[TowerTalk] Climbing

[Steve Maki]

Sounds like you've had some attitude (altitude) adjustment tonight. I agree.

-Steve K8LX

On 10/7/2014 8:34 PM, John Sloop wrote:
> I have been monitoring this thread for it seems like over 2 months and
> cannot help myself but I must bring some common sense and insight to this
> audience.
>
> Now that I'm 85 when the temperature is above 90 degrees I limit my free
> climbing to 300 ft. and 700 ft. when it is below 90.  I carefully step over
> guy wires and Tic Rings.  It is important to climb at a minimum rate of at
> least 30 ft/minute to avoid exhaustion & have time to work at the top.
> Above 700 ft. I use 2 lanyards so one is always attached.  This is important
> because gusts, microbursts, & popup thunderstorms are a common occurrences
> which cannot be avoided and accomplish significant work.
>
> When I climb I'm up for the day and pack a lunch and water as it is
> essential to avoid dehydration.  Both lanyards are used when performing the
> necessary body disposal functions, it's just too hard to hold a bag at your
> behind when swinging from one lanyard -- however these bags are only
> necessary when working on towers in congested areas.  In the country, it's
> really great to swing by one lanyard facing out from the tower and take a
> whiz!!
>
> I always attach an OSHA rated line to my harness that reaches to the ground,
> even though it gets heavy above 1700 ft but is necessary so that when the
> job is completed I can rappel to the ground.
>
> My XYL says I should retire, but it is just too much fun and when you enjoy
> what you're doing you never have to work a day in your life.  However at 97
> I plan to limit my jobs to towers 1800 ft. or higher so I don't wear myself
> out.
>
> Happy climbing.
> 73
> John S. AA0ES