Saturday, April 23, 2016

March 2016 Monarch Butterflty Reserve

 I was fortunate to see the Monarchs less that a week before the horrible snow storm hit and killed so many of them.

   Headed toward the reserve. The scenery was beautiful even though mostly everything is brown because it's the dry season.

                              There's a lake between the mountains and the land, hope you can see it.


The indigenous people that live in this area are the Otomi and Mazahua. The Monarchs have always been coming here, returning around the end of October. That's the time of the year that Dia de Muerte is celebrated. The people believed that the Monarchs are their ancestors returning. They are a poor people and by working with the reserve they are making a living and protecting their ancestors.



Gateway to the sanctuary
           photo by LMcK Mar 2016


This is the visitors center, the people in the area work here.
                 photo by LMcK Mar 2016





From things I heard on this trip I suspect there will be tighter controls on this area. They are very concerned about the impact of visitors there. This has been designated by UNESCO, in 2008, to be a World Heritage Site.


The WWF has a large representation there, answering questions, making sure rules are followed. 
photo by LMcK Mar 2016


From the parking lot or visitors center, you can walk up or ride up closer to the reserve. I chose to ride just because I like horses. I walked down. Next time I'm riding up and down! It's a very strenuous walk. The muscles in my legs were vibrating they were so fatigued!.

I rode up the hill and through the trees into a big open field. Monarchs were everywhere. I thought this was amazing but it was nothing compared to what was coming!




Since riding up took about 15 minutes, I waited for those that walked up. Walking takes about 45 minutes or longer, depending upon how often you have to stop to catch your breathe and rest.


This is a good time to come here as the Monarchs are preparing for their migration back north. I saw some breeding.



It was like confetti flying around.


                                          There was a cluster on a puddle of mud


Keep in mind this is still the open field.




        We're entering the last hike into the inner reserve. There is still about a 15 minute walk. Its the dry season here and the ground is almost like a powder,  I had to cover my nose. We were all coughing because of the dirt flying around with each step we took.


Where you see all the people is as far into the reserve that we can go. All those little specks are Monarchs.



Not only are there millions flying there is also millions on the trees.




Here's just a short clip of them flying around. Ignore the audio, He was trying to flirt with me!


After you leave the main part of the reserve, there are places to eat and shop. The wares are mostly indigenous made items. The area is about three blocks long.
  

Looking out through one of the vendor areas to the scenery behind them. When rainy season starts in a few months this will all turn green.


The walk down just about killed me! So time to rest and have lunch. There was quite a few open eating ares. Each specializing in local cuisine
.




This is where they cook, much like in their own home.


I had soup, cerveza and blue tortillas. I LOVED those tortillas!


Headed back to Morelia, which is another story!