Caching with Craig

Category: Geocoins

  • The GeoCoin Gallery: Las Vegas Dice Edition

    Welcome to the first post in my new monthly series — The GeoCoin Gallery — where I’ll be sharing some of the Geocoins and trackables currently on display in my home office. Think of it as a little peek inside my Geocaching collection, one case at a time.

    A Two-for-One from GeoCoinFest 2013

    We’re kicking things off with a two-for-one special! Both of these coin sets come from GeoCoinFest 2013 in Las Vegas, and fun fact — they even share the same tracking code.

    That event was my first-ever Mega Event, and I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t really a Geocoin collector at the time (at least not yet), but looking back, this might have been where the collecting spark began.

    The Classic Las Vegas Dice

    In true Las Vegas style, the first set of coins I brought home are designed as dice. They look just like the kind you’d find in any casino on the Strip — only these are special. One side features the event logo, while the other carries the tracking code.

    Simple, clean, and unmistakably Vegas.

    The Silver Set

    The second set from the event takes things up a notch — they’re made of real silver, a fitting tribute to Nevada, the Silver State.

    You can spot the shine difference in the photo — I polished one up to bring back that extra bit of sparkle. These might be among my favorite pieces, not just because they’re striking, but because they remind me where this whole collecting journey really began.

    Current Goal

    To represent GeoCoinFest 2013 in style!
    This silver-and-red set now calls my display case home, where it reminds me of my first Mega Event and the start of my Geocoin journey.

    These dice aren’t travelers; they’ve earned a permanent spot in the display case. But if you’d like to discover them, you can use the tracking code below:

    LV93JK

    Event Details

    GeoCoinFest 2013 – Las Vegas, Nevada
    View on Geocaching.com →

    Final Thoughts

    That weekend in Las Vegas marked the beginning of my Geocoin-collecting adventure — and what better place to roll the dice on something new?

    Here’s to shiny souvenirs, great caching stories, and the community that makes this game so much fun.

    See you next month for the next stop in The GeoCoin Gallery!

  • Moun10 Bike: Pedaling Through Geocaching Adventures

    The Pocket-Sized Pedal Pal

    Whether it’s a quick neighborhood loop or a full-day ride, the Moun10 Bike geocoin is always geared up for the next two-wheeled adventure. Small enough to fit in a jersey pocket or tuck neatly into a frame bag, Moun10 Bike is the perfect companion for any cycling enthusiast. This trackable is more than just a collectible; it’s a symbol of the joy and freedom found on two wheels.

    Current Mission: Travel via Bicycle to as Many Caches as Possible

    The Moun10 Bike geocoin’s mission is clear: travel via bicycle to as many caches as possible. This goal aligns perfectly with the spirit of geocaching—exploring the outdoors, discovering hidden treasures, and embracing adventure. By encouraging its journey through various caches, Moun10 Bike not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a deeper connection with the geocaching community.

    Tracking the Journey

    To follow Moun10 Bike’s travels, visit its trackable map. This interactive map provides real-time updates on the geocoin’s location, allowing enthusiasts to see where it has been and where it’s headed next. It’s a testament to the global reach and community spirit of geocaching.

    A Legacy of Adventure

    The Moun10 Bike geocoin was created by Jon Stanley, known in the geocaching community as Moun10Bike. He is credited with placing the first geocoin in a cache near Deception Pass in Washington State, USA, marking the beginning of a new era in geocaching. His innovation has inspired countless others to create and share their own trackables, enriching the geocaching experience for all.

    Join the Ride

    My personal Moun10 Bike coin is a loyal companion—it stays with me, pedaling along every ride and keeping all the memories of my journeys close. It’s not meant to be left in caches; its story unfolds only as I explore on two wheels.

    However, other Moun10 Bike coins are out in the world, waiting to be discovered in caches by fellow geocachers. If you find one of these, you have the chance to take it along on your own cycling adventure. Log its travels, snap a photo, and release it to continue the chain of exploration. Each ride adds a new chapter to the coin’s story, connecting geocachers across neighborhoods, cities, and countries—and creating a shared journey of adventure and discovery that goes far beyond a single rider’s path.

    Final Thoughts

    The Moun10 Bike geocoin is more than just a trackable; it’s a celebration of the geocaching community’s spirit of adventure and camaraderie. Its journey is a reminder that every cache found is an opportunity to explore, connect, and create lasting memories. So, saddle up and join Moun10 Bike on its quest to discover new caches and make the world a little smaller, one pedal at a time.

  • My Sta2Key Geocoin: 180,000+ Miles of Adventure

    If there’s one thing I never leave home without, it’s my Sta2Key Geocoin. Officially activated on June 23, 2012, in Nevada, United States, this gold ROT13 Decoder Key Chain geocoin has been riding shotgun on my geocaching journey—and every other journey, really—for over 13 years. As of today (July 14, 2025), it’s clocked a staggering 180,255.7 miles.

    More Than Just a Coin

    This isn’t just any geocoin. The Sta2Key was the very first trackable my family bought for me when I began geocaching. At the time, I’d already found over 300 caches (oops—should’ve started logging those miles sooner!). From that day forward, it’s been attached to my GPS device like a loyal sidekick, helping me decode cache hints on the fly and adding an extra layer of geeky fun to the hunt.

    A Little History—and Mystery—Behind the Coin

    Designed as a functional ROT13 decoder, this geocoin celebrates one of the quirkiest parts of geocaching: secret hints written in cipher. ROT13, short for “rotate by 13 places,” was used way back in the 1st century BC, allegedly by Julius Caesar himself (and hey, rumor has it he loved geocaching, too). The cipher simply swaps each letter for the one 13 places down the alphabet—making it perfect for keeping geocache hints secret unless you’re in the know.

    Whenever I spot a cryptic hint like “Guvf vf n fznyy pbyhza,” my Sta2Key is ready to reveal the answer (“This is a small column,” in case you’re wondering).

    Ride-or-Die Trackable

    Unlike most trackables that travel from cache to cache, my Sta2Key is a true personal traveler. It’s permanently attached to my keychain—meaning it goes wherever I go, whether I’m hiking up mountain trails, navigating city streets for urban caches, or simply making a late-night grocery run. It’s less “trackable in the wild” and more “can’t-leave-home-without-it.”

    Want to Follow Along?

    Curious where my Sta2Key has been? You can check out its travel bug map and see its globetrotting adventures here: Sta2Key Geocoin Map.

    It’s incredible how a little gold decoder has become such a huge part of my caching story. Here’s to many more miles—and many more secrets decoded.