Erm.....
Let's see whatI can come up with off the top of me nut...
1) Rep is recounting a childhood memory, possibly from when he was VERY young sooo...
Maybe it didn't actually happen, but was more akin to the remberance of a dream. This would not make the story any less in value, and could actually be a source behind why Reep is actually the way he is.
2) Perhaps one did awaken briefly. Perhaps, Reep when very young got lost in the wood, and was comforted. Being so young, he didn't realise at the time what a rare and wonderful thing had occurred, but as he grew older it helped to reinforce his convictions. Or maybe, even as a very young Reep, his conbviction/belief was so strong that it resulted in a short term awakening?
Just a couple of ideas produced by a dulled brain not quite awake. Hope they are of interest
And, as some are aware. I do not think inconsistacies exist. They are either 1) the effects of characters inaccurately recounting others stories (as happens in real life)
2) recounts of old folk-lore/mythologies, as also happens in real life
3) gaps in the narrative either left because real life also has gaps in the "narrative" or as an opening in the event that Lewis had ever decided to bow to pressure and write another.
Or.. maybe even all three. Who knows?