For a tree lover (and tree hugger), I had quite an adventure. A curious, little company in Monteverde owns many acres in the Costa Rican rainforest. This is typical in the area. A handful of families have decided to preserve their land (and fund its maintenance), by offering night walks to see the wildlife. This particular family only takes small groups into the forest, and they offer something special. You can climb the inside of a 300 year old tree.
Before the sun set, we put on a climbing harness and helmet, and took a short walk through a dense maze of forest. Standing before me was a 100 foot tall tree. At first glance, it looked like a standard rainforest tree, fairly large with sprawling branches at the top. But, step closer.. then duck your head to peek inside a cavity at the base – and you will find that it’s completely hollow.
This is the Ficus tree. We didn’t know this ahead of time, but it starts as a seed growing on the top of another tree. Huh? That’s right. For this wild tree to grow, it takes a bird or another animal to poop a seed out on the top of a host tree. The Ficus then grows from the top of its gracious host to the base. Dropping branches like a vine. These branches beautifully wrap around the host in criss-crosses, maturing and thickening to create the white straps you see in the picture.
The host tree will die; it will fall apart in pieces over time. And, the Ficus tree that’s left will be incredibly strong. Despite it only being a shell of criss-crossing branches. If the host tree is bent as it rises toward the sky, the Ficus will drop branches straight to the ground, creating sturdy support pillars at the bent sections. It’s quite an example of natural architecting!
Our group of 10 looked up one by one, from the inside of the tree’s base. Once my hands touched the tree, I was reminded of the years of rock climbing I had done, and left behind. The deep connection to the Earth in all its forms – dirt, rock, tree – it feels so visceral when you climb. There’s nothing but you and this piece of nature (and a big fall if you can’t hold on).
We were safe and tied into a rope with an auto-locking device, that would catch us if we slipped. Without any of us falling, we scaled the tree to the very top. Needing to snake our bodies sideways and backwards to exit the tree as it bent around the platform they built for us. From there, we were linked into a safety chain, so we could roam the platform and enjoy the sun that was just starting to set.
Pura vida. There are no other words for it. The bliss of simply living life.
I have to admit there was not just one person on this climb that was scared. A mother was afraid of heights and stopped her climb after just a few feet. Her child who was under 8, could barely reach some of the places to put your feet and hands. But, she made it through with help from our guide (she only needed help climbing back down the tree!). And, I was nervous. The way I always got nervous lead climbing. Feeling the tingles of anxiousness run through me, as I chose not to overthink it, and just keep climbing. Even when you know your safe, you can still be afraid to fall.
Down climbing was always the scariest for me, but this time it felt easy. I was reminded that I just had to try, and I could always ask for help. By time we all reached the ground, the sky was black. We were ready for our night walk. Harnesses off and flashlights in hand. Climbing that tree, I felt the strongest I’ve felt in a long time. And, for someone that loves trees as kindred spirits, I also probably felt the happiest.
My love and passion is to help people rediscover their free-est self. This is an adventure into what makes you happy, moves you, and lets you express yourself fully. To join me, or learn more, reach out by clicking the button above. Pura Vida!
