Chasing Butterflies!

Every year from October to February, Pacific Grove is home to the migrating Monarch Butterflies who fly almost 2000 miles to overwinter in the fog-covered pine forests.  What makes this migration truly amazing is that unlike many other migrating animals, several generations of butterflies live and die before the next batch migrates.  Scientists believe they are guided by the earth's magnetic fields to this spot.  The best place to see this is a small park in Pacific Grove, quite simply named The Monarch Grove Sanctuary.

We reached the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary pretty early in the morning (around 9 a.m.) - the ideal time being somewhere around 12 - and it took us a while to spot the few butterflies that were on the ground.  Having read about "clumps of butterflies," this was quite a disappointment.  After a while, we noticed people pointing up into the trees, and there we finally saw them - one of two at first..

...and then we noticed the clumps!  These butterflies clump together and hang from the trees, the clumping helps them to get warmth from each other.  As the sun's rays start to warm them up, they open their wings and start to fly around.  Until then, they are a little difficult to notice.

If you are in the Monterey Bay area around October-February, take some time out from beach and the honking seals at the pier and take a detour to Pacific Grove.  It's definitely worth it.

Address:  Is a little difficult to find.  Just look for the Butterfly Grove Inn.  The park is a small, picket-fence enclosed area right next it.  Entrance is free, but do dress warmly - it tends to be a little colder under the trees.

Monarch Grove Sanctuary,

Ridge Road,

Between Lighthouse Ave. and Short St.

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Phone:  831.648.5716