The Wandering Disciple

American Beach, Florida: American Beach, a historic treasure nestled along Florida's Atlantic coastline, holds a unique and significant place in American history. Established during the era of segregation, it served as a sanctuary for African Americans seeking respite and recreation at a time when they were barred from many public beaches.  The beach's origins date back to the early 20th century when Abraham Lincoln Lewis, a prominent Black businessman and Florida's first Black millionaire, purchased beachfront property with the vision of creating a haven for his community. Lewis's Afro-American Life Insurance Company played a crucial role in financing the development of American Beach, making it possible for Black families to own property and build homes in a safe and welcoming environment.  American Beach quickly blossomed into a vibrant community, attracting Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and artists from across the country. During its heyday in the mid-20th ce...

Fernandina Beach, Florida: Located in the heart of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park commemorates the city's rich history and its significance as a major port and commercial center. The park encompasses a central plaza and surrounding areas that have played a crucial role in the development of Fernandina Beach from its earliest days.  The plaza served as a gathering place for residents and visitors, hosting markets, festivals, and public meetings. It witnessed the arrival of Spanish explorers, British colonists, and American settlers, each leaving their mark on the city's cultural landscape. The park's historical significance is further enhanced by its proximity to the Amelia River and the historic Fernandina Beach downtown district.  The park features interpretive exhibits and displays that highlight the history of Fernandina Beach and the importance of the plaza in the city's development. Visitors can stroll through the park, relax on be...

Fernandina Beach, Florida: Located along the Cumberland Sound at the convergence of the St Mary's River and Amelia River, Fort Clinch State Park is a 1,400-acre park that provides visitors with a glimpse into the area's rich history and natural beauty. The centerpiece of the park is Fort Clinch, a well-preserved 19th-century brick fort that played a role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. Visitors can explore the fort's many rooms and fortifications, including its cannons, barracks, and kitchen.  In addition to the fort, the park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. There are several trails that wind through the park's diverse ecosystems, including maritime hammock, sand dunes, and salt marsh. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, deer, and ospreys.  One of the most popular activities at Fort Clinch State Park is camping. The park has two campgrounds that o...

Fort Myers, Florida: The atmosphere in Fort Myers on Saturday night was electric, filled with an air of anticipation and joy as Danny Gokey's United We Worship tour made its stop at First Assembly of God. The evening promised a blend of powerful music and heartfelt testimony, featuring not only Gokey's renowned vocals but also the talents of special guests Seph Schlueter, Tasha Layton, and Mac Powell.  The night commenced with a vibrant performance by Seph Schlueter, a worship leader and songwriter known for his passionate delivery and heartfelt lyrics. Seph's energy was contagious, his authenticity shining through as he led the audience in worship with his hit song "Counting My Blessings." His performance set the tone for the evening, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and connection.  Following Seph's uplifting set, the stage was graced by the Dove Award-winning Christian artist, Tasha Layton. Tasha's powerful vocals and inspiring message of hope resonat...

The sounds of excitement fill the air as the wildest ride in the woods speeds through the Smokies. Opened in 2004, Thunderhead is a heart-pounding wooden rollercoaster featuring a 100-foot drop and 22 turns while reaching 54 mph. Named after nearby Thunderhead Mountain in the Smokies, the coaster was named the top wooden coaster in the country in 2005 and 2006 while maintaining a top 10 spot almost every year since its opening.  Thunderhead is one of ten coasters at Dollywood. The 150 acre park brings over fifty rides and attractions into the Smoky Mountains drawing over 3 million visitors annually.  You can see more photos from Dollywood here .  Taken: June 7, 2016 at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN)

A short but challenging hike takes you to the stop of the smokies, Kuwohi. Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, the observation tower at the top of Kuwohi sits at an elevation of 6,643 feet making it the highest peak in park and the seventeenth highest peak in the country.  Kuwohi is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spanning Tennessee and North Carolina, the park spans 522,419 acres making it one of the largest protected lands in the country. It is the most visited national park, with millions of visitors trek to the park for hiking, wildlife watching and more outdoor adventures.  You can see this photos and more photos from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by visiting the gallery here .  Taken: June 8, 2016 at Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Bryson City, NC)

Eglin Air Force Base, Florida: The United States Air Force Armament Museum is a fascinating destination that showcases the history and evolution of Air Force weaponry. The museum houses an extensive collection of aircraft, missiles, bombs, and other armament systems that have played a crucial role in the nation's defense.  Visitors to the museum can explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits, where they can get up close to a wide range of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and cargo planes. The collection includes iconic aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird, B-52 Stratofortress, and F-15 Eagle, as well as many other historically significant aircraft.  In addition to aircraft, the museum also displays a vast array of missiles, bombs, and other armament systems. These exhibits provide insight into the technological advancements that have shaped Air Force weaponry over the years. Visitors can learn about the development of different types of bombs, missiles, and guidance systems, ...