A Steep Incline                                        NW     -     NE 
(-------------------------------------------------)     - <---(M)---> -
                                                        -      S      -

The mountain slopes upward sharply here.  You scramble to maintain your
balance on the rocky ground, and a shower of pebbles skates down the side of
the incline.  You begin to wonder exactly why you are doing this again. 
What was that old saying about curiosity?