Cambier in Mexico

Eighteen of us took this journey as a part of the NJ Monarch Network.  We went to Mexico and starting out on that very first night we each told our individual stories.  Now we have new stories to tell…. Our hearts were touched and in turn we will touch those we teach.   We have been to the mountain together and we will never be the same……  This trip to Mexico was a dream come true.  I will be forever on a mission to spread the word. I want to excite people....  Without the Monarchs, I would not have discovered a new purpose.  Without this purpose, I would not have found Mexico, without Mexico, I would not have found new friends, without new friends I would not have found new stories.  For all of this I am grateful.  

We headed for the butterfly sanctuary, El Capulin, an International Biosphere Reserve and the newest, yet undeveloped butterfly sanctuary. The concentration of the Monarch in its natural refuge during winter is one of the natural wonders of the world.  The monarch is an exquisite specimen of the Llepidopterous family.  Its tones of deep orange clear white and silky black stood out even more against the green forests and azure sky of Mexico.  This treasure is nestled in the Michoacan countryside amidst rural landscapes of lakes, volcanoes, and charming colonial villages. Horses were available for those of us not wanting to hike up to the sanctuary.  Upon arrival we could already see the fluttering of innumerable butterflies as they flew about.  This already incredible number increased exponentially as we went up the mountain.  After the strenuous ride uphill on miniature horses, passing through rivers of monarchs, we had to hike down into a steep valley where the colony was located.  Arriving with the first group on horses we witnessed a “release” of monarchs.  This is a phenomenon that occurs when a certain temperature is reached and a huge number of monarchs take to flight all at once – this was truly a unique experience to be sitting in the middle of.   Altogether, it gave us a pleasing taste of Mexico.  I will see and feel the river of Monarchs forever.  ‘Cambier’ means to change and this describes my experience.... This trip was supposed to be a teaching learning experience about monarchs—but I discovered much more….   Did you know that magic occurs between things?   It happened between blue and yellow, and between night and day.  It has been an incredible metamorphosis.  I feel as though I have come full circle. There really are magical moments left and I can’t wait to share them with others.   Yes…. A piece of me is still in Mexico….the land of my dreams….  For this short time we all became part of stories that I will carry with me forever…. And nothing, neither fire nor water, neither rock nor wind can bring them down.  It was a privilege to be a part of this adventure to Mexico.

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