The Wandering Disciple

The Cross Florida Barge Canal as it passes through the Ocala National Forest near US-19. The barge was originally designed to allow shipping traffic to cross from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico. But the project was never completed due to environmental concerns. (Photo: November 11, 2011)

Englewood, Florida: The U9 Englewood Crabs were back out on the field Saturday morning for a scrimmage game against the Hit Factory U8 team. This was the first game simulation for the Crabs since their tournament at the end of August. The Crabs faced their own pitcher in the scrimmage while the Hit Factory saw coach pitch. The Crabs are getting ready for another tournament mid-September. Click on the photo to see more photos from the Crabs/Hit Factory scrimmage .

Captain Kurt Schlamer waves to the crows at MacDill AirFest at MacDill AirFest in 2011. Captain Schlamer performed an aerial acrobatic performance his restored T-28 Trojan “Ditto”. (Photo: November 8, 2011)

A calm pond lies hidden among a strand of trees in the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Lee County, Florida. The 2,500 acre wetland preserve has a hiking trail that traverses five distinct ecosystems home to many species of plants and animals. (Photo: October 23, 2011)

One of the iconic attractions at the Magic Kingdom, It’s a Small World has been leaving riders with the rides song stuck in the head for hours afterwards. One of the original Magic Kingdom rides, the leisurely boat ride takes you on a journey through the various cultures found around the globe. (Photo: October 2, 2011)

Along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River sits the winter home of inventor Thomas Edison. Named the Seminole Lodge, Edison’s winter home was built in 1886. A few years later, Edison’s friend Henry Ford built a home next door. Today both homes can be toured as part of the Edison-Ford Winter Estate museum. (Photo: June 26, 2011)

A red shouldered hawk feeds on a lizard at Myakka State Park. Hawks and many other species of wildlife can be observed regularly at the park. (Photo: May 29, 2011)