Hi Cromack,
I have lots of suggestions, so feel free to call me at TCI (404-377-3150) if you want to talk this through. Here are the most important things:
--Tree climbing can be dangerous. Get training before you get into a tree on your own. You have to know what you're doing and the rules for safety before you try anything. I strongly urge you to read our "Recreational" climbing section (under Education) to see what's available from TCI, or we can direct you to a school with a trained instructor closer to your home. If that's not possible for you, at least purchase our "Tree Climbing Basics" DVD, which is very thorough. But hands-on training is always best.
--Don't order gear until you know what to order, otherwise you'll end up spending a boatload of $$ on stuff that you may never use. It's so tempting to buy some of the sexy stuff way ahead of time; but then you'll learn new techniques and boom, you'll be trying to sell it on Ebay. (If you join TCI, membership includes a discount coupon to three different vendors of gear.)
--Start with doubled-rope technique (DRT) climbing as a foundation for everything else you do in the tree.
That's all for now. Thanks for posting your questions on the TCI Forums!
Patty Jenkins
TCI Executive Director