The Wandering Disciple

As the sun sets over the capital city, the historic landmarks of the city become painted with light.  As the lights turn on across Washington DC, the iconic monuments take on a new appearance under the glow of the spot lights.  Here is Washington Monument lit up at night.  Built as a memorial for George Washington, the monument stands 555 feet tall and is the tallest structure in our nation's capitol.   Taken: December 25, 2022 at Washington Monument (Washington, DC)

Washington, DC:  For our final road trip of 2022, we had originally planned on hitting up the Smokies for the holidays.  However a last minute change in plans rerouted us to our nation's capital and a holiday trip to Washington DC for a week of exploring the city and its museums and memorials as well as a few day trips to the surrounding areas. We hit the road under the cover of darkness, leaving the house a little past midnight.  We had a 14+ hour road trip in front of us and figured might as well get started while everyone is still sleeping.  I preplanned our route to ensure there was plenty of places to refuel and get food since we are travelling on Christmas Day.  So northbound we went, headed to DC. The decision to leave early was a good one.  Traffic was very light on the first stage of the trip, in fact when we reached I-10 in North Florida we only encountered one truck from US-301 to I-95!  We headed into Georgia and attempted to stop at Huddle...

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas. I hope each and every one of you have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Enjoy your holiday! Merry Christmas from Donten Photography! Taken: December 17, 2002 at ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa, FL)

The Gingerbread Jubilee is in full force as Christmas Eve has descended upon us. The festive celebration at ZooTampa has been happening all month getting everyone in the holiday spirit.  If you haven't seen the zoo dressed up for Christmas, be sure to check it out. Christmas in the Wild runs until December 30.  Taken: December 17, 2022 at ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa, FL)

A Hippo enjoys a swim in a pool at the Edge of Africa exhibit at Busch Gardens. Hippos are the third largest land mammal behind the elephant and rhino. They spend their time near bodies of water eating vegetation. Despite being herbivores, hippos are the most dangerous animals in African because of their unpredictable behavior and enormous size.  You can get up close to these giant mammals at the Edge of Africa. The walk-thorough exhibit brings you up close to hippos, crocodiles, lions, hyenas and the Serengeti Plain.  Taken: August 24, 2008 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

As you board your boat, Allura leads you on a quiet journey through the sunken city of Atlantis. On your journey she keeps tempting you to go further, but as you near the top of the city you realize your mermaid is actually a siren and reveals her true form as Medusa before sending you on a free fall down a 60 foot drop into a pool below.  Journey to Atlantis opened in 1998 at Sea World Orlando. The hybrid flume ride/roller coaster features a 60 foot drop followed by a wild coaster ride that takes you back to the village.  Taken: July 5, 2008 at Sea World Orlando (Orlando, FL)

Welcome to Jungala, the jungle region of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The four-acre region of the park is home up-close animals exhibits like the Tiger Lodge and Orangutan Outpost as well as thrilling family rides like the Wild Surge all nestled within the thick foliage of the jungle.  Opened in April 2008, Jungala is a departure from the rest of the park which features an Africa theme. It brings the Asian jungle to the park and is home to Malayan Tigers, Bornean Orangutans, White-cheeked Gibbons, Flying Foxes and False Gharials.  Taken: April 13, 2008 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

With miles and miles of coastline, a short walk leads you to a stretch of beach that is secluded where you can sit in the silence and enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. If you don't want the hustle and bustle of the big beaches, take a walk and find a spot that makes you feel all alone.  This is one of the beaches that makes up Gasparilla Island State Park. Located on the barrier island of Boca Grande, the park features several beach accesses. While the two lighthouse beaches are the busiest, a stroll down the beach will lead you to a less people and pretty soon its just you and the beach left.  Taken: April 6, 2008 at Gasparilla Islands State Park (Boca Grande, FL)

A mama and her baby bond at ZooTampa. This is one of two baby Bornean Orangutan born at the zoo this year. Both babies can be seen clinging to their mothers on display in the Orangutan habitat.  ZooTampa is home to a rather large troop of Bornean Orangutans. Lead by Goyang the male of the troop, the zoo troop has 10 orangutans living in harmony at the zoo.  Taken: December 17 at ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa, FL)

Christmas is right around the corner and ZooTampa at Lowry Park is in the Christmas spirit. Each year the zoo is turned into a holiday paradise with themed displays, entertaining shows and tasty treats. Christmas in the Wild runs select nights through the month of December.  This is a close-up of the giving tree found in the Asia portion of the zoo. The tree is decorated with animals with QR codes giving visitors a change to contribute to a zoo supported cause.  Taken: December 17, 2022 at ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa, FL)

A daytime excursion train from Seminole-Gulf Railway sits at the station preparing for a ride through Fort Myers. Guests aboard this daytime sightseeing tour got to ride the rails through Fort Myers, the Caloosahatchee River, North Fort Myers and back.  Seminole Gulf Railway is a rail company based in Southwest Florida. Primarily a cargo line, the railway hosts passenger excursions like the popular murder mystery dinner shows that take place during the evenings.  Taken: March 29, 2008 at Seminole Gulf Railways (Fort Myers, FL)

When people think of the Florida Aquarium, they think of the sharks and colorful fish of the marine habitats. However the Florida Aquariums is more than fish, it is also home to birds, lemurs, penguins and more.  The Florida Aquarium replicates authentic marine ecosystems and to do this they have a variety of above water animals to accompany the life below the surface. Like this owl perched above the River, some wading birds in the coast wetlands and shorebirds for the coast. In all, the Florida Aquarium is home to over 7,000 aquatic plants and animals.  Taken: March 15, 2008 at Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL)

 A lion catches a cat nap under a shade tree at Busch Gardens. A male lion sleeps 18 to 20 hours a day and can sleep up to 24 hours following a large meal.  Busch Gardens is home to two prides of lions as well as over 200 species of animals. The 335 acre African themed park also has 28 thrilling rides nestled amongst the animal habitats. Taken: March 15, 2008 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

A glass viewing window is all that stands between you and the busy clinic at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here you can an inside look of the vets and watch them perform procedures on the wildlife that live at the park.  The Conservation Station at Disney's Animal Kingdom gives visitors a look at the conservation efforts of Disney. From local programs like the veterinary and nutrition programs to care for the animals of the park to larger programs like Disney's world wide conservation efforts, they are all on display here at Conservation Station. If you want to visit, hop on the Wildlife Express train at the Harambe Station.  Taken: January 6, 2008 at Disney's Animal Kingdom (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

  The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor bestowed upon heroes who displayed "Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty". Awarded by the President in the name of Congress, over 3,500 heroes have been recognized since the inception of the honor in 1863.  To honor these heroes, American Airlines released Flagship Valor. Dedicated to recognize the Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Commitment, Patriotism and Citizenship of these heroes, Flagship Valor was unveiled by American Airlines in March 2022 to be a flying memorial to Medal of Honor recipients.  Taken: December 12, 2022 at Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers, FL)

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)

Inside this greenhouse at Epcot, Disney has found a way to feed the world. Well not really the entire world, but Walt Disney World. The growing practice seen here use hydroponics, a water based process that helps these herbs produce a a large yield in smaller spaces since they are growing vertically instead of horizontally in the ground. This practice can help bring farming into denser populations and provide a source of fresh food without the need for sprawling farms.  Living with the Land at Epcot's The Land pavilion takes visitor's on a boat ride through Disney's revolutionary greenhouse. They show sustainable farming practices that will help us live with the land and not on it.  Taken: January 8, 2008 at Epcot at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

A Hawker Hunter buzzes Runway 6 at Southwest Florida International Airport during a sunny December afternoon. The warm late Fall/winter weather of the Sunshine State makes for great flight training over the Gulf of Mexico and every once and a while one of the aircraft will make a pass at RSW during the sortie.  This Hawker Hunter is flown by Airborne Tactical Advantage Company a defense contractor that flies as an adversary during training missions. The civilian cadre of pilots fly foreign military aircraft like this former Swiss Air Force Hawker Hunter.  Taken: December 6, 2022 at Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers, FL)

For King and Country levitate above a sold-out crowd at Hertz Arena during last night's concert. Each year the group travels the country bringing Christmas joy and rocking music all in the name of Jesus.  The Drummer Boy Christmas tour made three stops in the Sunshine State, starting in Fort Myers yesterday, Tampa today and Orlando on Saturday. If you get the chance to catch a show, I highly recommend it!  Taken: December 8, 2022 at Hertz Arena (Fort Myers, FL)

Fort Myers, Florida: Christmas is right around the corner and there is no better way to ring in the holiday season than listening to great Christmas music with family and friends. That’s what happened on Thursday night as Fort King and Country brought their Drummer Boy Christmas Tour to Hertz Arena, the first of three Sunshine State concerts for the Aussie brothers.  We have seen a few of their concerts in the past and they never disappoint. Our last concert in Tampa, we were spoiled following a complimentary VIP floor seats. It was an amazing experience so this year we booked the VIP experience and secured ourselves VIP floor seats right against the stage.  For this concert, the VIP experience included a question and answer with Joel and Luke. The brothers answered questions ranging from their favorite Christmas songs, their upcoming movie, travelling with family, Christmas traditions and much more. It was an opportunity to learn more about their lives, inspirations an...

Rising above the center of the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella Castle. Disney Imagineers designed the park much like a wheel with the castle standing as the navigational beacon in the center of the wheel. But more than just a guide through the park, the castle is also home to a popular restaurant, a stage show, a luxurious suite and the the nightly fireworks show.  Each of Disney's theme parks all have their signature icon. Cinderella Castle is the symbol of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot has Spaceship Earth Hollywood Studios is the Earful Tower and Tree of Life symbolizes Animal Kingdom. They all serve as giant ambassadors to the park, giving guests a visual memory to identify the park with.  Taken: January 5, 2008 at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

Did you know that the Walt Disney World Resort has a working horse farm? The horses of Walt Disney World reside at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch located at Fort Wilderness. Here you can get up close to the horses, learn about the history of horses at the park and even take a horseback or carriage ride through the resort.  The Tri-Circle-D Ranch is located in the heart of the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The sprawling campground located along the banks of Bay Lake is home to campsites, cabins, recreation and Pioneer Hall where you can enjoy a southern buffet at the Trails End or take in a country musical dinner show with the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.  Taken: January 4, 2008 at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

As your journey down the Sassagoula River, the bayou cottages and river plantations eventually give way to the vibrant building of the French Quarter. Bright colorful paint, detailed ironwork and lively jazz music welcome you to Port Orleans French Quarter at Walt Disney World.  Opening in 1991, this moderate-class Walt Disney World resort brings the New Orleans French Quarter to Central Florida. The resort rooms are in French Quarter themed hotel buildings nestled around Doubloon Lagoon, the pool featuring a sea-serpent waterslide.  Taken: January 4, 2008 at Port Orleans French Quarter at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

Grab a pole and toss in and a relaxing day of fishing at the fishing hole. One of the more unique activities at the Walt Disney World Resort, cane pole fishing is permitted here so bait your hook and try your best as catching a fish during your Disney vacation.  The Fishing Hole is located at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside resort. This sprawling resort brings the bayou and mighty Mississippi to life right in the middle of Walt Disney World. From the quaint cottages of Alligator Bayou to the luxurious plantations of Magnolia Bend, life along the river is represented at the resort.  Taken: January 4, 2018 at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

Quick, grab the hydrant and stretch a line. At Engine Company 15, kids get a chance to become firefighters for the day from gearing up to working the hose line.  Engine Company 15 is just of the realistic play areas at Great Explorations Children's Museum in St Petersburg. Here kids learn through play with hands-on science and technology themed exhibits and life like vocations like the fire station, a Publix grocery store, a restaurant, veterinary office and more.  Taken: December 22, 2007 at Great Explorations (St Petersburg, FL)

A pair of Gorillas grab an afternoon snack at Busch Gardens in Tampa. This mother and child pair enjoy a head of romaine lettuce provided by their keepers during an afternoon enrichment session.  Myombe Reserve at Busch Gardens recreates a tropical rainforest in the heart of Tampa. It is home to a troop of Western Lowland Gorillas like the pair pictured here as well as a community of chimpanzees.  Taken: December 9, 2007 at Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, FL)

Fort Myers, Florida: This week marked a spotting milestone of sorts for me.  Since entering into service, the Airbus A220 has been making its way into the market and there are four potential airlines for me to photograph the A220 from an airport within close range of my home.  I have already photographed the A220's of Breeze, Delta and JetBlue.  This week I was able to get number four when Air Canada brought in their A220 on the Montreal flight.  In addition to the Air Canada A220, here is a look of everything I saw this week around RSW: 94-7319 – Lockheed C-130H Hercules (US Air Force)  168437 – Boeing P-8 Poseidon (US Navy)   C-FEWJ – Boeing 737 Max 8 (WestJet)   C-FJQL – Airbus A321 (Air Canada Rouge)   C-GMZY – Airbus A220 (Air Canada)   N48RF – De Havilland Twin Otter   N60AJ – Learjet 60  N117DU – Airbus A220 (Delta Air Lines)   N200WN – Boeing 737-700 (Southwest Airlines)   N258SN – Boeing 747-400 (Western Global A...

Buckle up is not only the law, it will save your life. That is the message of the Florida Highway Patrol as they show the dangers of unrestrained passengers in a vehicle roll-over. Over half of fatalities in traffic accidents were a result of not being buckled up. In fact, wearing a seatbelt is 99% effective in keeping you from being ejected where 75% of all traffic fatalities occur. So Buckle Up and save a life.  This roll-over demonstrator was on display at the National Traffic Safety Day put on by the City of North Port in 2007. The one day event featured public safety events from the Florida Highway Patrol, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and North Port Police and Fire Departments.  Taken: December 1, 2007 (North Port, FL) Photo of Day: December 2, 2022

There is no better way to end a day of exploration than by sitting by the fire. As the fire crackles at your feet the stress of the day melt away and get you ready for a good night sleep.  This is the campfire program at Disney's Fort Wilderness. The nightly camp fire allows campers to cook hot dog, make S'mores and even watch a Disney classic under the stars of the Walt Disney World Resort.  Taken: November 18, 2007 at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)