PICTURES - pruning and camping in a Hickory tree?

TREEfool

TREEfool

Participating member
Location
Sioux Falls, SD
I brought my climbing gear to the inlaws over Christmas and noticed that their biggest tree had about four huge dead limbs. Now, I am not an arborist, just a rec climber who loves camping in trees but I took it upon myself to clean up their tree. Turns out, they were very excited because they "paid $500 two years ago for the same type of work".

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Once I got my main line set up I grabbed a wood saw from the garage and went to town... Once I finish medic school I will be hunting for an arborist job because MAN was it fun (even considering I had to use a hand saw, haha)! Can anyone name this tree? We were guessing Hickory but without leaves we weren't totally sure.

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After I pruned the tree I set up my new hammock that I finished making (cost me $25 and 3 hours to build). It is similar to a tree boat but it is about 1/4 of the weight and 1/12 the price! It isn't as comfy as my portaledge I have been using but it is sooo much lighter.

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I spent the night in it to make sure it works before I take it into the forests on a real climbing trip and I am psyched to say that it works perfect! Having the ability to anchor it at four corners makes using a hammock in the canopy infinitely easier.

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I was originally going to set it up higher in the canopy but it would have required that I move my tie in point up higher into some very small branches so I decided to keep it safe and set it up only about 25' above the ground.


Thank you guys for all of the knowledge on this website that helped me know what and how to clean up their tree. It was a great experience and I can't wait to start my arborist job search. Then I can really start learning about trees, pruning, rigging, and groundwork.

--
 
I'm feeling a bit chilly just looking at your photos, except for all of that white stuff it looks great.
Like the hammock, much better than my lounge chair. Would you be interested in sharing the build?

Thanks
 

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Nice one Fluffy! Keep posting those adventures. I'd like to know more about your ledge.
 
Cold? NO! Battling the cold winter is way better than battling the giant mosquitoes in the summer! Haha. I find that I don't do much summer camping anymore because winter camping is so much more comfy!

But yes, I have started a tutorial for the hammock on a hammocking forum that I visit often. I can post a link when finished if that is ok with the mods from this site.

But for a quick rundown:

Material- standard ripstop from hancock fabrics
Webbing- 1/2" climbing webbing from REI
Tutorial- search Grizz Bridge Hammock Tutorial in google

I had different needs for my hammock so I did not follow the tutorial completely but it is a great place to start. The materials are all cheap because they are sold everywhere. Also, I have posted on these forums some pictures of the portaledge that someone asked about, I don't remember the name but it is on the forums somewhere.
 
I would say silver maple too. Next time I go to the in laws for Christmas I think I will try sleeping in the trees too! Gotta be better than listening to the bro in law bla blah blah! You're a genius!
 
slight derail--next time you prune a silver maple, reduce the ends, and leave all the living interior branches possible.

that thing looks reeeeally end-heavy. if it was a hic, no problem.

re hammocks, good move--without the frame, it fits the body better--but brrrrr!--i'll wait til spring.
ooo.gif
 
I have found using a cheapo camping pad under your sleeping bag, http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/68486?productId=1153232&subrnd=0&qs=3016887_pmd_google_pla , makes an ENORMOUS difference in the cold. It may not be a Jacks underquilt but it is literally a night and day difference..

Additionally it simulates the benefits of a framed hammock in a non framed one.

EDIT: and of course as I looked back at the pics a second time I see you have that exact pad! You obviously got it all under control!
 
One winter I took a group camping to Yellowstone Natl. Pk. The days are short so we spent a lot of time in camp after dark. The snow was deep so we had dug out a nice kitchen area. Around the kitchen we made 'chairs' in the snow to sit in. We'd lay our ground pads down first to insulate. We noticed that some ground pads seemed to be warmer than others. To give the test each of us would close our eyes and then sit on a chosen pad. Then, stand up and get a different one to compare. After a while we'd put a different, or the same, pad under each butt cheek to compare. Sometimes the same combo would be given twice in a row to validate the test. After hours of testing...what else did we have to do?...the conclusion of all five of us was that the green/purple Ridge Rest was THE best pad! Adding an inflatable above it made it more comfy and only a teeeeny bit warmer.
 
Guymayor, what do you mean by "end heavy"?

And as for the sleeping pad, yes I use a closed cell foam pad (as opposed to an inflatable). I used to use two 1.5 inch inflatable pads but noticed that a lot of alpine climbers only had to use one .75" ccf pad in the mountains so I tried it and will never go back. Plus, I never have to worry about the pad deflating on me (and they are way cheaper!).
 
Oh, and I wanted to post my portaledge for the guy who asked. Originally to test my idea I picked up an old cot on craigslist for FREE. It was made of lightweight aluminum and weighed no more than 2 pounds with the legs removed.

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It worked great so I wanted to purchase something more bombproof and found a heavily built aluminum frame with a thick/durable polyester bedding for $70:

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/pr...mp;merchID=4005

This was the real deal and when I added a set of quick adjust buckles from menards for $15 it was perfect. Just an idea for you guys.
 
Bonner, I just updated my profile with my location. I am temporarily living in SaintPaul, MN to finish school. When I am not in school or working I am usually out of state on climbing trips.

GuyMayor, thanks for the clarification.
 
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