Some people may know of Captain George Vancouver because of the city and island named after him. But Vancouver is more famous for the charts he produced of the Pacific Northwest. These detailed charts were the result of an astonishing survey of much of the 17,000 miles of coastline in British Columbia. This coastline is an intricate and complex network of inlets and islets, much of it too dangerous for Vancouver’s large ships. Thus the majority of the survey work was done in small rowboats. The work was long and arduous, taking three years to complete.
With the results of these surveys, Vancouver produced the most detailed and comprehensive charts of this coast, charts that were used for over a hundred years.
Although Vancouver was well liked by his crew and the Indigenous peoples of the areas he chartered, he fell foul of the political powers and scheming in London. He died in obscurity at the age of 40, less than three years after completing his voyages and expeditions. His modest grave lies in Petersham, Surrey.
Mainly forgotten in England (apart from in his birthplace) he is well known in Canada, with postage stamps, festivals and museums in his honour. Places named after him include:-
- Vancouver Island, Canada.
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Vancouver, Washington, USA.
- Vancouver Peninsula, Australia.
- Mount Vancouver, eighth highest mountain in Canada.
- Vancouver Bay in the Jervis Inlet, British Columbia, Canada.
The cache is at the following location:-
N52° A.BC E0° DE.FGH
A=(Sum of the numbers of the year he died) + (the sum of of the numbers of the year he was born) [2 numbers]
B=Millenium the statue errected.
C=Buttons on waistcoat [2 numbers]
D=Anchors nearby
E=Buttons on one Sleeve
F=D+E
G=Plinth stone from country [number of letters]
H=F