Syncronized Fireflies in the Smokies

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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.

Syncronized Fireflies in the Smokies

The Basics:

Event Type:

Camping

Event Location:

Elkmont Campground

Camping: Syncronized Fireflies in the Smokies

Date(s) & Time:

Tue, Jun 7 2011 8:00 am >> Thu, Jun 9 2011 4:44 pm (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Apr 7 2011 9:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, May 7 2011 11:00 pm

Event Duration:

2 Days 8 Hours 44 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate (Exploratory)

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Lisa Maldonado
Phyllis Melton

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

$15.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

18 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Come join us for a truly unique experience of syncronized fireflies and camping in the Smokies.
This is a weekday event because all the reservations are already gone on the weekends. Take a few sick days during the week and experience the light show.

The lightning bugs synchronized light show is actually part of the fireflies mating behavior. This start and duration of firefly behavior can vary based upon, when they emerged, current temperature among other factors so and exact "peak date" of when it is the best to see the Synchronized firefly show in Great Smoky Mountains national park will hopefully be when the trolleys are running from June 6th to the 14th.

Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of 14 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns.

Fireflies (also called lightning bugs) are beetles. They take from one to two years to mature from larvae, but will live as adults for only about 21 days. Their light patterns are part of the adulthood mating display. Each species of firefly has characteristic flash pattern that helps its male and female individuals recognize each other. Most species produce a greenish-yellow light; one species has a bluish light. The males fly and flash and the usually stationary females respond with a flash.

During the day we will take hike some of the nearby trails. The beautiful Little River runs directly through the center of the campground and is just a short distance from the group sites. There are several great hiking trails within minutes of the campground, including the popular Laurel Falls Trail, Little River and Jakes creek trails.
We are camping at Group site #01. The site has a fire ring, water spigot but no electricity. Fllush toilets are in the center of the group camping area close by. There are no showers and only cold water in the bathhouse.

Required Items to Bring:
Tent
Sleeping bag/pad/air mattress
Flashlight/headlamp
Personal toiletries
Camp chair
Rain gear
3 Lunches, 2 dinners and 2 Breakfast
2 Bags of firewood. Many states are on the list to not bring firewood into the park. Georgia is currently not one of them but we might chip in and by local firewood to make more room in the carpool vehicles.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Sunscreen
Bug Repellant
Camera
Binoculars
Video Camera
Hiking shoes
Camelback
Snacks
Adult beverages (optional of course)

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Carpooling is a must. We are only permitted 5 cars at the group campground.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

340Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $136.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

- Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

- Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

- Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

- No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

- Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:

Member Cost:

$15.00/Person

Cost Includes:

Camping fee

Payment Cut Off:

Payment must be received by the AOC on Sat, May 7 2011.

Make a Payment:

Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: Full refund before May 20th. No refund after May 20th unless you are replaced.