The Wandering Disciple

Along the hustle and bustle of the I-75 corridor in Florida, there is a vast expanse carved in the landscape just outside Gainesville. This open prairie is known as Paynes Prairie and is home to unique wildlife remnant of days gone by. Here along the prairie, there are wild bison and horse roaming amongst other native Floridians like alligators, deer and more.  This diverse ecosystem has been preserved as part of the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. The park features over 30 miles of trails that help you explore the 23,000 acres and bring you closer to the wildlife that live here.  Taken: November 9, 2013 at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (Micanopy, FL)

The sight of a spider is enough to send shivers up the spines of most people. But for as terrifying they are to some people, others find the fascinating. Their attention to detail in their webs is pretty spectacular like that of this Golden Silk Orbweaver encountered on a hike at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park outside of Gainesville. (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A spider builds a web along a hiking trail at Paynes Prairie State Park.  These web weavers can be found along the hiking trails at the park, sometimes scaring those who are frightened by their presence or caught off-guard as they walk through the web.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

The vast expanse of Payne's Prairie stretches as far as the eye can see as seen here from the observation tower.  This prairie located just outside of Gainesville is home to wild herds of bison and horses as well as other native Floridian wildlife.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

Just outside of downtown Gainesville lies a wide open prairie resembling the vast open plains of the Midwest. But we are not in the Midwest, we are in the heart of Gator Country. And this plain is home to wild bison, horse, gator and much more. (Photo: November 10, 2013)

The prairie stretches to the horizon from the observation tower at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. The 21,000 acre park outside Gainesville is home to many animals including a herd of wild bison. (Photo: November 10, 2013)

The Paynes Prairie outside Gainesville seems to stretch on forever as seen here from the observation tower at Paynes Prairie State Park.  The 21,000 state park is home to many species of animals including a herd of bison and wild horses.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

An observation boardwalk extends into Paynes Prairie at the US-441 overlook.  This is one of several places that visitor's can get a glimpse into life on the 20,000 prairie.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

Spanish moss hangs from the trees at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park just outside of Gainesville.  The flowering plant can be found throughout the park and is native to the Southeastern United States.  (Photo: November 9, 2013)

A white tail deer peaks up from the brush at Paynes Prairie.  The 21,000 acre state park just south of Gainesville is home to deer as well as Bison, Wild Horses and much more.  (Photo: November 10, 2013)

Gainesville, Florida:  We awoke for the second day of our weekend camping trip to a cool and comfortable 62 degrees with a light fog over the park.  There is just something about camping in the great outdoors that leads to a great night's sleep.  We woke up refreshed and ready to take on the town for our final day in Gainesville. Our morning routine was changed due to car problems the night before.  As we left from dinner, the truck gave us difficulty starting.  So to keep from getting stranded over 200 miles from home, we decided to tear down camp first thing this morning, pack the car and pray it starts. With camp packed up, we crossed our fingers and fired up the truck.  It started without a problem and we were on our way.  We tried to head to the observation tower and try spotting some bison, but it was still closed.  So we chose to head to breakfast instead.  On the way out of the park, we passed a whole bunch of deer along Savan...

Micanopy, Florida: The great Savannah seems to stretch as far as the eye can see and provides home to many species of animals as well as a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.  Encompassing over 20,000 acres, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is an outdoor lover's dream, providing plenty of hiking, camping and wildlife watching opportunities. Located just south of Gainesville in the little town of Micanopy, Paynes Prairie has a rich history.  It has been inhabited for over 12,000 years according to historians.  It's wildlife has helped to sustain many Indian tribes including the Alachua band of the Seminole tribe. The park was named after the band chief's son, Payne. The rich land of the park is also thought to be a hunting spot for Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto during his march through Florida in summer of 1539. It is believed that De Soto and his men stopped here on the march from Itaraholata to Cholupaha or present day Goethe State Forest and O'Leno...

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...