DIY Swing

Maryanna approached James yesterday with a hand sketched diagram of how to make a rope swing.  She had tried one out at a friend's house and has been begging to set one up just like it ever since.

  

So we picked up the simple supplies, rope and a garden hose segment, then begged James to climb up to secure it.  Here he is reviewing how to tie a bowline knot from the Dangerous Book for Boys, I think this project was exciting for him because it did feel just a little dangerous.  

 

But is James an expert tree climber and has much experience reading books way up high, and actually this branch was not too high.  

This swing is as simple as a loop around the branch tied with a bowline knot and covered with a bit of garden hose to protect the branch.  The bottom foot loop is also tied with a bowline knot and covered with a bit of garden hose to make it comfortable on the foot.  Here it is in action, and it saw much action on this beautiful autumn day.  I think we're going to have to make a few more.

Thanks Maryanna for sharing your idea and not letting this season pass us by without swinging.

Now we've got to come up with a design that is easier for the little ones to use.