S.E. Louisiana - Texas to Florida on Jobs

Where to start?

Most of my jobs have been at height, everything from Window Washing to Bee Keeping, I have been in and out of the tree industry sense 2001 but have always found time to climb regardless of what else I was climbing. My first climbing job was in 1995 removing wild bee colonies from tree's, barns, homes and commercial buildings, I still keep bees but mostly as a hobby these days. I climbing and cut timber in the cumberland gap (tn) for a couple years that was really fun because a lot of the time the tree's were on top of huge shelfs of shale or close to it which is when I also started rock climbing.

Harness: Petzl Avao Bod Fast - while it occationally gets heavy compared to ones without shoulder straps I needed something that was up to code in different jurisdictions and didn't want to have to lug around more than one as I rode a motorcycle when I could get away with it - doesn't quite work that way once you've tied the knot. She is a cool lady and while she doesn't really climb anything she puts up with me lol.

I generally lean towards DdRT although I am proficient with SRT as well.

Recently someone (last month) stole a tote with a bunch of ascenders, triple-lockers etc. So I'm in the process of building my gear back up. I still have enough to climb a bit while I build my gear back up. I also tend to work a lot, however if anyone within a 100 miles of New Orleans ever wants a climbing buddy - don't let my username dissuade you - I just like the implication of no drama.

As far as climbing goes, I have been accused of being to safe and overly cautious however once you see someone fall out of a tree in the mountains and break their back before getting to the ground (boss - Tenn) you tend to go from double to triple checking everything, not out of fear but out of caring for those around you - I don't ever want my wife to see me like that. Plus we have to be good examples to those we climb with from nieces to newbies, I think those who have been climbing for a while have a bit of an obligation to keep this as safe as possible for all involved. That said, who doesn't like absailing upside down lol. Well I must be getting old because I don't do that nearly as much as I used too, lol.

Oh, I'm a good listener (when I'm not deaf from work lol) and try to see where others are coming from and learn their technique - the only time what works for you is wrong is when it is dangerous. I try to climb at the level of those around me, because I don't want anyone trying to keep up with me and finding themselves outside of their comfort zone. For me it has nothing to do with how high I can get, I don't compete or anything like that, I just love being in tree's, I could care less if I get to the top or not, I think that when people push others past their ability that is when bad things happen. I never climb without at least a groundie or another climber present.

If I take a while to get back to you - I'm probably out on a job :-P I will get back to you as soon as I get your message. Sometimes I login with a cell or tablet sometimes they support the OS sometimes not :-P so generally if you want to climb with me please give me a 3 day heads up so I have a chance to get back in time. I'm also into volunteering. Anything from picking up trash to whatever. Just gotta catch me when I'm off work.

Hmmm, I think that is a pretty good intro, so now it's your turn Stop by say hi, don't just read this and move on - Yes, I'm an extrovert I have a problem of almost always being in a good mood - regardless of what is going on around me.

Happy Trails
LeafMeNpeace

Please forgive typos - I'm running on 4 hours of sleep today - those with kids know what I'm talking about :-P