We did lots of exploring yesterday

The weather guessers didn't do a very good job yesterday. We were supposed to have sunshine with cloudy breaks, but it was more the other way around. Cloudy, with sunny breaks. And we even had some rain drops in the morning. Oh well. 

But, when the rain had passed, we got out and did some exploring. Twice!

The town of Bocairent officially dates back to the year 1256, although there were people living here for probably 200 years prior to that. It was a Moorish settlement founded by James I the Conqueror as a royal village. Bocairent was busy with the wool textile industry from the 14th to the 18th century.

We heard some music coming from the central square, so we headed over there first.

Sure enough, there was some kind of event going on.

People dressed in period costume.

We couldn't hear what was being said very well, but it had something to do with a reenactment of when the Christians took over this area from the Islamic Moors in the 15th century. Interesting to watch.

But then we went exploring the back alleys and streets of the medieval town. 

Most of these are original buildings that were built in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The cathedral wasn't built until 1516, and it was built on top of an ancient Arabic castle.

Scenery along the way.

The Cathedral.

A little park.

Ruth, trying to pet a cat.

Notice that the building above is Disponible... "Available". There are several of the older buildings for sale or for rent. I did some research. The ones that are for sale range from €30,000 to €70,000 euros. In varying stages of repair, but they are all livable. Most with minimum three bedrooms, and many are sold with furnishings included. 

You can rent for about €350 a month ($500 CAD, $370 USD) per month on a one year contract. So, pretty reasonable to live in one of these little towns away from the coast.

This fountain was dated 1793.

The old wash station where people would come to do their laundry.

This small chapel is nicely painted.

What time is it?

This photo was actually taken at 12:05pm.

We made our way down via a tiny alleyway to this view.

We were headed to that old bridge.

Another place for sale.

Some old Berber Caves that date back before the town was founded.

Ruth, headed down some steps carved into the rock.

Look up!

Below the town on this side there are terraces used for farming. 

Even today, some residents keep garden plots here.

Ruth.

The original bridge to the town. Built in 1563.

We went back to Max and had some lunch and a rest, then headed out to do a hike up to the Ermita del Santo Cristo (Chapel of Saint Christopher) located in behind, and above the old town.

We had to walk back through the center of town to get to the trail.

We are headed across that bridge, and up the switchbacks.

The route up to the top with the "stations of the cross" along the way.

Looking back at the other side of the town.

Scenery along the way.

Getting higher.

Made it to the chapel.

Looking down at the town of Bocairent.

The chapel and the view.

We saw some marked hiking trails and decided we hadn't had enough exercise, so we went for a walk in the hills. Did another 3.5 kms (2.2 miles) up there.

Me, enjoying the views.

Looking back at the chapel.

Heading back down.

We were joined by three other motorhomes overnight. They are all parked quite far away from us though, and we had another peaceful night. 

Moving on today, but not very far!

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