The ocean is the greatest resource we have, not only for its financial reasons, but because of the everlasting impressions it leaves on each one of us, good or bad. From exploring its dark depths to encounters with its unique creatures, there's really nothing like experiencing the ocean. For centuries it has inspired wayward travelers from all walks of life. Feared and worshipped, the ocean is power and play. It gives and it takes, sometimes mercilessly.

In this issue of DEEP, you'll find a travel story to Christmas Island with the team of Michael Kew and Chris Burkard bringing back words and images from this remote islet in the Indian Ocean.

There's also an interesting interview with author Tom Kendrick about his book, Blue Water, Gold Rush, involving his days as a sea urchin diver and surfer along California's central coast.

If you've spent a great amount of time in the ocean, you're bound to have encountered wildlife along the way. It's inevitable. For some, these memories are never forgotten.

Enjoy,

Chuck Graham
Editor