One of the unique aspects of geocaching is to find and move trackable items. Trackables, or travelers, are designed to allow the owner to travel virtually throughout the world. Many cachers will pick up these items in a physical or event cache and move them as they geocache. As the traveler is logged, pictures are attached, providing a photo history of its travels.

The fun of a trackable is to follow its adventures as it moves from cache to cache. They can move thousands of miles and across continents as they attempt to complete 'missions' that the owner has assigned.

Trackable items can come in two varieties, a 'dog tag' with a special identifying number that you attach to a personal item, or a specially minted coin with a tracking number engraved on the coin.

It is custom to only hold on to a trackable for a maximum of two weeks before placing it into another cache. If you plan on holding it longer, it is proper etiquette to contact the owner and let them know. 

But what happens when your item sits in a cache for months on end? There may be valid reasons.  Sometimes cachers do not want the responsibility of moving the trackable, so they will leave it. Or the item my have been logged into the incorrect cache, incorrectly giving the impression that it is missing.

Sometimes, a new cacher may make the mistake of thinking the trackable is actually a trade item. Try not to be too hard on them, remember, they are learning the sport.

As a cacher, it is good to inventory the items in a cache you find, and compare it later to the inventory list. Write a note in the cache log if you determine it is missing. The cache owner can mark the trackable as missing to remove it from the cache inventory list. 

Cache owners, as part of your regular cache maintenance, you should perform the same content inventory.

But as a trackable owner, all is not lost. A new website, Travel Bug Rescue, can help. Set up an account and add a trackable you own. Cachers will access the website and see if they are near the cache, and will attempt a rescue.

I have a trackable that has been sitting in a cache for several weeks. I normally would not be worried, but it has a time sensitive mission. BSA Race to 2010 - Denver Area Council needs to make the Boy Scout National Jamboree by late July.

Keep those trackables moving!

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More information on geocaching is found on the Centennial State Geocaching Podcast.