I really have lost the plot .... 
I thought it was protection against possums, oops, I should have scrolled back.
We rescued a baby ring tailed possum a few Christmases ago: tiny little thing it was with a pink tail end, huge eyes. The wildlife rescue service came out, it was Christmas night.
I think the tree had a hand in making sure I was safe - it was far too amused by me swearing and cursing as I tried to pass the cords around the trunk, unable to see what I was doing. Of course, every time I let go of the cord the block would slip off the tree, pulling the cord away, and I've have to start again. I'm sure it learnt several new and colourful expressions, that day. 
One of the girls has just let her little one out of the pouch for the first time. It's a wriggly little thing - lots of fun to watch. 
From Mum's back we down, over Mum's head. Then we go round and under Mum's neck, before climbing up her shoulder and onto her back. Then we pause as if to say "Where's your head gone? Oh, I'm facing the wrong way!. All the while Mum is trying to have something to eat, and keeps shooting long suffering glances at me through the window. Poor girl...
I have this vision of you emulating Tarzan ecar as you prepared the tree! ... 
Oppy, we have possums around here quite often as well. Further out though, you should hear the Tassie devils screeching and screaming, just like the mythological banshee.
How I would love to see the possum mother and baby like that ecar, how wonderful an experience.
I keep telling them that I'm going to invest in one of those outdoor video cameras and film them, some time. That's what I keep saying, but coming from someone who can take 2 1/2 hours to get around to making a cup of tea....
I know that feeling well ecar; by the time I actually put the kettle on, I don't want the tea any more ...
