The Wandering Disciple

Boca Grande, Florida: At 105 feet, the skeleton tower of the Gasparilla Island Rear Range Light towers over the neighboring beaches and homes in the middle coast of Boca Grande. It is one of two lighthouses on the island, joining the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse further south in aiding ships passing through to Charlotte Harbor. The story of the lighthouse actually begins in Delaware. It was built by the Phoenix Iron Company and put into service in Lewes, Delaware as the Delaware Breakwater Rear Range Light in 1881. The light remained in service here until 1918 when it was decommissioned due to shifting coastlines. The tower was later dismantled and shipped to Florida in 1921. In 1927, the tower was sent to Gasparilla Island and erected two miles from the Port Boca Grande Light. The tower received a new coat of white paint and was renamed the Gasparilla Island Rear Range Light. It went into service in 1932 and worked in conjunction with the Front Range Light located a mile off-sh...

Sanibel, Florida: Just off the coast of Fort Myers lies a small island that has been a favorite spot for beachgoers for years. The laid back lifestyle of Sanibel Island combined with the clear tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide the perfect oasis from a busy day or week. Like much of Southwest Florida, the original settlers of Sanibel were the Calusa Indians. The maintained a settlement on the island until the European arrival collapsed the Calusa Empire in the 1700’s. Spanish settlers began to explore the island in the mid 1700’s. By 1768, the island was named Puerto de S. Nibel by the Spanish. The naming of the island is believed to be in honor of Queen Isabella I of Castile by Juan Ponce de Leon. In the early 1800’s, pirate lore joined Sanibel. Just like neighboring Gasparilla Island, Sanibel Island is thought to have its own pirate past. Black Caesar is thought to have taken refuge on the island during the War of 1812. But later left when he betrayed Gasparill...

Orlando, Florida: Sea World has been known since its inception for its world renowned animal shows and exhibits. But more recently, the executive leadership of the corporation has added rides and attractions to compete with local theme parks, resulting in the transformation from marine park to an adventure park. Sea World in Orlando features over ten rides in total with two of the countries best rollercoaster among them. The first ride was introduced with the park in 1973. The 400 foot Sky Tower takes riders on an aerial view of the park from a two story rotating observation tower. Here guests will have a birds eye view of Sea World along with the rest of Orlando. The first major thrill ride was opened in 1998. Journey of Atlantis take its passengers on a trip to the mythical city of Atlantis. The peaceful journey is cut short when the boat is hurled down a 60 foot drop and soaking splash down at the bottom. But its not over there, the boat becomes a coaster for the finale. A...

Orlando, Florida: Located along International Drive in Orlando, the Sheraton Vistana Villages is located just a short drive from the major central Florida theme parks and attractions. The fully furnished villas allow you to enjoy the comforts of home at a vacation resort. The resort features two and three bedroom villas located in ten multi-story buildings situated on 95 acres. There at over a thousand rooms in total; all featuring kitchens/kitchenettes, washer/dryer and Sweet Sleeper beds to help the villa feel more like home. Some of the rooms also even have a whirlpool tub in the master suites. Despite being close to all the attractions, there is more then enough amenities at the resort to keep you busy. There is a water complex by the main building featuring a large pool, water play area, hot tubs and a kids pool. The resort also features a walking trail, fitness center and basketball courts if you wish to be active during your vacation. The Flagler Station Bar and Grill is ...

Tampa, Florida: Home to the newest attraction at Busch Gardens, SheiKra and site of two of the three water rides, Stanleyville is one of the busiest lands of the park. From diving on the country’s first dive coaster to getting soaked on one of the water rides, Stanleyville is the home of thrills for all ages. The area was added to the park in 1973 with the opening of the Stanley Falls Flume. The Stanley Falls Flume is a traditional log flume water ride in which riders experience a 43 foot drop into the lagoon. In 1977, Stanleyville added the Queen Africa Boat Ride, a boat ride that takes you through an African Village. By 1989 the park decided the ride needed a facelift and added a 55 foot splashdown drop and renamed the ride the Tanganyika Tidal Wave. Stanleyville remained mostly unchanged until 2005 when Busch Gardens introduced SheiKra, the first dive coaster in the United States. SheiKra takes its riders on a floorless, stadium seated coaster train on a 200 foot drop at a 90 ...

Boca Grande, Florida: The oldest building on Gasparilla Island, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse has been guiding ships through the waters of Boca Grande. The lighthouse was almost lost to Mother Nature before an effort led by local citizens restored the lighthouse to its original splendor. Built on the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, the lighthouse marks the entrance to Charlotte Harbor via the Boca Grande Pass. The lighthouse was placed into service on December 31, 1890. The complex consisted of a two story wooden lighthouse on stilts with a three and a half order Fresnel lens at the peak of the roof along with a second building for the assistant keeper. The lighthouse keepers and their families lived on the complex until 1956 when the light became automated. Then in 1966 the United States Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse due to deterioration. A local effort began in the early 1970’s to help restore the lighthouse. The lighthouse was transferred to Lee County in 19...

Orlando, Florida: As you walk down the pathways lined with dense tropical foliage, you can here the distant sounds of dinosaurs. Overhead you can see a Pteranodon flying above you while you turn the corner to see another dinosaur in the bushes. You begin to wonder, did I go back in time or am I in the middle of Steven Spielberg’s next movie. Truth is, you are actually at the Jurassic Park island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Jurassic Park is directly across the lagoon for the Port of Entry and the midway point as you pass through the islands of the park. On the pathway through the park, it is sandwiched between Toon Lagoon and the Lost Continent. It is the largest island of the park at around 21 acres. Built to resemble the Jurassic Park found in the movie trilogy, the dense foliage of the island provides a great place of get out of the hot Florida sunshine. The island features many of the dinosaurs from the movie and even a replica of the Jurassic Park Visitor Cente...