nice chunky oak greenluck! I couldnt help but notice the configuration of your hitch climber pulley attachment points. I always attach my split tail ends to the bottom hole, and the termination end of my climbing line to the center hole in the hitch climber pulley... this attachment config that I describe keeps the up rope from interfering with the hitch by adding a bit of separation between the two lines. AND attaching the split tail in the bottom hole shortens the legs on the split tail making the hitch more compact (less sit-back). maybe you've tried all of the configs already and you have it the way you like it:) just pointing out what I do, and why. Thanks fr sharing the details of your climb.

Thanks for the Hitchclimber configuration suggestions. I've been experimenting, for a long time I used the top and bottom holes, then tried the top and middle hole (based on a suggestion from another climber). Looks like I'll need to try the middle and bottom hole next.

To be honest the difference I have found between the set-ups is small. The Hitchclimber works great in any configuration and has to be one of the best tree climbing products to come out in the last 10 years.

This tree is frequently visited by hunters and poachers as evidenced by a few tree spikes that were installed by free climbing hunters and gathers. Lucky they only installed 6, just enough to get to the first big branch union. Since the spikes are there, I use them to hang my gear when setting up.