Floating Downward in Tres Pinos

"What's that noise?"

Last Sunday afternoon, the Husband and I looked upward for the source of the fluttering sound. We saw a bunch of solo and tandem skydivers floating towards their drop spot in the field across from the Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos. 

I remember my own downward journey through the sky several years ago quite well, thank you very much. It was amazing way up there in the sky. Definitely, though, skydiving is not for everyone. But, if you're interested, Skydive Hollister is located at the Hollister Airport.

J is for . . .

Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane.

Though in my case, it was more like being pushed out of the plane. I got to the edge of the door. No problem. But, then I looked down and hesitated. The instructor to whom I was firmly attached gave me a friendly nudge.

Voila! We began falling from 18,000 feet high. 

What a rush! What an experience!

That was back in 2006. Some friends and I wanted to celebrate being in our 50s, and skydiving was the party we chose. So, we did our tandem jumping with Skydive Hollister, located at the Hollister Airport.  We took off in Hollister and jumped out above Tres Pinos, landing in the field across from the Immaculate Conception Church, alongside Highway 25.

Yeah, I'd do it again.

Click here to find other A to Z challenge participants.

Tres Pinos, California

Tres Pinos is about five miles south of Hollister.  Highway 25 runs through the business section of the quaint little town of 476 residents, so you can't miss it.  

In Spanish, Tres Pinos means three pines. But, in this Tres Pinos, the three pines do not exist. Originally, the town was called Paicines, after the Indian tribe of the area. About five miles to the south of the current Tres Pinos is an even smaller town by the name of Paicines. Uh-huh. You got it. Once upon the same time, that village was called Tres Pinos for the three pines that stood alongside the nearby creek. Why the name switch? Click here for the story.
 

Things to Do

The San Benito County Historic Park

Tres Pinos may be small, but it has a lot to offer. On the southern edge of town is the beautiful Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, which is worth a stop to look inside and to  around the grounds. Head over to here to see a few photos of it.
By the way, don't be surprised if you suddenly hear a strange flutter above you and then the sight of legs sticking out from under colorful parachutes. The field across from the church is the drop zone for Skydive Hollister, the local skydiving outfit.

If you're into golf, or just want to hit a bucket of balls, stop by the Bolado Park Golf Club, about half-a-mile or less down the road. It's a public golf course with 9 holes.  

Or, if it's history that you want to escape into, stop at the nearby San Benito County Historical and Recrational Park to wander through the Historical Village. There's also a short trail that goes along the hillside above the park. Nice far-away views from there.

The San Benito County Fairgrounds, more popularly known as Bolado Park, is also located in Tres Pinos. RV camping is available year-round on the lovely grounds. Two of the largest events held there each year are the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo in June and, of course, the County Fair, which will be from October 4 to 6 this year.

Crepes from Flapjack's Country Cafe

Restaurants

When you're hungry, you don't have to go far to fill your tummies with yummy food and drink. Heading back north from Bolado Park on Highway 25, your choices include:

• Club House Grill at the Bolado Park Golf Club 
• 19th Hole Booze & Food 
• Inn at Tres Pinos 
• Flapjack's Country Cafe 
• La Fogata  

Organic Crops

Some of the best tasting chickens, eggs, and walnuts are produced in Tres Pinos. Paul and Leti Hain of Hain Ranch Organics sell their products at farmers markets and through the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Folks can also purchase their goods directly at their farm on harvest days. You can't get any fresher than that!  Check out their website for details.  Be sure to watch the video in which Paul describes how he raises the chickens. 

A delivery of chickies to the Hain Ranch Organics.

Once a 'Baler

Always a 'Baler! Hollister Haybalers. Go 'Balers!

The sign? From a classroom window in the main building of the high school.

Skateboard Dancer

This photo was luckily clicked as the skateboarder, unaware, gracefully zoomed down the sidewalk.

Go, Balers!

The Bertuccio's Fruit Stand at the corner of Highway 25 (Airline Highway) and Union Road is where I saw this sign. There are probably other places where you can buy the discount card. Contact the San Benito High School Athletic Department to find out where. Go to this link of the Athletics Department for contact info. You'll also find the Baler football schedule, as well as other sports schedules.

By the way: the Balers play against Oak Grove tonight at the Andy Hardin Football Field. The JVs play at 5 p.m, while the Varsity team plays at 7:30 p.m.

Also, by the way: if you shop at Bertuccio's on Sunday, and you say Haybaler Athletics, the store will donate 10% of your purchase to the athletic department.