The Wandering Disciple

Starbucks, Universal Cineplex, Panda Express, Hard Rock, TCBY, and so much more.  There is something for everyone at CityWalk at the Universal Orlando resort.  Dining, entertainment and night life is all here with something to do for everyone in your party.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

As you approach the waterfront on the taxi, this little Italian oasis is not quite Italy but rather Universal Orlando's Portofino Bay Hotel.  The Portofino Bay is a little slice of Italy transplanted in Central Florida packed with authentic Italian experiences, food, music and more just a short water taxi ride from the thrills of the theme parks.  (Photo: October 25, 2010)

A red-shouldered hawk snacks on a snake found along the boardwalk at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The red-shouldered hawk is one of 224 species of hawks in the Accipitridae family. Found throughout Florida, the hawk also can be found throughout the eastern United States as well as in California as well. To help it pursue prey, the red-shouldered hawk features a rudder-like tail that helps turn quickly in flight to help it capture fast moving prey. (Photo: October 17, 2010)

Riding the rails in style, the Pullman train car was how the affluent members of society traveled the country. These cars were the luxury RV's of the era and exhibited the finest elegant accommodations on the rails. This 1929 Pullman called the Esperanza was on display at the Southwest Florida Museum of History before being sold to the Seminole-Gulf Railroad for restoration. (Photo: October 2, 2010)

A wooden boardwalk connects the nature trail with the beach at Stump Pass Beach State Park in Englewood.  Located on the southern tip of Manasota Key, Stump Pass Beach State Park has a lot to offer from combing the beach for shells, hiking the trails and observing nature or hitting the water on a kayak, jet ski or boat.  (Photo: August 10, 2010)

A barred owl sits perched on a live oak tree at the Circle B Bar Reserve outside of Lakeland.  Barred owls are the most vocal of the Eastern owls with a very distinct call.  While they eat the typical owl diet of small mammals like mice, the barred owls have been known to wade in creeks to catch and eat crayfish.  A diet of crayfish can even cause the belly of the barred owl to turn pink, much like a flamingo eating shrimp.  (Photo: January 26, 2019)

A zeal of zebras huddle together on the safari at the Lowry Park Zoo.  A group of zebras are called a zeal.  In order to protect themselves from predators, a zeal typical stand together in close formation to appear much larger than they are, deterring the potential attack.  (Photo: July 18, 2010)