Overzealous Fireflies

Last night, I beamed aboard the Firefly (no, not the tv series) caravan heading to Cedar Key. For those of you who don't know, it's about 45-50 mins West of Gainesville, straight shot on Archer. It's a small, but scenic place. Some have called it the "poor man's Key West." Perhaps apt-- some of the restaurants are very good though. In particular, I enjoy Seabreeze and recommend the Mariner's Feast. For the moment, a clash between Seabreeze, Hurricane Katrina, and insurance claims adjusters have the place shut down, but it'll be back and better than ever. Wonderful atmosphere and with a view of the sea that stretches as far as you can imagine.

The Fireflies class, led by the world's leading expert on them, Dr. James Lloyd, who I know as "Uncle Lloyd," went to a little known park and took in the scenery before scrounging around really sharp flora for firefly larvae.


This is where you can take your boats in... tide's out


A dock that stretches out for several dozen yards, sometimes into mud, sometimes into deep water

If you'd like to catch a firefly without going anywhere, get a penlight or make one (parts at radio shack), and mimic firefly mating flashes by watching their timing as they wait on the ground and keeping your thumb/finger over the light while you do it.

For more on the legendary James Lloyd, well, look him up on the UF directory and give him a call. For more on his life's work, you can get a good start here.