I've been climbing all winter. Getting better I think and more confident. I'm using the hitchclimber pulley system and really enjoying it. I've been trimming trees, just friends and family sort of things. Light rigging and set up a half ass speed line just to see if it would work. Since losing my teacher things have really slowed down on the learning part, figuring stuff out on my own. Everything is very slow and methodical but still going well. Today though something happened that I feel is a huge breakthrough. I was tied into a tall sycamore and able to move pretty freely and able to transverse to other trees. At one point I lost my grip and was in a pretty good swing,well only about 10 feet but it felt huge. My stomach did a somersault and my asshole kinda clenched, but then I was into the other tree holding onto the branches. After I caught my breath I began to think my saddle held, my carabiners held, my hitch was good my rope held. It was a huge light bulb moment and a confidence builder that my equipment was truly safe and to be trusted. I really can't explain the feeling but thought that here maybe some of you might relate. Friends and family sure don't, they say just don't get hurt! It just feels good having something out of the ordinary happen and knowing that the gear and what I did is dependable. Hopefully some of you will share the same kind of moment. Thanks!