*SOLVED*
Upper hinge in tailgate had trapped the defrost and brake wires - they got smashed and made contact with the body. Once free, there was enough slack to pull them both up thru the hole by the glass to make the repair (barrel connectors).

Brake light and Turn indicator use the same fuse - it keeps blowing - immediately after replacing.
After replacing blinkers work fine - I think it is blowing after depressing the brake pedal.
Im going to check the ever problematic rear tail light housing.
this started immediately after some recent work: replaced cargo door hinges - during which the cargo door was opened and shut over and over to check for proper latching. Not sure if or how that could be related.

Are there any 'check here also' recommendations. Could this be a sign of bad brake light switch?

thanks

 

Blown fuse means a short of 12V to ground. Try unplugging or disconnecting brake light fixtures until it stops.

The center brake light wires snake near the hinges.

 

thanks JohnZo - this was it

 

Had this happen when an exhaust leak melted one of the bumper indicator clusters, the cluster wiring then spun around until they shorted out.
Its likely the wire snake near hinge but it could be bumper if that passes the sniff check