Crossing the Rubber Ridge

The slate border ended where a heavy green garden hose rested across the turf. Its thick rubber curve formed a raised barrier two paces wide. I planted my wooden stem into the turf beside it to test the soil; the loam was firm and did not give. Stepping forward, I set my left boot directly onto the textured ribbing of the casing. The rubber compressed slightly under my weight without rolling. Leaning on the stem with both hands, I swung my right leg over the crest and brought my boots down cleanly onto the short-cut grass beyond. The crossing was clear.