So as long as I can remember. The joy of lightning bugs. Some of you call them fireflies.
I'm from TN. We choose what we call them.
From the end of May, they start going at it! You can see glow worms on the side of the river banks and also around the rocks near the creek edge.
https://smokymountains.com/park/things-to-do/synchronous-fireflies-smoky-mountains/
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232487/availability
They have always brought such a magical nostalgia with them every single year gets bigger and brighter.
It could honestly be just me and my experiences, but with every single one magical and notable. To me, they bring with them vulnerability, softness, innocence, and playfulness.
Do y'all have them? Did you catch them in jars and have them light up a little corner of your room in the summer?
Well, I love them so much! They bring peace of mind and spirit with them that donate to memories and precious aliveness.
I live in the Smoky Mountains and as I child we could go to Elkmont and Tremont and see them synchronize before I ever even understood what an amazing thing it was to witness.
We here in the Smokies are one of the very few places to witness a grandiose light display of summer lovin' of the beautiful sweet little bugs. Called the Synchronous Fireflies. But here is a link for other places too.
https://www.thetravel.com/where-are-the-best-places-to-see-fireflies/
But since the lottery so many people can't get to Elkmont to see this amazing display.
I am here to help!
For years and years we could just drive up and go anytime we wanted.
The park service wasn't even set up, and then it began.
They blasted Gatlinburg and this phenomenon all over the news for months before it happened.
There are beautiful surrounding quiet towns on multiple sides of Gatlinburg.
We have Cosby and Townsend!
So many trails and rivers that you can get almost as good synchronous activity actually people argue with me and say it's the same. I mean my house is lit up!!
If you can get the lottery though, do it. Then please let me know what you think!
I have a list of my favorite campgrounds on the quiet sides of town.
Smoky Bear Campground
https://www.smokybearcampground.com/
Camp Grits
Cosby Campground
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cosby-campground-information.htm
The KOA in Townsend
https://koa.com/campgrounds/townsend-great-smokies/site-type/tent-camping-sites/
But!! Wait!!!
There is a recipe, all you have to do is find a trail by the river and wait till dusk and you can watch them come out of the woods and all around you. It is extraordinary to see the woods in that way...
So if you are out in the dark right before the summer solstice and one lands or even does a fly by touching, your blessing will unfurl. Believe that.
Here is a little story. The first time I went up as an adult I went with my friends and family and while they were all setting up chairs and blankets I wandered down the trail it became dark as pitch the next minute was a disco party for like 2 minutes! Almost strobe light, then blackness.
Disoriented and distracted by the beauty. I had gotten a little lost and fell enamored with these bioluminescent little creatures. Never had I seen so much natural magic. I am so thankful for those times with my family there.
As I sit out on my porch tonight I can see they aren't as fervent as they were only 2 nights ago and I know the summer heat is coming and the change of season is upon us. Hail beautiful East TN. spring...
It's June 19 father's day and they are already saying farewell.
The summer solstice is June 21 and we begin the wane to darker days that follow.
https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-summer-summer-solstice
I hope everyone has a blast this coming summer season and if you see a lightning bug love it and send your wish with it.
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ReplyDeleteGreat stuff!!
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