Puffins!!!

I am done with exams, I am working on solidifying my dissertation topic with my adviser, and my little sister is visiting.  Overall, May has been a pretty good month.

Continuing with the trend of experiencing what is out of the ordinary for me, on Friday, 30 May, Jessica and I took the ferry to the Isle of May.  We had been trying to go for a couple days, but the "summer" weather had not been cooperating and the ferry was canceled due to harsh weather conditions earlier in the week.  Friday was a truly beautiful day and we were so lucky to be able to go out when it was clear, sunny, and not too windy.  

I am not sure what I was expecting, but I can say the Isle of May is not really for me.  See, the Isle of May is a sea bird sanctuary and home to about a quarter of a million sea birds during mating season (which we are right in the middle of).  Yes.  250,000 birds.  On one island.  And I went.  Mainly, I wanted to see the puffins.  However, I did not plan to be attacked upon arrival/departure and have all my nightmares come true.

I hate birds.  I have for as long as I can remember; could be due to watching the movie The Birds at a young age;  could be due to the "pet" my Mom used to have that found enjoyment in attacking me and making me bleed;  could be from their odd similarities to dinosaurs... I really don't know.  But, I do not like them.  So willingly going to an island full of them was deep outside my comfort zone.

Jessica and I had a good day overall; we packed picnic lunches, walked around, and enjoyed the wonderful weather.  I just know for me, I don't really have to ever go back.

So much poo

So many birds

Our ferry... the May Princess

The welcoming/good-bye committee

Lighthouse

Scientists living quarters

Don't feed the gulls

They live on the cliffs

My half sister that I whole love

Jessica liked the ducks

They are everywhere

Puffin!!!

Welcome to my nightmare come to life

Isle of May from the sea

After we returned to Anstruther, we had dinner at the award winning Anstruther Fish Bar.  I love these fish and chips, they are amazing.  We even had a little room for ice cream before taking the bus back to St. Andrews.

It's so good...once it hits your lips... it's so good

Happy Fisherman to greet us at the fish bar

Fun day in the sun ending with a nice ice cream