Scaling the Balcony Rails

The entryway was clear, but staying cooped up inside was driving me nuts. I pushed open the loose patio screen with both hands and stepped out onto the breezy concrete balcony. Right in front of me, the giant metal railing looked like an obstacle course begging to be climbed. I grabbed the bottom bar, planted my boots against the smooth painted rail, and pulled myself straight up bar by bar until I perched on the wide metal ledge. The whole courtyard opened up below. Wind rushed past my face, and for the first time, I could scout the entire street. Now that's what I call a vantage point.