Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still tryin’ to wrap my head around it. So, I’m a raftsman, right? Just me, my raft, and the River Bann. But today? Today was a whole different kettle of fish.
Started off at the crack of dawn. I’m talkin’ like 5 AM, bleary-eyed and all. The sun was just peekin’ over the rooftops on Church Street. I swear, it looked like a postcard. But I was too knackered to appreciate it. Just wanted my cuppa, ya know?
So, I’m sippin’ my tea at the wee café on the corner of the Diamond. The barista, bless her, she’s all smiles. I’m like, “Can I get a strong one, love?” She laughs, says, “You need it, mate!” I mean, who doesn’t need a strong cuppa in Coleraine?
Then, I head down to the river. The Bann was choppy today. I could feel it in me bones. I’m thinkin’, “This is gonna be a wild ride.” And boy, was I right!
First thing, I’m paddlin’ along, just me and the ducks. They’re quackin’ away like they own the place. I’m tryin’ to ignore ‘em, but they’re relentless. Suddenly, outta nowhere, this massive wave hits me. I’m soaked! Like, completely drenched. I’m laughin’ and cursing at the same time. “Cheers, Mother Nature!” I shout.
Then, I spot this group of tourists on the bridge. They’re takin’ pics, laughin’, havin’ a grand ol’ time. I wave, tryin’ to look all cool, but I’m drippin’ like a wet dog. One of ‘em shouts, “You alright down there?” I’m like, “Aye, just livin’ the dream!”
But then, things took a turn. I’m floatin’ past the old railway station, and I see this fella, right? He’s tryin’ to fish, but his line’s all tangled. I’m thinkin’, “Poor bloke.” So, I paddle over, offer a hand. Turns out, he’s from Belfast, just tryin’ to catch a trout. We get to chattin’, and he’s tellin’ me about the best spots in Coleraine. I’m like, “Mate, I’m the raftsman! I know all the spots!”
But then, outta nowhere, this seagull swoops down and snatches his sandwich! I’m dyin’ laughin’. The guy’s like, “No way!” I’m like, “Welcome to Coleraine, mate!”
After that, I’m feelin’ all good vibes, right? But then, I hit a snag. Literally. My raft gets stuck on some rocks near the old mill. I’m tryin’ to push off, but it’s no use. I’m stuck like a fly in a web. I’m shoutin’ for help, but it’s just me and the ducks again.
Finally, this old woman strolls by on the path. She’s got a wee dog with her. I’m like, “Excuse me, love! A bit of help?” She just chuckles and says, “You’ll be grand, son!” I’m thinkin’, “Thanks for the vote of confidence!”
After what felt like an eternity, I finally wriggled free. I’m back on the move, but I’m fumin’. “Stupid rocks!” I mutter. But then, I see the sun glintin’ off the water, and I can’t help but smile.
I paddle past the lovely shops on the Main Street. The smell of fish and chips wafts through the air. I’m thinkin’, “I could go for some of that.” But nah, I’m on a mission.
As I’m cruisin’ along, I spot a bunch of kids playin’ by the riverbank. They’re laughin’, splashin’ about. I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic. Reminds me of my own childhood, runnin’ wild in Coleraine.
Then, outta nowhere, I hear this loud bang. I look up, and there’s a parade comin’ down the street! I’m like, “What the heck?” Turns out, it’s some local festival. People are dancin’, music’s blarin’. I’m thinkin’, “This is the life!”
I paddle closer, and the vibe is electric. I’m shoutin’ and cheerin’ with the crowd. I even join in a wee jig on my raft. I’m sure I looked ridiculous, but who cares?
By the end of the