Grit Tape Traction

I stepped down from the railing anchor bolt onto the first stone tread. Running along the outer bullnose was a strip of heavy black mineral grip tape, its textured surface locked firmly to the masonry. I planted my boots squarely across the coarse abrasive grains, testing the friction under load. Zero slide, even against the smooth plastic of my soles. Standing at the edge, I leaned out to assess the remaining vertical drop. Two more concrete steps separate this perch from the flagstone path, and a dry mortar fissure along the right wall provides a direct descending track. Grip confirmed. Route mapped.