DAY 326
02.24.08
TREE 163
I left Norman’s and on my way home stopped at the rest stop off I-71. Only this time I took the correct exit to the car parking lot. After parking I walked over to where I thought my tree was and looked up. No ribbon. So I walked around to other trees. Back and forth, straining my eyes… but no ribbon to be found. I finally just decided to climb the tree I approached first. Maybe I would see the ribbon once I got up to the top. I jumped and pulled myself up but had to be careful since there still existed a layer of ice on most of the limbs.
It made for slow progress and cold hands. But after the last few days I was getting used to that. I transferred to limbs nearer to the rest stop buildings but a combination of the ice and the dead and broken limbs kept me from getting too high.
I looked up and there was just no ribbon anywhere. I started to look at the trees nearby for a ribbon. I took some pictures
and then slid my way down the cold slippery branches to the ground. Then I decided to climb my second choice tree.
This one was smaller and easier. Lots of limbs to choose from but still a little difficult due to the ice. But by this tree I was starting to use it to my advantage.
It helped to prevent my feet from getting stuck in crotches and crevices and getting down became a quick and fluid movement.
But before I did that on this tree I took a few more pictures
and looked for my ribbon once again but to no avail.
I checked my laptop later at home for pictures from my first climb. I had it right with my first tree today, and I did tie a ribbon. But these high winds and frozen rain must have ripped the ribbon right off. I guess the search ended up helping me improve my abilities by forcing me to get more comfortable climbing icy trees.
3-6-09: Ice Storm 2008 was pretty easy to adjust to. Ice Storm 2009 encased entire trees in a half inch thick layer of ice. I felt like I was ice climbing at times, but with not ice gear. I had to hook my arm over icy limbs and use my arm pit to hold on. Plus I had to just let my body slip and slide where ever it would go till it stopped. I had little to no control. But it sure was fun.
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Monday, February 23rd 2009, my second day in Washington DC. Scott and I got up early to catch the continental breakfast at the hotel then he was off to meetings all day. I took my time, got ready, then called AC. I joined him at the National Mall and we looked around at the art in the Hirschorn Museum. Hirschorn apparently made his fortune in Uranium mines in Canada. He bought quite the eclectic collection of art.
Then we had some burgers and shakes at Ollie’s. It’s a burger joint that looks like a yellow train car. I popped a quarter in the small riding train and it took off so I hopped on. There were buttons that made engine sounds and siren sounds. I definitely got my money’s worth on that ride.
After that, we headed back to the Mall so I could climb a tree.
I had spotted a tree more towards the middle of the Mall down by the Washington Monument that I thought would afford me a better view.
It was right on the edge of the lawn by a cross street with cars parked just below it. It had a low branch but it was very big around and just a little hard to reach. There were quite a few sucker limbs growing off the branch so I figured I’d at least have some hand holds to help. I asked for AC’s help to boost, which he obliged, and then I struggled on those suckers. The main one I was holding broke under my weight and I had to grab something else in a flash. Luckily I held and didn’t fall. AC watched on with discomfort for me. I wiggled my way to the top of the large branch then started to climb. The rest ofthe branches were also quite large and spread apart. I was clearly out in the open so I didn’t even try to climb anywhere near the top.
I just stopped at a comfortable spot and took pictures.
And I was right about the view. The tree before was in a bunch of trees that obscured all my good views. This tree gave me a direct shot to the Washington Monument,
the Capitol down at the other end of the Mall,
and some of the other massive museum buildings.
AC continued to watch from below as the strong wind gusts tussled his big hair.
I looked around occasionally for onlookers and I was so glad to see no one was watching.
It was a good break from NYC and their watchful eyes and needless concern. Then I climbed back down, somehow managed to dangled from the low branch and drop back to the ground.
Then we went on our way to the White House and the Arts and Crafts Museum. Not much to say really. I actually liked going to AC’s apartment better than the A&C Museum. He draws comics and he’s been doing some great work lately. Then off I had to go to the airport to meet my brother and get back to New York. DC was short but sweet.