Pow-wow

Time to strategize about the task ahead: crossing the chasm using only the rope-bridge. Did we mention it's made by 8-10 year olds from recycled plastic grocery bags? And some of them only learned to braid the day before?

It's Just Like a Slack Rope

Gever reviews the technique of walking on a slack rope. "Ours has hand-rails!" he says. Fiona is still worried and Connor is truly doubtful. Only Nemo seems unconcerned (or maybe he's just thinking about Spiderman).

Eager to Get Underway

Nemo (as the lightest Tinkerer) has already completed the crossing, so Connor is now eager to take his turn. "It's so much easier with hand-rails!" he exclaims.

Tree Dismount

Nikhil shows the tree dismount required after crossing the bridge. Once in the relative safety (or at least stability) of the branches, he must make his way around the trunk to the ladder on the other side.

Fiona Prepares for the Crossing

Fiona eagerly takes her turn, now that half the field has demonstrated the bridge is secure.

Tywen Towers Over

With the additional weight of each successively heavier Tinkerer, the rope continues to stretch and sag, but Tywen shows the structure is still quite sound.

Concentration or Bug?

Sam is fixated on the tree, but is he focused on his footing or another iridescent beetle?

Meanwhile, Over on the Slopes

Once the bridge and 1st floor of the treehouse have been conquered, the quest is for the perfect piece of cardboard to surf the pine-needle-covered slope.

Snacktime

After everyone has a turn on the bridge, it's time for some trail mix. As the currency of the Tinkerers, those who are willing to trade the few m&ms in each handful control the field.

Reversing the Field

Since most of the project tests in Tinkering start with the shortest or the lightest member of the group, Piper is inevitably last. Today is her lucky day, with nearly new hand-me-down sneakers from her aunt (finally the reward of grown-up size feet!) and first priority for a visit to the 2nd floor of the treehouse.

Celebrating Second

Twyen and Sam enjoy the vantage from the second story.

Truly a Treehouse

As the view from the house confirms, the treehouse is not only in a tree but in the midst of trees as well.

Long Way to the Top

With spotters at every level, it's still a lot of ladder for the Tinkerers to negotiate.

Just Happy to Be Here

Fiona and Nikhil relish their accomplishment: the 2nd story.

Howdy Neighbor!

With Julie as a spotter, Connor leans back to say hi to Brendan, while Nikhil looks on in disbelief.

Ahoy Mates!

Connor and Brendan acknowledge their fans.

Board Shaping

It turns out that several Tinkerers this week are avid surfers. Here Sam shares some shaping techniques with Tywen.

Surf's Up

The 2nd story provides a complete overview of the surf scene below.

Dude, Check Out My New Boards

Tywen joins the ranks of the 2-plankers.

Just Push the Button

Sam can't believe that Robyn is having so much trouble figuring out the camera. Piper tries to be helpful, but, well, it seems there just is no help for her.

Wipeout!

Boards or planks, water, snow or pine-needles - if you catch an edge you still take a spill.

Hanging Ten

Fiona gets a lesson from Brandon about properly stance on the board. So far, so good!

Slip, Sliding Away

Fiona is pretty sure that standing, kneeling, belly-flopping, or sitting, as long as you're going downhill it's all good.

Thanks Uncle Gever!

Piper was a little unsure about the whole rope bridge thing, but is pretty happy that Uncle Gever came up with this whole Tinkering School thing.

Proper Spotting Technique

Sam reminds us of the proper technique for spotting. Brandon helps out, although we're not sure he'd be able to maintain his stance if Piper actually fell on him.

High Steppin'

Connor is working up some speed on the bridge, requiring a gymnastic move over the handrail guyline.

Vagrant

Nikhil tries out his surfboard as a blanket when the cold, foggy wind comes through.

Charging Across

Brandon charges across, not to be bested by his brother in the crossing challenge.

Taking a Turn

Robyn can't resist giving the slope-sliding a try. She decides to decline the helpful advice that belly-flopping the "board" is the way to go, and takes a more traditional stance.

Design Evolution

Having seen the evolution from cardboard board to dual planks, Nemo is eager to try his plywood foot plates. It turns out they won't stay with duct tape so he soon resorts to hot glue.

Look What We Made!

The full Tinerking crew joyfully demonstrates the strength of their creation.

Just Hanging Out

No sooner has the bridge passed its biggest test than the Tinkerers confidently put it through its paces.

Reversing the Trend (Again)

Piper initiates a recrossing of the bridge from the other direction.

Surefooted

In her new shoes, Piper gets a good grip on the rope and makes the crossing.

Big Steps

After all 8 kids have hung on it, the grown-ups decide to give it a try. The rope continues to stretch so that it's not much more than a big step to get down, but Julie takes an even bigger step to get to the end and then onto the ladder.

Two for the Price of One

It doesn't take much encouragement to get Brandon and Fiona to try a double crossing. It requires a confident grip and steady movements, so you don't bounce your friend off. (Careful staging was done to get a clear shot with the spotters off camera.)

Twyen On Top

Since Tywen was part of the first session crew that built the treehouse and the crow's nest, he earned a visit to the top. He had to leave before it was secured last week, so we sneak him up for his visit.

A Long Way Up

Proof positive that Tywen has taken the trip to the tippy top.

The Last of the Tinkerers

Tywen documents the day while Piper and Nemo get familiar with their new toolkits. The last of the parents should be on their way.

I Don't Remember Spears....

Tywen's documentation of today's events (or what he remembers of them).

Moment of Zen

are boards or planks best - no matter if good sliding - or not. fun is fun