A couple of hours wait at the train station in Belfast put us on a local train to Portrush. The four Americans with their duffle bags were a curiosity. It was an idyllic ride through a picturesque countryside.
I was able to strike up a conversation with a man who was commuting home from work. It was a strain for us both to hear one another as the sound from the wheels clicking across the rails was loud. As I told him what we were doing our conversation turned to spiritual things. He explained he had grown up in the church but upon reaching adulthood ceased attending.
I sent up an “arrow prayer” for help from the Lord to reach this man. The train slowed and then stopped. My companion commented, “That’s strange the train has never stopped here before.” I then was able to share my faith story in the quieted coach. When I finished, he commented, “I see that you are a man of strong faith. You have given me much to think about. Thank you.” Then the train lurched forward and our journey continued.
Arriving in Portrush, we were met by our Irish crew contingent, skipper Robin Ruddock, Jim Allen and John Logan, and Donald. Robin loaded up our gear in his Range Rover and would take it to the bed and breakfast where we were to stay. We were off to the warehouse were our boat, the Colmcille was stored.
A long day was catching up with me and the rest of the evening was a blur as the affect of jet lag caught up with me. Colmcille was on a trailer, upside down with its bottom up. It was totally black and a formidable sight. We did some minor work on the rails and then hauled it to the waterfront where the boat shed for the Causeway Coast Maritime Society was located. Not much else is remembered that evening.
For our time in Portrush we stayed in a lovely Bed & Breakfast and each morning received an “Irish breakfast” of eggs, sausage, bacon, blood pudding, and grilled tomatoes. Cereal and oatmeal was available, also. The lady of home took great care of us, Joan was her name. The next morning from our arrival others of the Scottish contingent were there and others came in during the day. It was all very exciting!
