tree climbing, pilfered images, etc.

This is what happens when you get a bunch of writers together after reading an essay that talks about tree climbing:



Post-climb, scouting out the next tree, late afternoon falling in the meadow surrounded by trees

From Thoreau's "Walking":

I found my account in climbing a tree once. It was a tall white pine, on the top of a hill; and though I got well pitched, I was well paid for it, for I discovered new mountains in the horizon which I had never seen before — so much more of the earth and the heavens. I might have walked about the foot of the tree for threescore years and ten, and yet I certainly should never have seen them. But, above all, I discovered around me — it was near the end of June — on the ends of the topmost branches only, a few minute and delicate red conelike blossoms, the fertile flower of the white pine looking heavenward.

It is one of the million reasons why I fall in love with Iowa a little bit more every day.

[Thanks to Kendra & Sarah for the lovely images/text)