Hey Rod, thanks for the great idea. It worked like a charm! Now I have a beautiful set on the branch that is the gateway to the top of the tree. I slightly overestimated the height of the branch; it measures 51 ft.
Thanks for your advice also, Moray.

Starik

Sorry about the repetitive posts above. Here is what I learned about that: after you post a message, don't hit the back button. And certainly do not do it twice.

If you have the Tree Climbers Companion ( Which you should buy anyway!) on page 25 tells you how to "Isolate" the line by using a second throwbag a small( non rated) carabiner and a stick. Very simple technique. Very parctical and when you get good at very easy to implement.
Sometimes if the branch is strong enough to support your weight you can actually climb it as it is and fix it when to reach the TIP. All types of ways to deal with it it just takes practice, frustration, determination to continue building your confidence.
By the way welcome to tree climbing!