> I've checked all recent postings regarding this darned giraffe, and I have tried all of "mandichaos'" hints (for which I'm grateful) and nothing is working. I have left the giraffe, gone away numerous times and come back. I have entered the cavern from the mountains and found a way to get in by the northeast. No matter what I do, I simply can't get the giraffe to buzz off, nor do I find anything in the cavern. I just keep bonking into walls.
>

Okay, lemme try to explain as best I can what you've got to do. You found the mountain entrance, so that makes this easier. Just map out the cavern first - it's actually a very simple six-room layout - so you know where to go to get to the two exits.

Once you've got that mapped out... spoilers ahoy...

*

*

*

1) Enter the valley the normal way (from the east) and attract the giraffe's attention. Escape to the east.
2) Go back over the mountains to where the other cavern entrance is. Go in the mountain entrance to the pitch black caverns.
3) Enter the valley from the north cavern entrance. The giraffe will be focusing on the east where you ran off. Get his attention and go back through the caverns to the mountains. (He won't be able to follow.)
4) Go over the mountains, past the platform, and enter the valley from the east again. The giraffe will be focused on the cavern and you can make a break for it to the west.

As for how to deal with him in the alcove... the nose knows. :)

-Mandi