The Treeman Speaks

Solo Tree Climbing--Part 2

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:34:56 +0000

Sunday, February 26, 2012

It’s important to have all your ducks in a row before you go out on a solo tree climbing adventure. This is especially true if you are going to have to hike a bit with your gear to your climbing tree. Here are some things you should think about before climbing alone. ...

How I Re-Nested a Barred Owlet

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:09:05 +0000

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

It takes know-how and good tree climbing technique to rescue and re-nest a chick that has fallen out of a tree. This is especially true with owls, because these birds choose to nest in large hollow cavities high above the ground. ...

Solo Tree Climbing--Part 1

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:05:16 +0000

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Sometimes I like to go tree climbing alone. I get to move slower as I walk into the forest. I can listen a little more closely to the sounds around me. I get to pay attention to myself. When I clip onto the rope, I can empty my mind and listen to the rhythm of the rope and my body as I climb. It's a sort of vertical meditation. It's very calming. ...

Gear Check for Winter Down Time

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:12:10 +0000

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Here's a situation: It's cold outside. The temperature hovers around 10 degrees and the wind is howling more than 25 miles per hour, making a wind chill of -11º F. You live in the North, so the concept of being cold is not as alien as it is to someone living in the South. But tree climbing right now just doesn't fit your comfort level, and going for a survival experience does not seem to motivate you. What is there for a tree climber to do? ...

Tree Climbing Food That Keeps You Warm

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:58:56 +0000

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Your body can get very cold if you don’t eat enough while you are out tree climbing. You might think it’s just about wearing enough clothes. It’s not. It’s about eating the right foods –– foods high in calories -- to create heat the whole time you’re outside. Winter is not the season to think about losing weight if you are going to go climb trees. ...

When Tree Climbers Get Wet in Winter

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:24:05 +0000

Saturday, January 28, 2012

If you get wet while tree climbing in winter, you need to move quickly. There is no time to waste if you did not dress properly and shelter is not nearby. Hopefully you ate a nutritious meal before you started out. ...

How to Score a Throw in One

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:07:50 +0000

Monday, January 23, 2012

You've heard golfers get excited when they talk about a hole in one. Tree climbers get just as excited when they are tree climbing and their first throw drops over the target branch. It's a throw in one!

Tree Names

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:28:19 +0000

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Naming the tree that you go tree climbing in.

Here’s another tree climbing tradition that started at the Tree Climbers International school in the early 1980’s. Every tree climber that goes tree climbing in a big tree with a rope and saddle develops a relationship with the tree. We’re talking about a personal relationship. It only makes sense. ...

Here's how tree names got started.

Clothing for Cold Weather Tree Climbing Comfort

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:51:55 +0000

Friday, January 13, 2012

You can have an enjoyable tree climbing experience in the winter if you are dressed properly. Here are seven pieces of clothing that you should be wearing if the temperatures are in the lower register.

Extreme Tree Climbing

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:04:00 +0000

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Meteor Shower Watching From the Treetops: Jan 3, 2012

Have you ever watched a meteor shower from the treetops? Here's an extreme tree climbing adventure you'll wow your friends with and remember a lifetime. You'll get your chance Tuesday night, January 3, when the Quadrantids, one of the best but least-known meteor showers, will shine in the new year.