Therrin

As far as the ground spiking...
I came into the arbor-field 5 years ago, as a rescue cert'd high ropes course and rock climbing instructor. In my spare time I also enjoy exploring mine shafts, using all the propper gear (yes, I know, it's dangerous... but otherwise, how would it be challenging?)

All this to say that back when I was in the Az desert, I found a shaft I wanted to explore, but needed to rappel about 30 ft vertically down to reach the main opening. This, in the desert, with nothing to tie to. So...

I called some engineers and climbing experts for opinions, and fired up my Mig welder. The result is less than pretty, though its effective and workable. (and the results of the exploration was absolutely fantastic! I've links to the pictures online if you're interested).
I took an inch thick steel rod 3.5 feet long, and welded two seperate 2 foot rod segments bilaterally, so that at one end, all three bars were in line, and level with eachother. On each of the other two sides of the main bar, I welded in two oval steel mallion-type screw links which were about 3/4" in diameter. They were positioned with the threaded end on the "down" side. Then I painted it bright orange.

When driven into the ground a good 3 ft or so, at a 45* angle opposite the direction of pull, they have provided me with excellent anchors for outside-of-work activities as well as for tree work. Typically, if you can pound them in, you can pound them out as well. My only caveat has to do with soil quality, but so far I've had exceptionally good luck with it.

Ken
I.T.S.A. Tree Service