The Wandering Disciple

Venice Fire Department is sporting a new look these day.  Engine 51 was just added to the fleet and features a new graphic design, the first in the city to have the makeover.  The red and gray look is a departure from the red and white design that Venice has used for years.  (Photo: June 21, 2017)

A drive through the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg and there are scars everywhere, a reminder to the devastating wildfires that effected the area in November.  While the region is quickly rebounding, it will take a while for the mountains to completely heal.  Meanwhile these signs will be a reminder at how delicate the balance between wilderness and civilization can be.  (Photo: June 14, 2017)

Sarasota, Florida: The Gulf Coast League season kicked off this week and the Orioles and Twin met for a four game series to start the campaign. Thursday afternoon's game was played at Ed Smith Stadium and those in attendance were treated to a pitcher duel that saw the Twins pick up a 1-0 win. The only run of the afternoon game in the top of the first inning. Akil Baddoo doubled to left and later scored on a ground ball by Alex Robles to give the Twins a 1-0 lead. From that point on, pitching and defense highlighted the afternoon. Pedro Garcia tossed 6 2/3 shut-out innings to pick up the win. Vadim Balan closed out the game with 2 1/3 scoreless innings to secure the win for the Twins. Click on the photo above to view my Orioles/Twins photo gallery .

At 6,053 feet above sea level, you are at the highest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The Richland Balsam Overlook in North Carolina is the highest point along the 469 mile scenic highway that stretches from Roanoke, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina.  (Photo: June 14, 2017)

A brightly colored Rhododendron flower provides a splash of color on a dreary day along the Blue Ridge Parkway.   Mother Nature paints a colorful picture each summer when the Rhododendron come into full bloom.  (Photo: June 13, 2017)

This rustic cabin in the middle of the Pisgah National Forest was once the ranger's cabin for the Biltmore Forest School.  This large tract of land on the Biltmore property was home to the first forestry school in the country.  Today the heritage of the school and its accomplishments are the centerpiece of the Cradle of Forestry in America.  (Photo: June 14, 2017)

Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of downtown Asheville is the largest private estate in the country.  It is here where George Vanderbilt built his little mountain escape.  The Biltmore is anything but little featuring 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 33 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces.  (Photo: June 12, 2017)