Extreme Maintainers: Geocaching Edition
Any cache owner knows that owning a cache requires a lot of maintenance. This might include carrying a maintenance kit when going caching, having a regular “cache maintenance schedule,” or something totally unique to you!
We asked geocachers how they go above and beyond for cache maintenance. Here are some of their inspiring responses:
As soon as I can after a “Needs Maintenance” log I go, and always take everything I might possibly need to maintain any other caches in the area, just in case.
-Dams Gingreau Leconte
I’ve typically got 3 levels of maintenance packs going around with me…
-thebruce0
Level 1: The mobile supply – In the geomobile, a case or bags with the larger quantity of geocache materials – logsheets, baggies, a variety of cache containers and sizes (sometimes an ammo can or two), camo tape, writing utensils, attachment accessories, general swag. Additionally, big-ticket cache-accessing TOTTs (ladder, chest waders, etc), of course!
Level 2: The day pack – For when I’m not at the geomobile for a good amount of time, and just for general quicker access – my backpack contains a handful of each of the above. A ziplock of logsheets or pads, scissors, multitool, a handful of writing utensils, a larger bag of bag varieties, zip ties, a few bison tubes and other smaller containers. Additionally, cache-retrieving TOTTs (retractable stick, magnets, batteries, etc), of course! And camera and other fun equipment.
Level 3: The on-hand supply – For when I know there’s a maintenance issue, or I’m on a quick, casual geocaching run, only the essentials – a small sack or sling, or sometimes my larger jacket inside pocket will suffice. A prepared container or two, travel bugs on hand, a pen or two, a couple of twist ties, maybe a bit of swag. Additionally, a few common log retrieval TOTTs (tweezers, screwdriver, etc), of course!
When something does go wrong, I look for the underlying cause and try to come up with a solution that will prevent it from happening again. I had a plastic container that got washed away in a flood so I replaced it with a heavy steel box further weighed down with a couple of large fishing sinkers epoxied into the bottom so it isn’t buoyant even if fully submerged.
-barefootjeff
I read each log or Write Note. I will check any DNF, change the logbook as soon as it is wet or full. Then, I’ll come by for a check-up if the cache hasn’t had a visit for a long time. An arduous Mystery without a visit is normal, but a Traditional in a busy place without a visit for three months deserves a check. All my caches are around my home or work, so I am immediately available without it affecting my daily life.
-Ipln Géocaching
A simple tool I use to help with routine visit scheduling is a Word document listing each cache and the date of my last visit, sorted in order of date. Whenever I visit a cache, I move its entry to the top of the list so I can easily see which caches might be due for a check.
-barefootjeff
I only hide as much as I can reasonably take care in a timely fashion.
-l0ne.r
What are some ways that you, or someone you know, go above and beyond for cache maintenance?
