The Wandering Disciple

Greensboro, North Carolina: We have been planning a fall road trip to the Smoky Mountains for a couple months, however in the past few weeks our plans have taken a turn.  While we are still headed north to check out the fall foliage, our plans have migrated from Tennessee to neighboring North Carolina.  While don't get me wrong we love the Smokies, we decided to focus on some new towns and chose to visit central North Carolina. We planned on hitting the road at zero dark thirty, however with the excitement of the trip no one got much sleep so we ended up leaving even earlier.  We pulled out of the drive way at 1:30 am and headed north to North Carolina.  We drove under the cover of darkness until we stopped for breakfast outside Savannah, Georgia.  On road trips, we typically skip chain restaurants with the exception of travel days.  Since it was Sunday, our usual favorite of Chick-fil-a was not an option, so we settled on Huddle House in Savannah.  M...

Each year as the weather dip cooler, the northern forests come to life with colors.  Like an artist with with a palate of colors, Mother Nature paints a masterpiece filling the forests with oranges, reds and yellow creating a magnificent masterpiece.  (Photo: October 31, 2021)

Tomorrow we will be heading north for a fall adventure as we seek cooler weather, fall leaves and new experiences. We will be spending the week in North Carolina with visits to Greensboro, Ashboro, Boone and maybe a few more surprises. Be sure to follow the site to see more photos from our visits throughout North Carolina. (Photo: June 6, 2016)

As the air traffic increases at the Punta Gorda Airport, commercial airliner delays during the Florida International Air Show have become a part of the shows. For the past few years, the show featured arrivals and departures carefully choreographed between the aerobatic routines. This year’s show featured the debut of a new airline to the FIAS, Sun Country Airlines. Sun Country recently began serving Punta Gorda with flights to Minneapolis-St Paul. With the addition of Sun County, PGD now provides service to over fifty destinations. (Taken: October 15, 2021)

While the aerial demonstrations may highlight any air show, the static display on the ground has just as many cool things to see. Along the static line you will find a variety of aircraft ranging from home-built aircraft to massive military transport aircraft. Here is a radial engine from the PT-17 Stearman, a bi-plane trainer used by the military for pilot training in the 1930’s and 40’s. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

From the World War II P-51 Mustang to the modern day fighter F-16 Fighting Falcon, the US Air Force Heritage Flight are a living memorial to the brave airmen that served the US Air Force. Since 1997, the heritage flight has performed hundreds of flights at air shows, open houses and sporting event. Pairing warbirds like the A-1 Skyraider, P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabre along side the modern era fighters like the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II in a side by side demonstration of American air superiority. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

The F-16 of the Viper Demo Team streaks across the sky during the Florida International Air Show. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter capable of air to ground and air to air combat missions. For over 30 years, the aircraft has been an integral part of the US Air Force’s arsenal in missions across the globe. The F-16 Viper Demo is based out of Shaw Air Force Base and flies a single ship demonstration and also participates in the US Air Force’s Heritage Flight. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

Like most warbirds, the T-28 Trojan flown by Mick Thorstenson has a long history. Built for the US Air Force in 1951 as a pilot trainer, this aircraft also saw service with the French Air Force and Haitian Air Force. After retirement, it entered civilian status and began its life on the air show circuit following a extensive restoration. Today the aircraft features the paint scheme of the Argentine Naval Forces following a several year stint in South America. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Slow but deadly, that is the motto of the SBD Dauntless built by Douglas Aircraft. A workhorse of World War II, the Dauntless is the only US combat aircraft to see service from the start until finish of the war. It was also one of the most destructive weapons in the Navy, sinking 300,000 tons of the Japanese fleet including 18 warships and five carriers. The SBD performing here during the Florida International Air Show is the Lady in Blue from the Commemorative Air Force. Taken: October 15, 2021 at Punta Gorda Airport (Punta Gorda, FL) Photo of the Day: October 24, 2021

For decades, Patty Wagstaff has been dazzling spectators with her aerobatic performance that can only be described as an aerial ballet. The queen of the skies has been performing in air shows since the late 1970’s and her flawless display has rewarded her with countless awards and hall of fame inductions. Patty performs in the Extra 300 but is also rated in the TBM Avenger, T-28 Trojan and L-39 Albatros. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Whether is setting speed records in Reno or performing high G aerobatics above the flightline, Scott Farnsworth is making things happen behind the stick of his L-39 Albatros. The L-39 is a Czechoslovakia built jet trainer capable of speeds close to 500 miles per hour. When Scott isn’t pushing his L-39 to the limits, he can be found as a captain onboard a JetBlue Airbus A321. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Did you know that Goodyear makes more than tires? Goodyear had an aviation division and was responsible for helping the war effort by making warbirds like the legendary Corsair. The Goodyear Corsair’s are identified with an FG designation instead of the more widely known F4U. While this particular airframe never saw combat duty, today it is preserved by the Commemorative Air Force and travels the country to provide a flying history of military aviation. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Yep, you are seeing it right. That is a Bonanza flying upside down. Welcome to the world of Jim Peitz and his acrobatic Bonanza. The Bonanza is known as the station wagon of the skies, a dependable aircraft to travel cross country with the family. But this Bonanza is an aerobatic Bonanza, one of just a handful made and Jim travels the country showing just how verstaitle this plane can be going upside down and much more in his high energy performance. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

After spending twenty years in the kitchen, Clemens Kuhlig decided to turn his passion of aviation into a aerobatic career. Inspired by the Red Devils performance when he was eight, Kuhlig has his glider license before his driver’s license. It took three years to build his Pitts S1S in his garage and in February 2013 it was airborne and the aerial acrobatic routine would later follow. Today Chef Pitts travels the air show circuit demonstrating his routine that was inspired by legends of the industry. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

When it comes to people lost at sea, time is of the essence. So the US Coast Guard relies on a vast collection of air assets to complete their lifesaving mission. One of these aerial assets, the MH-65 was on display at the Florida International Air Show at the Punta Gorda Airport. The Coast Guard operates 102 Dolphins spread throughout 17 bases across the country. This particular aircraft was from the Air Station Miami. Taken: October 17, 2021 at Punta Gorda Airport (Punta Gorda, FL) Photo of the Day: October 18, 2021

Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa was packed Saturday night for a performance from For King and Country. The Aussie duo of Luke and Joel Smallbone brought their high energy act to Tampa, the seventh stop on their Fall 2021 tour. The brothers performed songs from their vast library of hits as well as told stories of their faith before the large crowd. (Taken: October 16, 2021)

A C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston performs a flight demonstration during the Florida International Air Show. Nicknamed the Moose due to a sound it makes while refueling, the C-17 is a heavy lifter for the United States Air Force. Assigned to Air Mobility Command, the C-17 provides airlift service across the globe in support of the nation’s armed service’s mission. Most recently, the C-17 was directly involved with the massive evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan. This aircraft is from the C-17 East Coast Demo Team, one of two demo teams that showcase the moose. (Photo: October 15, 2021))

The US Special Operations Command Para-Commandos bring the American Flag into show center to kick off the 2021 Florida International Air Show at the Punta Gorda Airport. The USOCOM Para-Commandos are an elite para-commando unit assigned to Special Operations Command and is comprised active duty special operators from Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Air Force Combat Controllers and Marine Raiders. The team can be watched during the 2021 Florida International Air Show taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Punta Gorda Airport.(Photo: October 15, 2021)

Rising above the Channelside District of Tampa, Amalie Arena is the home of the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Opening in 1996, the 20,000 seat arena is the current home of the Lightning as well as former home of the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League, University of South Florida Bulls basketball, Tampa Breeze of the Lingerie Football League and most recently the south of the border home of the Toronto Rapters while the Canadian borders were closed due to COVID-19. In addition to hosting sporting event, Amalie Arena is a popular home for concerts in the Tampa Bay region and on Saturday night we will be attending the For King and Country concert hosted by the Joy FM. (Photo: March 17, 2021)

While means of delivering goods has changed over the years, the rails are still a primary method of connecting goods with consumers. Freight rail traffic statistics in 2011 showed over 39.53 million carloads of goods were transported with an average of 63 tons per carload. This line here is part of the Seminole Gulf Railway, a short line railroad that extends from the Brewster Substation near Valrico south to North Naples. (Photo: July 12, 2021)

A statue of Jesus looks down over the grounds of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida. Completed in 1905, the Roman Catholic Church in downtown Tampa is one of the oldest churches in Tampa. It features a 135 foot dome, marble altar and 70 stained glass windows. (Photo: February 7, 2021)

A pair of Bornean Orangutan share some girl talk and laughs at ZooTampa. I can spend hours watching the orangutans play and interact with other and seeing their personalities. ZooTampa is home to a large troop of Orangutan led by Goyang. In addition to the orangutans, over 1,300 call the 63 acre zoo their home. (Photo: January 23, 2021)

An anhinga shows off his fluffy head feathers along a hiking trail at the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. While it may look like a bad case of bed head, this messy hair and green coloring around the eyes is actually a breeding plumage for the Anhinga. The anhinga is one of the many birds that you can see at the Circle B, a birding hotspot in Central Florida. (Photo: January 17, 2021)

To help spotlight the upcoming animated film "Ron's Gone Wrong", Allegiant Air has debuted their new livery featuring Barney and his best friend out of the box. While the film may be hitting the big screens on October 21, you can spot this new livery at an airport near you. (Photo: October 9, 2021)

Spanning the St Johns River, the Dames Pointe Bridge takes travelers of the I-295 Beltway across the river. Opening in 1989, the bridge spans 1,300 feet across and reaches a height of 175 feet. It is one of the longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States. (Photo: December 30, 2020)

Enter Fort Caroline, home of the French settlement in colonial Florida. When you think of European settlement in Florida, you immediately think of the Spanish. There are Spanish influences throughout the state. But on the banks of the St Johns River near present day Jacksonville, René Goulaine de Laudonnière established a French colony in 1564. Fort Caroline was set up as a safe haven for French Huguenots trying to escape religious persecution from French Catholics. The French colony had a successful relationship with the native Timucuan tribe and they traded regularly. But the French fort was raided and seized by the Spanish in September 1565 and the the Spanish renamed the settlement San Mateo. While the exact location of the fort is not known, the National Park Service has built a replica along the St Johns River in an area believed to be in close proximity to the original settlement. (Photo: December 30, 2020)

These tabby ruins are all that remain to the slave cabins of the Kingsley Plantation. These provide a reminder to a period of history with many painful memories. These 25 cabins were home to up to 80 slaves that worked on the plantation. But unlike the antebellum slaves, these slaves were from the Spanish occupation in Florida. Today the ruins of the cabins have been preserved to help tell the story of all the early settlers of the region, from the plantation owners all the way to the plantation slaves. (Photo: December 30, 2020)

Nestled away on Fort George Island is a Colonial palace that has hosted its fair share of prominent guests for almost a century. Built in 1928m the Ribault Club was to be a winter playground for the rich and famous, rivaling the neighboring Millionaire's Club on Jekyll Island. While it may no longer serve as a winter destination, it still serves as a venue for private events. It is also home to the Fort George Islands Visitors Center, joining neighboring properties to form the Fort George Island Cultural State Park. (Photo: December 30, 2020)

An MH-60 Seahawk from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40 turns final for Naval Station Mayport. HSM-40 also known as the Airwolves are a fleet replacement squadron responsible for training pilots to succeed in missions at sea. The squadron operates the MH-60R Seahawk, a naval variant of Black Hawk helicopter made by Sikorsky. (Photo: December 30, 2020)

A baby Eastern Bongo poses for a photo at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. While cute and adorable, the birth of this baby bongo is critical to the species. The Eastern Bongo is critically endangered and conservation programs like the one here in Jacksonville are crucial to the conservation of the species. (Photo: December 30, 2020)

A Florida State Seminoles inspired Aircam sits on display at the Florida International Air Show's kick-off party Wednesday night at the Punta Gorda Airport. The show features static displays ranging from modern military, warbird and even homebuilt aircraft like the Aircam seen here. Built by hand by the owner, the Aircam kit takes about 1,200 hours to complete. Presently there are approximately 200 airworthy Aircams. The 40th anniversary Florida International Air Show will be held October 16 and 17 at the Punta Gorda Airport. (Photo: September 29, 2021))

After the success of Disneyland in California, Walt Disney embarked on a project in the swamps of Central Florida. A place where dreams come true and Disney magic can excite children of all ages and become a place of family memories can be made. On October 1, 1971 the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World opened to guests. Over the next fifty years the resort has grown to four theme parks, a downtown shopping district and a bunch of on-site hotels making the Walt Disney World Resort a on-stop family vacation destination. This year the park celebrates its 50th anniversary with a giant celebration all year featuring new entertainment, enhancements to the park and much more. (Photo: November 18, 2007)