The old mountain railway was already waiting at the small station when WUMI and his friends reached the Secret Mountains. Its wooden carriages gleamed in the morning sun, and flower boxes stood beside the platform, their last summer blossoms still visible. HOPSI found a window seat, while MUCKI curiously examined the wheels. A little later, the train rattled slowly up the slope, carrying the four of them between golden trees and gray rocks.

At the upper station, WUMI opened his map. Their destination was Eagle Rock, a large rock formation that, from a distance, really did look like a bird with outstretched wings. A hiking trail was supposed to lead to the old stone bridge behind it. EDDI had been especially looking forward to this trip, because from the bridge, one could supposedly see deep down into the valley.

The path to Eagle Rock was easy to find. It only became more difficult beyond it, where the path forked among several boulders. WUMI's map showed only one line, but three narrow paths lay before them. One led uphill, one disappeared among ferns, and the third ran along a rock face.

EDDI was just about to try the upper path when MUCKI pointed to a small signpost. It had been barely visible from the viewpoint. It depicted a bridge, and the arrow pointed toward the ferns. WUMI nodded in relief, and together they continued on until they passed several hidden caves.

The air remained pleasantly cool in front of the entrances. They heard water dripping from one opening, and a gentle breeze wafted from another. HOPSI held his ears still, trying to determine if the drops fell at regular intervals. MUCKI counted for a while, but then two drops fell so close together that they both burst out laughing.

The old stone bridge lay just around the next bend. It spanned a stream that cascaded down into the valley between rounded boulders. The friends walked slowly across, admiring the mossy stones. On the other side, they spotted the entrance to a mysterious cave, where a wide strip of daylight streamed in.

From the entrance, they could see a tranquil pool of water and shimmering crystals. WUMI sat down on a dry stone, while the others sat close beside him. The light from the water reflected off the cave ceiling, making the rocks seem almost alive.

 

On the way back, the marked path led past the forgotten mines. A mine cart stood on rusty rails in front of an old tunnel entrance. MUCKI examined the glittering marks in the rock and wondered what kind of stones had once been found there.

 

Later, when the cable car brought them back down to the valley, WUMI added a small marker to his map. EDDI watched him and smiled. On their next visit, they would know where to turn. For today, he leaned back and watched the high peaks drift past the window.