Alright, listen up. Campbell River, BC, eh? Not Cadillac, but it'll do. I live here as a relaxation specialist, though relaxation is overrated. Hah, "I hate everything." But I'll tell you what, this place has a weird charm.
The downtown area on Main St. is rough but real. Fancy schmancy cafes? Yeah, they got some. I stroll past 3rd Ave and sometimes my mind drifts like "Spirited Away, I'm chasing a mysterious train." I’m not a fan of trains, but that movie has its moments. Anyways, the harbor downtown is busy. Boats bob like they got no reason. Crazy, really.
Now, let’s talk parks. Elk Falls is a hidden gem, even if it's half a driver’s halt away. I used to sit at Mount Washington Park, let nature calm my overworked brain. That river, the Quinsam, it muddies by here. I like thinking it’s a dragon – no, wait, “Chihiro,” as they call her in that flick. So, magical, right? Sure, if you’re into all that.
Back on land, MacMillan Provincial Park is a must-see. Its trails twist like a Miyazaki maze – "Once, a spirit was all lost in the forest." Whatever. It’s a good stroll if you want your thoughts to crawl out of your head.
Neighbourhoods? Yeah, one in particular, Famoso Hills. Weird name but home to old souls and younger fools who think meditation is cool. I regularly get mad at noise in some of these spots. But, hey, sometimes my head just wants to say “Aburehae!” in every moment – fumbling words, I know.
I wander along Cemetery Rd. Sometimes I get lost in thought. Hell, a couple of my best vibe moments happened there. Nature meets history – kinda like remembering old bad movies. And between expletives like "damn," I admit there’s beauty in decay. Makes you hold a raw truth.
I also love Estrada Rd. It’s nowhere fancy, just honest. Even if a tree or two is crooked – nature don’t twist to your liking. And those walks vaguely remind me of that line from that movie – something about a spirit journey. Pretty deep if you wanna be—the kind of depth I only acknowledge when I’ve had too many coffees.
Let me throw you one more spot: The old wharf by North Passe. I’m told locals say it's haunted. The ghosts are as indignant as I sometimes feel – “I’m not a fan of interruptions.” I lie awake sometimes, mad or happy…can’t say exactly which, but sure.
Crazy, right? The vibe here is raw, like nature itself has no polish.  It’s inconsistent and occasionally pisses me off, but sometimes that’s just what makes it real. I guess that’s part of my story too – my life’s pace is like a stopped clock. Alrght.
Yeh, I’ve typed a mess. Lkur, can’t help it. Thsi place is part magic, part grit. As Hayao Miyazaki’d have it – “Once you meet the spirit of Campbell, you'll never be the same.” Or somethin like that. So, come on down, see it for yourself. And don’t expect all stars and rainbows…unless you do. I’m not your cheerleader.
That’s it. Enjoy, or don’t. I really couldn’t care less.