We started today off with a group exploration of Agua Blanca. After passing the mineral hot springs we gathered near a cliffside overlooking a river. We were training to use our senses for observation techniques.

After a great breakfast buffet we loaded up in the van headed to the Chincua monarch butterfly reserve. As we rode through the beautiful small communities we witnessed two different celebrations of the saints. Boys rode bikes decorated with garland and a whole community dressed in bright yellow marched down the street. In almost every community we passed we saw murals of monarch butterflies covering walls, a reminder of the deep appreciation of in these Mexican communities of the special butterflies we came all the way from North Carolina to visit.

From the entrance of the reserve we made our way up the mountain on horses led by locals. For some of our group, this was their first time riding a horse. After leaving our horses behind, we continued farther up the mountain through the Oyamel Fir forest on foot, spotting many species of birds that were new to us.

About half way up to our destination at over 11,000 feet above sea level we stopped to view the valley below and admire volcanoes that are part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. We saw our first few monarch butterflies flutter by as we learned about the local geography. Finally, we reached the clusters of monarch butterflies we came to see.

After observing millions of monarchs covering the oyamel fir trees, the sun came out though though the clouds giving the monarchs warmth and ability to take flight for just a few glorious minutes before the sun went behind the clouds again. After waiting a little longer for the sun to show itself again, we headed back down and had a wonderful lunch, including some amazing mushroom soup. After lunch we headed down to a pretty meadow where we saw some axolotls in a small creek!

We drove back to Agua Blanca, taking in all the beautiful sights. When we got back, we had a wonderful team meeting and talked about all the amazing experiences of the day. We had supper and then our Mexican guide, Karel, gave us an in-depth presentation on the history of the monarchs.