Yesterday was a day of firsts...much of it old hat to many of you, but lots of firsts for me.
I spent 9 hours in a big oak, roping out dead wood from 2 major leads...I've done that before...but, here is a list of the firsts:
1. Used an adjustable lanyard that I put together a la Jepson's Tree Climber's Companion info...what a great way to hook in. I used a micropulley, screw link, prussic and had about a 15' lanyard. My previous lanyard was an old 3 strand, maybe 6 feet, with snap hooks on each end...you adjusted it with the built-in prussic..hard to do and often too short. I often had to lengthen it with a sling.
2. Used a Blake's hitch for the first time...have always used a tautline before. The Blake’s really did a great job and is smooth to use...it’ll put a “drop” on you in a hurry but is still quick to grab.
3. Footlocking...Jepson’s pictures helped with that...it is a bit of an art...will take more practice. Probably only about 50% did what I wanted...the other half slid as I tried to figure out how to get a “purchase” on the rope with my boots. But I can see great potential for it and will keep trying it.
4. No spurs. I learned yesterday that spurs probably prevent development of sound, sophisticated technique. I had to pay a lot closer attention to maintaining proper “tensegrity” (Tom) so that I could get up the verticals without spurs. It made me slower but I really did enjoy not worrying about spiking my rope (or me) and knowing that I was not poking holes in the tree.
5. Silky saw...I just got in my Sugoi and used it on several limbs from finger size to softball size...it is wonderful tool. My thanks to those of you that have bragged about them; I understand why now.
6. New tribe saddle – I ordered one (ProGear saddle). My hips and butt were plenty sore from my old Buckingham butt strap rig and I have been reading all the saddle threads...so I am looking forward to a modern comfortable saddle.
My thanks to all of you that share your experience and great ideas.
I spent 9 hours in a big oak, roping out dead wood from 2 major leads...I've done that before...but, here is a list of the firsts:
1. Used an adjustable lanyard that I put together a la Jepson's Tree Climber's Companion info...what a great way to hook in. I used a micropulley, screw link, prussic and had about a 15' lanyard. My previous lanyard was an old 3 strand, maybe 6 feet, with snap hooks on each end...you adjusted it with the built-in prussic..hard to do and often too short. I often had to lengthen it with a sling.
2. Used a Blake's hitch for the first time...have always used a tautline before. The Blake’s really did a great job and is smooth to use...it’ll put a “drop” on you in a hurry but is still quick to grab.
3. Footlocking...Jepson’s pictures helped with that...it is a bit of an art...will take more practice. Probably only about 50% did what I wanted...the other half slid as I tried to figure out how to get a “purchase” on the rope with my boots. But I can see great potential for it and will keep trying it.
4. No spurs. I learned yesterday that spurs probably prevent development of sound, sophisticated technique. I had to pay a lot closer attention to maintaining proper “tensegrity” (Tom) so that I could get up the verticals without spurs. It made me slower but I really did enjoy not worrying about spiking my rope (or me) and knowing that I was not poking holes in the tree.
5. Silky saw...I just got in my Sugoi and used it on several limbs from finger size to softball size...it is wonderful tool. My thanks to those of you that have bragged about them; I understand why now.
6. New tribe saddle – I ordered one (ProGear saddle). My hips and butt were plenty sore from my old Buckingham butt strap rig and I have been reading all the saddle threads...so I am looking forward to a modern comfortable saddle.
My thanks to all of you that share your experience and great ideas.
