Adkpk
Addicted to ArboristSite
Adrpk, I started reading your thread and I noticed you said something like, "once i get some rope I'll start practicing knots." I practice knots all the time. I carry a two foot piece of 1/4" clothesline (cotton braid over felt core) I practice knots all the time, at red lights, at meetings, while watching crap on TV. An anchor knot against an index finger, bowlines, running bowlines, blake's hitch, prusik, tautline, sheet bend, square knots, figure eights, double overhand, single and double fisherman's knots to make loops, cats paw, triple crown knot, butterfly, slip, figure eight on bight, etc. I think tree climber's companion mentioned this first and I have been doing it since. Keeps your hands nimble. it doesn't take long for you to be bale to do it without watching your hands.
Another book to read would be "Fundamentals of General Tree Work".
I use a shoestring at my desk and use the key ring as a t.i.p. I do have, "Fundamentals of General Tree Work" and find it a wise buy. I use a basic method of climbing and what to keep it that way for a while. I try to keep it simple for now as I don't get a lot of chances to get in a tree, although I try. I have plenty of time before I need to use rigging knots. But I have heard before that to be able to knots blindfolded is a good idea. I think I can do a couple now, blakes hitch, figure eight, double fishermans. In the meantime watch where your driving. :biggrinbounce2: