The Wandering Disciple

American Beach, Florida: American Beach, a historic treasure nestled along Florida's Atlantic coastline, holds a unique and significant place in American history. Established during the era of segregation, it served as a sanctuary for African Americans seeking respite and recreation at a time when they were barred from many public beaches.  The beach's origins date back to the early 20th century when Abraham Lincoln Lewis, a prominent Black businessman and Florida's first Black millionaire, purchased beachfront property with the vision of creating a haven for his community. Lewis's Afro-American Life Insurance Company played a crucial role in financing the development of American Beach, making it possible for Black families to own property and build homes in a safe and welcoming environment.  American Beach quickly blossomed into a vibrant community, attracting Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and artists from across the country. During its heyday in the mid-20th ce...

Fernandina Beach, Florida: Located in the heart of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park commemorates the city's rich history and its significance as a major port and commercial center. The park encompasses a central plaza and surrounding areas that have played a crucial role in the development of Fernandina Beach from its earliest days.  The plaza served as a gathering place for residents and visitors, hosting markets, festivals, and public meetings. It witnessed the arrival of Spanish explorers, British colonists, and American settlers, each leaving their mark on the city's cultural landscape. The park's historical significance is further enhanced by its proximity to the Amelia River and the historic Fernandina Beach downtown district.  The park features interpretive exhibits and displays that highlight the history of Fernandina Beach and the importance of the plaza in the city's development. Visitors can stroll through the park, relax on be...

Fernandina Beach, Florida: Located along the Cumberland Sound at the convergence of the St Mary's River and Amelia River, Fort Clinch State Park is a 1,400-acre park that provides visitors with a glimpse into the area's rich history and natural beauty. The centerpiece of the park is Fort Clinch, a well-preserved 19th-century brick fort that played a role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. Visitors can explore the fort's many rooms and fortifications, including its cannons, barracks, and kitchen.  In addition to the fort, the park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. There are several trails that wind through the park's diverse ecosystems, including maritime hammock, sand dunes, and salt marsh. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, deer, and ospreys.  One of the most popular activities at Fort Clinch State Park is camping. The park has two campgrounds that o...

Fort Myers, Florida: The atmosphere in Fort Myers on Saturday night was electric, filled with an air of anticipation and joy as Danny Gokey's United We Worship tour made its stop at First Assembly of God. The evening promised a blend of powerful music and heartfelt testimony, featuring not only Gokey's renowned vocals but also the talents of special guests Seph Schlueter, Tasha Layton, and Mac Powell.  The night commenced with a vibrant performance by Seph Schlueter, a worship leader and songwriter known for his passionate delivery and heartfelt lyrics. Seph's energy was contagious, his authenticity shining through as he led the audience in worship with his hit song "Counting My Blessings." His performance set the tone for the evening, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and connection.  Following Seph's uplifting set, the stage was graced by the Dove Award-winning Christian artist, Tasha Layton. Tasha's powerful vocals and inspiring message of hope resonat...

The sounds of excitement fill the air as the wildest ride in the woods speeds through the Smokies. Opened in 2004, Thunderhead is a heart-pounding wooden rollercoaster featuring a 100-foot drop and 22 turns while reaching 54 mph. Named after nearby Thunderhead Mountain in the Smokies, the coaster was named the top wooden coaster in the country in 2005 and 2006 while maintaining a top 10 spot almost every year since its opening.  Thunderhead is one of ten coasters at Dollywood. The 150 acre park brings over fifty rides and attractions into the Smoky Mountains drawing over 3 million visitors annually.  You can see more photos from Dollywood here .  Taken: June 7, 2016 at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN)

A short but challenging hike takes you to the stop of the smokies, Kuwohi. Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, the observation tower at the top of Kuwohi sits at an elevation of 6,643 feet making it the highest peak in park and the seventeenth highest peak in the country.  Kuwohi is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spanning Tennessee and North Carolina, the park spans 522,419 acres making it one of the largest protected lands in the country. It is the most visited national park, with millions of visitors trek to the park for hiking, wildlife watching and more outdoor adventures.  You can see this photos and more photos from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by visiting the gallery here .  Taken: June 8, 2016 at Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Bryson City, NC)

Eglin Air Force Base, Florida: The United States Air Force Armament Museum is a fascinating destination that showcases the history and evolution of Air Force weaponry. The museum houses an extensive collection of aircraft, missiles, bombs, and other armament systems that have played a crucial role in the nation's defense.  Visitors to the museum can explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits, where they can get up close to a wide range of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and cargo planes. The collection includes iconic aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird, B-52 Stratofortress, and F-15 Eagle, as well as many other historically significant aircraft.  In addition to aircraft, the museum also displays a vast array of missiles, bombs, and other armament systems. These exhibits provide insight into the technological advancements that have shaped Air Force weaponry over the years. Visitors can learn about the development of different types of bombs, missiles, and guidance systems, ...

Laurel, Mississippi: Embark on a captivating journey through the charming town of Laurel, Mississippi, where the magic of HGTV's hit show "Hometown" comes alive. Hop aboard a comfortable golf cart with your knowledgeable guide and set off on an unforgettable adventure through the tree-lined streets that have been lovingly revitalized by Ben and Erin Napier.  As you traverse the picturesque town, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the transformative impact of "Hometown." Discover the inspiring tales behind the revitalization of historic homes, the blossoming of local businesses, and the resurgence of community spirit that have all been hallmarks of the show's remarkable success.  Learn about the Napiers' deep-rooted connection to Laurel and their unwavering commitment to preserving the town's rich heritage while infusing it with a fresh, modern energy. Hear heartwarming anecdotes about the show's beloved cast and crew, a...

Lake Buena Vista, Florida: Dreaming of an African safari but dreading the long flights and required vaccinations? Look no further, Central Florida has a safari experience that the whole family can enjoy.  The Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, is an adventurous attraction that simulates an African safari experience. Guests board open-sided safari vehicles and embark on a journey through a vast savanna, encountering a diverse array of animals along the way. The ride is designed to be both educational and entertaining, providing guests with the opportunity to observe animals in a naturalistic setting while learning about their behavior and habitats.  During the safari, knowledgeable guides narrate the experience, sharing interesting facts and stories about the animals and their environment. The vehicles traverse a variety of landscapes, including grasslands, forests, and rivers, allowing guests to witness animals in their natural habitats. T...

In 1836 the Mexican Army ambushed the Misión San Antonio de Valero resulting in a13-day siege and was a turning point in the Texas Revolution. What would become the Battle of the Alamo sparked the rally cry Remember the Alamo.  Today you can tour the Alamo site as well as a museum which houses artifacts from the Alamo. Much of the artifacts in the collection are from the private collection of musician Phil Collins. He was inspired by the heroics of the Texans and wants to make sure we all Remember the Alamo.  Taken: March 17, 204 at The Alamo (San Antonio, TX)

San Antonio, Texas: Bexar County, located in the heart of Texas, boasts a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. From the early days of Spanish missions and the pivotal fight for Texas Independence to the vibrant cultural diversity of today, Bexar County has consistently played a significant role in shaping the Lone Star State.  The county's historical significance is deeply intertwined with the establishment of Spanish missions, which served as centers of religious and cultural influence. These missions, with their distinctive architecture and enduring legacy, stand as testaments to the early Spanish presence in the region.  Bexar County also played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, a pivotal conflict that ultimately led to Texas' independence from Mexico. The Battle of the Alamo, a defining moment in Texas history, took place within the county's borders and remains an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice.  Beyond these historical milestones, Bexar Coun...

The largest of the missions near San Antonio, Mission San Jose is known as the Queen of the Missions.  Founded in 1720, the mission served to provide both a physical home and a spiritual home for Coahuiltecan Natives as well as refugees from the closed east Texan missions.   The mission served hundreds until it was closed in 1824.   It would be restored a hundred years later as part of a Works Progress Administration project and today serves not only a reminder to the past but also an active Catholic parish. Mission San Jose is one of five missions that comprise the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.  The missions stretched along the San Antonio River were like little towns in the Texas plains.  Today you can tour each of the missions and four of the five are still active church parishes.  The only mission that does not function as a church is Mission San Antonio de Valero, commonly known as The Alamo. Taken: March 16, 2024 at Mission ...

San Antonio, Texas:   For day three of our Texas trip we headed a little further from the downtown area to explore some of the some of popular city attractions, the zoo and the Witte Museum.  These were attractions that were highly recommended by our tour guide yesterday and always try to visit new zoos when we travel.   We began our day with breakfast at Max and Louie's Diner.  Located in the Embassy Oaks Shopping Center, the New York style diner had a full menu of Big Apple favorites.  I had the Challah French Toast and it was probably the best French Toast that I ever had!  My wife had an omelet that she really enjoyed.  As I looked over the rest of the menu, there are plenty of other things I would have liked to try if we had the time. Our first stop of the day was the San Antonio Zoo.  The fifty plus acre zoo is home to over 750 species of animals.  The zoo had a few animals we have not seen before and the animal exhibits made you f...

Come and Take It!  That was the battle cry of the Texas Independence and the Texans fought for independence from Mexico.  For six months starting in October 1935, brave soldiers from the Republic of Texas battled the Mexican Republic.  Two key battles of the conflict were the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto.  Following a loss in the Battle of San Jacinto, the Mexicans surrendered and Texas became its own state. The journey for independence is just one of the Texan stories told at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.  The three story museum just blocks from the state capitol tells the history of Texas from prehistoric time through modern day. Taken: March 16, 2024 at Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin, TX)

San Antonio, Texas:   Our second day of the trip started with a walk over to the historic Alamo.  The riverwalk was quiet this morning following the St Patrick's celebrations the night before.  We strolled along the banks of the river until we reached the Alamo. At the Alamo, we took a self-guided tour to of the Alamo and its historic buildings.  This old mission was the site of the Battle of the Alamo, a historic battle during the Texas Revolution.  Here Davey Crockett, William Travis and band of Texans were ambushed by the Mexican Army.  The original Mission San Antonio de Valero has been preserved along with other historic features of this mission.  The self-guided tour narrated by Ray Benson told the history of the Alamo.   When we completed the tour of the Alamo, we took a short walk to the other side of the plaza to board the Old Town Trolley Tour for a tour of the city.  Our trolley tour guide was BC and he took us on a informativ...

  As our flight heads westbound across the Gulf of Mexico, the sunshine rises to the east and appears to be chasing the aircraft.  We departed the airport in Tampa predawn at 6:30am and the sun met us mid-Gulf roughly around New Orleans area.   This Southwest flight kicked off our 2024 Spring Break vacation to Texas.  During the next week we will be exploring San Antonio and Austin.  Be sure to check back here regularly as we will have lots of new pictures from our Lone Star State adventures. Taken: March 16, 2024 at Gulf of Mexico 

Austin, Texas: The Bullock Texas State History Museum stands as a pivotal institution dedicated to the comprehensive and ongoing interpretation of the "Story of Texas." Strategically located in the vibrant cultural heart of Austin, in close proximity to the majestic Texas State Capitol, the museum serves as a beacon for understanding the state's rich and multifaceted past. Its central mission is to actively engage a broad and diverse audience through thoughtfully curated and innovative educational experiences that illuminate the intricate layers of Texas history, ensuring that the narratives of the past resonate with contemporary visitors.  The museum proudly bears the name of Bob Bullock, the esteemed 38th Lieutenant Governor of Texas. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication were absolutely crucial in the initial conception and eventual establishment of this significant institution. A passionate advocate for the meticulous preservation and widespread public ex...

San Antonio Texas:  We got up at zero dark thirty to kick off our Spring Break vacation to Texas.  For this week long vacation we will be departing Tampa International Airport and visiting San Antonio and Austin.  This trip marks our first trip to Texas as well as our farthest west adventure so far. Our trip got started early with a trip north to Tampa and our 6:30 flight on Southwest Airlines.  We were flying on Southwest Flight 1226 non-stop to Austin.  We got to the airport early and breezed through TSA screening.  While we waited for our flight to board, we ate breakfast at Burger 21 on Airside C. We boarded our 5-year old Boeing 737-800 for our on-time departure west to Texas.  The early morning pre-dawn flight had the sunrise chasing us across the Gulf of Mexico.  The flight to Austin was smooth until we reach east Texas and strong cold front.  The turbulence was fun and despite almost zero visibility we landed safely at Austin-Bergstr...

Some of my earliest childhood memories surrounded the holidays and one holiday tradition is the Easter egg hunt. I would get all excited to get out there and find as may eggs I could and look forward to the prizes they contained.  With Easter on the way, the Walt Disney World resort is bringing that excitement back for kids and adults. From now until Easter you can participate in the Egg-Stravaganza Scavenger Hunt at Epcot. Grab your card and hit the trails of World Showcase and try to find each of the colorful eggs. Look high and low, near and far to find them all and when you do, be sure to collect your prize.  Taken: March 9, 2024 at Epcot at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

As we wake up an hour later this morning thanks to Daylight Savings Time, we spring forward to the colorful blooms of spring flowers. This bright and colorful garden is courtesy of the International Flower and Garden Festival currently going on at Epcot at the Walt Disney World resort in Central Florida. Be sure to check out the colorful display, delicious food and great music hosted during the festival.  One reminder as we enter Daylight Savings Time, please take a moment to change the batteries in your smoke detector. Three in five home fire deaths are attributed to no working smoke detectors in the home. Be sure each time you change your clocks, you change your batteries.  Taken: March 9, 2024 at Epcot at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

As you pass under this gateway in Central Florida, you are leaving the stresses of everyday life behind and entering the most magical place on Earth. This welcoming site at Walt Disney World has been bringing smiles to faces of kids and adults alike, marking the start of the Disney magic.  The Walt Disney World resort is home to four theme park, two water park, an entertainment center and plenty of resort hotels. Centered around Disney classics, the park features rides and attractions based on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and more. Over 58 million guests pass through the gates of Walt Disney World each year to experience the magic of Disney.  Taken: March 9, 2024 at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

As the weather gets cooler, animals need to adapt to the changing conditions. Some migrate to warmer climates, some hibernate to sleep it off. The colder waters force manatees to seek warmer waters, pushing them closer to the coast and into waterways with warm water like those around power plants.  This pod of manatees is enjoying the warm waters near the discharge of the TECO power plant in Apollo Beach. Each winter, the canal is filled with hundreds of gentle giants seeking a refuge from the cold waters. Florida Power & Light opened the TECO Manatee Viewing Center, an information center and elevated boardwalk that allows you to view the Manatee up-close.  Taken: February 21, 2015 at TECO Manatee Viewing Center (Apollo Beach, FL)

When much of the country is void of color thanks to cold weather, there are pops of color thanks to wildflowers that span the fields of the Sunshine State. The winter blooms like this Sunshine Mimosa found at Lemon Bay Park.  Lemon Bay Park is a 210-acre nature park located along the shores of Lemon Bay. It features diverse ecosystems like pine flatwoods, scrub and mangrove forests. There is a system of trails that help you travel though the park to see the plants and animals that live within the park.  Taken: January 3, 2015 at Lemon Bay Park (Englewood, FL)

When it comes to being the leader in air superiority, it takes a team effort to maintain the global effort. That's where Team Robins shines. The airman of Team Robins and the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex. They are directly responsible for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of some of the iconic Air Force aircraft like the F-15 Eagle, C-5 Galaxy. C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules and more.  This effort is on display in the Team Robins exhibit at the Museum of Aviation located on base. The museum spans four buildings and all eras of Air Force aviation. There are over 85 aircraft on display from early gliders to next-gen aircraft.  Taken: December 22, 2014 at Museum of Aviation (Warner-Robins, GA)

Hop aboard the Stone Mountain Railroad and enjoy a scenic ride on the rails around historic Stone Mountain Park. The rock line takes you on a five mile loop that completely encircles Stone Mountain, a 1,686 foot quartz monzonite dome.  Stone Mountain Railroad was once a spur of the Stone Mountain Granite Company used to serve the mines at the foot of Stone Mountain. In the 1960's the rail lines were repurposed to create a tourist scenic rail line and the present day Stone Mountain Railway was born. Today the train is one of the many attractions you can enjoy when you visit Stone Mountain Park.  Taken: December 21, 2014 at Stone Mountain Park, (Stone Mountain, GA)

From this humble home in the Sweet Auburn section of Atlanta came the starting chapter of the journey of a pioneer in Civil Rights. This is the birthplace of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Dr King's childhood was shaped here as he spent the first twelve years of his life here.  Today the home sits as part of the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site operated by the National Park Service. The childhood home is joined by Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr King preached, historic Fire Station 6 and a museum that help preserved the legacy of Dr King and his fight to equality.  Taken: December 20, 2014 at Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park (Atlanta, GA)

A giant panda enjoys his favorite treat, a stack of bamboo. Giant pandas spend much of the day eating bamboo and can eat up to 80 pounds of bamboo a day.  Zoo Atlanta has four giant pandas on display and is currently the only place in the United States to see the giant panda. Giant Pandas are owned by the Chinese government and are on loan to the US. The loans for Memphis, San Diego and Washington DC have expired and the pandas were returned to China. The Atlanta pandas are due to return to China sometime this year.  Taken: December 20, 2014 at Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)

As you stroll through the paths of Grant Park, you are strolling though history. In the shadows of downtown Atlanta, this urban park is the oldest park in they city and features hiking trails, a zoo, a farmers market and more. The park was founded in 1883 when local engineer Lemuel Grant gifted the city of Atlanta 100 acres to create a park in the suburbs. A few year later the city acquired more land and tasked the Olmsted Brothers with developing a master plan for the park. Today the park is a popular attraction and one of the prestigious neighborhoods in Atlanta.  Taken: December 20, 2014 at Grant Park (Atlanta, GA)

Like a beacon in the night sky, the illuminated air traffic control tower at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport rises above the airfield. At 398 feet tall, the tower is the tallest in the country and provides guidance for pilots into the busiest airport in the world.  Serving almost 94 million passengers a year, Atlanta has been top ranked in the world for years. It's five runways service over 1,000 flights a day connecting travelers to 225 destinations across the globe. The airport is the headquarters of Delta Air Lines as well as a stop for 26 other airlines.  Taken: December 21, 2014 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta, GA)

People come from far away to eastern Sarasota County to birdwatch at the Celery Fields. The birding hotspot is a testament to the power of restoration and is now home to a diverse collection of native and migrating species that attract visitors from around the globe.  The land was once farmland and used to grow celery, hence the name. It remained an active farm until the 90's when it was purchased by the county. It has been converted to serve as a storm water collection site and as part of this process, the land was restored and trails were added to invite the public to visit and enjoy the diverse wildlife attracted to the wetlands. Over 240 species of birds have been observed here and the site is listed as a hotspot on the Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.  Taken: November 24, 2014 at Celery Fields (Sarasota, FL)