The Wandering Disciple

The Majesty of the Seas passes through the Government cut as it embarks on another Bahama cruise. The Government Cut is a manmade shipping channel that connects the Port of Miami and the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo: April 19, 2010)

Sarasota, Florida: With spring training in its final days, the Tampa Bay Rays took its opening day lineup on the road to face the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. The Rays took an early lead and never really looked back as they won 4-3. The Rays wasted no time in taking the lead, scoring in the first inning. Asdrubal Cabrera double to left to score John Jaso and make it 1-0. The Rays pushed across three more in the third. David DeJesus homered to right. Then a sac fly by Desmond Jennings and an RBI double by Logan Forsythe made it 4-0. The Orioles strung together three one-run innings in the six, seventh and eighth but it wasn’t enough as they Rays held on for a 4-3 win. Click on the photo above to view my Rays/Orioles photo galler y.

The Carnival Destiny maneuvers through the busy water of the Port of Miami. The Port of Miami is the gateway that connects South Florida cruisers with the Caribbean ports of call. (Photo: April 19, 2010)

A laughing gull sits on the handrail at the Gasparilla Island fishing pier waiting for its next meal. An abandoned rail trestle converted to a fishing pier, it is a popular spot to fish. (Photo: November 21, 2010)

Boca Grande Pass, the mouth of Charlotte Harbor has been protected by the Boca Grande Lighthouse since 1890. While the lighthouse was dark for twenty years of that expansive history, today the lighthouse is in full operation and also serves as a museum to maritime history. (Photo: March 27, 2010)

Englewood, Florida: Hamsher Homes gave the division leading Italiano Insurance a run for their money on Saturday night. Hamsher took an early lead but by midway through the contest both clubs were locked into an 8-8 tie. The tie lasted until the top of the fifth when Italiano pushed across two runs. Hamsher never recovered as they fell 10-8. Click on the photo above to view my Hamsher/Italiano photo gallery .

Sarasota, Florida:   We decided to hit the Celery Fields for a little bit of wildlife spotting on a sunny Saturday afternoon.  We didn't have much time before our appointment so we only stopped at the Raymond Road boardwalk. The quick stop awarded us with a lot of activity.  There were many Red-winged Blackbirds, Limpkins with babies and even a King Rail.  One of the coolest things we saw, or scariest depending on your fears, was a Cottonmouth Snake.  It swam across the top of the water under the boardwalk.  It was good piece of mind knowing we were safe on the boardwalk.  I have always heard stories about them but had never seen one in the wild. Here is a list of what we saw on our trip. Boat-tailed Grackle Common Gallinule Cottonmouth Snake Great Blue Heron King Rail Limpkim Red-winged Blackbird Roseate Spoonbill Tri-colored Heron Click on the photo above to view my Celery Fields photo gallery include photos from today and past v...