TrailBlazer Magazine - April 2011 by TrailBlazer Magazine

APRIL 2011 n $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

Wet Wild

in Charlotte

North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U.S. Whitewater Center

Exergaming with Wii Fit Ideas for RV Gardening

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 147 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

VOL. 33 n ISSUE 3

Take on the challenge of whitewater rafting at this unique facility in North Carolina. The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers Class II to Class IV rapids and is a guaranteed good time for all. Visit Charlotte’s “ultimate playground” with a trip to the USNWC.

Message from Tom The Camper’s Kitchen

Tech Topics

Trail Mix

Activities & Events

Spotlight: Wii Fit

Features Charlotte Wet and Wild: Urban Rafting and Other Diversions

Mild to Wild Whitewater & Other Nearby Adventures

RV Gardening: Diggin’ It

On the Market

Advertiser Index

Preserve Services Directory

Crossword Puzzle

Marketplace

Winding Roads

Classified Advertising

Sudoku Puzzle

Club Calendar

Postcard from the Road

Photo courtesy of Wildwater Adventure Centers.com

Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center

APRIL2011 CONTENTS

Is there any better (and more thrilling) way to experience the glory of nature than “flying” through the treetops on a zipline?

Cover photo: U.S. National Whitewater Center. Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center

30 APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 128 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

MESSAGE FROM TOM

Hello – Before I jump into my first message for TrailBlazer, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Joe McAdams for being part of our organization. When Joe retired from Affinity Group in 2003, we were able to convince him that being part of our organization, first as an ELS board member and then as President these past three years, would help him transition to retirement, especially with our demographics and quality Sunbelt locations. As it turns out, the relationship was a good fit for all. Joe plans to continue to work with handling our ancillary business and I couldn’t be happier. Over the last few years, despite fluctuations in gas prices and the tightened economy, RVers continued to find ways to hit the road. RVers are a resilient group! I believe that “can do” attitude is due to the benefits reaped. The lifestyle provides an attractive return on investment, and I am not talking financial, but instead the investment of time and energy to bring together friends and family. That investment provides a lasting return in the form of the memories created and the relationships formed. And it’s obvious from your social networking posts that those relationships and memories prove to be priceless. One of our Facebook fans posted a picture of the “Lone Tree” at our La Conner Preserve in Washington.

The member comments that followed the initial posting got me thinking of the parallels between that tree and our business. Member comments referenced the tree as a strong survivor, a welcoming sight, and a symbol of great memories spent at the preserve. They find a certain satisfaction in returning to La Conner year after year to find the Lone Tree still standing ~ it is indeed a welcoming and familiar site. It’s good to hear that as our plan is to continue to be that welcoming site as you travel. On the home front, spring is here which means our resorts are gearing up for peak season. We offer so many options to our members and guests – not only location-wise, but also big and small resorts, resorts with full schedules of planned activities to those that just rely on the beauty and natural surroundings to provide the experience you’re looking for. I am happy to have this forum to communicate to you each month and provide you with updates, insight and more. Talk to you soon! Until then, I’ll leave you with these thoughts:

Thought Of the Month Friends are the most important part of your life. Treasure the tears, treasure the laughter, but most importantly, treasure the memories. – Dave Brenner

TOM HENEGHAN Pr esident and CEO APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Mission Statement TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Equity LifeStyle Properties Family of Resorts. Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, resort profiles and product features. www.trailblazermagazine.net

EDITOR Joan DeAno Rykal TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Heather Anderson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Paul and Kerri Elders Janet Groene Kim Wuchter Steve Froese

TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published monthly except bimonthly Nov./Dec. and Jan./ Feb. by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 www.trailblazermagazine.net New Subscriptions 1-877-252-9320 TTN & LTR Reservation Services (From United States and Canada) 1-800-288-7245 • (228) 497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. September 1 to March 31 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time 24-hr. STAR Line: 1-800-859-7827 1-228-497-3594 Member Services 1-800-388-7788 Resort Parks International Reservations 1-800-456-7774 ELS Reservations 1-877-362-6736 PRINTED IN THE USA

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TT Orlando: A beautiful misty fall morning - the couple at the end of the pier were trying to catch their breakfast. Bill Manley Sarasota, FL

Pics from the Parks Photo Submissions Do you have a winning photo from your visits to our preserves and resorts? We’d love for you to share it with us and what’s more, your submission will now be entered into our quarterly photo contest. Winners will receive $50. Every quarter we will select one “winning” photo from the submissions received during the previous three months (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the quarter.) Winning photos will be posted on the TrailBlazer web site as well as in the magazine. Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to: TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to: Equity LifeStyle Properties, Attn: TrailBlazer Photos, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606 E-mailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of Equity LifeStyle Properties and may be used for publication on company web site and promotional purposes. Submission Deadline/Winner Notification Information: January-March: Submissions must be received by midnight on March 31. The winner will be announced in our May issue and on the web site April 15.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

PICS FROM THE PARKS

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Medina Lake: We were at Medina Lake Preserve over Christmas weekend. This was our first visit. We were amazed at the number of deer and how unafraid most of them were. They came right into our campsite. This doe came right up to me and was smelling my cellphone and my hand as I was taking pictures. She even licked my hand. She appeared to be posing and even smiling for the camera. Marla Rainwater Big Spring, TX

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Lake Texoma: One of our members, Peggy Suiters, took these pictures of a beautiful bobcat right by our getaway cabins. It just goes to show you that even with this crazy weather we have had, there is so much beauty out there if you let your eyes see it. Nicholas Palmer Preserve Manager Lake Texoma

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Don’t miss the

Spring Gulch Folk Festival May 19-22 * 25TH ANNIVERSARY * This much-anticipated gathering of talented musicians and artists includes plenty of singing, dancing, workshops, crafts, fabulous food and of course, music! Known as “the little sister” to the hugely popular Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Spring Gulch Folk Festival has grown up in its own right and is highly anticipated each year.

For more information visit www.springgulch.com or call 1-866-864-8524 Event will be held at the Spring Gulch Resort 475 Lynch Road, New Holland, Pennsylvania

This is one folk festival you don’t want to miss!

2011 Lineup Includes Trout Fishing in America Buckwheat Zydeco The Kennedys ...and many others to be announced

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Exclusive Member Rate for Folk Fest Book a 7-night stay for $185 per couple (full hook-up site including water, electric, sewer and cable). Limited availability. For reservations, call 1-866-864-8524. Must checkout no later than May 25, 2011. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Reservations required. Use promo code TBFF11.

The Camper’s Kitchen | Celebrating Farmers’ Markets by Janet Groene Some farmer’s markets are simple roadside stands with a hand-lettered sign saying, “Help yourself. Leave money in box.” Others are large commercial enterprises selling fresh produce, meats, custom spice blends, hand-made chocolates, candles and quilts. From the merest to the magnificent they’re all part of the fun of travel.

Farmer John Sandwiches

Have you noticed how many farmers’ markets now sell artisanal cheeses and sausages? Half the fun is asking artisans about their personal processes. Often the products are one-of-a-kind and ideal for good conversation in the campground. Choose a yellow mild cheese and a fully cooked smoked sausage. Remove any casings and use a sharp knife to slice sausage and cheese as thin as possible to create multiple layers in the sandwich. These sandwiches can go on a plate or wrap them for the trail. 6 Kaiser rolls from a good bakery Grainy mustard 1 8-ounce brick of farmer’s cream cheese 1 medium-sized sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Texas Sweet) 6 ounces yellow cheese slices 6 ounces sausage slices 6 to 12 young lettuce leaves Split rolls and “butter” cut sides lightly with mustard, then cream cheese (you may not need the entire brick). Press a layer of paper-thin onion slices into the soft cheese. Top with sliced yellow cheese, sliced sausage and lettuce leaves. Serves 6.

In a world of supermarkets it’s a rare privilege to buy food from the person who raised it, baked it or canned it. Buy with a smile and a handshake. Cook it with the farmer’s special instructions and let the food be one of your best memories of the trip.

Swiss Scalloped New Potatoes

To potato lovers, nothing beats the first, thin-skinned potatoes of springtime. If you’re an RV gardener, use fresh parsley or dill from one of your pots in this hot side dish. About 1 pounds new potatoes cup flour 1 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper About 1 cups spring onions, white and light green parts only 3 tablespoons minced fresh dill weed or parsley (or 1 to 3 teaspoons dried) 6 to 8 slices Swiss cheese cup milk or cream ⅓ to cup fine, dry bread crumbs Margarine in a squeeze bottle Butter a 12 X 7-inch baking dish and set it aside. Scrub potatoes and slice very thin. Slice onions very thin. Toss potatoes and onions in a bag with the flour, herbs, salt and pepper. Put a third of the potato mixture in the casserole and top with a layer of cheese. Add more potatoes, more cheese, and then the remaining potatoes. Drizzle with milk or cream. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Top with bread crumbs, drizzle with margarine and bake uncovered until potatoes are tender. Cook’s Note: the thinner the potatoes and onions, the faster the baking time. Serves 4 as a vegetarian main dish and 6 to 8 as a side dish. Continued on page 46 APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 116 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Tech Topics by Paul and Kerri Elders Here’s a quick primer on two important components of your RV’s electrical system: A Sophisticated Outlet Designed to prevent deadly electrical shock, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a special type of electrical outlet that contains a built-in circuit breaker. You’ll find them on your RV’s external receptacles and even some internal electrical outlets, especially in bathrooms and around kitchen sinks. If you have an electrical outlet that is within ten feet of a water source, it should be protected by a GFCI. A GFCI works by constantly monitoring the current flow through the electrical outlet, its connected circuit, and any appliance plugged into it. If the GFCI senses any loss of current to an outside path (like a short, for example), the GFCI will automatically trip the circuit in a matter of milliseconds, preventing a serious electrical shock. If you must replace a GFCI receptacle always replace it with another GFCI; never replace it with a standard outlet. It’s also a good idea to occasionally test your GFCI receptacle to be sure it’s operating properly. All you have to do is push the “Test” button on the front of the receptacle; after the GFCI trips its circuit (you’ll hear a “click”), simply press the “Reset” button to reactivate it. If the GFCI fails to either trip or reset, take your RV to the nearest service center and have a replacement GFCI installed.

the amount of protection you’re giving your electronic equipment). Joule ratings are listed on the surge protector’s packaging; you can also contact the manufacturer of your electronic equipment to find the amount of joule protection recommended for your equipment. You also want to check the surge protector’s packaging to confirm its rated “response time”. This is the amount of time it takes the surge protector to detect a surge so select one that responds in one nanosecond or less. Finally, you want to look at the surge protector’s “clamping voltage” rating. This number is listed in volts and represents the amount of voltage the surge protector will allow to pass through itself before suppressing the power surge. In this case, lower numbers are better. The lower the surge protector’s clamping voltage rating, the greater the amount of protection you are giving your electronic device. One more word of advice: surge protectors can, and do, fail. Each power surge your surge protector is subjected to depletes a little of its stated joule rating. More surges mean higher depletion rates (in other words, each power surge devours a little of your stated joule rating). If your surge protector is several years old and has been subjected to numerous surges, you may want to consider replacing it. Whole RV Surge Protectors Surge protectors are available specifically for the outside connection to your RV, to help prevent a voltage spike to the internal wiring of your RV (which could lead to a damaged microwave, TV, air conditioner, or roof fan). Continued on page 52

Surge Protectors A surge protector is an electrical device designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment from power surges, electrical storms, and voltage spikes. All sensitive electronic devices (like computers, plasma televisions, satellite receivers, etc.) should be protected with a surge protector, both at home and while traveling in your RV. Surge protectors are rated in “joules”, a unit of measure that gives you a numerical equivalent of how much energy the surge protector can dissipate before it fails. Generally speaking, the higher the joule rating, the greater the amount of energy the surge protector can absorb (and the greater APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

TrailMix Spring Gulch Folk Festival

Considered “the little sister” to the hugely popular summertime Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Spring Gulch Folk Festival, is held each May at this fabulous RV resort nestled on 115 acres in the Amish Farmlands and Welsh Mountains in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Celebrating its 25th year, this year’s festival lineup, scheduled for May 19-22, includes Buckwheat Zydeco and Trout Fishing in America.

In addition to the outstanding musical entertainment, the event also features workshops, crafts and plenty of great food. Considering its humble beginnings when just a few folk artists performed for a crowd that filled just a quarter of the resort, to the widely attended, highly anticipated event it is today, it looks like “the little sister” is all grown up! Don’t miss the 2011 Spring Gulch Folk Festival.

Medina Lake Honors Veterans This past December, Medina Lake hosted a Veterans Day Program and recognized more than 20 veterans with Certificates of Appreciation for their military service. In addition, each veteran received a copy of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Veterans included Thousand Trails employees as well as members of the TT Texas Chapter of FMCA members.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Celebrating Mother Earth

April 22, 2011 celebrates the 41st anniversary of the original Earth Day. Since its inception, it has gone global. In 1990 it went international with over 140 nations participating and Earth Day is now a global event coordinated through Earth Day Network. The 2011 event organizes around the initiative, A Billion Acts of Green, which is designed to inspire and reward both simple and individual acts that further the goal of measurably reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability. We checked with our preserves to see what initiatives they have implemented and how they will be observing Earth Day this year. The plan at Lake of the Springs is to pay it forward. The recycling program they have in place collects plastic, aluminum and cardboard. They in turn donate the recyclable to the local Lions Club, which aids families in need. In addition to using environmentally friendly products for wastewater treatment, Lake of the Springs also uses timers on all lights and heaters in the restrooms to conserve energy. Bear Cave has replaced every lightbulb at the Michigan preserve with energy efficient fluorescents many of which have “dusk to dawn” sensors to help conserve electricity. A very user-friendly recycling program for both campers and employees is in place and plans are underway to roll out more green initiatives in the future. In honor of Earth Day, Lake Tawakoni will host a “Planting Party” on Saturday, April 23, focusing on the main entrance. Seeds and plants will be planted to enhance the beauty of the preserve while maintaining the quality of the environment. Carolina Landing hosts “Make A Difference Day” where various projects are done around the property, including tree planting.

Get Out and

Ca mp

Congratulations!

Our February winner is

Tom Herrick

Want to be a Lucky Winner? Then Get Out and Camp! ELS and Thousand Trails are offering Get Out and Camp participants the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express Gift Card.

Through 2011, any Thousand Trails member who pays their dues in full and on time will automatically be entered into the monthly drawing and becomes eligible for additional entries with each camping

Bay Landing plans to get the Club Blazers into the efforts by having them pick up trash along the shoreline at the beach. Plus, the group will spend some time talking about other ways to save the planet. Several properties told us “we just recycle.” To that we say stop using the word “just” and recognize the value of your efforts. According to eHow.com, if aluminum cans were not being recycled, there would be over 80 billion of them left in landfills and on land every year. The same goes for paper recycling – about 50 million tons of paper are recycled annually (which unfortunately is only about half of what is produced) but if there was no paper recycling, we would lose 850 million more trees a year. If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint and looking to make efforts on the homefront to reduce either your own or your household’s, check out www.carbonfootprint.com and reduceyourcarbonfootprint.com. Both sites can help you calculate your footprint and provide ideas on how to reduce that footprint. And remember “earth day is everyday.” experience you have at a TT preserve! There is no limit to how many entries you can earn by camping with TT (cancellations are not included). One more chance! All eligible members may submit one entry by mail to Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Mail entries must be postmarked by September 30, 2011. Mail entries must include your name, address, day and evening telephone numbers and e-mail address on a 3”x5” card. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the promotion on the Thousand Trails web site at: www.thousandtrails.com

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Calendar - April 2011 ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Oakzanita

April 1-3: We continue our cleanup with a “Resort Beautification” as we clean out the flower and plant beds, replant as needed and bring in the bark dust. It’s also April Fools’ weekend, so you never know what will happen. April 2224: We kick off the season with a weekend of fun. On Saturday we will have a bike parade and decorating contest, weather permitting. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for Cook’s famous Burgers and Hot Dogs. On Sunday, rain or shine, we will have an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. (meet at the Rec centre).

Palm Springs

Cultus Lake

CALIFORNIA

April 2: End of the Season Party, plus the music of Stan Wayne from 7-9 p.m. April 22: Earth Day: We will be planting flowering cactus in the courtyard.

Lake Minden

April 1-3: April Fool’s Day: Bring your favorite unusual or even bizarre covered dish Friday for a foolishly fun April Fool’s Day Potluck dinner. After, we’ll have Brown Bag Bingo (not too serious prizes, please) and a funny family movie. Saturday enter a “the joke’s on you scavenger hunt”. Not enough April Fool’s Fun? How about some Family Karaoke in the Family Lodge? April 8-10: Challenging Activities: We invite you to a weekend of challenging activities that will include card games, board games, miniature, golf, paddleboat races, hula-hoops, and a scavenger hunt, just to name a few. Don’t forget to join us Saturday for the Ice Cream Social and Candy Bar Bingo. April 15-17: Fun in the Sun: Chase away those winter blues with a game of softball, croquet or miniature golf. We have a wide variety of sports equipment for scheduled activities that can also be checked out for personal use. Don’t forget the Friday Night Potluck dinner and Brown Bag Bingo. April 22-24: Easter Festivities: Saturday morning we’ll dye Easter eggs with the kids and do spring crafts. Don’t forget to get your tickets and sign up early for our annual Easter Dinner Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning we’ll have the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Don’t forget your cameras. This is a great weekend for photos. April 29-May 1: Boat Races: Join us for the season’s first Hydroplane Boat Races. These races are a favorite here that promise rip roaring fun and heart pounding excitement. A little too excited? Take a break from the races for Candy Bar Bingo and the Ice Cream Social. Don’t forget to join us Saturday night for a good old-fashioned Barn Dance.

Lake of the Springs During the first three Saturdays of the month we’ll have our Baked Potato Social – come meet new friends or enjoy the company of someone you already know. Stay and play some Candy Bar Bingo. April 23-24: Easter Celebration includes a craft and variety fair, plus on Saturday there will be a fishing derby and egg coloring for kids and we’ll serve an Easter Ham Dinner. John Carter will be here for our campfire sing-a-long and marshmallow roast. Anna Maria will be here for our Family Dance. Join us Sunday morning for sunrise services. Bring the kids to our Easter Egg Hunt and to meet the Easter Bunny. April 24-29: Line Dance Festival with Marion and friends. Come join the fun – there will be lots of dancing, food and friends.

Morgan Hill April 23-24: Saturday we’ll have our Easter Egg Coloring at 2 p.m. in the Dining Hall and on Sunday the Easter Egg Hunt will be at 2 p.m. in the Dining Hall. 14

April 23-24: On Saturday, join us for lots of fun Easter crafts and Easter egg dying and decorating. You can bring your own eggs to dye or help us dye the eggs for the park Easter Egg Hunt. We will also be making our edible art Easter basket cupcakes. Fun for all ages! On Sunday, bring your kids down to the patio at 8 a.m. sharp for our Easter Egg Hunt. We have lots of eggs and fun goodies for the kids. You won’t want to miss this event.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

April 15-17 Coachella Music Festival Three-day music and arts festival, held at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, just 5 miles from the preserve. For music lineup visit www. coachella.com

April 30-May 1 Stagecoach Music Festival Two-day country-western music festival, held at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, just 5 miles from the preserve. For music lineup visit www.stagecoachfestival.com

Pio Pico Daily events throughout the month include coffee socials, games, and 8-ball tourneys. Saturdays in April include Saturday Marketplace, Coffee Socials, Candy Bingo, Wood Crafts Family Movies and Softball Games. Every Tuesday we feature Border Patrol talks. April 9-24: Spring Break 2011: Youth Center will be open everyday, plus we’ll have crafts, kids’ games, and 8-ball tourneys. April 23-24: Easter Weekend: events include egg coloring, Easter crafts, Candy Bingo, Coyote Country DJ, Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny and Easter Services.

April 17 Annual San Diego Earth Fair Held in Balboa Park, this is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. It features 350 exhibitors, special theme areas, food pavilion, kids’ area and entertainment areas. For more information visit www.earthdayweb.org.

Ponderosa April 23: The Easter Bunny returns to hide eggs and greet the young and young at heart. The kids can design their own baskets and then use them at our annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Join us for some good food, good entertainment and great cars. Make plans now to attend the Collector Car Show at northern California’s newest and most fabulous casino. We’re expecting 300 of northern California’s finest Hot Rods, Street Rods, Muscle and Classic Cars to be here on display. Held at Red Hawk Casino in Shingle Springs, just 12 miles from the preserve. For information call (530) 622-6608.

NORTH CAROLINA Lake Gaston

April 1-3: Welcome Back Sunset Social: Plan to bring your favorite hors d’oevres and beverages and celebrate the beginning of a new season. April 22-24: “Hoppy” Easter: Easter weekend will feature visits from the Easter Bunny on the hayride and a pancake breakfast. We’ll have Easter Egg Hunts for all ages, arts & crafts, a member potluck supper and the Saturday night “Bunny Hop” with your favorite DJ.

OREGON Pacific City

San Benito Every Friday we feature our Friday Night Spaghetti Feed, plus we’ve added fish and rice to the menu. Serving begins at 6 p.m. at Reba’s Café in the Family Lodge. Full breakfast menu each Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The first and third Saturday is the Manager’s Meeting at 11 a.m. in the Family Lodge followed by Skipbo Tournaments. Second and fourth Saturday we have 9-ball tournaments for teens and adults, plus crafts and Ice Cream Socials. Sundays are non-denominational services, plus Ice Cream Social and Bingo. April 9: Saturday evening Potluck and Big Bucks Bingo. April 23-24: Recreation will be coloring Easter eggs during the day. In the evening we’ll have our Easter Dinner followed by the wonderful world of magic with Leo the Magician. Sunday Easter Celebration begins with our annual parade followed by our Easter Egg Hunt with lots of prizes for kids of all ages. April 30: Saturday Night at the Movies: Our summer-long outdoor movie event begins at our Fonceca Amphitheater.

Wilderness Lakes April 2: Casino Night: Come play Blackjack for free; play with Wilderness money and get rich. Tickets given and drawing for door prize at the end of the evening. Must be 21 to play. April 9: Enjoy the music of Stan Wayne. April 16: Chuck Stewart and his live band entertain outdoors (weather permitting). April 23: E&E Animals will bring their exotic animals, plus Dominic’s Karaoke for the whole family. April 24: Happy Easter – we’ll have an Easter Egg Hunt with prizes. April 30: Movie night.

FLORIDA

April 23: Easter Festivities include egg coloring, egg toss, egg hunt, plus Hard Crock Café Ham and Scalloped Taters lunch in the store.

Whalers Rest April 23: Breakfast at Whalers Galley will be served from 9 to 10 a.m. in the North Clubhouse. Select from a full menu and kids can enter the Easter coloring contest –winners announced at noon at the South Clubhouse. BBQ Lunch served outside the South Clubhouse from noon to 1 p.m. Get your tickets in the Sea Chest Store for your sandwich selection. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt and games will start at 2 p.m. in our South Clubhouse, plus we also serve up ice cream for those who’d like to purchase a sundae or cone. Be on the lookout for the Easter Bunny who might be hopping by.

April 23-25 Newport Paper Arts Festival XV Event features eighteen workshops taught by thirteen artists, including silk and fiber paper making, surface design, wet and needle felting, decorating book binding, paper manipulation, transformational book making, collage, unique paper basketry, wood block printing, jello monoprinting and mixed media jewelry. Held at the Newport Visual Arts Center, just 5 minutes north of the preserve. For more information call (541) 265-6569.

PENNSYLVANIA PA Dutch

April 2-3: Ballroom entertainment featuring Len and Lois on Saturday and Willy Nelson 1 on Sunday. April 9: Ballroom entertainment featuring Vivacity on Saturday and Mercy Seat on Sunday. April 16: Ballroom entertainment featuring Tom Hansen. April 22-24: Easter Weekend: So much to do! Easter Egg Hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny, plus crafts, pool party, and bunny games. So hop on over and join us.

April 8-10: Welcome Back Weekend: Friday night Bingo, Saturday crafts, wagon ride, Soup and Sandwich Social with the Men & Machine Band. April 15-17: Movie Madness Weekend: Friday night Bingo, Saturday crafts, wagon ride and movie marathon. April 22-24: Easter Weekend: Friday night Bingo, Saturday crafts, plus Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Bunny visit, wagon ride. Sunday Easter Dinner – we provide the ham and campers supply the sides. April 2930: Love your Pet Weekend: Friday night Bingo, Saturday crafts, wagon ride and pet parade and contests.

NEW JERSEY

Timothy Lake North

Orlando

Lake & Shore

April 22-24: Easter Weekend

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

April 23 April Spring Fest Classic Car Show

April 29-May 1: We’re OPEN! We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back this weekend. Peter Cottontail will make a surprise visit and join us with egg hunts, egg coloring and much, much more. Sing and dance to the tunes presented by our all-time favorite DJ couple, Fantasy Karaoke. APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

TENNESSEE Natchez Trace

Apri l 9: Supper will be served at the Town Hall from 4-6 p.m. Candy Bingo at 7 p.m. April 16: Earth Day: Cleanup begins at 9 a.m., followed by cookout at 4 p.m. Casino Night begins at 7 p.m. April 23: Eggstravagant Easter Egg Hunt at the Red Bar begins at 11 a.m. Supper served in the Town Hall from 4-6 p.m. following by Movie Night in the Amphitheater at 7 p.m. April 30: Game Show Weekend: Supper will be served at the Town Hall from 4-6 p.m. followed by 7 p.m. Minute to Win It game.

TEXAS

Bay Landing April 1-3: Beautify Bay Landing: Dig out your gloves and join the staff working together to make Bay Landing beautiful. We will plant flowers and trees and anything else that needs to be done. Spaghetti lunch provided for all helpers. Free cake and ice cream too! April 22-24: Easter Weekend: Hop on over to Bay Landing for our Easter activities. Find the Golden Egg at our egg hunt and win the HUGE basket for three age groups. Don’ t forget to decorate your own bonnet and basket for our contest also. Adults-Only Flashlight Hunt at dark-bring your flashlight and find the golden egg.

Colorado River Throughout April: member-generated activities, plus staff-led Saturday evening potluck dinners. Please call the preserve for additional information.

Lake Conroe April 2: Back to the 50s Weekend/Happy April Birthdays: Come celebrate April birthdays 50s style! We’ll also be hula-hooping, sock decorating (bring a pair of socks) and rock painting. So be there or be square, Daddy-O! April 9: Kids’ Fishing Tournament Weekend: There’s fishies in them thar ponds so kids, bring your poles and let’s catch ‘em. Prizes will be awarded for the most fish caught, the ugliest fish caught, the biggest fish and the smallest caught. April 16: Cajun Fest Weekend: Crawfish races, games on the pavilion, and some finger-lickin’ good crawfish, Boudin sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes. Yum? April 23: Happy Easter Weekend: Come celebrate Easter with us! We’ll dye eggs (be sure to bring hard-boiled eggs), have an egg-in-thespoon races, a bunny hop and then an egg hunt. Special Easter services will be held Sunday morning. April 30: High Flying Weekend: Bring your kites and let’s fly ‘em high.

Lake Tawakoni April 2: Walk the Park, Candy Bar Bingo, member-generated games at the Adult Lodge. April 9: Card-Bingo, nickel, dime, Poker Run, games at the Adult Lodge. April 16: Walk the Park, Pokeno, Potato Bake, and games at the Adult Lodge. April 23: Walk the Park, Easter egg dying, Easter Dog parade, and games at the Adult Lodge. April 30: Spring Frenzy Games at the FC, Walk the Park, games at the Adult Lodge. Chapel Services held every Sunday at the Welcome Center at 8:45 a.m.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

April 14-16 Van Zandt County Fair and Annual Bluebird Festival Held in downtown Wills Point, just 15 miles from the preserve, this County Fair features shopping, festive foods, exhibits, and a carnival.

Lake Texoma April 2: Birthday/Anniversaries Bingo: join us for our special time to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with fun and cake. April 9: Pets on Parade: Let’s see the cutest, best tricks, best personality. Plus fun craft and relay races for all. April 16: Earth Day: Beautify Lake Texoma by planting a tree, shrub or flowers in memory of a loved one. April 23-24: Easter Weekend: Easter Egg Hunt for little ones, plus make your own Easter bonnet and bring to our Best Easter Bonnet contest. On Sunday we will have a Sunrise Easter Service at the beach (weather permitting). Bring lawn chair and visit by the fire at the Family Center. April 30: Gospel Music Weekend: Come for music, fun and snacks. All your favorite snacks to share with all.

Medina Lake April 2: Birthdays/Anniversaries: We’ll celebrate with cake and ice cream. April 23-24: Easter Weekend features egg coloring, piñatas, banana splits, and Easter crafts on Saturday. Saturday night we’ll host a moonlit Easter Egg Hunt for the adults so bring your flashlights. On Sunday, the Easter Bunny will join the kids for their egg hunts. Join us with your family for Easter dinner.

WASHINGTON Birch Bay

April 16: All-age Karaoke Sing-a-long, plus Manager’s Happy Power Hour. April 23: Easter Potluck followed by the Cottontail Casino Night. April 24: Easter Egg Hunt at 2 p.m.

April 16 International Plowing Match 2011 The 70th anniversary of this event – come watch these magnificent horses and their plowman till the soil as in days gone by. Beginning at 9 a.m. at Berthusen Park, just 10 miles from the preserve. Free admission and free parking. Awards will be held at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds from 7 to 9 p.m.

Chehalis April 1-10: SW Washington Schools’ Spring Break: Come to Chehalis for a week of fun. Events include face painting, carts, movies, bingo, ice cream socials, hayrides, games and more. April 22-25: Easter Weekend: Join us for a Giant Chehalis Easter Egg-stravaganza and Potluck Saturday. We’ll have an egg decorating craft and Easter Egg Hunt – find the Golden Egg for a special prize, plus face painting, movies and ice cream social.

April 22-23: Easter Celebration Weekend: Bring your kids for a hopping good time that includes Easter Egg Hunt, games, and crafts.

April 2-3 Woodfest Traditional carvers, wood turners, chainsaw carvers, high school woodshop exhibits/competition, auction, educational exhibits and much more. Held at Sedro- Woolley High School, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Oceana April 8-10 Photo & Fine Arts Show Artists and photographers from all over the United States enter this show to win prizes and show their unique photos and beautiful works of art. Enjoy watching the artists in action. Held at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, just 5 miles from the preserve. For more information visit www.associatedarts.com.

La Conner April 4-8: Spring Break in Skagit County. Please check boards for crafts and beach walks. Food Service will be available. Don’t forget April is Tulip Festival so check the board for “Field Watch” to see what’s blooming. April 22-24: Thousand Trails Singles Weekend. April 23-24: Easter Weekend: Come dye eggs with us and join in the egg hunt on Sunday.

April 1-30 28th Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival As our fields begin exploding with color, we invite you to experience the delightful magic of nature in the farmlands of La Conner and Skagit Valley.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Grandy Creek

My April Event Planner: √ Annual San Diego Earth Fair √ Newport Paper Arts Festival XV

Little Diamond April 15: Preserve opens for the season!

Mt. Vernon April 4: Seafood TGIF: Every first Friday we have our Seafood TGIF featuring the best pan-fried oysters in the country, plus awesome clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, steamed clams, crab cakes. We do offer a large dinner Chicken Caesar salad for those that don’t enjoy seafood. Low prices. R.S.V.P. (360) 7244811. April 7: We are hosting an after-hour social for the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. Join us and meet members of our area and hear about their community involvement. See the displays that transform our Family Lodge into a unique setting for your event, from weddings to family reunions and much more. Please call (360) 724-4811 for seating. Donations for door prizes welcome. April 24: Easter: Bring in spring by starting the holiday with an Easter Brunch at the Lodge followed by egg dying and crafts. Have a traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Join us for a fun-filled day. Call (360) 724-4811 for reservations.

You can also view these events on our web site: www.TrailBlazerMagazine.net APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER and are set forth on our web site at www.zonecampingpass.com/referthezone CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Spotlight | Wii Fit W

hen trying to add a bit of physical activity into your schedule, grabbing a video game controller might not seem like the best option…initially. In gaming systems past, players were confined to the couch for hours, with the only movement being a frenzied dance of thumbs across the controller. Now, video games exist that leave players out of breath and aerobically exercised. The Nintendo Wii launched the concept of exergaming, a combination of heart healthy activity and virtual gaming.

Embracing the fitness aspect of the gaming system, Nintendo released Wii Fit in 2007. Wii Fit features yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance games to improve physical health and encourage families to exercise together. The game has over 40 activities and uses the Wii Balance Board to calculate body mass index (BMI), take body tests and keep a fit profile.

The Wii console, introduced by Nintendo in 2006, is a motion generated gaming device powered by a handheld remote. This interactive gaming system coaxes people off of the couch with the click of a button. Wii consoles now come equipped with Wii Sports, a program that allows users to mimic real movements to box, golf, play baseball and tennis and bowl. “One of our hopes was that people would find a way to enjoy the Wii sitting on the couch or getting up and moving their body around,” said Nintendo spokeswoman Perrin Kaplan in an interview with Time magazine. “This huge fitness craze is more than we had anticipated.”

The “fun” aspect got a few of the ELS properties excited about Wii fitness, as well. Whalers Rest in South Beach, Oregon has a Wii fitness event scheduled each week to promote fun and health for all visiting members. Just Dance, a game in which players mimic onscreen characters’ dance moves, was a standout hit and has been recognized as one of the best Wii games for fitness. Several RV and MH properties across Arizona participate in a Wii bowling league (see sidebar next page). Avid virtual bowlers compete at the property level and travel from property to property as long as they continue to win. It’s not as stressful and strenuous on the body as 10pin bowling is,” said Sandy West, ELS’ Arizona Regional Activity Manager. The group activities encourage multiple guests to get involved and do physical activity without thinking twice about it. While not all of the Wii games will do as much for your body as a full blown workout, many of the fitness games will increase your heart rate and allow yourself to have a good time while doing so. Be sure to check out the following games for a workout that you can do with your friends and family: EA Sports Active, The Biggest Loser, Wii Fit Plus, Just Dance and Gold Gym’s Cardio Burn.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Wii Bowling: Right Up Their Alley

re-competition routines can make or break an athlete. Some have the same meal every morning before a game with the fear that changing a routine will negate their hard work, while others pop in their headphones, turn up the volume and get into the competitive mindset with help from their favorite musicians. For George Bunce, prepping for a tournament is the same each time: get out of bed and go. “I look forward to it,” Bunce says. “I’ve been a bowler all my life.” Stating that he’s been a bowler all his life carries serious weight considering the 92-year-old Bunce has been bowling since the late 1930s and gave up 10-pin bowling with a 192 average only ten years ago. How does Bunce get his bowling fix now? He is a two-year member of the Paradise RV Resort Wii Bowling League. “Wii bowling has become a bit of a phenomenon,” said Sandy West, ELS’ Arizona Regional Activity Manager. Residents form teams, usually comprised of two to three bowlers, and play against each other in a property level tournament. The winning team travels and plays an equally ranked team at a different resort.

“It takes a little while to get into it. It’s all in the way you release it.” While the Wii console attracts many young gamers, the Wii bowling league generally harvests players ranging from 55 to 75-years-old. The motions are not as stressful and strenuous on the body’s joints as regular bowling and the weight of the remote is much less than even the lightest bowling ball. Bringing a Wii to various properties was a suggestion straight from guests and residents. West began by purchasing Wii systems for six properties a year and a half ago. Properties began to embrace the Wii almost immediately. Venture In RV Resort in Show Low, Arizona, dedicated a room to the virtual gaming world. Decoupage images of Wii baseball, bowling and tennis cover the walls of the room that houses the system. While the Wii bowling league does bring a competitive edge to the properties, which adds a bit of fun to the game, says Bunce, one goal surpasses the rest: have fun. Whether you’re an avid Wii bowler or a fan of friendly competition, you’ll enjoy yourself at a Wii bowling event. ■ by Annie Colletti

“It’s exercise, companionship, and just a lot of fun,” says Bunce of Wii bowling. “I had eight strikes in a row one day; I thought I was doing something wrong!” Wii bowling leagues at the ELS properties serve as entertainment for participants and spectators alike. Additionally, during the summer months, watching a friendly competition in an air-conditioned area is in high demand. Resort guests attend the weekly bowling tournaments and turn activity rooms into a virtual bowling alley. “The space fills with a hollering audience, laughter and excitement,” said West. A bowling alley atmosphere is not the only similarity between Wii bowling and standard 10-pin bowling. The virtual version also follows 10-pin etiquette. Traveling competitors wear team shirts and are shuttled from property to property by bus. At the end of the bowling season, bowlers attend a banquet complete with trophies and awards. “You use the same delivery type with 10-pin bowling as you do with Wii,” Bunce says.

Bill Shively playing Wii APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

America! ENJOY

“America’s Finest Discount Camping”

Sands of Time Campground Avon, North Carolina Planning this year’s vacation? Looking for something different? Tired of the amusement park lines, crowds of people, traffic jams and the rat race of life? If so, Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, North Carolina is the key to paradise. There’s miles of beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets, with lots to do or nothing to do but soak in the rays – your choice. If that’s the plan then consider Sands of Time Campground as the place to stay if you head that way. Located in the quaint fishing village of Avon, better known as Kinnakeet by the locals, you can enjoy the serenity of Hatteras Island as in days gone by but with the modern conveniences of today. The campground is in walking distance of restaurants, shopping, the

Avon fishing pier, entertainment, and pristine beaches. Just two and half miles down the road is “Canadian Hole”, famous nationwide among wind surfers and kite surfers. The campground offers large sites, full hook-ups, laundry facilities, clean, hot showers, a fish cleaning station and shady tent sites. Plus, two bedroom/one bath cottage rentals are also available. Sands of Time offers some of the best rates on the Cape. For more information visit www.sandsoftimecampground.com.

Not an erica! Enjoy Am Member? ly for On Join Now $39.95 3-6569 1-888-64

America! Y ENJO

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Cape Hatteras Seashore © Paul Lemke | Dreamstime.com

Wild Rafting in the Western U.S. The whoosh of air through your hair, the splash of spray in your face and the adrenaline rush of swerving speed are the hallmarks of whitewater rafting on the rivers of America. The thrill and excitement is breathtaking.

As you might expect, Oregon has some of the best rafting in the nation. One of the one of the oldest and most experienced whitewater companies in the state is River Drifters. Check them out at www.riverdrifters.net.

If this type of adventure appeals to you, there are myriad routes available for fun in the west and fine RPI resorts close by to serve as home base.

A fine location to hook up in that area is the Bend Resort, a lush area for some wonderful hiking, biking, riding and swimming.

In Arizona, for instance, Salt River Rafting takes you through the Sonoran Desert outside of Phoenix and the state’s “other Grand Canyon,” the Upper Salt River Canyon. It’s a spectacular scene of saguaros and sun sure to please. Visit www.raftthesalt.com to find out more.

Then, up north a bit, Blue Sky Outfitters provides firstclass outings in Washington, and has since 1982. Their guides know the best avenues and biggest hits. At www.blueskyoutfitters.com you can learn more.

For RPI members visiting the area, White Mountain Camperland is a cool mountain retreat, 6,800 feet up and miles away from the cares of the day. California’s American River is renowned for its rafting. American River Recreation has trips down that waterway as well as a variety of others, with packages aimed at beginners through old pros. They also specialize in family trip specials offering safe excursions for kids as young as four. Their web site is www.arrafting.com. The Ponderosa RV Resort, right on the American in Lotus, California, is in the Golden State’s gold country. History surrounds you, and you can even pan for the glittery nuggets yourself. Wilderness Aware Rafting is the king of many rivers in Colorado. Twice named Colorado Company of the Year and rated #1 on Trip Advisor, the company also features horse, jeep and bike trips. You can go to www. inaraft.com for more information.

In sight of Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens, you can stay at RPI’s Maple Grove Resort, nestled, quite appropriately, in a comforting grove of maple trees. Many hook-ups are right on the Cowlitz River. These resorts are ready and willing to create memories that will last a lifetime for RPI members and their families. The depth and variety of the RPI resort guide makes it possible for you to search for adventure and excitement – like these rushing rivers – or burrow in for simple pleasures and pure relaxation. Make your choice, pick your dates and call RPI at 1-800-456-7774 to reserve a spot. Then don those life vests, grab those paddles, and go for the ride of your life! Not an RPI member yet, don’t waste another summer, call us today at 800-635-8498.

Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch, smack dab in the middle of Colorado’s hunting and fishing country, is a beautiful RPI resort to call home on this vacation, and sits on the state’s largest lake, the Blue Mesa. For a truly remarkable view of a geological wonder, try Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys Snake River trip through Hell’s Canyon, which is North America’s deepest gorge. Outside of Boise, Idaho, you can listen to your guides relate the area’s history while examining the awesome formations. Visit www.snakeraft.com.

Not a RPI M n emb Join N er? o for On w ly $79

For your Idaho visit, Fort Running Bear in Mountain Home lies in a gorgeous wilderness area within sight of majestic mountains. A variety of wildlife might scamper by, and the fishing ain’t bad either.

Ca 1-800- ll 63 for inf 5-8498 ormat ion

Hell’s Canyon

You mu st be a NAC or

Mid-Atl O, LTR 23 APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER to quali antic member fy for th

is offer.

Charlotte Wet And Wild: Urban Rafting And Other Diversions by Bill and Diana Gleasner

ou try to follow your guide’s shouted commands. But surging rapids - in fast forward - drown out his voice. Your raft pitches and rolls. You dig in. One moment you’re paddling air. The next you are catapulted into wild and turbulent water. Some days stay with you forever, securely stowed in your memory bank. Rafting the rapids bucking-bronco-style is one of them. This exhilarating roller-coaster of a ride will have you awash with adrenaline in no time. Intense? To say the least!

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

“Big Drop” at the U.S. Nationa

No, you are not careening down the Colorado River. You are a mere 20 minutes west of uptown Charlotte, North Carolina at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC). Home to the world’s largest man-made recirculating whitewater river, this is a U.S. Olympic Training Site. Here Olympian kayaking/ canoeing hopefuls come to improve their proficiency on – get this - rapids that can be rearranged at the flip of a switch. It is also a fun family place where youngsters learn skills, gain confidence and create memories that will last a lifetime. This $38 million facility, known as the world’s premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center, comes complete with mile of Class II-IV rapids. It is designed to host World Cup competitions, Olympic Trials and other prestigious paddling events.

each 680 horsepower, move more than 536 gallons of water per minute. They could fill an Olympic-sized pool in less than 20 seconds! After rafters and paddlers finish shooting their runs, they enter the lower pond and paddle their craft onto an inclined 180-foot conveyor belt to return to the starting pond. Thanks to a fine outdoor lighting system, they can continue on into the evening. Now that’s something you don’t usually get to do at night in the deep, dark woods. The center offers a variety of rafting challenges ranging from Class ll rapids (fast water with easily avoided obstacles) for beginners (8 or older) to Class lV rapids for advanced paddlers who seek out the challenge of swift rapids, bouncy waves and unpredictable currents. You may choose from three rafting options - Family Raft trips (suitable for groups with young children), Adventure Rafting (by far the most popular category) and, for the highly skilled, Rodeo Rafting. Rodeo teams, made up of four participants, execute kayak-style maneuvers that test their paddling skills against severe drops, waves and tight technical turns. Professional guides choose the most aggressive routes so that paddlers will experience worldclass whitewater at its most impressive. There is a strong possibility that you will be ejected from your agile 10-foot Rodeo raft. Like to swim? Rodeo Rafting is the way to go. What could be more fun than ninety minutes of fear and froth? (Not to worry. Your safety and security are the Center’s number one priority.) Those who prefer more relaxing activities will be glad to find that this Center is situated among 400 wooded acres along the scenic shores of the Catawba River. You may explore this scenic waterway by flatwater kayaking on your own or with a staffguided tour.

al Whitewater Center. Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center

Imagine, if you can, twelve million gallons of treated water circulating through two ponds and three channels creating a memorable stretch of whitewater. This looks and feels like a natural river, but it’s a far cry from the “real” rivers of the past. The three channels are lined by 4,000 cubic yards of imported boulders, some adjustable for changing the character of the rapids. An adjustable boulder - now that’s a concept. The channels - Wilderness Channel, Competition Channel and Instruction Channel - share a common water filtration and treatment system. This system, using ultraviolet light rather than chemicals, treats the entire 12 million gallons every 24 hours. Seven pumps,

Long ago, when the Native Americans roamed these lands, there were rapids, also known as shoals, in the river. These shallow places, where the water ran swiftly over rocks and boulders, were favorite crossing places for wild animals and Indians. Later they became ideal sites for textile mills with rushing water providing the power. When the river was dammed to form a lake, these rapids disappeared quietly below the placid surface of the lake. Cotton was no longer king, and a new era had begun. Today, in this region, rapids are an endangered species – a part of local river heritage some thought was forever gone. However, Catawba River heritage keeps re-emerging in surprising ways. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a perfect example. “Drowning rapids under a new lake and then recreating them downstream,” a fellow rafter remarked, “is just what God might have done if he had had an unlimited budget.” APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Rock climbing, rappelling, belaying and bouldering also fit well into the lasting memory department. The USNWC climbing center is one of the world’s largest. Instruction, beginning at four years of age, is available for all skill levels. The 46-foot spire and climbing wall feature more than 40 roped climbs, and the reward for a successful ascent is a birds-eye view of the rapids below. Watching kids scramble around on kid-sized rocks is a favorite spectator sport. Surely, this is the kind of place where a youngster’s vision of conquering Everest might be born. A first step might be to test both your mental and physical strength on the ropes and plank bridges of the Adventure Course hidden in the trees on Adventure Ridge. You and your children (or grandchildren) will have a “high” time finding your balance forty feet in the air. Since you reach the high ropes course via a 40-foot-long net climb, it is not for the fear-of-heights crowd, but it’s a good place to confront some of your hesitations about such activities. When you complete the course and return to terra firma, you will experience a richly deserved feeling of accomplishment. Now that you have been bitten by the aerial bug, it’s time to try your wings on the zipline, a unique and recent addition to the Center’s facilities called the Mega Zip. “Zippers” soar through the air from the 46-foot Mega Tower and fly over the activities below. In less than a minute, thanks to your 15-20 mph speed, you’ll be on the ground again. As if water and air weren’t enough, USNWC offers 14 miles of woodland trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, for hiking, biking and running. All riders must have a mountain bike designed for steep single-track riding, and a helmet is required. The Center has a rental fleet of 75 mountain bikes available or you may use your own. River views, challenging climbs and steep descents keep riders of all ages and skill levels on the alert. Eco Trekking, another offering in the outdoor scene, is a high-tech treasure hunt, suitable for kids of all ages. Explorers use GPS-receivers with programmed destinations to find the more than 23 cache points on the property. Each has an environmental lesson.

Photos: Top - Adventure Ropes Course at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center Bottom Left - With the choice of 40 roped routes of varying difficulty, climbers tackle the challenging 46-foot spire overlooking the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Photo by Bill Gleasner Bottom Right - Action-packed World Class rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. This is the official training facility for USA Canoe/ Kayak Olympic contenders. Photo by Bill Gleasner

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

If you’re hungry after all the activity or need to refuel after burning all those calories check out the River’s Edge Bar & Grill. River’s Edge Bar & Grill offers meals that are both healthy and delicious –fuel fit for Olympic contenders. Not to mention a view, which is unbeatable. You have a front row seat overlooking paddlers. Rafts become air born before your eyes. Kayakers roll, disappear from view and emerge with a grin on their faces. You are in the midst of the action. Launch your repast with a Southern Fried Pickle dipped in buttermilk ranch or sweet potato waffle fries served with honey mustard and jalapeno jelly. Hankering for a bit more zing? Try roasted Jalapeno Pimento cheese and pita topped with bacon. Seared tuna is a stellar choice as is bean, beef and beer chili – made with New Belgium’s Fat Tire beer and just the thing for a chilly day. Please don’t leave without sampling the S’mores Pie or the fruit cobbler al a mode. Wash it all down with a local beer - your choice from more than 20 taps of craft beers. Sit back and soak up the sun.

This may be a good time to consider what else there is to do in Charlotte. You know, of course, that this is the town (which prefers to be known as a world class city) that money built. In fact, it is one of the largest banking centers in the country. Football and racing fans will want to tour Charlotte’s Bank of America stadium and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Racing fans already know about the city’s brand new NASCAR Hall of Fame, a 150,000-square-foot entertainment complex honoring the history and heritage of motor sports. Uptown Charlotte is worthy of investigation. Walk from the stadium to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, or take the Gold Rush free trolley, to get a sense of this lively, friendly urban area. You will be tempted along the way by a wide variety of specialty restaurants, trendy boutiques and world-class museums. If you haven’t been to Charlotte in the last couple years, you will be astonished to visit the new museums that are turning Charlotte into a fine arts destination.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

The Levine Center for the Arts, amazing in both quality and scope of vision, is home to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (displaying the works of Giacometti, Miro, Picasso and Max Ernst), the Mint Museum Uptown (American and contemporary collections, Childe Hassam and Robert Henri as well as a fabulous collection of craft and design pieces) and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture (Romare Bearden and Ernest Crichlow and other celebrated black artists). These museums are each rungs on the ladder taking the city to world-class status. History buffs will want to visit the Hezekiah Alexander House. Built in 1774, this two-story stone house, the oldest surviving structure in Mecklenburg County, is located on the grounds of the Charlotte Museum of History. For those captivated by the local river heritage, Latta Plantation is a must. While you’re there, be sure to wander through the nearby Raptor Center and give your get-well wishes to the magnificent birds that have been temporarily disabled. For a more comprehensive view of the past, visitors will want to spend some time in the Levine Museum of the New South. The museum’s permanent exhibit “From Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South” takes visitors through six different selfguided “environments” as it explores the post-Civil War South. Don’t miss Discovery Place where you’ll be encouraged to explore the extraordinary. Cool Stuff, one of Discovery Place’s exciting new exhibitions, will soon have you reclining on a bed of nails or crushing a garbage can. You’re in charge as you test an eccentric world of physical phenomena. World Alive, geared for the traveler, will take you from the treetops of the rainforest to the ocean’s floor. See a movie on the largest screen in the Carolinas, The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre. Take the kids and spend the day. Now, to relax and review your Charlotte visit, head just a few miles out of town to Belmont, where the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden showcases the best of Southern horticulture on 110 acres of ever-changing beauty. Highlights include a spectacular Orchid Conservatory and one of largest indoor displays of bromeliads in eastern U.S. Waterfalls, fountains and lush floral displays provide a welcome oasis of tranquility. From the gentle splash of sparkling fountains to wild whitewater, Charlotte will refresh you and send you off with memories that call you back time and again. ■ Bio: Veteran travel journalists Bill and Diana Gleasner are frequent contributors to TrailBlazer.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Photos: Left Top - Located in Center City, the tri-level Charlotte Convention Center is a stylish spot to convene with airy, light-filled concourses, neighboring the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Left Middle - Levine Museum of the New South Left Bottom - The iconic firebird sculpture marks the entrance to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, housing a unique collection of never-before-seen works and a part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural campus in Center City Charlotte also including a performance venue and African-American and contemporary art museums. Above - Canal Garden. Get swept away with natural beauty at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, featuring 110 acres of themed gardens, a dozen sparkling fountains, a spectacular Visitor Pavilion, and a striking Orchid Conservatory. Visit dsbg.org. Photos courtesy of Visit Charlotte APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Mild to Wild

Whitewater

& Other Nearby Adventures by Lynn Seldon

ne of the many things I love about Charlotte’s U.S. National Whitewater Center is that it provides a great “taste” of whitewater and other diversions in this adventure-rich region. With so many other mild to wild rivers and outfitters within easy driving distance of the Charlotte area, the USNWC is sure to seriously whet some appetites for further river explorations and more. Along with other options nearby in North Carolina, an array of companies offer paddling possibilities in South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia. A multi-location company appropriately called Wildwater specializes in adventures on and off rivers in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee. Adventures on the Gorge up in West Virginia offers river adventures and much more. And, over in Virginia, Riverside Outfitters features urban whitewater and more on Richmond’s James River.

Wildwater

was founded way back in 1971, the year Deliverance was being filmed on the Chattooga River between Georgia and South Carolina. The company still offers various rafting trips on the famed Chattooga (a National Wild & Scenic River), but they now feature so much more on and off many rivers near Charlotte. “Guests visiting Wildwater have often asked the question, ‘What else is there to do?’” says Wildwater vice-president Jeff Greiner. “They have looked to Wildwater to help them plan a more complete adventure escape and typically want their favorite guides to lead them. From those requests, Wildwater began searching for ways to provide the allaround adventure. They were all a natural fit.” With ‘Adventure Centers’ locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, Wildwater features mild to wild paddling adventures on the Chattooga, Nantahala, and Pigeon. Each river has its own appeals (and required experience levels) and many Wildwater veterans have paddled them all several times. Along with the convenient rivers, Wildwater is like the USNWC in that they offer many other adventures, including: zipline canopy tours; “Raft & Rail” trips; Jeep® tours; ropes courses; climbing walls; paddling instruction (kayaking and canoeing); lake kayaking; tasty dining on and off the rivers; overnight river trips; and even varied lodging options (like cabins and yurts!). For more information visit www.wildwaterrafting.com. 30

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Adventures on the Gorge

Up in West Virginia, the possibilities at Adventures on the Gorge are equally diverse. Their famed rivers include the historic New River and the famed Gauley River. The Upper New is great for families and first-timers, while the Lower New features big whitewater. Nearby, the Gauley River is dam-controlled and the fall releases create world-renowned whitewater—while spring

and summer can also mean great Gauley River runs, depending on water levels. Like Wildwater, Adventures on the Gorge offers many other possibilities. The laundry list of fun pursuits can include: alllevels paddling instruction; canopy tours; world-class rock climbing; ATV and motorcycle adventures; varied biking and

Crossing one of the 5 sky bridges on the TreeTops Canopy Tour in Lansing, WV. This world-class Canopy Tour consists of 10 ziplines of varying length, 5 sky bridges and 1 rappel station. Photo by Jessica Campbell, Adventures On the Gorge.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

hiking; bridge walk tours high over the New River Gorge; fishing; lake adventures; paintball; team building; horseback riding; caving; scenic dining on and off the rivers; overnight paddling trips on both rivers; and accommodations (including convenient cabins). “We started out as a whitewater paddling company on West Virginia’s wonderful rivers,” says company co-founder Dave Arnold. “We still offer a wide variety of whitewater adventures, but now there’s so much more to pursue as well while here.” Adventures on the Gorge is situated right on the New River Gorge. Visit www.onthegorge.com.

Adventure Gateway

Both Wildwater and Adventures on the Gorge are members of RVer-friendly Adventure Gateway, a group of top-notch outfitters offering paddling adventures on America’s top rivers across the country. The possibilities include: the Buffalo National River in Arkansas; many Maine rivers; Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Wilderness Area; the Rio Grande River in Texas; several legendary Colorado, Idaho, Utah options; the American and more in California; and the Rogue up in Oregon. Their web site is a great place to start planning more mild to wild (and wet) fun across the country. All of the Adventure Gateway companies also offer options beyond their beautiful rivers. For information visit www.adventuregateway.com.

Riverside Outfitters

In Richmond, Virginia’s Riverside Outfitters features trips down the James River, with the Upper James generally for

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

first-timers and families and the Lower James through the Falls of the James definitely a wild ride at certain water levels. Located near the James, Riverside Outfitters also offers guided kayaking and canoeing trips, various boat and tube rentals for independent river adventures, and something truly different—recreational tree climbing. For information visit www.riversideoutfitters.net. A bit further afield, several other rivers in the region can lead to more fun. These include: the Potomac River running through Washington, D.C, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland; West Virginia’s Cheat and Tygart; Pennsylvania’s Youghiogheny River; and North Carolina’s French Broad and Cheoah. So thanks to these three companies and others within easy driving distance of Charlotte, the wet and wild fun doesn’t have to end at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. ■

Photos: Left - The Raft & Rail© Excursion combines two popular activities into one day, scenic train ride in the morning, lunch and beginning whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River in the afternoon. Wildwater is the original outfitter to bring this soft-adventure combination to the southeast in 1988. Right - Pigeon River Canopy Tours, in Hartford, TN is the only zipline canopy tour to cross twice over the Pigeon River. Combine a beginning or intermediate whitewater rafting trip with a zipline Canopy tour for a full day of adventure in the Tennessee Smokies. Photos courtesy of Wildwater Adventure Centers.com

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Diggin It A

By Kim Wuchter

s springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm breezes begin to blow, we get that urge to do some gardening. We want to dig our hands into the soil and nurture our favorite annuals and perennials. Or, we might have visions of harvesting ripe juicy tomatoes, sweet strawberries or other homegrown produce.

For RVers with a green thumb, however, gardening can be a challenge. After all, how can RVers work the soil without a spacious backyard? Luckily, plenty of vegetables and flowers can be grown in containers. And, container gardening is booming in the U.S. due to a number of factors including rising food costs, a growing emphasis on healthy living and a demand for organic foods. Plus, homegrown food just seems to taste better, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it?

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

There are great benefits to container gardening as well. You don’t have to weed or hoe, or deal with poor, rocky soil conditions. And if you have back or knee issues, container gardening means less bending down and stooping.

to avoid black or dark pots because they can absorb the heat and burn the roots.

Choosing the right container

Online blogger Laurrie Piland demonstrates a practical approach and flair for recycling with her container garden. She lives in a 21-foot fifth wheel in Longview, Washington, with her husband and two dogs, and grows a good size garden that includes flowers and vegetables--all in containers. Some are the typical store-bought pots but she is also not afraid to use recycled plastic storage tubs or five-gallon painter buckets. She even has a kiddie swimming pool planted with onions! At lifeinanarv@blogspot.com you can see photos of Piland’s container garden, read about her experiences and find step-by-step recipes (where she often uses her homegrown veggies and herbs.)

Of course, there are plenty of simple everyday items that make good plant containers. For a vintage look, visit a secondhand store and purchase old-fashioned tins, metal buckets or watering cans, or wire or wicker baskets. Just make sure to drill a few drain holes in your homemade pots. If you’re gardening in a warmer climate such as Texas or Arizona try

Another worthy idea for container gardeners is the RV bumper box. Russ and Tiña DeMaris, who are RV travel writers, constructed a garden box and secured it to the bumper of their fifth wheel where the plants were shielded from the wind as they traveled. The couple said they grew tired of carrying gardening pots in the back of their truck and they wanted a planter big enough to grow tomatoes, strawberries and beans. Their homemade wooden box measured a foot wide, four feet long and a foot deep. See how they constructed their garden box at RVTravel.com (“Flying Flowers? Traveling Tomatoes?”)

According to the National Gardening Association, which has monitored lawn and garden trends for almost 30 years, consumers spent a total of $832 million on container gardening in 2010. Also, 17 percent of all households, or an estimated 20 million households in the U.S., say they participated in container gardening last year. And, about 12 million households say they grow fruits and vegetables in containers. The popularity of container gardening has led to a wide array of containers on the market. You can choose from lightweight plastic pots, classic terra cotta or ceramic pots, wooden planter boxes, self-water pots, or new items like the Topsy Turvy planters, which grow tomatoes and peppers upside down.

Weight matters

For RVers, an important consideration is the weight of your pots and hanging baskets, not only for fuel efficiency, but also to save the strain on your back. After all, when it’s time to pack up your campsite, are you going to be able to lift a 40 to 50 pound flowerpot? Furthermore, how will you secure your garden beauty in your RV so it doesn’t topple over while driving? If you plan on driving to a different destination every couple weeks, go for the lightweight pots and small plants. Your back will thank you. But, if you plan to stay for a month or longer at one destination, bring along a few pots or hanging baskets and plant away.

Seeds or transplants

There is no doubt that starting a garden from seeds can save you money. But, the germination process takes time and extra space that you might not have. Remember, the seeds must be of good quality and in good condition. So before you use those old seed packages that you rediscovered in a drawer, be sure to check the freshness date and avoid using any damp packages. Even if you don’t want to start with seeds, take the time to order a few seed catalogs! 36

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

They are fun to browse through and get ideas and tips. Some seed companies, such as Park Seed Company or Burpee, ship plants as well.

Basic Care

To start your plants off right, be sure to use quality potting soil mix and make sure you have drain holes in your containers. Since the soil in containers dries out faster than soil in the ground, you will most likely need to water your containers daily. Try to water the soil around the plants as water on the leaves may attract disease or fungus. Also, you don’t want to drown your plants. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not wet. When you plant, add water-retaining granules and a slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix. Then re-apply a liquid fertilizer every couple weeks. It’s also good to spread mulch over the top of your containers, to prevent moisture from evaporating. In general, most vegetables and herbs require full sun, meaning at least six hours of sun a day. For big pots, it’s a good idea to purchase a wheeled trolley disc. That way you can move your pot into the sun as needed.

Vegetables

“You can grow just about any vegetable in a container,” said Joan Adams of Stokes Seed Company. Stokes has been in business since 1882. “I’ve even heard of people growing carrots in a container. It just has to be a deep enough pot.” With a chuckle, she added, “Well, I guess pumpkins might be kind of difficult.” Some of the easiest vegetables to try would be baby greens such as lettuce and spinach, Adams said. “These tend to do best in spring when the weather is still a bit cool.” You can sow the seeds directly in the pot and then they will take a week or more to sprout, but then will quickly grow into a good size for harvesting. Other easy to grow candidates in containers are radishes, beets, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, green onions, leeks and tomatoes. As your crop ripens, you can pick leaves or fruit as you need it. Snip off the largest leaves first and you can use your plants for a few weeks. The best strategy is to stagger your plantings so you can harvest vegetables throughout the summer. If you have lots of veggies that ripen at the same time, pick and store them in a cool place. Or go and share them with a neighbor. You can’t beat the taste of fresh tomatoes off the vine, but they can be difficult to grow since tomatoes can be heavy and the plant sprawls, requiring stakes or cages. For containers, it’s best to stick to a tomato variety that’s not bigger than two inches such as cherry tomatoes.

Herbs

If you don’t possess the greenest of thumbs, chances are you can still grow herbs, which are fragrant and delicious. And, they are helpful for cooks when perched on the windowsill in your RV kitchen.

You can grow them indoors or outdoors, but most will need about six hours of sunlight a day. Gardening experts recommend that it’s best to cut off whole stems rather than individual leaves to encourage new growth. And, never chop off more than one third of your plant at a time. For foolproof herbs, Adams recommends parsley and basil. “They are both easy to grow and can be really attractive as a filler around flowers, especially purple basil,” she said. She added that oregano is another good herb to grown in containers (planted in-ground, it can easily spread and take over a garden bed). Other good options are sage, rosemary and thyme. For rosemary, keep in mind it requires fewer nutrients and dryer soil.

Flowers

If you want to step outside your RV and see overflowing mounds of color, you might want to plant petunias (including the popular wave petunias), pansies, verbena or lobelia. These varieties typically bloom throughout the summer and are somewhat resistant to diseases. Adams says two of the easiest flowers to grow are marigolds and morning glory. “The seeds can be planted right in the pot,” she said. If you don’t want to worry about daily watering, try succulents, which offer unique textures, subtle colors and are quite hardy. APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Going Upside Down

you still have to water your GrowBox every day so that the reservoir stays full. If the water reservoir is not filled, the water can’t reach the roots. EarthBox makes an Organic ReadyTo-Grow Kit that has everything you need but the plants. This patented self-watering planter promises to double the yield of a conventional garden while using less water and less fertilizer. The kit contains a 2 cubic foot bag of organic potting mix, a 20-ounce bag of organic fertilizer and a 16-ounce bag of dolomite. The EarthBox container measures 29” long, 13.5” wide and 11” tall and comes with casters so you can easily move it around. Just fill the EarthBox with the potting mix, apply the fertilizer, insert your plants, fit the mulch cover over the EarthBox and fill the water reservoir. The mulch cover dramatically reduces the water evaporation rate and returns condensed water vapor to the potting mix. Plants draw water from the reservoir, consuming only what they need to stay healthy. The Organic Ready to Grow Kit is available at www.earthbox.com for $59.95.

The Easy Way

For year-round indoor growing try the Aerogrow system (www. aerogarden.com). These systems feature grow bulbs and use a highly efficient gardening technology known as aeroponics, in which plants grow in water, nutrients and air, and surprisingly, without soil. Just drop in the pre-seeded Grow Pods and watch it grow. The Aerogrow 3, which is about the size of a coffee maker, costs about $60 and hold three pods or plants. Larger units can cost up to $100 and $200 and hold up to seven plants. Each comes with automated lights, and reminder lights that tell you when to add more nutrients or water. So don’t forget your gardening gloves as you hit the road. The RV lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up your green thumb. With a little planning, you can take along beautiful plants and fresh fruits and vegetables no matter where you roam. ■

The biggest gardening craze is planting produce upside down. The Topsy Turvy, which is seen frequently in commercials, is the leader in the upside down market and has sold more than 20 million planters! But many folks are also experimenting at making their own upside down plant containers with plastic soda bottles, milk jugs and five-gallon buckets. With upside down plantings, there is no need for stakes or cages; the water flows down from the roots to the fruit. And the elevated containers allow your vegetables and herbs to thrive without harmful pests, weeds or fungi. Topsy Turvy claims that their patented Grow Bag technology allows the planter to act as a greenhouse, so the soil stays warm after sundown, stimulating and enhancing root growth. The expanding line of Topsy Turvy containers now includes planters for hot peppers, strawberries and herbs. The company also offers a Tomato Tree, which grows three planters sideby-side and comes with a patio stand.

Topsy Turvy Aerogrow ▼

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▼

If you really to want to make gardening easy, you can’t go wrong with selfwatering pots, which feature a waterholding reservoir, generally concealed at the bottom of the container. The nice thing is that you don’t have to worry about over watering or under watering your plants. As plants need water, the roots absorb water from the reservoir through a wicking action. Self-watering containers are also ideal for tomatoes because they even out the water and fertilizer so the fruit won’t split as they grow. A quick search on the Internet reveals lots of self-watering containers. The GrowBox has a four-gallon water reservoir and measures 28” long, 14” wide and 12” high. It comes with a fertilizer patch and a planting guide. It’s available at agardenpatch.com for $29.95, plus shipping and handling. You should take note, however, that

EarthBox APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CMY

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

LAKE MYERS

GOOSE CREEK

DESTINATION:

NORTH CAROLINA

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning a North Carolina Getaway, plan to stay with us.

Asheville Scenic 1314 Tunnel Rd, Asheville

Emerald Isle Goose Creek 350 Red Barn Rd, Newport

Mocksville Lake Myers 150 Fred Lanier Rd, Mocksville

Twin Lakes 1618 Memory Ln, Chocowinity Waterway 850 Cedar Point Blvd, Swansboro

WATERWAY

For deals and specials, contact

877.362.6736 www.RVontheGo.com

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

NEWS & NOTES FROM THE PRESERVES Bay Landing

The maintenance yard and building is being reorganized at Bay Landing, plus the cabins are getting a spring-cleaning and cabin floors will be stripped and waxed.

Birch Bay

Birch Bay has taken care of a break in Phase I and the problem and been isolated and repaired. Cabin floors are being stripped and waxed and the kitchen and laundry floors are getting a new paint job.

Carolina Landing

Carolina Landing has been busy with a new hiking trail. The trail loops the entire property and features several water crossings and natural rock formations, plus loops around a wildilfe viewing area where an old storage area was converted into a deer feeding plot. The trail starts at the site of a future oak plantation where the plan is to plant 500 trees. The trail should be completed and mapped by April.

Lake Tawakoni

C bathhouse has been completed at Lake Tawakoni while basic spring cleaning is underway on the campsites. The irises that the preserve is known for are starting to bud and soon will be in full bloom.

Lake Texoma

Painting is underway “all over the preserve” at Lake Texoma, plus electrical, water and sewer upgrades, pruning of trees and general upkeep of cabins and buildings.

Leavenworth

As the snow melts, the buildings at Leavenworth will be getting a bit of a facelift – complete with fresh paint inside and out!

Lynchburg

Lynchburg’s construction crew has repaired sites and broken drainage lines to make them available for the season. They have also built barriers around our lift stations to help with runoff and erosions as well as completed lift station upgrades.

Natchez Trace

Chehalis updates include painting of the interior of the Family Lodge including the upstairs, game room and laundry, the addition of baseboard heat to the Rec Activity Room and Game Room, and an additional laundry at the back of the “B” Restroom for member use.

Trading Post renovations are underway at Natchez Trace that will include remodeling of the grocery and deli area. Putt-putt course improvement began in March and the Amphitheater will be getting new seats in time for the opening of the new season of concerts and movies.

Cultus Lake

Oceana

Chehalis

From March to May, Cultus Lake will be redefining Sites 16-20, and weather permitting, these sites will be available for the long weekend in May.

Grandy Creek

Grandy Creek has a new two-lane entrance that allows pre-registered guest to enter the preserve with the use of a keypad – no more waiting in line!

Indian Lakes

The Adult Center at Indian Lakes has been refurbished and sites are being upgraded with gravel for new annuals.

Oceana is going retro – with paint colors, that is. The buildings on the east side of the preserve have all been returned back to the original paint colors of the 80s and the west side is next. New wiring and pedestals, several with 50-amp, have been added to Sites 84 through 100 (beach side) while Sites 1 through 22 are now full hook-up, some with 50-amp. Several will accommodate 40-foot RVs.

PA Dutch

PA Dutch spent the winter removing more trees throughout the preserve.

Pacific City

Spring-cleaning at Pacific City includes painting, site leveling, detail cleaning and tree trimming. The Family Center has a new

roof, the game room has a new pool table, the swimming pool has been resurfaced and the facility interiors have been painted.

Paradise

Just a reminder – Paradise remains open to all annual site owners. The preserve will open to all on April 1.

Pio Pico

Pio Pico has refurbished the bridge on “E” Section that will allow scooters and golf carts in addition to foot traffic to cut across the ravine. The Northside has new felted pool tables and a new Ranger Station, the Adult Lodge has heat and air conditioning, the men’s and women sauna facilities have been repaired, jets have been replaced in both the Jacuzzis and the preserve has improved lighting around the buildings and sites.

San Benito

Work has begun on a 3-Hole Golf Course in Section A at San Benito and the kitchen facilities have some new updates while the restroom fixture updates have been completed as well.

Soledad Canyon

Soledad Canyon will open the newly constructed 50-amp section this spring. First phase will include 34 premium 50-amp sites.

Lake Minden Change in Driving Directions to Lake Minden For those heading to Lake Minden, please note that Highway 70 has been remodeled so driving directions to the preserve have changed. From the North – Take Highway 70 Exit and turn right at Nicolaus Avenue Exit. Turn right on Nicolaus Avenue and then turn left on Marcum Road (approximately two miles down.) Watch for the sign at the preserve. From the South – Take Highway 70 Exit right at Nicolaus Avenue Exit. Turn left on Nicolaus Avenue and then turn left on Marcum Road (approximately two miles down.) Watch for the sign at the preserve.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

The Camper’s Kitchen continued from page 9

Impossible Spinach Pie

A take-off on the classic Impossible Pie that Mom made, this recipe is delicious when made with fresh, tender spinach from a roadside market. 8 to 10 cups fresh spinach leaves 8-ounce package grated Cheddar 1 cup biscuit mix 2 eggs cup milk teaspoon ground nutmeg Butter a 10-inch pie plate. Steam spinach just enough to wilt it. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Whisk biscuit mix, milk, eggs and nutmeg and pour half into the pie dish. Top with spinach and cheese, and then add remaining batter. Bake at 375 degrees about 35 minutes or until it’s set and golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes and serve in wedges. Serves 4 as a vegetarian main dish, 6 to 8 as a side dish.

Snap Pea Salad

Sugar peas are edible pods filled with developed peas. They’re served lightly steamed or boiled. Snap peas are edible pods with little or no pea inside. They are eaten raw or lightly steamed or stir-fried. Ready-to-serve brown rice is sold in cartons and pouches, or cook your own regular or instant brown rice. 8 ounces snap peas, trimmed 2 cups cooked brown rice 1 tablespoon soy sauce 3 scallions, whites only, thinly sliced 12 cherry tomatoes, cut in half cup (or to taste) bottled vinaigrette Lettuce (optional) 1 cup unsalted peanuts, coarsely chopped Trim ends off snap peas and remove any tough strings. Cut any large pods into bite size. Lightly toss cold rice with soy sauce, then fold in scallions, snow peas and tomatoes. Fold in salad dressing to taste. Serve on leaf lettuce, shredded lettuce or just spoon onto plates and sprinkle with peanuts. Serves 4.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Simple, Stylish and Farm Fresh

* Dip fresh strawberries in melted chocolate flavored with a dash of Triple Sec, heavy cream flavored with vanilla sugar or marshmallow cream marbled with chocolate fudge sauce. * If you see ramps, also called wild leeks, at a farmers’ market, buy some and chat up the farmer about how to use them. Ditto poke salat, also known as poke salit, pokeweed or poke salad. * Many farmers are now growing heirloom fruits and vegetables that may look irregular but they’re packed with old-fashioned flavor. * If you’re a gardener in your RV, on your campsite or at home, shop farmers’ markets for heirloom and heritage seeds. Grow the fruit, herb or vegetable, then save the seeds. Unlike hybrid seeds, they’ll reproduce in kind. * Make wilted lettuce salad with a “mess” of tender young leaf lettuce. Fry 4 slices cut-up bacon, stir in 2 tablespoons vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar until sugar dissolves, then stir in lettuce to coat with the warm dressing. Serve at once. * Scrub young pickling cucumbers and eat them unpeeled with a little salt and pepper. * Buy commercial salsa and mix it half and half with finely chopped fresh fruits or vegetables to invent a new sauce. For example, add mango, sweet red peppers, jicama, fresh pineapple, sweet onion, fresh corn cut off the cob, finely chopped cabbage, apple, peach or berries. * Tender young asparagus tops are delicious raw with dressing or a dip. Tough stalks can be peeled, cooked and pureed for soup. ■ About the Author Janet Groene’s books include Cooking Aboard Your RV, 2nd edition. The book is published in both English and French. Visit her at CampAndRVCook.blogspot.com.

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APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Wordlock® Combination Locks

▼

On the Market Whether it’s for a tool shed, gym locker, or piece of luggage, lock combinations can be forgotten, keys can be lost or locks can get weathered. This could lead to unusable locks being clipped and not replaced. Even worse, key outdoor areas and items could not be secured with a lock at all. To solve this problem, Wordlock® (www.wordlock.com), offers a full line of locks that use letter and word combinations that can be set and re-set by the user. These are much easier to remember and share with family members than arbitrary numerical combinations or keys that can be lost. Wordlock’s patented algorithms can create up to 100,000 different letter combinations on five position locks. For home and outdoors, Wordlock recommends: Discus Lock - Shielded design resists bolt cutters and the copperplated, solid zinc components prevent corrosion from sun or rain. Ideal for storage lockers, truck bed, garage and basement doors. Mini Cable Lock - Heavy duty, weather resistant, braided stainless steel. Ideal for motorbikes, watercraft, barbecues, power equipment, outdoor bins, trailers, gates. Sports Lock - Weather resistant steel body and shackle. Ideal for, toolboxes, pool and yard gate, storage lockers and equipment as well as school lockers and gym lockers. For more information, visit www.wordlock.com.

G2 Products CleaRinse ▼

RVers can easily cut down on the time they spend drying their rig after a good cleaning. With the CleaRinse 78300 Spot-Free De-Ionized (DI) Water System or the 78400 High Capacity Spot-Free DI Water System from G2 Products, users can give their RV a final rinse that leaves a spot-free shine.

By removing dissolved solids, which is the reason spots occur, the DI systems lets RVers skip the drying process, saving time and effort. Both products are recommended for only the final rinse and not the entire washing process. The 78300 provides up to 150 gallons of spot-free rinsing water, while the 78400 supplies up to 350 gallons. The CleaRinse systems feature dual, high-capacity, color-changing, nuclear-grade DI resin cartridges and a dual line TDS meter. Each system comes with machined brass fittings and 5’ of connection hose. A heavy-duty, powder-coated steel bracket makes for easy onboard installation and keeps the system out of the way when not in use. For more information visit www.clearinse.com.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

▼

Davis Instruments Air-Dryr Dank, damp air can cause damaging mold, mildew and corrosion on boats, RVs and at home. Instead of unsightly dehumidifying bags and fan units requiring drainage, Air-Dryr by Davis Instruments uses heat and natural convection to warm and dry the air, preventing mold and corrosion. Designed for constant use, the compact Air-Dryr fits out of the way in an enclosed space and plugs into 110/220V power. It dries damp air by heating it above dew point and then releasing warmed air through top vents. With no switch, fan or thermostat, the silent Air-Dryr is trouble-free and draws no more energy than a light bulb. A thermal cut-off shuts down the unit should airflow be impeded. Air-Dryr has no components to cause sparking, so it’s safe for marine use in cabins, v-berths and engine rooms. For fresh-smelling air, to prevent condensation and protect woodwork, Air-Dryr is great for RVs as well as basements and closets at home.

Aqua-Hot ▼ Hydronic Heating System/ Hot Water Heater

Dependable heat and plentiful hot water make RV travel homier and more comfortable. The Aqua-Hot 375-LP hydronic heating system/hot water heater is a powerful unit in a small package. Fueled by propane, the self-contained unit provides uniform cabin heat and continuous, on-demand hot water. The innovative system is so popular, it was one of the top-viewed products on the RV Daily Report in 2010. Unlike noisy, forced-air systems, the advanced AquaHot 375-LP provides warmth by circulating hot water through discreet heat exchangers. Three thermostatcontrolled heating zones and two circulation loops ensure consistent warmth throughout the cabin. The heating system is ideal for gas-fueled recreational vehicles, towable and park models as well as Class A diesel motorhomes.

Made of durable polycarbonate, the Air-Dryr 500 handles up to 500 cu. ft., draws only 0.6 amps, 70W, and measures 14” L x 5” W x 4.5” H. The Air-Dryr 1000 handles 1,000 cu. ft., draws 1.1 amps, 130W, and measures 13.5” in diameter and 4.25” high. For more information contact Davis Instruments at (510) 732-9229 or visit www.davisnet.com.

to 37,500 BTUs in just 3.37 minutes, using only 0.35 gallons of propane per hour. For even more savings, in mild weather a 1,500W, 120V electric element provides warmth and hot water when connected to shore power. Placed out of the way, the attractive unit takes up little space. Measuring just 16.75” H x 18” W x 29.5” L and weighing only 155 lbs., the system can be easily installed as an RV is being built or retrofitted into an existing coach. Contact Aqua-Hot Heating Systems toll free at 800685-4298 or 303-659-8221 or visit the web site at www.aqua-hot.com for more information.

The compact Aqua-Hot 375-LP provides an unlimited supply of hot water and eliminates the need for a storage tank. With zero recovery time, the unit has a continuous flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute of 120°F water. For washing clothes and dishes and taking showers, it can generate up to 90 gallons of hot water an hour. The innovative and economical system heats APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Reader Service

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144 Bates International...................................................... 62 134 Canvas Replacements................................................. 62

CIRCLE NO. 117 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

116 Carefree RV Resorts................................................... 10 114 Carriage......................................................................... 68 106 DirectSat TV................................................................ 54 109 Doran Mfg.................................................................... 52 104 Equity LifeStyle........................... 18, 40, 42, 43, 44, 47 Fast Facts entries will also be entered in our Monthly Drawing to win $25! This month’s Fast Facts winner is Ben Goulet from Pinellas Park, FL

165 FirstStreet/Atomic Watch......... .................................19

Find The Evergreen Tree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue. Drop us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win $25!

132 Geico............................................................................. 67

from La Quinta, CA found the evergreen tree on page 25 of the Jan/Feb issue. Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Postmark deadline is April 28, and remember — the tree could be a different color and size.

146 Nomad Glass............................................................... 52

Elaine Kontra

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161 FirstStreet/Neutronic Ear......................................... 55 103 FMCA........................................................................... 53 123 Garnet Technologies................................................... 62

143 LevelEase...................................................................... 62 147 Microsoft.........................................................................2

128 SkyMed............................................................................4 153 Swift Hitch................................................................... 54 117 TRA Green Certification........................................... 50

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Tech Topics continued from page 11 These Whole RV surge protectors can easily cost more than $300, but so can a replacement TV. This surge protector is used on the outside of your RV, each time you hook up to shore power. If you use 50 AMP service (which most large RVs do), be sure to buy a surge protector rated at 50-amps—don’t skimp here. Simply plug your RV’s master power cord into the surge protector, then plug the surge protector into the campground’s service line. The surge protector will protect your RV from power surges, electrical storm surges, and the occasional out-of-the-membership-loop campground that has its wiring reversed or is not properly grounded (yes, it happens more often than you’d think). It’s always better to be safe than sorry; we would highly recommend this investment if your RV was not originally equipped with a surge protector (check with your dealer or your Owner’s Manual). RV surge protectors are sophisticated; many have the ability to electronically reset themselves after a surge (with the added protection of a time delay to protect your A/C compressor from short cycling). No matter where you may roam, these electrical protectors make your RV a safer and more secure home away from home. Surge protectors and GFCI receptacles don’t sound much like superheroes, but they work 24/7 to keep you and your electronics safe. Happy trails! ■ CIRCLE NO. 146 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Paul and Kerri Elders are freelance writers; visit their web site at RVLinker.com

Storewide Liquidation Sale

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Throughout April, the Birch Bay Country Store will host a liquidation sale each Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch some great deals!

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EVENTS

Don’t Miss These April Encore Resort Events

Arizona - Voyager RV Resort in Tucson April 6: Wednesday Night Concert Series April 9: Dance with Two’s Company April 13: Spaghetti Dinner

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Florida April 4: Spring Golf Tournament Coquina Crossing at St. Augustine, Elkton April 7: Legends of Rock & Roll Mid-Florida Lakes Yacht Club, Leesburg April 8: Golf Tournament Silver Dollar Golf & Trap Club, Odessa April 9: Year End Blowout Harbor Lakes, Port Charlotte April 14: Renaissance Show Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort, Clermont April 16: Parade of Homes Lighthouse Pointe at Daytona Beach, Port Orange April 21: Farewell Dance Clerbook Golf & RV Resort, Clermont

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Preserve Services Directory ANNUAL SITES/ EXTENDED-STAY PROGRAMS

Bay Landing, Texas Bay Landing is now your personal site for 12 months. *Annual Stay – stay up to 210 days a year with “no time out.” * Limited spaces available. * Don’t cut your weekend short with towing and setup. Save on Gas. No pulling! Please see Lynn at the Resort Operations office or call (940) 683-3016. Bear Cave, Michigan Limited annual site still available at 2010 rates - $1,750-2,000, plus electric. Just 90 minutes from Chicago and only 20 minutes to Michigan’s finest beaches. Reserve now and enjoy one of the most stunningly beautiful waterfront camp reserve sites available. Located on the St. Joseph River with boat launch and docks. Bend/Sunriver, Oregon Imagine your own personal site at Bend/Sunriver. No worries about getting a reservation. Just enjoy the beautiful high desert for 210 days per year – 1, 2, and 3-year lease sites are now available. Contact Bobbie or Catherine for details at (541) 593-8494. Birch Bay, Washington Play by the bay longer with stays beyond your membership days and enjoy the sun, not the grays, at Birch Bay. Space may still be available for your Personal Site. Purchase a vacation home, while they last, or bring your own. Monthly stays limited and also available at just $450 month, plus utilities. Come experience the beauty of the true Northwest. Contract Chandra at (360) 371-7432. Carolina Landing, South Carolina Annual sites available starting at $1,550 for current members. Chehalis, Washington Enjoy your own year-round private site in beautiful Chehalis. There’s no need to move your RV off-site. You can occupy your site for 210 days without reservations and then stay longer with reservations. Introductory rates for our annual program range from $1,850 to $2,450 per year. Contract Brenda for an appointment at (360) 262-9489. Cherokee Landing, Tennessee Extended Stay monthly $232 or $1,545 for the season. Call (731) 376-0935. 56

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Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Annual sites available for 2011. Call (804) 693-9757. Circle M, Pennsylvania Annual Sites Available! Starting at $2,350, 210 days of occupancy; space is limited.

Colorado River, Texas Annual site leases available for part-time or full-time occupancy. Suitable for RV or park models. Also offering Winter Texan extended stays for members only, up to 5 months at $325 per month, plus metered electricity. For pricing and details about Annual sites or 55+ programs, call Marty at (979) 732-8229 or e-mail at crmgr@equitylifestyle.com. Cultus Lake, British Columbia CANADA We still have a few annual personal sites available. Call early as our prices may be changing in April. During the months of March and April we will be allowing monthly extended stay for members and guests at a reduced rate of $349 per month, plus utilities. If you are interested, call the preserve at (604) 858-3932. Diamond Caverns, Kentucky Annual lease sites available as well as Extended Stay. Call (270) 749-2891 for more information. Forest Lake, North Carolina Stop worrying about getting a campsite reservation! Your personal site is saved for your exclusive use on an annual basis. No more having to cut the weekend short with towing and set-up time. Save time and gas – get in on this new program while site choices are best. Also available – rental cabins at great discounts. The more time you want, the less it costs – weekly, monthly AND a limited number of leases by the year. Another way to save – let us store your RV in dry storage. For more information, call Community Manager Robert Rowe at (336) 998-4135, ext. 234. Gateway to Cape Cod, Massachusetts Annual Sites available: $2,160 per year for Elite sites, $1,980 for all other sites. Grandy Creek, Washington Annual site available! $2,600, please call the preserve for details at (360) 826-3554. Harbor View, Virginia Seasonal sites: $1,000, plus elec. for the season or $350 per month, plus elec.

Hershey, Pennsylvania Annual Sites available at beautiful Hershey Preserve starting at $2,550. Call Kim at (717) 867-1891. Hidden Cove, Alabama Annual sites available - $1,650. For information, call (205) 221-7042. Idyllwild, California Annual lease as low as $2,195 per year (not including electricity). Keep your trailer/ rig or motorhome on a site for 365 days per year! Please contact Resort Manager at (951) 659-4097 for more details! Indian Lakes, Indiana Annual Sites starting at just $1,200. Please call the marketing department at (812) 934-5496. Kenisee Lake, Ohio Lakefront for $1,545 and nonlakefront for $1,030. Call the preserve at (440) 576-9030. La Conner, Washington Your very own site on our beautiful resort is waiting for you. Spend your free time on the Skagit Bay, walking on the beach, photographing the resident Bald Eagles, and relaxing in our spa. We have limited sites available so hurry and get one now for the summer season. Our Annual Program now has 210-day usage. Please call Nancy or Kelly at (360) 466-3112. Lake & Shore, New Jersey Extended Vacation Lease; 3-year agreement. RV stays on-site year-round – concrete pad, site covered in stone; utilities not included; 180 days of total usage; $3,600 - $4,000 per year. Sites are subject to cost of living increases in each calendar year. One year annual sites are also available. Lake Conroe, Texas Extended agreement by month, plus metered electricity. Come stay for up to five months at a time on our Texan Program. The cost is $325 per month, plus electricity. For details contact the Ranger at lcrg@1000trails. com or call (936) 856-7888. We are excited about our new annual program at Lake Conroe. You may stay up to 210 days and leave your rig on-site for the entire year. Contact RO office at (936) 856-3751 for details. Lake Gaston, North Carolina Annual sites available for 2011. Rates from $1,900 to $3,450. Call (252) 586-4121 for details.

Lake Minden, California Annual Vacation Program: Variety of sites available – 1-3 year leases, sewered and non-sewered sites; utilities not included. Call (530) 656-2701 or (530) 656-2705. Snowbird Program: $425 per month, plus electric, includes one honeywagon dump per week. Lake of the Springs, California Limited number of annual sites available for both annual and monthly program. Call (530) 692-3212 for information. Lake Tawakoni, Texas Standard and Premium sites are available. There are electric charges on both. These sites are for 210 days of usage. Marina and dry storage are available for boats. Lake Texoma, Texas Personal Sites for 2011. A year with “no time out.” *Limited spaces available.* Save on gas, setup, pulling/towing. Please call Nic at office at (903) 523-5835 for Info. Lake Whitney, Texas Our annual/personal site program allows you to camp up to 210 days a year. There are 4 different price ranges depending on the site type chosen. Call us at (254) 694-4269 to find out how to get your personal site at Lake Whitney. Las Vegas, Nevada Come HOME to your own private site in FUN City. Yearround sites available in four price ranges. Extended Stay monthly sites available from $475 per month. Call Roy at (702) 451-2719. Leavenworth, Washington Leavenworth still has many beautiful sites available to call your own. Please call the preserve manager for more information at (509) 763-2020. Little Diamond, Washington Stay in sunny, beautiful Eastern Washington! Annual and extended stay sites available. Call Mike at (800) 994-6654. Long Beach, Washington Only minutes away from the grand Pacific Ocean, surrounded by gorgeous Mother Nature and rich history of pioneers past Don’t miss out on your chance to have your own place at the beach. Call (360) 642-3091 about our great new 2011 rates. Lynchburg, Virginia Plan to spend the season with us

and enjoy all the beauty, festivals and fun that Central Virginia has to offer. Annuals sites are available for $1,200; premium sites are $1,875. Call (434) 332-6672 for more details. Medina Lake, Texas Annual Site program available. Guarantee your personal site for an entire year with sites starting at $1,650. Call (830) 751-2444 for details. Moody Beach, Maine Elite and Premium Annual Sites available at scenic Moody Beach. Site fee and electric fee for six beautiful months near the beaches and mountains. Call Sonya at (207) 646-4586 for more information and details on available sites. Morgan Hill, California Call (408) 779-6396 to get the details on the best prices in the area for full hook-up and partial hook-up sites for stays up to 210 days in a year. Mt. Vernon, Washington Call Ray at (360) 724-4811 for information on your very own site. Natchez Trace, Tennessee Annual sites still available $1,020 to $1,380. The Oaks at Point South, South Carolina Come spend the winter where it’s warm at our beautiful spot close to Savannah, Charleston and right next door to historic Beaufort by the sea. Our winter price is very reasonable - $350 per month, plus tax and electric. Book now for a great winter. Call (843) 726-5728. Easy access to/from I-95. Oakzanita, California Gas prices got you down? Hate the hassle of setting up and taking down your RV? If you like to escape the hustle and bustle of your life then we have the program for you. You can have your own personal site and you can leave your rig 365 days a year, you can occupy your rig for up to 210 days a year. We offer a limited number of annual sites and due to gas prices they fill up fast so call us at (619) 445-2835 - contact Sheila or Cheryl for more Information. Oceana, Washington Walk down to the beach for some quiet time away from all the hustle and bustle. Park your RV 12 months at Oceana. Stay up to 210 days a year with “no time out”. For the BEST PRICE on the WA coast for a full hook-up site with 50-amp power call Dale Graham at (360) 289-3504.

Orlando, Florida Sites still available for extended stay and lease options. Leave your rig and not have to move every few weeks. Please call Fred Vermette for more details at (352) 394-5531 or see Fred when you arrive at the preserve.

Ponderosa, California Sign up for our new Annual Site program. Make a site yours for an entire year or up to 3 years! Eliminate storage costs and the hassle of moving your rig. Call Dominic at (530) 642-5830, ext. 5.

PA Dutch Country, Pennsylvania Annual Sites available – Standard sites $1,750; Premium sites $2,150. Vacation Cottage site fee $2,100 per year. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at (717) 665-2500.

Rancho Oso, California Extended Stay – short-term monthly FHU campsites at $600 per month, plus electric. Annual sites also available at special rates. Call (805) 683-5686 or send e-mail to romgr@equitylifestyle.com.

Pacific City, Oregon No longer a need to move your RV off-site for one or more years, plus the flexibility to occupy the unit up to 210 nights without contract use restrictions and then stay longer with reservations. Decorate your “preferred site” or add a storage shed if desired. Ocean View Park Model Cottages available to purchase with the Annual Site Program. Contact Ginny to make an appointment at (503) 965-6200.

Russian River, California Annual sites are still available only a couple left. Extended Stay $400 per month, plus electric; includes one honeywagon dump per week. For more information, call (707) 894-5321.

NEW Opportunity! Order your NEW cedar cabin or park model with optional loft direct from Pacific City and have it set up for you on a campsite located in I section. Enjoy our cul-desac privacy and/or ocean view. Select your floor plan, flooring, countertops and cabinets for your decorating needs. Refer to page 40-46 in the January/February issue of Trailblazer for more detailed information on this new program. Contact the preserve manager at 503-965-6200 to reserve your cabin or park model and campsite today. Palm Springs, California Personal sites for the month or the season. Call (760) 345-1682 for details. Paradise, Washington Extend your stay at Paradise by leasing a site. Our monthly site rate is $550. We also have an Annual Site Lease program starting at $2,400 per year. For more information on this new lease program, please contact the manager at (360) 985-2121. Peace River, Florida Annual sites available for $2,200 per year, plus tax and electric. Extended seasonal sites available as well. Call Elnor for details at (863) 735-8888. Pio Pico, California Annual leases starting as low as $3,149. Please call (619) 4212213 for more Information on terms and conditions. Site choice for full hook-up or water and electric only.

St. Clair, Michigan Beautiful sites, concrete pad and patio, paved road, metered 50amp electric, water and sewer. Stay up to 180 nights and store your rig the rest of the year. $2,000 per year. Similar new sites with gravel pads and roads are only $1,500 per year. Contact Preserve Manager at (810) 329-7129. San Benito, California Both our Annual Site and Extended Stay Programs are available. We also have Get-AWay cabins and other cabins and vacation trailers for the asking. Give us a call and we can fit you right In. We also have space available for public and tent sites. For any of your questions or concerns, give our manager, Pat Machler, a call at (831) 3894290 or (831) 801-2029. Scotrun, Pennsylvania Don’t forget to sign up for an annual site or renew your present one. Consider purchasing a Vacation Cottage here at Scotrun. Call (570) 629-0620. Also check with Jeff or Steph for Vacation Cottage specials. Seaside, Oregon The Oregon Coast! Summertime at the beach, walking the promenade, fishing, hiking, boating and more! Enjoy your own personal site for your RV. Home base for full-timers, improved landscape options available, personalize your site – add a storage shed and/ or deck. You no longer need to move your RV. OR buy one of our limited number of vacation trailers for your personal site. Call Christopher or Barry at (503) 738-0626. Snowflower, California Seasonal sites are available 6/110/31 for $1,795 (non-sewer)

and $1,995 (sewer). Monthly sites are available 6/1-10/31 from $450 to $510 per month. Come pick that perfect site close to the lake; or select a great peaceful mountain view before someone beats you to it! South Jetty, Oregon Get your own personal site. Use it as a full-timer home base. Escape and explore the Oregon coast. Landscape enhancements and approved storage shed allowed. Use it any 180 days and store your rig year-round. For details call (541) 902-2024. Visit our Vacation Cottage and Annual Notebook at http://bit.ly/Q4Ev for pictures and maps. Sturbridge, Massachusetts Seasonal Site fee: $1,800 per year. Extended Vacation site fee: $2,160 per year. Vacation Cottage fee: $2,160 per year. Tall Chief, Washington How would you like to own your own space in the “Club Med of RV Resorts”? We have annual personal sites available. Just enjoy hiking in the densely wooded hills overlooking the wild Snoqualmie River, or lounging in seeming seclusion with the might Cascades rising majestically in the background. We are just 25 miles from Seattle and other Northwest attractions. Call (425) 223-4235. Timothy Lake North, Timothy Lake South, Pennsylvania Annual sites available and vacation cottages for sale in the beautiful, scenic Pocono Mountains! Call for pricing Information at (570) 588-6631 and ask for Cathy or Nicole. Turtle Beach, California Limited number of sites available for both annual lease and monthly rental. Extended stay available. Contact Preserve Manager at (209) 239-0991 for pricing. Verde Valley, Arizona Extend three months for $999 or six months for $1,800 (offer good for 30-amp sites only). Extend your stay at the gorgeous Verde Valley Preserve for $350 per month, plus electric, for 30amp sites and $425 per month, plus electric, for 50-amp sites. Contact the office for more details at (928) 634-8158. For information on our Annual Site and Vacation Cottage Trailer programs contact Scott at (928) 634-8158. Annual sites starting at $2,300 per year. Trailer selling prices starting at $995.

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Preserve Services Directory Virginia Landing, Virginia Annual sites available. Call (757) 442-4853 for more information.

Harbor View, Virginia Short term rental available May through October. Call Mike at (804) 224-8164.

Wilderness, California Annual sites available. Fish from the back of your site! No reservations required. You can leave your RV on-site 365 days per year. You may occupy the site 210 days per year. Call Jeff or Dave at (951) 679-0863 for more information.

Hidden Cove, Alabama Park Model Rentals $60 and $70 per night. For information, call (205) 221-7042.

Williamsburg, Virginia Your best year of camping begins at Williamsburg. Annual on-site program at our beautiful tree-sheltered campground: full hook-up, metered sites begin at $1,7000. Vacation Cottage Program offers 28 to 38-foot park models, vinyl or log-sided from $2,750 to $7,500, with a 3-year annual on-site lease. Satellite reception sites still available. Ask Gary about our TB Reader VCP Discount. Call (757) 566-3021. Wilmington, Ohio Annual sites now available: $1,250-$1,750. Call Amy at (937) 382-5883 for more information.

SHORT-TERM RENTAL SPECIALS

Bear Cave, Michigan 1 and 2 bedroom park model rentals for $59 and $69 per night; 2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends. Linen rental for additional fee. 2-4 person, fully-equipped tent rentals available. Call for details. Bend/Sunriver, Oregon Cabins, cottages and yurts available for rent year-round, call for quote. Carolina Landing, South Carolina Annual cabin rental $2,200 for a standard cabin. Chehalis, Washington We have monthly rentals for 1-4 months for $475 per month, plus utilities. We also have rental cabins and trailers offering daily and weekly rates. Chesapeake Bay, Virginia We have 20 fully-furnished rental cabins that sleep 4-6. (18 are lakefront locations). Pet units also available. Diamond Caverns, Kentucky Call (270) 749-2891, ext. 118, for details on short-term rentals.

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Horseshoe Lakes, Indiana Ten 30/50-amp sites at $2 per night. Idyllwild, California Stay in the preserve on a monthto-month basis for as low as $575 per month, including water and electricity. Please contact the Resort Manager at (951) 6594097 for more information. Indian Lakes, Indiana Monthly cabin and site rentals available. Please call the marketing department at (812) 934-5496. La Conner, Washington Leave your RV at home and come stay in our comfortable Panabode Cedar Cabins. Full kitchen, sleeps 6, winter special 2 nights for $99-119, offer good through May 1, 2011. Call resort to make reservations at (360) 466-3112. Lake Conroe, Texas We have four cabins for rent nightly, weekly or for two weeks at a time, for $65, plus tax, per night, for our members and $75, plus tax, per night, for guests. We have six Get-A-Way cabins for our Get-A-Way members renting for $49, plus tax, per night, for members and $59, plus tax, per night for our Get-A-Way guests. We also have our Hidden Cove rentals, which are owned by our members and rented by the week or the month. Check with RO office for details and prices for weekend specials and Hidden Cove Cottage rentals. * All rentals are fully furnished. You just need to bring clothes and food! Lake Tawakoni, Texas Two rental cabins available. Lake Texoma, Texas Cabins available yearround, Getaways with some memberships. Call Nic at (903) 523-5835. Las Vegas, Nevada Make your cabin and trailer reservations early; high demand in fall, winter and spring. Call (800) 288-7245. Leavenworth, Washington We have monthly stays for 1-6 months at $500 a month, plus utilities. Come enjoy Leavenworth and all its beauty.

Long Beach, Washington Feel at home in one of our Vacation Trailers or Thousand Trails Cabins. Start planning now! Summer will be here before you know it and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want you to miss out on all the great festivities and events here on Long Beach Peninsula. Call the preserve at (360) 642-3091 for our 2011 rates. Lynchburg, Virginia Spend a month or two and enjoy all the wonderful activities and attractions of the area. Our monthly rate s $300, plus electric. Call (434) 332-6672 for more information and start making your plans today. Mt. Vernon, Washington Enjoy your own year-round private site with snow-capped Cascade Mountains providing a stunning background to this Skagit Valley preserve. Its lush forests make for private campsites. Introductory rates for annual programs. Call Ray Dillon at (360) 724-4811 for Information. You will be glad you did. Natchez Trace, Tennessee Mid-week cabin stay special $99 Monday through Thursday. Limited Availability. Standard Cabins only. Oakzanita, California We offer rental cabins you can stay for the night or by the week. Call the preserve for prices. We also have a limited number of horse corrals available by the day or week. Call (619) 445-2835. Oceana, Washington A limited number of sites are available starting at $350 per month, plus elec. for the summer season. Call Dale Graham at (360) 289-3504. PA Dutch, Pennsylvania 21 cabins available for rent Pacific City, Oregon Winter Special: Cedar Cabin rentals on a space available basis, only $750 per month, plus electric. Contact the resort at (503) 965-6200. Paradise, Washington Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the members and guests that make our season so fun. Our Manager and Staff want to thank all who visited us. Our park will be closed from Oct. 4, 2010 and re-open April 1, 2011. See you next year. Peace River, Florida We have nine rental log cabins

available, for nightly or monthly rental. Pio Pico, California Rent a site on a month-to-month basis for as low as $575 per month (excluding electricity). For further details please call (619) 421-9672. Russian River, California Over 200 wineries, close to shopping, casinos, cultural events and world-class dining. 1.5 hours to the Mendocino coast. All TT cabins include one set of linens. San Benito, California Whatever your needs, contact our Ranger Station at (831) 389-4477 and they will put you through to someone who can accommodate you. Seaside, Oregon Discounted short-term rentals available for two week and monthly stays. Great rates for Monday-Thursday mid-week stays. Call (503) 738-5292 or (503) 738-0626 for our current specials. Our cabins, yurts and hostel are available all year long. Plan your winter ski vacation NOW! Cabins sleep 4 and range from $81 to $135 per night. Yurts sleep 4-5 people and range from $40 to $65 per night. Hostel Standard rooms sleep 4 and range from $54 to $79 per night; Hostel Deluxe rooms sleep 6 and range from $64 to $95 per night. Have a large group? Rent the entire Hostel from $300 to $443 per night. Note: all prices listed do not include taxes. Snowflower, California Plan your spring ski vacation NOW! Cabins sleep 4 and range from $100 to $135 per night. Yurts sleep 4-5 people and range from $40 to $65 per night. Standard Hostel sleep 4 and range from $61 to $79 per night; Hostel Deluxe rooms sleep 6 and range from $75 to $95 per night. Have a large group or family? Rent the entire Hostel from $347 to $443 per night. It sleeps up to 30 people. All prices do NOT Include tax or $3 per night resort fee. Call (530) 389-8241 for availability or more details. South Jetty, Oregon Yurts, cabins and trailers available to fit your budget. Call (541) 997-8333. Tall Chief, Washington Enjoy a lodge-style cedar clubhouse and activity center, rolling lawns, a sculpted pool, and an Indoor sauna. Have your

reunions or special occasions with us! We have 3 cedar cabins and 3 vacation trailers at nightly rates weekdays Sunday through Thursday or weekends Friday through Saturday. We also have tree-lined sites at daily and monthly rates. Verde Valley, Arizona 29-ft. trailers, $495 per month, plus electric; 30-ft. with slideout $650 per month, plus electric. Cabins $1,250 per month. Weekly housekeeping and linens, TV/VCR, satellite. Pet and nonpet units available. Call (928) 634-8158 to reserve your unit. Wilderness Lakes, California Discounted rates SundayThursday, excluding three-day holidays. Call (951) 672-7804 for prices or check reservation’s web page.

SPECIAL EVENT SERVICES

Bay Landing, Texas We have excellent amenities for any of your SuperHost needs, such as family reunions, weddings, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Please call Nena (940) 683-3016. Beautiful pavilions on Lake Bridgeport! Bend/Sunriver, Oregon Perfect location for your family reunions, rallies and birthday picnics. Packages are available for renting our winter lodge for that special birthday. In the off-season, the main lodge is available for weddings, banquets and conferences. We also welcome ski clubs and snowmobile clubs. Call Laura at (541) 593-8494 or send e-mail to besh@equitylifestyle.com. Chehalis, Washington Perfect venue for your family reunion, church campout, picnic, party, school event or retreat. Rental units, RV sites, picnic areas, catering, day-use activities and amenities can be all yours with our SuperHost program. Our lodge is available off-season for weddings, banquets, parties, retreats, or conferences. Call (360) 262-9489 or e-mail chba@equitylifestyle.com Cherokee Landing, Tennessee We’re the spot for your special event. Call (731) 376-0935. Chesapeake Bay, Virginia On a tidal river of the Chesapeake Bay, we have 20 rental cabins, tent sites and 30and 50-amp full hook-up sites. Perfect for group events, rallies and reunions. Indoor and outdoor facilities for meetings and gatherings. Call (804) 695-9645.

Circle M, Pennsylvania Looking for a great place for your next family outing? Look no further than Outdoor World Circle M in Lancaster. Contact Judy at (717) 872-4651, ext. 61 to make your plans. Colorado River, Texas Make your family reunion or church picnic interesting for all ages. All family oriented groups welcome. Contact Marty at (979) 732-8229 or send e-mail to crmgr@equitylifestyle.com. Diamond Caverns, Kentucky Special rates available for rallies, reunions and special functions. Please call (270) 749-2891, ext.118 for details. Harbor View, Virginia Plan your next outing with us! Air-conditioned Rec. Hall open from May through October. Call Mike at (804) 224-8164. Hidden Cove, Alabama Hidden Cove offers several planned activities and events year-round, including major holiday celebrations, crafts, bingo, football parties, horseshoe tournaments, holey-board tournaments, potluck dinners, Breakfast at the Clubhouse, campfire sing-a-longs, and more. For information, call (205) 221-7042. Horseshoe Lakes, Indiana RV sites, meeting/banquet room, kitchen available for reunions, parties, church groups, weddings, etc. Call (765) 832-2487. Idyllwild, California To book your next SuperHost outing at Idyllwild, please contact SuperHost Coordinator at (951) 659-4137 for further details. For the resort’s list of activities, please contact our Recreation Department at (951) 659-0698, Ranger Station at (951) 6594137, or Resort Operations Office at (951) 659-4097. Indian Lakes, Indiana Church event, picnic, weekend retreat, youth group gatherings, meeting, reunion, birthday party, anniversary party, or wedding ~ no matter what your event, we have the facility you need. Please call Michelle at (812) 934-5496. Kenisee Lake, Ohio Rustic Barn, Pool Pavilion available for 2011 Family Reunions, Superhosts, and Gettogethers. If interested, please contact Linda Roberts at (440) 576-9030 for more information. La Conner, Washington The perfect place for a reunion, retreat, church group, birthday

party, wedding, RV rally, or corporate/business meeting or party. Great rental units, facilities and food. Call Pam or Kelly at (360) 466-3112.

Contact the preserve at (434) 332-6672 or lymgr@ equitylifestyle.com and let us help you plan your special gathering today.

Lake Conroe, Texas SuperHost/pavilion/family center/lake area rental available most weekends for parties and special events. Contact the Ranger Station at (936) 856-7888 or send e-mail to lcrg@1000trails.com.

Medina Lake, Texas Family reunions, company picnics, rallies – we do them all! We have two large outdoor areas available for day use. Campsite and limited cabin rentals are also available. Call Cindy at (830) 751-2406.

Lake Minden, California Family reunions, church outings, company picnics, wedding receptions. Call Sonia at (530) 656-2702.

Mt. Vernon, Washington Perfect site with all amenities – we do it all! For any of your SuperHost needs, all events, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, rallies, birthdays, banquets and more, with catering available. Call Cookie at (360) 724-4811.

Lake of the Springs, California SuperHost/Rally Central. Great for group outings, overnight or day use. Call Rally Central at (877) 657-2559 for more Information. Lake Tawakoni, Texas SuperHost facilities are available for family reunions and business use for a fee. Contact the BA for assistance. Lake Texoma, Texas We offer SuperHost programs church groups, family reunions, scout groups, etc. Contact Brynda at (903) 523-4206. Las Vegas, Nevada Let us make your special event memorable. Have your family reunion, company picnic or wedding in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. Contact Roy at (702) 451-2719. Leavenworth, Washington We’ve got the perfect venue for a fun-filled family reunion or a relaxing club/church retreat. Call toll-free at (800) 353-1700 or e-mail to lemgr@equitylifestyle. com. Little Diamond, Washington Granite Lodge: Two full kitchens, dining for large groups, sleeps 20+, adjacent RV and tent sites, spa and sauna, satellite TV. Call (800) 994-6654. Long Beach, Washington Planning a reunion, a wedding or just one humdinger trip with your friends? Make a SuperHost reservation at Long Beach. Only minutes away from lighthouses, history, trails, and the beach! Come one, come all. Call Mark at (360) 642-3091 for more information. Lynchburg, Virginia We offer the perfect place for family reunions, church or company picnics, camping rallies, weddings and receptions, and other special functions.

Morgan Hill, California Let us help plan that special family event or company gettogether. Call SuperHost. Call (408) 779-4932 or send e-mail to 1510sjsh@1000trails.com. Natchez Trace, Tennessee Rallies Welcome! Large rental hall facilities available. Oakzanita, California If you are looking for that special place to have your family reunion, office get-together, church picnic or whatever the occasion, we do SuperHost groups. We have RV sites, tent sites, picnic areas, summertime activities and a few cabins to rent. Please call the preserve at (619) 445-2835 and ask Cheryl or Sheila. Orlando, Florida Function hall, catering, activities and amenities are all yours with our SuperHost Program. For details, contact Mike MacGillivray at (352) 394-7300. PA Dutch, Pennsylvania Don’t worry about the weather – our large building is available for rent. Building will accommodate square dance groups inside; also available for weddings and other events. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at (717) 665-2500. Pacific City, Oregon Awesome coastal weather, beach access, clamming, crabbing, beach-combing, professional and friendly service, campsites, rental units and gazebo. We host parties, club rallies, reunions, weddings and retreats for all group outings. A group consists of 4 or more campsites/rentals or any combination thereof. Contact the resort at (503) 965-6200. Palm Springs, California Rally groups welcome APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Preserve Services Directory September through November and April through May. Call (760) 345-1682. Paradise, Washington Have a major event you wish to plan? Plan on having it at Paradise. Please contact the Ranger Station at (360) 985-2756. Pio Pico, California Have your SuperHost, rally, meetings or events in southern San Diego. Call (619) 421-2213 or toll-free (800) 242-6562. Ponderosa, California Plan your next special event with us along the beautiful American River. We can help you host up to 150 guests for your wedding, family reunion, rally, or other special event function. Make your event one to remember – host it at Ponderosa Resort! Call (530) 642-5830. Rancho Oso, California Reunions, youth groups, picnics, retreats, meetings. Private Chapel/Pavilion and courtyard available for events. Stay in cozy cabins, covered wagons or our full amenity kitchenette campers. Call (805) 683-5686. Russian River, California Family gatherings and SuperHost events in Sonoma wine country. Call (707) 894-5355. St. Clair, Michigan Enjoy family reunions, rallies, company picnics or special events through our SuperHost Program. Call (810) 329-7129. San Benito, California If you’re looking for a great place for family gatherings, youth groups, reunions, meetings, retreats or just your very own special event, contact our SuperHost, Linda, at (831) 389-4473. She can help plan that perfect occasion. Seaside, Oregon Family reunions, RV rallies, church events, weddings or business meetings. Call Barry at (503) 738-0626. Snowflower, California Call Laurie at (530) 389-8241. Soledad Canyon, California Have your rally, wedding, picnic, retreat or reunion at our beautiful preserve. Catering for up to 3,000 available. Call (661) 269-7038. South Jetty, Oregon Our heavily wooded preserve is located just 55 miles west of Eugene on the beautiful Oregon 60

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

coast. The Oregon Sand Dunes Recreational Park is just a few minutes from our preserve. South Jetty is a perfect place for your reunion, company picnic, rally, wedding or business meeting. Call (541) 902-2024.

Nov. 15-May 15. Call (804) 693-6951.

Turtle Beach, California Contact Preserve Manager at (209) 239-0991 for information on accommodations for SuperHost groups and family gatherings.

Colorado River, Texas Dry Storage available yearround; fenced secure area. Call the preserve at (979) 732-8229 or e-mail crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

Verde Valley, Arizona SuperHost groups welcome. Nice RV sites, catering, rentals and friendly staff. Contact Angela at (928) 634-8158.

Crescent Bar, Washington Limited dry storage. Call the preserve for information at (509) 787-4349.

Whalers Rest, Oregon Beautiful setting on the central Oregon coast, 18 rental units, including two new cabins and a very large garden home. Large meeting area and kitchen facilities. Parties and meetings of all sizes. Call (541) 867-6078. SuperHost not available June 15-Sept. 15. Wilderness Lakes, California Call (951) 672-7804 or send e-mail to wlsh@equitylifesty. com for your next reunion, retreat, party, seminar, and group rally. Catering available. Wilmington, Ohio SuperHost Facility Rental: Family Lodge $400; Pavilion $100. Call (937) 382-5883 for more information.

ON-SITE AND DRY STORAGE

Bay Landing, Texas Dry Storage Only - $45, plus tax ($48.04). Bend/Sunriver, Oregon Off-site storage available yearround. Call the preserve for information at (541) 593-8494. Birch Bay, Washington Please call (360) 371-7432 for dry storage availability. Carolina Landing, South Carolina Dry Storage: $60 per month or $360 for six months. Chehalis, Washington Storage: $45 per month or $180 for 6 months. Call Ranger Don at (360) 262-9489. Cherokee Landing, Tennessee Dry Storage only. Call (731) 376-0935. Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Field storage available yearround. On-site storage available

Circle M, Pennsylvania Outdoor World Circle M is not accepting any new dry storage agreements.

Cultus Lake, British Columbia CANADA We will be offering storage on our closed sites for fall and winter seasons. This can either be dry or with electricity. Call Danielle at (604) 858-3932 for your fall and winter storage needs. Diamond Caverns, Kentucky On-site and dry storage available. Please call (270) 749-2891 for rates. Gateway to Cape Cod, Massachusetts Dry Storage available $40 per month or $350 per year. Call (508) 763-5911 or inquire at the Trading Post. Grandy Creek, Washington Off-site storage available on a limited basis. Call the preserve for information at (360) 826-3554. Harbor View, Virginia Dry Storage Only – May 1 to Oct. 12. Call Mike at (804) 224-8164. Hershey, Pennsylvania Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly, $200 for six months or $375 per year. Call (717) 8673967 or stop by the Country Store during regular hours. Hidden Cove, Alabama On-site RV storage available $2 per day or $150 per six months. For information, call (205) 221-7042. Horseshoe Lakes, Indiana Dry storage available starting at $10 per week up to $300 annually. Idyllwild, California Dry Storage available for as little as $25 per week, $75 per month or $650 per year. Please contact the Resort Operations Office at (951) 659-4097 for more information on terms and conditions.

Indian Lakes, Indiana RV storage available starting at $35 per month. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual rates available. Call Michelle at (812) 934-5496. Kenisee Lake, Ohio Dry Storage ONLY. Fees: $35 per month; $65 per quarter (yearly) $125 per 6 months; and $235 for one year. La Conner, Washington Call the preserve for information at (360) 466-3112. Lake Conroe, Texas Marina Storage: one roped-in area at the lake for just $70 per month, plus tax. Dry Storage: $55 per month, plus tax, or $605 per year, plus tax. Contact the Ranger Station at (936) 856-7888 or send e-mail to lcrg@1000trails.com. We also have short-term storage at $40 per week where you may store your RV on one of our tent sites and leave your electric plugged in while you are out of the preserve. Lake Gaston, North Carolina Dry storage available: $20 per week, $45 per month or $325 per year. Storage available for boats and RVs. For information call (252) 586-4121. Lake Minden, California Dry Storage: $460 per year/$46 per month/$2.50 daily. Call the preserve for information at (530) 656-2700. Lake of the Springs, California Call the preserve for information at (530) 692-1852. Lake Tawakoni, Texas Monthly Dry Storage cost is $42.70. Lake Texoma, Texas Dry Storage available. Please call Brynda Skinner at (903) 523-4206. Lake Whitney, Texas Dry storage available for $55 per month or $550 for the entire year (if paid in full at start of storage). Get your 13-inch free with this rate. Don’t wait – limited space. Las Vegas, Nevada Call the preserve for information at (702) 451-4647. Leavenworth, Washington RV Dry Storage available for $5 per day, $30 per week or $75 per month. Call toll-free at (800) 353-1700 or e-mail to lemgr@ equitylifestyle.com. Long Beach, Washington Dry Storage: All year - $45 per

month or get two months free with our yearly rate of $450. Call (360) 642-3091.

year, $65 per month or $40 per week. Call the Ranger Station at (619) 445-2515.

Lynchburg, Virginia Dry Storage: $40 per month; $200 for six months $200, $400 for the year.

Oceana, Washington Dry storage only $35 per month. Save the high cost of fuel this summer. Call Dale Graham at (360) 289-3504.

Medina Lake, Texas Dry storage $60 per month or $540 per year, plus tax. Call (830) 751-2406 or (830) 751-2444. Moody Beach, Maine With the high cost of gas you might want to consider storing your RV at Moody Beach. We have agreements available for your units at rates of $20 per week, $40 per month and $375 per year. To make arrangements or for more information call (207) 646-4586. Morgan Hill, California Dry Storage: $85 per month and $792 per year. Call the preserve at (408) 779-6396. Mt. Vernon, Washington Call Donna at (360) 724-4811. Short term also available when you are taking a cruise. Natchez Trace, Tennessee Dry: $5 per day/$25 per month. The Oaks at Point South, South Carolina We offer on-site storage at $150 per month, plus electric and taxes. Oakzanita Springs, California Dry storage for only $450 per

PA Dutch Country, Pennsylvania Off-site Storage is available for $2 per day, $50 per month, and $350 per year. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at (717) 665-2500. Pacific City, Oregon Save on gas and take advantage of our RV storage program. $50 for 4 weeks, $300 for 26 weeks or $550 for 52 weeks. Dry storage space is limited. Contact the Ranger Station at (503) 965-6442. Paradise, Washington RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability). Peace River, Florida Rates: $5 per day, $45 per month or $350 per year. Call the preserve for information at (863) 735-8888, line 2. Pio Pico, California Monthly and annual dry storage available. Please call (619) 4219672 for more Information on terms and conditions.

Ponderosa, California Call the preserve for information. Contact Kathy at (530) 642-5830 ext. 2. Rancho Oso, California Dry Storage: $75 per month or $750 per year and save $150. Call (805) 683-5686. San Benito, California We do have Dry Storage available for you. Just give us a call at (831) 389-4473 and get all the details. Scotrun, Pennsylvania Dry Storage Only. Contact preserve for details at (570) 629-0620. Sea Pines, New Jersey Dry storage available for $50 per month or $400 per year. Seaside, Oregon Dry storage for $60 per month. Get two free months with our yearly rate of $600. Call (503) 738-0626.

Sturbridge, Massachusetts Off-site Storage: $20 per week; $45 per month; or $350 per year. Tall Chief, Washington Enjoy a lodge-style cedar Thunderbird, Washington Dry storage available year-round. Fenced secured area at $75 per month. Call to reserve at site at (425) 223-4235. Turtle Beach, California Dry storage available for $20 per week or $60 per month. Verde Valley, Arizona Dry Storage available w/o electric for $50 per month or $425 per year, with electric for $90 per month or $775 per year. Call (928) 634-8158. Virginia Landing, Virginia Dry Storage available year-round. Whalers Rest, Oregon Call the preserve for information at (541) 867-3100.

Snowflower, California Storage sties are available 6/110/31 at $65 per month.

Wilderness Lakes, California Call the preserve for information at (951) 672-4831.

Soledad Canyon, California On-site storage no longer available. Dry Storage $75 per month or $750 annual. Call the preserve for information at (661) 269-1740.

Williamsburg, Virginia Secure and easy access storage for $385 annually with park membership. Call (757) 566-3021.

South Jetty, Oregon Call the preserve for information at (541) 997-8333.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page 63

ACROSS 1 Record 4 Women’s Army Aux. Corps (abbr.) 8 Footless 12 Amer. Bar Assn. (abbr.) 13 Blood (pref.) 14 Tiber tributary 15 3 (Rom. numeral) 16 Sweet spire 17 Protuberance 18 Jap. sword 20 Dravidian language 22 Festival 25 Popular girl 28 Afr. gazelle 31 Russ. range 33 Office of Economic Development (abbr.) 34 Turkish caliph 35 Whiff 36 Exclamation 37 Angry 38 Amer. Natl. Standards Inst. (abbr.) 39 Ground (pref.) 40 Buddhist saint 42 Noble (Ger.) 44 Ecuador (abbr.) 46 Land of Croesus 50 Empty 52 Created 55 Scot. alder tree 56 Star (pref.) 57 Woden 58 Roofing slate 59 Social climber

Wilmington, Ohio Dry Storage: $300 per year; $150 per six months, or $10 per week. Call the Ranger Station. 60 Hindu cobra 61 To or from a distance (pref.) DOWN 1 Non-cleric 2 Fetish 3 Lope 4 Pule 5 At the age of (Lat.) 6 Soul or spirit (Fr.) 7 Heddles of a loom 8 Talus 9 Queen of Ithaca 10 Mountain (pref.) 11 Drop 19 Africa (abbr.) 21 Skillful 23 Rotate 24 Undo 26 Guide 27 Lover of Narcissus 28 Ceylonese langur 29 Whistling swan 30 Yet 32 Tart 35 Braz. armadillo 39 Thickness 41 Astringent 43 Queen of Italy 45 King of Judah 47 Pointed missile 48 “Dies _____” 49 Anglican (abbr.) 50 Low (Fr.) 51 Army service number (abbr.) 53 Amer. Dental Assn. (abbr.) 54 Grub APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Marketplace

To Advertise in Marketplace Or To Place a Classified Ad Call (877) 252-9320 CIRCLE NO. 123 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

or email

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

TBads@equitylifestyle.com

Deadline for June Issue is April 1, 2011

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 64

Visit the TrailBlazer web site www.trailblazermagazine.net Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 61

Marketplace

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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SALES TEAMS WANTED!

Answers on page 63

RV, Home & Marine Solutions is looking for active and outgoing teams or singles to represent great new products within the RV markets. Work independently or within our 100+ campgrounds. Sponsor events, mini-seminars on products that benefit all RVers. Several comp plans available with generous commission plans. Immediate needs in TX, CA & FL. Other states too. Apply today! Send qualifications to info@nature-zyme.com or call 312-279-1876.

APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

RV FOR SALE 2006 Safari Airstream SE - $42,000

2006 29’ Airstream Safari SE 75th Anniversary Ltd. Edition, Dual Wrap Around Windows, Front Bedroom, Sleeps 6, Rear Door, Stereo w/remote, 2 HD TVs, Auto Tracking DIRECTV In-Motion Satellite Dish, Microwave/Convection Oven, Refrig/Freezer, AC, Awning, Electric Jack, Rock Guards, Stainless Wrap Protection, Alum Wheels, Wood Laminate Flooring, Dual Batteries, Dual 10 gal Propane Tanks and Regulator, Hoses, (30 amp) Electrical Cords and Adapters Included, One Owner, Non Smokers, Like New. Contact Nita, NRK573@cox.net or (480) 227-3043

CLUB CALENDAR APRIL 2011 TT SINGLES Central California March 25-27: San Benito, CA April 22-24: Lake of the Springs, CA May 27-30: San Benito, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 467-3278 or e-mail to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or e-mail to bstaffeld@att.net. Southwest April 15-17: Wilderness Lakes, CA May 20-22: Soledad Canyon, CA Contact Babe Bohner at (909) 797-6437 Northwest March 24-26: Chehalis, WA April 21-23: La Conner, WA May 26-28: Mt. Vernon, WA Contact: Director Dewey Erlwein at (360) 880-7443 or e-mail to derlwein@peoplepc.com; Winnie Hoyteniuk at (604) 858-9757 or e-mail to winnie@smartt.com (British Columbia); Daphne Bailey at (503) 590-8566 or e-mail to daphnebailey07@comcast.net (Oregon); or Linda Christofferson at (360) 653-3648 (Washington). FUN NITES Fun Nites are social gatherings organized by and for TTN members. Eugene/Springfield Area Round-a-Bouters group For more information call Merry Klum (541) 726-7586 or Leona Todd (541) 844-4277 Pacific City Pacific City Ramblers Ramblers meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Home Town Buffet in the Tigard Market Place, 13500 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, Oregon. Contact Charlie Buren at (503) 705-1587, Mary Martin at (503) 7601088 or Suzy Mulbey at (503) 678-2993. All Portlandarea TT, NACO and LTR members welcome. TTN So Cal Weekenders April 1-3: Pio Pico, CA May 6-8: Oakzanita, CA

PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS

We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship. E-mail: ttnweekenders@earthlink.net Web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttnweekenders/ TT Travelers We are retired residents of Southern California who are TTN members. We meet monthly at a Southern California preserve for fellowship, games and potlucks. Please call Darlene Steddum at (805) 714-9038 or e-mail to darjerste@juno.com or Sharon Straite at (562) 899-8298 or e-mail to lesstraite@verizon.net if you are interested in information about our group. TTWest/FMCA May 13-15: Lake of the Springs, CA Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly, except for the “no-host get-together” at Palm Springs Preserve immediately following the FMCA Western Area Rally in Indio, California. Contact Bob Litfin at (408) 2266529 or e-mail to clitfin@USA.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance. TT of Texas/FMCA New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or e-mail to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Our web site is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com Bounders United (“BUTTN”) June 20-24: Bend/Sunriver, Oregon For information on this event, contact Jerry and Margie Dunne at (503) 705-1183. For general information contact John Stroh at (916) 487-7321 or by e-mail to jonvon@jps.net. TT East Trail Buddies We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members. We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or e-mail to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com APRIL 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD

Signs of Spring With the caveat of “bloom dates according to Mother Nature”, Skagit Valley, Washington invites you to come and revel in the tulips this spring as millions of bulbs burst into bloom. For more than 25 years, the area has welcomed tourists from around the world as they celebrate the arrival of spring with the blooming tulips and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Skagit Valley is located 60 miles north of Seattle and 70 miles south of Vancouver, BC, Canada. The tulips are generally grown in a 15-mile triangle bordered by Highway 20, the Skagit River, and the Swinomish River Channel. This year’s festival runs from April 1 through 30. For more information visit www.tulipfestival.org.

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