Searching for driftwood can be fun and dangerous at the same time. I've had encounters with carpenter and fire ants, scorpions, ticks, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles, snakes, spiders, raccoons, bears, wild boar, and of course, the swarms of mosquitoes that the Everglades are famous for. I've carried wood for a mile, up slopes, and through the water , even dodging lightening bolts occasionally. It's still fun to me and everyday is a new treasure hunt.

I welcome your comments and questions at rkonefal@hotmail.com