The Wandering Disciple

Two White Tail Deer groom each other at Myakka River State Park in eastern Sarasota County. Deer are plentiful in the park and can be easily seen from the main road the crosses through the park. (Photo: November 30, 2013)

Sarasota, Florida: With over 37,00 acres of wilderness, Myakka River State Park is one for the oldest and largest state parks in Florida. The park is a popular spot for hiking, biking, wildlife watching and of course camping. Myakka River State Park features 90 sites on four categories; cabins, tent/RV, RV only and tent only. The sites are situated among four regions of the park. The cabins are on Cabin Lane, Sites 1 through 26 are in Big Flats Campground, Sites 27 through 48 are in Old Prairie Campground and Sites 49 through 90 are in Palmetto Ridge Campground.  In addition to these camping choices, Myakka River also features primitive camps and youth camps. All campsites feature electric and water while some also have a sewer hook-up. There are bathhouses located throughout the campground loops which contain restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. For entertainment, Myakka River features several miles of hiking trails with numerous opportunities to view wildlife. Th...

A black marble statue of a Tampa Police Officer pays tribute to the officers who lost their lives protecting the citizens of Tampa.  Since 1895, thirty-one offices paid the extreme sacrifice as were killed in the line of duty.  Today a memorial stands outside police headquarters to honor these brave officers.  (Photo: July 27, 2013)

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from Donten Photography. Today's Thanksgiving theme photo of the day as an Osceola Turkey at Babcock Wilderness Adventure. (Photo: October 25, 2013)

Cigar factories like the one depicted here at the Y’bor City Museum were once the heart of the thriving Cuban district in Tampa. Close proximity to the shipping lanes combined with a rail line were decisive factors in Vicente Martinez Ybor moving his cigar business from Key West to Tampa. With the factory came, the workers and eventually a Cuban culture that still thrives in Y’bor City to this day. (Photo: July 11, 2013)

The calm waters off Emerson Point are a great place to go kayaking and look for native wildlife. A shaded mangrove tunnel at the kayak launch quickly gives way to the bay where you can see manatees and dolphins as well as all types of shore birds. (Photo: July 10, 2013)

A seaside village overrun by Pirates sets the tone for the Pirate Cove Adventure Golf in Lake Buena Vista. The course here outside the Disney property features two 18-hole miniature golf courses ranging in difficulty. (Photo: July 9, 2013)

A replica pioneer cabin is on display at the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando. Cabins like these were prevalent throughout the state during the pioneer periods. (Photo: July 9, 2013)

A bobcat lurks from the trees in the wildlife exhibit at the Orlando Science Center. The four story Orlando Science Center features exhibits ranging from the natural environment to science and technology. (Photo: July 9, 2013)

Lakewood Ranch, Florida: Set down your fishing poles and grab a golf club for an exciting game on miniature golf at Fish Hole Miniature Golf. Tucked away in the commercial district of Lakewood Main Street, Fish Hole is an adventure course that everyone in the family will enjoy. The fish themed 18-hole course features holes named after all types of fish species.  There is native Florida landscaping, giant koi and unique signage to help enhance the course's appeal.  The highlight of the course is the eighteenth hole which features a great water feature. Fish Hole Lakewood Ranch is open 10-10, seven days a week.  Admission is just $7.50 a person. Click on the photo above to view my photos from Fish Hole .

A fountain provides a quite oasis in the hustle and bustle of downtown Orlando. Lake Eola is a city park located right in the heart of Orlando and is a popular place to take a break from the busy world. (Photo: July 9, 2013)

The Lucas Oil MAVTV Powerboat sits on a trailer in the dry pits at the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix in Sarasota. Held annually in July, the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix raises money for local children's charities while providing the Suncoast with a weekend of thrilling power boat races. (Photo: July 8, 2013)

A Scarlet Macaw sits on its perch at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. This macaw and many other birds call the botanical gardens on Sarasota Bay their home. (Photo: July 8, 2013)

Tampa Bay Ray's minor leaguer Thomas Milone runs out a ground ball in a Gulf Coast League game between the Gulf Coast Rays and the Gulf Coast Orioles.  The Gulf Coast League is Rookie level minor league baseball that is played at spring training sites throughout Florida during June through August.  The rosters are comprised of entry level minor league players in the first couple years of their professional career. (Photo: July 5, 2013)

Everyone's favorite mouse celebrates his birthday today.  Eighty five years ago today, Mickey Mouse made his debut in Steamboat Willie.  He has been entertaining children ever since. Mickey is seen here during the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  (Photo: March 27, 2007)

An observation boardwalk extends into Paynes Prairie at the US-441 overlook.  This is one of several places that visitor's can get a glimpse into life on the 20,000 prairie.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A photo of a Manatee covers the skylight windows at the Florida Natural History Museum at the University of Florida.  The manatee is an endangered specie that can be found throughout Florida waters.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

Towering over the University of Florida campus, the Century Tower can be seen throughout the campus guiding students and visitors to the heart of the historic campus.  Built in 1953, the tower rises 157 feet tall and is equipped with 61 bells that chime every quarter hour from 8 am to 8 pm.  The Century Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.  (Photo: November 10, 2013)

Spanish moss hangs from the trees at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park just outside of Gainesville.  The flowering plant can be found throughout the park and is native to the Southeastern United States.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

This rustic homestead in Cross Creek was the home of author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. From this rural home, Rawlings wrote the Pulitzer Prize winner novel “The Yearling”. Today the home is part of Florida State Park system and visitors can take a glimpse into the life of Mrs Rawlings. (Photo: November 10, 2013)

A white tail deer peaks up from the brush at Paynes Prairie.  The 21,000 acre state park just south of Gainesville is home to deer as well as Bison, Wild Horses and much more.  (Photo: November 10, 2013)

A raccoon grabs a bite to eat in a wilderness exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History.  Raccoon are one of the many native Florida wildlife represented in the museum.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A look inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, more commonly known as The Swamp. The stadium is home of the University of Florida Gators football team and can hold close to 90,000 fans, making it the eleventh largest college football stadium. (Photo: November 10, 2013)

Cross Creek, Florida: From the porch of this rustic cabin in rural Florida, author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote literary works that still entertain readers almost 75 years later. It is here she got the inspiration for her Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Yearling. Rawlings moved to the farmhouse in Cross Creek in 1928. She lived here for 25 years before moving to St Augustine where she later died. During her time in Cross Creek, she wrote several literary pieces including The Yearling, Cross Creek, South Moon Under and more. Most of her books reflected her love of Florida.  Today, her homestead is now a Florida State Park. Here visitors can tour the farm lead by history interpreters dressed in 1930’s attire. You can view the homestead furnished with Rawlings personal items, view the tenant house, see the farm or just walk through the gardens and orange grove. There is also a small nature trail that leads into the Cross Creek wilderness. The homestead was listed on ...

Gainesville, Florida: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, better known as The Swamp, is the home of the University of Florida football team. Over 88,000 Gators fans flock to the stadium on game day, making it the eleventh largest stadium in college football. The Swamp has been the permanent home of the Gators for over eighty years. Designed by architect Rudolph Weaver, the stadium officially opened in 1930. The stadium has seen many renovations over the years to accommodate the growth of the organization, eventually expanding to the current seating of 88,548 permanent seats. The Gators are the sole occupants of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. In addition to the Gators, they hosted the Tangerine Bowl in 1973 and the Gator Bowl in 1994. On non-game day, the stadium is opened to the public for exercise or sight seeing. Tickets for Florida Gators games can be purchased through the university. The range in price depending on game and seat location.

Gainesville, Florida:  We awoke for the second day of our weekend camping trip to a cool and comfortable 62 degrees with a light fog over the park.  There is just something about camping in the great outdoors that leads to a great night's sleep.  We woke up refreshed and ready to take on the town for our final day in Gainesville. Our morning routine was changed due to car problems the night before.  As we left from dinner, the truck gave us difficulty starting.  So to keep from getting stranded over 200 miles from home, we decided to tear down camp first thing this morning, pack the car and pray it starts. With camp packed up, we crossed our fingers and fired up the truck.  It started without a problem and we were on our way.  We tried to head to the observation tower and try spotting some bison, but it was still closed.  So we chose to head to breakfast instead.  On the way out of the park, we passed a whole bunch of deer along Savan...

Plunging 120 feet into the earth, the Devil’s Millhopper is a sinkhole north of Gainesville that has been turned into a geological park. Visitor’s can descend into sinkhole via a 232 step journey to the bottom. (Photo: November 9, 2013)

Gainesville, Florida:   A dense tropical rainforest extends some 120 feet into the ground at the Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.  The site of a former sinkhole is now filled with tropical foliage, waterfalls and a stunning view from the floor of the sinkhole. While geologist can't confirm the exact date the sinkhole was formed, it is believed to have occurred almost 15 thousand years ago.  The sinkhole and surrounding property became a state park in 1974.  It is only geological site in the Florida State Park system. Today visitor's to the park can descend to the bottom of the sinkhole via a 232 step stairway.  The tranquiel sound of water cascading the sides of sinkhole surround you as you climb down to the bottom.  Once you reach the bottom, the sky almost disappears as you are surrounded by the dense canopy of trees surrounding the sinkhole. The 63 acre park also includes a hiking trail that circles the 500 foot wide sinkhole and a visit...

Gainesville, Florida:  For over one hundred years, the Florida Museum of Natural History has been telling the story of Florida's past.  Dioramas depicting ancient fossils through modern day wildlife can be found in the museum located in the heart of the University of Florida's cultural plaza. The museum was founded in 1891 when Professor Frank Pickel purchased collections of specimens for research at the Florida Agricultural College.  In 1906, the college closed and the collection was relocated to the University of Florida.  Then in 1917, the Florida legistlature declared that the museum was the official museum of natural history for the entire state.  The museum and it's mission continued to grow and in 1995, it opened at its current location.  Today the museum has grown to over 34 million specimens including one of the largest collections of butteries in the world. While much of the museum's specimens are in storage, there is plenty to see in the mu...

Micanopy, Florida: The great Savannah seems to stretch as far as the eye can see and provides home to many species of animals as well as a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.  Encompassing over 20,000 acres, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is an outdoor lover's dream, providing plenty of hiking, camping and wildlife watching opportunities. Located just south of Gainesville in the little town of Micanopy, Paynes Prairie has a rich history.  It has been inhabited for over 12,000 years according to historians.  It's wildlife has helped to sustain many Indian tribes including the Alachua band of the Seminole tribe. The park was named after the band chief's son, Payne. The rich land of the park is also thought to be a hunting spot for Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto during his march through Florida in summer of 1539. It is believed that De Soto and his men stopped here on the march from Itaraholata to Cholupaha or present day Goethe State Forest and O'Leno...

Gainesville, Florida: The cooler fall weather has sunk into the sunshine state and what better way to celebrate its arrival then with our first camping trip of the Fall. In a last minute Friday afternoon decision we decided to head north to Gainesville for a one night camping trip at Paynes Prairie State Park. While there we would take in the sights of the park as well as exploring what Gainesville has to offer. For the first time ever, this trip was pretty much unscripted. The last minute availability of a campsite made for a quick grab and go trip. We have always wanted to go to Paynes Prairie, but it has been difficult to get a site when it fits into our schedule. So when I saw if come available on Friday afternoon, I jumped on the chance to reserve the site. I loaded the truck Friday night and we hit the road north to Gainesville early Saturday morning. The trip up I-75 north of Tampa is pretty much uncharted territory for us. Except for a couple trips to the State Fi...

Colorful fireworks light up the night sky over Blind Pass Beach during this year's Independence Day fireworks show. Thousands of spectators line the beaches to watch the great display put on by Garden State Fireworks. (Photo: July 4, 2013)

Daytona Cubs outfielder John Andreoli makes a catch in deep left field in a Florida State League game against the Bradenton Marauders at historic McKechnie Field. (Photo: June 4, 2013)

The Federal Protective Service is a uniformed law enforcement division of the Department of Homeland Security. They are responsible for law enforcement protection of almost 9,00 federal facilities throughout the country. The agency employs 1,200 officers assigned to 164 field offices. (Photo: September 25, 2013)

A bright red rose blooms in our backyard garden. The warm Florida weather helps keep our rose bushes in bloom all year round. (Photo: May 15, 2013)

The Lizzy G sits in the bay near the Guptill House at Historic Spanish Point. The Lizzy G is a replica of the sailboats from the late 1800’s. This replica was built on location using tools and materials that would be used during the pioneer period. (Photo: November 3, 2013)

The Classic Portal at Historic Spanish Point once framed a stunning image of Webb's Cove,  Now it is one of many historic markers that can be viewed at the 30 acre history museum.  (Photo: November 3, 2013)

Osprey, Florida: Historic Spanish Point opened their doors this weekend for free admission to the 30 acre living history museum. Rain on Saturday cleared the way for a sunny Sunday as we took to the trails to explore the property. Historic Spanish Point has a deep history. The point on Little Sarasota Bay was once the site of a thriving Native American village. Remnant of this village can be found through the middens and burial mounds found on the property. A midden is the equivalent of a modern day landfill. These mounds contain shells, crushes pottery and other waste from the village. Here at Spanish Point, you can look inside a midden through the Windows to the Past exhibit. Archaeologists have cleared away a cross section of the midden and its contents can be seen through the glass wall of the exhibit. There is also a ritual burial mound found here at the point. The next group of inhabitants to the point were the pioneers. The pioneer chapter of history opened in 18...

Englewood, Florida: The cold front had passes, the tide was in and the fish were biting out at Englewood Pier today. After the rain passed through with the cold front, we decided to hit the pier at Chadwick Park and try our luck today at high tide. Once again it was my wife leading the pack today with three fish, I came in second with two and my dad had one. Almost identical outcome from our last outing. I hope we can get my son to land one soon so it keeps his interest.  We came armed with a supply of fresh shrimp from the bait shop across the street from the pier. During this out we snagged a Crevalle Jack, a couple Snappers and some Pig Fish. Sheepshead were also biting but they were falling off as we reeled them up to the pier because of the size of the hooks. During our next trip, we are going to try and use the cast net to get our bait. There was a group using live bait caught of a cast net and they were stealing the show with their catches. We hope to have t...

A US Air flight arrives at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport as another departs during the lunch time rush of air traffic.  US Airways provides five flights a day from SRQ using US Airways Express carriers like Republic Airways, Mesa Airlines, PSA and during peak season their own aircraft.  Together these carriers provide Sarasota travelers with a connection to Charlotte and Washington DC.  (Photo: October 31, 2013)