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I've been dying to get out and explore the Ross Highway to Ross River.   A much cooler, overcast day today (when I say cooler I mean low 30's) which in my Victorian life meant hot. So at about 4pm, decided to head down the highway for quick explore and see which places we should come back to and spend some time.

Started about 12 minutes down the road at Emily Gap - a dry creek/waterhole, with no water some Aboriginal paintings of the Three Caterpillars could be seen.

Emily Gap - (Anthwerrke) is an important traditional site - it is part of a storyline for the Three Caterpillars; Yeperenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrengatye which are ancestral beings for the Alice Springs area.  Arrente people conceived in Alice Springs consider themselves direct descendants of these Caterpillar ancestors (courtesy NTG signage).  (Atherrke) is also associated with the Three Caterpillars storyline.  The Emu storyline also has a relationship with this site.  The white sand against the ridge to the east of this gap represents the emu fat.   

While some may see these as just more dry river beds and rocks, even in our brief and rushed visit, these two places evoke feeling, emotion, soul.  Swarming with beautiful butterflies, Lola was quick to make the association of the ancient Caterpillar story to the many magical butterflies dancing around us. 

Stopping off for some pics along the way - a steep, narrow and bumpy 4wd track to the top of this hill had some amazing views.  Unfortunately my phone had a smudged lens so all my pics are crap.  Really must get a new camera.