The Wandering Disciple

The boats in the harbor, lively music from the piazza and authentic Italian architecture as far as the eye can see, Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando spares no detail in making you feel like you have been swept away to Italy. The vibrant colors of the buildings come to life as the sun sets over the resort. (Photo: January 27, 2006)

Its a common sight in cities across the country to find the roadways jammed pack with many varieties of cars and trucks. But in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, transportation takes a different approach as many of the county residents resort to more old-fashion methods of travel, the horse and buggy. Lancaster County is home to one of the largest population of Amish residents in the country. The Amish still live their lives without many of the modern conveniences we take for granted. They still travel via Horse and Buggy just like the ancestors did. This one here is seen Route 896 just outside Strasburg, Pennsylvania. (Photo: April 23, 2004)

I was going through my in-box and it occurred to me that it has been a while since I have posted some cruise deals. Although summer tends to be a little more expensive due to summer break, there are still great deals to be found if you look around. But why spend your time looking when there is Dick Gothner of Skyscraper Tours there to get you a great deal. Dick's recent cruise deals contains over 25 sailings onboard Carnival Cruise Line consisting of several exciting itineraries. Here are three that he has highlighted: Carnival Dream sets sail on 11/26/2011 from Port Canaveral on a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise. The ship makes stops in Cozumel, Roatan, Belize City and Costa Maya while also including two fun days at sea. Prices begin at $439. The Carnival Legend sails out of Tampa on 11/6/2011 for a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatan and Belize. Prices start at $419. Finally the Carnival Liberty departs the Port of Miami on 9/24/2011 for a 7-night W...

I have entered a photo of mine into a Herald-Tribune photo contest. The topic of this content is cutest pet and the winner is selected by readers/visitors of the Herald Tribune's website. You can register to vote for the photo by visiting the website by clicking here . First register an account. Then click on the vote tab and search for "My Puppy and Me" to locate the photo. The photo is in a field of over 900. The first round of the oting opens July 25 and I ask all of you to vote daily to help the photo win. Thanks for your help.

Port Charlotte, Florida: The Stone Crabs celebrated Christmas in July on Saturday night and the Stone Crabs go their gift in the form of a go-ahead triple by Brett Nommensen in the bottom of the eighth. This late game rally helped the Stone Crabs beat the Dunedin Blue Jays 3-2. The Stone Crabs took an early lead in the second inning. Mike Sheridan reached on a force out. Sheridan later scored on a single by Reid Fronk to give the Stone Crabs a 1-0 lead. The Blue Jays tied the game an inning later. Ivan Contreras singled to lead off the inning. He advanced to third on a ground out by AJ Jimenez and then later scored on a single by Kevin Ahrens to tie the game 1-1. The game would remain tied until the bottom of the eighth inning. Ty Morrison reached on a bunt single with two outs to get the rally started. Brett Nommensen then plated the go-ahead run with an RBI triple to right. Nommensen later scored on a single by Mark Thomas to give the Stone Crabs a 3-1 lead. Dunedin tried to mount a...

The Northern Crested Caracara is a bird of prey found in the falcon family. It is originally from Cuba but has migrated to South America, Central America and the Southern United States. The one seen here found in Sarasota, Florida and is a relict population of the species. They can be found in central Florida and are hold-overs from the last glacial period. Loss of habitat of the Florida population has caused them to be listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service while the remainder of the species worldwide is listed as a species of least concern. (Photo: July 18, 2011)

"> Port Charlotte, Florida: The Stone Crabs failed to pick up the sweep as they fell to the Clearwater Threshers 4-1 on Saturday night at Charlotte Sports Park. Despite the loss, the Stone Crabs won the season series 5-3. Clearwater took the lead early in the first inning. Jiwan James reached base after being hit by a pitch. James advanced to third on a throwing error as a pick-off throw by Mark Thomas sailed into center field. Jonathan Singleton then drove home the runner with an RBI single to put them ahead 1-0. The Threshers increased their lead in the third inning off a solo home run by Brian Gump to put them up 2-0. The Stone Crabs reached the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ty Morrison singled on a bunt to put a runner aboard. Morrison would later score on an RBI single by Tyler Bortnick to pull within a run of the lead 2-1. But Clearwater made up for that run in the sixth inning. Michael Dabbs singled on a line drive to lead off the inning. Dabbs then adv...

Longboat Key, Florida: Located at the northern point of Longboat Key is a secluded primitive beach only reachable by foot or boat. In a short walk you will leave behind the hustle and bustle of the island resorts and become immersed with the quiet beach and the nature that can be found here. Greer Island also known as Beer Can Island is a small stretch of land located along Longboat Pass at the north end of Longboat Key. Here you will find 2,000 feet of primitive beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The “island” is more like a peninsula now since recent beach projects have replenished the beaches enough to make it an easy walk to the island. Prior to the work, visitors needed to reach the island by boat or wait until low tide and walk across a small waterway that separated Greer Island from Longboat Key during high tide. The island is home to many coastal birds leading it to be listed on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Skimmers, terns, willets, black-bellied plovers and oystercatche...

This Scarlet Macaw sits on a perch at Lion Country Safari in Florida. This large colorful bird is one of over 800 animals that can be viewed at the attraction. They feature a drive-through safari combined with a traditional walking zoo. (Photo: September 7, 2009)

Bright lights, Big city. The lights of New York's Time Square light up the Big Apple. The bustling commercial district also known as "The Crossroads of the World" has an ordinance that requires building to provide illuminated signs. In addition to the millions of visitors throughout the year, over one million people flock to Times Square on New Years Eve to watch the famous crystal ball drop for the top of One Times Square. (Photo: August 26, 2005)

At the blink of an eye, the Incredible Hulk Coaster launched riders into an almost 70 mph adrenaline rush. With seven inversions and pushing 4Gs, it is a coaster that will leave you with your stomach in your throat. The Incredible Hulk Coaster opened in 1999 and is located at Marvel Super Hero Island inside Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park. (Photo: January 29, 2006)

The Ca d'Zan sits along the Sarasota Bayfront as a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous from the 1920's. The winter residence of John and Mabel Ringling, the Ca d'Zan was finished in 1926. It was inspired by the Doge Palace in Italy and the tower was modeled after the first Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. Today, the home is available for tours along with Ringling's famous art collection and a museum dedicated to his circus. (Photo: June 14, 2009)

The iconic dome of Epcot, Spaceship Earth stands tall near the entrance to the park. The 18-story geodesic sphere houses a ride that takes guests through the advancements in communications. Sponsored by Siemens, the attraction just underwent a major renovation. (Photo: August 18, 2006)

The end to another perfect day in the Sunshine State as the sun drops below the horizon on the Tampa Bay. The Gulf Coast of Florida is known for some of the best sunsets. This one here is from the Sunshine Skyway at the mouth of the Tampa Bay. (Photo: January 24, 2009)

Practically a floating city, the Navigator of the Seas by Royal Caribbean provides fun and excitement for all members of the family. The ship features an ice skating ring, swimming pools, mini golf, rock climbing wall, in-line skate track and much more. Combine that with the great food and entertainment alongside popular ports of call and you have a great family vacation. The Navigator of the Seas is seen here docked at St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. (Photo: October 24, 2006)

A symbol of American freedom, the Statue of Liberty has stood tall in New York harbor for over 120 years. A gift to the United States from France, the statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Lady Liberty stands tall as a symbol of freedom and democracy, something that so many early immigrant sought in America. (Photo: August 28, 2005)

Air Force One is the official aircraft of the United States President. The modified Boeing 747 aircraft is like a flying White House with all the necessities the President needs to conduct business while onboard the aircraft. Air Force One is seen here on departure from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport following a visit by President Barack Obama to a solar power plant in Arcadia, Florida. (Photo: October 27, 2009)

Port Charlotte, Florida: A rarity in the Gulf Coast League, the GCL Rays and GCL Orioles hooked up for a game under the lights at Charlotte Sports Park. Taking advantage of the home team Charlotte Stone Crabs playing on road, the Rays hosted the Orioles for a cooler night game in a league that usually plays at high noon in the sweltery Florida heat. Those is attendence were treated to a great game as the home team Rays defeated the Orioles 3-2 in extra innings. The Orioles took the lead in the third inning. Thomas Winegardner singled to left to lead off the inning. He advanced to third on a sac bunt by Mosies Ciriaco. Gregory Lorenzo then singled on a bunt, moving the runner to third. Doug Bream knocked home both runs with a line drive to center to put the Orioles in front 2-0. The Rays trailed until the bottomof the ninth. Cesar Perez and Julian Morillo drew walks followed by a single by Matthew Johnson to load the bases. Darryl George deivered a single with two outs to score...

Dolphin Cove at Sea World in Orlando, Florida is a place where you can face to face with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins like the one pictured here. Visitor's to the park have the opportunity to pet and feed the dolphins here at Dolphin Cove. (Photo: August 28, 2004)