Visiting Monarchs in Mexico

The mystery of the monarch migration and their threatened status compelled me to visit their winter hibernating grounds in the state of Michoacan in central Mexico. I had seen them many years ago and remember a frigid morning, a bumpy ride in the back of a pickup truck, and many beautiful monarchs dead on the ground because of the recent freeze. This time I hit the jackpot! Warm weather had pushed up the migration and I saw thousands leaving the mountain and heading south. Those still at the reserve and sanctuary were out in huge numbers. Some were still in clumps on branches and against tree trunks. All were breathtaking.

We visited two preserves. Each offered the option of hiking or riding horseback up the mountain.

Telephoto lens used to see these monarchs plastered to the tree. Amazing!

I believe the fates were teaching me a lesson. "Come to experience the beauty. Leave the recording to others." The first night of my visit my camera took a dive face-first shattering the exterior protective lens. The short zoom seemed to operate but with a stubborn hitch. The electronics seemed OK. But, alas, although there were no images on the card a message read “card full.” I gave up on the second day and I snapped a couple with my phone and sat down and took in the experience. My attempt at a video is kind of cool. 

Magical. Amazing. Spiritual. Transformative. Many words came from the lips of our group. For each it was a little different. For me, it reinforced the power of nature; the mystery of why things happen; and a commitment to do what I can to help these amazing creatures survive.

Not the focus or quality I wanted, but a peek at these fleeting beauties.

We look for them in Wisconsin in the summer and send them on their way south in the fall. Visiting the monarch’s southern home took us into the homes of host families who support this tour. Visit the website: www.Concer3.com. My roommate and I had the good fortune of staying with Jorge and Rosa and their two sons. What a spectacular family! They treated us like family and that included a lot of love. The trip would not have been the same without them.

Each morning we woke to find the table set and coffee ready.

Chilequiles, papaya, smoothie, hot chocolate, and more. What a breakfast feast!

Our host family. ¡Muchas gracias!

The second half of the trip took me to familiar territory in the Patzcuaro area and that, too, felt like a homecoming. I miss shopping for the beautiful artisan crafts of Michoacan. Mexico will always be a very special place for me.

Ancient convent wall in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico.

Mexican flag in Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacan, Mexico.

Missing from this post: the frustration of the 5 (!*!#!) days that it took for 7 of us to get our "lost" luggage from American Airlines. Note to self: don't leave from Madison, WI in the winter if the trip schedule is critical. De-icing was our downfall; limited rescheduling options.

De-icing at the Madison airport prior to take-off.
Too bad the unit stopped working!