How to log a geocoin

[Trecker404]

Hi Folks, a little confused here... so whats new you ask?

I have physically retreived a CG from a cache and now want to log this on Geocaching.com.

The coin is listed on the cache page - I go to the inventory area and click on the coin - log visit.

Select the retreive option.

It then asks for a 'Tracking code' - is this the code in <use xxxxxx to reference this item> or do I enter the ID number stamped on the GC itself?

Sorry it this is rather a lame question, still getting into this and want to be sure these GCs dont go AWOL because I 'loose' them in the on line tracking log.

[Mrs Blorenge]

You use the tracking code that's stamped on the geocoin itself.

The tracking code/number that you find on any trackable item (a geocoin or a travel bug) is the one that allows you to log retrieves and drop-offs of that item and also 'discovered' logs. (You should use the 'discovered' option if you've seen the item somewhere but you haven't retrieved it to move it onwards.) The tracking number should always be kept private - Don't write it into any logs or public places like the forums - It should be known only to the owner of the trackable and those cachers who have actually seen the item.

If you want to refer to a particular TB or geocoin in a log, or in a forum post, then you use the reference number that you mentioned. The ref number always starts with TB***** and it allows someone to search and bring up the page for the item to look at the details but it doesn't allow them to move it anywhere.

Incidentally, if you just want to put a 'Note' log onto a trackable page at any time you can do that without having to use the tracking number.

I always suggest that it's good practice to make a note of the tracking number of any trackable as soon you retrieve it from a cache. That way if anything goes wrong when you do the logging (e.g. You accidentally drop it off into the wrong cache, or you place it into another cache half an hour later before you've done the 'retrieved it' log) you can always correct any errors.

[ardip912]

Thought I'd made a right faux pas logging my first trackable thingy. Appears I got it about right. Still learning.

[ardip912]

Hi,

Discovered a TB in a cache today. Knowing I couldn't move it on sensibly, I recorded its number so that I could log a 'discovered'

The cache inventory does not show the TB and on checking with geocaching.com trackables, it says it is in the possession of the owner in the USA. (It appears to be a tattoo)

I'm at a bit of a loss of what action I can or should take.

Any help, anyone?

Allan.

[martybartfast]

Could it be that the person currently holding it just hasn't had time to log it into that cache yet? Perhaps they left it in the cache while on holiday and will log it when they return?

I would say, log it as "Discovered" and explain on the log where it was when you saw it, then at least anyone else seeing it will have some idea of how long the the TB has been misplaced.

If you're sure that the person currently shown as holding it isn't going to log it into the cache then you could grab it from him/her, and put it in the cache yourself, but don't do this unless you're certain.

I'd also put it on my watchlist to see what happens with it.



EDIT: Just noticed the bit about the Tattoo, which makes the above a bit nonsensical. Perhaps you've made a mistake recording the TB code? Or else someone has a tattoo TB and has also released an item with the original tag. What's the bug code? (not the 'secret' one on the TB but the one beginning TB on the bugs home page).

[ardip912]

Thanks for your help. The code is TB21TAR and I found iit in GC1RJBH.

I'm not that experienced handling TB's.

Regards,

Allan.