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and the pine tree branches were so loaded with monarchs that you could hardly see the foliage. I sat on a log and watched in amazement. How friendly they were! They came to say hola and settled on your hat and on your outstretched arm. A notice nailed to a tree informed us "Silencio por favor! explaining in Spanish that butterflies can't hear but are very sensitive to vibrations of sound. In other words, don't talk!

We sat in silence in the filtered sunshine of the sweet smelling pine forest watching and revelling in the privilege of seeing their secret mating ground so isolated from the rest of the world. Through gaps in the trees we could look out onto more mountains and the distant plains. How clever these monarch butterflies are! Another notice informed us that the name "monarch" refers to the golden crown seen on the green chrysalis. But to me its superb colouring of bright orange with contrasting black trim and white spots makes it the monarch of all butterflies.

After half an hour at the sanctuary we hiked back to our horses and then proceeded on horseback downhill to the park entrance without incident, except for acquiring a sore bottom. Our guide took us to visit a local family living in a log cabin where we had a tasty Indian-style late lunch. It took us 3 hours driving to return to Morelia by dusk. What a memorable day we all had!
Ends

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