Month: July 2008

DAY 101
07.14.07
TREE 12

Instead of waiting till dark to climb like I had done the first time, I decided it would be best to climb during the day for contrast. I walked down towards the lake noticing many cars parked on the lawn by the shelter. They had parked right under these two trees that sit alone together. I hoped that they would not notice or care that I was (what would appear to be) snooping around their cars then disappearing. But they were too busy. So up I went into this little tree. Lots of arm strength required with minimal footholds. My first climb in my new sandals a twig jammed into the side of my foot drawing blood. Oh well. Up in the tree not too far from the ground (relatively) I got my tag from the limb and continued upwards. I switched limbs and maybe made it four or five feet higher. At this height in the tree the limbs became very thin and bendy. I felt like I was in a hand with 100 fingers with each finger having 100 more fingers and all were trying to squeeze me and poke me. Enjoying my minimal view and constant swaying I made my way back down with little foot help and only a few scratches. Kind of a tough and rough climb for such a little tree. But I really loved the movement.

7-14-08:  I keep wanting to think that my sandals are good for climbing, because that’s why I bought them.  But they don’t have very good grip (compared to my stealth rubber parkour shoes that stick to everything) and I have gotten poked and scratched on my feet when wearing them.  Here’s a picture of my Keen sandals:

Yesterday I was sitting in my apartment trying to get stuff done but my bike was there and it was calling to me.  I got so antsy I just had to get up and go.  A little after 4 pm I rode over to the Oxmoor Mall to Sears.  I ordered some boots online last year from Sears and they screwed up my order and gave me a $25 gift card and an apology.  All my shorts (meaning 2 pairs) are nasty, covered in holes, and just generally wearing thin so I went to get some new ones.  The Mall does not cater to bicyclists at all.  I ended up locking it up over 100 yards from the door of Sears.  Then, after a successful shopping trip I met my mom fordinner donning my new threads.  After eating I went to Cherokee Park to find a tree to climb.  After biking for so long I just wanted an easy climb so I picked a beech tree near Hogan’s Fountain.  The climb was quick and easy but the top provided some nice sway.  I took a video of.  Although, I never really think that a video from my vantage point really gives you the sense of sway that I am getting.

I took some pictures too.  Amy, my sister, wants to see a a picture of my bike.  I don’t have one for you today, but I will try to get that for tomorrow’s entry.