Date: 03/20/2006

Number: 1

Millions of Monarchs still on Pelon
I took one last look for myself today, to see Pelon, as everyone in the village has told me there were still many, many Monarchs. I had to see for myself.

They moved 15 days ago, and the new location is certainly a different
location. There were plenty of the Monarchs in the road at midday as I
approached Macheros from the Zitacuaro route. Interestingly, as usual, was the phenonmena of the Monarchs changing directions at midday along the road, just as we have witnessed the same thing in El Rosario. There were enough in the road to have to slow to a crawl :-)

When I got up top, it was incredible. There looked to be as many as in the lower numbers of previous years. The location is easy to reach after the horse ride. I won't say much about the trail, as hopefully, they won't choose this spot for a long term overwintering site. It is rocky a good part of the way, and very dusty. Those of you still thinking of coming down this time of year, or anytime, bring your bandanas! It was really bad today on the trail.

Many people wonder why the trails are so degradated. Also, why they aren't improved. The answer is simple, the Monarchs move around, and to make trails all over the place for possible overwintering would be cost prohibitive to say the least. The trails vary so much, due to the movement and the need to pick another way up. This is the 4th site I have visited at Pelon, and the third one this year.

I would love to post an attached image, but, I don't want to clog up the server. I will attempt to get some of them up on our website in the next week.

So, folks all over, if you think that what you are seeing is ALL of the Monarchs, I am here to say that there are still plenty that are cozy on a lovely semi-sunny gorge at 2777 meters at 2:30 p.m. CST today. Some broke away for a fabulous show, and I clicked away and took lots of video clips of the action.

The center in Macheros will remain open as long as the Monarchs are up in the site. The weather is perfect, not too hot and not too cold. I wore jeans, my fleece jacket after 3:00 p.m. and a long sleeved turtle neck cotton pullover.
the bandana and the hat are essential for comfort and cleanliness. My new fanny pack which also holds two bottles along with my gps and camera gear inside the zippered pockets. Much better than the cumbersome camera bag.

Rosa's Truchas are still being served :-)

Pelon Sanctuary, MIC

Latitude: 19.6 Longitude: -100.2

Observed by:
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