Into the Highlands of Michoacan..

 

Hundreds? Thousands? of Monarch butterflies drinking from a creek.

Map of the Monarch butterfly migration.  Such amazing little creatures... I am in awe that they can endure an open sea journey.

Price of an x-ray in Mexico:  $30.  Cost to see a doctor: Ten Pesos (under one dollar!)

Photo of old Ciudad Hidalgo.

This church is in Ciudad Hidalgo... often these churches were constructed by indigenous people enslaved by spanish colonists.  This cross rests on a skull and cross bones and includes other indigenous symbols.  To read more about this church and cross, click here.

 

Yum!  Star fruit.

 Griffins broken rib, combined with the arrival of our dear friend Jessica, sent us into the high country for a bit of a rest... plus it corresponded with the best time to see the Monarch butterflies as they come out of hibernation and prepare for their journey north.  The butterflies were truely amazing.  At approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, they swarmed the branches of fir trees, making them arch beneath the weight.  There were so many you could hear them flapping their wings.  We enjoyed the company of one of our amigas, albeit breif, and are now preparing to explore more of the mountains of Michoacan to give Griffins rib time to heal.  Plus this area is the capital of avocados.  You couldnt keep us away.

A big thank you to all of our truly amazing friends in Durango for their thoughtful bag of goodies!  Unfortunately it was lost in flight (of course) but we spent some time tracking it down and it is supposed to be waiting for us in Lazaro Cardeñas when we head south down the coast.... we shall see!

Heres a video of Griffin surrounded by Moncarchs (there were so many there were literally flying into the camera):

 

( The Economist recently published this brief article on the monarchs and their threatened habitat. )