Good to see you around these parts Xylem. I'm glad you are still climbing. It always encourages me to see young climbers venture out into the trees. There are too many "grey hairs" climbing out there and new climbers are badly needed.
So make me feel comfortable here.You are climbing with a partner and/or calling in your GPS coordinates when in the woods- right? Many of the big trees you seek are in some remote areas so please make your instructor feel comfortable.
One good way to find big trees is to contact an Extension Agent or Forester in the county you are climbing. Ask educated questions, like where are the big red oaks in this county (or what ever species you are interested).
Keep away from National Parks. State parks are usually OK, but get ranger permission to climb which might be a bit difficult with your age. National forests are good places to check out.
BEWARE hunting areas while in season as there are hunters that shoot by sound, not sight. Wear orange of course- lots of it.
Your state forestry association will also know where the big stands are. They probably have maps as well.
BTW- cell phones get better signals from the treetops- so carry your GPS and phone it in to home base- especially if you are alone. I would like to say never climb alone, but I too was once young and invincible (a mirage to be honest) and climbed alone. SO BE CAREFUL- YA HEAR!
Tell me what you discover. You've only posted a few times here. That's not good enough for a strong young climber. Tell us what you are seeing and make some observations to help other climbers. I'll be looking for your posting numbers to go up.
See ya,
Treeman
Waving from a treetop,
Peter Treeman Jenkins
