In early February of 1959, nine hikers embarked on an ambitious trek along Russia's Ural Mountain range. They were all experienced and well prepared, but within just a few days of beginning their journey, they were all dead. When their bodies were finally discovered, their locations and manner of deaths created a mystery that still persists to this day. In part one of a three part series, we introduce you to the group, and tell the story of how their fateful trip came to be.