I hope this post doesn't seem wierd-to think about where to retire and how to continue climbing trees. If it does, it would be in the context of worrying ahead of time what to do. But, it seems valid to plan ahead for retirement wants and needs. Living near trees makes it easier to climb them.

I have thought that living on the west coast -say in Oregon may be the best choice. I'd like to hear what others think. Do the tall trees hold as much appeal when a person gets older? Or, are the friendly, but shorter trees just as much fun?

Do people keep climbing as they get older? Do some people quit? When? Why? Why not?

Please share with me.

Love and happiness,
Robert

Interesting questions. I'm 50 years old, used to think that was old It's not. Especially after a year of tree climbing. I'm in better shape than I was 15 years ago. I hope to climb until I can't get of bed anymore and even then might still get a climb in now and then.

I'm biased 'cause I'm on the east coast but I really like climbing deciduous trees, the branch structure is so varied and interesting from species to species. Nothing wrong with conifers though.

Dissecting your post. . .

3CLIMBER said: I hope this post doesn't seem weird...
I Say: Off-topic threads are a great way to give things like “rope, saddles, & ascenders” a rest. It’s not weird, it’s inspiring!

3CLIMBER comments: Living near trees makes it easier to climb them.
Absolutely! Having to drive an hour or more to get to heavily wooded areas so you can climb is a pain! (Trust me, I know)

3CLIMBER asks: Do the tall trees hold as much appeal when a person gets older? Or, are the friendly, but shorter trees just as much fun?
My view: Extremely tall trees are good for the “challenge” and are also a good justification for SRT but, (i.m.h.o.) the real party begins in a nice fat canopy. A short fat tree with an expansive canopy is like a carnival. It can easily entertain several climbers at once. It’s a haven for treeboating. It always seems to need a bit of pruning or maintenance, (which will give you a sense of personal connection with the tree).

And as for (old) age and climbing. . .
I’m 50 and consider myself quite “beat-up” from a less than intelligent life_style_ in the past. Regardless, I have been on a number of group-climbs and in spite of the fact that my throw-bag skills are crap and my overall stamina is mediocre, I have always had a great time.

Common sense: Day-trips are always a safe bet. However, week long wilderness adventures with pro-climbers in big-timber country may be bit much unless you are at their skill level. Ask the group leader, he’ll tell you what to expect before you sign-on.

All I need at retirement is a small chunk of property with a few mature Beech, Red Maple, a Sycamore, anything will do!

See You There,
Ol’man Ej

Do I get banned for saying I am in the perfect place to climb trees? You can climb year round - temperature is just about perfect all the time. You have huge trees - some incredible tall - some (like our Guanacaste) very broad - covers nearly an acre - but the leaves are fern like, so it is a joy to climb. the limbs are so big they are like sidewalks.

Moss - you once were interested in visiting - in about a month, I will be living next to the Guanacaste - I would love to have a visit by an experienced climber.

Judging from the pictures on your web site,
It must be wonderful!
Looks like a nice place to retire to.

Originally posted by crtreedude

Moss - you once were interested in visiting - in about a month, I will be living next to the Guanacaste - I would love to have a visit by an experienced climber.

I'm very interested in getting down there, don't know if I can do it this year, have to take a hard look at the calendar. I've been working on SRT lately so I would actually have a chance to get into that Guanacaste