A very important aspect of forest land management is controlling the undergrowth that when left unchecked can lead to an uncontrolled wildfire. Today I joined with several like minded friends who set fire to a managed Long Leaf Pine Tree farm in order to reduce the undergrowth and therefore eliminate the risk of an uncontrolled wildfire! It was a good day!
Wildfires were a natural phenomenon created by lightning prior to the modern era and worked to produce a healthy forest environment when Long Leaf Yellow Pine forests covered the southeastern United States.
Light winds and dry conditions made it a perfect day to burn the woods! The forest floor prior to the burnSmoke! Landowners Rick and Garrett Ashton do an outstanding job managing the landThis old Live Oak Stump endures yet another controlled burnFire slowly moves across the forest floor
This drip-torch was the star of the show!
The fire slowly works it’s way thru the groundcoverBeautiful Live Oak TreeFirebreaks contain the fireGarrett Ashton uses the drip torch to light this debris pileDCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR7439.JPG
The fire is closely monitored for safetyThe fire does an outstanding jobAzaleas were in full bloom not far from the burn Pine trees thrive when well managed DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR7290.JPGDCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR7399.JPGDCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR7364.JPG
Proper forestry management benefits everyone, especially the wildlife that inhabits it. It was a beautiful day to work with good friends and we were all glad to have been a part of it. In a few short weeks the forest floor will begin to sprout new life and the cycle of growth will begin once more. And so it is with God’s beautiful creation. If only everyone could spend a day outdoors working in the woods…..
A rare snow event visited the southeastern United States on January 21, 2025 leaving Tallahassee covered with up to 6 inches of fresh snow throughout the night and early morning hours. Freezing temperatures kept the snow in place after the sun came up. What follows are several photos taken in the Midtown Tallahassee area during an early morning walk.
Fresh snow blankets the midtown area! Snow covers plants! Motor vehicle traffic has come to a standstill. Families enjoy sledding in the snow! A beautiful cold morning on Cherry Street! Sledding down the hill at Winthrop Park! Four Oaks Church on Eighth Avenue is covered in fresh snow! Temperatures hovered in the twenties throughout the morning! Near collision! A Snowy Colonial Drive! Magnolia Icicles! A snowy Thomasville Road!Thomasville and Betton RoadsWinthrop Park Snowground! Sledding downhill at Winthrop Park!
Leaves on the snow!One-eyed snow man! This snow event was a great opportunity for families to spend the day enjoying the outdoors!
It has been a long time since Tallahassee has experienced a snow event. It interrupted the fast paced business of everyday life but it was a great opportunity for everyone to slow down and take the day off and enjoy the beautiful outdoors! Traffic was pretty much non existent and people were outside walking and enjoying the day! Not sure when we will get another snow day but everyone made the most of it! It was a very special day!
Spent a couple of hours on NYE night shooting photos of the Fireworks at Cascades Park in downtown Tallahassee, Florida. The weather cooperated tonight which made for a great opportunity to photograph the show! Enjoy!
As we turn the page on another New Year loaded with new opportunities we at Blackwater Images wish you and yours a safe and prosperous 2025!
2024 was a great year for making photographs! Every day provided numerous opportunities to capture a few shots! What is included in this last blog of 2024 are what we believe are the best of 2024. Thank you for your interest in and support of Blackwater Images. Hope 2024 was as good for you as it was for us! As always, best wishes for a safe and prosperous 2025! God Bless!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! Classic!Memorial Day at Oakland CemeteryOld Barn…Brass flies during handgun training…Mark Wheeler crosses a land bridge near Alford GreenwayA Clatter of Wood Storks at the St Marks Wildlife RefugeSit-ups! A mother Cypress Tree and her brood! Bailey Singletary entertains the crowd! Flying! Ochlockonee Bay SunsetWerewolf!Afternoon RideYou never know what A Go Pro mounted on the back of your bike helmet with capture! IYKYK!Leap of Faith! Locked and loaded!Reflections! River of Gold! Sprint! StairwellEasing down the wall…
The Hunter fires at a flushed quail on the wing, this photo was taken at the same time as the shot strikes a Pine tree (left side of photo), a truly unique photograph. The photo was taken by Bronwyn Ferrell during a quail hunting trip in South Georgia.
Jump! Palm Beach County Motorcycle Unit. Several months later three of these Heroes were killed in a traffic crash. Cold Mountain Morning..Daddy’s MoneyDowntown MiamiCatch!DrivetrainHappy New Year! Colorado Morning! Shippin’Rollin’ TracksWrapped! FocusedShadows of RespectSaluteRinging in the New Year! Riderless…Paddlin’Losing daylight…Sunshine thru the Palms
Rays of SunlightPipesRising Star! Launches!
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the memories we made during this great year. We are no doubt looking forward to a new year and new opportunities. May God Bless you and your family. We wish you the best always! Blackwater Images.
Just prior to Christmas 2024, five longtime friends ventured out to the Blackwater River in Northwest Florida to paddle and camp on one of the most beautiful rivers in the area. It was an incredible journey!
The beautiful Blackwater River awaits…
The Blackwater River is a 56.6 mile long river rising in Southern Alabama and flowing through the Florida panhandle to the Gulf of Mexico. The River enters Florida in Okaloosa County and flows through Santa Rosa County to Blackwater Bay, an arm of Pensacola Bay. It passes through the Blackwater River State Forest and Blackwater River State Park.
The beautiful clear and shallow river is a paddling mecca!
31 miles of the river are navigable by canoe, kayak or small boat. The section of the river from Kennedy Bridge near Munson, Florida to Deaton Bridge in the Blackwater River State Park is designated a “Florida Canoe Trail”, part of the statewide system of greenways and trails.
The River flows an average of 2 to 3 miles per hour and has an average depth of 2.5′.
Our trip began as we convoyed from Tallahassee to the Blackwater River State Park in Holt, Florida. We visited the FWC Fish Hatchery near the State Park where several varieties of fresh water fish are reared to be released in nearby lakes and rivers. It was an interesting place. After the Fish Hatchery, we drove to the Blackwater River State Park. The park is very well kept and has bathrooms complete with hot showers. Tents were set and a fire started. Paddlers were serenaded throughout the night by a radio playing Christmas songs from a neighboring campsite!
Day 1 began with a hearty breakfast at a local Waffle House! Paddlers were picked up on the “short bus” provided by local outfitter “Blackwater Joe’s” and taken from the State Park to the launch point at Wilderness Landing, about 20 miles upstream.Reflections…..Mark and Jay await the Short Bus…The boats are offloaded and taken to the river. Mark Wheeler (blue shirt) surveys the river prior to beginning.
And so it begins…
The weather was cool and clear, however, slight rain was forecast and a light rain did fall during the afternoon of day one. The river water was clear and beautiful, cold but not unbearable.
The afternoon December sun felt great! Edward eases down the Blackwater…The river water was clear and beautiful!Maybe they should have named it the “Goldwater” River…..Ernie and Jay stretch their legs on one of the numerous sandbars along the riverA light rain fell on day one making the afternoon paddle that much more enjoyable! DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR6622.JPGDCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR6621.JPGAt the end of day one the boats were pulled up on shore and paddlers camped on a bluff. The sun sets after an incredible day paddling the Blackwater….
Debating on whether to camp on a sandbar or a beautiful river bluff the decision was made to camp on the bluff. Paddlers picked out their campsites, tents were pitched and hammocks hung. Paddlers made supper out of Mountain House meals and gathered firewood and built a fire. Soon it was time for sleep but not before paddlers were serenaded by 2 packs of ‘yotes in the river swamp. The waning moon was not long from full and the clear cold night was beautiful with the moon and stars above illuminating the river basin.
The evening fire felt good on a cold night…The boats are secure
Day 2 Begins…
After a great night of camping paddlers awoke and broke camp. Breakfast was made. Today was much colder than yesterday with the skies overcast and winds increasing as a cold front was moving thru. Soon the boats were launched and day 2 began.
Mark enjoys a high protein breakfast before beginning a second day on the Blackwater…The temperatures dropped overnight…The Riverside Barista pours a perfect cup! Jay breaks camp after a good nights sleep….Mark prepares his Kayak for the day ahead….‘Red to go! Edward calls “River Control” for approval to launch!
Mark’s new ‘yak did not disappoint!
Ernie navigates the river!
Mark and Jay consult the map on deciding which way to go to begin day 2, they agreed that heading downstream would work best! Refueling…
Ernie eases down the river….Day 2Paddle on…….
Just wow! What an adventure! The beautiful Blackwater River does not disappoint! Day 2 ended just after noon at the Deaton Bridge at the State Park. Although the river meanders on to the Gulf of Mexico, the “Paddling Trail” ends at the Bridge as the river below the bridge is not maintained for paddlers. There is a perfect takeout just past the bridge where we loaded the ‘yaks on the truck and headed home. A great group, a beautiful river and a love of paddling and camping! It doesn’t get any better than this! Until next time………
After a long year since the last Sasquatch Event at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Park in Cordele, Georgia Sasquatch had 2024 finally arrived! We’ve looked forward to this weekend for a long time!
The weather was perfect, the roads were in excellent condition and the food was incredible! Sasquatch 2024 did not disappoint!!
Ready to roll! Friday night’s sun sets over Lake Blackshear! The weekend had finally arrived! The Georgia Clay Roads await. The conditions were perfect! Sausages on the Blackstone! Bacon on the Blackstone! Gravy! Breakfast is now served! Riders line up for breakfast before Saturday Morning’s ride! Fueling up for the long ride ahead! Breakfast is served! The big grills were put to the test throughout the weekend! They did not disappoint!Mark Wheeler stands next to the Sasquatch prior to Saturday Morning’s ride…The fire kept riders warm during the weekend! Rick Ashton prepares for an 85 mile Saturday morning ride! And so it begins…….Riders passed by thousands of acres of cotton! Riders gather around a rest stop. Cotton country! Steve Woodcock at a rest stop. Road conditions were excellent! Roger Hawkes enjoying the ride! Rick Ashton heads up the road…
Day one was an incredible day! The weather and road conditions could not have been better! Riders enjoyed an nourishing breakfast before the ride. It was a good day! The night would prove to be even better with an incredible supper after the ride!
Riders gather around the fire prior to supper Saturday night…Rick Ashton shares a Sasquatch story……Ray cuts the brisket….Hungry riders weren’t the only ones looking forward to supper! Turkey! Moist…The kitchen…DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR6479.JPGRay and his team putting it all togehter! The Masters! Final touches….Riders stay warm before supper…Perfection! Ray announces that supper is ready! For those who need a little extra…Keepin’ the fire going…Riders gather for breakfast! Makin’ bacon! Before breakfast….
Sunday Morning Riding….Mark Wheeler enjoys the Sunday Morning Ride….
Sasquatch 2024 was an incredible event! The food, camaraderie, weather and road conditions were outstanding! Thank You to Ray and team for making this event possible! Looking forward to next year which will be the 10th Cycling Sasquatch Ride! See you there!
Each October the Florida Swat Association hosts the annual International Swat Roundup at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shooting range. This year fifty five tactical teams from around the world competed in the five event competition which will crown one team as the champion….. the best in the World!
What follows is a compilation of photos taken during the first day of the event focusing on the Tallahassee Police Department’s TAC Team. As of this writing, TPD sits in third place with one event to go on Friday………. the Obstacle Course…….
Team members discuss their game plan prior to the first event. Team members get final instructions from an event judge prior to the competition. And so it begins….The team waits for the second competition of the day…..The rifle raises up from the recoil as the spent shell casing flies past the front of the barrel……
After day one the Tallahassee Police Department’s team was in first place. They had an incredible day. Their skills are second to none as they displayed their abilities and competed against some of the best teams in the world. Kudos to these dedicated warriors who give their all during this competition and daily on the streets of their hometown. To them we say…..Good Job Gentlemen!
True opportunities in life rarely present themselves and when they do those who are so inclined to pursue them should do so with their entire being if they are to succeed. Today, nearly a dozen candidates showed up and gave their all as they competed for a coveted position on the Tallahassee Police Department’s Tactical Apprehension and Control Team. The testing venue was the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Gadsden County, Florida. The weather was clear and mild, however the Florida Sun began to push the temperature into the nineties as the day went on. The evaluation consisted of a physical assessment and shooting drills. What follows is a compilation of photos of the first part of the competition…the physical part….
Sgt. Michael Trowbridge shares words of wisdom with the applicants prior to the physical evaluations.
After a briefing, the applicants participated in a 1.5 mile run down and back the main drive (Academy Drive) at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy. It looks level but…it ain’t exactly “level!”
Current Team Members prepared the evaluation sites and were responsible for ensuring that the testing was done correctly. This is a very serious responsibility because they know that the candidates that are chosen will someday be working side by side with these operators in extremely dangerous situations.
The Mile and a Half Run…
Competitors had obviously been preparing for this day!
Logan Lane and Donna Brown (both TPD Retirees) discuss the evaluation process.
Sean Wright monitors his time as he approaches the turn around point.
Team Members encouraged candidates throughout the day.
E-Rob finishes strong! The Team rallies around the candidates! !
Push-Ups!
The second physical assessment the applicants participated in was the push-up evaluation. Candidates were given strict instructions as to what would be considered a “legal” push-up and were told that anything less would not be counted. And so it began…
Former Team Members were on hand to offer support to the candidates and evaluate their abilities.
Sit Ups!
Team Members watch the competition!
All reps were evaluated and scored.
Bench Press…
Team Members and candidates closely watch the competition…Candidates share a laugh between lifts…
Team Members including Chief Revell (center) were impressed with the efforts put forth by the candidates.
Pull Ups…
Once again detailed instructions were explained to the candidates prior to their attempt to complete as many strict pull ups as possible…
The 300 Meter Run…
And the day was only half over! After these grueling physical tests, the candidates ventured down to the firearms range to be tested on their agility and proficiency, with an obstacle course being thrown in for good measure!
It was a great day! Hats off to these brave Officers who stepped out of their comfort zones this morning and tested for a coveted position on this tactical unit. Some will make it, some will not. However, all who participated gained skill and knowledge and demonstrated their abilities. It was not an easy day, nor should it have been. Regardless, all of the candidates gained the upmost respect of the team members and Department Command Staff who witnessed their efforts. Only a few are brave enough to throw their hat into this ring and to that end they are all winners……
Once again the Fourth of July on beautiful Lake Mystic did not disappoint! The weather cooperated and the lake was the epicenter of hundreds of people celebrating the independence of our Great Country!
What follows are some photos of the celebration! Enjoy!
Lake Mystic was alive with Fireworks! Jet Ski traffic was heavy early in the afternoon! Friends! Dr. Bailey Singletary entertains prior to the fireworks!
And so begins the 2024 Boat Parade!
Scooter, the Mayor of Lake Mystic cools off prior to the fireworks! Jump! The music was outstanding!
The Fireworks!!!
Once again it was an absolute fantastic Fourth of July at Lake Mystic! Lest we forget those who have gone before us to ensure these liberties that we so much enjoy! To them we owe it all. Happy Fourth of July!
At an undisclosed location many miles from town a group of caring, knowledgeable, and well informed “sheepdogs” gathered for two days of intense and challenging handgun training. This training was conducted for the purpose of building and maintaining skills and proficiency, preparing for the day when innocent lives are put in extreme danger by those who wish to do them harm. Unfortunately the possibility of this scenario has become a reality in today’s modern society.
What follows are a few photos taken during this training. This training was conducted with the solemn purpose to prepare to protect the innocent. Please enjoy.
May God continue to Bless America! ‘Nuff said! Students were told to bring ammo a’plenty…..Some shootin’ was done…..The class began with working on basic shooting drills which are very important…and quickly went to more advanced drills….Thumbs were sore from loading mags! Students conducted various drills under the watchful eye of highly qualified instructors….Instructors evaluated student performance.Shooting was only part of the instruction. Students practiced failure drills among other things. 1911Failure Drills! Center Mass hits! Brass was in the air! Shooting under the watchful eye of the instructors! Sore fangers! Using drums for cover…Bud took a couple hits! Shooters practice using cover! Shooters make ready! Did you see that hit??? “Ocular!” Ammo!Nice Hits! Day 2 begins with instructions…..New day,…..new drills! Brass flies when the trigger is pulled!Rescuing the hostages! .45Move! Using cover! Red Dot…Big brass flies! Locked and Loaded! Room clearing…
These two days of training were very well spent! The Instructors provided outstanding lesson plans and drills which challenged the students and honed their skills. The training venue was perfect. Students left this training having been exposed to new challenges and knowing that the skills learned will have to be practiced repetitively in order to maintain a high level of proficiency. Kudos to the instructors and to the students who arrived hungry for knowledge and dedicated themselves to the training. This is very serious business and everyone on site knew it. Students left the venue better for the experience and knowing that unfortunately in today’s world the possibility of having to use this training in a real scenario is becoming more likely. May they always be ready. God Bless the Sheepdogs…..
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