pinevalleyrealty

Alpine Christmas

pinevalleyrealty — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:34:04 +0000

As we approached Christmas this year I am brought back to our first Christmas in Alpine over 40 years ago. At the time there were two wards in Alpine and it seemed the biggest deal was who had the early time on Christmas Eve for their program. We had the 6:00 time and as it approached I was surprised to find out I had to dress up! We went as a family and it was amazing to see how many turned up. It seemed like the whole town was there. We were on time but for this that meant we were late. We sat way back in the gym. I paid probably better attention than normal knowing I wouldn’t be here next year for this program. It was good, a little long for my liking, Christmas Eve dinner was waiting! But what i remember best was the last speaker, I think it was the Bishop. He shared his memories of Christmas past and of the Christmas when things were so bad that in hopes every child would get something, the town put together a bag with an orange and a piece of hard candy, that was Christmas. I was impressed as he mentioned this as one of his favorite Christmas’. To help remind us of how grateful we should be they would pass out the bags as we left. This tradition is carried on by some still, to help us remember how grateful we should be.

Merry Christmas!

Will Jones, Broker

Alpine Sledding

pinevalleyrealty — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:36:04 +0000

January 1972

As mid January rolled around that year it felt like almost a Christmas atmosphere. For days it seemed the trucks in town were pulling tubes loaded with people up and down Powerhouse Road. Finally the word came, it was ready! I was told I could only participate if I had a runner sled. I did have one but it was old with nails poking out everywhere. Sled in tow I headed up. The road was in perfect condition. There was what appeared to be a big berm to help make the last turn over the river. Old tires were lit and burning along the road. There was quite a crowd gathered at the bottom, just were the road turned to go across the river. As I got to the top I was greeted by a whole lot of people from town that were all busy sharing stories from last year’s rides. Having never done it before I didn’t have anything to add, also being the newest in town they were eager to get me going. “No dragging your feet, stay right- people walk up on the left, make sure you lean on the turn, don’t go in the river or you’ll freeze.” Enough instruction- I was ready to go! I sat down on my sled and was about to push off when one of the nicer ones grabbed me I needed to lay down or I would never make it past the turn. I was amazed at the speed I got! I was flying by the people walking up the road. As I approached the turn over the river, I knew that at the speed I was going, no way was I going to make the turn. Two things kept ringing in my ears: don’t drag your feet and don’t go in the river. I was airborne during this last thought as there was no way to make the turn. I could have really enjoyed the flying except I knew it was short lived and the landing was not only dangerous but wet. I thought about the fact it was maybe 10 to 12 degrees outside. Just then I landed in the deepest part of the river. On one hand grateful to be alive, not hitting or landing on any of the boulders, on the other hand not sure how much longer I would be alive. As I gathered myself and climbed out of the river, soaked above my waist. Those who came to watch were cheeering and shouting, “That’s amazing! That’s the most air any one ever got!” Though this warmed me temporarily it didn’t come close to warming me enough. My pants seemed to be freezing instantly, my gloves were stuck together. Finally someone realized I was going to freeze and invited me to sit in their truck. Never did an old farm truck feel do good! As I watched others come down I learned a few things they hadn’t shared with me. It was ok to drag your feet and the berm at the bottom was intentionally soft to slow you down and keep you from the river. Both would have been nice to know!

Sledding in Alpine- the new Water Tank Hill seems like nothing!

Will Jones, Broker

Hello world!

pinevalleyrealty — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:52:36 +0000

Welcome to Pine Valley Realty’s blog page. It will include memories of times in Alpine. Also many handy tips for purchasing properties and real estate pointers.

Enjoy!