THE TOWN:
At the convergence of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers, Lytton has long been a meeting place. First for Indians to trade, for explorers to meet, and now where Hwy #1, Hwy #8, assorted backroads, CNR and CPR all converge. Come meet some of the pioneers that helped build British Columbia.
A lively little town, it is famous as “Canada’s Hot Spot” and as a river rafting and outdoor recreation center. The town is set in a desert, but Lytton gets mighty cold in the winter. Think of what living here without today’s modern conveniences was like.
On June 30, 2021 nearly the entire community burned to the ground. Two people lost their lives and several thousand were displaced, having only minutes to flee.
THE CEMETERY:
The Lytton Cemetery is located beside the Trans-Canada Hwy above the downtown area. It is one of the most friendly cemeteries we have ever seen, even welcoming visitors with a Guest Book. Very nicely maintained, the grounds are desert style, without any grass. Volunteers are seeking information on unmarked graves, so if you know someone who was buried here, call the number on the sign.
THE CACHE:
A small lock-in-lock painted green and concealed well outside the cemetery. It should not be too hard to locate since the terrain offers few hiding spots. Sit and log while you watch the world drive by.
Since the locals welcome you to visit the grounds, please take the time to sign the cemetery logbook as well if you are here during daytime. Show you are interested and that someone appreciates their hard work.
INTERESTING TOMBSTONES/PERSONS:
Look at the survey map by the gate. Check out the far side of the grounds where the oldest graves are (Sections A,B & C) Also, for something different go a few meters in, close to the fence for a stone with no one buried there! It is marked on the map as a family memorial.
OTHER CEMETERIES IN TOWN:
For a small town, you would think that this large cemetery would be enough. We were surprised to find at least 3 other local cemeteries (without caches though).
N 50 14.015 W 121 34.898 brings you to the David Spintlum Memorial (and what appears to be his grave) in a little plot beside the parish hall. Chief Spintlum died in 1887 after stopping the “war” between the natives and the new arrivals. He met Queen Victoria and received presents from her as thanks for his efforts.
Pioneer Cemetery on Westlake Lane overlooks the river. The excellent walking tour information pamphlet notes that this cemetery was established before anyone can remember. Possibly it was an Indian burial ground before the first contact and just continued to provide space for anyone needing space.
A native cemetery can be found just North on #1 before the other access road into the town center. It seems pretty ancient as well.
THE RULES:
1. Be sensitive that this cemetery is a very historic site. The cache is well outside the cemetery
2. Don’t cache in the unlikely event there is a funeral in progress.
3. Leave the area better than you found it. CITO.
4. Help create a good reputation for Geocaching so that we can continue to use these interesting locations.
THE SERIES:
Please do not use the BC Spirit Quest name without our consent. Never hide a cache in any cemetery without specific permission from the land manager. Credit for the idea to SixDogTeam, Half-Canadian and the other Spirit Quest series hiders. Thank-you and enjoy the history.