Tentative plans are underway for the 2012 tree climbing rendezvous to be held in the Douglas firs and Ponderosa pines (and maybe a coast redwood or two) in northern California.

Several veteran climbers are scouting out possible sites and dates, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Still, those who're interested can start saving their money now and thinking up excuses for their spouses or significant others.

This year's rendezvous, set for Nov. 10-13 in Jacksonville, Fla., was originally set for southern California but had to be moved to the emergency backup site due to unforeseen circumstances.

This year's event will include a number of workshops, including Nick Araya's popular rope-splicing course and a gear overview by Sam "Oak" Johnson and David "Hunabku" Obi, along with workshops and demonstrations of various single- and double-rope techniques.

If you need info on this year's rendezvous, go to www.gotreeclimbing.org.

Whoa! The UPS guy just drove up in front and delivered a whole box full of goodies from New Tribe that are to be auctioned off at the Rendezvous. The box held one brand new Yellowjacket harness in olive drab, one adjustable basic saddle in the adult size range, and one adjustable basic harness in the child size range. Also one "Vi" harness in the small size range.

People at the rendezvous can bid on this stuff. I'm ready to bid on the Yellowjacket right now!

Thanks, New tribe!!!!!

Two old coots showed up at my place on Sunday. Said something about directions to Marywood?

I took em to see the the biggest live oak in the civilized world. Then I lent them an Alabama road map and sent them on their way.

It's taking every ounce of my self-control to not skip the rest of my classes and come home NOW!
And you're wearing that shirt from last year's Suwannacoochee trip. We need a repeat.