Climbing last night...

I'm a happy camper and thought I'd share a story. I've been reading here for 3+ years, recreational climbing for a little more (off and on, but still a beginner). I took a break for most of the last year due to a knee issue/surgery, but I started again late this summer. I like to climb for the same reasons I'm sure many of you do; exercise, nature, meditative, etc. Well, 2 weeks ago my wife (and best friend) expressed an interest in climbing. I had mentioned it before, but she really doesn't like heights, at least not being on a roof. Although she can fly with me and not be nervous about the height. So anyway, I hadn't had much hope in the past...once she mentioned the possibility, I was on the phone to New tribe and Sherrill's quick. Her rope came in last week, the saddle & biner yesterday...so after work we went out behind the house and found a tree to climb. Just up to a branch and back a couple of times, maybe 30'. But she was fine with it and asked what tree we're climbing tonight. I'm a bit envious because she has enough arm strength to pull herself up the rope without any foot work at all! Made me feel like a weenie. My 40-something years collected a bit of extra weight and I have to footlock. Hmmm, maybe that's why she decided to go for it; to get me exercising more. In any event, I'm happy!

GerryL, I am glad that you are back climbing and feeling better from the knee surgery. I climb for the same reason that many of you do. It makes my Arthritis feel a lot better. ( It is Mostly Under Control Now).
RTC is a Good, healthy exercise. Congras on getting your wife to be your climbing partner that is a good idea for everyone. Sounds like she will be teaching you a lesson or two soon.

The other week we went hiking not far from home in western MA; we found a stand of big old trees. Now that Robin has a harness we'll have to hike up there with our stuff and find a good one. Here are a couple photos to see the size. Not bad for MA!
Gerry

I guess it's one attachment per post?
This one was tall! I don't think my rope would have made it to the 1st branch, so I got Robin 150'.

Good to hear you have a climbing team mate. I foot lock myself most of the time. It conserves energy; not using the arms alone. Most professionals do too- climb with some foot assist method.

Using the body thrust sure is a workout- if that is what you are looking for. A bit more entertaining than pull ups.

Yes, and it's really entertaining when I watch Robin do it! :-D
-Gerry

Nice stand of trees. Looks like a great spot. I envy you, though. My wife expressed interest once, and she didn't fit in my harness...I think it "killed the mood"

Perhaps one day...

A courageous post right there. I stand in admiration.
None-the-less, it has got me to thinking about a follow-up thread. . .

”Climbing Spouses”
Wow, what a topic this could turn out to be.
I could put up a starter-post divulging some of my own experiences. Yes, of course, recollections of a warm summer afternoon, hoisting my better half into the treeboat.

Words like; bull line, drop zone, and lunar eclipse all come to mind. Yup, quite the topic indeed!

Enough courage for me. I’ll stop here.
-Ej-

Karina has climbed a few times, and spent the night in the treeboat once. She can do it, but she doesn't get excited about it like i do.

Good you have someone to climb with!

love
nick

Not to go off-topic but NickfromWI got me to thinking,
Being alone on a climb, at times, may be necessary.

I do group climbs,
and family climbs,
and work climbs,

but when I climb alone. . .
I’m never lonely.

Know what I mean?

So where is it? Is it up yet? The THREAD!