Which 2 places in the world can you find the Synchronous Fireflies?

An invitation to see the synchronous fireflies (or lightning bugs) would read something like this:

What:  A magical natural light show
Guest Stars:  Synchronous Lightning Bugs, 1 of 2,000 firefly species, less than 1% of fireflies
Who:  the first 800-900 people
Where:  Great Smoky Mountain National Park or Southeast Asia
When:  2 weeks in June, approx. June 6-14th, nightly show at approx. 9-9:30PM

Yes, the synchronous lightning bugs are only found in GSMNP (Elkmont campground as most well known location within the park) or Southeast Asia (specifically the rivers in Kampang Kuantan Malaysia).  For me, the GSMNP location in TN would be much closer and cheaper trip.

For many years the only known synchronous fireflies in the world were found in Malaysia.  It was within our lifetime that the lightning bugs were documented as being in the US too (1994).  In the early 1990's an Elkmont community resident & naturalist noticed the lightning bugs in Elkmont.  She convinced a professor at Georgia Southern University to visit. 

Are these lighning bugs exactly the same in 2 far apart places?  Although both flash in synchrony, the light pattern is different.  The Asian lightning bugs oscillate their flashing in a metronome like manner (on, off, on, off) in a regular sequence.  However, the Elmont fireflies flash in a series of about six blinks and then pause for awhile before starting again.  Why the difference, I'm not certain.  I think scientists have a lot more to learn about these newly found beetles.

If you accepted such invitation, here's the directions you would be given:

Where:  Park at the GSMNP Sugarland Visitors Center, ride the $1 Gatlinburg Trolley to the Elkmont campground.  Please note Elkmont entrance closes to cars 5PM to Midnight

When:  Trolleys begin at 6PM & end when full or 9PM (previous reports of being full at 7:30PM or earlier).  Trolley to site runs every 20-25 minutes.  Trolley returns up to 11PM.

What to bring:  Flashlights with red cellophane, lawn chairs & blankets, food & water in backpacks.  No alcohol or pets.  Please note there is no service at the site & only portable potties.

Luxury in Nature, a Smoky Mountain Example

What do we mean by luxury in nature?

Coming from quite a bit of experience in tent camping & scout camping, there's no doubt that an air conditioned, heated cabin is luxury.  However, we took this cabin to the next level with choosing only the best in furnishings. so you feel surrounded in luxury. 

Here's one example, one of the chairs is a Lonsdale Barstool from Frontgate.  Inspired from the 18th century classics, this barstool uses the finest leather hide (considered top/full grain) and hand crafted solid hardwood.  In the cool grey color, it's a custom order.  In trying to be as green as possible, I went to the outlet where people returned their custom ordered fine furnishing (and saved at least a little green in my purse too).  While the standard barstool sells for $699, the custom chair costs $899 and 7 weeks if you order online. 

Frontgate's slogan is "outfitting America's finest homes", I'd add "and finest cabins".  Only the best for our guests; Relax and enjoy!

What to Bring to Your Smoky Cabin Rental

How could I resist a photo of my son's rugged muddy jeans with super hero underwear?  He's my little super hero, exploring the world and saving nature.

There's a lot to explore in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so I thought I'd give a few tips on how to prepare and pack for the adventure.

1.  Extra clothes

- detergent, we supply the full size washer & dryer, we both know kids love dirt

I supplied Seventh Generation (post attending the CEO's presentation on the company's commitment to the environment), but it could be gone

-expect rain & sun:  rain jacket or plastic poncho, umbrella, plastic bags, sunglasses and strap, suntan lotion

-expect warm & cold:  coat, mitten/gloves, it will be both warmer & colder than you expect, it gets cooler as you climb in altitude

2.  Toiletries

- be comfortable:  cabin management supplies soap, bring your favorite shampoo & conditioner and typical items (toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shaving lotion, razor, mouthwash, dental floss), plus ones for safety (bug spray, first aid kit, sunscreen)

3.  Hiking/Swimming Gear

- prepare for fun:  swimsuit, beach towel - besides the hot tub and resort pool, you may be inspired to tube or raft

- be safe:  sturdy hiking boots/shoes (rocks get slippery when wet), water bottle, phone

- capture the moment:  backpack with cameras, map, compass, binoculars

4.  Food Supplies

- either bring or buy at the local Kroger, pack picnics and enjoy home cooked meals together
I once stocked the cupboards (even stevia sugar & gourmet oils) for guests only to find out the rental management company had to take it all out prior to renting due to government safety regulations.  We can't even supply salt or pepper in shakers.  However, we do supply you with a full size stove, refrigerator, microwave, and cofee pot. 

Bring delight:  cookies, pancake mix, ketchup, mustard, steak sauce, salt, pepper, coffee, creamer, tea, sugar

Buy staples:  fruits & vegetables, milk, eggs, bacon, hot dogs, hamburger, fish, brats, steak, ice cream?

Now is your chance to swap stories in person, leave the computer at home.

Any other ideas?  Ingenious handy travel items?  Items you once forgot, but now always bring?