We took our 1978 Airstream trailer on it’s maiden voyage as per our youngest’s fifth birthday wish. We loaded up “Maddy” and headed to Mammoth Caves for a chilly camping weekend celebration. I suspect the smores were part of the attraction, but we all enjoyed the fire, hiking, frisbee playing, and hammock.
It’s not lost on me that this was the weekend prior to Earth Day. In past years we have celebrated by walking roadside and picking up trash, (something we just spent doing in our own yard recently.) We have also planted trees, which we seem to have checked off the list recently too. I suppose years of doing that has taught us it’s not only on Earth Day we should plant trees or pick up litter. As those are now easily integrated into our lives, it was particularly nice to spend the weekend with some real Mother Earth time. 
Chilly nights under wool blankets, my husband’s amazing morning breakfast spread prepared entirely outdoors, laying in my hammock and staring up into the trees, discovering sink holes on our hike, sawing firewood…Well, I think my little guy is onto something. My birthday wish is a camping trip as well. One big lantern candle will serve me just fine…. but you know what? I think I definitely will take a few of those smores:)
For information on camping at Mammoth Caves, our airstream, a good children’s caving book or where to get great Montessori Earth Day cards, check below.
Mammoth Caves Information:
Mammoth Caves National Park is huge and it’s not just below ground that is amazing to hike and explore. In fact, we like to stop here just to hike above ground. Their trails are well marked, easily tread by our little fellas and feature sink holes and springs. The caves are formed from the top down and these sink holes really help children see the beginning of a cave. Their campground is large, features tent sites, pull thrus, and back in sites. There are no electric or water hook ups at the sites. The campground store has camping essentials, firewood, showers, potable water, and a dump. The sites are large, wooded, and feature firepits and concrete picnic tables. For more information look here.
For a great children’s book on caves check out:
Vintage Airstream Info:
Our Airstream trailer is a 31 foot Sovereign with a rear bath and separate twin bed configuration. I suspect there will be many more photos of “Maddy” before the camping season is over:)
Montessori Earth Day Every Day Cards:
Pail and Pie 