First Ascent

Morning light caught the edge of the stainless hose clamp tightened around the tower leg. I hoisted my pack, testing the metal band with my right boot. No give. Bracing both palms against the riveted gusset plate, I stepped up onto the clamp and hauled my weight onto the first horizontal cross-strut. The steel was cold, but completely dry. From this perch above the gravel deck, the bottom rung of the tower's access ladder is now within reach of my nylon line. Route holds firm.