I climb the rock wall a wee bit as I try to squeeze past and above the reeds

To get past the head-high reeds near the spring, one must squeeze through narrow spaces between the rock wall and the reeds, or climb over the rocks a little.

The earth is wet and mushy in here, and there is sometimes water on the ground. I was afraid I that would sink in the mud when I couldn't stay on the steep rocks, but the reeds are so thick that they provide a layer on the ground that prevents me from sinking into the mud (if I walk fast enough).