The Wandering Disciple

Spring is in the air as the sound of batted balls fill the air over ballparks throughout Florida and Arizona. Today marked the first day of full-squad practice for the Tampa Bay Rays at their spring training complex in Port Charlotte. (Photo: February 28, 2015)

A tiger prowls the edge of a pool at the National Zoo in Washington DC. The zoo which operated by the Smithsonian Institiute is home to over 2,000 animals. (Photo: February 13, 2009)

A statue of General John Pershing is the centerpiece of Pershing Park in Washington DC. The park is dedicated to Pershing, the general who led the American Expeditionary Forces to victory in World War I. (Photo: February 13, 2009)

Located just steps away from the White House, the Willard Hotel is one of the most historically significant hotel in the Nation's capital.  Over 150 years of history can be found within the walls of the hotel.  From providing a safe haven for President Lincoln during his first inauguration to Dr Martin Luther King Jr finishing his "I Have a Dream Speech", the Willard has had a front seat.  It has been a prominent location for every president since Franklin Pierce.  (Photo: February 15, 2009)

A US Airways Boeing 737-400 prepares for flight at Reagan National Airport in Washington DC.  Reagan National is the gateway to the Nation's Capital, welcoming over 18 million visitors annually.  (Photo: February 16, 2009)

The sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico putting the end on another beautiful day in the Sunshine State.  With over 700 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, there are spectacular sunsets nightly along the beaches on the west coast of Florida.  This photo is from Gasparilla Island State Park in Boca Grande.  (Photo: January 25, 2009)

The usually calm waters of the Hillsborough River get a little rough along the Rapids Trail at Hillsborough River State Park.  This section of the river is one of a few rivers in Florida to produce rapids.  (Photo: January 24, 2009)

As the waters of the Gulf of Mexico continue to drop, Manatees flock to the warmer waters of the TECO power plant in Apollo Beach.  Manatees gather by the hundreds in the warm water discharge canal of the power plant and can be viewed up-close at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center.  (Photo: February 21, 2015)

An alligator basks in the sun along the banks of the Myakka River at Myakka River State Park.  Alligators are cold blooded and rely on the sun to help regulate their body temperature during the winter.  (Photo: January 11, 2009)

The elevated boardwalk traverses the Sawgrass Marsh and swamps at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center in eastern Sarasota County.  A hike on the boardwalk takes visitors through distinct ecosystems and allows hikers to take in the fauna and wildlife without getting their feet wet in the mud of the swamp.  (Photo: January 10, 2009)

While much of the country is dealing with harsh winter weather, a United Airlines flight arrives in bright sunshine at Tampa International Airport.  (Photo: February 14, 2015)

A chimpanzee appears to be in deep thought along the Myombi Reserve at Busch Gardens.  The Myombi Reserve is home to chimpanzees and gorillas.  (Photo: January 2, 2009)

The Our Place in the Universe exhibit at MOSI takes a look into the skies and our quest to explore deep space.  (Photo: September 6, 2008)

A hippo takes a swim with a school of colorful fish at the Edge of Africa at Busch Gardens.  (Photo: August 24, 2008)

Sea World's iconic killer whale Shamu performs during the aquatic show Believe at Sea World Orlando.  Believe appeared in all Sea World Parks from 2006-2011.  (Photo: July 5, 2008)

Bright House Field in Clearwater is consistently voted as the top baseball facility in Florida.  Built in 2004. Bright House Field is the spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies and regular season home of the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League.  The stadium has seating for 7,000 but the grass berms help swell attendance to 8,500.  (Photo: May 17, 2008)

A view of Florida Auto Exchange Stadium as seen from the first base seating section.  Built in 1990, the stadium seats 5,509 fans and is home to the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training and the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Florida State League.  (Photo: April 26, 2008)

A white tiger stands in an exhibit in the Jungala region of Busch Gardens park in Tampa.  Jungala is the newest region of Busch Gardens, opened in 2008, and is home to tiger and orangutans.  (Photo: April 13, 2008)

A look down the tracks from the locomotive of the Seminole-Gulf Excursion Train. The daytime excursion takes riders on a trip through Fort Myers and across the Caloosahatchee River. At night, the train doubles as a dinner murder mystery excursion. (Photo: March 29, 2008)

A wood stork stands in the rain in our backyard on a rainy Monday afternoon. This threatened wading bird can be found throughout South America and the Caribbean however breeding populations are located in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. (Photo: February 9, 2015)

Ken Griffey Jr chats with umpire John Hirschbeck during a spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium in 2008. In just a couple of weeks, the ballparks in Florida and Arizona will come alive as major league spring training opens up for the 2015 season. (Photo: March 16, 2008)

The B-17 Flying Fortress “Aluminum Overcast” sits on display at Sarasota-Bradenton International during a stop on its nationwide tour. The B-17 was a World War II bomber operated in the European theater of war by the Eighth Air Force. This particular aircraft (44-85740) was completed at the conclusion of World War II and never saw combat action. It was donated the EAA in 1983 and was restored to look lke a B-17 from the 398th Bomb Group. The real “Aluminum Overcast” was shot down over France on its 345th combat mission. (Photo: February 6, 2015)

The Ford Tri-Motor lands at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport following a heritage flight. The unique Ford Tri-Motor was three engine aircraft produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1925 through 1933. They produced 199 aircraft of which only 18 are still left in existence today. Of those remaining, only eight are still airworthy. The EAA owns two of the airworthy Ford Tri-Motor aircraft and travels the country with them to highlight the early days of passanger air travel. (Photo: February 6, 2015)

The large floor to ceiling aquariums at the Florida Aquarium allow the younger members of the family to get up closer and personal with the sea life. Kids can get eye to eye with sea turtles, sharks and much more. (Photo: March 15, 2008)

Meet Bolingo, a gorilla born at Busch Gardens Tampa back in 2005. While Bolingo will be turning ten this year, this photo comes from his terrible two’s. (Photo: March 15, 2008)

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will be bringing their Round-Engine Aircraft Ride Event (RARE) to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport on February 5 through 8. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fly aboard not one but two historic aircraft, A Ford-Tri-Motor and a B-17 Flying Fortress. They will be offering rides on both aircraft during their visit as well as ground tours of the B-17. The tour is sponsored by the EAA Chapter 188. Tickets and more info about the event can be found on their website . Check back later for photos from the event.

Hop aboard for the wildest ride in the wilderness, Big Thunder Mountain. This wild coaster is one of the tree Walt Disney World Mountain, joining Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. (Photo: January 5, 2008)

A Victorian mansion sits along the river bank at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. From the backwoods bayou to the antebellum mansion, Port Orleans brings the heart Louisiana to the Sunshine State. (Photo: January 4, 2008)

North Port Fire-Rescue Truck 82 sits on display at a special event in the City of North Port. The North Port Fire-Rescue provides fire suppression and emergency medical services for the City of North Port. They operate out of 5 stations spread throughout the city. (Photo: December 1, 2007)