65' Climb
This is what my world looks like now. I am 65′ up in a pine tree. That is the Ranger way down there. Check out the video. Hoping to add 83′ to the list.
Landscape from tree
This is what I see when I look around. Pretty impressive view.
Here is a link to the video I took when I was up 65′ in the tree. You can see the Ranger, the straps and ladder, and Forest way down below. Also a nice bandanna and beard combo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrQebyV3eV0
Forest up a tree
Here is Forest up a tree. The ladders are in 10′ sections that we use to get up the tree. They have chains that wrap around the tree to hold them in place. The chain isn’t until the top so sometimes it can be skechy. We put a ladder on each shoulder as we climb up, so we don’t have to make many trips.
83' Down
Here you can see the Ranger and Forest, somewhere down there. I like how my feet are at the very top of the ladder. Oh, and that limb in the picture was a pain. I had to loosen the belt to no tension around the tree to get another belt over it so I could keep going up. Sketchy!
83' Up
This is the surrinding landscape from the 83′ tree. Those are some BIG pine trees. And however said RCW only live in Pine-grass savannahs is dead wrong.
83' Climb
Forest took this picture when I was near the top. I would guess that is around 75′ there. That limb above my left shoulder was a bear to get around.
83' Climb
There I am just above the pine tree regen growth. That is only 50′ there. Still a lot more to go!
Ladder Carry
This is how we get the ladders up. It is usually one on each shoulder but this gives you an idea. It sure does limit mobility in your arms and they are extremely loud with the chains that go around the trees clanging next to your ears.
Here is a link to a video of one of the Ranger rides through some huge, nasty mud puddles. The thing really is a beast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LYpeJrEOd0
ladder carry
This is how we get the ladders up. It can be pretty awkward at times.
So, I’m thinking if you like climbing those pine trees so much, maybe we need to initiate an new strategy for our yard work here at home. All those pine cones may never need to hit the ground. May save some back breaking work!
Thanks for the shout out to mom. Hope you’re also talking to God up there for safety!
I could not see Forest for the forest! That
series of ladders is interesting. How wide are
the sections??? Looking forward to the 83 feet
IF you are careful. Be careful what you drink
in the morning when you are climbing (joking)
Very interesting pictures…. I think your mom
has a good idea about you climbing her pines and
picking each and every cone before they fall…