The Moonlight Madness climb and the TREE Fun(d) climb took place July 21-25, 2002. 25 folks in our two fantastic groups did back-to-back two day climbs of the twin 10 foot diameter, 250' tall Bogachiel Spruce trees in the Olympic National Forest, in the Northwest corner of Washington state.
Here's a 20 second video clip that begins with a California climber (well known on this discussion group) climbing a redwood with a unique ascender system:
Bogachiel Spruce video clip on ISA webboard (283k) The complete 17 minute video is available on CD-ROM in mpeg format for $20.
I'm really glad we all came out to meet in the treetops of the Olympic Peninsula rainforest. Now, I want to invite everyone on another climb.
I spose it's pretty obvious that something special occurred that signals the growing acceptance of the movement to relish the abundance of our trees. To have been there with these folks is a privilege that I will always cherish. Seeking minds have led us to experience a glimpse of mysteries that will probably take a lifetime to figure out.
When John Muir climbed in that windstorm, I wonder if he knew what an impact his tale would have on those of us who would be inspired to go aloft merely to experience the charms of the canopy. When Jerry Beranek first crawled up the side of the redwoods, he actively recruited his fellows to join in the fun. Thanks to Tree Climbers International, recreational climbers were put in contact with each other. New Tribe created gear especially for us, and the old growth expedition climb of the Alonzo Stagg Sequoia featured in the film "Tickle the Sky" shared the group climbing approach with the world. Arbormaster cleaned up our act with precision training methods, and the Sherrill catalog became the wishbook of big kids toys.
Who would think recreational tree climbing would be the cover story of the March, 2002, Smithsonian magazine? Stay tuned for the air date announcement of the CBS News broadcast of the 9 minute Sunday Morning segment on the Moonlight Madness climb. We welcome big tree climbing to mainstream society ! Maybe treeclimbing will be a subject for Chevy Chase's next movie.
Of course, my enthusiam may bias an accurate view of the situation. Will those of you who know me, please excuse my brashness? Perhaps this was just a flash in the pan. So what if we raised a couple of bucks for charity & scientific research? Maybe Moonlight Madness was an isolated fringe of tree nuts who may end up lost to history? Can the TREE Fun(d) climb be just another non-profit fund raiser? The video will ensure it can be remembered. Will our little jaunt up the Bogachiel Spruce will be remembered on the same scale as that scout outing at Sam Browne Campground? Maybe some of you have had better water skiing trips? It's possible, but I don't think so !
I think we have forged bonds with our beginnings, with our surroundings, and with each other. It was great meeting some of the climbers for the first time and seeing a lot of them again, after a long time. I may have been a bit too frazzled with details to be very friendly at times, but I'm hoping to count the climbers as my friends.
What will be really great is when new folks come out of the woodwork to try what we have tried. Their joy and wonder will be the interest on the investment we made in depositing the seeds of treeclimbing as a source of recreation for everyone. Personally, I will continue to climb native forest trees just to experience the majesty of nature, but if we can raise money for good causes, so much the better.
This announces the formation of Canopy Adventures, a new commercial treeclimbing guide service by Scott D. Baker. Our initial outings will be held October 9-10, 2002, and April 12-13, 2003. The location will be at
Out 'N' Abouta treehouse 'Treesort', located in Takilma, Oregon. Reservations are being accepted by manager Jenise Crain for these two day climbs. Cost is $350 per person. Treehouse lodging accomodations are available separately thru Out 'N' About. Please tell your friends.
Arboreally yours,
Ox
(206) 949-8733
Link to Oxman website[/URL
