http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/may/30/smokies-light-show-scheduled-june-6-14/
We went last night to see some synchronous fireflies, and were quite impressed. Definately something for restrained human flashaholics. There was nothing worse than having some kid shining a light into your eyes, red cellophane or not, to ruin your night vision.
There were plenty of flashlights since the area was completely wooded and unlit. Mostly cheap 2d types. The rangers were handing out red cellophane and rubberbands, and also keeping most people in line by directing them to keep their lights pointed towards the ground.
I brought a few lights. The best lights were an energizer hardcase with single led and red cellophane, fenix L1Trb80 on low with red cellophane, and a Deerelight C2H also on low with red cellophane. My kids both had red leds that were actually a bit too bright. The 2 red leds on the Energizer 1W headlamp were too much, as well as the single red led on the Coast 4 color tactical light.
For anyone planning on going, here's a few tips:
Park before 7:30pm -- once the lots full, you're not getting in.
The trolley ride is about 15 mins. We only waited 10 mins to get on.
The ride back took a 35 min wait in line starting at 1000pm.
There were port-a-potties at the trailhead s well as bathrooms at the visitors center.
Keep those lights OFF as much as possible so you can see the show.
We went last night to see some synchronous fireflies, and were quite impressed. Definately something for restrained human flashaholics. There was nothing worse than having some kid shining a light into your eyes, red cellophane or not, to ruin your night vision.
There were plenty of flashlights since the area was completely wooded and unlit. Mostly cheap 2d types. The rangers were handing out red cellophane and rubberbands, and also keeping most people in line by directing them to keep their lights pointed towards the ground.
I brought a few lights. The best lights were an energizer hardcase with single led and red cellophane, fenix L1Trb80 on low with red cellophane, and a Deerelight C2H also on low with red cellophane. My kids both had red leds that were actually a bit too bright. The 2 red leds on the Energizer 1W headlamp were too much, as well as the single red led on the Coast 4 color tactical light.
For anyone planning on going, here's a few tips:
Park before 7:30pm -- once the lots full, you're not getting in.
The trolley ride is about 15 mins. We only waited 10 mins to get on.
The ride back took a 35 min wait in line starting at 1000pm.
There were port-a-potties at the trailhead s well as bathrooms at the visitors center.
Keep those lights OFF as much as possible so you can see the show.
