lurking women, care to introduce yourselves?

OK, Here Goes,I'm Michelle and I've been reading post for a bit and thought I would introduce myself. I learned to climb a number of yrs ago when I lived and went to school on the East cost. Then moved to West cost and to a small island in the sound just out side Seattle. I have worked for myself for yrs but now also work for another company over-town (the main land)part-time. I never realized how many bad habits (unsafe) I have picked up working by myself until I started working with a safety conscious crew. I am safe compared to many on island but Wow.
 
Wonderful to see this site and a place for women to share information and knowledge. My name is Verna Mumby, I'm over 50 and still climbing 2 times a week. No more big tree work but my climbing abilities keep me in the trees doing risk assessment work. I love pruning the medium and smaller trees. The photo by my post is the Comox Valley on the east side of Vancouver Island, my beloved home.
Are there any of you who would like to attend a womens only arborist conference? I'd like to organize one but need input. If you are interested, you can email me direct and I will send you a survey.
 
It's Great to hear from you Verna. I am over 40 and just started climbing big trees on a more regular basis again, 1-5 days a week. Didn't think I could, due to old injury's but I feel great. Some people were saying its time to say closer to the ground, but I just can't let the big trees go. So @*^% it, I will climb till I can't anymore. Been doing too much computer work this week, feeling twitchy. My perspective is so much clearer at 100' plus.
Would be all over a conference for woman arborist, will help in any way I can. Any excuse to go to Vancouver Island....
 
Hi Verna

You just did a talk at the ISA Paririe Chapter Conference, I think? I did not go but now wish I had. It would have been nice to meet you.
Like you and MLR, I'm no kid either! And like you, I love to climb and although pruning a large tree is the best thing that could come up in a day, I like doing removals as well. Glad to be in such distinguished company!
I lived in the Comox Valley as a teenager. I would be interested in such a conference too, if teh timing was good. I have friends and fsmily out in BC, so there are plenty of reasons to go.
 
HI peeps, I'm over 40 as well, tree work is GREAT for the figure and fitness IMO!
3 - 4 days a week climbing is enough...I like a good productive few days then need recovery time, might as well be honest!
 
I'm with you Nora, I enjoy take downs. I've removed mostly small trees which can have their own challenges but I want to learn to take down larger trees. I need to improve my chainsaw skills a little more. I have started working with someone else and they mostly prune, which is refreshing. He had me do a take down w/o spikes and it was freaky.
 
I might be your evil twin MLR! You sound just like me! I could use a lot more practice with chainsaw accuracy up a tree too. I get better every time though. Haven't killed myself - or worse - broke a window yet.

I remember my first proper removal with gaffs and saw - winter 2009.

Just a regular spruce, but it was near a house so some cut and chuck required.


First spruce removal by altacal, on Flickr

I was doing the front spruce and the boss was doing the back one. Routine stuff for the experienced guys but I finally felt like a proper production arborist.


First spruce removal by altacal, on Flickr

Like you, I find some of the smaller trees quite challenging - skinny leaning spruce to name one of my favorite challenges.
 
I just put some pics up on the crane forum...super fun once the butterflies calm down!
And no climbing, just twirly finger and up you go...

Whatever size trees, whatever the job task, big to little, removals to a technical prune...it's fun and it's rewarding to be a tree surgeon. (and it really does the nut of some men seeing a woman do this work)
 
Once you've ridden a crane, you'll look for any excuse to justify the cost!
Doesn't happen very often but cool when it does! I'm blessed with a super operator, smooth as silk, SO important for a safe and effective job.

After that job its been back to climbing and handsaw work!
 
Hey ladies (and guys), this year I'll be competing in the TCC for the first time! Gah! As a consultant, I'm not affiliated with a tree climbing crew so I have a ton to learn about moving around skills in trees. I climb for recreational use so I'm not a total newbie but my hope is that my presence (and yours Michelle??) will raise awareness, not only about and for women climbers but for consultants who climb. It will also raise the amount of women who compete in our chapter 100% this year - there's typically been only one competitor in years past here in the PNW.

I'm here for some much needed cheer-leading, especially since it was just announced that our SRTTC will be in MAY, vs. the regular chapter con, in October which I'd based my training schedule around. Gotta step up that foot-locking!! Stay safe out there all,

Katy
 
Hi Katy

I hope someone who actually competes adds some useful advice. All I can say is absolutely DO IT! I've never competed. Never even seen the competition, except in videos. But I've got bruises on my shins from kicking myself that I did not go last year. I heard it was a blast. I may still try it. Not too old yet. Yes I am. No I'm not. Do it anyway.
Hard to believe that in the PNW with all those awesome trees that there are so few women doing it. JUST DO IT!
 
wow, i just have to say that this thread is making me smile. when i first started lurking on the buzz - geez, maybe 2003? - there were only like two other women who ever posted as far as i could tell. neither of them were climbers full time. i was the resident loud-mouthed feminist for a few years before many women started posting regularly, and now here we are with all these women climbers coming out of the woodwork - some of whom are as old as i am! lovin that. i'm 46 and ain't givin up the big trees yet either, though i did "retire" from competition a few years ago.

anyway, just feeling gratitude for the new depth of the field.
thanks for showing up, you guys! right on.
k.
 
Nora B, thanks for the encouragement! I neglected to mention I have the honor to work with Kathy H. when she can fit me in her busy "retired" schedule - those few days are enough to keep me motivated to keep going even though the momentary panic has yet to be tamed :) Get yourself to a competition, you'll be hooked!

Hey Verna, I'd absolutely be up for a trip to the island if you're still putting together a group climb.

Kath and the rest of you, - you are Young, not old!!

Stay safe up there and thanks for all the encouragement all,

Katy
 
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