An Arborist's Blessings

A stunning view of Asheville from the branches of a White Oak, Quercus alba.There are parts of our jobs as arborists that may seem to be extreme. For example beginning the work day at 7:00AM, everyday, OUTSIDE all winter long, or climbing in the biting cold, our fingers exposed for every task whether it is tuning up our machines and vehicles prior to work everyday or tying/untying our safety and rigging ropes. We know that those watching see us at great heights with all the risks involved, but what most don't see are the breathtaking views we see from up there, the early morning skies blistering with color from our pole-barn shop, the crisp clear beauty of forests aloft in winter. It is a different picture by far from the lush, welcoming canopies of spring and summer, however we can see even more sky and branch structure in winter without the thick curtain of leaves. Climbing can be exhilarating, but also peaceful and serene. If we are blessed with sunshine and our schedule allows, we may eat our lunch in the trees we are working in or stay after for a little sunset viewing too!Sun rise this morning from the shop: Sunrise yesterday from a pre-work rec-climb near our shop:The Latte bucket making a steady delivery:T-shirt weather in January! Climbing does have a way of warming you up:What tree work looks like when you are also in a tree :)