I don't understand its historical interest

 I was thinking about the invisible geography the other day. Things like how certain streets occupied importance when you were five and others were not gone down.  Some bits of the garden were more special than others.  A particular rock on a beach marked a territory.  Those sorts of things. I say all this because somewhere in today’s 85m we enter the upper reaches of the valley, as marked by inhabited dwellings - the line of civilisation has been crossed and we are edging towards urbanity.



Not on the road but near it are some caves of antiquity.  The caves have drawings going back 8000 years.  Bob proclaims ‘Amazing petroglyphs. Small car park with larger one slightly further up valley. 10 minute hike up steep path with good handrail. Good interpretive signage in Spanish and English. Best visited on a sunny day so you can see the petroglyphs. Take binoculars for a better view. Cave on left with slippery climb to back. Lots of bees and other insects so use insect repellent if you are prone to bites.


Chmaucher is of much the same frame of mind.  ‘Surprisingly nice petroglyphs with boards that point out where to look and which explain the meaning, and one bigger cave to sit in. Easily accessible from the road nearby, car can be parked next to the sign that marks the entry to the path leading up there. Approximately 10 minute walk on that path with steps. We were the only ones there, obviously not very well known.’



We are now down amid the river part of the valley, although it does appear to cross the road in wet weather further up.  Google notes La Covita.  VictorR says ‘Beautiful ruined house next to the Sanctuary of Rock Paintings that gives you a good idea of ​​what rural life has been like in the area until relatively recently.’ - but only gives two stars.  Asun was even less impressed. ‘I don't understand its historical interest.’



The Ermita de Petracos is also a ruin.  It really needs some 19th century romantic to whip up a quick sketch.  Mariu gave five and this ‘The remains of the Ermita de Petracos, one of the 4 inhabited centers that once existed in the territory of Castell de Castells. Currently, on the first or second weekend of September, the residents of Castells travel to Petracos to celebrate the feasts of the Virgin of Petracos. A weekend of cabins, camping and parties under a hundred-year-old oak tree (Alzina) very close to the Ermita.  Remains of the daily life of its last guests have also been found in this Hermitage, exhibited and stored by museums in Alicante.



Oh well, we missed it.  Better plod on.












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