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The Pilgrim's Progress #6: Valley of Humiliation Mystery Cache

Hidden : 12/29/2009
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A series of six caches placed along a hiking trail. Please considercompleting the series in sequence - it is loosely coupled to the first part of The Pilgrim's Progress written by John Bunyan (published in 1678). Each cache listing contains an excerpt from the book - the above link contains a plot summary (not required for the completion of the series).

Valley of Humiliation

The final cache in the series is not at the listed coordinates - the details for determining the final location are below.
Valley of humiliation

Then I saw in my dream that these good companions, when Christian was gone to the bottom of the hill, gave him a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and a cluster of raisins; and then he went on his way.

But now, in this Valley of Humiliation, poor Christian was hard put to it; for he had gone but a little way, before he espied a foul fiend coming over the field to meet him; his name is Apollyon. Then did Christian begin to be afraid, and to cast in his mind whether to go back or to stand his ground. But he considered again that he had no armour for his back; and therefore thought that to turn the back to him might give him the greater advantage with ease to pierce him with his darts.
...
Then Apollyon, espying his opportunity, began to gather up close to Christian, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall; and with that Christian's sword flew out of his hand. Then said Apollyon, "I am sure of thee now". And with that he had almost pressed him to death, so that Christian began to despair of life; but as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching of his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man, Christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his sword, and caught it, saying, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall I shall arise".

The final cache location is an amazing spot where one can reflect on the day's activities and enjoy the view. The return to the parking coordinates may best be achieved by ascending back to the path.


The entire series is potentially a walk of nearly 5 kilometers. It is strongly suggested that: sturdy shoes are chosen; a hat and sun-screen are worn; and that plenty of water is taken along. All-told the total time should be between 90 and 180 minutes depending on fitness levels.  This area  'feels' completely safe, but always maintain a high level of vigilance. Since there is no access control to the area it is possible for undesirable elements to be present. The absence of litter along the highlighted route(not the red section) seems to indicate that it is a 'path less traveled'.

The parking options and route overview are provided in the listing for the first cache in the series.

The final coordinates for the cache can be determined from the keywords in the other caches (A=1 B=2 C=3 etc.):

S26 07.abc E27 53.xyz

and [2,1] refers to the 2nd letter of the first word
a= [2,1]+[7,1]
b= [3,2]-[4,2]
c= [1,3]-[2,3]

xyz= ([3,4]*100) - ([1,4]*2) + ([1,5]*2)

In the event that you don't have all the words, a quick read of the synopsis will help with the determination.
word 1: One of the pilgrim's neighbours - a stubborn type
word 2:
One of the pilgrim's neighbours - a flexible type
word 3: A loyal companion (8 letters)
word 4: Name of the palace where the pilgrim received armour
word 5: Name of the pilgrim's bed-chamber in word 4

You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.


The cache container is a painted lock-'n-lock container. There is a prize for the FTF (please read the note).

FTF:  Happy Hunters SA

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Va n fznyy pnir - ab arrq gb zbir nalguvat. Sne orybj gur onfr bs n gerr...

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)