This year we put up a couple of 15' ladderstands. Nothing fancy, just the most basic of stands. When Tim & Kevin put up the first one I got about 1/2 way up before I came back down. When they got the 2nd one up, I managed to make it to the seat, but didn't want to move or even think about what it would take to turn around and start back down. Can't explain it and I know it's not reasonable... I guess I've gotten old and not as brave as I used to be.
Our family has had that nasty bug for the past few weeks so we haven't been able to get out to hunt, but this weekend we just couldn't wait any longer and decided to go. Tim took the morning shift and I was out for a few hours in the afternoon.
Although I'd put on the harness at the van, I was planning on taking a ground blind in the event that I'd get 1/2 way up the ladder and then chicken out. At the last minute I decided to leave the blind behind and commit to the stand.
Crossing the fields in the afternoon sun, wearing my camo and carrying my bow everything just felt right. I realized just how very much I've missed being out.
Kevin was out at the same time to hunt the other stand. He loaned me a radio and asked me to check in once I was up and settled to make sure I wasn't too freaked out or screwed up. As much as I enjoy hunting alone, I have to admit it was nice to have someone looking out for me. It gave me extra peace of mind. I've also really appreciated that neither Tim nor Kevin have made light of my fear, although there have been plenty of opportunities for them to do so.
I got to the stand, made it to the top, hung my pack, attached the strap to the tree and the harness (thanks Dereck & DirtyGun!) to the strap, turned around, sat down and just breathed for a moment. My hands were soaked in sweat and my heart rate was a bit higher than normal. Eventually I managed to reach over and haul up the bow. That went ok. Then I tried to relax enough to unsnap my pocket and pull the radio out to let Kevin know I was up and sitting. That went ok too.
In fact.... everything went ok.
Eventually I could let myself look down. Even straight down. It took some time, but I managed to reach into my pack and dig around for my camera and take some photos.
A few hours went by. The vertigo sensation gradually ebbed. I got used to watching the other trees swaying in the wind, out of synch with the movements of my tree. I enjoyed watching the leaves fall, the squirrels fight, the birds scrabble for seeds... so much beauty all around. And I thanked God for the opportunity to see it all from 15' up.
I had to leave before dark as my brother was arriving from Alberta and we'd planned to meet him for supper. As I lowered my bow and prepared to climb down, I realized I was much more comfortable than I was the first time. There is hope. I'm actually looking forward to going up again sometime soon.
Eventually it becomes old hat going up in the stands . Congrats on conquering your fear . 
Im going to give it a try when i go home to ohio in nov.when i lived there i was allwayes in the woods.Squirl hunting and trapping that by the time deer season came in i knew just where to be on opening morn it was rare for me to hunt later than 10.30 without having one tagged.Maybe this treestand will help me out alittle Ihope 
