gator catchin

i got the opportunity to go out with the biologist at the refuge to capture 20 gators (from 2ft to 7ft) one night. there is a group of paleontologists from england studying taxonomy and muscular build of gators and a grad student doing blood work. it was a crisp night in the 40-50's and in a matter of 2 hours met our quota.

first you spotlight the gators, made easy because their eyes "glow" red, then ease up and throw a modified dog-catching pole with a noose around the head and yank them in. pin them down and a couple of rubber bands later you have docile gator. the majority go into a crate, but the large ones (6ft+) go into a burlap sack and are tossed into the bottom of the boat to squirm and roll.

WARNING: if youre epileptic dont watch as my camera work is still rather rudimentary!!

it ain't all shrimp jambalaya and Étouffée

here's the "real" look @ cajun cuisine, the gas station is an often overlooked oasis of unhealthy, strangely textured regional delicacies, as you will soon learn, such as boudin, cracklins, and tasso. so next time you pass through the local convenient store dont be so fast to overlook what may be lurking under the high wattage heat lamps. just think there might be a two or three day old livermush sandwich waiting to give you giardia. happy trails and good luck!!!