The sun was just barely visible above an undulating landscape on that Saturday morning. Although the weather forecast had been fair it had also warned of extreme heat. Therefore, they had opted to launch their endeavor as early as possible. Rising temperatures would only make things more difficult. And thus, increasingly dangerous. They followed a narrow gravel road out of the sleepy mountain village, and into nowhere. He stopped the car when the others told him to. All three of them got out, stretched, and put on their backpacks. A strange feeling of unease suddenly washed over him, clouding his mind and paralyzing his thoughts, but only for a passing moment. He steadied himself and brushed away the sense of dark foreboding. Outwardly, at least, he appeared calm and ready.