“It’s starting.” “Look.” “It’s beautiful.” A chorus of soft murmurs came from the hundreds of now barely discernable gray figures scattered throughout the clearing. As the blue twilight faded toward darkness and dozens of blinking lights became hundreds – and then thousands - the din of conversation gradually faded into a quiet undercurrent of whispers and gasps of wonder.
It was not just the number of fireflies that inspired such awe and that brought so many spectators to this place. Rather, it was the unique way that the fireflies orchestrated their blinking. One moment, the forested slope above the clearing would be dark - cavernously dark. Then, suddenly, a few flashes would appear off to the right, and like a fuse, they seemed to set off a chain reaction. In a diffuse and unruly wave, thousands of flashes would appear from right to left across the field of vision, lighting up the entire forest in an eerie green light. It was as if the world’s largest chain of blinking Christmas lights had been turned on and then was suddenly unplugged again. The forest would return to that deep, cavernous dark for a few seconds… then… a few flashes occurred off to the right and the cycle would repeat itself.
Aside from the darkness, it was unnaturally quiet. Amid close to 700 people arrayed in lawn chairs, blankets, or just sitting in the grass, there was almost complete silence. Everyone spoke in the softest whispers, as if any noise might dispel the enchantment or disrupt the divine rhythm of the fireflies .
In addition to the air of wonder that suffused the crowd as the strange synchrony emerged out of random blinking, there was an unmistakable sense of relief. They weren’t going to be disappointed. In one moment of shared consciousness every person in the clearing knew without a doubt that they were witnessing one of the genuine wonders of nature.
Fireflies of Elkmont."
My family sat whispering in awe of this phenomena. I felt a part of God's beauty portrayed in this special light show. One designed for us to discover and watch in amazement. It was a great trip to be with my family and be in nature. Next year, I think I'll string up some camping hammocks, bring some hot chocolate and a sweet blanket.
