Just want to better explain myself in the video idea. Oldtimer is very right, I only suggested the idea to supplement the knowledge you have and to better explain anything he did not understand. I wouldn't make a 2 hour video of the every but would include tree evaluation, installing climbing line, ascending, latteral movement in the tree, and the descend.

Ther are just far too many things to teach. But the offer is still there if you need to better understand a specific technique or piece of equipement. Somethigs are just better learned if you can see them but only after having an understanding of the task at hand.

I am unlike many of those that wish to get paid to train. I wouldn't turn down money but giving someone help to better appreciate a tree is a plus in my book. Tree just happen to be my life and work and I love being able to spread the joy that I have for the trees as well as climbing them.

crtreedude, I agree 100% that you want one-on-one instruction from someone experienced. I wonder how reluctant a local tree surgeon in your area would be to supervise a climb or two in exchange from some ground work, clerical work, computer support or wherever your day-job talents lie. That would be a friend worth making.

Since we have seeds to collect from the tops of the trees - I could just hire them and have them teach me as part of it.

It looks like a visitor is hauling down a copy of the Tree Climbers Companion for me in about three weeks - which is about the same time we move out to the jungle.

Looking forward to some serious reading.

crtreedude, have you taken a look at the overview of climbing hitches article on treebuzz by Mark Adams? It is NO substitute for Jepson's book but will help you understand the intricacies of climbing hitches.

Fred, if that's the article I'm thinking of, it's excellent. However, may I suggest that you start with the Blake's hitch and become intimately familiar with it before you move on to other hitches?

Pura vida--