On Saturday, April 29, Fredonia Middle School Backpacking Club launched the 34th annual Quest Backpacking Expedition with the one day hike. After completing eight weeks of classes, 65 eighth-graders from Fredonia, Cassadaga, and Silver Creek Middle Schools took part in the adventure. They were guided by 30 high school student leaders and 30 adults. The first in a series of three hikes totaling 50 miles, campers learned hiking techniques, leave no trace lessons, how to set up their tents, proper road crossing procedure, layering, and how to manage their equipment. The two day hike was held May 5 and 6, and the four day hike was held May 17 to 20. The expedition is led by retired teachers, Stephen and Susan Cobb.