[natethegeek]

I'm pretty new to the game and have run into a few caches that could use some assistance. I've read in the forums about "cache fairies" that like to repair or improve a cache when they find it. I'm happy to help out as I'm out and about, but I'm concerned about what would be appreciated by a CO and what wouldn't.

The most serious of these issues is with micro caches with full logs. I've seen where finder after finder has posted online that the log is full. I've also read from "cache fairies" who claim "the log won't replace itself, so the finder should go ahead and do it." In a micro cache, there just isn't space for a second log. A "cache fairie" would have to remove the old log to put a new one in. As a cache owner would you want them to do that? What do CO's do with the old logs? Do you keep them as a souvenir? Do you go back and check entries to verify the online logs?

As a finder, a full log means I can't sign the log without replacing and I have also heard that some CO's will delete online logs when the paper log doesn't back it up. "If you didn't sign the log, you weren't there..." It would be sad to lose my online logs due to the fact that the paper log was full at the time of my visit.

What about damaged containers? As a CO, would you want a finder to replace your cache container if they discovered it in a bad state, or would it annoy you to find your own cache in a container you hadn't placed? Certainly it would bug you if it was a highly specialized, hand made container, but otherwise?

[Gitchee-Gummee]

natethegeek, on 20 April 2012 - 08:26 AM, said:

What about damaged containers? As a CO, would you want a finder to replace your cache container if they discovered it in a bad state, or would it annoy you to find your own cache in a container you hadn't placed? Certainly it would bug you if it was a highly specialized, hand made container, but otherwise?

I have replaced one cache. The old one was a cheap, 'recycled' foodstuff jar/bottle. It was winter, and buried in the tall grass and snow. My size 12 destroyed it inadvertently.
Luckily, I had just purchased some Lock and Locks and those were still in the vehicle.

I felt obligated to fix it with what I had on-hand. Sure an upgrade, but I broke it, so.......

Other than something like that, I feel that replacing major cache components are only 'enabling' a lazy or lackadaisical CO.

Temporary log sheets/books, sure. Drying out a cache, yes. But.... I draw the line at things the CO should be taking care of as a matter of maintenance
There are circumstances that a CO cannot get to and attend caches promptly, it happens. But to do their job for them.... no! If they simply do not respond to NM logs, they should receive SBA log(s).

[The A-Team]

natethegeek, on 20 April 2012 - 08:26 AM, said:

As a finder, a full log means I can't sign the log without replacing and I have also heard that some CO's will delete online logs when the paper log doesn't back it up. "If you didn't sign the log, you weren't there..." It would be sad to lose my online logs due to the fact that the paper log was full at the time of my visit.

If the owner isn't doing any maintenance on their cache, it's unlikely they're going to be deleting any logs. Most of the time, those CO's are gone from the game, never to be heard from again. If you come across a full log, you could add a new log or sheet. If it's too small to accept an additional sheet, do your best to sign somewhere on the existing log. I'd be very hesitant to actually swap out a log, because some COs do like to keep old logs.

[dprovan]

Yes, feel free to replace a full log. Remember to mention the replacement when you log your find. If there's no room for the old log, take it home and send the CO a picture of it. I've also seen people post such pictures in their on-line logs. I have to admit, I don't typically carry spare logs, so I just find somewhere to squeeze in another mark and leave it to the CO to do the maintenance.

Replacing broken containers is also OK, but as you point out, there are more issues. If your replacement is the same or better -- including camo, keep in mind -- I doubt there'd be any problem, but if you can even imagine that you're downgrading the container, you probably shouldn't. Also, a degraded container sometimes reflects an abandoned cache, so in the right circumstances it could be better to leave it and log a suggestion to move the listing towards archival.

By the way, I used to worry about this more when I started, but after a few hundred caches, I started to realize that they're all judgement calls, and, in the end, you can never feel too guilty about doing nothing, since it's not your cache to maintain, anyway. Early on, I would have been more likely to do something stupid than helpful, so I'm glad I didn't do much. Nowadays, at least I know enough that I could make a good case for my actions, but I always recognize that the CO might still think they're stupid.

[niraD]

FWIW, I'll add log sheets, dry out wet logs/containers, leave plastic bags, etc., but I won't remove the existing log or replace a container without coordinating with the owner in advance.

[ras_oscar]

Everybody has their opinion, here's mine; I carry sheets of notepaper and will supplement log sheets where needed. I carry small zlocks and will replace one that isn't able to keep the log sheet dry any more. I carry micro log rolls and will replace where needed, always PMing the CO asking if they would like me to make arrangements to receive the old log. In one case I repalced a blinkey container, but only because I found the old one with no lid and no log sheet. I pm'd the Co with a spoiler location description in case it had migrated. They were appreciative. I carry a clean cloth towel and will dry out the interior of caches when necessary, assuming the container is capable of excluding moisture. Beyond that, maintenance is the responsibility of the CO. I have never received anything but gratefulness for my efforts, which are always mentioned in my found it log.

[StarBrand]

niraD, on 20 April 2012 - 09:39 AM, said:

FWIW, I'll add log sheets, dry out wet logs/containers, leave plastic bags, etc., but I won't remove the existing log or replace a container without coordinating with the owner in advance.

Yup - basic maintenance and upkeep but not replacement.

[Straight-Cache-Homey]

? I just throw down film canninsters everywhere I think there should be a cache?

Isn't that the correct thing to do?

[KyleYankan]

Straight-Cache-Homey, on 20 April 2012 - 10:20 AM, said:

? I just throw down film canninsters everywhere I think there should be a cache?

Isn't that the correct thing to do?

Only if you use the black and grey ones. Better camouflage.

[7rxc]

I do the dry out excess moisture bit, will attempt to dry a wet log enough to photograph (just in case) and sign.
When I find a damp or wet cache, I spend a minute to try and figure out WHY it's wet. Sometimes a case is cracked a bit but otherwise intact, so I use a bit of silicone sealant to try and seal the case in the short term, sometimes using duct tape to stabilize a long split. Almost always I check the seal surfaces, including seal rings and gaskets. Most always can use a bit of work removing debris from the seals, I use a 'baby'(soft) toothbrush to remove grit / mud / debris. IF any of the seals are failing, or the case has cracks I mention it in my log and email the CO. I don't mind helping out, but it is their responsibility after all. I did one not too long ago where an animal had dragged the container out into the open and chewed on it, that got sealed up and placed in a likely secure spot, and notified the CO along with a pic of the 'new' location so they could judge how it was done.

Log sheets and replacements... OK on adding paper to larger, IF it's a micro, then worst case photo it for the record (all of it) and then edit strips together and email to CO, try to replace with a small strip or two as a temporary. (Same for wet mush logs as up above... if the log might not survive much longer).

Doug 7rxc

[Troutonthebrain]

I think that replacing a log sheet is just fine. I also love it when a cache finder replaces a container that has gotten wrecked. My pet peeve with finders doing maintenance though is when a finder decides that a cache is not hidden how it should be or that it "doesn't fit my hiding style". That drives me nuts! Especially when it is a long hike and I have to go out there and put it back as intended or when the cache gets muggled as a result. Rant over...

[briansnat]

I think minor repairs are fine. Replacing log books, and torn Ziplocs and perhaps duct taping a cracked container. Major repairs should be left to the owner.

[power69]

Straight-Cache-Homey, on 20 April 2012 - 10:20 AM, said:

? I just throw down film canninsters everywhere I think there should be a cache?

Isn't that the correct thing to do?

if you cant find it, sure. throw down a film cannister. owners like free containers
my "a work of art" and "swim with the sharks" get a steady stream of film cans. when i retrieve the throwdowns theres a stream of dnfs until someone throws down another.
art is a 4.5 and sharks is a 5.