This poem makes little sense for us today, until you consider how different shepherding was in those days and places – far from the image of green flowing meadows and peaceful lakes. Water and fertile soil were rare and pasturing sheep involved a lot of travelling through difficult rocky terrain searching out thin, almost invisible grass amongst the hillsides. It was common for sheep to graze in low areas--where the grass grew and the waterflowed. Often those low places were surrounded by high cliffs and the only way to go from one area to another was to pass through a narrow pass, deep in the shadows between the cliffs. The perfect situation for an ambush by wild animals, turning the valley of shadow into the valley of death.
Come shepherd – take a journey through the valley of darkness, find the sustenance you need along the way, and perhaps journey through the deepest darkness to find the green pasture and still water you seek…
Enter the valley at the provided coordinates. At each waypoint you can find help for your journey. But only if you look hard and think much. These will lead you to the green pasture. You may not be able to make it there on this one journey, but take note, study hard, and you will prevail.
WP1 - S 37° 47.622 E 145° 06.510
WP2 - S 37° 47.591 E 145° 06.476
WP3 - S 37° 47.560 E 145° 06.420
WP4 - S 37° 47.532 E 145° 06.382
WP5 - S 37° 47.490 E 145° 06.332
WP6 - S 37° 47.454 E 145° 06.360
Warnings: (Please take these seriously. People have been injured on this cache and the risk of injury or death is real if disregarded, although it's quite a safe cache if taken with due care and precaution)
1. We'd suggest not attempting this one after rain. The depth of the creek combined with wet rocks turns a tricky journey into a nearly impossible, and quite dangerous one. Examine the weather before attempting this one and do not attempt if it seems at all dangerous.
2. It is worth doing this with someone else, both for the satisfaction but also for safety. If you insist on doing it alone please let someone know where you're going and take a mobile phone.
3. Please don't attempt to climb out of the valley other than at safe points, which are obvious. It would be better to get wet and wade back to WP1 or 5 rather than risk the climb. Climbing up the rock walls around WP2 is especially dangerous.
4. If you are uncomfortable with the journey between WP5 and 6 it need not be attempted. There is another slower, safer way.
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