Caching with Craig

Category: Trackables

  • Trackable Tales: Day of the Dead Tag

    Trackable Name: Day of the Dead Tag
    Tracking Goal: To visit geocaches in or near cemeteries, memorials, or historic sites that honor those who came before us.
    Map of Travels: See its journey so far →

    Meet the Traveler

    Some trackables are all about miles. Others are about moments.
    The Day of the Dead Tag belongs to the second kind.

    This small traveler began its journey in October 2023 as part of the Cache Advance Cache Crate, inspired by the colorful traditions of Día de los Muertos — Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Adorned with vibrant symbols of remembrance, this tag set out into the world to celebrate life, memory, and connection.

    Each stop it makes is a candle lit for remembrance. Each photo it gathers is a story shared.

    The Mission

    The Day of the Dead Tag travels to places that honor those who came before us — cemeteries, memorials, and historic sites filled with stories of the past.
    Its mission is to remind geocachers that every place, like every person, has a story worth celebrating.

    If you find it, move it to a cache that carries a sense of history or reflection. Capture a photo of the spot — quiet, beautiful, or meaningful — and add your story to its journey.

    Tracking the Journey

    You can follow its progress and see where it’s been on the Day of the Dead Tag travel map.
    Each log and photograph adds another layer to its story — a collection of moments of remembrance from geocachers around the world.

    Why It’s Special

    Unlike a Halloween trinket, this tag isn’t about fear — it’s about connection.
    Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life, color, and continuity: marigolds and sugar skulls, laughter and reflection.

    The Day of the Dead Tag carries that spirit as it moves from place to place, reminding us that memory and joy can walk hand in hand.
    Every cache it visits becomes a small altar of stories — a place where the past and present meet, even for a moment.

    Join the Journey

    If you discover the Day of the Dead Tag, help it along its path of remembrance.
    Move it to a new location that honors memory — a cemetery, a historic landmark, or a quiet place of reflection — and share a photo or note from your visit.

    Every place tells a story.
    Every log keeps the memory alive.
    Let’s see how many stories this small traveler can carry.

    Trackable Details: View on Geocaching.com →
    Map of Travels: View Map →

  • Lost and Trackable: The Racketeer Geocoin

    Welcome to the first installment of Lost and Trackable—a monthly series where I tell the story of one of my trackables that went out into the wild with great hopes, only to vanish somewhere along the way. Maybe it’s sitting forgotten in the bottom of a backpack. Maybe it’s in a drawer next to a handful of foreign coins and mismatched batteries. Or maybe, just maybe, it will resurface in a cache someday. But let’s be honest… probably not.

    This month’s tale: The Racketeer Geocoin

    Setting the Scene

    Back in 2012, Doubleday (John Grisham’s publisher) released a special promotion for his novel The Racketeer. They minted 5,000 shiny Racketeer Geocoins and sent them out across the U.S. The goal was simple: let them travel far and wide, and along the way, geocachers could enter a photo contest on Grisham’s Facebook page.

    No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. (Yes, even my trackable came with fine print.)

    How It Began

    On October 14, 2012, I “dipped” the coin into its first cache—just to start the mileage counter. For the uninitiated, dipping means you log it as having visited a cache, but you don’t actually leave it there. Think of it as stamping a passport without moving countries.

    A few weeks later, I passed the coin along in person to a Canadian couple, hurleyanne, over breakfast. They became the coin’s first official couriers, and I had visions of it traveling the globe, racking up miles, and maybe even making its way back to me someday.

    The Adventure

    From there, the coin zigzagged across North America, hitching rides from cache to cache. Its travels looked promising—like the start of a John Grisham novel where you just know there are going to be twists and turns.

    But unlike Grisham, the suspense here had no payoff.

    The Vanishing Act

    The last log for The Racketeer Geocoin was on May 29, 2015, when it was retrieved from a cache in California. And then—silence.

    For nearly a decade, I’ve occasionally reached out to the last known holder, but I never heard back. At some point you just have to call it: the trackable is gone. Whether it was misplaced, forgotten, or quietly adopted into someone’s private collection (despite the description clearly stating “This is not collectible”), it’s no longer traveling.

    So earlier this year, I officially marked it missing on Geocaching.com.

    What’s Next?

    Maybe one day it will reappear, dusted off and dropped into a cache by accident. Stranger things have happened. If not, I’ve considered re-creating the trackable using a copy of the book itself. At least then the story could continue, even if the original coin never returns.

    In the meantime, you can still discover and log The Racketeer Geocoin using the code: JG40NV.

    Closing Thoughts

    Every trackable has a story. Some are epic journeys across continents, others disappear after a few miles. The Racketeer Geocoin falls somewhere in between—full of promise, cut short too soon.

    And that’s the fun (and frustration) of trackables. Once you let them go, you never really know what’s going to happen.

    Stay tuned for next month’s chapter in Lost and Trackable. Who knows which ghost of geocaching past I’ll dig up next?

  • Trackable Tales: Cachekinz – Gopher?

    Welcome to the very first edition of Trackable Tales! On the first Tuesday of every month, I’ll be highlighting a geocaching trackable that’s currently on the move. Each one has its own story, goal, and adventures to share.

    This month’s feature: Cachekinz – Gopher?

    Meet the Traveler

    When this trackable was released, I wasn’t entirely sure what it was supposed to be. Their best guess? A gopher. But in true geocaching spirit, I left the door open for interpretation:

    “I think this is a gopher. If you think it is something else, please put your suggestion in the log.”

    So, whether you see a gopher, a groundhog, or maybe even a prairie dog, the important part is that this little critter is on the move!

    The Mission

    The Cachekinz – Gopher? has a simple but exciting goal:

    • To be discovered by others.
    • To travel across the United States.
    • To have its picture taken along the way.

    Every log, every photo, and every new cache is a step in this small traveler’s big adventure.

    Tracking the Journey

    Curious where the gopher has been so far? You can follow along on its official map of travels. Each stop tells a story of geocachers who picked it up, helped it move along, and captured memories through photos.

    Why It’s Special

    Part of the fun of geocaching trackables is that they aren’t just objects—they’re storytellers. With every log entry, Cachekinz – Gopher? becomes a little less anonymous and a little more alive. Whether it’s tucked into a small-town cache, carried on a road trip, or snapped in front of a landmark, it collects a patchwork of experiences from people all over the country.

    Join the Journey

    If you ever come across Cachekinz – Gopher? in a cache near you:

    • Pick it up and help it travel to a new spot.
    • Snap a fun photo along the way.
    • Share your own guess—is it really a gopher, or something else entirely?

    That’s the magic of trackables: they turn geocaching into a global storytelling game, one log at a time.

    Stay tuned next month for another edition of Trackable Tales. Who knows what traveler we’ll meet next?

  • Puffin on the Trail – The Feathered First of My Trackable Friends

    Some geocachers collect coins, some trade swag, and me? I collect companions that ride along for the adventure. And this one’s special—it’s my first official trackable.

    Who is Puffin on the Trail?

    This little stuffed puffin was a gift from my daughter after her recent trip to Iceland. Soft, sturdy, and sporting that classic “I don’t care” puffin expression, he’s ready to tackle trails, climbs, and caches with me. Think of him as the perfect co-pilot for my mountain and gravel biking quests.

    Why He’s Joining the Adventure

    If you’ve read my last ramble about Icelandic Puffin – The feathered fuel for my mountain and gravel biking quests, you know he’s more than a keepsake. He’s my trail buddy, tucked into my hydropack, bouncing over rocks, mud, and hills that make you question your life choices.

    Now, as a trackable, he’s ready to meet new geocachers, explore new terrain, and leave a little feathered mark wherever he goes.

    Where He’s Headed

    His journey starts here, but who knows where he’ll go next? Will he stick to local trails, or wing his way across the globe? Every cache he visits will tell part of his story.

    👉 Follow Puffin on the Trail here

    A Note for Fellow Geocachers

    Puffin isn’t going anywhere on his own—he’ll be riding along with me on all my geocaching adventures. But you can still log your encounter with him, follow his journey on the map, and share your own trail stories. Think of him as a traveling companion who brings a little puffin-powered spirit to every cache we visit.

  • Hedwig Spreads His Wings

    Every geocacher has a few special companions who tag along on the trail. For me, one of those is Hedwig—a little owl with a big heart and even bigger travel dreams.

    You might remember from a previous post that Hedwig usually rides along in my pack, keeping quiet watch as I wander up dusty switchbacks or meander through pine-scented trails. He doesn’t need spells or charms—his superpower is a sharp eye for clever hides and a calm presence on long hikes.

    But Hedwig wasn’t always my sidekick. He actually came to me thanks to my daughter, fresh from her trip to London. What started as a fun souvenir idea has now taken flight as a bona fide trackable.

    The Mission

    Hedwig’s mission isn’t to rack up air miles or hop across borders. Instead, he’s a dedicated trail companion—joining me on local hikes, caching outings, and outdoor wanderings. His job is to keep watch from my pack, help sniff out those tricky hides, and add a little character to every adventure.

    The Map

    Want to follow along on Hedwig’s journey? Keep an eye on his travels here:
    👉 Track Hedwig’s Flights

    Final Thoughts

    Unlike most trackables, Hedwig won’t be hopping from cache to cache. He’s staying right here with me—tucked in my pack on every hike and caching adventure. His mission isn’t measured in miles traveled, but in the trails we climb, the logs we sign, and the stories we gather along the way.

    So if you happen to meet me out on the trail and spot Hedwig peeking out, say hello! He’s not going anywhere—except wherever the next adventure leads.

  • Meet London Bear: The Miniature Road-Trip Maestro

    London Bear is a pint‑sized plush, a token of curiosity and affection with origins across the pond. My daughter gifted him after spotting how lonely GeoSta2Key looked on adventures. I couldn’t argue with that—so London Bear joined the crew, small in size but big in spirit.

    The Role in the Crew

    In our trackable lineup, London Bear holds a sweet spot:

    • Resident road‑trip expert. Whether we’re cruising highways, exploring byways, or settling into a campsite with questionable Wi‑Fi, London Bear is always gripping the GPS—metaphorically, of course, though he might actually be leaning nearby.
    • Personality on wheels. He’s the kind of companion who knows where to find roadside oddities and scenic overlooks—perfect for a quick cache grab, snack break, or photo opp.

    London Bear “rolls with us on RV adventures, navigating the highways, backroads, and questionable campground Wi‑Fi with ease” — and that’s exactly his spirit here.

    A Mini Companion with Major Heart

    This little guy may not tower next to a GPS unit, but he’s already a veteran of winding routes, cache hunts, and that feeling of freedom you only get when the road stretches out ahead. Plus, he adds a cozy, ever‑present reminder of home, family, and whimsy—even when we’re navigating unfamiliar terrain.

    Track the Journey

    London Bear has seen miles. He’s crossed state lines, explored winding backroads, braved rainy campsites, and waited patiently between outings. And his logbook is still growing.

    Follow his journey here:
    📍 London Bear’s Travel Map

    Every stop on the map is a story. A cache, a memory, a step in a journey that started with a gift from my daughter and a little bear determined to keep GeoSta2Key company.

    Why London Bear Matters

    London Bear isn’t just another plush toy. He’s a symbol of connection—between daughter and dad, wanderlust and whimsy, tradition and new stories. He embodies how a small memento can spark bigger adventures and remind us, even on the open road, of the warmth of where we come from.

    So if you ever spot London Bear in a cache photo by some scenic overlook—you’ve met the mini road‑trip maestro who knows how to bring charm and style to every adventure.

    Stay Tuned for More Trackable Tales

    As with GeoSta2Key and the rest of the gang—which includes the loyal road warrior, the ride‑or‑die geocoin, the frequent‑flyer PSG Bear, plus Hedwig, Icelandic Puffin, and Moun10 Bike—London Bear brings his own flavor to the crew. Keep an eye out for more adventures, from highway cache hunts to silly detours and every scenic stop in between.

  • GeoSta2Key: The Road Warrior of Geocaching

    Back in 2018, the idea for a blog post was scribbled down — a tribute to a little stuffed animal who had quietly been racking up miles, joining cache hunts, and carving out its place in geocaching lore. But GeoSta2Key’s story started long before that. Its first cache find? 2015.

    GeoSta2Key isn’t just another trackable. It’s the first of our stuffed animal cache companions — the original plush pathfinder. The one who turned a quirky idea into a tradition. The road warrior who’s always ready, whether stuffed under the truck seat or leading the charge to the next find.

    From Fast Food Toy to FC Barcelona Legend

    GeoSta2Key started life as a Chick-fil-A cow, a funny little plush with the familiar “Eat Mor Chikin” message. At the time, it got tossed in with our hiking gear, more of a sidekick than a star — a soft, silly mascot for the trail.

    Then everything changed with one thoughtful gift.

    After a trip to Spain, my daughter brought back a tiny FC Barcelona jersey, and it happened to fit the cow perfectly. That was the moment. The Chick-fil-A cow became a fútbol-loving, travel-hardened geocaching legend — and GeoSta2Key was officially born.

    The First of the Plush Trackables

    Before there was a squad of stuffed mascots riding along for cache runs, there was just GeoSta2Key — always along for the ride, even when no one noticed. It might be hidden in the glovebox or stashed in a backpack, but when the adventure called for the full crew, GeoSta2Key made its surprise appearance — ready to log another find.

    It didn’t ask for attention. It just kept showing up. Quiet, dependable, and slowly earning its place as the original. It wasn’t long before it inspired others — more trackables, more plush companions, more personality-packed mascots joining the caching team.

    Track the Journey

    GeoSta2Key has seen miles. It’s crossed state lines, bushwhacked through overgrowth, braved bad weather, and waited patiently between outings. And its logbook is still growing.

    Follow its journey here:
    📍 GeoSta2Key’s Travel Map

    Every stop on the map is a story. A cache, a memory, a step in a journey that started with a stuffed cow and a jersey.

    Why It Matters

    GeoSta2Key is more than a toy. It’s a symbol of how the smallest, simplest things — a forgotten plush, a gift from your kid, a whim tossed into a backpack — can evolve into something meaningful. Something that tags along on real adventures. Something that starts a whole new tradition.

    So if you’re out geocaching and happen to find a signature from GeoSta2Key, you’ve met the trailblazer. The quiet legend. The one that started it all.

    🧭🐄⚽️

  • Coming Soon: Meet the Trackables

    Each of the following trackables has its own personality and purpose—kind of like the Avengers, but with less saving the world and more falling behind rocks. You’ll meet:

    • Geo-Sta2Key – The reliable road warrior. Always riding shotgun (or somewhere under the seat) in the truck, Geo-Sta2Key is ready for action whenever geocaching calls. While it usually hangs back, it’s been known to make surprise appearances alongside the other trackables when the adventure demands a full crew.
    • Sta2Key Geocoin – The ride-or-die of my caching crew. Permanently attached to my keychain, this geocoin goes everywhere I go—whether I’m geocaching, grocery shopping, or just wondering where I left my keys. It’s less “trackable” and more “can’t-leave-home-without-it.”
    • PSG Bear – My frequent flyer companion. This plush globetrotter has more airline miles than some pilots and always travels with me when I fly. Whether we’re hunting urban caches in big cities or just trying to survive airport security together, PSG Bear is the ultimate travel-sized caching sidekick.
    • London Bear – Our resident road trip expert. This bear rolls with us on RV adventures, navigating the highways, backroads, and questionable campground Wi-Fi with ease. If there’s a cache near a scenic overlook or roadside oddity, London Bear is already reaching for the GPS.
    • Hedwig – My trusty trail companion for local hikes. Whether we’re climbing dusty switchbacks or wandering through pine-scented paths, Hedwig is always along for the ride—perched quietly in my pack like a wise little sentinel. No magic spells, just solid caching instincts and a keen eye for sneaky hides.
    • Icelandic Puffin – The feathered fuel for my mountain and gravel biking quests. Tucked securely in my hydropack, this puffin joins me for the long hauls—up steep climbs, down rocky descents, and through the kind of terrain that makes you question your life choices. Lightweight, durable, and always down for the ride.
    • Moun10 Bike – The pocket-sized pedal pal. Whether it’s a quick neighborhood loop or a full-day ride, this little trackable comes along for every spin. Small enough to fit in a jersey pocket or tuck neatly into a frame bag, Mount10 Bike is always geared up for the next two-wheeled adventure.

    Each of these has a role to play in my caching adventures, and through them, I’ll share stories of near misses, surprise finds, and the occasional cactus encounter.

    So stay tuned, follow the journey, and remember—geocaching may be about the destination, but with the right trackable, the ride gets way more entertaining.