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.