In Search of the Monarchs

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On the first day of our team ride we woke to poor weather. We headed to the Monarch Bioreserve about an hour away.

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The altitude and a 45 minute hike up the mountain from 3200 to 3700 feet put us out of breath. We did see thousands of mariposa , but they were all clinging to the tree branches shivering in the cold. Needless to say we were all a bit depressed. the riding however was great thru the mountains to Angangaro.

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Awaking the next morning the sun was shining and the air was warmed. Ivonne suggested we try another Monarch reserve.

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We had another 50 min hike, but over easier terrain and were treated to the amazing sight of millions of butterflies on the wing and fluttering on the tree branches. The view from the mirador over the valley was stunning.

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On returning to the parking lot we were treated to coffee made on Garry’s camp stove. Cliff had left his keys in his bike and the local kids had been playing with them, killing the battery. Luckily Daniel has jumper cables.

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The ride back to Mexico City was only just over 200 km, but with the trip to the butterflies and a few other diversions on gravel road, thru towns crowded with huge parades for the Guadaloupe, and a meeting with the BMW club we ended up arriving chez Dymond at almost 8 pm.

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3 Responses to In Search of the Monarchs

  1. Dora says:

    Awww mein! That’s so cool!

  2. Mia says:

    The butterfly pictures are wonderful. Thank you for making the second trip so we can all see them. You must have had quite a time trying to catch them in photos! Take care, Mia

  3. Fred Arbuckle says:

    Please tell those little buggers (mariposas) to stay put for a while. I visited last Feb, and it was too cold. I have only pics of them in the trees. I’m going back the first week of March with my daughter. Hopefully they will still be there, and flying!!! Mother nature can be so fickle!
    I’m thoroughly enjoying your trip and dreaming of the day……… Keep having Fun! Ride safe!
    Fred
    (The Valkyrie guy in Kamloops)

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