The 80+ foot 80th birthday climb went well

[Winchman]

Getting up there was no problem at all, and I was busy installing the friction saver rope guide I had taken with me when I dropped the zip ties for holding it in place. That was the perfect time to come down for a sandwich and slice of red velvet birthday cake. Then I gathered up the zip ties and made another climb to finish up the project. You all know I'm slow, so I don't mind telling you each climb took eleven minutes. I spent the afternoon fixing the kitchen faucet and taking a 2.4-mile walk.

I attached a red balloon to the pulley at the top of my climbing rig so you could see where I was in the tree. You can barely see it in the picture on the left.

 

[Winchman]

Here's the view. The tree under the red mark is the largest and prettiest pine in the subdivision. I had the pleasure of climbing it a while back.

 

[Friedrich]

happy birthday!!

 

[Friedrich]

very inspiring, i wish i will be able to climb a tree when i‘m your age.

 

[AP1017]

Happy Birthday. You are an inspiration.

 

[oldoakman]

We have had some great weather for climbing lately too. Glad you had a great day.

 

[SeanRuel]

That's cool as hell man, happy birthday!

 

[The Green One]

Happy Birthday Winchman!

Climb ON!

 

[southsoundtree]

What a way to spend an 80th Birthday!

 

[ClimbingTN]

Cool. Happy birthday. 80@80 nice.

 

[Winchman]

The assistance and encouragement from the Tree Buzz group really helped make climbing a safe and enjoyable hobby. Thank you so much!!

 

[oldoakman]

The assistance and encouragement from the Tree Buzz group really helped make climbing a safe and enjoyable hobby. Thank you so much!!

That's what we do.

 

[Bart_]

Congratulations!

May I suggest you experience the pride of building/using a powered ascender to luxury ride up the tree? Pride of craftsmanship! I reckon you've got the appropriate background to pull it off. Then you can still wrestle your way around in the canopy after you get up there.

Or forget the wrestling, install a hammock and snooze in the sky

 

[misfit]

Congratulations! Way to go! You the man! I will be waiting for the 90' climb at 90 next, but I will settle for an 85' climb at 85.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

I spent the afternoon fixing the kitchen faucet

A hero through and through. Happy birthday!

 

[27RMT0N]

I'm only half way there myself, but happy birthday and hope I can do the same at that age!

 

[Winchman]

I'm only half way there myself, but happy birthday and hope I can do the same at that age!

Thank you. I share the same hope for everyone here.

 

[RogerM]

Statistically amazing! Inspiring..
then the 2.4 mile walk...
straight up badass...
Thank you Winchman, for sharing!

 

[Matias]

You're definitely a big inspiration to me Winchman. I wanna do the same for my 80th.

 

[Burrapeg]

Congratulations!

May I suggest you experience the pride of building/using a powered ascender to luxury ride up the tree? Pride of craftsmanship! I reckon you've got the appropriate background to pull it off. Then you can still wrestle your way around in the canopy after you get up there.

Or forget the wrestling, install a hammock and snooze in the sky

This is exactly why I built my power ascender. I am about to turn 73 and can still climb regularly without it; but at this age I know the day will come when power assist might be great to have. I can recommend it as a fun project.

And congrats on turning 80!