by HDDiva

[+cerberus1]

Hi I'm still pretty new to this new hobby, so I'm still learning. I've noticed that a few caches are missing, or in need of maintenance. It seems that the owner is no longer into caching and has abandoned these neglected caches. There are 2 in my area. 1 missing for awhile and according to past post was in a glass jar. YIKES. And the 2nd cache, has been logged numerous times that it needs maintenance. Today I added a new log. My question is.....Is there anyway to adopt these caches? If so how would I go about doing this? I am willing to replace and maintain these 2 when needed. I currently don't own a cache as yet. Although I am a newbie, I am hooked. Thanks for any help.

Enclosed is the link to 6.14, Adopt or Transfer a Geocache.

 

The first line is important, which reads, "Geocaching HQ will not process a transfer without permission from the original cache owner."

- So, you could email the CO and ask about adoption.

Or if they're that bad ("numerous NMs"), you could finally add an NA, let the cache get archived, and place your own well-maintained cache in it's spot.

 

The last thing I'd do is maintain a cache for a lazy or inactive owner.

[+niraD]

For reference, see also the Help Center article, When a cache needs maintenance.

[+noncentric]

niraD's link is a good reference. If caches are in need of maintenance, then cachers should report those problems. This lets the cache owner (CO) know that they need to fix it. If they don't fix it or add a comment to the cache page after a reasonable time, then the cache can be reported with an NA log that will alert the local Reviewers.

 

Some recent forum threads that you might find informative:

Owners not active for years, can I adopt caches?

Active Caches and Cashers

Etiquette for Cache Needing Maintenance?

[+justintim1999]

Hi I'm still pretty new to this new hobby, so I'm still learning. I've noticed that a few caches are missing, or in need of maintenance. It seems that the owner is no longer into caching and has abandoned these neglected caches. There are 2 in my area. 1 missing for awhile and according to past post was in a glass jar. YIKES. And the 2nd cache, has been logged numerous times that it needs maintenance. Today I added a new log. My question is.....Is there anyway to adopt these caches? If so how would I go about doing this? I am willing to replace and maintain these 2 when needed. I currently don't own a cache as yet. Although I am a newbie, I am hooked. Thanks for any help.

Enclosed is the link to 6.14, Adopt or Transfer a Geocache.

 

The first line is important, which reads, "Geocaching HQ will not process a transfer without permission from the original cache owner."

- So, you could email the CO and ask about adoption.

Or if they're that bad ("numerous NMs"), you could finally add an NA, let the cache get archived, and place your own well-maintained cache in it's spot.

 

The last thing I'd do is maintain a cache for a lazy or inactive owner.

 

+1

[+edexter]

After a few years, all caches need maintenance but only some cache owners do maintenance. If you really like the abandoned caches you found, then you can try the adoption process as suggested. My experience is that you get a response from the CO about a third of the time as they have typically abandoned the game as well. If you get no response to your adoption offer, then follow the advice above re NM and NA logs and place a better container...

[+barefootjeff]

After a few years, all caches need maintenance but only some cache owners do maintenance. If you really like the abandoned caches you found, then you can try the adoption process as suggested. My experience is that you get a response from the CO about a third of the time as they have typically abandoned the game as well. If you get no response to your adoption offer, then follow the advice above re NM and NA logs and place a better container...

I'm not condoning abandoned caches, but not all caches will need maintenance after just a few years. A good container fit for purpose and hidden in a dry location can easily go a decade or more without needing any TLC. The logbook in my most frequently found cache, with close on 200 finds in its three and a half years of life, is still less than half full, and the only "maintenance" it's needed is when construction workers moved in and closed the reserve for several months to upgrade the nearby electricity distribution towers. I have others that have been out there over two years yet are still bone dry and in pristine condition.

[+Team Microdot]

After a few years, all caches need maintenance but only some cache owners do maintenance. If you really like the abandoned caches you found, then you can try the adoption process as suggested. My experience is that you get a response from the CO about a third of the time as they have typically abandoned the game as well. If you get no response to your adoption offer, then follow the advice above re NM and NA logs and place a better container...

I'm not condoning abandoned caches, but not all caches will need maintenance after just a few years. A good container fit for purpose and hidden in a dry location can easily go a decade or more without needing any TLC. The logbook in my most frequently found cache, with close on 200 finds in its three and a half years of life, is still less than half full, and the only "maintenance" it's needed is when construction workers moved in and closed the reserve for several months to upgrade the nearby electricity distribution towers. I have others that have been out there over two years yet are still bone dry and in pristine condition.

 

The caches referenced in the OP are described as missing or in need of maintenance.

 

And we're back on topic

[+Harry Dolphin]

After a few years, all caches need maintenance but only some cache owners do maintenance. If you really like the abandoned caches you found, then you can try the adoption process as suggested. My experience is that you get a response from the CO about a third of the time as they have typically abandoned the game as well. If you get no response to your adoption offer, then follow the advice above re NM and NA logs and place a better container...

I'm not condoning abandoned caches, but not all caches will need maintenance after just a few years. A good container fit for purpose and hidden in a dry location can easily go a decade or more without needing any TLC. The logbook in my most frequently found cache, with close on 200 finds in its three and a half years of life, is still less than half full, and the only "maintenance" it's needed is when construction workers moved in and closed the reserve for several months to upgrade the nearby electricity distribution towers. I have others that have been out there over two years yet are still bone dry and in pristine condition.

 

My first hide is doing very well almost thirteen years after we hid it! I did check on it after five years, but that was only because I was hiding other caches nearby. Checked on another after nine years. Still doing well.

[+HD_Diva]

Thanks for all the helpful info. I contacted both owners. I got a response from one, who stated that he is still caching and will check on it. His last inspection it was still there. The other owner has not responded. Many have logged that the cache needs maintenance. I have replaced the log book which was a soggy piece of cardboard. For this one I will do what was suggested above. Thanks for your input.