Nature’s Rhythm

A few weeks ago, it appeared as if fall had arrived.  This recent heat wave was like summer’s last hurrah.

We experience a wide range of weather patterns in Wisconsin, many times in the same week and sometimes even the same day!  It is this variability in the weather and the change of seasons that I enjoy. 

This period of transition triggers a feeling of excitement for the one ahead and a sense of closure on the one we are leaving behind.

That said, fall is still my favorite time to be in trees. 

I spend time reflecting upon the experiences of the past year.  I am tuned into Nature’s rhythm, which puts me at peace.  I feel a spike in my creative energy as I look towards the future and begin identifying ways to enhance my life energy in the coming year. 

Falling Leaves & Climbing Trees

Getting my feet off the ground and the freedom of being on rope heighten my sensory perception.  Simple pleasures I enjoy on the ground are enhanced while climbing trees.  Come fall, they turn into bursts of energy felt throughout my body.

Laying on a branch in a sugar maple allows you to bask in the tree’s red-orange-yellow aura.  Sitting within the pool of light emitted by the surrounding leafy mosaic, it is easy to get a sense of why John Muir referred to trees and forests as Nature’s temples and cathedrals.

Your view is obscured when a tree is in leaf.  The foliage acts as walls between the rooms and levels of your climbing tree and those of neighboring trees.  As the balance of leaves covering the ground increases from those remaining on branches, your depth of visibility increases to reveal the structural beauty of scaffold limbs.

The sound of crinkling leaves carries across the distances, enabling you to envision the playful nature of squirrels even if they are out of sight.  If you sit long enough, the leaves may signal the approach of deer.  It is a neat experience to sit above and watch grazing deer meander by without being alerted of your presence.

Despite the lower temperatures, the physical nature of climbing warms your body.  Even a slight hint of perspiration is enough to energize you when a cool breeze passes by.

Once the leaves have fallen, you are able to enjoy shades of brown, gray, and black.  You can focus your attention on the details and variety of leaf shapes strewn about below.  The ground provides a canvas as the shadows cast by the trunks and branches convert the three-dimensional world into a dynamic line-drawing. 
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Enjoying this abstract art work of shadows and leaves, you’ll eventually find your silhouette projected on the ground. 

​The realization of looking down upon myself is a type of out-of-body experience that brings me back into the present moment and my sensory system back into check.

On a Friday evening in late August, I headed out early in order to get an hour of personal time in one of my favorite trees before I had to set up for the evening’s climb.

As I pulled up I noticed a woman sitting at a picnic table beneath the tree.  In order to install the ropes, I need to have people out of the area, so I was going to have to ask her to move.

This tree and its nearby companion are a pair of mature white oaks that have a special presence about them.  Their large size and branching structures are quite a contrast to the younger neighboring walnuts and hickories.  It is no surprise to me that someone else enjoys time beneath these trees as I do.

In walking up to her, she appeared to be at peace and had a positive energy about her.  I paused for a moment with reservation given I had arrived early solely for the intent of spending personal time in the tree.  I thought maybe I should hike a nearby trail and allow her to enjoy her time with the trees until it was time to set up for the climb.

While these thoughts ran through my head, the woman turned and greeted me with a warm smile and cheerful, “hello.”  In front of her a wooden flute lay on the table.  With pencil in hand, it was apparent I had interrupted her in the middle of journaling.

We were immediately engaged in a conversation about what I was up to, as I was carrying a colorful rope and wearing my climbing helmet. 

I was there to enjoy time in the tree.  She was there to enjoy time under the trees.  That was enough for us to form a bond.

Bonding Under The Trees

For the next hour, we shared stories from our lives.  I found myself sharing topics I seldom discuss with anyone other than my closest friends and family.  She talked about her life experiences and valued memories.  Together, we enjoyed conversations about family, hobbies, life and dreams.

The reason we had met was simply due our appreciation for the two trees above, which is why I think the conversation kept returning back to them. 

Together we found that their energy has provided comfort and aided in self-reflection in our both of our lives.

I told her what the trees have meant to me for the 2 years I have been coming to visit.  Some of my encounters were from above.  I pointed out the branches which cradle my head as I lay back to gaze upon the branches and leaves above.  I shared stories of climbers who had successfully challenged themselves at different places in the tree.

She has been coming to these trees for many years.  Journaling and playing her flute in their shade, she too has formed a bond with them.  They have become close friends to the both of us.  It was enjoyable to hear her perspective and memories of the trees. 

Given how private I am with my own journaling, I was touched when she opened her journal to me to share a story and a hand-drawn picture of the night’s climbing tree.

With colored pencils she had captured the character of the tree in her drawing.  Without ever climbing the tree, she noticed and had detailed some of my favorite branches.  Two people from separate generations and backgrounds, yet we appreciated some of the same details of this amazing tree.

Giving Them A Name

I like to name trees once I get to know them.  It was time to name these two oaks, which is what I was hoping the day’s climb would reveal to me. 

We name trees because they are living beings and companions, much the same as why we name pets.  It is a display of respect, gratitude and connection.  It takes a special person to not only name a tree, but to tell other people that you talk to trees by name. 

At the conclusion of our conversation that afternoon, she shared with me that she had named the trees years ago.  The Grandfathers.  Our climbing trees had already been named.

This encounter reminded me of the beauty and role trees play in people’s lives.  I appreciate my personal relationships with individual trees.  She gave me insight into what these two trees mean to her.

We can all look at the same trees, yet they will reveal the different aspects of their personalities to people who are ready to listen. 

​As our time together came to an end, it was time to prepare the tree.  My intention that day was to get to know this tree better through time in its branches.  I gained a greater appreciation and connection to The Grandfathers thanks to my new friend sharing her private time with them.

​There are an amazing number of things you can discover in a tree: tiny details of the tree, organisms which live in and on and around the tree, distant views, personal insight. 

As an amateur photographer, I love taking pictures of our climbing adventures. Many times I'm on the ground helping others experience it for themselves. But when I have the chance to be up in a tree, I like to capture some of the things we discover up there.

Last week I headed to the top of a white oak, where I was able to find a place to stand with my head just feet below the top of the tree.
 
From that vantage point, I could look across the tops of the neighboring trees and peer through windows in the forest’s skyline.  I explored the entire crown, and the view stretched far off to the horizon, which brought on a sense of peace and self-reflection.
 
Clouds strolled across the sky.  Their shadows danced and rays of sun sparkled throughout the canopy.  Songbirds sang all around and squirrels gnawed away on walnuts in a neighboring tree. The afternoon culminated as a hummingbird decided to join me, zipping around the tree in pursuit of an afternoon meal. 

While it's not exactly like being up there yourself, here are a few moments I caught on film to give you a sense of the things you can discover...

During one of our climbs last May, we had people from 7 years to 76 years of age in a tree at the same time.  There was a family of 2 children, mom, dad, and grandfather who all had time on rope.  There was a father and son as well as a mother and daughter climbing that day.  Like most climbs, we also had a few siblings as well as a handful of single climbers.

Growing up in a house of 6 boys, many of our back yard activities involved sports.  That was a lot of fun; if you were the oldest. It was hard to get a fair game of 3-on-3 football going when dealing with an age span from 7 to 19 and height difference from 3 ½’ to 5 ½’. 

Gatherings with my brothers and their families these days presents us with an age span of 5 to 50.  Probably the same as your family, we see the different age groups splintering off to play with each other.

That all changes when Uncle Curt shows up and the ropes are set in the tree.  Everyone comes wandering back together for an afternoon of family fun.

Individual Challenge, Joint Experience

With tree climbing, each person climbs on their own rope.  There could be twelve of us in the tree at any given time.  While climbing the tree together, you get to face your own challenges, set your own goals, and have your own successes. And I get to have mine.

At the multi-generational climb in May, a fear of heights was the challenge for two of the climbers.  One successfully reached the first branch at 15 feet above the ground.  The other was able to push until she could sit on a branch 25 feet up.

One person was challenged with the technique, yet he persisted and reached his goal of climbing high enough to see out across the park.

With the father and son, we were able to help the young boy reach the height he was most comfortable at.  Once he returned closer to the ground, he repeated the ascent process.  When he discovered the sensation of being swung through the air, we could not swing him high enough!  Once the father realized the son was able to climb on his own, dad was able to focus inward and head for the top of the tree.  Pushing himself ever higher, he too reached his goal as he stood on a branch near the top of the tree.

Building Bonds

A young girl’s face glowed with excitement as she watched her parents and grandfather climbing the tree with her and her sister!  Her lack of fear and inhibition led her to higher points in the tree, all the while encouraging her family to continue their journeys and join her.  Three generations playing together.

The mother and daughter were able to ascend ropes next to each other and approached the climb similar to a casual hike.  The bond they shared was apparent in their conversation during their time together that morning. 

Two of the observing parents commented on how focused their children were while climbing, that they never asked for their electronic devices which were left back in the car. 

For those who had never visited the park we were climbing in that day, most were unaware that a river flows by only 30 feet from our climbing tree as it is screened by tall grass along the bank.  With the elevated perspective, the river came into view for the climbers.  At one point, all climbers were able to catch a glimpse of passing canoeists and shout out a cheerful greeting to the bewildered paddlers.  I would have loved to seen the faces of the paddlers, or better yet, had their view of people hanging in the trees on a seemingly secluded stretch of the Fox River.

While all of the climbers enjoyed the same tree and views of the river and park, they each came away with something completely different.  Every ascent is a new venture, a new challenge, and an opportunity to reach a new goal.  We spend the time together, yet it is your personal experience which provides the greatest impact and long-lasting memories. 
Afterwards, climbers often continue the conversation over lunch or on the ride home in order to share personal experiences, observations, and successes during their day in the trees. 

These kinds of climbs, with diverse groups and even my own brothers, nieces and nephews at a family gathering are what make me treasure activities like tree climbing.  Activities that open up an experience that can be enjoyed by individuals, families, couples, friends, clubs, and a variety of groups or teams. The bond that is created is real.
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What diverse group are you part of that could benefit from being in a tree together?

​Do you often think back on your childhood with fond memories of seemingly endless summers being spent outside? Do you remember family vacations in National or State parks? Did you enjoy exploring the nearby woods? Did you have a favorite climbing tree?

I remember the impact the Smoky Mountains had on me, with their ever changing shades of green fading to blue as the ridgetops seemed to pop up endlessly into the horizon. I can still picture the vast amount of sky surrounding us on an airboat ride through sawgrass marshes in the Everglades. Even with these neat adventures, no summer was complete without our family’s annual camping trips.

A large part of who I am today was formed and influenced by these experiences, and possibly more so through my time simply playing outside and spending time in nature.

Benefits of Being Outside

Growing up, my 5 brothers and I spent most summer days outside. Even in the heat and humidity of southern Florida, we’d much rather be riding our bikes around the neighborhood, exploring the field behind our house, or hiking to the nearby lake to play along the shore and cool off in the water.

We often pitched our tents in the backyard simply because we enjoyed the simplicity and freedom of spending time detached from the television and electronic distractions inside (and I am talking about the 1980’s!). If it weren’t for my parents’ willingness to let us ‘rough’ it in the back yard and insistence that we get outside and play, I am unsure where my life’s journey would have brought me to today.

When we were younger, we knew that spending time outdoors was the key to a happy life!

Countless studies support this notion, explaining how crucial outside free-play is for us and our children. Free-play allows us to foster our creativity and decision-making skills. Children, in particular, benefit as they are developing motor planning skills and trying to discover their interests.

Studies have shown the benefits of spending time in nature is even greater than simply being outside. If you are one who enjoys hiking, camping, hunting, canoeing, or time in nature, you are probably already aware of nature’s power to make you relax.

Reduced stress, improved short-term memory, reduced inflammation, improved concentration, sharper thinking, immune system boosts, and improved mental health are some of these benefits that I have experienced firsthand. Not too surprising to me were the studies I’ve read that show the relationship between children who spend less time in nature and the likelihood they experience attention disorders and depression.

I have worked outside for a living most of my life. Even if your job has you indoors through the day, neither of us can escape the fact that we need free-play and time in nature.

Making Time To Play Outside

In the typical progression we call life, things get more complicated. A brief outline of my life is likely quite similar to yours.

Now, enjoying our careers, it is quite easy to put in the extra hours. Home repairs pop up. There’s a lawn to mow, meals to make, dishes to clean, garden to weed, and so on.

If you have kids, this list expands ten-fold, which can make it seem more difficult to send the kids outside for hours on end. Their schedules are filled with structured activities. You may face pressure from people who have different priorities and approaches for their kids.

Kids aside, how about your own well-being? I am sure you still find time for fun, entertainment, and getting outside; but, what does your outside time look like these days? Does it most commonly consist of yard work, relaxing on the back patio, at the kids’ soccer game, or attending one of the many festivals throughout the summer?

How much time do you spend in nature? Whatever happened to play time? Do you not have time for either anymore?

While I do not play and spend time in nature nearly as much anymore, I know it should be a priority. If the opportunity escapes me for too long, I make time as it is as important as proper nutrition.

Tree Time

I had many favorite climbing trees when I was a kid. In Puerto Rico, there was a magnificent rubber tree (Ficus elastica) at the school playground whose aerial roots and large limbs demanded I swing in the canopy like Tarzan. There was also a rubber tree in our neighbor’s yard in Miami which catered to my later fantasy of living a life like I saw on Swiss Family Robinson.

Those who have climbed in or even tended to the more moderate house plant, know how sticky the sap of a rubber tree is. I don’t think my mom ever quite understood that swinging through the trees relied heavily on having sap-layered hands and feet for grip. The sticky arms, legs, clothes and hair were a small price to pay for safety!

I had a number of favorite climbing trees through the years. Every one of them provided me a place I could go to be alone. I could read a book, challenge my nerve, take a nap or simply lose myself in the serenity of the treetop.

Even today, the benefits I receive from tree climbing often exceed that of other activities primarily because I am outside, breathing fresh air and inhaling the essential oils and compounds emitted by the trees and other components of the natural environment. The further away from concrete & asphalt and the larger the forest ecosystem the tree is growing in, the greater the effect.

The climbing process itself heightens your senses and has a profound impact on your brain. You will feel energized once your feet leave the ground, yet you will find peace when you sit back and take in the views. Negative emotions, anxiety and stress will fade away, ushering in positive emotions and a boost in self-confidence and creativity.

Feel Better. Be Happy.

As much as I love hiking and playing in my gardens, much of my free-play during the summer is climbing trees for fun. Even though I can get in a personal climb during some of my work days, it is the climbing I do outside of work which impacts me the most.

There is no right or wrong way to climb a specific tree, which means you are free to explore as you desire that particular day. One rule: stay tied in on rope at all times…the rest you just make up as you go. Nothing compares to how I feel when I am playing out in the woods, high in a tree. Everything comes into balance. Physically, mentally, emotionally.

For me it is climbing trees. For you it may be hiking. Don’t wait for a doctor to prescribe it to you. Spend a few hours playing in nature this weekend.
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We were right all along…playing outside is the key to a happy life!

So much of our lives is about doing things faster and more efficiently. We run around like we are in a race to do as much as we possibly can. In truth, we often run ourselves ragged. Can you relate?

We understand the value of being able to do things quickly, but there is also tremendous value in slowing down.

Have you ever noticed that each year goes by faster as you get older? As we age, our careers demand more time, we are running kids from one activity to the next, and we find ourselves rushing home from the gym to make dinner.

Setting The Pace

Tree climbing is an exciting and engaging way to slow down. The simple fact that it helps me focus inward and be mindful of my existence is what drives me into the trees on a regular basis.

There was nothing quick about my first ascent into a tree on rope.

It was a mature white oak on a beautiful estate in western Illinois. We were on site as the sun was rising, given we had numerous trees to tend to that day before our return back into St. Louis. Having my line set by my trainer, I suited up and began the arduous task of climbing up to the first branch.

I was very much aware of my surroundings and progress during that first ascent. Having worked ground support on a climbing crew, I had watched in awe at the ease in which our climbing arborists moved through the trees. They made it look so much easier than what I was experiencing that morning.

Finally being able to climb into the canopies of these majestic trees was one memory I doubt I'll ever forget; especially considering that my trainer had set my tie-in point to allow me to make a 20' swing to another branch. I gained the ability to explore the world of trees beyond what I had ever done as a kid. What a rush!

Life By The Clock

As rewarding and invigorating as that first climb was, it was also the beginning of my journey into climbing trees under the clock. Get up, get done, get down. Production tree care is extremely rewarding, but in order for any business to be profitable they must work efficiently and safely.

This is true in many areas of our lives, and probably sounds familiar to you.

After 20 years of climbing, I had conditioned my mindset to approach every climb with the view of how can I best access the tree and return to the ground within a reasonable time. My attention needed to be completely on the tasks at hand and the people and obstacles below. Of course you can steal a minute here and there to sit back and take in the view... like Clark Griswald taking a brief moment to enjoy the view of the Grand Canyon before rushing the family back in the car in National Lampoon's Vacation.

Even when I climbed trees for fun, I had the learned tendency to perform as if I were being timed.

Enjoying The Journey

A couple years ago, I finally made the deliberate effort to enjoy the climb.

Stop racing to the top. Take pause on occasion to take in the experience, the tree, the view. Like I did that very first time I climbed.

These days, I get to help many people experience the excitement and beauty of climbing trees. We climb for many reasons and reap many benefits. One of these is to slow down and enjoy our time.

Before a climber descends, I try to remember to have them pause and take in the distant view from where they sit. They worked hard to get to that point, and should enjoy their just reward of the views, which very few people will ever get.

There are many things I love about my time in the trees. Making acquaintances with the ants, preying mantises, squirrels, orioles, hawks, and cicadas I encounter is as enjoyable as inspecting lichens, moss, tree seedlings, mistletoe, or Spanish moss.

I often find myself within reach of the highest leaves of the tree or looking back down the living being I have scaled at its firm foothold, maintaining my connection to Earth.

Try Slowing Down A Little

Climbing trees is one way people are able to slow down and revisit the days of their childhood when days seemed to stretch on endlessly. Our Open and Private Climb events are designed to provide you this opportunity.

Please treat yourself this year and make time to join us for one of our Open Climbs. Discover for yourself the power of “tree time.”

Given the recent plunge to single digits and sub-zero temperatures, multiple questions came in regarding the affect on insects. Specifically, can we expect these temperatures to kill off insect pests?

While winter climate can influence which pests we may or may not encounter in our region, in general the insects we do encounter (native or naturalized species) are largely unaffected by these low temperatures.  There are a number of adaptations which enable insect populations to remain largely unaffected.  Migration and 'supercooling' are two ways insects survive winter. 

Migration can involve geographical relocation or simply migration deeper in the soil or into the wood of the tree.   Japanese beetles, for instance, overwinter as grubs in the soil. In winter they will migrate deeper in the soil in order to stay beneath the frost layer. When the average depth of the frost remains in the top few feet, grub migration enables a large portion of the population to complete their life cycle and emerge the following summer as adult beetles.  

An interesting adaptation found in many insects is the ability to ‘Supercool’ themselves. There are a few ways in which insects can do this, but generally speaking they can produce chemicals which act like antifreeze inside their bodies.

Being cold-blooded, an insect's internal temperature is largely influenced by outside temperatures. Supercooling enables insects to avoid ice crystal formation inside their bodies, thereby minimizing and preventing the cell destruction and subsequent death.

An emerald ash borer will overwinter in the larval or pre-pupal stage. With the ability to supercool body fluids, paired with an overwinter location beneath the bark, they are protected from otherwise lethal temperatures. Prolonged temperatures in the ballpark of negative 30F can begin to cause larger EAB population die-off, but we do not typically see that occur to any great extent in the Upper Midwest.

Early or late frosts can “catch insects off guard”, causing freeze kill.  Early frosts in fall hit before an insect has time to migrate to a protected location or produce the supercooling chemicals in preparation for winter.  Late frosts in the spring can have the same lethal consequences on insects who have emerged, ready for spring activity.

While severe winter conditions can reduce some insect population numbers to an extent, the population numbers are more heavily influenced by the weather and climatic conditions during the seasons when the insects are active.  From the time of insect emergence through mating, seasonal weather will have a more significant impact on pest populations.  Abnormal and extended dry or wet periods at the right time (or wrong time from the insect's perspective), can have a noticeable impact on an insect species. 

Are you looking for new and exciting ways to get outside and enjoy the seasons?  You do not have to travel across the state let alone to the other side of the country to find exciting adventures in the great outdoors.  There are a number of unique offerings right here in Waukesha County.  Make it a goal to try at least 2 of them this year!  Whether you have free time during the week or on the weekends, every one of the following adventures are available to you.

1)   Balloon Rides
Wind Dancer Balloon Promotions: WAUKESHA, WI
- Hot-air balloon rides are the ultimate in tranquil early morning or early evening flights in the Waukesha area.  Flights are available year-round, seven days a week, weather permitting.  Reservations are required.  www.winddancerballoons.com
 
2)   Foot Golf
Moor Downs Golf Course: 438 Prospect Ave, Waukesha, WI 53188
- Foot Golf is a combination of soccer and golf!  18-holes.  www.golfwaukeshacounty.com/footgolf/
 
3)   Camping
Waukesha County Parks: www.waukeshacounty.gov/camping/
- Menomonee Park, W220 N7884 Town Line Road, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051, (262) 548-7801
- Mukwonago Park, S100W31900 County Hwy LO, Mukwonago, WI 53149, (262) 363-7658  
- Muskego Park, S83 W20370 Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI 53150, (262) 548-7801 
- Naga-Waukee Park, 651 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI 53029, (262) 548-7801  
 
4)   Recreational Tree Climbing
Treetop Explorer LLC: WAUKESHA, WI
- We loved climbing trees as children, but somewhere along the way we stopped.  Treetop Explorer, LLC provides the recreational tree climbing experience in southeast Wisconsin.  Regularly scheduled climb events open to the public and private climb events available for birthdays, team bonding, reunions, and outdoor adventures.  Once you are in your harness and on rope, you are free to ascend at your own pace and move about the tree as you feel comfortable with.   www.treetopexplorer.com
 
5)   Disc Golf (aka Frisbee golf)
a)    Oakwood Community Park: 3000 Oakwood Road, DELAFIELD, WI 53029
b)    The Phantom Disc Golf Course @ Minor Park: HWY LO (Eagle Lake Ave) east of HWY I, MUKWONAGO, WI  53149
c)     Miniwaukan Park: 360 McKenzie Dr., MUKWONAGO, WI 53149
d)    Valley View Park: 5100 Small Rd., NEW BERLIN, WI 53151
e)    Sussex Village Park: N63W24459 Main St., SUSSEX, WI 53089
f)      Wales Community Park: 420 E Brandybrook Rd, WALES, WI 53183
g)    New Tribes Bible Institute: 915 N Hartwell Ave, WAUKESHA, WI 53186
h)    Vernon Disc Golf Course @ Town Hall: W249S8910 Center Dr, BIG BEND, WI 53103

When I tell people that I climb trees, it triggers their own memories and stories about climbing a tree as children.  Without fail, a smile comes across their face as they enjoy the memories in their mind while sharing a story with me.
 
I have climbed trees professionally for over 20 years now.  I have climbed to prune them.  Climbed to remove them.  Climbed to perform other surgical tasks.
 
A few years ago, I learned that some people climb them simply to be in them.  They use the same climbing system that we do as arborists, yet they have no predetermined reason for ascending into the tree other than to get to know the tree. 
 
From that conversation, I was hooked.  I had climbed a trees outside of work to practice new techniques for the job.  I had even taken friends and family into trees so they could experience the sense of accomplishment reaching the top, and the joy of taking in the view.  But it never occurred to me that it was okay to climb solely for the enjoyment.  Just as I did when I was a kid. 
 
This is how a 20-year veteran of climbing trees came to “discover” the joy of tree climbing.
 
The Climbing Tree is taken from an essay I wrote years ago.  It describes the impact that tree time had on me as a child.  Something I guess I have never outgrown.
 
 
The Climbing Tree
 
I do not recall the species of my first climbing tree. Ash, elm, oak, I couldn’t say. The memories, however, are still vivid in my mind.
 
At first, I had to ask my older brothers to give me a boost. As they hoisted me high, I stretched my scratched, bruised summer-time kid arms up to the lowest limb and pulled myself up with an “umph” to sit on the worn branch.  In time I grew and was able to jump up and touch the limb. Not much longer after that, I was able to jump up and grab the limb all on my own! That was the climactic day that I could finally get myself into the tree relying solely on my own strength and skill.
 
By that time, I had already been climbing higher into the canopy and further out on branches. My older brothers had shown me where to hold with my hands and where to place my feet so I could discover different spots in the tree. They encouraged me to challenge myself until I could confidently reach out to the two swinging limbs- limbs you could hold onto with both hands and let yourself hang and swing and yell out wild calls into the canopy. 
 
We had many adventures in that tree. We schemed harmless heists and mused over the standard philosophical schoolboy chatter.  The tree served as our fort where we would plot our neighborhood mischief for the day.  Even though it was our fort, we never used a single nail or board. The number of branches and the perfect sitting areas throughout the crown of the tree served as the ideal fort for us.
 
Oftentimes I'd head up alone on a hot summer day to lay back on one of the limbs that held me as if they had grown for just that particular purpose. Other times I would climb to the "crow's nest", a point where five branches emerged at the same point and curved upward to create a seat that cradled my upper body.
 
It was here that I could read a book, while swinging one leg lazily between limbs or doze off in the calmness and serenity of the canopy, as thousands of emerald leaves twisted and turned around me in a soft summer breeze. I had discovered tree time.