The mountain forest Grandpa led them to was truly far away. The journey took them over mountains and across ridges. At times, they ducked into forests where the dense canopy blocked out the sun, and at others, they disappeared into thick grass that towered several heads above them. For one short stretch, they even had to cross a gorge by treading on ancient, tangled vines that had grown for who knew how many years! Below the gorge, a mountain stream gurgled at an unknowable depth.
This natural "vine bridge" looked quite safe. The tangled vines of all sizes were thick and sturdy enough, and there were even old vines on both sides to use as handrails. Still, Grandpa wasn't at ease and personally escorted everyone across, taking two children at a time. With eleven kids, it only took a few trips to get everyone over.
