John has given me permission to post this amazing note he wrote, so here it is.

Dearest TCI members and Tree Climbing Community.

It was a truly a magnificent rendezvous and I am so grateful to have been able to participate and meet so many tremendous tree climbers and wonderful people. It was great to share in the passion and joy of climbing trees. I was truly impressed by the quality of the workshops, the Key Note Speakers, and spontaneous fun times had by all. Being in Japan it seems that we are so distant from the hub of Recreational Tree Climbing but, after attending the rendezvous I learned that it is strictly a geographical distance and not one of heart . Recreational Tree Climbing is growing and globally we are all seeing the tremendous potential for a better world created by our Tree Climbing activities. It is awesome when we consider the power of a few dedicated and passion people and multiply it by the number of people who attended the Rendezvous!

These are exciting times and exciting times create exciting possibilities. Recently, I have been spending as much time as possible on some of the trees that I have grafted. I also love to visit my grafting friends. A good friend of mine is an expert at grafting trees and it gives me great joy to see his trees as they take hold.

There is a tree that grows a number of different types of apples, all grafted into the same trunk. It is amazing that they are all able to share and grow together. The trunk gives them structure and a _link_ to water and nutrients and the grafted branches and leaves share their sugars and give back to the trunk. It is amazing to see it in blossom. I just saw and tasted the apples the other day! They were so different but, all so delicious. To taste the apples and ponder about the tree was great for my
soul.

Recreational Tree Climbing is ripe for great growth and positive change. We have great roots and a sturdy trunk from which to spout or graft limbs and branches. Trees are great coordinators and organizers, they transfer nutrients both vertically and laterally. They gather strength and send protection in time of trauma, they share their sugars and energies in time of need. They naturally graft to prevent friction from tearing them apart and inviting disease. The more they give the greater they grow.

I am proud and happy to be a part of TCI and the Tree Climbing Community and look forward with joy as we grow and change and share our fruits for a better world.

Dr. John Gathright, Founder Tree Climbing Japan

I still haven't recovered from John's great presentation at the 'vous and I hope I never do!
-moss

Thanks Patty for sharing John's post with us.
I was very impressed with his presentation and deeply moved by all his stories. He is not only a great climber, educator and organizer but also a tremendous story teller able to connect with his audience and move them into action.
I am very appreciative of him for taking the time to come all the way from Japan to share his passion with us. Thanks again.
Great job!