DAY 202

DAY 202
10.23.07
TREE 125 & 126

Today the rain continued to fall without pause.  I helped Norman move a washer/dryer from Sarah Frederick’s apartment to her house.  We ate dinner at Ramsi’s then headed back to MACA.  I was prepared today and wore my raincoat and pants.  Though I wanted to stay inside I figured I’d just better get my climb done before it was too late.  I headed out the basement door of the house and walked through the field toward the lake.  The woods drew me in and I paused at the edge as I heard the heavy fall of raindrops dripping from trees.  It was much louder here.  I scanned some nearby trees, again, wanting to climb a small tree.  I chose two trees near trees number 16, 17, and 18. 

I climbed up one about two feet, just far enough to reach an overhanging branch from the second tree.  I secured my hands then lifted my legs and hooked my heels over the branch.  I then crawled backwards and up-side down towards the trunk.  With some trouble, I righted myself onto this limb on my feet.  From there I did careful testing of the dead limbs and climbed about ten feet higher.  Finally I got that view of the woods beyond the lake with all the colors of the changing leaves. 

But it was a constant struggle to keep the camera dry and still enough to get good shots. 

Once I was satisfied I climbed down, executing all the smae movements in reverse.  I was soaked, especially my feet.  But thankfully, back in my room, once I removed my coat and pants, I was dry underneath and ready to relax.  This climbing everyday is enjoyable but I really can’t relax until I have climbed for the day.

10-26-08:  It is strange that even after climbing in heavy rain, snow, ice, thunderstorms, single-degree wind chill, and other such awful situations, after a nice long, dry, warm summer I do not want to climb in the littlest of rain.  But I got a new hat that is really warm so I think I will be ready to face whatever these cold seasons ahead can throw at me. 

I am now to Wednesday’s climb in Ohio.  My last day there on my trip.  I took a break in the activities to go out back to a little section of woods behind the Woods’ house. 

I walked slowly though the fallen leaves looking at my options. 

I picked a tough tree that had two trunks that split about 4 feet from the ground. 

I looked up and knew I was going to have to shimmy for a good 20 feet or so.  It is a little easier when there is another trunk nearby to put my feet against.  But it was still exhausting.  I have to constantly squeeze my arms and my legs. 

By the time I got the the first little branch, which was not in the best shape, my muscles were ready to give out.  My heart started to pump furiously from fear and a little adrenaline kicked in to save my ass from falling to serious injury.  Maybe I was 20 feet up, maybe more, it was hard to tell.  I struggled to a position on my feet and just stood here with my chest heaving and arms dangling. 

I looked down and couldn’t believe I had done it.  Usually at that moment when I realize I am too worn out to keep going I just bail and slide back down.  But I had come so far and was so close I just pushed it for that last few grips and lifts to get into the tree. 

After my breathing slowed and my arms weren’t completely dead anymore, I attempted a transfer to the other trunk but it was just too far.  I might have been able to do it had I not just worn myself out. 

I climbed up just another little branch and took some pictures of the woods and the nearby houses.  The leaves are really beautiful around here right now. 

Then when I thought I could handle it, I lowered myself to the trunk and slid down to the ground.  It is amazing how much easier sliding down is to shimmying up.  I like to think that every time I shimmy up I get stronger so that if I did the same trunk again it would be easier.  We’ll see.