Monarch Butterfly sanctuary day one

Oh there were far too many photos to choose from. Magical photos of butterflies, butterflies with the people I love, on the people I love, Mexican scenery, Brookie taking it all in....
I chose this photo because of the magic. It's indescribable. We rode in the back if a pick up truck to the base of the first Mariposa (butterfly) sanctuary (at over 10,500 ft elevation) then hiked up even higher. At this altitude it was quite a hike- over 400 steps and lots of winding trail. Butterflies were flitting about which we though was pretty special until we reached the area where they had spent the winter, hanging in the clumps of great fir and pine trees. They use the warmth of the trees to stay warm and pile on one another, waiting til now, mid February through March, when they awaken to the warm sun of spring. They spend some time flying only during the warm days, and once the weather indicates with some mysterious sign, the begin to mate. This takes a few weeks, and many of the makes die right here in Mexico afterwards, and most of the females make the first leg of the trip to the north-- Canada and the northeastern US.
This shot was taken as we lay on our backs watching the show, the masses of monarchs just suddenly swarming from the cluster and dancing in the sunshine. It was truly incredible. You can't help but feel the hugeness of the mystery. Mystery with a capital M. Amazing and beautiful and humbling.
More for my blip buddies tomorrow.