The Stairway To Heaven Spiral Staircase



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The Stairway to Heaven Stairway to Heaven from forest floor. Constructed in Summer 2003, the 80-foot spiral staircase will provide safe access to the treehouse observatory. Each revolution around the tree gains 8 feet of height Cedar hoists up more treads as he winds his way upward around the Douglas fir tree. Bolting the wooden treads onto the steel support treads. Nearing the Top! Precision in layout was crucial, and was slow, dangerous work. Cedar and Amanda Testing the Treads. Each step was knee-braced, and vertical poles added to connect steps and enclose the climber. Phil and Ron take a moment to enjoy the view south as they approach the top of the new spiral staircase. After climbing the spiral "Stairway toHeaven" spiral staircase around a fir tree, guests can walk across the "Rainbow Bridge" walkway that connects to the treehouse observatory 43 feet away. The old way up and down. The spiral staircase will make the ladder access obsolete. Pearl and Miles test the Rainbow bridge before it is disconnected. Crew prepares to uncable and carry the bridge. Transporting the bridge to the hoisting location. Tom and Steve lead the way. Ten people were needed to carry the 44 foot span. Rainbow Bridge Hoisting the 500 lb. bridge required a double pulley rigging to cut the weight load. Success! The Stairway to Heaven and the Observatory are connected. Tom inspects the chain link fencing on the Rainbow Bridge. Bill adjusts the two suspension cables atop the spiral staircase, 90 feet up. Looking South at the Observatory, with the Sawtooth mountains on the left. The Rainbow Bridge, fenced in, providing safe access and spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. Rainbow Bridge and top of the spiral staircase. Students from the Bastyr University visit the Observatory. Waiting to cross the bridge... More brave adventurers prepare to cross.. Walking on a rainbow to the Observatory...before the chain link fence was added! Don't look down! The fence has made all the difference. Three friends share the moment in the Observatory. Eleven students from Bastyr University celebrate 90 feet in the sky. A new record--- 12 people in the Observatory! Stay tuned.........