The Wandering Disciple

Who would have thought that a baseball game that started before noon would be played under the lights. But that is exactly what happened Tuesday in the instructional league as the Orioles hosted the Red Sox in a soggy Ed Smith Stadium. (Photo: September 30, 2014)

Sarasota, Florida: It was a soggy, rainy day as the Orioles hosted the Red Sox during the Fall Instructional League. The game time was moved up to avoid a rain-out but it didn't keep the rain away as the teams competed under the light for a day game. Click on the photo for photos from the Orioles/Red Sox game .

The downtown Tampa skyline rises over the Hillsborough River as seen from the University of Tampa. (Photo: July 27, 2013)

A Mig 23 is towed for service at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevich, the Mig 23 entered into service in 1967. It was primarily used by the Soviet Air Force and has seen action throughout Asia and Africa. (Photo: September 22, 2014)

A cormorant stands guard over the kayak trail at Fort Desoto Park. The trail winds through Soldier Hole and along Mullet Key. (Photo: September 27, 2014)

Tierra Vede, Florida: It has been over a year since our last kayak adventure and we have been itching to be on the water. We have considered buying our own but upfront cost has put them out of our price range. So we decided to rent some kayaks and try our own adventure. After looking around online, I decided to go to Fort Desoto Park at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Of the places I researched, they seemed to be very beginner friendly, offering a marked trail with trail map for the tour. Their kayak provider, United Park Service, also seemed to have very reasonable rates. It didn't take much arm twisting, actually none at all, to convince my dad to come along and give it a try. He has always wanted to go but has never had the opportunity. So we packed up the van and headed north to Fort Desoto. We arrived at Fort Desoto at almost 10 am only to find the kayak rental store closed despite their website and brochure stating they opened at 9. I called the phone number on the br...

Rays prospect Casey Gillaspie hits a towering fly ball during Friday's instructional league game against the Orioles. Gillaspie was drafted by the Rays in the first round of the 2014 Draft out of Wichita State University. (Photo: September 26, 2014)