Some guys just aren't cut out for this kind of work. I've seen more than a few climbers really lose their head in bigger trees, and in the bigger scheme of things even huge trees aren't really all that tall. You see them in smaller trees, or low down in bigger ones and they're climbing confidently, good stance, very secure. As they get higher up the technique starts getting real sketchy! They're moving a lot slower, second guessing themselves, hugging the tree, feeling the fear. It's very much a head game, physically there's no difference doing the work 150' off the ground than there is doing it 30' off the ground.
I started out rock climbing, and then moved into rescue and industrial access before becoming a tree climber. I love being in big trees. Feel much better being up there than on the ground. Love really hanging out up there, being way out on a limb with a lot of exposure. It's a great feeling! The 'getting up there' part is not as enjoyable as it used to be, but I'm getting older and heavier! I can see a wraptor in my not too distant future. There are days when I feel less heavy though, and those days the climbing is more of a pleasure. When you've got energy to burn you climb strongly, frittering it away and almost laughing. Brings a smile to your face for sure! Days like that I whip the hand saw out more, just feels right.
Love the feeling of exposure being up a 1000' cliff face, nothing to really hold on to and the rope is only there as a backup. It brings a pleasant momentum to consciousness and focuses the spirit in a way that I've only experienced sailing. Certainly living in the moment, and very much absorbed. Your mind won't be off multi tasking, wondering what to have for dinner etc. Same kinda feeling hanging off the side of a 60 story sky scraper, very much a blank canvas!