Antarctic Odyssey: The M/S Roald Amundsen’s stop at Bongrain Point
Day 9 – 15 January, written by Luca
Embarking on the Roald Amundsen, our Antarctic voyage unfolded into a captivating tapestry of wildlife and unparalleled natural beauty. The avian overture began with a bird survey, where Adélie penguins porpoising, skuas soared, and gulls glided. Our morning was seemingly promising and new wonders were waiting ahead. Indeed, the real jewel awaited at Bongrain Point on the west coast of Pourquoi Pas Island – an Adélie penguin colony thriving in splendid isolation.
Pourquoi Pas Island was discovered by the French polar scientist Jean-Baptiste-Étienne-Auguste Charcot on a 1908-1910 expedition. In the 1930s it was more extensively charted by the British Graham Land Expedition, led by John Rymill who named it after Charcot’s ship, the Pourquoi-Pas? Bongrain Point takes its name from Maurice Bongrain, the first officer of the Pourquoi-Pas?
As our ship approached Bongrain Point, the landscape revealed gleaming glaciers, colossal icebergs punctuating the horizon, and calm seas mirroring the tranquillity of this remote haven. Bongrain Point penguin colony, bustling with life, took centre stage against the serene backdrop. The excellent weather and the strong glare of the Antarctic sun accentuated the pristine beauty of the surroundings, creating a visual feast for all explorers. With only a short time on shore we didn’t get an opportunity to collect data, instead enjoying the scenery and the bustle of the penguin colony.
Later, navigating the Antarctic waters, the Roald Amundsen became a witness to the majestic minke and humpback whales gracefully traversing the frigid depths, adding another dimension of amazement to our polar adventure. Throughout our expedition, the Roald Amundsen stood as our trusted companion, navigating the icy waters seamlessly and ensuring our exploration was not only smooth but also filled with moments of profound wonder. In the heart of this frozen paradise, our voyage has so far encapsulated some of the essence of Antarctic marvels – a symphony of nature’s wonders against a background of glaciers, icebergs, and the calm seas, creating a memorable chapter in our exploration of Earth’s remotest landscapes.
