November 15th 2024.
I have been climbing trees for fun for more than a decade now. It all started when I was 58 and I saw a perfect tree for climbing. It was tall, healthy, and had evenly spaced branches all the way up. I couldn't resist the temptation and decided to climb it.
As I made my way up, I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my body. I stopped when the structure looked a bit thin, perched myself on two branches, and looked down. I was pretty high up and the feeling was exhilarating. The wind swayed me back and forth, and I was hidden from sight by the leafage. It may sound like a childhood memory, but this actually happened when I was 57.
My love for climbing trees started way back in my childhood. I was only eight years old when I first laid eyes on the big Sycamore tree on the green, near my house in Ashtead, Surrey. It was the tallest tree there and I was determined to climb it. I still remember the feeling of accomplishment when I finally made it to the top at the age of 10.
But it wasn't just that one tree. My best friend and I would often climb the nearby willow tree and chat at the top. We also had many fun times climbing trees in Oxshott Woods on the weekends. And it wasn't just trees, I loved climbing rocks and walls too. During family vacations by the sea, I would climb rocks at places like Polperro Harbour. Sometimes, I would even climb over walls and explore empty buildings.
However, as I grew older, my interest shifted towards other things like roller skating, drawing, and spending time with friends. I all but forgot about climbing for the next 30 years, except for the occasional adventure playground at my previous job.
But then, at the age of 42, I rediscovered my love for climbing through rock climbing. It all started when a friend's new lodger, Sam, invited me to join him at the local climbing wall. I was nervous at first, but Sam tied me onto a top rope, which made me feel safer. I was excited and nervous as I made my way up, but the feeling of accomplishment when I reached the top was indescribable. From then on, I was hooked and started climbing every week.
Soon, I even started climbing outside in places like Cheddar Gorge. And the following year, I went on an outdoor sport climbing holiday in Spain, where my confidence grew even more. However, a year or so later, I developed a fear of falling. Thankfully, a friend offered me a therapy that helped me overcome that fear and regain my confidence.
Years later, I also started bouldering, which is climbing short and challenging "problems" without a rope. This rekindled my love for climbing trees, and with my newfound strength and confidence, I found it to be quite easy. I remember my first tree climb after years, during a walk in Leigh Woods with a friend. I was a bit nervous without a rope or crash mat, but I managed to climb down safely.
Since then, I have been regularly climbing trees for the past six years. I find it fun and exhilarating, especially when I climb trees to pick fruit. Although it can be precarious at times, it's worth it. My favorite trees to climb are gnarly old oaks, as their branches drop towards the ground.
I remember one particular big old chestnut tree that I climbed during a long walk. It was a bit of a puzzle to get down, but it's always easier to climb up. Some people have asked me if I am too old for climbing trees, but I believe age is just a number. In my world, you're never too old to play.
Climbing trees has also been a great reminder for me to stay young at heart. Trees are majestic and beautiful, and climbing them makes me feel free and alive. And to top it all off, I am proud to say that I am 58 years old and still enjoying my childhood passion. So never let age stop you from doing something you love, as long as you are physically able. After all, age is just a number.
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