Las mariposas monarcas

One of the main winter hibernation sites for monarch butterflies is just a short day trip from Morelia heading into the mountains towards Mexico City. I  decided to do a day tour from Morelia as going on my own would entail getting out to the bus terminal, getting a bus to Zitacuaro and then a small mini-bus (called a cambie)  to the closest town and then walking up the mountain to the butterfly area. My tour group consisted of 4 other Canadians, a guy from Germany, a doctor from Europe currently working in San Franciso with his friend from Mexico City and 8 people from the Mexico City area. The guide spoken both English and Spanish and, alternating  between each,  was very knowledgeable about more than butterflies....Mexican history, the passing scenery etc.

 

The day had started out chilly, around 12,  and cloudy, but the guide, Carlos, had assured us that there was supposed to be a short time of sun in mid afternoon. Since it was a Mexican long weekend called a 'puente' the parking lots were very full and the roads up to the area we were heading was packed with people....mostly from Mexico. Apparently it's a very popular day outing. 

As  we head up the hill to the 'El Rosario' sanctuary we began to see butterflies along the side of the path. many were fluttering to keep warm and many had already lost the battle and were strewn alongside the path. We had been told the hike might be difficult but due to the recent chilly weather the butterflies had moved down to warmer areas closer to us. Reaching the main viewing area took only about 15 min. It was still cloudy but you could see huge black organic masses hanging from the fir trees. These were butterflies clumped together for warmth!. There werr only a few moving about as it was still overcast. Gradually the sun came out and  the monarchs began to move and fly about....few in number and then more and more.

There were so many they were flying in and out of the jammed pathways and would often land on a warm body. In fact, it was hard not to step on them. Here's a picture of one of the women in our group trying to take a picture.

We had the best part of the day as it began to get cloudy and rain a bit. We went back down the mountain to the tourist shopping area for a warm meal....cheese quesidillas followed by chicken cooked in mole sauce. Ymmm.  Here's a picture of our friendly cook.