You are welcome Dee. I suppose writing this piece, with the story of the Oak Ridge Fire still unfolding, was one way in which I could deal with the underlying concern that I have about living with the threat of wildfire. Having dealt with the Mason Gulch, Junkins and Beulah Hill Fires helps me know what to expect. That nagging feeling when a fire is happening has a way of getting under my skin. Writing about it helps give it a voice. And hopefully might be cathartic for others dealing with their own feeling about living with wildfire.
Beulah, and the Mountain Park, are indeed special places. I hope the fire is soon contained and you can continue making more memories up here. Glad the song made you smile - it was fun dusting it off as it's been a while since I visited JT's first hit song.
The firefighters do such hard, and dangerous, work. I too admire their dedication and grit. Helene and I had such a nice conversation with a couple of wildland firefighters from the Denver area yesterday. They had never been to Beulah and were marveling at its natural beauty.
I thought of you when I read about the Oak Ridge Fire, and wondered how close you were. As a former wildland firefighter, I know how it feels to be in that battle-mode and have the planes and choppers and hot-shot crews swirling around you. May the summer rains settle this fire down, and may you not have to evacuate! Stay safe.
Thanks for your good thoughts Susan. Little rain, but the skies have been cloudy and the temps cooler with higher humidity, and that sure helps. Fire looks very quiet this morning - hopefully it gives the crews more time to safely hit the fire more directly.
I love living in Beulah and all the wonderful people here. You are a bit closer to the fire than me, yet appreciate your journal. I love looking out my window and seeing less smoke. The firefighters have come close to doubling the population in the valley and I am so grateful for their presence and work. James Taylor Fire and Rain could not have been more perfect. Thanks for sharing your reflections.
It is, indeed, nice looking out there and seeing less smoke. Early afternoon and I see no smoke at all from my vantage point. I did think Fire and Rain was a perfect fit, especially after the evening rain - modest as it was - followed the days of fire.
Last June we had about a week of heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires. I found it really surreal and extremely disheartening. The sky was pink all day and our eyes stung--we are in New York State--hundreds of miles away! There's nothing like the lingering haze of a wildfire to make you appreciate the deep threat of our climate crisis. Thank you for these reflections and images. They are heart breaking and also beautiful.
I remember well seeing photos of Manhattan engulfed in wildfire smoke - it was truly surreal. We have many times over the past many summers, while the air is thick with smoke, said to ourselves that summer is ruined thanks to climate change. A bit reactionary, I suppose, but there is no denying that so many facets of life as the 21st century unfolds are much different than they were a few decades ago. I hope you don't have to experience another spell of wildfire smoke this summer. But it is only early July!
Yes, there is some truth to our getting used to it. It's just a part of life, knowing a wildfire could happen and it could change everything. Thanks for the rain dance. We've had a very few drops, but it's been cloudy and cooler, and the fire is responding by settling way down so the firefighters can do their thing. Feeling cautiously optimistic.
Saying prayers for the safety of your home, family, and town. We know the forest will grow back, but undoubtedly there is wildlife in the area who are doomed. Thank you for your ongoing education and personal sharing, Dave.
Thanks for this detailed, informative writing. The single ng at the end was beautiful.
You are welcome Dee. I suppose writing this piece, with the story of the Oak Ridge Fire still unfolding, was one way in which I could deal with the underlying concern that I have about living with the threat of wildfire. Having dealt with the Mason Gulch, Junkins and Beulah Hill Fires helps me know what to expect. That nagging feeling when a fire is happening has a way of getting under my skin. Writing about it helps give it a voice. And hopefully might be cathartic for others dealing with their own feeling about living with wildfire.
I love your attitude Dave. I want the fire to go away. Take care
Thanks Michael. You are not alone - we all want this fire to be behind us.
My family and I love Beulah; especially the Mountain Park. It’s like our secret get-away. Looking forward to making so many more memories there!
Thank you for the informative article. I’m so thankful for all of the agencies involved in fighting the fire.
I loved the song. It made me smile.😊
Beulah, and the Mountain Park, are indeed special places. I hope the fire is soon contained and you can continue making more memories up here. Glad the song made you smile - it was fun dusting it off as it's been a while since I visited JT's first hit song.
So glad you’re all safe. So admire the firefighters anywhere who choose this work! Thank you for such informative writing, Dave.
The firefighters do such hard, and dangerous, work. I too admire their dedication and grit. Helene and I had such a nice conversation with a couple of wildland firefighters from the Denver area yesterday. They had never been to Beulah and were marveling at its natural beauty.
I thought of you when I read about the Oak Ridge Fire, and wondered how close you were. As a former wildland firefighter, I know how it feels to be in that battle-mode and have the planes and choppers and hot-shot crews swirling around you. May the summer rains settle this fire down, and may you not have to evacuate! Stay safe.
Thanks for your good thoughts Susan. Little rain, but the skies have been cloudy and the temps cooler with higher humidity, and that sure helps. Fire looks very quiet this morning - hopefully it gives the crews more time to safely hit the fire more directly.
I love living in Beulah and all the wonderful people here. You are a bit closer to the fire than me, yet appreciate your journal. I love looking out my window and seeing less smoke. The firefighters have come close to doubling the population in the valley and I am so grateful for their presence and work. James Taylor Fire and Rain could not have been more perfect. Thanks for sharing your reflections.
It is, indeed, nice looking out there and seeing less smoke. Early afternoon and I see no smoke at all from my vantage point. I did think Fire and Rain was a perfect fit, especially after the evening rain - modest as it was - followed the days of fire.
Last June we had about a week of heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires. I found it really surreal and extremely disheartening. The sky was pink all day and our eyes stung--we are in New York State--hundreds of miles away! There's nothing like the lingering haze of a wildfire to make you appreciate the deep threat of our climate crisis. Thank you for these reflections and images. They are heart breaking and also beautiful.
I remember well seeing photos of Manhattan engulfed in wildfire smoke - it was truly surreal. We have many times over the past many summers, while the air is thick with smoke, said to ourselves that summer is ruined thanks to climate change. A bit reactionary, I suppose, but there is no denying that so many facets of life as the 21st century unfolds are much different than they were a few decades ago. I hope you don't have to experience another spell of wildfire smoke this summer. But it is only early July!
Never a good feeling, or something you get use to I’m sure.
If there is anything I can do, the rain dance is complete, just let us know. Stay strong!
Yes, there is some truth to our getting used to it. It's just a part of life, knowing a wildfire could happen and it could change everything. Thanks for the rain dance. We've had a very few drops, but it's been cloudy and cooler, and the fire is responding by settling way down so the firefighters can do their thing. Feeling cautiously optimistic.
Saying prayers for the safety of your home, family, and town. We know the forest will grow back, but undoubtedly there is wildlife in the area who are doomed. Thank you for your ongoing education and personal sharing, Dave.