Big old red oak climb

Here are some photos from a recent climb, the biggest red oak that I've been in. It's a fine old tree...
Red oak part 1
Red oak part 2

-moss

Wow, that looks like such a fun climbing tree! Great shots, I like the shadows of your limbs on the tree limbs.

Josh, great pictures of the Red Oak Trek. I see that the cart's workmanship is pretty high. What kind of suspension did you use? Otherwise it could be kind of bumpy along rough trail ways. Thanks again for the photos. I learn more by looking at pictures than anything else. Specially if I want to try some of the ideas that you guys develop from time to time.

Originally posted by Oldtimer
...I see that the cart's workmanship is pretty high. What kind of suspension did you use? Otherwise it could be kind of bumpy along rough trail ways..

Great question. At walking speed suspension is not as much of an issue. It's similar to a bike, you can ride any fat tire back over rough terrain without suspension, just take it a little slower than usual. There is some shock absorption built in. The wheel support struts are relatively thin lengths of fir and have some flexibility. The tires are the fattest I could find to fit a standard 16" rim. I keep tire pressure low to absorb vibration. I've thought of putting some kind of rubber gaskets between the wheel frames and the main frame but haven't needed it.

I will say that it is very nice to arrive at a tree relaxed and rested instead of with an aching back. When I run into challenging obstacles I'll unload the cart and portage over the obstacle, reload and on my way. It's even nicer when you come out of a tree after four hours climbing and don't have to put your gear on your back.

I'm a semi-hack carpenter, the cart is built using simple materials, hand tools and a couple of powered hand tools. None of it is perfectly square or balanced but it does well enough. With a table saw and drill press (working on it) I could crank it out much faster and make all the parts a little more accurate in dimensions and alignment. I will try and draw up some plans once the prototype is fully resolved.
-moss

Moss,

Do you push that cart or pull it through the woods? Pulling one-handed with that handle arrangement could cause biomechanical probelms with the shoulder and clavicle.

Originally posted by Rod Justice
Moss,

Do you push that cart or pull it through the woods? Pulling one-handed with that handle arrangement could cause biomechanical probelms with the shoulder and clavicle.

Sorry Rod, I missed your question when you posted it. I push the cart. It can be pulled to get over logs and that sort of thing but is most comfortable being pushed.
-moss

That's good. Hang that thing up on a root or bush while pulling it and it just wracks the daylights out of the shoulder joint all the way down to where the clavicle joins the breastbone. If you do have to pull, turn all the way around and pull it with both hands while facing the cart.

it' a good looking piece of equipment, good job.

Originally posted by Rod Justice
That's good. Hang that thing up on a root or bush while pulling it and it just wracks the daylights out of the shoulder joint all the way down to where the clavicle joins the breastbone. If you do have to pull, turn all the way around and pull it with both hands while facing the cart.

it' a good looking piece of equipment, good job.

Thanks! I have my niece Anna do all the testing so I don't risk injuring myself. She can barely walk and can't really talk yet, but she has an agreeable personality and is willing to work when she's not napping!

Check out that bridge!!!


http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturejournal/102852254/in/set-72057594068346435/

love
nick