Most Saturday mornings involve the hum of a lawnmower and the satisfaction of a freshly cut patch of green. But for me, that fateful June morning in 2000, the mundane took a sharp turn into the extraordinary. As I pushed my trusty mower across the familiar landscape of my Greenbrae Ridge backyard, a bright green rock, unlike anything I’d seen before, caught my eye. Curiosity piqued, I knelt, the California sun warming my back as I examined the peculiar stone. Etched into its surface were shapes that resembled arrowheads – a hint of the past buried beneath my very feet.

For fourteen years, I’d considered myself fortunate to call 35 Via Corona home. The panoramic view from the backyard hinted at a rich history, a vantage point that would have been ideal for the local Coast Miwok people. Could my seemingly ordinary property hold remnants of a bygone era? Fueled by this thought, I spent the rest of the day scouring the yard for more clues. Strategically placed triangular rocks pointed towards a water tank on the hill, forming an intriguing pattern. Further exploration yielded a collection of small, flat stones that bore an uncanny resemblance to arrowheads.
The spark of curiosity had ignited a full-blown investigation. My backyard became a treasure trove of possibilities, and the internet became my new research partner. An old painting of Miwok Indians discovered online, sent shivers down my spine because it perfectly mirrored the image of my own backyard! Despite the lack of concrete evidence from experts that my property was ever a Miwok village, a nagging feeling persisted.
There was more to this story than met the eye.
Days turned into weeks as the allure of a potential buried treasure grew stronger. Unlike countless others who had hunted for Drake’s lost riches, I had a unique advantage – my backyard. No questioning looks, no permits required. Little did I know, my backyard held a secret far grander than a Miwok village. Research led me down the exciting path of Sir Francis Drake, the famed English explorer, and whispers of his legendary lost treasure.
The truth, as they say, is stranger than fiction. But to delve deeper into this incredible odyssey, you’ll have to grab a copy of my book, “Nova Albion and the Treasure of Sir Francis Drake.” Within its pages, you’ll find a captivating blend of fact and fiction, a thrilling journey as I unearth the secrets hidden beneath my soil. The book chronicles my perilous excavations, daring escapes from booby traps, and the daily encounters with danger that became my new reality.
This isn’t just a story about buried treasure; it’s about the transformative power of curiosity. Drake’s exploits and obsession with the number 72 (which mirrored my lucky number!), became a personal connection that fueled my relentless pursuit. Armed with historical knowledge and a map rumored to be linked to Drake’s ventures, I embarked on a quest unlike any other.
The path was challenging. Weeks turned into months as I plotted potential treasure zones, enlisting friends and even rented heavy machinery. Accidental boron poisoning, legal threats, and skepticism from neighbors tested my resolve. But with each hurdle, my determination grew stronger, and the conviction that I was on the verge of uncovering a historical secret propelled me toward discovering the truth—the truth about Sir Francis Drake’s lost treasure!
To know the whole story about my breathtaking yet challenging adventure, get your copy of “Nova Albion and the Treasure of Sir Francis Drake” from Amazon:
With a perfect blend of fact and fiction, “Nova Albion and the Treasure of Sir Francis Drake” takes us on a real-life journey filled with perilous discoveries as the author, Robert L. Stupack, embarks on a relentless quest for buried treasure beneath his property. The narrative unfolds with the author’s daily encounters with danger, from digging tunnels deep below ground to escaping deadly traps designed to thwart treasure hunters. Interwoven with Stupack’s personal odyssey is a historical fiction account of Sir Francis Drake’s maritime adventures, adding layers of authenticity to the captivating tale. As a history buff, citizen-scientist, and lover of the high seas, Stupack’s narrative is infused with his passion for exploration and resilience. Beyond the treasure hunt, the book delves into the author’s transformation from a financial career to a daring treasure seeker. In short, it is an all-in-one book that keeps you entertained and fascinated for a long time.
Get Your Copy On Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1917238312