This will be an informal event but may involve some fun and games.
Feel free to dress like your favourite pirate
“Legend” has it that the waters around Pitt River were considered great places for pirates to escape from the prying eyes of anyone who wanted to end their plundering ways. "Rumour" has it that Captain Mary Hyde and her ship The Golden Cache once plied the waters near here.
It was not just pirate ships in full sail that explored the waters near here. It is well know that HMS Plumper also sailed into these waters – purportedly to conduct survey work. However, the armament on the ship at that time was increased to 12 guns. What was the real purpose for the voyage? Was it to search out pirate ships?
the Plumper was under the command of George Henry Richards. As was common, a perk of being surveyors was to name places they “found”. For example – when Francis Brockton the engineer of the Plumper found a vein of coal Brockton Point and Coal Harbour were named.
So we find ourselves today at Hyde Creek. It is documented that HMS Plumper was near here where the creek empties into Debouville Slough and the Pitt River. Did the ship run across The Golden Cache? Did Admiral Richards and Mary meet? Did she make such an impression on him that he named this creek after her? We will never know as dead men (and women) tell no tales.
As you ponder this please join us on Sunday, July 16th between 10:00 and 11:00 behind Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. To learn more about the summer quest for Mary's treasure and when you can earn the rest of the souvenirs, click here The Lost Treasure of Mary Hyde
Disclaimer: the only part of this tale that is really true is that HMS Plumper surveyed the area of Pitt River and Pitt Lake - AND that there will be a summer of adventure to complete your tasks.