Not to say that I didn’t love every minute of the past two weekends with large groups of Airstreamers in an Urban setting – but I was so ready for a “real” campout . . . with family and in a state park! That is what situated us at Mounds State Park, just north of Indianapolis, for a weekend featuring the Indianapolis Grand Prix – an Indy-car road race in the month of May at our favorite track! The boys have been attending since its inception four years ago. This year, Halie and I decided to crash the party and turn it from an all-boy day-trip into a full-family camping weekend. Tom and I left on Thursday and pulled into our camping spot at 10:30 a.m. enjoying lunch and absolutely perfect weather – 75 degrees, light breeze and full sun. A little napping and a little reading led to a walk of some of the beautiful trails leading directly from the campground. Leaves were in bright spring green, flowering trees and wild flowers were in full bloom, and we concluded that this was the peak spring “moment-in-time.” Charlie Button was with us, sporting her new summer-shaved hair-do, and she enjoyed the trails as much as we did. We grilled up some steaks for supper, along with Mac ‘n Cheese, and took another short hike up to see the big mound. As it got dark, Tom started a campfire, and we enjoyed sitting out until it died down. We loved sleeping with the windows wide open all night long! Friday morning Tom served egg sandwiches on English Muffins for breakfast and we made a quick trip into the Cabela’s store where I got outfitted with two new shirts. Back at the campground, the pace was picking up with a steady stream of campers arriving and a “campground full” sign posted. All along the trails and roads were walkers, strollers, joggers and hikers . . . and even one man walking backwards! One small detail we need to remember next time we camp here – we need to be on the other side of the street so the awning side faces east! By 1:30 the sun invaded under the awning, and we have to move to the back-side of the trailer and sit in the grass for shade. Minor detail! Friday afternoon our excitement picked up as Micah arrived for supper (BBQ Chicken and Ribs), and Caleb and Halie landed shortly afterwards. We had the handicap site right next to the bathroom, and it had an ample paved pad for our trailer and their mini-van/tent combination. There was enough time to take the kids back for an evening walk to the Great Mound and come back for an enjoyable campfire! Saturday morning the boys were off at 7:00 for the Indianapolis Grand Prix; they texted a couple of pictures to us from the track. . . but Halie and I were off on shopping adventures of our own! The little town of Noblesville has a beautiful little outdoor shopping mall disguised as quaint city streets, and we were able to shop . . . and eat. . . and shop some more. Halie got several cute little dresses! Halie and I were back at the Silvermine by 3:00, and we set up under the awning with radio and drinks for the race. The boys were back with us at 8:00, and Micah took off for home.
Next weekend . . . more of the same. That’s right – we’re heading back to Mounds State Park for another family gathering for Time Trial weekend. It promises to be much the same, with everyone arriving at different times. Come back to read the details!
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |