Oldest Climber

He started doing tree work after "The War" where he served as a paratrooper. He jumped behind the lines in D-Day and The Battle of the Bulge. When I asked him what the Bulge was like all he said was "cold". I asked if he was ever really scared and his reply was "Not Really".

I only had the opportunity to work one day with Norm. He climbed with 2 ropes maybe 90% of the day. As someone mentioned, no lanyard. He wasn't real fast but got the job done quickly because there was no wasted movements. It seemed every movement was for a purpose. There was no second guessing of any moves, it was if he knew every move he was going to make before he entered the tree.

At a week shy of 85, the day I worked with him, he was one of the best climbers I've ever watched. It was very humbling watching a guy more than twice my age climb better than me.
 
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You know what they say about people who golf dont you?

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Twice a year????
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I had the priveledge to work with Robert Knapp in CA. At that time he was in his mid 70's! He was an amazing worker! He climbed with an adjustable lanyard in the late eighties! It was made of steel chain! (he was never going to "cut out") He could outwork anyone! He lived a healthy/ clean life. HE HAD NEVER EATEN a FAST FOOD BURGER in HIS LIFE!!! I talked to his son (Sam Knapp-former ASCA pres.) a few mo ago and said Robert finally stopped working last year!!! (diabetes)
 
Sounds like an obviously superb climber. By climbing with 2 ropes I gather you mean he double crotched alot.

Pruning or removals?

Technique aside, to have the physical energy to climb trees at 84 regardless of how smooth and efficient one is, that is extremely amazing to me.
 
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