This cache is placed for MiGO Winter Social GCAV1E6. Y'all come join the fun!
The Pony Express was the first "Express" mail delivery across the United States, running between Missouri and California. The first run in April 1860 was a publicity stunt, with hopes of securing a Military or government contract. A relay of riders rode horses day and night to complete the route in 10 days, much faster than the coaches that ran up to that time.
Riders were generally less than 18 years old and were required to weigh less than 125 pounds. Each rider carried the mail satchel across his saddle, a waterskin, and a revolver. They swapped horses at stations placed every 10-15 miles along the route where they also got a bite to eat before racing down the trail. Riders ran about 75 to 100 miles before being relieved by the the next rider. They faced dangers from weather, rough terrain, Native attacks, and wild animals. They were paid about $100 per month.
The Pony Express never did secure a large contract and went bankrupt in about 18 months with the completion of the Transcontinental Telegraph.
The cache is not at the posted coordinates. Start there and follow the directions to find the cache.
Starting at the trailhead, there is a pet waste station. Walk in the direction of a large grey electric box about 80 feet. Turn right on the paved trail. You will be on this trail for a while. Pass between two white poles. You will pass Kevin's bench on the left. About 140 feet beyond the bench, turn right off of the paved trail. Go toward the large solitary pine tree to the NE, and past the tree until you find a trail post with blue arrows. Turn right and continue down the trail about 400 feet. On your right, look for a cluster of medium trees on top of a small hill. The cache will be found somewhere in this grove.
This cache is one in a series. Be sure to collect information for the bonus cache GCB2470.