The NTCA (Northland Tree Climbers Association) Tree Climbers' Gathering (arbor camp) in January started the New Zealand tree climbing year off on the right note.
NZ Arbor No.1 Scott Forrest made a special trip from aussie to attend the inaugural NTCA gathering, along with tree climbers from all around the country.
'Gathering' organizers, Joe Cooper and Troy Alderton printed commemorative tee shirts for the event and Scott scored one for himself.
These shirts are now well sought after (even by those who did not attend the gathering). Over the last few months countless photographs have surfaced showing climbers modelling their distinctive black, Pakaraka t-shirts.
Scott likes his one so much he only takes it off for Malay villagers!
The photograph below was shot recently in the Daintree rainforest near Cairns by Julia Chilcott from Tree Tech and Tall Trees Photography.
Scott (in his Pakaraka t-shirt) has just completed a traverse from one 40m xanthostemon whitei to another.
Julia, 'Rookie of the Year' and third place getter in the women's division at the 2011 Australian National TCC made the same traverse after taking the photograph.
Thanks to Joe Harris, Into Trees and 2011 Treephoto organizer for keeping us up-to-date on the great Australian road trip.