"SALEM" iS WAAAAAAAAY UP.

Executive Summary

After returning home from the Devil rescue, I received a text from Savannah in Fulton MS about "Salem", who was chased up a tree by a neighbor's dog. I arrived the next afternoon at around 2:00 pm. My heart sank when Savannah pointed out Salem's location - she was easily 70 feet up a hardwood with no limbs, and the tree was in a swampy, muddy drainage area with head-high briars. I tried for about 1.5 hours to get my throwbag up to Salem's perch, but briars snagging the throwline, the throwbag getting soaked and becoming heavy, and a strong north wind foiled all attempts. I finally gave up and settled for a trunk cinch at about 40 feet (yellow circle in photo). I started climbing at about 4:15. When, I reached the trunk cinch, I had to transition to slow/laborious stem climbing for the remaining 30 feet to Salem, who I reached as it was getting dark. Salem was happy to see me, and went into bag with only one mild complaint. Back on the ground, Salem went inside for food, water, and warmth. Savannah, relatives, friends - thanks for all of the help on the ground during the long rescue. Savannah, many thanks for your generous contribution to Lovable Feline Rescue of North Alabama!