Extreme Tree Climbing with Earth Joy Tree Adventures

Earth Joy Tree Adventures has been on my radar for over a year. I learned about them a while back and ran out of time on a spring break visit to check them out. They had me at adventure … and tree.

The idea that my kids and I could climb as high as we wanted without consequence was extremely appealing.

We started our tree climbing adventure at AJ Jolly Park in Alexandria, KY. Our climb was on “Casper the Friendly Sycamore” which was a beginner tree climb. Earth Joy also does climbs in other cities in Ohio as well with various skill levels. I was soooo excited as I gazed at the multiple lines and beautiful scenery for our climb. Our weather has been a bit schizophrenic and we picked the perfect day.

We started by getting our waivers turned in and receiving instructions while putting on our harnesses, helmets and gloves.

 

We were also given an opportunity to tap into our competitive side. We were each given a monkey to loosely tie onto a branch for the other team to have to retrieve, the team with the most monkeys left in the tree at the end was the winner.

We received instruction on how to use the “magic knot” and the technique used to climb up.

You put your right foot in the foot knot, lean back, stand up and then raise your “magic knot” higher. This allows you to go your own pace and also take breaks when you need them. If you use your leg muscles you will not get as tired as quickly.

My kids have participated in several activities with harnesses so they didn’t really show any fears as they climbed up to the top.

I have some experience with repelling and these harnesses were so much more comfortable going up and going back down.

They were made so that someone can sit back in them like a chair when they are fatigued.

I quickly discovered that I probably should have put a few more hours in at the gym the last few months so I made use of the comfortable harness and relaxed whenever I got tired. I also had my eye on a hammock as a reward for making it up the tree.

The hammock was a little trickier than I thought it would have been.  I can honestly say there were points where it felt scary as my feet slid forward toward the tree while I was trying to make my way back up to the branch and hammock behind me.

Another more experienced climber really encouraged and helped me achieve my goal. I was almost ready to give up but her encouragement challenged me to give it a few more attempts.

It felt really good when I finally made to the inside of the hammock.

The hammock was so comfortable that I was tempted to call it a day and just relax there.

After a few minutes, I finally talked myself into working my way back to the tree and climbing a little higher.

The “beginner” tree looks more advanced once you have a birds eye view.

I made it as high up as my line would go and grabbed a few of our opponent’s monkeys to toss down to the boys and then I  set my sights on another hammock for my next climb.

It’s good to be rewarded for your efforts!

My boys found some other fun ways to switch up there climb by dangling.

We had a great time on our tree climbing adventure. It’s a great way to stretch out of your comfort zone and enjoy a day in the great outdoors.

You can learn more about how you can begin your tree climbing adventure with Earth Joy Tree Adventures from their website.

Disclosure: I was given complimentary climbs for review purposes. All opinions are my own.