Tampa Taxi Shots

I did take some time off to be with family and good friends for the Halloween weekend. I needed the distraction. I am sure you know that the HCPTC has entered into a temporary agreement with Uber. They are not going to get far. What is not known is that United Cab is tired of this illegal shit - the cowardly commission and politicians - who are shaking in their boots because of Uber. We are not. United Cab has a court hearing next week in which we have filed for an injunctive relief under the fairness clause of the Florida Constitution. Under the current plan, Uber will still not follow the laws and regulations, and they will do what they want. Taxi companies will still have to pay exorbitant fees which Uber is not compelled to pay. Yes, we did have fun on the camping trip.

I had a chance to work with Dave Lauer and Stacey Brown Jr, and others on a special edition Bigfoot investigation. There were eight guys going. Some I have worked with before. The area was an enchanted old Indian tribal area. So I knew it was going to be a great weekend. This is the lady that oversees the site. She is pointing out to Stacey where we are to go. The sun was setting and I was stoked. More later. posted from Bloggeroid

Sign post for the Florida Trail I had an opportunity to travel to the Green Swamp wilderness west track to do an overnight back country backpacking trip with our FaceBook group. This outing was organized by Nick who is new to Bigfoot and doing a great job.  I got there around one and headed down main grade road to find the cut for the Florida Trail which would headed north to the camp. I passed a bunch of campers at the equestrIan camp who must of thought I looked funny dragging a suitcase like I was looking for the Hilton.

I am not working this weekend. I am tired of the 7 day a week grind that is normal for United Cab drivers. I went to a backcountry backpack site with, Nick, Rob, Kevin, and Teri. Its wonderful out here and the stars are unlike anything I have ever seen. Yes, campfire coffee on a cold morning is highbrow, even if its instant. More on the trip later posted from Bloggeroid

At night I stoked the fire to get it going. Teri and Kevin had to leave and it was George and I for the night. What I did not know was the raccoons would raid our camp in the middle of the night. They had raided the trash and even bit open the Irish tea. I guess the decided it was not food and abandoned it on the camp perimeter. I hate those bastards. I was able to salvage some tea and boiled water with the only pan I had. I prefer instant coffee but the tea had enough caffeine to do the trick. Another tradition is a nice photo of an early morning campfire. Its not camping if you don't get the smoke going early. I was also able, before I left, to walk down by the river and found the canoe launch. That is something we need to do more of. Anyway, this is the sign at the entry to Hillsborough River State Park which could be your gateway to a nice camping adventure. We were at campsite ,,#27 which I recommend.

I went camping last week with friends. It was at a commercial site which is a change of pace from our usual primitive/backcountry outings in Florida. You can see the taxi and my tent (I have two tents) and I enjoyed having a bathroom across the way. This is George who brought most of the gear and got us started on chopping wood. He is a guy that will have a gadget for everything. He also happens to be the host of a local TV show about the paranormal. We really had a nice fire going just before sunset and were waiting for Teri and Kevin to show up. They soon did and Kevin became "Children of the Corn" which is a tradition for us. It all went downhill after dinner when we decided to go look for Bigfoot. That is when I got hurt skidding down a limestone rock face. I have been out of commission but I am on the mend.

Its been a while for this blog but this should be working now. We recently went to Hillsborough River State Park for a camp out. George was the first one to get there and we had to wait for Teri and Kevin, for they were at work and would arrive before sunset (the best time). Look at all this stuff This was one of the first hot nights of the year. As you know, we are much more active in the fall/winter time of the year. We had plenty of firewood that would be used for cooking. There was no need to stay warm for it was around 90 when the sunset. I got a chance to use George’s ax and chop wood which was not as easy as it looks. You can work up a good sweet doing that. Tim the wildman Chopping wood Anyway, I just want to put some photos up and let you know what is going on. Technical pro George The end result of all of this was a nice hot fire on a hot day. We did cook a whole bunch of stuff on it. Too bad it was for only one night. I really hate it when people have to...

Kevin took this image at Hillsborough River State Park. I got it off his Facebook.

Tim Fasano with the axe We went camping this week and we needed a fire. The wood they sell you here are very large pieces. We needed smaller ones to get the fire going. Time to chop wood. First, you need an axe. Then,  strike the wood longways resting on a piece of wood. The smaller pieces help launch the burn of the fuel logs. We made a log cabin style which is good for cold nights when camping. With my new fire sticks, the campfire burned all night at the Bigfoot Campout. Striking the wood with one even blow The log cabin style of fire You see it burns very nice

This was last Halloween in the Green Swamp. Taxi drivers sometimes have some fun. That is a nice campfire.

I just got back from this expedition and I am beat. George and I went two hours north to enter the Citrus track of the Withlacoochee state Forest. This track is 155,000 acres and you can get lost. Anyway, more later after I get some rest.

We had fun for three nights but I got sick and don't feel like posting. Just to let you know it was great and I hope to be back posting tomorrow.

May the Christmas season fill you with joy. May 2014 bring you blessings. I have been blessed. The photo on the bottom shows my tent on a cold night. The comforter was a Xmas gift a few years ago from my sister-in-law Sandy. It is the warmest blanket ever. From MEET ME IN ST LOUIS: Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light From now on, our troubles will be out of sight Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Make the Yule-tide gay, From now on,  our troubles will be miles away. Here we are as in olden days, Happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us Gather near to us once more. Through the years  We all will be together, If the Fates allow Hang a shining star upon the highest bough. And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

The sunrise on the camping trip They say as you get older, the less you like change. I would also add uncertainty into the mix and has much to do with why I dread Saturdays. Its going to be long, and at my age, I would really like to have leisure time. You know, on the weekends when 'normal' people are out doing things and spending time with friends and family. I spend time with shoppers, drunks, angry people who call me raciest. Well, you get the picture. This is just not what I envisioned for myself. Unfortunately, the aspects if this business and the persistently bad economic situation in the Tampa Bay area, has left me between a rock and a hard place. I just don't have the energy to go for the long hauls anymore while loving every second of it. I would once bound out of bed and look forward to the day. Not so much anymore. The economy has taken; the taxi overloards have taken; the gast compaies have taken; life is taking its place in line looking over the shoul...

Tim and Kevin checking the map moments before heading out The documentary crew met up with Kevin and his group in the Green Swamp of Florida. We had an incredible time working late into the night filming a ton of film for this project. We have been working with Bryan and Sam since the summer, and it was good to see it finally kick off. I tried to keep my shooting to a minimum and let them do the work. Here are, however, a couple images from the night expedition. Kevin of EA-Tv leading the way in the jungle Camera guys Brian and Sam film it all I enjoyed working on this project and I would do it again given the opportunity. It was hard work but that is what we get into the business for. I could not think when I started doing Bigfoot research five years ago, that it would lead to this. I have made so man good friends and the experience has changed my life. To work with friends on a common goal out of respect for each other and building on what the other is doing, is the ess...