Pismo Butterfly Grove

Still no riding yesterday as Beau's hives are improving but not gone.   For those who asked, he is having an allergic reaction to something and we don't know what that is.   Yes, he's on medication which helps if we keep it at a high dose.   Try to taper it down and they return again.  My theory is that there is something in the air from the soil which is bone dry from our driest year on record.   Our dust is like silt and of course "who knows what" gets carried in that dust.   The pollen is at its lowest point, he's been on the same feed and shavings for 4 years, so I think this is from our lack of rain.   Lots of people, myself included, have been suffering from allergy symptoms from something in the air.   The skies are bright blue and you can't see it, but particulates are noticeable from a haze on certain days.   

Anyway....bored again, I drove to Pismo Beach to see the butterfly grove.   It's a small grove of eucalyptus trees at the south end of Pismo just before you get to Grover Beach.   Once you get out of your car/truck, you see monarchs fluttering around.   The grove itself is shaded from the large trees so photos are a bit challenging.   The website posts the daily estimate which yesterday was 34,000.

The butterflies cling to the leaves of the trees and mostly look like brown leaves.   If they move and/or the light hits them just right, you can see the beautiful orange.   Standing there with the butterflies all around is mesmerizing.   The smell of the trees and the general quiet (except for a few noisy children) is very peaceful.   I recommend it if you're in the area.

Look Up High!

It's an ocean view

Too Many to Count

Look For the Orange

Known as A Cluster

Beautiful Eucalyptus

Again, a Cluster

It was a beautiful day but I miss riding my horse.   Ah well, maybe today.