When I first moved back into my house on Via Corona on Greenbrae Ridge, little did I know that simple yard work on a Saturday morning would evolve into a unique experience packed with danger, excitement, and unexpected twists and turns at every step.
I was finding strange things in my yard that made me wonder if my property had been a Miwok Indian village so I conducted internet research and located a painting of Miwok Indians created in 1816. The background of the painting was an exact match to the view from my backyard that I looked at every day for the past fourteen years. This fueled my curiosity, and when I was told by experts that the yard was not a Miwok site, I started down the rabbit hole of Sir Francis Drake’s legacy.
Immersing myself in Drake’s exploits, I uncovered tantalizing connections. Drake’s obsession with the number 72 mirrored my own lucky number, igniting a newfound sense of purpose. Armed with historical knowledge and a map purportedly linked to Drake’s ventures, I embarked on a relentless pursuit of treasure buried beneath the soil of my own backyard.
Weeks turned into months as I meticulously mapped out potential treasure zones, enlisting friends and even renting heavy machinery to aid in my excavation efforts. Despite setbacks and skepticism from neighbors, I pressed on, driven by the promise of uncovering a centuries-old secret.
But as the search intensified, so did the challenges. Boron poisoning, legal threats, and the reluctance of established authorities only added layers of complexity to my quest. Yet, with each obstacle, my resolve deepened, fueled by the conviction that I was on the brink of a historic discovery.
Meeting with David Rosenthal, president of the Drake Navigator’s Guild, revealed hidden tensions and conflicting interests but only strengthened my determination to uncover the truth. Despite warnings to abandon my pursuit, I remained steadfast, unwilling to let go of the tantalizing possibility within reach.
As my journey continues, fueled by historical intrigue and personal conviction, I’m reminded that some treasures are worth more than gold. Whether or not I unearth Drake’s riches, the pursuit has enriched my life in ways I never imagined.
So, as I gaze out at the familiar landscape of my backyard, I’m filled with anticipation for what lies beneath the surface—a testament to the enduring power of curiosity and the timeless allure of discovery. And though the path ahead may be fraught with challenges, I’m ready to embrace the adventure, one shovel at a time.
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 own 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.