Saturday, February 7, 2009

Monarchs of the Glen

This month is pretty much the last chance to visit the butterfly sanctuaries in the State of Michoacan, before the majestic Monarch mariposas make their migratory return journey to Canada and N. USA, where it should be starting to warm up right?? Every Autumn from late October to November millions of Monarchs migrate to these Mexican forested highlands for their winter hibernation.

The sanctuaries are located in beautiful stretches of countryside, where you climb up through cool pine forests to find the clusters of butterflies clinging to the fir branches before the final farewell. In addition, you find carpets of them on the forest floor, fluttering orange and golden leaves.

It makes for a wonderful relaxing weekend out in the fresh air, away from the chaotic frenzy and urban grit of Mexico City.

It takes from three to five generations of Monarchs to complete the full round trip from Canada to Mexico and back......


There are five sanctuaries open to visitors in the State of Michoacan, and they can all be reached by one of the following base towns:- Zitacuaro, Angangueo, and Ocampo. Like anywhere in Mexico, public transport connections all work smoothly.


See more of the world with other myworldtuesday posts at www.showyourworld.blogspot.com

14 comments:

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

What a wonderful sight that must be! Great photos. What a fun outing that must have been with your girlfriends!

kristine said...

wow that is an epic journey!!!

Fly Girl said...

Ha! The mariposas better stay in Michoacan a few months longer. They will freeze here. What a lovely outing, though. The pix are beautiful.

Guy D said...

Great photos and posting of your journey, I've always loved Mexico.

Have a great week!
Guy
Regina In Pictures

Indrani said...

Beautiful monarchs!
It must be great feeling seeing so many of them in real!

Janie said...

I've read about the Monarch journey and gathering places in Mexico. I'm so glad to know that Mexico has created sanctuaries for them there. How fun to actually go to see the butterfly convention.

Marites said...

i've seen some monarch pictures in National Geographic mag years ago and their story is just so amazing. I really like your picture of them on the trees. My world is here..http://maritestravels.blogspot.com

ShutterHappyJenn said...

What a great sight! I am sure everybody had a great time checking out the butterflies.

My World welcomes you here. Have a great day!

Leanne said...

I love monarch butterflies i have planted a tree in my garden hoping i can attract them to lay their eggs. When I was a child we had one in our garden and remember seeing these beautiful butterflies emerge from their chrysalis and spread their wings.

ninja said...

One journey needs couple generations to be completed. How terrifying.

The Good Life in Virginia said...

interesting post...amazing how these fragile creatures make it on their journey north/south.
have a wonderful week.
erin

Catherine said...

Hi all you MYworld tuesday fellow
bloggers...thanks for all the lovely comments about these special and beautiful creatures!! look forward to checking out your worlds in return..

Lantaw said...

beautiful creatures they are! must be quite a sight to see thousands of them

Kelly said...

The butterfly sanctuaries are so surprising. Hubby and I went in 2005. You can see all the pictures you want, but nothing will prepare you for the actual sight.

Both of us say it's one of the most spiritual experiences we've had.

Saw them in Angangeuo and Valle de Bravo.