rfwoody
Treehouser
Although I have had much respect and admiration for you "working climbers", after taking a 5 day tree climbing class for entry level tree workers, I have 20 times more respect for you.
Climbing trees is a lot harder (physically AND mentally) than I thought it would be.
At 5'11" and 220 lbs, I fancy myself in pretty good shape for my age (and weight).
When I returned home, I was mentally and physically DRAINED for several days, especially the first day.
Didn't get sore (except blisters on my hands, and a few leg cramps)... but I was 100% exhausted... mentally and physically.
I was discouraged and thought, I'm too old for this.
But now that its been a few days and I'm feeling better, I'm reconsidering it.
Class was taught by Peter Jenkins of Tree Climber's International.
Peter is a gifted instructor who emphasizes safety and simplicity.
We learned the doubled rope technique both closed, with a modified Blake's Hitch, and open, a hitch-pulley system with the Michoacan hitch.
Now debating whether to buy the climbing stuff and practice at home, with no cutting unless/until I get some confidence.
One rule I have and try to always keep is no chainsaw when I am fatigued... so I would have to be able to get into the tree and in position without getting fatigued.... which is a big challenge at this point.
Hopefully some of y'all will be motivated by this post to give some more "bare-knuckled" comments and feedback!
Thanks!!
Climbing trees is a lot harder (physically AND mentally) than I thought it would be.
At 5'11" and 220 lbs, I fancy myself in pretty good shape for my age (and weight).
When I returned home, I was mentally and physically DRAINED for several days, especially the first day.
Didn't get sore (except blisters on my hands, and a few leg cramps)... but I was 100% exhausted... mentally and physically.
I was discouraged and thought, I'm too old for this.
But now that its been a few days and I'm feeling better, I'm reconsidering it.
Class was taught by Peter Jenkins of Tree Climber's International.
Peter is a gifted instructor who emphasizes safety and simplicity.
We learned the doubled rope technique both closed, with a modified Blake's Hitch, and open, a hitch-pulley system with the Michoacan hitch.
Now debating whether to buy the climbing stuff and practice at home, with no cutting unless/until I get some confidence.
One rule I have and try to always keep is no chainsaw when I am fatigued... so I would have to be able to get into the tree and in position without getting fatigued.... which is a big challenge at this point.
Hopefully some of y'all will be motivated by this post to give some more "bare-knuckled" comments and feedback!
Thanks!!