The Wandering Disciple

A school of fish swim up the clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River.  The clear spring fed waters make the fish easy to spot while kayaking down the river.  In addition to the fish, these waters provide temporary homes to manatees when the water in the Gulf is colder. You can get a close up of the marine life by taking a kayak tour from Florida by Boat, the only vendor that allows you to launch from the protected waters of Weeki Wachee State Park.  (Photo: April 29, 2017)

Weeki Wachee, Florida:  Taking advantage of a Saturday off from Little League, we decided to take a two hour drive up to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for a fun day in the sun.  We have been wanted to visit Weeki Wachee since passing it on the way to Homossassa Springs a few years ago and decided that today was going to be the day.  Today’s trip consisted to two phases, kayaking the Weeki Wachee River and enjoying the shows and water activities of the park.  We checked in with Boating in Florida, the park’s kayak and stand-up paddleboard vendor for our 8am appointment.  After signing waivers and paying our rental fees, they outfitted us with two tandem kayaks, life vests and paddles and we were quickly on our way.  The photos and descriptions on the park’s website do not really prepare you for the beauty you experience once on the river.  Crystal clear water vibrant with colors and wildlife around every corner is the easiest way I can sum...

The spring fed waters of the Weeki Wachee River flow from the Weeki Wachee Springs to the Gulf of Mexico giving kayakers a 7 mile stretch of crystal clear waters to enjoy. Along the peaceful paddle you can observe many species of birds, otters and even the gentle giant manatees. The sandy bottom of the river also allows for many opportunities to hop off the kayak and enjoy the cool and refreshing water along the way. (Photo: April 29, 2017)

A bushy tail tree rat AKA Eastern Grey Squirrel climbs a tree at Fort Desoto Park in Pinellas County.  Squirrels and many other species of wildlife call the park their home.  (Photo: April 7, 2012)

The F/A 18 Hornet of Blue Angel #4 sits on the flight line at the Florida International Airshow in 2012.  The legendary Blue Angels are the premier flight demonstration team of the US Navy.  They perform that high adrenaline performance in front of millions of spectators coast to coast, demonstrating the air superiority of the United States Navy.  (Photo: March 25, 2012)

Englewood, Florida: Key Agency game up a bunch of runs in the opening inning creating a deficit they could not recover from as they fell to Lemon Bay Funeral Home 12-6 on Thursday night at Englewood Sports Complex. In the first inning, Lemon Bay sent fourteen hitters to the plate and pushed across nine runs in the inning. Tanner Martin, Luke Tannehill, Nash Dowd, Devin Clifford, Owen Tannehill, TJ Williams and Zeke Moranda all collected RBI’s in the inning to give them a 9-0 lead. Key Agency got on the board in the second inning. CJ Knicely drew a walk followed by a double by Troy Reames. Kniceley scored on a ground out by Aiden Bell and Reames came home on a passed ball to make it 9-2. Key Agency scored again in the third. Cody Mayes reached on a fielder’s choice and later scored on a ground ball by Knicely to make it 9-3. Lemon Bay struck for three more runs in the sixth inning. Moranda singled to lead off the inning. He moved to third on a double by Cooper Benedict....

Port Charlotte, Florida: In the game of baseball, one unluckly hop can make or break a game and that was the storyline Tuesday night as the Charlotte Stone Crabs fell to the Dunedin Blue Jays 10-3 at Charlotte Sports Park. That one unlucky hop came on a two out ground ball that extended the inning for the Blue Jays, allowing them to push across six runs to take a commanding lead. The Blue Jays broke the scoreless tie by taking advantage of that critical Stone Crab error in the second inning. The Blue Jays loaded the bases with one out. Charlotte starter Michael Velasquez quickly recorded a strikeout for the second out of the inning. Then it look like he was about to get out of the inning with no harm, a ground ball to third took a bad hop resulting in the third baseman Kevin Padlo overthrowing first which allowed Juan Kelly and Lane Thomas to score. Cavan Biggio drew a walk to reload the bases before a grand slam by Max Pentecost would clear the bases and give the Blue Jays ...

Another beautiful beach day at Gasparilla Island State Park on the island of Boca Grande.  Clear waters and shell filled beaches draw visitors to this barrier island which feels more like the tropics than mainland United States. (Photo: March 18, 2012)

Hall of Fame hitter Ted Williams once said "The hardest thing to do in baseball is hit a round ball with a round bat squarely." This one quote sums up hitting at all levels of baseball. Hitting a baseball is probably the hardest feat in professional sport. The advantage always lies with the pitcher even before the ball leaves his hand. (Photo: March 14, 2012)

Chipley, Florida: Each year thousands of visitors follow the footsteps that date back to the days of the Native Americans, making the trek to see the wonders of Florida’s tallest waterfall at Falling Waters State Park. The awe of the falling water attracted Native Americans to see the spender of the waterfall and continues to draw people to see nature’s masterpiece. The land surrounding the park is rich in history. It hid Indians from capture during the Seminole Wars. It would become a Civil War era grist mill and in 1891 a distillery. In 1919, it became the first oil well in Florida. Artifacts telling the story of the land have been unearthed by archaeologists with the University of West Florida, giving historians a glimpse at the usage of the land dating back over 1,500 years. In 1962, Washington County turned the land over to the State of Florida and Falling Waters State Park was born. Today, the highlight of the park continues to be the waterfall. At 73 feet, the waterf...

Fire crews throughout the state of Florida have been busy fighting over 100 wildfires raging throughout the state due to the drought conditions.  The governor's office reports there are currently 115 active fires responsible for 30,000 acres burned.  Pictured here is Charlotte County Fire & EMS working a 60 acre fire that started yesterday near State Road 776 and Cattle Dock Point Road in Port Charlotte.  (Photo: April 22, 2017)

The Batbike sits on display at the 2012 Florida State Fair.  Operated by Nock Entertainment, the Bat Bike travels the country with its companions, the Batcopter and Batmobile.  These items were made popular by the hit show Batman.  (Photo: February 18, 2012)

Baltimore Orioles shortstop JJ Hardy ranges out into shallow left to record an out during a Grapefruit League spring training game in 2012.  The popular shortstop has been a member of the Orioles since 2011 and before that he played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins.  Hardy has been named a Gold Glove winner three times as a member of the O's.  (Photo: March 8, 2012)

Englewood, Florida: What has been an exciting battle so far this season, the top teams in Englewood Little League locked horns for another exciting game of baseball on Thursday night at Englewood Sports Complex. The usual dominating pitching staff of Key Agency could not contain the powerful bat of Labadie slugger Trey Rutan who went deep twice to lead Labadie to a 7-4 win. Labadie took the lead in the first inning. Leadoff hitter Charlie Dillmore drew a walk to get things going. He would later score on Rutan’s first homer of the night, a two run shot to right to put them ahead 2-0. Key Agency cut the lead in half by scoring in the bottom of the first. Jake Patrick led off the inning with a walk. He moved to second on a passed ball and later to third on a ground out by Cody Mayes. Jake Patrick then scored on a passed ball to make it 2-1. Labadie answered by scoring three more runs in the third inning. Dillmore reached on error followed by Wyatt Seckel getting hit by a p...

Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Station 1 is the busiest station in the Sarasota County Fire Department.  The station is home to Engine 1, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Rescue 20, Battalion 1 and EMS 1.  Station 1 is regularly listed as one of the busiest stations in the country.  (Photo: September 13, 2012)

An HH-60 Jayhawk from the US Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater patrols the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Venice Beach. Officially formed in 1915 after the merger of the Revenue Cutter Service and the US Life-Saving Service, the USCG is responsible for patrolling the United States coastal waters. (Photo: June 12, 2012)

A patrol car from the Florida Highway Patrol sits outside the courthouse in Sarasota.  State Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol are responsible for the safety of the Sunshine State's interstate, highways and major roadways as well as provide support to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state.  (Photo: December 6, 2012)

Ben Verlander celebrates his first hit of the 2017 season during Sunday's game between the Lakeland Flying Tigers and Charlotte Stone Crabs. Verlander, a minor league player in the Detroit Tigers system, was hitless in four Florida State League games until recording his first hit in the third inning of today's game. (Photo: April 16, 2017)

Port Charlotte, Florida: After starting the season with seven straight losses, the Charlotte Stone Crabs have won 2 of three against the Lakeland Flying Tigers and hoped to finish the series with a win on Sunday to give them their first series win of 2017. But Lakeland had other plans as they rode the back of a great performance by starting pitcher Beau Burrows to a 4-2 win. Both starters, Burrows of Lakeland and Genesis Cabrera for Charlotte were great from the start. They exchanged zeros on the scoreboard until Lakeland reached for a run in the top of the fourth. That’s when Ross Kivett reached on an error to put a runner on the bases. He moved all the way to third on a wild pitch and a passed ball. Kivett then scored on a sac fly by Will Allen to break the scoreless tie and give the Flying Tigers a 1-0 lead. Lakeland pushed across a pair of runs in the seventh inning. Allen led off the inning with a double to left followed by a single to right by Joey Pankake. Allen the...

Larger than life monkeys string across the ceiling of the ride queue at Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Classic toys appear supersized throughout the line, allowing riders to flashback to their childhood and their fond memories of their favorite toys and games. (Photo: January 28, 2012)  

An iconic sight along Sarasota Bay, the Condo of the Bay complex rises above the coast.  The twin towers were ahead of their time when they were original constructed in 1982.  (Photo: January 25, 2012)

The winding road though the woods makes for an enjoyable drive to Lake Seminole at Three River State Park.  Located where the Chattahoochee, Flint and Apalachicola River meet Lake Seminole, the park provides an enjoyable drive through the country just outside of Sneads, Florida.  (Photo: April 3, 2017)

Englewood, Florida: Every time Key Agency and Lemon Bay Funeral Home meet up for major division action at Englewood Little League, fans are treated to an exciting game between two really good teams.  Tonight’s game would be no different as Lemon Bay struck early and held off a late rally by Key Agency to win 8-6. Lemon Bay took a three run lead in the first inning.  An RBI single by Austin Werden and two more runs on an error gave Lemon Bay a 3-0 lead. Lemon Bay scored again in the second.  Devin Clifford reached on an error to lead off the inning. He later scored on a ground ball by Matthew Howard to increase the lead to 4-0. Key Agency got on the board in the second.  MJ Patrick doubled to lead off the inning.  Troy Reames and Aiden Bell drew walks to load the bases.  The first run of the inning came off a ground ball by Gabe Todaro to score MJ Patrick.  Then Donte Taylor delivered an RBI single to score Reames and cut the lead in half...

At 73 feet, Falling Waters is the largest waterfall in the Sunshine State.  Formed by the Falling Water Sing, water cascades from the top of the waterfall into the sinkhole below.  Fed by a spring near the top, the waterfall can range from trickle in the dry season to a raging waterfall in the rainy season or after a heavy rain.  (Photo: April 2, 2017)

A path winds through the woods at Torreya State Park in Bristol, Florida.  This is the Weeping Ridge Trail, one of several hiking trails within the park.  The thirty minute hike starts at the campground and leads to a waterfall.  Although the waterfall is only visible during wet seasons, the hike is an enjoyable walk through dense forests.  (Photo: April 2, 2017)

Englewood, Florida: The red-hot offense of the league leading Key Agency lit up the diamond on Saturday night as they defeated Kimberlin Roofing 13-4 at Englewood Sport Complex. Key Agency got things going by scoring five runs in the first inning. They loaded the bases following a walk by Jake Patrick, a single by Nick George and a walk to Troy Reames.  Jake Patrick and George would then score on a single by MJ Patrick. Reames then scored and MJ Patrick moved into scoring position on an error.  Donte Taylor then drew a walk to put runners at first and second.  After back to back strikeouts, Sam Sheidy struck a two-out single to right, scoring MJ Patrick and Taylor to give them a commanding 5-0 lead. Kimberlin threatening in the bottom of the first by loading the bases but Key Agency got out number three to end the threat.  They carried the momentum into the second ining where they scored their first run of the night.  Matthew Schick drew a walk and then sc...

Bright colorful blooms provide a splash of color in the countryside as Spring comes to life throughout the south.  These bright purple flowers appear to be lilac blooms but are actually blooms from the Chaste Tree.  Originally found in the Mediterranean region, the Chaste Tree has been introduced into Florida and other regions of the Southeast.  (Photo: April 3, 2017)

Sitting high atop a bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River, the Gregory House has a stunning view of the river and surrounding wilderness.  But despite its prime spot on the river, this is not the original location of this plantation.  Originally built by prominent planter Jason Gregory in 1849, the plantation sat at Ocheesee Landing, across the river from its present day location.  The home fell in disrepair following the Civil War and in the early 1930's the Civil Conservation Corp disassembled the home and relocated it to its location within Torreya State Park.  The home was reopened for tours and is operated by the Florida Parks Service. (Photo: April 2, 2017)

Spring time is in full bloom in Florida Caverns State Park and what better way to relax from the heat is by taking a dip in the spring.  While the park is well known for the caverns, another popular attraction within the park is the Blue Hole Spring.  This second-magnitude spring provides a steady flow of water into the park and is a popular spot for swimming in the clear waters.  (Photo: April 2, 2017)

A rain lily blooms on the forest floor along a hiking trail at Florida Caverns State Park. Zephyranthes atamasca or more commonly known as atamasco-lily or rain-lily is native to the Southeastern United States and can be found in swampy forests.  The flower blooms in spring and produces a fragrant bloom.  (Photo: April 2, 2017)

This statue at the Florida Caverns State Park pays tribute to the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps who helped shape our national park systems. Created by President Franklin D Roosevelt as part of the New Deal, this program was designed to help struggling families during the Great Depression. These young men worked on public projects such as creating parks and infrastructure and were paid a salary of $30 in which the worker kept $5 and the remaining $25 was sent to help support their family. This program employed 3 million young men during the program which ran from 1933 to 1942 and impacted over 800 parks nationwide. (Photo: April 2, 2017)

Englewood, Florida: Little League baseball fans were treated to an exciting game on Tuesday night as the league leading Key Agency squared off agains Lemon Bay Funeral Home is a close game. After exchanging leads three times, it was Key Agency that would hold for a 6-4 win. Key Agency took the lead in the first inning. Jake Patrick led off the inning with a double to center. He then scored on an RBI double by Nick George to give Key Agency a 1-0 lead. Lemon Bay Funeral Home took advantage of some defensive miscues by Key Agency in the third to grab the lead. Zeke Moranda delivered a hard hit ball to first that was misplayed and thrown around, allowing Tanner Martin and Matthew Howard to score to make it 2-1. Key Agency bounced back to regain the lead in the bottom of the third. Nick George singled followed by a double by Cody Mayes to give them two runners in scoring positon. Both baserunners scored on a single by MJ Patrick to give them a 3-2 lead. Lemon Bay Funeral H...

What might look like Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars to some, is actually a naturally formed geological feature within the Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna, Florida. The only underground air-filled cavern in the State of Florida features rock formations that resemble all sorts of things like Donald Duck, bacon, birthday cakes and much more if you use your imagination. Florida Caverns State Park was one of the many places we visited during our weekend Panhandle trip, be sure to check back for more photos from the trip during the upcoming days. (Photo: April 2, 2017)

Sneads, Florida:  Located along the Florida-Georgia line lies a quiet state park in which three mighty rivers come together to form a giant lake. At Three Rivers State Park, the Flint River and Chattahoochee River flow into Lake Seminole which empties into the Apalachicola River. Three Rivers State Park is located just outside the small town of Sneads. The park is on the edge of the Florida line, with the state line passing through Lake Seminole, the centerpiece of this hidden gem. The park is thought to be one of the best fishing spots in North Florida.  In addition to fishing and boating on Lake Seminole, the park features hiking trails, a picnic area and a campground. Three Rivers State Park is located at 7908 Three Rivers Park Road in Sneads, Florida.  Admission to the park is $3 per car.  Campsites are available through Reserve America and are $16 a night. Click on the photo above to view my Three River State Park photo gallery .

Bristol, Florida: Located on a high bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River, Torrey State Park is in Florida yet feels like you’ve left the state. Check the flat landscape at the gate, Torreya is at an elevation of over 300 feet, making it one of the highest elevations in the state. Torreya is home of the Gregory House, a plantation built in 1849. It was built at Ocheesee Landing, opposite its current day location. It was relocated to the park by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. Today guests can take a tour of the historic plantation and take a glimpse of live during the antebellum period. The park is also home to the rare Torreya tree in which the park gets its name. The tree is only found along the limestone bluffs on the eastern bank of the river. At over 13,000 acres and 16 miles of hiking trails, there is plenty of natural wonder to view within the park. Along the trails you can view the six Confederate gun pits uses to help protect the river during ...

Marianna, Florida: When most people think of Florida, they immediately think of flat beaches as far as the eye can see. While that image is true for much of the state, there is a hidden gem in the panhandle that features elevation and even a cavern to explore. Located just outside of Marianna, the Florida Caverns State Park features the only dry cavern in the State of Florida. While the geological features of the park date back to over 38 million years ago, Florida Caverns State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened to the public in 1942. It was one of the many parks in the nation created by President Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal public works project. The crown jewel of the park is the cavern. This limestone cave was created as sea levels fell and ground water eroded away at the surface resulting in a stunning display of stalactites, stalagmites and other geological wonders. Today the park features guided tours of the cavern several times a day f...

Englewood, Florida: The Key Agency offense was red hot on Saturday night as they cruised to a 17-6 win over Kimberlin Roofing at Englewood Sports Complex. Key Agency got things going right at first pitch, scoring 4 runs in the first inning of play. A base loaded walk to MJ Patrick, a two run double by Donte Taylor and an RBI by Timmy DiStefeno gave Key Agency an early 4-0 lead. Kimberlin scored in the bottom of the first on a ground ball by Carson Moore that drove home Andrew Olgilvie to make it 4-1. Key Agency bounced back with three more runs in the second. An RBI double by Cody Mayes followed by a two run homer by MJ Patrick extended the lead to 7-1. Key Agency did not stop there, striking for eight more runs in the third inning. Bases loaded walks to Jake Patrick and Troy Reames drove in runs. Then Mayes collected another RBI following a single to left. A pair of bases loaded walks to Taylor and Gabe Todaro plated a pair of runs. Then two more came on an error to en...