Revisiting the Past:

As I began entering into new projects, while still recovering – and feeling the effects of the concussion, I have also been continuing my work with cataloging images that have been left in limbo, since the whacks upon my cerebral tabernacle back in October of 2009.

During this cataloging process, I have also spent considerable efforts to bring all of my previous files into Aperture, which I have happily switched to. In this process I came across my images from the wilderness fires in The Okefenokee Swamp Wilderness Area, and immediately I was drawn back to the intensity and amazement of such an event between nature and man.

I recalled, with vivid detail, the surreal beauty of the fires, the smells and the sounds. When I came across the image, that is displayed at the intro to this post, I remembered standing in that very spot, hearing the “infamous” roar that we were repeatedly warned of, and the need to turn and run when it made its presence known. I recalled how, upon hearing the roar, I was mesmerized by its haunting, yet ominous sound. I recalled that fact that no smoke or fire was present, as I stood patiently at the line of demarcation – where the newly cut fire break met the forest’s new edge. I relived that moment when the fire and smoke appeared within twenty yards of where I was standing, and no intention of stopping its forward progression – in my direction. I was in awe of the beauty and power, and was nearly oblivious to any danger (which is the danger, in and of itself).

Since this assignment, I have longed to return to such an assignment – to return to the awe-inspiring spectacle of Mother Nature, and to try again to capture it through my lens – as well as the heroic efforts of the men and women to fight these fires.

I am reminded, as I type this post, of how amazing these people truly are – these people who, repeatedly, stand face to face – at times even entering the belly of the fiery beast to subdue it.

For now, I am thrilled to have the memories – and most of all, to have had the experience.

Until next time…