Scribbles, jots and musings: The Great Train Adventure

For the past 3 years, every summer, husband and I have expressed a desire to travel to Portrush on the train. Now this is not a particularly big or cumbersome aspiration to actualise but finally, on Thursday, we accomplished it.

We brought along a few fellow travellers.

As we stood on the platform we were slightly bemused by the number of people who were living out our idea. Then the lady announcer announced "We apologise for the delay...the ten thirty three train will be running nine minutes late". To be honest this was a relief as the Strong part of our group had not yet assembled. In her next announcement the train would be eleven minutes late, then nine again, then fifteen, then thirteen, then seventeen and then the train arrived, about twenty minutes late.

We got on.

The three girls not wanting to be separated squashed on a double seat. The Max, not wanting to be left out, joined them. There they contentedly sat, sang and chatted for most of the journey....until a four group was vacated at Coleraine and they swooped, creating lots of elbow room for colouring in.

Feeling peckish, we disembarked and walked down to the seafront where we produced picnics and enjoyed the views.

Then it was time for a photo shoot.

Yes, Josie and I are both absent from this photo...however, we are both present in this one.....

From our picnic spot we were able to see the pickie park and thus unable to escape it's lure. It all started off so well. The kids played on the slides and with the sand. Then one by one the paddling pool summoned them.

Even Miss Molly had to be scooped up several times from attempting the full shoe paddle.

The parents were given no alternative.

The socks and shoes came off and the trousers were rolled up.

But even that was not enough for some...

...and minute by minute more items of clothing were shed.

(An aside for any concerned grandparents reading...despite the appearance of the traditional NI grey skies the temperatures were very non traditional and this paddling experience was most pleasant and not likely to induce any colds or fevers)

Eventually, as we felt the first few spits of rain we called the children to us. They obeyed like naughty puppies and we got them dried and dressed in their raincoats. The irony of this is not lost on me.

Then we headed somewhere dry...

...hallelujah...Barrys has a roof!

Of course the first ride you encounter is the Ghost Train. Bea was most pleased, having discussed with Beth for most of the journey the virtues of said entertainment. Thus Max and Adam filled the first carriage with Beth and Bea following. (With the wisdom of a five year old...Josie remained outside with a "Ghost Train? - No way!")

Awh...look at the confidence and the excitement. Now watch the video and look at them after. This has made me laugh MANY times since Thursday. On the way in...head are up, smiles are brave. On exit all you can see are three little fists tightly gripping the bar and heads buried on their knees. I can only imagine that this was the position they assumed as soon as they crashed through the first door and hear a scream. Who knows whether they themselves had the strength to scream?

The only consolation we could offer was the wonder of the Carrousel.

Bea seems to find it as beautifully attractive as I do

The trick of course...is to find the biggest and most beautiful horse that you can manage.

Then sit back in your saddle and enjoy.

Of course, as all wonderful things in life sadly do...eventually the Carrousel ended and we had to brave the rains outside for some more adventures. The "Speedy Mouse" was happy to step up to the mark for white knuckle trills.

This was followed by the adventures of the "Turtle Splash" Just look at those three concerned little ladies wondering how will Max, Phoebe and most specifically Adam will cope with the water splash and the adrenaline rush!

Then it was time for one more spin....

(It is always advisable to bring along a Daddy to look after your toys.)

As we walked out of Barrys, I turned to Beth and Bea and said, "We have a few tokens lefts, do you fancy the Ghost Train again?" The synchronised "No!" and the look of terror in Beth's eyes left me in no doubt.

Unfortunately the Helter Skelter was closed...so we were left with no option but to brave the "Jumpin Astro"

As the rain then started hitting us from below as well as above as it bounced off the pavement we rushed across the street and into a traditional, sea side eating establishment...aka...a chippy.