My daughter Sarah is 11 and 11/12ths years old here. She’s fond of climbing, but mostly specific trees. There are three I know of.

This particular one is on the path that follows Willows Beach in Victoria, B.C., Canada. Whenever we approach this tree, she runs ahead and climbs out on one of its easy-to-scale horizontal limbs that jut out over the beach.

I think that, every now and then, Sarah likes to exercise her inner tomgirl. The main problem is usually footwear. Stylish plaid flip-flops aren’t really sure-footed climbing gear. I think she feels that the occasional display of tree climbing is expected of all kids: it’s a sure-fire way to hang onto the spirit of youth.

Being 11 is a transitional time. Sarah likes the trappings of being a ‘tween’. Despite the impression here in the painting, she is very much a girly-girl. She loves clothes, shoes, manicures and jewellery. Occasionally though, she still likes to shelter in the familiar safety of childhood; plush toys and dollhouses can still hold her attention for a short time.

She’s now growing an inch every four months. The decision to go trick-or-treating this year is still up in the air … once you stop, there’s no going back. My Hallowe’en fun ended when I was 11, but I think that girls can pull it off for a bit longer.

It won’t be long before she’s a full-fledged teenager. But the occasional visit with one of the coveted climbing trees may help slow the inevitable.