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Swallowed by Darkness: Subterranean Cartography Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

clydesouthern: I won't be in the area to fix up this cache series any time soon. I decided it'd be better to shut this series down. Thanks to everyone who tried to find these.

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Hidden : 10/21/2006
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


(This is the first cache in a three-part series. The second cache is GCZ0TD and the third cache is GCZ0TH.)

The cache is NOT at the listed coordinates. To find the cache's actual location you must read the description below.
This cache can be dangerous, and should not be undertaken by the weak of heart. DO NOT attempt this cache if it is raining, or is about to rain.
As always, use common sense while finding this cache and don't take any unnecessary risks.


"I suppose you're the person who's going to take over for me. Our mutual employer said I wouldn't get paid for my work until I handed over all of the information that I gathered. That's fine by me. I'll make this quick because the sooner I leave this project behind, the better."

The old man slides a manila folder across the table to you. Inside it are handwritten notes, drawings and a few color photographs. You glance over the contents.

"You can find the entrance of the tunnel at N 33° 39.218 W 117° 50.797. There's public parking at N 33° 39.036 W 117° 50.445. You can just walk to the entrance from there. I've also provided you with an incomplete map that I sketched during one of my trips to the tunnel. It's not to scale but the basic layout is correct, and I've noted some of the more interesting details that you can find in the tunnel.

"Our mutual employer seems to be interested in finding three separate items that are located inside the tunnel. Treasure, maybe? Or some tidbit of information that he wants to get his grubby paws on? He was always vague about what I was supposed to be looking for. He kept saying that I would know it when I found it... but I never found anything.

"The incomplete map points to where I found a clue for the location of the first item. It's in some sort of code. I was never good at that sort of thing, and I couldn't make heads or tails of it."

He points to a slip of paper that has a cryptic message scrawled across it:

GUR SVEFG VF YBPNGRQ NOBIRTEBHAQ JVGUVA GRA SRRG BS GUVF TENGR

"There was something suspicious about that grate, but no matter how hard I looked I couldn't find anything useful. Maybe you'll have better luck.

"Here's my advice for you: When you go down into that tunnel, make sure you're wearing a nice pair of waterproof boots. It can get pretty wet down there. And don't forget to bring two or three good flashlights. Most of all, take someone with you. When I was down there alone, I swear I could hear things. It was almost like something was watching me. But every time I looked over my shoulder, there was nothing there. Only the sound of dripping water to keep me company."

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

nyy lbh arrq vf n ivrj bs gur fxl

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)