I don't know. They were looking for fruit? Exploring?

[He stares at the tracks, focused only on the road, but not noticing a stray piece of paper that got caught in the bushes. This small bit of wrapping paper smelled sweet, as if it held a piece of candy some time ago.]

I never ventured this far when I was a boy, but if they were upset with something at home, I get why they'd want to hide away.