The Wandering Disciple

The majestic bald eagle peers out over the visitors to Lowry Park Zoo. The Bald Eagle is our nation's symbol and has been an American icon since the establishment of the nation's seal on June 20, 1782. (Photo: June 26, 2016)

A rhino tries to beat the heat by taking a dip in a small pond at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. (Photo: June 26, 2016)

In 1837, the US army built an outpost in Central Florida to help defend against the Seminole Indians. Fort Christmas was one of many forts scattered throughout the state to help protect citizens from attacks. Today a full-scale replica of the fort sits in an Orange County Park about a mile from the original site. (Photo: July 3, 2016)

As we all enjoy our Independence Day holiday, I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July as well as a special thanks to those brave men and women who risk all to ensure our freedoms.  (Photo: July 4, 2015)

The community continues to pull together for Orlando and the victims of the June 12th mass shooting at the Pulse Night Club. A memorial shrine fills the sidewalk in front of the club in which 49 people were killed and another 53 were wounded in the largest mass shooting in the nation's history. Hundreds still flock to the memorial to pay their respects to those who have been effected by the tragedy. (Photo: July 3, 2016)

Fort Christmas, Florida: Nestled between the thrill and excitement of the theme parks and the awe of the space coast lies a hidden gem in the small town of Christmas. The Fort Christmas Historical Park is a place where the history of Central Florida comes alive. Dedicated by Orange County in 1977, Fort Christmas Historical Park aims to give visitors a glimpse of life in early Central Florida. The park can be divided into three portions each with their own distinct style and from different period of history. As you enter the park, there is a visitor center near the entrance to help you learn more about the buildings and the area. However it was closed during our visit so we began the self-guided tour of the buildings. The first portion of the park is dedicated to what some would classify as high class living. The Partin House is decorated with fancy furnishings that you would have found in homes during mid-1900’s. Next to the Partin House is the Union School and Lunchroom ...

The tranquil waters of the Oconaluftee River pass under a foot bridge at Oconaluftee Island Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. The river begins near Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains and is one of the largest rivers found within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The Oconaluftee River Valley is home to the Cherokee Indian Reservation and is the North Carolina entrance into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. (Photo: June 6, 2016)