Campfires

Comment Share Posted on Tuesday January 15th 2013 at 6:27 p.m. Tweet

It just doesn't feel like a real summer unless you go camping somewhere and feel the grit of the sand between your toes as you cook some dinner on an open fire.

We hit our favourite haunt in the Catlins this past week and bathed in a feral existence governed only by tides, sunrises, sunsets and rain squalls. What a way to unwind and relax. Thankfully the surf went from quite good to phenomenal during our five days in paradise (that's how long it takes before the ice melts in the chilly bin). So we gorged on surfing, fishing, swimming and walking.

Late one night a vehicle rolled up to near our campfire and a friendly voice offered a cheery, "hello, Derek!". It was my mate John Kevstul on a solo mission chasing waves around the South Island. John's a very talented surfer who thrives on adventure and was making the most of the new swell. The last time I had seen him was on a remote beach in Big Bay about a year ago so it was nice to catch up in another amazing part of the world.

In between surfs we ventured down to Papatowai and the experience of Blair Somerville's Lost Gypsy Gallery and The Winding Theatre (of Sorts). If you are travelling to the Catlins then circle Papatowai on your map and make this a must-see tour. They make great coffee, too! If it's closed then you will know the surf is pumping somewhere - Blair's an avid surfer, too.

More swell due this week and some more settled summery weather we hope so plan your own escape, pack the tent and go feral for a bit.

See you at the beach!
- Derek

Dunedin Light is your weekly dose of stoke from the surf lifestyle and culture of Dunedin's beaches. To find out more visit: www.dunedinlight.com