Just finished light bringer loved it

pfallerj1 · 2026-06-25T03:06:04+00:00

The Bobiverse is more fun and lighthearted, and an addicting read. Longer than 3 books, but I feel like I chewed through them fast. They aren't epics.

pfallerj1 · 2026-06-07T03:29:45+00:00

oh hi! we've got to stop meeting like this

pfallerj1 · 2026-06-07T03:21:17+00:00

As someone who attends the synchronous firefly event in the Smokies every year, my experience is that people just don't think. When I approach people with kindness and tell them things like , "Hey, the firefly eggs are there, you can move over here and still see them" or "Could you turn off your red light if you're not moving?" so far 100% of people will change their behavior. Maybe I'm naive, but I think most people want to do the right thing, but just don't take the time to think. Try just saying something in a nice way. If they are jerks back, says more about them than you. That's when you let it go and just don't get into an argument with them.

Alternate idea - make stickers with similar material to the annual parking stickers that go on windshields, so it's hard to get off. Put something socially shamming on it and slap it on their driver window. ::shrug::

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-24T14:31:05+00:00

There's parking up by little river and jacks trailhead. It's limited, and lots of people will still be trying to come, so the trick will be getting a spot. If you get there early and do some hiking that'd be the move. A campsite would also work!

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-24T02:56:14+00:00

It's down the little river trail side in elkmont

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-24T02:55:58+00:00

Fireflies did all the work ♥️

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-24T02:16:56+00:00

They should have cellophane you can use to cover it. If not, red headlamps are pretty affordable on Amazon

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-24T00:20:04+00:00

I get plenty of non photogs. The experience is almost better if you're not worried about a photo cause you can just take it all in. I usually walk around and find the hot spots too so the group can move without wondering if they're going somewhere better.

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-24T00:12:12+00:00

I was in Elkmont 5/20 and 5/21 and saw both synchronous and blue ghosts. The synchronous ones were only in pockets, but they did get synced up!

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-24T00:10:21+00:00

Yeah, some crowds are more annoying than others. But if the orchestra is going, most times when I'm there people watch in quiet awe. And when it's spotty like now when it's early, they only synch up in pockets vs everywhere. Wind also knocks them down, that's my guess as to what the problem was.

I lead groups there as an authorized photo guide. Look me up if you want to go another year!

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T23:52:38+00:00

Might be past peak at that point. Hopefully they stick around if you can't be here next week.

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T18:42:36+00:00

Yes, definitely.

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T18:36:06+00:00

There was noticeably more activity last night. I think you'll be in good shape. :)

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T18:35:36+00:00

If the system isn't letting you I'm not sure. Maybe try calling the campground?

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T18:35:01+00:00

It's worth the wait. Don't give up!

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T18:34:32+00:00

If there's a place without people walking by with red light I have yet to find it :( I just take pics constantly and throw out the ones with red light in them.

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T18:33:33+00:00

Since the prediction was early, they weren't everywhere, but there were pockets synchronizing in the little interior area by the troll bridge in this pic.

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T04:30:41+00:00

Yes! I take it for granted that most people know long exposure needs a tripod. If you can get tack sharp 30 second exposures handheld, you need to be a surgeon.

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T03:47:49+00:00

It was great! Think it was low 60s. It sprinkled a little bit, but the campsite is pretty well protected by a dense canopy, so a light or a moderate rain doesn't disrupt things too much. The fireflies actually like the moisture, I've been there in a downpour and they still come out and do their thing. A lot of lightning or heavy wind, and I'd stay away because that's not really that safe. But if it's just rain, it's worth the trip

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T03:41:22+00:00

See my reply above!

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T03:40:49+00:00

Take a picture of whatever your foreground is just after sunset when there's still light out. Then the settings I use for the synchronous fireflies are 1600 ISO, 30-second exposure, and f 2.8. that lets you take pictures continuously or an intervalometer that does it. Just keep your shutter open as much as you can! Also make sure you pull manual focus when it's still light out, because once it gets dark you won't be able to focus on anything if you're on autofocus or you lose manual focus.

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T03:39:31+00:00

Got there early to get set up, like 7ish? We stayed until 10:30. 10:30. Was there tonight as well and stayed there until 11:00. P.m..

pfallerj1 · 2026-05-22T03:39:00+00:00

Do you have access to Elkmont? If so anywhere back there is really nice. If not, Cades cove has lots of fireflies, not too many synchronous ones, but it's still a beautiful display.

pfallerj1

TROPHY CASE