"Hey, just wanted to give you and Bill a big THANK YOU for all that you 
brought to the Facilitation Course.

I honestly loved every minute of it... climbing, working hard, hanging 
out with you two & meeting new people. It was a real challenge for me 
(I was so exhausted that I stayed home from work and literally slept 
ALL DAY on Tues!), but I learned so much... I certainly learned there 
are many things that I need to practice & improve upon, I see things 
that I did on the climbs that I will try differently the next time. 
I'll keep getting better and smarter. But it feels great to recognize 
how far I've come from a year ago when I did my first few climbs with 
y'all. I can see how much I've already gained through climbing.

Taking this course has been empowering. It has given me an injection 
of needed energy! I think as a woman, it's especially important to 
take on things that remind you of how strong you actually are, and to 
bring your own way of doing things to the challenges you face. 
Climbing is a good equalizer in that there are different ways of 
approaching any situation, like setting a line, or choosing your 
climbing route. There's a certain kind of freedom that comes with 
knowing you are able to get where you want to go, whether it's that 
branch, the highest treeboat, or the next transfer. I may not yet be 
able to throw to the highest limb, but just the same I know there's a 
way I can get there.

Another thing I've learned is that I love leading climbs! I've taught 
a lot of things, from art classes to yoga, but for me it is really 
thrilling to coach someone up onto their first limb! Another thing I 
learned is that I want to continue to build my confidence and physical 
ability to be a stronger climber. I'm totally intrigued by the idea of 
and the need to be prepared for rescue situations. I have been 
thinking a lot about what I'd do in certain situations and I want to 
work to be faster and to maintain focus to respond effectively.

I also want to remember on every climb to relax and just enjoy looking 
out on the world from the crown of a tree.  That is cool. Chills down 
my spine cool. I am itching to get back into the Sycamores at 
Beechwood... let me know any time you are going!

And you guys are the best. You manage to be encouraging, giving out a 
lot of information and ideas, while keeping the climbs relaxed, fun 
and on target.
I love being on this adventure with you. Thanks for making a place for 
me & sharing your time and knowledge...for people who climb so high, 
you're very down to earth.

Talk to you soon,"
-Laurie

 

 

                                                               Imagine you in this ....up in a tree!!

 

We L♥ve Tree Climbing ! 

 

Shelly and Bill Byrne