My Off Train Experience at 1300hrs today was to visit Simpson's Gap.
The origin of the name "Simpson's Gap" is apparently, a mystery. It first appeared on a sketch by surveyor Gilbert McMinn in 1871 as "Simson Gap" during the Overland Telegraph Line survey, with the spelling later changing to "Simpson".
Simpson's Gap, is known to the local Arrernte people as Rungutjirpa. It is one of the gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges in Australia's Northern Territory, 18 kilometres west from Alice Springs. It's an important site to the Arrernte people, the mythological home of giant Goannas, with Dreaming Trails that reflect the spiritual ties between the land and its people.
We were greeted by Benji a native of the Arrernte people for whose Ancestors this was a sacred site. He explained how we should respect his ancestors by throwing a stone in the pool and then washing our hands and face in the water - to let his ancestors know that we come in peace and respect.
We were walking along a dried river bed although Benji assured us that deep below our feet water would be running. He then showed us how he and his ancestors found water. The signs to look for are animal tracks that lead to depressions in the sand. He leads us to such a depression at the side of the river bed and began to dig away sand at the edge of the depression. Within three or four handfuls, water began to bubble up into the hole. At first it was frothy but Benji told us that after letting the froth disperse, the water was drinkable.
This was a tranquil site and an enriching experience offering a deeper insight into the connection between nature and indigenous culture.
A Black Footed Rock Wallaby sat on the rocks (See slightly blurred photo) serenely surveying and observing our presence.
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