Hey all you rec climbers...

I thought you would enjoy hearing about a recent climb. My son Carson (16) and I donated it to his schools "Experience Catalog" a fund raising alternative to an auction where folks donate experiences and others purchase them...a great idea.

A father and a classmate of Carson's bought it. The son is an experienced rock climber. My son leads 5.11+ sport routes on rock and has been dragged up some big trees by me in the past.

We had a training evening in my yard and as you might expect John (the son) flew up the rope using his rock harness and a texas _style_ ascending rig. His Dad was struggling but did OK.

I had planed to take them up a big fir in the woods but decided to use an unusual form cedrus deodara in their front yard instead! (good move on my part!)

I set a couple of ropes and the boys ascended. I followed and we hauled up my one of a kind ledge (homemade by Knut Foppe in 1997) and set it up. I rigged the boys with double ropes.

Chris (Dad) was quite happy to ascend to the main crotcth in the tree and Naomi (Mom) came up to that point also.

We ate lunch in the tree...everyone had a great time.

I learned that next time I do this I will offer the option of "climb the biggest tree in your yard" right up front. Much easier than a climb in the woods especially with a variety of skill levels.

Here are a couple of pictures. If you like this post...let me know i have another picture from a recent climb that might get a response...but you have to say please!

Scott

having trouble with pictures...can smeone clue me in? I browse for them but no upload seems to occur...

well I guess I did attach heres another

and another...the last one was my son Carson...cool tree heh?
These are the tree owners Chris and Naomi

And finally the tennager hang out scene in arboreal Seattle. Scott

Great pics. I love those deodar cedars. A graceful sleepy looking tree.