Tensioning the Rain Chain

Slipped out past the lobby gate into the courtyard. Targeted a copper rain chain dangling from the low awning gutter straight down into a river-stone basin—instant vertical transit line to the roof. I grabbed the lowest fluted cup and hauled up, but the free-hanging links swayed violently under my weight. Zero lateral stability. Quick pivot. I snatched an unclasped brass padlock from the garden hose reel, hooked the curved shackle through the bottom loop, and let the deadweight settle into the gravel bed. The chain snapped taut instantly, killing all horizontal drift. Boot on the rim, hand over hand, and I hauled straight onto the awning ridge. Whole avenue mapped.