The Wandering Disciple

There is beauty all around in nature. One of nature's masterpieces are the elegant colors and designs of butterflies. Each fluttering butterfly is like a flying work of art.  The Florida Museum of Natural History at the University is home to a large collection of butterfly specimens and a free flight butterfly rainforest. The rainforest features up to 50 species at a time with over 700 butterflies immersing you as you stroll through the dense foliage of the rainforest. When you complete your journey through the rainforest you can marvel at the wall of wings featuring some of the museum's 10 million specimen collection.  Taken: November 9, 2013 at Florida Museum of Natural History (Gainesville, FL)

Long before the Spanish founded St Augustine or De Soto landed on the west coast, Florida was home to indigenous tribes for over 12,000 years. From the Paleoindians through the Archaic and beyond, Florida has a rich history of life before European settles. In fact there were over forty tribes in existence during the time of the Spanish missions. Today only two tribes remain in the Sunshine State, the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes. Some of the culture is on display at Florida Museum of Natural History on the campus of the University of Florida. (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A bobcat lies in wait for its next meal in a diorama at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.  The distinct ecosystems of Florida are created in dioramas at this free museum on the campus of the University of Florida.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

An Indian boy carries a shark over his shoulder, demonstrating early hunting techniques of Florida’s earliest residents. The Florida Museum of Natural History has an extensive collection of Indian History as well as other exhibits showcasing the natural history of the state. (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A political ceremony is recreated inside the Calusa Leader's House at the Florida Natural History Museum on the campus of the University of Florida.  The home is one of the many scenes depicted in the museum's South Florida People and Environment exhibit.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A Native American tribal ritual is depicted here in this diorama at the Florida Museum of Natural History on the University of Florida campus.  The history of the Calusa, Seminole and Miccosukee tribes and be seen here at the museum.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A photo of a Manatee covers the skylight windows at the Florida Natural History Museum at the University of Florida.  The manatee is an endangered specie that can be found throughout Florida waters.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A raccoon grabs a bite to eat in a wilderness exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History.  Raccoon are one of the many native Florida wildlife represented in the museum.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

Gainesville, Florida:  For over one hundred years, the Florida Museum of Natural History has been telling the story of Florida's past.  Dioramas depicting ancient fossils through modern day wildlife can be found in the museum located in the heart of the University of Florida's cultural plaza. The museum was founded in 1891 when Professor Frank Pickel purchased collections of specimens for research at the Florida Agricultural College.  In 1906, the college closed and the collection was relocated to the University of Florida.  Then in 1917, the Florida legistlature declared that the museum was the official museum of natural history for the entire state.  The museum and it's mission continued to grow and in 1995, it opened at its current location.  Today the museum has grown to over 34 million specimens including one of the largest collections of butteries in the world. While much of the museum's specimens are in storage, there is plenty to see in the mu...

Gainesville, Florida: The cooler fall weather has sunk into the sunshine state and what better way to celebrate its arrival then with our first camping trip of the Fall. In a last minute Friday afternoon decision we decided to head north to Gainesville for a one night camping trip at Paynes Prairie State Park. While there we would take in the sights of the park as well as exploring what Gainesville has to offer. For the first time ever, this trip was pretty much unscripted. The last minute availability of a campsite made for a quick grab and go trip. We have always wanted to go to Paynes Prairie, but it has been difficult to get a site when it fits into our schedule. So when I saw if come available on Friday afternoon, I jumped on the chance to reserve the site. I loaded the truck Friday night and we hit the road north to Gainesville early Saturday morning. The trip up I-75 north of Tampa is pretty much uncharted territory for us. Except for a couple trips to the State Fi...