Nature Bats Last...Horse Pasture Pond Traditional Cache
poudrecacher: We thank all of you for all the wonderful geocaching memories...you are mighty fine folks. A special thanks go out to Denali41 who hooked us on geocaching years ago. Keep the spirit alive...cache on! Miss Katie, Sturgie, Bear & Stevie
Nature Bats Last...Horse Pasture Pond
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Head a short ways west up Rist Canyon and enter the Watson Lake SWA. Stay to the left and park at the white sign with the green letters PARKING AREA. Walk 5 yards north and take the well-used trail on your left. NO NEED TO GO OVER THE FENCE OR THROUGH IT. Good luck!
Welcome to Watson Lake...formerly known as the Bellvue Gravel Pit Lake then later Bellvue Lake. In 1954, the name was changed to Watson Lake in honor of Dr. Harold Watson who was the president of the Colorado Game and Fish Commission back then.
Our focus is on the quiet little pond located southwest of Watson Lake...Horse Pasture Pond. Indeed, it's been a pasture for horses used in the backcountry by game wardens for years. Historically, this pond was often over-looked by the public...Sturgie and I included. Back in the day, Horse Pasture Pond was reserved strictly for youth fishing: fifteen years of age or younger. Due to very little youth fishing activity over the years, the youth restriction was removed by the Colorado Wildlife Commission as of May 1, 2008.
"Removing the youth restriction on Horse Pasture Pond is intended to increase the fishing opportunity on the property, providing a better fishing experience for all anglers while still providing a quality enjoyable fishery for youth." Today, the pond provides bluegill, large and smallmouth bass, perch, and catfish.
Though Watson Lake is fed by the Cache La Poudre River on the northeast side, Horse Pasture Pond is mostly just a tablewater pond. Hours are one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset...no overnight camping allowed. Take time to enjoy the hogback to the east known as the Bellvue Bluffs or Bellevue Dome or Goat hill. Golden eagles nest yearly on the north end of the hogback. White-throated swifts nest toward the south end each year. We've seen black-crowned night herons here quite often.
You never know when the water in Horse Pasture Pond will be high or low, it fluctuates a lot. Oh well, guess She's still a battin' last, eh? Be sure to check out the other cool geocaches around Watson Lake...have fun!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fnzr uvag nf TP1JRAI.