Caedes

GomekFlorida's Journal Page 1 of 1

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This is one of my most favourite parts of the swamp to hike. Yes, there are lots a big gators in the water along with snakes galore, spiders the size of your hand, otters, snapping turtles that can remove fingers along with nasty parasites etc. But there is a beauty history that goes back thousands of years. There are some ancient Indian burial mounds along the shoreline along with modern turpentine camps, old moonshining stills etc. Years ago, our canoe was tipping, so I jumped in the water not far from where this was taken and an alligator swam around the corner to see what was going and swam away. It was so cool to see us for a moment looking at each other and connecting much the same way I have with other animals. This was taken around 2006.

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Hi. I didn't mean to infer that I am retiring per se. After many many years of back breaking work and driving forklifts on bumping roads with no suspension it has taken its toll on my body. To be honest, despite having a club foot and titled pelvis I kept up with the rest of the crew for many years, but last October I couldn't come in as I could barely walk. I realise this would be way too much personal info but I have gotten to know many of you over the 10 years so its different. This is an innocuous photo of my work. Usually there are forklifts rushing about, people moving pallets, loading trucks, etc. It's also pretty noisy and you need to really pay attention if you don't want to get mowed over. There have also been numerous hauntings over the years and I have witnessed some myself. One time the doors flung open with me alone in the warehouse. I had a nice chat with my boss a few days ago from spot where this picture was taken and I told him I was giving my notice. He knew because of everything going on that my time was probably limited. Everyone has been very understanding and they don't want me to injury myself further. I am working with a great program that helps with people such as myself find work suitable for their situation. I know I wore myself heart boldly on my sleeve here but I know most of you wouldn't mind.

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I was thinking if I left Florida what I would miss. There really isn't much I would pine for, except for a couple things I would lamet such as Lettuce Lake park, my ancient reptilian friends who never betrayed me unlike others. Other things not so much such as the grinding barely tolerable mediocrity of Tampa, Love bugs, palmetto bugs the size of mice, 85 degrees on Thanksgivings and Christmas, hurricanes, the good ol boy network where you can never get ahead unless you're one of them, etc. Warning! Cynical alert! Ok, enough of my mid life crisis. This photo was taken Thanksgiving 2016. As you can see it's hard being a gator taking a nap on the fountain base. :)

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Some of the "graffiti" at Lettuce Lake park. In this one little area I've never seen anything other than very positive messages scrolled into the wood.

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I promise this image was not altered or photoshopped in any way! Tacoma Park, Tampa.

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Brooker Creek preserve 2005

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