Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a radio operator in Nelson is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m cruisin’ down Trafalgar St, and I swear, the traffic was a nightmare. Like, come on, people! It’s not rush hour! I’m sittin’ there, just tryin’ to get to the station, and this dude in front of me is just… sittin’. I’m like, “Bro, it’s not a parking lot!” Finally, he moves, and I zoom past the iconic Nelson Cathedral. Beautiful place, but I’m too cranky to appreciate it right now.
Get to the station, and it’s chaos. My mate Dave’s already on the radio, shoutin’ about some wild weather coming in. I’m like, “Dude, chill! It’s just a bit of rain!” But nah, he’s all hyped up. Turns out, he was right. The sky went from blue to grey faster than I can say “Moutere Hills.”
So, I’m sittin’ there, tryin’ to keep it together, when I get a call about a lost dog on Hardy St. I’m like, “Seriously? A lost dog?” But then I remember my own pup, Max, and I’m all in. I grab the mic and start broadcasting. “Yo, Nelson! Keep an eye out for a fluffy golden retriever!”
Next thing I know, I’m gettin’ calls from all over. People are out there, lookin’ for this dog like it’s the last slice of pizza at a party. I’m feelin’ all warm and fuzzy inside. Community vibes, ya know?
But then, just as I’m feelin’ good, I hear a crash outside. I run to the window, and there’s a car accident on Bridge St. My heart drops. I grab the radio again, “We need an ambulance, stat!” I’m tryin’ to keep it cool, but inside, I’m freakin’ out.
The sirens wail, and I’m watchin’ the scene unfold. It’s like a movie, but not a good one. I see the paramedics rushin’ in, and I’m just hopin’ everyone’s okay. Nelson’s a small town, and everyone knows everyone. You don’t want to see your neighbors hurtin’.
After that, I’m back at the station, and I’m just drained. I grab a coffee from the café down the street. Best flat white in town, no joke. I sit outside, tryin’ to catch my breath, when I see this street performer on the corner of Trafalgar and Montgomery. He’s playin’ the ukulele and singin’ some catchy tune. I can’t help but smile.
Then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. Like, buckets of rain. I’m runnin’ back inside, laughin’ at the absurdity of it all. “Only in Nelson,” I think.
The day drags on, and I’m back on the radio, talkin’ about the weather, the lost dog, and the accident. I’m tryin’ to keep it light, but it’s been a rollercoaster. I’m exhausted, but I can’t help but feel grateful.
Finally, the sun peeks out again, and I’m like, “What a twist!” I wrap up my shift, and as I’m walkin’ home, I pass by the waterfront. The view is stunning. The Tasman Bay sparkles, and I can see the mountains in the distance.
I think about how crazy today was. From lost dogs to car crashes, it’s all part of the gig. I love this town, even when it drives me nuts. Nelson, you wild, but I wouldn’t trade ya for anything.
So, yeah, that was my day. Just another day in Nelson, full of surprises and a whole lotta heart. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!