Good Morning, Class!

Still in a sugar coma from breakfast pancakes with Jiro's homemade syrup, the Tinkerers need to review the plan of action invented the previous evening. Or maybe they're just surprised to see what it actually looks like in the cold, gray, foggy light of day.

Take Two, They're Small

A truckload of fresh 2x4s - "we're winning!" says Hanna.

Spellbound

Gever can't get enough of the knot book. Fortunately Theo is ready for action while the rest of the gang tries to figure out Tywen's latest joke. At least the sugar is wearing off.

Busy Hands In The Factory

We're gonna need plenty of platform braces - keep 'em coming, boys! Lucky for them the Tinkerers had the foresight to construct a jig and charge up every cordless screwdriver within half a mile.

Girls Just Wanna Make Ladders

While Hanna and Robyn critique the finer points of ladder building, Eleni and Maxine are trying to remember if it's trigonometry or geometry that will tell them whether it should be 7 or 8 rungs in an eight-foot ladder.

Let It Be(atle)

Julie can't figure out what to say about this shot since she didn't even know there were red succulents on the property.

How High Was That Again?

Gever admires his design while everyone else tries to envision just how they're going to get these braces 8, 16, and 24 feet off the ground.

Measure Twice and Lash Once

Now that the platform brace factory is in full swing, the Tinkerers get serious about figuring out how they lash them to the tree.

Silly Wabbit, Sticks Are For Kids

No, it's not a snake. Gever and Tywen figure out the best way to trim the perfect TorqueStix(tm).

It's Really Quite Simple

Despite early morning casualties (Tywen's nasty stick cutting incident, resulting in the loss of both arms), we soldier on and figure out the solution to our Platform Retention System(tm).

A Question of Torque

Using the perfectly trimmed TorqueStix(tm), Gever demonstrates how twisting the line will increase the holding force of the Platform Retention System(tm). Eleni reserves judgment.

Two Sticks Are Better Than One

Half-turn by half-turn, Gever cinches the 1200 pound line onto the blocks. The forces are becoming substantial. Must... keep.... twisting....

How Tight Is It?

All twisted out, Gever stops to let the Tinkerers evaluate the system. Much to their surprise, the once flexible rope feels like iron rods.

Stickhunters

Now convinced that the Platform Retention System(tm) and TorqueStix(tm) are going to work, our intrepid stick hunters wade into the poison oak infested fog forest in search of tender young saplings. Theo is itching already.

A Momentary Illusion

The Tinkerers take a moment to stop and enjoy the forest wildflowers, buoyantly blooming despite the oppressive fog and gloom.

Fab Prefab

The Platform Retention System(tm) demands platforms of high structural integrity that can withstand the powerful TorqueStix(tm) tensioning system. Hanna demonstrates her fingertip drill control while Eleni watches appreciatively.

Twist and Shout

Gever releases a TorqueStix(tm) - stand back everyone! Kerpwang!

Obedient Tinkerers

Wondering what all the fuss is with this "stand back, everyone!" nonsense, the Tinkerers are happy that there is at least a comfy couch to be bored on. It will only last a moment before they're back in the fray (where they should be).

TorqueStix(tm) Version 2.0

Streamlined, faster, easier to use, handles well in the corners, in butter yellow, the new TorqueStixMini(tm) completely replaces the old 2-stick TorqueStix(tm) system.

Brave Test Pilot

Theo is either giddy with relief or crazy from the cold, but seems to be enjoying his perch on the maiden voyage of the Platform Retention System(tm) retained platform. The training wheels have come off!

Once More Into The Fray

Gever ascends the tree to rig the pulley system that will allow the Tinkerers to raise the Generation 2 Platforms into the sky beyond their mere physical reach. Or at least to the top of the ladders - nosebleed country.

What's In There?

While inspecting the tree for the best possible anchor location, Gever takes the opportunity to examine the tree canopy flora and fauna. Don't stick your finger in there!

We're So Done With That

The original platform prototype has proven the validity of the Platform Retention System(tm). Now it's time for Out With The Old, In With The New. Jiro wonders if we need to save that little piece of stick stuck in there?

I'm The King Of The World!

Not quite ready to fully release the ladder now that he's safely out of the dying limbs, Gever re-enacts a few favorite movie scenes before descending.

Aye Aye Captain

Theo can't resist taking a turn at the movie stage ladder perch. We're here all week folks.

Heave Ho

Raising the first platform proves more difficult than expected. We'll need a block and tackle for the next one.

Meanwhile, Back At The Factory

Eleni takes her turn at the platform support fabrication station. Apparently all the cordless drills have been spent, so she has moved on to the Godzilla of hand drills.

Physics Is Amazing

Although you might be wondering if Theo has decided to try kite flying in the midst of the Swiss project, he's actually demonstrating the somewhat unbelievable advantage the block and tackle has provided. He's lifting an entire platform section all by himself.

Able Bodies Up A Tree

Tywen and Maxine place the first deck plate onto one of the platform brace modules (currently held up by the temporary retaining straps, later to be replaced by the Platform Retention System(tm)). (See bonus video to follow the action.)

Riggers To The Trees

After some procedural review with Gever, Hanna and Eleni get in position to route the Platform Retention System(tm).

Retention Placement Engineers

It takes a certain amount of finesse to get the Platform Retention System(tm) into position. The lines must be perfectly horizontal and untwisted before applying the TorqueStixMini(tm).

A Well-Oiled Machine

It's all hands to the ship as the temporary retaining straps are removed and the Platform Retention System(tm) is deployed.

I Thought You Brought The Ball

All that rope is irresistible. Is there some sort of string-tag game we could invent? Do you think this is where string theory came from?

Class Is In Session

One final review before calling it a day. We discuss open issues, unresolved problems, and the technical challenges that lie ahead. Tomorrow, we raise two more platforms, add decking, plumbing, and an island kitchen. We'll leave the jacuzzi to next year.

TeamKeepaway

The rules are still evolving (aren't they always?), but a new game is emerging as the Tinkerers explore the possibilities of a ball made of duct-tape-wrapped bubble wrap and an always-on-defense 7th wheel (Gever).

SITORS

Some artistic license has been taken with the instructional sign for parents. When you get here, Lease Onk O Rival.

Moment of Zen

With both African and Bhuto influences, the temporary retaining straps evoke the primitive rhythms of the Northern California Fog Forest.