September 22, 2004
Tree climbers reach lofty goals
Harnesses enable climbers to leave wheelchairs behind
By
Herald staff writer
Facing a tough challenge is nothing new for the group of enthusiasts who set out Saturday with the loftiest of goals - to touch the sky.
The group of 13 included men and women, children and adults, all with one thing in common - each had a disability and the desire to keep that disability from preventing them from participating in outdoor sports.
The Northern Michigan Adaptive Sports and Recreation group, sponsored by Munson Rehabilitation Services, held their third annual tree climb at Zimmerman's Landscaping this weekend.
"This gives them the opportunity to do something they have never done before. When they are up in the trees, they are no more disabled than I am," said event coordinator, Ann Reichert.
"It takes them out of their comfort zone," noted Reichert, who also plans skiing and kayaking trips for the group.
If 20 feet up, hanging from a rope, is out of their comfort zone, none of the climbers seemed to show it.
"I haven't done anything so great in a long time. That was terrific, to be able to be out of your wheelchair and experience the sensation of height, it just feels great," said Steve Rutkowski of Traverse City.
Rutkowski, who has been in a wheelchair since a diving accident in 1976, had missed that sensation of height. Before his accident he had been an iron worker during the construction of the Renaissance Center in Detroit, working 40 floors up.
"This sports group is just terrific. I've been kayaking with them for three years and have water skied and bicycled, but this was wonderful. I can't wait to get back up there."
For Matt Moritz of Traverse City, looking down from on high was a new experience.
"I was scared at first, but if you believe you can do something, anything is possible. I have never done anything like this before but I would recommend it to anyone who would like to see the world from the top - it's a great place."
Dick Flowers couldn't agree more. Flowers, who teaches a tree climbing class at Northwestern Michigan College, suggested the event three years ago and has helped organize the group of volunteers from around the state that make the climb possible.
"I have been hooked on tree climbing since the first time I tried it. It is a wonderful thing, not only or those in wheelchairs, but anyone, for the sense of freedom it gives," Flowers said.
Alex Cullen of Leelanau county hopes her first climb will not be her last.
"I've been waiting to do this since I first heard about it six months ago. I spent lots of time climbing trees when I was a kid. It is very peaceful, I could just hang out for days."
For more information on Northern Michigan Adaptive Sports, call Ann Reichert at 935-8684.