Reg, you go to a job and with your years of experience, assess the best way to do that job. Then let some talking head say no, we can't do it that way, because what, not enough money, not enough time, or we can't inconvenience traffic that long?
It is your life and safety they are overriding, and if it is not them then it is you that is allowing it. Frankly, you are worth far more than any tree job can bring in.
Ok Dave. Its not so much whether its worth my life, it is my life. Its what I always done.
This was very much a last minute emergency for everyone involved. The parks dep got in a panic upon identifying the spit and uprooting trees....and needed the them down immediately. The Tree company who deals with the work along that highway called myself, and Ryan (another contractor) became we are the best people to climb those trees if judged acceptable to do so.
While Vancouver Island, and BC in general might be overrun with Arborist companies and workers, certified and otherwise....there are very few that have experience of climbing and cutting old growth, let alone ones that are starting to collapse. Outside of that you have to look toward forestry, heli logging climbers.
I turned up that day with but a description of the situation. The question was put to me "can it be done this way ?" Certainly, nobody put a gun to my my head. I studied the tree long and hard, up close and a far. Im also very familiar with the weather in that valley, including the time it takes for a storm to peak starting from the first few gusts. You definitely dont need to stay up there just because you've started. But thats where experience comes in, a lesser guy might miss something critical. Imagine had I not agreed to come out that day, and received the news that someone had instead took my place and got killed in the process. I wouldn't want to be burdened with what iffs in such an aftermath.
As it all turned out my judgment of the situatuon was proved correct. Not reckless, but calculated and controlled to the very last log that I had to tip against the lean. All the other guys there were feeling the pressure too, even though they were stood safely on the ground. But Im glad they got to see the discipline and commitment involved.
When I drove home that night, 3 hours, I seemed to be surrounded by angry drivers rushing to be somewhere. Maybe they rush home and then be angry on Facebook or twitter too. Always angry or frustrated at someone else, never themselves. Me, I was enjoying and appreciating the heater from my truck, immensely. Enjoying the privilege of just being able to drive. Got home to see my kid through eyes that felt like brand new. My beer tasted tasted like the first one ever. You cant buy those feelings, you have to earn them. And I never truly experienced them from just being a spectator to others. I get similar appreciation working alone, or from whatever else requires a lot of mental strength and commitment. It keeps you honest, and thats not a bad thing
