The Wandering Disciple

  In the vibrant downtown of Macon, Georgia, where historic streets meet modern energy, there’s a place where the flavors of Louisiana come alive. Parish on Cherry offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience filled with bold taste, warm hospitality, and moments worth savoring. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere invites you to slow down and enjoy. With its refined yet relaxed “bayou-inspired” feel, Parish on Cherry blends rustic Southern charm with a lively, welcoming energy. It’s the kind of place where laughter fills the room, conversations linger, and the table becomes the center of connection. The menu is a celebration of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Rich shrimp and grits, flavorful jambalaya, po’ boys, and perfectly sweet beignets bring the heart of Louisiana straight to Georgia. Each dish is crafted with bold seasoning and comforting depth—food that satisfies not just hunger, but the soul. And maybe that’s what makes places like this so special. In a world that m...

As you pass through the island community of Matlacha, there are signs everywhere of the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. The carnage left behind by the historic cyclone remain weeks after the storm. But embedded in the destruction is also hope and recovery, proof that this tight-knit community is only bruised, not broken.  Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida on September 28 as a strong Category 4 hurricane. It brought winds in excess of 140 (unofficial higher reports of up to 186), rainfall up to 19 inches and 10-15 feet of storm surge devastating much of Lee and Charlotte counties.  Taken: December 11, 2022 (Matlacha, FL)

Tierra Vede, Florida: It has been over a year since our last kayak adventure and we have been itching to be on the water. We have considered buying our own but upfront cost has put them out of our price range. So we decided to rent some kayaks and try our own adventure. After looking around online, I decided to go to Fort Desoto Park at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Of the places I researched, they seemed to be very beginner friendly, offering a marked trail with trail map for the tour. Their kayak provider, United Park Service, also seemed to have very reasonable rates. It didn't take much arm twisting, actually none at all, to convince my dad to come along and give it a try. He has always wanted to go but has never had the opportunity. So we packed up the van and headed north to Fort Desoto. We arrived at Fort Desoto at almost 10 am only to find the kayak rental store closed despite their website and brochure stating they opened at 9. I called the phone number on the br...