My son and I had just been out finding a geocache, so took the tree-gear with us, knowing there would be no shortage of large gum trees available. This was the second time we've had the gear out, the first was really just a trial run. This time we were still pressed for time, his mum needed him home for a play-date..... Still, it was a good chance to practice with the branch saver, and hone some technique.
I found great branches with the throw line twice before I remembered to thread it through the cambium saver first, one learning point.... Then of course as soon as we were off the ground we swung into a spiky bush, another point. That made us learn to ascend quickly!
I have picked up a micro pulley and had it tending the B-53, which was a treat, and a foot loop made the process pretty easy, and lots of fun. Young Samuel had no trouble, apart from his foot prussik binding tight enough he had trouble pulling it upwards, I tied a Klemheist for him which made things easier, but now looking back I had it a touch wrong, and it ended up binding....
I picked up a figure-8, so I can basically fireman belay him on his descent, he tends to go a bit quick....
So a quick climb for us both, with plenty of points to practice next time. He had an "epic" time, so we'll be off again soon.....
