For me, the loveliest time on Ramsey Island is first thing in the morning when we’re getting ready to go about our tasks for the day.

After a very comfy night’s sleep under a warm duvet (and no need for a hot water bottle last night), with the occasional sound of the manx shearwaters giggling and gurgling past, it’s often with some reluctance that I stick a foot out to test the room temperature.  This morning it was quite warm; well I could only just see my breath.  My initial morning doziness was washed away by standing in the nice new and warm shower installed by Greg and Lisa (the wardens) over the winter.  I made my lunch (always adventurous cheese and pickle wraps!) and then sat down to blog with a mug of fruit tea (not quite sure about this one).

The volunteers and the seasonal assistant warden share the bungalow towards the north of the island (Greg and Lisa have the farmhouse towards the south) and my favourite early morning pastime is to sit on the door step in the sun, watching Ramsey Sound and the mainland behind.  Today is not really one of those days, with a brisk wind cutting across the front of the building but I still had to go out and see the view in the watery sunshine.

Now for my first full day back on the island…