Looking forward to looking back
Expedition ponderings – written by Emily W.
As we first set out on our journey, I thought the day we had to leave would never come, but nonetheless it came and it did so all too quickly. From our first days finding our sea legs to our last penguin landing and everything in between, it has been the most unique trip I have experienced. Many who visit Antarctica say there is no way to describe it, so instead I aim to share the small moments that have stuck with us, changing our lives for the better.
The first hours spent onboard the Roald Amundsen were used exploring the ship that we would call home for the next two weeks. As we settled into our first surveys, we found a rhythm living alongside giant petrels, whales and gliding albatrosses. Waking to deep blue waters filled by icebergs, seeing porpoising penguins and hearing whale blows in the distance was the moment we truly felt we were in Antarctica. The quiet stillness whilst looking out at snow covered mountains and a deep rumbling of calving icebergs will forever echo within us.
The mirror-like sea surface of the Gullet reflected the mountains and glaciers that have stood the test of time. This feeling amplified when we visited expedition bases of the past, where old snow boots of explorers remained, along with familiar jars of marmite and mustard in the abandoned pantry. To have had the opportunity to feel the same sense of wonder that those before us did was an honour.
For some of us, having our first marine mammal encounter was the experience of a lifetime. Many were fortunate enough to see orcas not once but four times! Seeing that initial splash from deck 7 or the iconic eye patch from a zodiac, was a standout favourite moment for many of us.
Humpback whales were not short in supply, with individuals spontaneously appearing 5m from the zodiacs and treating us to a feeding frenzy against a vivid blue sky. We never failed to be amazed by them, no matter if it was the first or fortieth time we saw them.
On another infamous zodiac ride students experienced a close-up encounter with a leopard seal, showing those on board the wild side of Antarctica (…and finally learnt how big a leopard seal really is!). Endless penguin colonies created many laughs, as we watched them continuously falling off slippery icebergs or commandeering zodiacs, making us feel like we were in the high seas!
Looking back on the past two weeks, as we all now travel onwards, little did I know that a small piece of me would remain in Antarctica. The 19 of us who experienced Antarctica together will forever be tied by the endless memories, numerous humpback whales and awe of Antarctica.