Oh Juliette

First order of business: fill the big hole in the deck.

Little Paul Bunyan

Tywen has a knack for cutting TorqueStixMini(tm).

Rope Runners

Since our lives depend on the Platform Retention System(tim), it's important to get the lines nicely laid up.

Abstract 1

With a record number of cameras on site, everyone takes their fair share of artistic shots. The guest photo editor (Julie) can't resist including a vast selection.

Careful Application of Torque

With deliberate turns, Theo applies the TorqueStixMini(tm) in the Platform Retention System(tm).

Grab and Go

The latest model of Eleni comes with a convenient carry-handle.

When You Wish Upon a Stare

He's clearly very happy to be up in the tree.

Lofty Goals

With one platform coming together, and another waiting in the wings, the Tinkerers memorialize the moment.

Hangin' and Whittlin'

While Gever gets things ready for the next phase of construction, the team takes 5.

Take it to the Top

Everyone takes a turn visiting the tippy-top of the newly erected second stage of the ladder.

Decking Specialist

Eleni bravely volunteers to put in the first deck plate. Her convenient carry-handle comes in handy in securing her to the tree as she works.

Bench Test

Hanna is working on the first piece of furniture for the sky palace, but a custom fit requires some early measurements.

Deck Plate Technologist

Ian demonstrates picture perfect power-saw technique.

Hang Test

Before he agrees to ride the boson's chair, Tywen demands a quick test of the system at low altitude.

Getting Comfy

As the boson's chair safety system gets worked out, Tywen gets some swinging in.

All System Go

Our brave arbornaut bids farewell to his compatriots.

Teamwork

With Tywen working from the outside and Maxine working from the deck, the railing assembly goes quickly.

Tricky Bits

Tywen learns, with a few dropped screws, how to manage a drill in zero-G.

Platform Retention System(tm)

Four strands of 1200lb-test 3/16" line with a fully wound TorqueStixMini(tm).

Think Make Tinker

Tywen models last year's shirt.

The Whittlin' Couch

With dappled sunshine, a sharp knife, and a few sticks, it starts to look like an actual summer's day.

Sunshine on My Couch Makes Me Happy

Maxine is overwhelmed by the sight of the sun. She thought she had forgotten what it looked like.

Chop-saw Contortionist

Some of the railings require highly technical cuts. The chop-saw is perfect for these compound miter cuts.

A Dappled View

Robyn and the Tinkerers (cover for their second album).

Excaliknife

Tywen has a knife. Look out, he's not afraid to use it (to whittle).

More Teamwork

Theo and gever manage to get the last of the railing braces into place. Now we just have to put the railing up and then it's on to the next level.

Whoops

Another debilitating accident results in the loss of Tywen's head and neck. The rest of the Tinkerers manage to soldier on.

Phase One Complete

Two story ladder, first floor platform complete with railing. Now on to Phase Two.

Enjoying the View

Everyone takes a moment to enjoy the new vantage point.

Hoisting the Platform Modules

All hands on deck (well at least three hands on the first floor deck and the rest on the forest floor) to get the next Platform Support Modules into place.

Tricky Maneuver

The hoist makes it possible, but not trivial to get the Platform Support Module into position for strapping.

Rip Van Winkle

Still recovering from his Tse Tse fly bites, Ian is once again momentarily comatose.

Waiting for Parts

A brief hiccup in the supply chain leaves the aerial crew with a moment of down-time.

The Scope of Things

Higher ground gives the photographer a different sense of perspective.

Mid-fall.

A dead branch is all that stands between us and the next Platform Support Module. Gever makes short work of it, if he can just keep it from taking out the first floor along the way. No one is allowed to help during this operation, to minimize accidental contact with flying limbs.

Ice Pack Face

Forgetting that Eleni has been holding this ice-pack on her foot (not a Tinkering accident), Tywen tries it on.

At the Foot of the Master

Everyone wants to learn Jiro's secret techniques of mellowness.

Taking Shape

Hanna and Maxine place the Platform Support Modules precisely while Gever demonstrates the security of the strapping.

A Slow Descent Into Chaos

Tinker central is starting to show signs of decay after a long week of heavy tinkering.

Custom Bench

The earlier measurements have been expressed in a functional modern design crafted from re-used materials.

Levi Tough

A 15-year old pair of jeans from the rag-bag finds a new life as the boson's chair.

Minor Adjustments

Hanna and Maxine make some minor structural adjustments to the railing.

Many Hands

The delicate and complex nature of the operation requires all six hands.

Final Piece of the Second Story Puzzle

Somewhat larger than the first floor, the second floor requires an additional Platform Spar.

Return of the Fog

Forsaken by the sun once again, the fog returns with a vengence.

Like a Little Bird

Jiro and Gever find perches in the branches while they secure the Platform Support Modules in preparation for the Platform Retention System(tm) installation.

At the Foot of the Master (again)

Despite heavy fog, Jiro holds forth on bike mechanics. The Tinkerers are fascinated and only come inside reluctantly when their hunger overwhelms their curiosity.

Dinner Time

Tonight it's chicken sausages with risotto, grilled vegetables, and salad. Yum!

Baker's Duo

Eleni and Jiro prepare the crust that she and Robyn made in the seldom used food processor they discovered in the back of the pantry shelves.

The Daily Show

So begins the nightly review of the day's photos and videos. Gever and Ian are amused by Robyn's slow-walking technique.

Dishing up Eleni's Masterpiece

A plethora of plums becomes the inspiration for another delicious dessert from Eleni and Robyn (and Jiro): Plum Gallette