RidingRing Traditional Geocache
SCWB: It appears that the cache has been muggled, or absconded with, or otherwise lost in action. I will be taking it out of service.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This is a traditional cache located just off a well travelled hiking trail. The location and cache contents are oriented to kids and geocaching beginners. Check out the notes about the area's history in the long description below. If driving, be sure to park and enter at noted parking places to avoid trespassing on private property (see associated waypoint list.)
This cache is the size of a loaf of bread and clearly visible from the correct angle. No camouflage is needed for the casual passerby. It is a half-mile hike from off-road parking at the two noted waypoints (don't park anywhere else.) Use the link for Related Web Page to get the official trail guide for this area; it will help you find the best way in to the cache to avoid crossing private property. Watch out for the PI, and the ticks in high grass in the area. This cache is intended for the novice geocacher and is very kid friendly – a quick find to build your confidence.
The cleared area immediately to the southwest of the cache used to be a riding ring for a horse farm (hence the cache name). The extension of nearby Barteau Lane to the south with its new homes was developed on the old farm called High Pastures. The local Boxborough Conservation Trust was started for the purposes of trying to save that farm from being developed back in 1997. Unfortunately, the farm fell to the bulldozer, although a good portion was saved and given to the Town. This protected area is now called the Have Not Pond conservation area. It links up to several other conservation areas through a network of trails. Check out Boxborough’s town website for more on these if you are interested. The Town and the BCTrust do a great job of maintaining the trail system. I hope you will take some time to enjoy them.
The trail into the cache crosses a short bridge over an inlet to Have Not Pond. An interesting bit of history: the pond was built by the owner of High Pastures Farm with the help of several neighbors back in the early 1900’s as a swimming hole for those in town that did not have a pond to swim in, hence “Have Not Pond”.
Just through the trees to the east of the cache is another farm (still private, though), called Walnut Farm, that still has horses, sheep and some lamas to scare the coyotes away from the sheep (yes, they do that very well.) You may be able see and hear them as you walk around.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx oruvaq gur ovt gerr