Securing the Ridge

I climbed beyond the timber tree line to the exposed granite outcrop. The stone trail cairn had taken the winter draft, its summit rock dislodged by frost. I set my spear butt deep into the packed drift to steady my stance. With both hands free, I brushed the crust of loose snow from the granite base and lifted a flat slab of dark slate. I gauged its weight, found the center of balance, and placed it squarely across the apex. The rock settled without a tremor. The perimeter marker holds once more.