DAY 97

DAY 97
07.10.07
TREE 8

Though it rained today, it did not thunderstorm and hail like it did the first climb around.  It was Rachel’s last day in town so we stopped at her parents’ so she could say goodbye.  Then we headed to Dog Hill in Cherokee Park.  We were both quiet and solemn since we knew the time for us to say goodbye was coming.  We climbed tree #8 and by this point the rain had dried off making for an easier and safer climb then the first time.  I quickly pulled myself up on the low branch and was at my orange marker in no time.  I placed it in my pocket after ripping it off then looked to improve on my previous apex.  I transferred to another main branch of this huge, sprawling tree and climbed up a little further.  But not too far.  Rachel and I started to discuss how we were feeling, trying to say things to each other to make our separation a little easier to bare.  I climbed down near her limb and we told each other to take it day by day, admitting the difficulty in this.  Every stop of the day we both held onto each other a little longer than normal knowing that once we left this tree we would be that much closer to the hard goodbye at the airport.  But we said we loved each other, kissed and climbed down.  A very sad comparison to my proposal in the tree in New York’s Central Park over a year ago.  I took my pictures of the tree and we made our way to my truck holding hands in a sad silence.  The airport was light hearted but quickly turned into strong embraces and tears.  We had our last hug and kiss and I watched her as she watched me, walking through security.  Once out of site I made that final step, turned and walked to the parking garage.  I am alone again and unsure.  Though today’s climb was good, the events that coincided made it difficult to seem so.

 

7-10-08:  I know not what to say… and feel quite overwhelmed by this entry.  I suppose for clarification purposes I should explain the tree in Central Park, NY.  We climbed and I had asked her to marry me in that tree.  She said yes.  Circumstances transpired… and we are no more.  We are still close friends, and talk regularly.  

To talk of yesterday’s climb seems inconsequential and routine.  But, I climbed and I will share.  I am getting down about what is above, but in reality, it was the best choice for me.  I am happy and following my passion.  So to discuss an experience that I value in a project I love and treasure only solidifies my feelings of overcoming. 

After another good parkour meetup at U of L with more good newbies eager to learn the basics I climbed a tree.  I was soaked with sweat and exhausted but I had to climb before it was too late.  It was already dark and there was no chance I was going to climb later.  I chose a sycamore over by the tennis courts and railroad.  MaryLiz was my ride and waited patiently stretching as I shimmied up the trunk and then climbed from limb to limb.  This sycamore, as most, was an easy climb which was good since I was in no shape for a challenge.  I took what pictures I could in the light and then, to not keep Brut Force (aka MaryLiz) waiting I climbed down.  No video today.  I leave you all with my pictures from yesterday’s climb and I’ll say… thanks… for your support.