DAY 103

DAY 103
07.16.07
TREE 14

On this beautiful Sunday evening I headed out of the house, through the newly cut field towards the edge of the wood where my tree awaited. Much has grown, so much so I couldn’t really see my orange marker from the ground. But I know which tree it was and I was ready to climb and go higher than before. On that first little branch that I so fearfully started on the first time, was a piece of cake this time. Up and up from branch to branch I quickly made it to my ribbon I had tied on a vine. I ripped it off and laughed at where I had stopped. I remember I was too scared to use the vine to get higher, but I didn’t need a vine at all. I went around the trunk to another branch and easily got up higher. Then a foothold here, hug the trunk and I was up even further. At this point the trunk had split into two major limbs and I continued up the one closest to the house. Up another branch and I was making good progress till my foot slipped on a leaf and it scared the shit out of me. I was really high and I started to envision the fall. Not good. So I took some pictures, and looked at my options for going higher. I decided I didn’t like them and just had a bad feeling. So I was a little nervous about the climb down but told myself I don’t want to die, the down is easier, and I can do it. And I did, smoothly and easily. On the ground I took some pictures and my fear had turned into accomplishment once again. A good improvement and a good climb.

7-16-08:  I think that picture above with the Mary Anderson Center brick house in the center is one of my favorite from all the climbs at the Mount.  It frames it in leaves and represents a very important part of my experience there.  I felt so privileged to live at Mount St. Francis since the only other long term residents on the 400+ property are Franciscan Friars.  That view was like looking back at the view I saw everyday looking out my window.  That was a very good 7 months.  It did so much for my art, and my life. 

Yesterday I got sucked into some good graphic novels.  I went to the library and picked up some good ones and couldn’t resist finishing all three.  But I looked out my window and saw the sun light was fading so I hopped on my bike and headed east down River Road.  I studied the trees closely as I slowly pedaled down the road.  Ultimately, I decided to stop at the Water Tower.  I walked with my bike down the left edge of the field looking for a tree but they were small and buried within thick undergrowth.  I made my way all the way to the front of the buildings and towers where one taller tree caught my attention.  I went around a fenced section and hid my bike under a bush.  It was really starting to get dark at this point.  I walked into the bushes and found the tree’s trunk.  The beginning of the climb was a little touch with not too many strong branches to choose from, but it got easier as I went higher.  I worried that I would be spotted and told to leave.  It somehow felt wrong to be this close to the building and other major equipment surrounded by serious fences and flooded with bright lights.  But those same lights also drew me to the tree.  With a lack of sun light, I knew these lights would help with my photos.  Once I took the photos, I waited for a few cars to drive away before I headed down.  I did not want the tree shaking and have it draw attention to me.  I climbed down, grabbed my bike and hauled ass home.  Here are my photos: