Peden Lake Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Most folks will tell you that Peden Lake is named after Victorian Olympian William "Torchy" Peden. William was a competitive cyclist who excelled at the six-day-race. He was known for his crowd-pleasing antics. He would appear on the track in an outrageous outfit, or he would steal spectators' hats and scarves and ride a few laps before giving them back. He acquired the nickname "Torchy" when a journalist described him as a "flame-haired youth leading the pack like a torch".
However, the lake is likely named after the whole family, who came to Victoria in 1888. Alexander Peden ran his own tailor shop until 1915, then sold insurance for New York Life. Alex had a long history of involvement in municipal politics, serving six terms on Victoria City Council between 1911 and 1938, and on Oak Bay Council from 1942-45. Alex’s brother William had a bicycle store in 1901, and their brothers Robert and Thomas worked at the store. William later formed Scott and Peden, selling flour, feed, hay and grain on Wharf St. in what is now Market Square. The name is still painted on the building above Café Mexico.
William was the father of Torchy and Doug Peden, who both excelled at bicycle racing. Doug was often called “The greatest British Columbia athlete of all time.” He began his impressive list of more than 60 major trophies by winning the BC Cycling Championship in 1934.
In those early years, roaming through the Sooke hills from Victoria as far as Sooke Lake was a frequent pastime of young fellows, and the Pedens often camped at these small lakes. William Peden, built a cabin in the 1920s on the lake that would later hold his name.
The lake is known as a great swimming destination in the summer months. There is a an old canoe and a small shelter on the lake's east side. It is an excellent day hike for campers staying at the Sooke Potholes Campground. Peden Lake also makes a great rest stop for those hiking up to the summit of Mount Empress and other near by peaks.
Suggested access is via the Mary Vine Creek Trail, starting at the last parking lot for Sooke Potholes Regional Park. At the North end of the parking lot, cross the Galloping Goose and follow the well worn foot path along what was once a logging road.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur obyqre pnpure jvyy or ba gbc bs guvf bar.
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