We hit the trail on a crisp morning and at a brisk pace. The pace was set not only by the desire to warm up and the length of our strides but also by the desire to reach the allusive point named Giant Ledge. How giant could it really be? I had to know. As it turned out, our pace was too brisk, as we stopped several times to allow the others behind us catch up. As we waited, our bodies cooled and thus as the gathered again as a group, we were more than eager to take off again to warm up. It did not take long to reach the ledges but the view was still marvelous. I had not realized the elevation we had gained from our drive in to the mountain and from the burn in our quads. The ledges opened up suddenly to a breath taking view of the valley. Even though it was not a clear day, ridges of mountains far beyond could be seen from our vantage point. I wondered how far we may actually be able to see, perhaps into Connecticut or Massachusetts or Pennsylvania, depending on our orientation. After the thrill of the ledges, we learned that we were to continue onwards towards Panther Mountain. Somebody mused, “I wonder if this is like Fox Hollow, named for something that is no longer here.” I thought that was a good point. The front of the group was raring to go, I among them. I could only imagine what was waiting for us on the mountain, what views and what scene would be laid out before us as we stood on top of the world. We only made it part of the way before we realized that our destination as a group was unrealistic. It may have been possible under different circumstances, but today was not the day.The itch to go just a little bit further had to be put out of mind, as we turned around and headed back down the path we had ascended earlier in the day. Should I get the opportunity again, I will make sure to reach the peak and quench my thirst for the feeling of success that comes with summiting yet another mountain.