The Dink Network

I just started playing, but I'm wondering if my game has a fluke in it. I'm in Terris, already rescued the guy in the cave and all that... Went past the poles where you need the scroll and up to the area with the dragon carcass. At this point the path is blocked by trees and Dink says "what a lovely backyard." I checked the cheat sheets and there's supposed to be four ladies here that turn into bonkas for me to fight. The girls aren't there, just the dragon carcass, and I can't get into the area because of the trees. I've also tried fireballs on the trees but they don't work.

Any suggestions???