When I first started caching I had the fortune of bumping into MADSTARS. He introduced me to the concept of Caching Karma. He, and I now, believe that whilst you are out caching and come across a problem with a cache YOU fix it. Not simply report the problem in the log for the owner to fix. The Karma being that if everyone does this then in time your caches will be repaired by others and reduce maintainance and improve the enjoyment for the next finder.
This is done for a number of reasons, firstly to just be a good person and help a friend. Secondly the owner does not always live in the area. Take for instance Big Matt and Shell who have moved a few times and still have caches in Canberra and South Coast. It is difficult for them to get back to the caches. After all they are not deprived of anything by archiving the caches but future finders are deprived of finding a good cache. Thirdly, the owner is not always in the game. A lot of good caches are still out in the wild with the owner having long left the game.
There are different levels of maintainence I know, but the most common is wet logs. It is very easy to replace a log if it wet. You don’t even need a printed log just some sort of paper to place in the cache. You can then log the fact that you replaced it until the owner can get there and replace it. My pet hate is seeing LOG FULL. I have never seen a full log yet. The rules say that you have to write your name on the log to claim a find, well, write over someone elses name. This means that you have both met the requirements for logging the cache. Carry a sharpie, that makes it easy to write over pen and pencil. But you should also carry a peice of paper, business card, shopping docket, etc, anything is good as a replacement log.
I also carry plastic bags, duct tape, super glue, magnets and 35mm Film Canisters to make any repairs I can. I know you can’t alway help but you should always try. Remember your not helping the owner but finders of which you are one!
What are your thoughts on the matter. Happy caching in the School Holidays.
