Since some may consider the caches nothing more than litter, players take great pains to keep them out of view, but not so hidden that they can't be found. Players also must be responsible about what they leave in caches, with matches and weapons examples of what should not be left behind, Kier says. Kier had left dog biscuits, batteries, a water bottle, chewing gum, sun block, a toy compass, a toy plane and other items when he first hid the cache. Opening the plastic box, he finds a few people have signed his log book. The chewing gum and some toys are missing, and someone has left behind a poncho and some flower seeds.
Most cache items are inexpensive but fun treats, but they can be more exciting finds.
Greg Hamerly, a computer science graduate student at UC San Diego, said he has discovered a Gulf War medal and a ring from Ireland in caches, although he left both behind. Last time I got Silly Putty. Doss has left bottle rockets, VHS tapes, Mexican money, cassette tapes from his pastor and copies of the New Testament. GPS devices can be valuable, even life-saving, for hikers who are in unfamiliar territory, or they could just be handy to have if you park your car in a large, unmarked lot. But in reality, there really isn't much need on an average day to know your exact coordinates on Earth, which is why geocaching was invented.