The path, a long, straight bed that once held tracks where trains passed in the late 1800's, led along the side of the heavily-forested slope. The climb to the path, steep and arduous, served only to energize the excited explorers. Hall, Ashy, and I, along with another close friend, carried lanterns, rope, gloves, and mapping materials. Though sweaty from the summer’s heat, our excitement rose with every climb in elevation. Though we had hiked many a long trail, this was our first adventure beyond the path and into places not open to the public.