Written by Arthur Treff | Photos by Evan Anderson
“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is, in the eyes of others, only a green thing that stands in the way.” – William Blake
Chardin Detrich was in his element. Previous experiences as a rock climber and wild land fire fighter had prepared him well. Sunlight glinted off his signature blonde ponytail protruding from the orange helmet.
He was ascending an enormous white oak, cutting off limbs and safely lowering them to his team mates. He loved being an arborist. He was climbing this beautiful tree using the latest techniques, and from his harness hung fifteen pounds of gear, everything he could possibly need for the climb, including self-rescue and deep wound first aid.
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Ira Friedrichs loved being high off the ground. The accomplished rock climber from Lexington, Virginia, had spent a lot of time on mountainsides. With a rope securely anchored to a rock face, Ira could hang in his harness looking at tiny trees far below and be overwhelmed with the joy of living and the beauty of the natural world. Right now, I’m resting in a place that very few humans will ever see, he thought. I wish I could spend all my time up here.
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