greetings to you all

Hi Everyone. I want to say hello to all of of you and introduce myself for the first time. I'll be joining you as Dogwood. My son James and I are fairly new climbers, and we now welcome a new being into this world. James and Shana gave birth to Seamus Pierce Haulenbeek on April 4th. He weighed in at 10 lbs 10 oz and he lives on 1010 Road. Happy climbing Seamus!

Nice introduction! Congratulations on your new grandson.

Looking forward to hearing about your climbing experiences.
-moss

Welcome!

Hope to climb with you soon...I'll bring ropes next time I'm up to Raleigh!

Climb Safe!
Icabod

Dogwood was one of my recent students. He and his grown up son learned together at the TCI school. I hope he will not be too shy to show you all some of the splendid trees he is climbing.

Welcome Dogwood!

First off, congradulations Dogwood! The world always needs another climber with a supportive family!

I thought I'd introduce myself on this thread, keeping in spirit with the topic. I've only been climbing about 3 months. Been reading this board and one other for this entire time, and finally plucked up the time to register! I have too many questions for more experienced tree climbers to remain silent.

You see, I'm self taught - well, not quite. Dick Flowers' book, and a few others, got me started on the road towards secure climbing. Excellent guides for new climbers, and as I have yet to meet another climber in my immediate area, they are the only source of climbing 'wisdom'.

Actually, my first attempt at tree climbing (with a rope) was about 3 years ago, after I'd ran across the prusik knot in a book. I am very glad I never 'got off the ground', so to speak! My idea of rope was nylon 3 braid, and I'd never thought of a helmet. "Harness? What's that?" Luckily I was foiled by the difficulty of tying a prusik with such lousy rope (all of the same diameter as well!) It could have ended up terribly....

Since ordering my rope, helmet, harness, and other gear from NewTribe, I'm pleased to say I've had no serious problems or accidents so far!

Climbing John