Celebrating 2007

The year is coming to a close and it is time to recount all the fun that we had climbing, meeting new people and learning new techniques.

Other than the regular climbs at home at nearby trees I will always remember the Trek to Colorado for the 2007 Tree Climbers Rendezvous. The trees were fun, easy to reach and the facilities were excellent. The short seminars and the overall friendship demonstrated by all the participants and the sharing of climbing techniques were tremendous.

The other mayor event this year for me was the Trip to the FDR State Park in Georgia to meet 53 lucky climbers that managed to make it to this beautifull park. It was a tremendous success in all the mayor categories. Easy to reach, great location, large variety of trees for all tastes and levels of experience and the Organizanition by the Rogues from TCC and Park Ranger Jody Rice was a great host.

I think this was a great year in personal level I completed my Advanced Communicator Designation by Toastmasters International. Now, It is time for everyone else to write down your memories of the events you enjoyed the most this Recreational Climbing Year. Post a link to your photos for us to share your experiences and plans for the next year.

I am already looking forward and making plans for the main event in 2008 The Rendezvous Celebration Anniversary of TCI Foundation in Atlanta in Sept. 24-28, 2008 and returning to the FDR Park sometimes in November 18 thru 24 and during April 18-20 the Blue Ridge Mountains get together will take place again. Lots of adventures coming up next year!

The '07 Rendezvous was easily the highlight of my year. I'm pretty much ready to join a tree cult and rendezvous year 'round!

Treetramp and Harv in the majestic Mr.Tubs


SRT innovations with Tom


Tengu kisses the sky


Sunrise reward


You've probably seen many of these photos already but you can find all my Rendezvous '07 photos here .

For '08 I aspire to get up in a Bald Cypress in some mucky southern swamp.

Great thread Oldtimer!
-moss

Moss, Thanks for showing some of your pictures again --- I missed the first posting.I have really enjoyed your responses on many of the subjects on this board and others. Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year. Question of the day \" What do Abe Winters, Peter Jenkins and the turn of the century ( 1999 to 2000 ) have in common? \" It has something to do with \" a place to be above it all.\" As the new century changed rifle shots were heard in the distance, But thats another story!

For me, the highlight of 2007 was becoming the first person to climb the tallest tree in Northern Europe, a 210ft Douglas Fir near Inverness called Dughall Mor (Gaelic for Tall Dark Stranger). It had been raining all night when we emerged from our tent on the hillside. Some of the photos attached show the amount of lichen on the tree (in contrast to the 2nd tallest tree - at Lake Vyrnwy in Wales, which was relatively lichen-free). The grainy photos are stills from film footage I shot with my digital camera. The tall Douglas Firs in Britain are all around 120 years old, but are being caught up by younger, rapid-growing Sitka Spruce in Wales.

Michael

That's annoying - it seems my pictures are still too big. I'll attach files instead. if that doesn't work then I'll try again another day - it's nearly 03:00 here so I'm off to bed.

Merry Christmas!
Michael

Time to open the presents and tell us what climbing stuff and gear you got with your presents? I Got a digital camera(finally) and a couple of dress shirts for work!
I will get a new helmet with my REI Certificate and some new blue jeans to replace the old stuff. Not a bad deal!

Merrry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008!

It's me again! I hope you all had a good Christmas, whatever you were doing. Anyway, back to these photos of Dughall Mor that I promised I'd put up. Let's hope it works this time;)

The first 2 pics are stils from video footage I shot while ascending to the first branches at 75ft. (I was surprised to have only needed one shot with the Big Shot to get the branch I wanted!)





Neighbouring trees from about 130ft.



160ft...



Nearing the top - the amount of lichen indicated that this is a close to a rainforest climate as we have here in Britain.



Me, as close to the top as is safely possible - the first person above 200ft in Britain & Northern Europe!



View looking Northwest towards the Beauly Firth.



I hope the photos attach this time and that you all have a successful and safe 2008.

Michael

Sorry guys - I hope you enjoyed looking at 7 identical photos - I myself never get tired of seeing that view of the Beauly Firth!

I think I'd better ask Patty for some advice on attaching photos

Okay, thanks to Moss I now know what I'm doing. Here are the photos I've been trying to attach:

Hurrah! I finally sussed out attaching photos (well, Moss showed me actually). For anyone reading this thread from the top down - these are pictures I took while climbing the tallest tree in Britain in August.

Regards
Michael