Day 30: Alice Springs (Palm Valley)

Today is Sunday and I know that because we were treated to a free pancake breakfast by the staff at MacDonnell Ranges caravan park. It was really yummy too, made even better by the fact that I didn't have to cook them.

Darren was keen to check it out as he and his sisters have discussed doing something similar at Kiama, so here's some figures:
The most pancakes made in a morning is 920;
Each bucket makes 100 pancakes;
The most pancakes eaten by a single man in one sitting is 14;
The most by a woman is 9.

I ate 2 pancakes and was full, even Micaela beat me by eating 3 which matched what her Dad ate.

The pancakes are on offer for an hour between 8.30am and 9.30am, every Sunday and guests are invited to have as many as they like, however you can only take one at a time. Each guest brings a plate, cutlery and a cup with toppings, tea, coffee and cordial all provided.

We had wonderful company at breakfast meeting up with our new found friends again. The kids were so excited to have friends and I have to admit Darren and I enjoyed the conversation of others also.

Whilst lining up for our breakfast we started talking to another lady in the line from Adelaide who is on her way home from Darwin area so we picked her brain for advice on the best things to see. She wasn't overly fussed on Darwin but loved Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park so Darren and I are considering adjusting the amount of nights we spend at each destination up there.

After our long breakfast we parted ways with Kate, Pete and the kids to get organised for our day trip to Palm Valley.

Peter and Johanna East raved about Palm Valley when they came here a few months ago, so despite Darren's trepidation about his ability to navigate the 4WD only path to it, we decided to give it a go.

The trek there proved to be half the adventure. We spent a good 15 minutes at the beginning of the road reading the manual on how to use the 4WD. It was a definite learning experience and one I'm sure we won't forget in a hurry. I couldn't be prouder of Darren for stepping out of his comfort zone and successfully conquering the path.

Palm Valley was picturesque. The area is known for the only red cabbage palms in central Australia. It is believed they are relics from a time when the climate of central Australia was much different, and have adapted to survive thanks to moist conditions in this particular region.

Once in Palm Valley we took a 1 hour walk that traversed up the hillside overlooking the valley and then back down again so on the return path you walk alongside the creek that supplies the water that sustains the palms. Walking through the palm area itself is discouraged and not easily accessible anyway, this is to try and protect the environment.

This trip consumed our day, so after visiting the valley it was time for home and dinner.

We decided to extend our stay here for another night so we can spend tomorrow doing a couple more things in the area and also get supplies and the like organised for our trek to Darwin.