The Campbell River Experience
Campbell River is a coastal city in British Columbia on the east coast of Vancouver Island at the south end of Discovery Passage, which lies along the important coastal Inside Passage shipping route between Seattle and Vancouver shipping docks to Alaskan port cities. The population is just over thirty one thousand people with the number growing in summer during the tourist season. Known as the "Salmon Capitol of the World" there are many areas to fish the different salmon species including salt water and fresh water adventures. This area enjoys a mild climate with temperatures ranging between 28°F to 73°F year round with November receiving the most rain during the wet season.
I came by ferry from Vancouver via the Tsawwassen ferry terminal arriving in the town of Nanaimo at the Duke Point terminal. The sailing took 1.5 hours and the time spent was comfortable in large seats with windows to take in the views. I am a couple weeks early for whale watching but this is the route the migration takes between California, Hawaii and Alaska. Today there were many sea birds diving into the water catching bait fish. The wind was not strong but enough to create mini-white capped waves during the crossing. After going up on the outside deck to see the sights I settled into a seat near the forward port side windows. I had a great view of the island I was going too (Vancouver Island) and looking back the city of Vancouver getting smaller on the horizon from whence I came earlier this morning. It was cloudy over Nanaimo with light rain hanging over the hillside but looked clear to the north in the direction I was headed. It was a quick disembarkation off the ferry and onto the highway. Russ told me to bear right which upon the highway to Campbell River instead of the left veer road leading into downtown Nanaimo. The drive was pretty with the highway passing various farms, forests, and varied in terrain with rolling hills along the way. This highway was just off the coast a few miles and gave quick glimpses of the Inside Passage waters to the east.
The highway was a limited access one with several traffic lights along the way. They seemed somewhat out of place impeding the normal flow with four or five miles between lights and then you had to stop briefly, resume getting up to highway speeds only again to slow down or stop at the next one. There was not much traffic so they seemed not needed but during the tourist season it may change a lot from what I was seeing on my drive. I stopped in the small town of Courtenay on my way to get some fresh flowers for Rose, Russ' wife, a southern tradition going as a guest into someone's home. I arrived mid-afternoon and spent the rest of the day and evening talking as we fixed dinner. It was an enjoyable evening after several days on the road with no one to talk with.
The day after arriving was pretty much a down day activity wise with time spent pulling things out of my vehicle so I could better arrange things for later in the trip. I moved items that would not be needed to the middle inside area. Camping gear, food, and other items that would be needed daily were put into the back area easily accessible every day. I pulled my tools out for a little work around the house while I am in town. Another southern tradition leaving things better for your hosts than when you arrived. Everyone usually has a "honey do" list so it was no problem to do a few small things during my stay. Russ and I mailed a package went to the store and returned home to talk a walk. We went around the neighborhood into an area of land owned by one of the native corporations which had kept it as green space with bike/hiking trails, wooded areas for wildlife habitat and only allowed foot, horse, or bicycle traffic.
We tried to walk everyday and the normal route was exactly four miles from the house to a local pub where we stopped for a pint, conversation, and enjoying the great weather outside in the patio area. It was another half mile walk back to the house. Several days we expanded the walk to about six miles length as it was less that two hours total time to get the exercise and drink.
Friday night Rose decided we would have seafood since it gave her an excuse to eat fresh seafood since Russ does not like that type of food. No fish, crab, scallops for him, almost seems sad that he has not taste for fresh catch of the day living so near the water. We decided to make a fresh Cajun style dinner using live dungeness crab, fresh salmon, scallops, onions, potatoes, corn, and other items to make our gumbo dish. Russ ate his favorite, spaghetti.
Saturday was somewhat of a chore day with us having to get our fishing license for Monday morning. Rose needed to go to Costco for supplies for her food truck business to restock for the next week so we all drove along the coast highway to Courtenay where she dropped Russ and I off at a local brew pub, Gladestone while she went shopping. We brought along Placido Flamingo which was a conversation starter and curiosity grabbing attention from the normal quiet place. We spent a couple hours there had a flight of their brews, a couple more that we liked and talked like old friends do. Russ pointed out a couple things in my thought process I had not considered so the afternoon brought with it an epiphany or two. All in all a great afternoon. Listened to music in the evening while Russ talked with his brother in France their weekly Saturday night conversation.
Sunday morning was a time for Bailey's coffee and talking with Rose until Russ woke up then we started doing things around the house. Showed Russ how to use the pressure washer on the deck and trellis to clean off the dirt and stains from no maintenance on it. Rose nephew is coming in a few weeks and she wanted to have a little project for him to do to occupy his time and learn something new. Russ and I went for a hike on the tribal land called Beaver Lodge and walked just over five miles where we ended up at the local pub. We stopped in for a pint and Rose walked up to join us as it was such a beautiful afternoon. We stayed about an hour and walked the half mile back to the house.
Russ wanted to take me out fishing so Monday morning we awoke to head down to the dock to meet Harry our boat captain on the vessel, Dirty Harry. We took Placido with us and had a great morning on the water, catching fish, rocks, and watching the wildlife. Harry told many stories from his thirty years chartering fishing both here in Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala. It was an interesting day. Another walk that afternoon and nice fresh fish dinner that evening.
Tuesday was my laundry day and chores around the house until Rose finished her food truck rounds. Went up on the roof and bleached the moss and later in the afternoon she went with us on our walk. We again went up into Beaver Lodge land and made our way back to the local pub called, Royal Coachman. On our walk there is a small farm in the neighborhood which had pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, and horses. The people with the pigs must be great people since I did not see any signs for "pigs to rent". (reference to Lonesome Dove - Augustus McCrea = “If I had a mind to rent pigs, I'd be mighty upset. A man that likes to rent pigs won't be stopped.”)
Wednesday Russ and I drove to Mt. Washington a local ski resort for some elevated good times and conversations. I will write about it in my next posting so stay tuned for that.
Thursday (today) was a nice one with going back down to Courtenay to Costco for supplies for Rose's business. We also stopped by a small brew pub in Cumberland called the Cumberland Brewing Company. We sat outside and had a light lunch while watching the artsy people in the small town. It was a nice few hours and the food was wonderful.
On our last walk today Rose again joined us and we talked about my leaving and the fun we have had together on this trip. We enjoyed a pint at the Royal Coachman before walking home for a nice stuffed pork chop dinner. Just as we arrived back at the house to cross the street into the driveway we heard loud music coming over the hill above us. "Born to be Wild" was blaring and could be heard about a block away. Shortly a moped came over the hill with two people passing us music playing as they slowly went down the street. A little surreal moment for sure.
My time in Campbell River British Columbia has been wonderful. Spending time with my friend was like nothing had changed since our last meeting. The laughter, the sometimes serious discussions about life and living were lively charged banter between us. The stories told, some Lewis Grizzard memories and more stories had both of us laughing in stitches several times this week. Thanks Russ and Rose for the hospitality, the warmth of your home and the kindness to this battered and somewhat disheveled person. The time was well spent, the attitude adjusted somewhat and on the right path right now. I'm off for other horizons and more friends along the way.
If you ever have a chance to visit this great little city of Campbell River I would highly recommend the time and travel to this beautiful place. The people are friendly, the town clean and a healthy community feeling is everywhere. Farewell to this wonderful place and I hope to return again soon.
Tomorrow morning, off to distant horizons, back in the USA, Bellingham, Seattle WA, and Portland, OR. Jan/Nate/Colin/Donna-Lee I look forward to seeing you again soon.
What a wonderful Nice Day!
I came by ferry from Vancouver via the Tsawwassen ferry terminal arriving in the town of Nanaimo at the Duke Point terminal. The sailing took 1.5 hours and the time spent was comfortable in large seats with windows to take in the views. I am a couple weeks early for whale watching but this is the route the migration takes between California, Hawaii and Alaska. Today there were many sea birds diving into the water catching bait fish. The wind was not strong but enough to create mini-white capped waves during the crossing. After going up on the outside deck to see the sights I settled into a seat near the forward port side windows. I had a great view of the island I was going too (Vancouver Island) and looking back the city of Vancouver getting smaller on the horizon from whence I came earlier this morning. It was cloudy over Nanaimo with light rain hanging over the hillside but looked clear to the north in the direction I was headed. It was a quick disembarkation off the ferry and onto the highway. Russ told me to bear right which upon the highway to Campbell River instead of the left veer road leading into downtown Nanaimo. The drive was pretty with the highway passing various farms, forests, and varied in terrain with rolling hills along the way. This highway was just off the coast a few miles and gave quick glimpses of the Inside Passage waters to the east.
The highway was a limited access one with several traffic lights along the way. They seemed somewhat out of place impeding the normal flow with four or five miles between lights and then you had to stop briefly, resume getting up to highway speeds only again to slow down or stop at the next one. There was not much traffic so they seemed not needed but during the tourist season it may change a lot from what I was seeing on my drive. I stopped in the small town of Courtenay on my way to get some fresh flowers for Rose, Russ' wife, a southern tradition going as a guest into someone's home. I arrived mid-afternoon and spent the rest of the day and evening talking as we fixed dinner. It was an enjoyable evening after several days on the road with no one to talk with.
The day after arriving was pretty much a down day activity wise with time spent pulling things out of my vehicle so I could better arrange things for later in the trip. I moved items that would not be needed to the middle inside area. Camping gear, food, and other items that would be needed daily were put into the back area easily accessible every day. I pulled my tools out for a little work around the house while I am in town. Another southern tradition leaving things better for your hosts than when you arrived. Everyone usually has a "honey do" list so it was no problem to do a few small things during my stay. Russ and I mailed a package went to the store and returned home to talk a walk. We went around the neighborhood into an area of land owned by one of the native corporations which had kept it as green space with bike/hiking trails, wooded areas for wildlife habitat and only allowed foot, horse, or bicycle traffic.
We tried to walk everyday and the normal route was exactly four miles from the house to a local pub where we stopped for a pint, conversation, and enjoying the great weather outside in the patio area. It was another half mile walk back to the house. Several days we expanded the walk to about six miles length as it was less that two hours total time to get the exercise and drink.
Friday night Rose decided we would have seafood since it gave her an excuse to eat fresh seafood since Russ does not like that type of food. No fish, crab, scallops for him, almost seems sad that he has not taste for fresh catch of the day living so near the water. We decided to make a fresh Cajun style dinner using live dungeness crab, fresh salmon, scallops, onions, potatoes, corn, and other items to make our gumbo dish. Russ ate his favorite, spaghetti.
Saturday was somewhat of a chore day with us having to get our fishing license for Monday morning. Rose needed to go to Costco for supplies for her food truck business to restock for the next week so we all drove along the coast highway to Courtenay where she dropped Russ and I off at a local brew pub, Gladestone while she went shopping. We brought along Placido Flamingo which was a conversation starter and curiosity grabbing attention from the normal quiet place. We spent a couple hours there had a flight of their brews, a couple more that we liked and talked like old friends do. Russ pointed out a couple things in my thought process I had not considered so the afternoon brought with it an epiphany or two. All in all a great afternoon. Listened to music in the evening while Russ talked with his brother in France their weekly Saturday night conversation.
Sunday morning was a time for Bailey's coffee and talking with Rose until Russ woke up then we started doing things around the house. Showed Russ how to use the pressure washer on the deck and trellis to clean off the dirt and stains from no maintenance on it. Rose nephew is coming in a few weeks and she wanted to have a little project for him to do to occupy his time and learn something new. Russ and I went for a hike on the tribal land called Beaver Lodge and walked just over five miles where we ended up at the local pub. We stopped in for a pint and Rose walked up to join us as it was such a beautiful afternoon. We stayed about an hour and walked the half mile back to the house.
Russ wanted to take me out fishing so Monday morning we awoke to head down to the dock to meet Harry our boat captain on the vessel, Dirty Harry. We took Placido with us and had a great morning on the water, catching fish, rocks, and watching the wildlife. Harry told many stories from his thirty years chartering fishing both here in Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala. It was an interesting day. Another walk that afternoon and nice fresh fish dinner that evening.
Tuesday was my laundry day and chores around the house until Rose finished her food truck rounds. Went up on the roof and bleached the moss and later in the afternoon she went with us on our walk. We again went up into Beaver Lodge land and made our way back to the local pub called, Royal Coachman. On our walk there is a small farm in the neighborhood which had pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, and horses. The people with the pigs must be great people since I did not see any signs for "pigs to rent". (reference to Lonesome Dove - Augustus McCrea = “If I had a mind to rent pigs, I'd be mighty upset. A man that likes to rent pigs won't be stopped.”)
Wednesday Russ and I drove to Mt. Washington a local ski resort for some elevated good times and conversations. I will write about it in my next posting so stay tuned for that.
Thursday (today) was a nice one with going back down to Courtenay to Costco for supplies for Rose's business. We also stopped by a small brew pub in Cumberland called the Cumberland Brewing Company. We sat outside and had a light lunch while watching the artsy people in the small town. It was a nice few hours and the food was wonderful.
On our last walk today Rose again joined us and we talked about my leaving and the fun we have had together on this trip. We enjoyed a pint at the Royal Coachman before walking home for a nice stuffed pork chop dinner. Just as we arrived back at the house to cross the street into the driveway we heard loud music coming over the hill above us. "Born to be Wild" was blaring and could be heard about a block away. Shortly a moped came over the hill with two people passing us music playing as they slowly went down the street. A little surreal moment for sure.
My time in Campbell River British Columbia has been wonderful. Spending time with my friend was like nothing had changed since our last meeting. The laughter, the sometimes serious discussions about life and living were lively charged banter between us. The stories told, some Lewis Grizzard memories and more stories had both of us laughing in stitches several times this week. Thanks Russ and Rose for the hospitality, the warmth of your home and the kindness to this battered and somewhat disheveled person. The time was well spent, the attitude adjusted somewhat and on the right path right now. I'm off for other horizons and more friends along the way.
If you ever have a chance to visit this great little city of Campbell River I would highly recommend the time and travel to this beautiful place. The people are friendly, the town clean and a healthy community feeling is everywhere. Farewell to this wonderful place and I hope to return again soon.
Tomorrow morning, off to distant horizons, back in the USA, Bellingham, Seattle WA, and Portland, OR. Jan/Nate/Colin/Donna-Lee I look forward to seeing you again soon.
What a wonderful Nice Day!
Comments
It was a fun time having you here... and thanks for not saying it was you who caught the fish and me who caught the rocks. (LOL)
Cheers!
Russ