Tree Climbing in New Mexico

Pleasure to meet you all in a tree
Here's who I am:
Ogham

Here's my girlfriend Oakwoman in a tree Full of Peace, Peace-ing out in Tree Time
~Ogham

hey Ogham!!! you and i look VERY similar!!!!! :D except my beard is bushier.... same rusty color though :D

welcome to TCI, both both you and your loved ones!

I'm so happy to hear from a fellow bearded-one, SRT-Tech... just don't get it caught in your knots, :-D Tomorrow I'm going to do a SRT with a Prusik's, with a Muenter's Hitch for descent (I know it twists my rope but it's all I have for now). Which means I love a foot wrap with third hand, and DRECT is always wonderful, too, lol. Thanks for a warm welcome
Ogham

You bring back memories of the 60’s. I had a beard too, but it was thin and it made me look like an old man, or so the children said when I was an avid bicycle commuter in the late 60’s and 70’s.

SRT with Prusiks loops- known as the “classic” style of climbing to cavers. A bit slow and very basic as far as technique goes, but certainly a poplar climbing style of activists who get their gear confiscated when caught. Feel free to inquire about other styles of climbing here if you are so inclined. There are faster methods and certainly less fatiguing styles of getting into trees. The folks here are always happy to share their knowledge.

Ogham

Where are you located in NM?

Hiya Treeman
LOL, glad I'm not the only bicycle-commuter here. I've been a few thousand miles on a bicycle, from the West coast to the East and back again... Wish I knew about tree-climbing back then. C'est la vie... As to the simple techniques, yes, I'm definitely learning more every day. I'm just trying to do the best I can with the gear I have: biners, harness and rope. Next on the list is some ascenders and Grigris and a pulley. Until then, any suggestions? Right now, with a major snowstorm (& record winter) we're experimenting with knots and climbing systems indoors, swinging from the rafters As soon as the weather warms up, we hope to get permission to climb a champion Ponderosa about a mile from here that caught our eye (prob. DRET, & couple of pitches). It's about 120 ft, which is sizeable for our area. As it's about 10 degrees F out right now, we'll have to just "hang out", watch the lava lamp, and practice technique. Thanks for the warm welcome & hope to meet you at the Colorado Rendezvous
Peace,
Ogham

Hiya Rod Justice,
We're in central NM, in the mountains, about 20 miles East of Albuquerque, technically the Manzano Mountains at 7800 ft. Compared to Oregon where I learned with New Tribe, the trees seem more like bushes, but they are still beautiful and awesome to climb. Mostly the trees that are here are Ponderosas, Pinons, and down in the valleys: Cottonwoods. There are also many firs, junipers, aspen etc., depending on elevation.
Ogham

I will be there at the Colorado Gathering for sure. I am sure we can swap stories about two wheel transportation.

Say, have you tried riding your bike with gear on to your favorite tree? It certainly turns heads, especially if you have the rope on your back and carabiners that clang with every bump. If you have a rear view mirror mounted on your helmet or glasses you get to see people point and give the thumbs up sign.

Ogham,

glad to hear there are good trees out your way. My wife and I are planning to retire out that way at some point in the future.

I've heard the cottonwoods are brittle (especially at 10F!), your experience? From the aspens I've seen, they don't lend themselves to much adventure, pretty much up and down.

Here's hoping to high rafters and lots of good firewood.