This was my first experience setting a high anchor. We loaded the BigShot with a 4oz lead egg on monofilament line. We worked as a team and on the 6th shot, we got this anchor. Of course, it was hard to see where the monofilament line went, so we pulled in something more visible. Then, we pulled in the 400' KMIII. The rope layed nicely against the tree and up into some higher branches. As the pic shows, it was hitched to another tree.

At this point, we had to wonder what was holding the anchor (up above). The worry is that something could break and cause a shock load. Isolating a limb at 130+ feet is no easy task. We looked up using binoculars and found some sturdy smallish branches that were bracing the rope. Basically, the anchor was made up of about 4 smaller limbs. I got to lead climb this part.

This is where the fear of heights meets being up high against a huge tree with no limbs or anything to grab onto. And, when you get to the first limbs, they all bend down. But, as I looked around, I found some really ideal places to tie-in.

I chose to set the 200' KMIII near this ideal place and abandon the 400'. (We used both ends of the 400' to lower gear the next morning. We could probably have done fine with the 400' and left the 200' in the car. Both lengths only weigh 28 lbs total. Though, the hike back was a lot of grunting.

This climb was a huge learning experience for me-very eye opening. And, the setting was very beautiful. I like climbing with Nick, because he's always willing to help, and he has a really good attitude. Plus, he has more experience than I do.

Kindest regards,
Robert Crook

I have a request for this adventure and more that follows. Could you itemise the list of gear you used and system? Something like this (Just an example of format):

Mainline for ascent: 400 ft (brand name rope)
Sleeping gear: 2 treeboats (you did use 2 right?), sleeping bags (temp rating, fill)
Ascneding system: Frog, Texas system, etc
Crown ropes: DRT stuff.
Cambium savers: Leather, Su or House sleeves, previous days undies, two ring sling, etc.
Carabiner rack: lots of dog legged, ball locks, screw _link_s and a heaven gate special.
Cooking gear: wood stoked hibache with white gas as starter (joke). Pans, utensils.
Food: dry food, wet, etc. How many days supply?
Pitches: rope placements- short or long count as a pitch.

The reason I am asking for stat info and details is so other climbers can make a more rational decision on what is needed rather than the old trial and error method (bringing too much stuff).

Another useful item is this:
What worked and what did not work?

Again, thinking and sharing with others to bring down the error factor and increase the enjoyment factor by all that atempt a high overnighter in a tree (or what ever was done on that climbing event).

So what I am looking for is some kind of stat format (form) of information to start the de_script_ion. One more thing.

A difficulty rating needs to be placed on the climb (or any climb for that matter). Rock climbers use it as a climb de_script_ive, we as tree climbers need to start using one as well. Look on the TCI in the index under "tags and ratings" It was modeled after the Sierra Club System. High climbs such as yours start in the 6 category. 6.0 and up (6.3 etc). DRT climbs fall in the
5.0 and upwards to 5.12 (rain slick trees rate higher of course).

Mighty good share on a big climb! We need to have more shares here. Anybody else? It doesn't have to be a mega climb.

I am in Utah right now. I have the packing list at home. I can copy it down when I get home and share it with y'all.

What worked and what did not? Hmmm...I think both Robert and I did a good job of doing what we knew worked, and avoided what we thought wouldn't work. We both made one mistake while lowering gear, and that caused a bunch of twist in the rope and ended up using an hour or so of our time...but that was user error- nothing that was a "shoulda brought something else" type of thing.

love
nick

Any wild tree is going to present unique challenges to climbing and the possibility of overnight sleeping. My lack of experience with Sequoias made climbing them a whole new experience. Add to that the stress of overnight sleeping, and the enjoyment was reduced to me being glad to accomplish goals. That's all well and good. But, if you want to "have a good time", then you need a guide to climb these trees. That's my opinion. These are not like Ponderosa Pines, which have normal limbs. The Sequoia limbs often slope down. Then, there is a whole skill set to setting and climbing high anchors. I'll be glad to work on a gear list and review what worked and didn't. But, my main thinking is that beyond a basic DRT and SRT set-up , one needs to allow some time to get familiar with climbing these beauties. It's really a shame to push yourself to sleeping in one, before you have really appreciated the joy of simply being able to get up next to one and climb it. Take a minimum of 3 days, a guide (who has climbed them before) and your patience. You'll be able to sleep in the trees and have some climbing you remember forever