The Wandering Disciple

As the sun sets over the capital city, the historic landmarks of the city become painted with light.  As the lights turn on across Washington DC, the iconic monuments take on a new appearance under the glow of the spot lights.  Here is Washington Monument lit up at night.  Built as a memorial for George Washington, the monument stands 555 feet tall and is the tallest structure in our nation's capitol.   Taken: December 25, 2022 at Washington Monument (Washington, DC)

Washington, DC:  For our final road trip of 2022, we had originally planned on hitting up the Smokies for the holidays.  However a last minute change in plans rerouted us to our nation's capital and a holiday trip to Washington DC for a week of exploring the city and its museums and memorials as well as a few day trips to the surrounding areas. We hit the road under the cover of darkness, leaving the house a little past midnight.  We had a 14+ hour road trip in front of us and figured might as well get started while everyone is still sleeping.  I preplanned our route to ensure there was plenty of places to refuel and get food since we are travelling on Christmas Day.  So northbound we went, headed to DC. The decision to leave early was a good one.  Traffic was very light on the first stage of the trip, in fact when we reached I-10 in North Florida we only encountered one truck from US-301 to I-95!  We headed into Georgia and attempted to stop at Huddle...

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas. I hope each and every one of you have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Enjoy your holiday! Merry Christmas from Donten Photography! Taken: December 17, 2002 at ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa, FL)

The Gingerbread Jubilee is in full force as Christmas Eve has descended upon us. The festive celebration at ZooTampa has been happening all month getting everyone in the holiday spirit.  If you haven't seen the zoo dressed up for Christmas, be sure to check it out. Christmas in the Wild runs until December 30.  Taken: December 17, 2022 at ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa, FL)

A Hippo enjoys a swim in a pool at the Edge of Africa exhibit at Busch Gardens. Hippos are the third largest land mammal behind the elephant and rhino. They spend their time near bodies of water eating vegetation. Despite being herbivores, hippos are the most dangerous animals in African because of their unpredictable behavior and enormous size.  You can get up close to these giant mammals at the Edge of Africa. The walk-thorough exhibit brings you up close to hippos, crocodiles, lions, hyenas and the Serengeti Plain.  Taken: August 24, 2008 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)

As you board your boat, Allura leads you on a quiet journey through the sunken city of Atlantis. On your journey she keeps tempting you to go further, but as you near the top of the city you realize your mermaid is actually a siren and reveals her true form as Medusa before sending you on a free fall down a 60 foot drop into a pool below.  Journey to Atlantis opened in 1998 at Sea World Orlando. The hybrid flume ride/roller coaster features a 60 foot drop followed by a wild coaster ride that takes you back to the village.  Taken: July 5, 2008 at Sea World Orlando (Orlando, FL)

Welcome to Jungala, the jungle region of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The four-acre region of the park is home up-close animals exhibits like the Tiger Lodge and Orangutan Outpost as well as thrilling family rides like the Wild Surge all nestled within the thick foliage of the jungle.  Opened in April 2008, Jungala is a departure from the rest of the park which features an Africa theme. It brings the Asian jungle to the park and is home to Malayan Tigers, Bornean Orangutans, White-cheeked Gibbons, Flying Foxes and False Gharials.  Taken: April 13, 2008 at Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)