Yep, we have a few more days of 2020 to get through and then it's on to 2021 and we all know that's going to be a chart topper as far as good things and happiness goes in the world.
Okay 2020 was a shocker on so many fronts, but I always like to look at the silver linings. And there were a few for us all. Firstly, we all realised that five weeks locked into a bubble with just your family for entertainment and company actually wasn't that bad.
I also got to visit Stewart Island and go hunting sea lions – even found a few and set the team of scientists on to the pups so they could be tagged, recorded and ingested into the great conservation story that is slowly emerging in New Zealand. What an incredible expereince that was.
Then I managed to publish my long gestating book – Surf Dreams, The story of New Zealand surf culture, which focuses on the people, waves and culture of some our most iconic surf towns. You can still buy a signed copy here.
While we settled into some kind of semi-post-Covid normality in New Zealand in the latter half of the year I hit the road working on my next book that will be released next year. Well, it was a good excuse to meet and spend time with some of New Zealand's most amazing people whose passion for the water, sea and ocean has steered their lives and lifestyles.
So 2020, you haven't been all bad, but let's hope 2021 shines bright.
Finally, thank you to all our subscribers and our pool of advertisers who make Box of Light possible each week. Arohanui to you all.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS We just released a short film on the Otago sea lions with Doc Coastal Otago ranger Jim Fyfe. In the film Jim reveals how surfers can share the peaks with these incredible marine mammals without fear of being chewed up. If you've ever been "chased out of the water, or up the beach" then you need to watch this. Surfing with Sea Lions is right here on NZ Surf Journal. Enjoy.
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