No, this is not my attempt at an artsy jack-and-the-bean-stalk shot, it was the only vantage point available.  You see, we are all climbing a tree - just like the guidebook says - on our way up to the next ledge.  I hadn't gotten this far up Cougar before so the tree climb was new.  I couldn't imagine how climbing a tree would be easier than some alternative rock climb.  On getting there, it was obvious.  The tree had fallen against a 20 ft wall of rock some many years ago.  It didn't die, however, it grew at a climbable angle, making it the preferred way up.