Full Logs and Replacing

[Sparse Grey Hackle]

For the most part we are set to replace log sheets / baggies etc.

If not, the Blondie Bloodhound has made it an art of coming up with a strip from a cache page print out. 😆

We also try to take note any previous logs of “log full” etc and just as a matter of fact help out our fellow cachers. No big eddy.

Up in the Nort Woods we have encountered caches in the past that have had many posts of “log full” comments…that have just gone ignored (sadly).

It only takes minute or two to add something to help out.

[amita17]

I have put blank pieces of paper in caches with full logs. But if the log is damp, that is kind of useless; it just makes for another damp log. I don’t know where you get the “official” logs, so that is why I just put in paper. And while I am responding, I don’t know where to get the really small plastic bags…craft stores?

In my log, I will note the need for a new log, or if I put paper in, or if the log is nearing capacity. I will note if it is damp. I did a NM log once for this, but then read the forums that most owners think NM logs are overused for small things that cachers could bring, such as a log or a bag, so I don’t post NM logs for that anymore. I would not replace a container unless asked.

[marc_54140]

I bought a bag of bags at the local hardware store. They use they for screws, bolts, etc. Ask to buy 100.

Wet logs? I do not want them. Throw them away! Thanks…….

[raslas]

amita17 wrote:

And while I am responding, I don’t know where to get the really small plastic bags…craft stores?

As for little bags, look in the craft section at Walmart-that’s where I found mine.

We don’t post NM we usually will put in our find log that the log sheet is full. If I have a log with I will add it but never take the full one.

[zuma]

@seldom|seen wrote:

I’m curious about this aspect of the sport as I typically use smallish log sheets and hardly ever anything like a full size log book. While this serves the purpose for most of my caches which hover around the 10-20-30 finds range, a few of the easier ones get more traffic and hence more signatures and full sheets.

I try to make it clear to anyone who visits an S|S cache with a full log to go ahead and replace it. I don’t have any interest in keeping old logs or care one iota if they get replaced, yet I frequently get Needs Maintenance logs for “log sheet is full” or “the log was damp so we couldn’t sign it”. My question is, “Why?” Is is that difficult to carry a few spare log sheets when you’re caching in case you come across a cache with a full log? Or is everyone that anxious about removing full log sheets even when they
have no more space, are damp or just plain worthless.

Lot of interesting responses to your question. I liked best Bec’s weeds in the garden analogy, and think that is right about discarding or saving the log in the cache. It is the property of the cache owner to do with what they please, so I would be reluctant to discard it, though I have, in cases when the log is just a bunch of mush, and replaced it with a replacement log. I have maintained quite a few caches along the way, and seen a lot of others that I chose not to, either because of the known preferences of the cache owner or more often because it is a junk cache.

In truth, my practice of maintaining other people’s caches varys greatly depending on whether I know the cache owner or not and whether it is a decent cache or not. If the cache is in a cache worthy location, I am much more likely to replace the log than if the cache is just another disposable cache in a non-interesting location.

Really, people who throw film cans in the bushes in just another boring place should not be expecting other people to maintain their disposable cache. Also, people who place nanos get no help from me, as the cache owner placed it with full knowledge that it would not last long and if that is the kind of cache they want to place, then that is the type of cache they can maintain. Plus, nanos dont have room for an extra sheet, and like I said the existing log is someone else’s property so I would never add a log to a nano.

That said, I have added new log books many many times to caches along the way, often carry spares, and will continue to do so for non-junk caches.

zuma

[Todd300]

I always forget to take log sheets with me when I go out caching. But I do plan on printing out a whole bunch of sheets and put them in a folder and put the folder in my back pack. Then I’ll replace other logs as needed. I also have those little bags from the craft department at Wallyworld.

In addition, there are a few caches in my area that are owned by others who don’t live here, so I help maintain those caches for them..I replaced one log book that was wet for Sweetlife and one of Bartrod’s caches went missing, so I replaced that cache for him as well.

I’m doing a maintenance run this weekend on my caches due to the rains we are getting. More info on that on my blog.

[gotta run]

@amita17 wrote:

And while I am responding, I don’t know where to get the really small plastic bags…craft stores?
.

We buy them as “jewelry bags” at Hobby Lobby. Two different mini-sizes.

On the Left Side of the Road...

[furfool]

I have to agree with some of the prior posts. It is the cache owner’s responsibility to maintain their cache. However, if I am able to do some routine maintenance to help out and save the owner a trip, I will. I don’t always carry spare items with me when I cache though. I usually have some things in a bag that go with me, however, I’m usually to empty headed to grab it when I leave the vehicle.

[Northern Lightz]

We went to a puzzle/multi..when we got to the cache the log book was missing all we had with us was a sheet of paper. We placed it in the log and PM the owner letting them know. The owner was very greatful and sent us back a message. Larger caches we may put in another log but never take out the old one, any messages in the log was meant for the owner. If it was a micro we may not replace, depending on the situation.

[seldom|seen]

Lot’s of great feedback everyone and thanks for keeping it all about the topic in question.

I do have many caches out there as some of you know and the vast majority rarely need any constant monitoring since they get relatively little traffic.

I also do try to get out and check up on my caches with some kind of regularity and I also expect sheets to get full on a few of them. But then I have a handfull that are some distance away and for those I need to rely on Trailbosses and the generosity and good caching practices of other cachers.

I agree with all the comments about the owner’s responsibility to maintain. In the same breathe, however, I’d also suggest it’s everyone’s else’s responsibility to properly close and re-hide caches the way the owner intended them to be and most of the cache headaches I get have to do with the latter, which has led to broken, damp or muggled caches. I make this point only to suggest that it’s not ALL on the owner’s shoulders to keep their caches in good shape. We rely heavily on the caching community at large to keep them in good working order too.

But that’s getting off on another tangent. My veiled request here is to suggest to anyone who comes across a “full” sheet in an otherwise serviceable cache, with no apparent issues, would be welcome to add another log sheet instead of posting an NM log. If you come across a damp log and it was due to an improperly closed cache, I’d expect the same treatment. Now, if the cache has issues, by all means post an NM log, that’s what it’s for. I am just reacting to what appear to be mostly new cachers using the NM log for a minor issue when really all they had to do was add a slip of paper and move on.

[-cheeto-]

The answer to combating the full log? Hide one like this: GC1Z8CC

[Miata]

It is rare for me to replace a log. An owner would have to ask for the next finder to add a sheet or replace before I would do so.

[Team Deejay]

I will always add logs or bags when needed and POSSIBLE. When finding a wet log, it is often very difficult to fit a new log in without it becoming wet as well. What I have done once in a while is to place the wet log in a new bag and hide it somewhere nearby, emailing the owner. In all the cases where I have done this except one, the cache has then gone missing eventually, with people claiming a find for finding the bag with the wet log, so I’m not sure this is such a good idea.

I think the real answer is that you should only place the number of caches that you are able to maintain well.

[cheezehead]

@gotta run wrote:

@amita17 wrote:

And while I am responding, I don’t know where to get the really small plastic bags…craft stores?
.

We buy them as “jewelry bags” at Hobby Lobby. Two different mini-sizes.

Wally World sells them too.

[Captain and Mate]

@Team Deejay wrote:

I think the real answer is that you should only place the number of caches that you are able to maintain well.

We’ll give a big “Amen” to that!

[Author]

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