Glow Worms and Fireflies

6/30/2013

What an amazing day up top. The sun was shining and it was warm enough to sit out and enjoy it. The high was 64º with a low of 49º. For the first time in a while, the notes for yesterdays weather said "clear". We had a busy day on the mountain. I can tell we are entering the July 4th week. Lots of families made their way to the top to finish or start their summer vacations. Chris and I were busy in the kitchen all day yesterday. We decided to take a night stroll to check out the glow worms. For the first time, in my time on the mountain, I witnessed glow worms and fireflies. They were spectacular. We shared the beauty with some other fellow night hikers. They thought we were crazy when we saw their headlamps coming down the path and asked them to turn them off and keep coming forward. One of the girls said she was a little leery of the voice calling out in the dark, but she was so happy she took my advice and got to experience the beauty that awaited her along the sides of the trail. Sometimes you just have to take a chance and enjoy what night time has to offer in the forest. You might be amazed.

Donna

6/30/2013 01:58:48 am

I don't want to sound ignorant, but I have never seen a glow worm or know what they are. Can I see them here in the lower elevations...Bryson City?

High On LeConte

6/30/2013 02:07:41 am

Donna,
Here is some information on glow worms. I am not sure where you could see them around Bryson City. We have noticed they are only at the higher elevation on the mountain. I don't know if that has to do with temperatures or not.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glowworm

susan b

6/30/2013 02:06:53 am

We have not seen glow worms. Are these in the lower elevations as well? Being from St. Louis we do have fireflies. Kids love those!

Ryan--La

6/30/2013 02:07:18 am

Morning to all, Allyson will they still be around by the 5th of next week? I know she is probable busy in the kitchen, does anyone else know and if so where at down in the valley would be a good place to se them.

High On LeConte

6/30/2013 02:10:33 am

Ryan, thanks for our gift box. The crew is super excited to try beignets.
As for the glowworms, I do not know how long they will last. This is the first time I have witnessed them in the 11 years I have been here. I am not sure where you can see them in the lower elevations. Sorry, I am not much help with this subject. Someone else may be able to give you a better answer.

Mark

6/30/2013 02:15:32 am

Glow worms live at our cabin in the mountains around Blue Ridge, Ga right next to the Toccoa River. I caught one, one night, and took it home and put it in the terrarium in the bathroom. It lived and glowed for over a year. They sure are hard to catch though!

Gina

6/30/2013 02:40:35 pm

I used to go tubing on the Taccoa out Aska Road!

Kent

6/30/2013 04:56:04 am

Mmmm, "Glow Worms and Fireflies." That would make a great song title I think.

The first time I saw glow worms was along the banks of some tiny lake in Kansas. I was a little concerned that I'd stumbled upon some secret toxic waste dump or something.

George @ GA

6/30/2013 07:40:49 am

Not everyone would know or remember,but The Mills Brothers sang "Glow Worm" way back when... (Early 50's I think.)

Chingachgook

6/30/2013 06:47:03 am

Glow Worms ? Were is Doug Y when you need him!

Cindy

6/30/2013 07:47:38 am

Cool. Can you post pics of the glow worms?? I've never seen them either but we have lots of fireflies or lighting bugs as we call them in Nashville!

Cindy

6/30/2013 07:49:04 am

Typo...lightning bugs not lighting...oops

Debi

6/30/2013 10:33:05 am

I am so sorry I didn't return your calls guys. I will probably be getting on the trail 10 or 11 am on the 4th. Having an awesome time just hanging out. Allyson, looking forward to the glo worms, whatever the heck they are.

Fred link

6/30/2013 11:04:54 am

You guys got me so wantin to hike up on the fourth and night hike down later after fireworks that I think I will quit my job and do it. jk lol

doug y

6/30/2013 02:09:35 pm

I'm right here - - have been mowng grass today and the 2 1/2 acres of yard I have to mow require a good deal of time to do, but we have a beautiful place. Took a long bicycle rife this morning as well - - where I live there's miles of back roads to ride on. Every evening around 9:00pm or so the firefiles here put on quite a spectacular show, rising from the ground in what almost appears to be a heavenly-choregraphed event; it's really a nice sight to behold. Now, I'll tell you about glowworms: it's really rather simple to explain: after you drink that big bottle of tequila, then eat the worm inside, you'll glow most visibly ! Have you ever seen "gneeches" !? You see, gneeches are those mysterious little things that seem to appear just barely in the corners of your eyesight, just at the boundary of your peripheral (sp?) vision ! Personally, I have never seen one although I have attempted to do so countless times. These gneeches are quick - - they dart completely out of sight the instant you turn your head to spot them. They must have some sort of sixth or seventh sense because they surely have to "anticipate" thsat you're trying to see them. What do they look like !? I have no idea, but every now and then they appear just baely out of sight in the corners of my eyes and no matter how fast I turn my head they always disappear ! Gneeches - - I hope one day to see one ! Good evening all !!

doug y

6/30/2013 02:44:46 pm

I see that my spelling still needs 'proofed' before I post my comments - - - glowworms: seriously, they are actually bettles, like the fireflies, or "lightning bugs" if you prefer. As a youngster I would catch a few dozen of them and release every one in my bedroom to watch them, much to my mother's dismay who had to clean them up the next morning' at that age it never occured to me that I was only killing these marvelous little wonders, so these days I just enjoy watching them. Glowworms were not as common in the mountains of eastern KY where I grew up, and I don't remember actually catching any of them; I think they're more common in England and New Zealand, but I'd have to research that. Seeing them up on Mt. Leconte would certainly be a nice experience. By they way, is the proper spelling Leconte or LeConte ? Good night.

Mike Clark

6/30/2013 05:17:26 pm

I thought glowworms were the result of fireflies laying eggs in the soil and thus the soil glowed. Anybody know for sure?

Tony Ga

7/1/2013 05:16:45 am

July 4th night hike is looking doubtful for us. To those who do it, hope you have fun. Sorry to miss meeting you Debi. Maybe next year.

Brian N bama

7/1/2013 06:41:28 am

I know Tony Ga, I was so looking forward to hiking up and meeting everyone. I still have not ruled it out. May not decide until that morning. Have new headlamp, new shoes. and a strong desire to go. Maybe maybe.

Tony Ga

7/1/2013 06:44:05 am

You sound like me. I got us new headlamps and just broke in some trail runners to try out. LOL

Steve D

7/1/2013 07:19:05 am

Hey guys-I will not be able to make it this week, sorry about the weather! Hopefully some of you will be able to make it and we will all try again another time.

Brian N bama

7/1/2013 08:07:11 am

Tony Ga, I got me some Salomon speedcross 3 trail runners. Sure want to use them on the 4th.

holtknoblady

7/1/2013 04:46:46 pm

Weather reports are looking very bad for this week. Forecasting rain through Thursday. Best chances of hiking rain free is in the first part of the day. We've been getting lots of these late afternoon-evening rains lately. Hope y'all get to celebrate the 4th on top! We have decided to pass onit this year. Already had first experience of hiking back down in torrential rain!

Tony Ga

7/2/2013 03:24:51 am

Salomon seems like a really good trail shoe. Wanted a pair, but I have to have a wide size. Went with some New Balance trail runners.

holtknoblady, weather does look bad for the 4th. Guess we'll sit at home and watch it rain.

jean d

7/1/2013 05:21:46 am

checking for Jul 1 update on blog. Nothing so far. Missing update but it must be that Allyson and company are covered up with holiday visitors on our favorite mountain top. Great weather and the air has been clear enough that I can see a faint outline of the mountains from home Yea-a-a. Wow, now this comment doesn't seem to want to go through. Network problems

jean d

7/1/2013 05:23:18 am

ok it finally accepted the "submit"

Jeanie Lawley

7/2/2013 06:09:00 am

We were fortunate to get to see some glowworms in Cades Cove a few years ago. We went on a night walk and kept seeing small glowing "dots" along the roadway. I finally asked and the Ranger told us they were Glowworms! Pretty cool! We also have a great Lightening Bug show at our home in Alabama.

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Glow Worms and Fireflies

LeConte Lodge

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