Last Sunday the Rouge Rogue and I headed to Four Squares Park to get some climbing in. We decided on a nice pine tree that was somewhat protected from the raging winds that were crossing Jacksonville that day. I'd say some of the gusts were pushing well over 40 mph.

We did a good inspection of the tree for hazards and things looked good. No hangers or damaged limbs to be seen.

Lines were thrown. Ropes were hauled.

As I worked on getting geared up I left RR to get her knots tied on her own. She learns fast and likes to do things herself.

As I was leaned over gathering up the split tails and carabiners I would need for the climb I hear a loud WHACK. It sounded like a meat tenderizer mallot smacking a thick cut of beef.

I look up and RR is just standing still, looking at me. Not a peep came from her mouth, but the wind must have blown some dust into her eyes, cause they were watering up. "What was that" I asked? "That was a pine cone hitting me on the shoulder" she replied. So I took a look, and I'll be darned if it didn't look just it sounded.

She's pretty tough though. without skipping a beat she got right back to tying up her knots and we had a fun climb.

Climbing those Four Squares pines in 40 MPH winds must have been quite a roller coaster ride.

Hmmm, porcu-pine cones??? That looks a bit painful!

Ouch! Just how big do you guys make pine cones down there?!

David, I hope you did the right thing and kissed it better!