Post by Pir8sOld&New on Sept 15, 2014 13:34:22 GMT
Ok, you plan to visit a cache to: Discover it, collect it's D/T, Clear off map, Collect it's age. Etc..
But the cache owner hasn't logged online in months/years and the cache has DNF's/Need Maintenance,
and/or
You arrive to discover it is well and truly gone because it's been damaged/destroyed in it's location, and after a long period of time, and many stones/logs turned over, just not there!
What do you do? Replace it or leave it alone? Report it or ignore it?
I went out to grab a cache for the Jasmer Challenge and break in the new car and discovered that the cache I was after had been hidden in the hedge line high up and since it's last 'finding' the hedge has been cut and no sign of the cache anywhere.. Looked everywhere!
I went online there, to discover the CO hasn't been on GC in 4 years! What is the right and wrong thing to do?
Would it be wrong to replace a cache that doesn't belong to you, just to discover it? To help it continue because of it's Age/DT/location ? Like some help with this please.
IMO the correct answer is 'No, even if they haven't logged it, then it should be archived.'
But I have performed maintenance including replacing boxes, rightly or wrongly. Not for personal gain of grid completions but to keep the enjoyment going for others. The correct thing to do would be to get it archived and then place another in it's place if I really wanted to keep bringing others to the location. But with owning another cache comes added maintenance responsibilities..
I made a mistake meant to say 'logged in' not 'logged it' :/
But yes, this is why the question is raised, I only replace logs normally if full or container damaged and I can swap like for like. I don't like claiming caches unfound original.
I think the only time I've replaced a missing cache has either been when the CO has asked for the next visiting cacher to do so or when I've 'talked' to the CO and replaced it with their permission on their behalf.
Certainly, I've replaced caches where part of it was still in place or just broken and I do carry spare logs/sealing bags with me.
But, IMHO, I think if a cache has gone and the CO not caching any more, then the cache has had its day and should go, making room for a new cache. If it is a special cache, I would try and contact the owner to see if they wish to maintain it or let me take over e.g. Glorious Gloucestershire