Take a little road trip and pay them a visit. Couldn't be too awfully hard to find them. If you spoke to them on the phone and they don't seem to want to be diplomatic... Nothing wrong with a little face to face "friendly conversation". :D
Sounds like you and I are on the exact same page my friend. Awesome to hear. I just started my own show as well down here in Black Mountain N.C. For all of the same reasons you just listed. I am also a little confused on all the business end of this. Let's try and stay in touch and help one...
Makes me wonder about those anchor things that the off road guys use attached to thier winches to pull themselves out when they get stuck in bad spots. Anyone know what I'm talking about or what those things are called? I seen one recently on some show about an off road challenge or something haha.
If it's not too troublesome, could you elaborate on this a little bit more? I kind of understand... But I don't think I'm tracking with you 100% on this. Very interested though.
Very good point on the question of just an unfounded, or more or less, "paranoia" of the tree. Deal with that aloooooot around here. There is however a couple of cavitys that I have spotted from the ground from some old bad cuts which is a bummer and does have me slightly concerned about its...
It's definitely no rush on this. So every time I've hung out at his house I've been going up the hill to his cabin for a few minutes assessing/thinking about all things you listed here. It definitely crossed my mind as well that removal at this point may not be the best option for the well being...
Dang JD, thanks for taking the time to do that awesome little diagram man. Really insightful. And I was actually just getting ready to order some more rings for the collection as well so that may just be perfect! Really appreciate this man!