The Wandering Disciple

Large strands of cypress trees rise above the swamp, touching the skies and providing a majestic sight.  The Cypress Swamp trail at Highlands Hammock State Park takes hikers on a trip through these large trees on a boardwalk elevated above the swamp.  (Photo: February 28, 2016)

Tampa Bay Rays pitching leader Chris Archer congratulates lefty Matt Moore on a great outing during live batting practice on Saturday morning at Charlotte Sports Park.  The team continues to fine tune their skills prior to opening the spring training exhibition schedule on Tuesday.  (Photo: February 27, 2016)

Current Tampa Bay Rays minor league pitcher of the year Blake Snell gets some pointers from former minor league pitcher of the year Matt Moore during a full-team spring training workout at Charlotte Sports Park. (Photo: February 27, 2016)

Spring is right around the corner and the wildflowers are starting to brighten up the woods as seen on this hiking trail at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. The mild temperatures and weekly rainfall have helped to keep colorful flowers in bloom all winter this year. (Photo: February 21, 2016)

Looking like a masked bandit, a raccoon passes by visitors of the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium.  The nature center is home to many native Florida animals including raccoon, turtles, bald eagles, hawks, owls and much more.  (Photo: February 21, 2016)

A business jet is on short final for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport while a regional jet can be seen in the distance making its base leg as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico.  (Photo: February 17, 2016)

A cottonmouth snake lies in the brush along the hiking trail at Calusa Nature Center.  This snake was a great reminder that we are in their house when we go hiking and provides an important reminder of how important it is to watch where you walk and to always be aware of your surroundings.  The cottonmouth is one of six venomous snakes that can be found in Florida joining the Southern Copperhead, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Pigmy Rattlesnake and Coral Snake as the Sunshine State's poisonous viper club.  (Photo: February 21, 2016)