Butterflies On The Mountain Trail

I know I've been going on and on about my recent trip but it wouldn't
be complete without mentioning the butterflies. I was busy taking photos
of flowers and really didn't think I'd walk down a mountain trail but
they did lead me down the mountain! Well, just a quarter of the trail
but in mountain terms, pretty intimidating! :)








Here's the first one. I've never seen this kind of butterfly before.
Although I've been googling a whole lot of images, I've yet to come
across its identity. What surprised me was that all the butterflies
landed on the dry rocky surface and puddled. Well, I've seen the
Emigrants and the Common crow butterflies do that but it's always on
wet sand. There's always something new to learn!!














The Common Sailor cruised around and landed near my feet! Back home
I need to follow them around to get a decent shot but look, it hasn't
even acknowledged my presence! If only others (in my yard) would
follow suit!














These tiny butterflies are common but this one is the darkest blue I've
ever seen!









And as I was there, capturing them for posterity, giant swirls of
mist rose from the valley below. For a few minutes, the place was
shrouded in mist-ery! And as suddenly as it had come, it vanished!
What a magical experience that was! Especially for something that
I do almost daily...shoot butterflies....but never in surroundings
as magnificent as this! Have I mentioned the whisper of the wind
on the mountain too....?!