Part of today's Social Studies section of the Globe and Mail (I thought Lex in particular might appreciate this):

Let's climb trees

Tens of thousands of people have tried recreational tree-climbing in the past decade or so, reports The Boston Globe. There are nearly a dozen U.S. schools that teach the activity. Although it may sound risky, tree-climbing is safe with no recorded deaths or serious injuries in 23 years, adds Genevieve Summers, a former chimney sweep and now one of the leading American tree-climbing instructors. She runs a treetop bed & breakfast in Georgia. She notes:

Pros. "Climbers can get 'bark bites,' which are scratches from brushing up against the trees. But I tell my students they haven't had a good climb unless they have bark in their underwear!"

Cons. Sleeping in trees can be unsettling "I won't say you're going to get the best night's sleep," said Ms. Summers, 55. "The moon may be rising or you may hear owl calls and all sorts of unfamiliar sounds."

Not that we're going to climb any trees at the moment - did I mention that Lex is 10 months pregnant? - but probably next summer.