CHAPTER ELEVEN

The River Cave

Before leaving the Bunyip Lair, Bill replaced the DO NOT DISTURB sign with another that said GONE FISHING. Then, ducking back into his burrow, he pulled on a floppy blue hat, tied a large red-and-white-striped handkerchief around his neck, and announced that he was ready to go.

‘My old mum used to say that a hat and a hanky are essential requirements for venturing out into the unknown,’ Bill explained. On seeing Howie’s look of dismay at having neither of these items, he hastily added, ‘The other essential, of course, is a backpack filled with all kinds of useful things for an adventure, like baked beans and such. In fact, I think it’s safe to say we’re now prepared for just about anything. Shall we push on?’

And without further ado, they set off—a large, hairy monster hoping to find a family, and a small, comical animal in a flippy-floppy hat, who was, in his own words, “just merrily going along for the ride”.

Howie sighed with relief when Bill claimed he knew a shortcut out of the caves. The Yowie’s muscles still ached from his torturous climb down the sinkhole, and he was relieved to learn that he wouldn’t have to retrace his steps. Bill’s plan was to make their way to the River Cave and there embark on a boat ride through an underground labyrinth of limestone caverns until they reached an ancient passage that led to the outside world.

Howie remembered something Joe had mentioned. ‘Er, Bill,’ he said nervously, ‘I’ve never been on a boat before. Hope I don’t get seasick.’

Bill chuckled. ‘No chance of that, old chap. The river flows so gently, you’ll hardly notice you’re moving.’

Howie followed the bilby along a path that led downwards, across a bridge and into the main chamber. They climbed down some more stairs, ducking frequently under low-hanging rock formations until they arrived at the pool of Cerberus. Here they stopped to catch their breath and admire the surroundings. Then they were on their way again—down two very steep ladders—all the while descending deeper and deeper into the mysterious underworld.

They could hear the soft gurgling noises of the river and knew their destination was close. Howie gave a huge sigh of relief as he jumped off the final rung and followed Bill to a boat tethered at the water’s edge. Howie was ready and eager for the next part of this amazing adventure—his very first boat ride. As soon as he had settled himself comfortably on the wooden seat, Bill took up a paddle and pushed off.

While the boat slowly meandered its way through the underground caverns, the unlikely pair marvelled at the incredible beauty surrounding them.

There were limestone passages draped with dazzling, pure-white crystal formations and forested with delicate crystals tinted every shade of pink. The water was so clear and glasslike that it reflected the spectacular scenery like a mirror. To Howie, it seemed that they were floating through a magical wonderland.

This section of their journey ended in the “Pool of Reflections”—a deep underground lake whose motionless surface produced stunning reflections. Howie gasped in wonderment. He had never before seen anything so beautiful and could have stayed there for hours.

But Bill was anxious to get going.

He jumped out quickly and, with Howie’s help, dragged the boat ashore. They set off on foot once more, along a long, narrow tunnel, the entrance to which was almost hidden by a huge pile of rubble from a recent mudslide.

As they rounded a bend, they were suddenly struck by a shaft of bright light that made them clap their hands over their eyes. Rays of golden sunlight streaming through a gigantic arch announced they were approaching the outside world.

Howie took a deep breath as they emerged from the caves and entered a small clearing. It came as a welcome relief from the slightly stale air of the caverns. This was more like it, he thought—trees and rocks and undergrowth, glorious sunshine and lots of cool, fresh air.

He smiled at his newfound friend. If anyone could help him find his family, he thought, it was bound to be this happy and resourceful little Bilby. He sure was lucky to have met up with such a smart fellow. Howie could hardly wait for the next part of their journey. What an adventure it was proving to be, and what fun to be sharing it with such a delightful companion!