Nestled in the mountains of northern Tennessee is the most unspoiled paradise I've yet to find. Dale Hollow Lake. There you'll find water so clear that it's common to spot fish peering up at you from the depths. My family has enjoyed this beautiful spot of Earth for generations.

The most cherished visitor is Aunt Karen. Her 30 years in the US Aid program keeps her in Madagascar and Haiti most of the year. But she often makes the journey to the lake bringing fabulous stories and eye-popping gifts from her travels.

About 10 years ago, Aunt Karen brought an enclosed bug collection from Madagascar. God, these creatures were the most terrifying things you will EVER see!

Forget everyday spiders. Encounter one of Aunt Karen's monster bugs and you'll think amicably of black widows. With their plump neon bodies, thousands of spiky legs, and gigantic pinchers, these creatures are the stuff nightmares are made of!

Behind enclosed glass, they made an amusing story and gathered sympathy for Aunt Karen who lived with them.

However, the next morning we woke to find Aunt Karen sifting through the couch cushions. The bug collection sat upon the table...with an obvious absence. Missing was one of its most visually grotesque specimens. Despite the many custom check points and days of travel, this particular monster bug was ALIVE and intent on making a new home.

Dale Hollow Lake is still our favorite family destination. But it has a new local. Many of them in fact (what it mated with I do not want to know). Giant white flying monster bugs that appear to be a cross between a beetle and a crustacean sporting one huge pincher on their heads.

We see them buzzing around sometimes and catch the quick gasp of an unsuspecting visitor as they see this THING, think it's fake, then freeze as they realize it's ALIVE!