River of life

When fires spread over the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana in early autumn 2000, we read about the conflagration and saw some black and white pictures in the newspapers, or we happened to watch flim clips on CNN or the evening news. But nothing can compare to the picture below in capturing the full intensity of those phenomena of Nature — forest fires — devastating and yet not surprising given the way humans have altered and interfered with the natural order of fires and climate change during the decades of the 20th century. Never have such terrible fires raged over our drier and drier Western forests than in recent years.

A friend was kind enough to send me this photograph, and I must say it is one that I will long remember.

In the midst of that raging fire, there is always sanctaury, and from water, the symbol of life, comes hope.

Safe haven

I shall never forget the fire that raged, thankful across the river, nor the apprehension and worry that it would jump the river and swallow us whole.

Paradise Regained (2)

December 13, 2001

I knew which picture it was even before looking. Thanks for posting it; I have it saved somewhere, but haven’t seen it for a while. It is a profound photograph.

I know this will probably sound corny, Oswego, but this amazing photograph reminds of the island refuge scene in the forest fire section of “Bambi”. Absolutely amazing!! We need to work harder not to inflict ourselves on Nature!!!!!! Thank you as always for such insightful writing.

Thank you, Oswego…and your last sentence here is beautiful…hopeful!

You amaze me, as did this photo. Amazing that tragedy brought such beauty. If just once in my life I could form words & sentences as you do, I think I would be complete. Your talent for the written word is beyond comparison, & I am somehow convinced at times that you are some wonderful novelist/journalist whose name I would know. I just know I love the words put down by Oswego. [me

While the furies dance and fan the flames of our flurry of activities we have always that calm center, the ocean of tranquility in which to submerge and wash away the hot ashes of our daily duties. Fires may rage, but the cool waters can always quench them. As it is on the earth, so it is within us, those who are made from the earth.

What an incredible photograph!

Such a dramatic image! I can only hope the animals made it safely through the firestorm …

Hm.. even when we are surrounded by threats, there are always something good or nice to cling to. We must believe in the unbelievable

Jaw-dropping sight. Thanks for sharing. I like the link that returns us to your pages, too. Are you getting ready for the holidays? Using any photography of your own as gifts? If I were you, I would. my best

I was unable to view the photo, the site kept timing out. But i”lll keep checking back

After this note, I’ll look at the picture. Thank you, kind friend, for your recent note. I’m sorry I get here so rarely these days. But things are going v. well, in a matter of months daughter will have her own place nearby & life will settle down again. I think of you often. Anna

An astonishing photo! The cliche that one picture is worth a thousand words is certainly true here. Thanks for posting this. As always, your entry is thought provoking. I agree with Edelweis, who says your last sentence is filled with hope & renewal. That is what makes life this amazing journey isn’t it dear friend~ I enjoy my visits so much here~ Thank you! With a *smile*

Do you think hope is always a good thing? Sometimes it just delays the inevitable and leads to a crushing disappointment..

An amazing photo – as I studied it I could almost hear the rage of the fire…feel its heat.