DAY 295 – Daily Climb

DAY 295
01.24.08
TREE 129

What a damn cold miserable day! It started at about 25 degrees and only got colder. I went out with Jacob to grind stumps. He was furious all day as we both just stood in the cold. I was actually happy to rake because it warmed me up. The worst part was my chin. I shaves the day before and the cold wind just numbed it. I vowed today to grow facial hair for the winter. Then after work I drove to the Mary Anderson Center and parked in the little spot at the head of the trail by the big stone. I lay down and took a little nap.

When I woke I changed my shoes and sweatshirts, put on my coat and hat, and began my walk to the tree. I tried to walk at a brisk pace to warm up but it was no use, it’s just too damn cold. I got to the base of the beech tree and rubbed my hands together to create the last real warmth they would feel for a chunk of time. I took hold of the small but strong limbs and began to climb. Though my hands quickly hurt from the frigidly cold and smooth grey bark, I was having fun. The tree was a fun challenge and was going quickly. As often happens, every branch I used was familiar. I knew which were strong and what rubbing and crossing limbs to avoid. That’s one thing about beech tree limbs, they just grow willy-nilly and wind, bend, and twist all over. But they are so incredibly strong. At the top I adjusted my footing to lay on the arching branch that contained my ribbon.

I untied the ribbon

and stuck it in my pocket and then took out my camera.

The sun was getting low

and the frozen lake was beautiful.

I was quite comfortable in my laying position and after shooting I remained until I couldn’t take the cold any longer. The warmth I feel at the tops of the trees from the recent climb only last so long in single digit wind chill. As I climbed back down I saw more potential shots so I took a few more photos.

Then I climbed the rest of the way down being sure to grab one of the remaining fragile leaves still on the ends of the branches. The light copper color of beech leaves that sprinkle the forest landscape adds a really nice splash of subtle color against the cold blue shadows on the snow.

I walked away from the tree appreciative of my experience and excited to test the lake ice strength. And it was thick. I took a nice walk on water. And I noticed my human cicada shell body is still holding up in this weather. Cold, but as always, the climb made it a wonderful day.

1-27-09: Do you all remember my beard last year? It was from that day I decided to grow it. Also look at the picture at the top and the small one just below it. They are of the same view and you can see the boardwalk. I don’t think I did that on purpose, but it works well for comparison.

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Last Friday, January 23rd, Norman and I got to New Castle early hoping to finish the porch by 2pm. We worked hard in the nice warm weather but just fell short of finishing despite leaving an hour late. Norm had to get back home for his dad’s 60th birthday celebration in Frenchlick. I hung out at home waiting for Drew to get home so we could go to his mom’s childhood home in St. Matthews (a neighborhood in Louisville). She had the house fixed up and decorated to rent it out. It was the grand unveiling with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and friends. When we had had our fill of the event I went out to climb the nice large tree in the front yard.

I hadn’t really given the tree a close look but I figured it would make for a good climb. And I was right. It was an awesome tree. Drew watched from below as I worked my way up through the branches to the very top of this tree.