Reflections for the start of another new year

As we begin a new year, I find myself reflecting on the up coming seventh anniversary of devoting this blog to aerial wildland firefighting and related issues. In late 2004, I made a decision to devote my full-time efforts to writing. I spent the next four years engaging in what I now call a period of exploring my writing interests. I started this blog in mid-2006 as one means of exploration. Starting in late 2006, I spent much of the next 15 months writing about a trip to Malawi, Africa. When that writing project ended in early 2008, I was not quite sure what to do next. That summer I got interested in wildland firefighting and starting using the blog to write about what I was learning. Someone who is now a good friend was instrumental in encouraging me to start writing about aerial wildland firefighting. He helped me learn the ropes, so to speak, over the next year. He was involved in the business of aerial wildland firefighting and I later met others who were or are involved in the business who have helped me at various times as I continue to write this blog. Without their support and encouragement this blog would not be possible. You know who you are, thank-you.

Eleven years ago I never would have imagined that I would be doing what I am doing now, writing about and continuing to learn about aerial wildland firefighting. This has become a part of my life, a part of who I am. 

As regular readers know, I am not a wildland firefighter. I do have a passion for aviation, and have come to terms with not being able to be a licensed pilot. I do believe that aviation is in my blood, so to speak, and am thankful for some pilot friends who take me on scenic flights from time to time. My passion for aviation is one of the things that fuels my writing.

Every so often I delve into issues relating to wildland firefighting, aviation, and sometimes weather. But it is my love for aerial wildland firefighting that drives me. I strive to honor those of you who are or have fought wildland fires from the air or on the ground. 

I am not going anywhere, and I will continue writing about aerial wildland firefighting and related concerns. 

Who knows what the 2016 U.S. wildfire season will bring. And in parts of the United States, e.g. California, is wildfire season ever really over? And it is summer in the southern hemisphere where Australia and Southern Africa among other countries are well into their summer wildfire season.

Stay safe everyone!