TrailBlazer Magazine - April 2012 by TrailBlazer Magazine

APRIL 2012 n $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

VIRGINIA

There’s Always Something New to Discover in the Old Dominion 20 TOP CIVIL WAR SITES A TRUE TRAILBLAZER: GLOBAL NOBLE NEW! RV Bill Answers Your Questions Check Out Our New Feature

VOL. 34 n ISSUE 3

Photo courtesy of Kelly J Mihalcoe Photographer LL. Virginia Tourism Corporation.

APRIL2012 CONTENTS

Virginia: The Old Dominion ■ 26 Virginia also goes by the nickname of “Mother of Presidents” as it is the birthplace to 8 U.S. Presidents. Come along on a tour of this state and perhaps you’ll be able to name all 8 after you’ve visited!

Message from Tom The Camper’s Kitchen

Tech Topics

Activities & Events

News & Notes

A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble

Spotlight: Ball Games

Features: Virginia — Discover The Old Dominion

20 Top Civil War Sites

Ask RV Bill

Member Deals

Club Calendar

On the Market

Advertiser Index

Crossword & Sudoku Puzzles

Preserve Services Directory

Winding Roads

Marketplace

Classified Advertising

On Location

20 Top Civil War Sites ■ 32

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Above photo courtesy of Keith Lanpher Photography. Virginia Tourism Corporation. On the cover: Virginia State Capitol CIRCLE NO. 101 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

More than 3 million men fought in the Civil War— approximately 900,000 for the Confederacy and 2.1 million for the Union. Hostilities began on April 12, 1861 and lasted until General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in Appomatox on April 9, 1865. TrailBlazer lists 20 Top Civil War Sites in this issue. APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

☐✓Sunblock ☐✓Paddles ☐✓Good Friends

MESSAGE FROM TOM

ne of the best things about travel is that you get to experience other cultures. Whether it be brief trips where you find yourself sampling the local cuisines or extended stays where you become fully immersed in the day-to-day life of any place that is not home. We learn from these experiences, grow from these experiences and in sharing the best parts of our travels, we enlighten others. A few of the stories in this issue of TrailBlazer wouldn’t be possible if that desire to learn and explore the world didn’t take root in some people.

Camping is always better with friends. Receive a $25 American Express Gift Card when your referral purchases a Zone Camping Pass. Your referral also enters you into our 2012 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes. Grand Prize 7 Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii (a $4,000 value)

Second Prize Third Prize 4 Nights in either Las FREE DUES for 2013 (10 winners selected) Vegas, San Francisco (up to $499value) or Orlando

A truly interesting story is that of Noble Trenham, aka Global Noble, who back in 1959 set out on a journey to visit 75 countries because he felt, that despite his world travels as a Navy pilot, he was “missing out on the people.” This month we kick off a series that will detail Noble’s adventures, adventures where he truly immersed himself in the culture of the countries that he visited. Get ready to roll because reading about Noble’s adventures will definitely spark your travel bug. This month’s travel feature highlights Virginia – a state closely associated with Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson had a tremendous passion for travel stating he needed to “to see what I have not yet seen”. Jefferson is credited with introducing our country to many things he experienced during his travels, including the waffle iron, the pasta machine and a recipe for French fries. Can you imagine how different breakfast, lunch and dinner might be if Jefferson was a homebody instead? Our Spotlight feature highlights some popular games that find their roots in Europe. Obviously someone shared their experience and those games became as common here as they are in their countries of origin.

The same experiences occur when you travel throughout our network. There’s plenty of culture to immerse yourself in. If you spend more than one day in any location, you’re bound to develop an interest in some of the local offerings. Have you ever tasted a delicious lobster roll, made fresh from Maine lobster, or cooled off with a big glass of sweet tea – a favorite beverage in the south? Consider the lifestyle habits of the different areas as well – a visit to a California preserve may most likely center around water activity, while a trip to the Rio Grande Valley will have you bird watching for species found only in that area of Texas. There is so much to see and do out there and we’re proud of the fact that our network provides you a wide variety of experiences. Try something different as you travel over the next few months – talk to the “locals”, see what their favorite pastimes are and give it a try. Immerse yourself in the culture and then share your experiences with friends and family – you never know what might catch on!

Thought Of the Month Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit. ~ Frank Borman

(a $2,000 value)

TOM HENEGHAN Pr esident and CEO

www.zonecampingpass.com/referthezone Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on page 65 of this magazine. APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

PICS FROM THE PARKS

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

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

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 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

Now Win $50 EACH Issue!

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 photo contest. Winners will receive a $50 American Express Gift Card. Each issue we will select one “winning” photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month.) Winning photos will be posted on the TrailBlazer website 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 Emailed 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 websites and promotional purposes.

Palm Springs, CA: We have been traveling the country since October 2010. Hot air balloons over Palm Springs. - Mary Marasco, Camden, DE

Ponderosa, CA: My wife and I have been enjoying the RV lifestyle since 1969. This year we began a quest to stay at a different resort in California each month. The first of those we visited this year was Ponderosa. Oak trees and some pine are prevalent. The half mile river frontage has a carefully protected natural riparian foliage buffer.

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New Subscriptions 1-877-252-9320

Oregon Coast: Depot Bay off the Oregon coast during high surf period. Depot Bay is about 10 miles north from the Whalers Rest preserve. - Ed Gibb, Oregon City, OR

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ADVERTISING SALES 877-252-9320 TBads@equitylifestyle.com

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Paul and Kerri Elders Janet Groene Kim Wuchter

-K en Reid, Modesto, CA

One winner will be selected EACH month from sumissions received. The winner will be announced in each issue and on the website. 6

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

The Camper’s Kitchen | Shortcut Salads for Springtime by Janet Groene Hurrah – spring is here! As you travel down the road visit farmers markets to discover spring offerings that are not usually found in supermarkets such as ramps, dandelion greens, lamb’s quarter, homegrown herbs, edible flowers, meadow teas, and more and mix them together to make delightful spring salads.

Asparagus ‘n Lox Salad Sandwich

Buy spring asparagus by the shipload and blanch it briefly, then chill it for use in sandwiches and salads. 24 spears of asparagus, trimmed 1 8-ounce brick of regular or “lite” cream cheese 6 sandwich or sub rolls Lemon pepper 6 to 12 inner leaves of crisp romaine, 6 to 8 inches long 12 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon Thin slices from a sweet onion, separated into rings Bring an inch of water to a boil in a large skillet and blanch asparagus only 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove quickly with tongs. Drain and cool in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Let cream cheese come to “room” temperature or nuke it a few seconds. Split sandwich rolls, spread cut sides with cream cheese and sprinkle lightly with lemon pepper. Top bottom halves with one or two crisp romaine leaves, onion rings, smoked salmon and four asparagus spears each. Close sandwich and cut in half. Makes six sandwiches.

Peachy Chicken Salad

10-ounce can chunk chicken, drained 2 ripe spring peaches, peeled if desired and diced 1/4 cup lemon or lime juice 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon sugar 2 stalks celery, diced 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Mayonnaise Lettuce (optional) Break up chicken in a mixing bowl. Toss peaches with lemon or lime juice, then drain and sprinkle with a mixture of the cinnamon and sugar. Mix into chicken with celery, nuts and mayonnaise to taste. Serve as is or on a bed of lettuce. Serves two.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 116 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Risi Bisi Salad

Nothing spells springtime more colorfully than fresh garden peas. This salad is also good with thawed, frozen peas. It’s a perfect side dish with grilled ham steak or take-out fried chicken. 2 cups instant brown rice 2 cups water 1 bunch scallions 1 cup peas, drained Vinaigrette dressing to taste Cook rice according to package directions. If using fresh peas, cook 1 minute in boiling water and drain. If using thawed peas, do not cook. Thinly slice white and light green parts of scallions and fold in with the peas. Fold in vinaigrette to taste. Serves four as a side dish.

Sorrento Spring Salad

1 bunch leaf lettuce 2 to 3 plum tomatoes, diced 2 to 3 slices salami, diced ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup Caesar salad style croutons Italian dressing to taste

Continued on page 65

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Want to Be a

Lucky Winner?

Tech Topics {

This month Tech Topics takes a look at fuel additives, hitch maintenance and the one thing you don’t want to forget to pack!

by Paul and Kerri Elders

Get Out and

Ca mp

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express Gift Card

It’s easy ... pay your 2012 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve to earn entries into our monthly drawing. There is no limit to how many entries you can earn - so Get Out and Camp! Our December winner is Roger Snyder from Vero Beach, Florida Our January winner is Lee Dennill from British Columbia, Canada

Pack a Little Patience You’ve packed and serviced your RV and the family is happy and anxiously looking forward to your long-awaited trip. Everything is ready; you’re breathlessly waiting for that magic moment when you drive out of the driveway. But in your excitement, you may have forgotten to pack one of the most important traveling companions there is: PATIENCE. Every trip can be a pleasant one, if you pack just a little extra patience. Slow down. Enjoy the scenery. Savor the trip. Don’t worry about the guy in your rearview mirror, who seems to think you’re driving too slow at the speed limit. Stay in the right lane and let him pass. No stress, no worry. Just remember that driving TOO slowly can also be a hazard. If you find yourself driving on a two-lane highway (in a 55 mph zone) at 35 mph, you’ll be backing up traffic. If this happens, be courteous. Occasionally pull off the road, stop, and allow those backed-up drivers to pass. Consider stopping for a sandwich until traffic eases, or reconsider your route, taking a slower backroad pathway. Tired? Take a break. Stop and stretch your legs at least once every two hours. Even though you may not realize it, your body and your brain desperately need this bit of physical exercise. It improves circulation, maximizes alertness, and will make your trip safer and easier. Patience pays dividends: “Never Hurry, Never Worry”.

When you pay your annual dues for 2012 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express gift card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2012. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2012, you will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The drawings are limited to persons who are of legal age. The drawings will be held at our corporate office on the 10th day after the end of each month. Winners will be notified by mail or phone. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. You may also enter the drawings by printing your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address on a 3” x 5” piece of paper and mailing it to the Sponsor in addressed, stamped envelope. You are limited to one mail-in entry which must be postmarked by December 15, 2012. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limtied Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL, 60606. 10

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Hitch Maintenance Your hitch is the lifeline between your tow vehicle and your trailer, and it should be meticulously maintained. For bumper tow vehicles, inspect the ball clamp on your tow vehicle before each use and make sure the trailer’s coupler latching mechanism is operating properly before each hookup. Lubricate as needed. Thoroughly inspect all fasteners for tightness at least every 2,000 miles of operation.

If you pull a fifth wheel or gooseneck, clean and lubricate your fifth wheel or gooseneck ball and receiver before and after each trip. It’s also a good idea to grease the load-bearing surfaces with lithium grease every 2,000 miles. Not only does this make the hitch operate more smoothly, but it significantly reduces wear and improves turning performance. An aftermarket Teflon disk for fifth wheels is a popular option with many RVers because of its low maintenance requirements. It reduces friction without grease, making for a cleaner truck bed. On all fifth wheel systems, be sure to periodically inspect the kingpin latch plate, pin-box plate, saddle, and latch bolt for proper operation, looking for signs of excessive wear or damage; tighten platform mounting bolts as needed. Grease the pivot points between the rails and hitch with lithium grease every 2,000 miles. Fuel Additives Whether you drive a diesel or a gasoline-powered motorhome or tow vehicle, the use of a fuel additive is worth considering. Yes, it adds to your fuel costs. However, under certain conditions, this can be a worthwhile investment. Let’s look at a few scenarios where a fuel additive may be useful. When storing a gas-powered RV for the winter, it’s usually a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer like those from Gold Eagle (StaBil), Maxima, Lucas Oil, and other manufacturers. Fuel stabilizers help prevent condensation and breakdown of the fuel over the winter months. Otherwise, come springtime, you’ll find yourself dealing with hard starts, “varnishing” of the carburetor, and a loss of octane that can make your engine sluggish and rough. Here’s another scenario: when you travel through large metropolitan areas, you may find that your fuel mileage has noticeably dropped. The reason? EPA rules dictate that regions must meet EPA clean air standards. If not, ethanol must be added to the fuel sold there until the region is in compliance. What does this mean to you? Ethanol can Continued on page 65 APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Near the capital city of Richmond are three preserves, Chesapeake Bay, located in Gloucester, Harbor View, located in Colonial Beach, and Lynchburg, situated in Gladys. Historic Williamsburg is the backdrop to the preserve of the same name, while Virginia Landing Preserve sits on the eastern shore of Hog Island Bay on the Atlantic.

CHESAPEAKE BAY

The variety of onsite amenities, activities and nearby offerings at each of these preserves is amazing. Of course, if you just want to relax – that’s here too. Checking in with all the preserve managers, we found that guests comment on how peaceful and serene the settings are. “We often hear how quiet and secluded the setting feels to our guests,” said Gretchen Stracuzzi, manager at Virginia Landing.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

The natural beauty of the preserves lends itself to the peaceful atmosphere. “We are just about a ½ mile from the river frontage on the Piakatank River, a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, “said Terry DuRose, manager at Chesapeake Bay. “The view from our river front campsites is magnificent.” Another beautiful view is the friendly faces, of both guests and staff, that dot the landscape of these preserves. “The first time we stayed at Chesapeake Bay, I told my husband that the place just had a good feeling,” said member Michele Roberts. “We love it so much, we come to the ‘rivah’ almost every weekend year round. You can’t always choose your family, but you can choose your family of friends – and that’s what Chesapeake Bay has become – our extended family.” That good feeling is endemic to the area. According to Terry DuRose, “The south’s reputation for hospitality isn’t just a cliché. People anywhere can be warm and welcoming, but in the south, it’s in our DNA!”

As for activities, there is something for everyone. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, there is plenty going on at Lynchburg. “We have holiday dances, pool parties, Wii games, bingo, relay races, balloon battles and sport challenges,” said Joyce Ray, Lynchburg’s manager. “Our guests often remark how they didn’t even realize we had this much to offer.” Michele Ray echoes that feeling. “If you can’t find something to do at Chesapeake, then you aren’t getting out of your camper!” said Ray. One of their favorites is the Halloween weekend – the biggest of the year at Chesapeake. “Groups of campers construct haunted houses and haunted roads for trick or treating. The day ends with a big dance. It is a great weekend.” A favorite activity at Harbor View is the fishing. Guests have the choice of pond fishing or fishing the Potomac River. Similarly, the clam areas at Virginia Landing make it a favorite among the guests in search of sea creatures.

HARBOR VIEW

Virginia packs a lot into a state that is just over 40,000 square miles. There’s history, there’s culture, there’s the ocean and mountains and best of all, there are 5 preserves to enjoy all that The Old Dominion has to offer.

WILLIAMSBURG

If you want to soak in the history of Virginia, consider a stay at Williamsburg Preserve for its proximity to historic Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg. So if our features on Virginia (see page 26) and the 20 Civil War sites has peaked your interest, check out www.thousandtrails.com to learn more about these great resorts to make your home base as you explore the Commonwealth of Virginia! n

Our Virginia preserves offer a wide variety of onsite amenities and activities as well as local attractions to please all guests that are planning a vacation to our Virginia preserves. Pack your bags because Virginia isn’t just for Lovers anymore.

LYNCHBURG

Where to Stay For reservations call 1-888-443-7301 APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

CALIFORNIA

NORTH CAROLINA

Lake of the Springs Throughout April: Candy Bar Bingo. Saturday dinners, beginning with our Easter Ham Dinner, plus John Carter entertains every Saturday at the Family Campfire sing-along. Also, Saturday Family Dance with DJ. April 6-8: Easter Weekend: Events will include Craft and Variety Fair, Kids’ Fishing Derby, and Easter egg coloring. Join us Sunday for Sunrise Service, followed later by Easter Egg Hunt for the kids and visit from the Easter Bunny. April 23-27: Line Dance Festival: Marion will be hosting the festival along with friends. They are all here to teach you some new dances, so come join the fun. There will be plenty of dancing, food and friends.

Snowflower

Morgan Hill

Green Mountain Park

April 7: Easter Weekend events include egg hunts, plus our $25 Golden Egg Hunt.

Tucker’s Sculpture Streetscape Gallery Located in downtown Lenoir, just 3 miles from the preserve, this gallery displays sculpture all around on Main Street and West Avenue.

Fort Defiance Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, come visit one of the country’s most unique historic places. Saturday reenactments. For information call (828) 758-1671. Located in Lenoir, just 5 miles from the preserve.

April 7-8: Weekend events include Friday night movie, Easter egg coloring, and Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. April 14-15: Spring Has Sprung: Events include Friday night movie, plus Mike Noonan entertains. April 21-22: Take Us Out to the Ballgame: Events include Friday night movie, Saturday softball game, plus Dancing DJ, campfire and s’mores. April 28-29: Show and Tell: Events include Friday movie night, Saturday “Learn to Take a Good Picture” event, plus the music of Gary Carnes.

April 7 Tahoe Rim Tour & Race

Palm Springs

April 15 Billy Dutton Uphill

April 6-8: Welcome Back and Easter Celebration Weekend: The resort opens for the season and plans include a full range of Easter activities. Bring your favorite appetizer to the Welcome Back Social and enjoy the first DJ dance of the season.

Event starts at 8 a.m. at Squaw Valley USA. For information call (530) 583-6985.

NEW YORK

April 7-8: Join us for Easter Weekend. There will games by the pool, an Easter Egg Hunt with prizes and there will be church services Easter Sunday. April 12: Ladies Day Out. This will be our final outing for the season. We will have lunch at the Elephant Bar and shop the local thrift stores.

Rancho Oso Every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to noon come on down to the arena to watch the stock dogs herding sheep and cattle and stay for the bucking bull demo! Get up close and personal with our young bulls as we prepare them for a future in rodeo! A definite photo op! Every weekend join the fun and hop on board the famous Rancho Oso hay wagon to take a tour of the beautiful resort! They will drop off at the barn for the barn tour and dog & bull demo. Don’t forget to call the stables and book your unforgettable horseback ride for ages 8 & over. Of course, you can get the little buckaroos their first ride on a big horse, led by one of our friendly wranglers too! The wild flowers are blooming, and the weather is perfect for hiking, riding, lounging by the pool or touring our local wineries. Later in the day, join us for wine tasting at the Adult Lodge, or come by the Stone Lodge for the Ice Cream Social to make your favorite sundae! Keep the weekend sweet with our Candy Bar Bingo too!

San Benito Regular Friday Night Spaghetti Feed now includes rice and fish on menu. Serving begins at 6 p.m. at Reba’s Cafe in the Family Lodge. Every Saturday 14

and Sunday, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., we have breakfast with a full menu. The first and third Saturday is our Manager’s Meeting at 11 a.m. Ice Cream Socials are every Friday through Sunday at 2 p.m. We also have non-denominational Sunday services at 11 a.m. April 1: Candy Bar Bingo at 3 p.m. April 7: Happy Easter! We will be having our Easter Dinner at 6 p.m. with a wonderful magic show afterwards with Leo the Magnificent. Lots of great fun; adults, as well as children, love him. April 8: We’ll head out to the open field and have our Easter Egg Hunt with lots of colorful eggs and prizes. April 21: We will celebrate April birthdays and anniversaries with cake at the Family Lodge beginning at 6 p.m. Afterwards we will have some Karaoke fun.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

North Tahoe High School to Northstar Cross Country Nordic Race. 26k race, lunch and awards after. Fundraiser for Far West Nordic Ski Education Association; $45 Pre-registered adult, $10 Junior, $60 Race Day registration. For information visit www.farwestnordic.org or call (530) 852-0879.

Lake Gaston

Rondout Valley Wilderness April 7: Dominic’s Karaoke for the whole family. Who knows - you might be discovered for American Idol. April 8: Happy Easter! Easter Egg Hunt with prizes. April 13: SkyMed Seminar. Everyone in attendance gets a FREE Spaghetti Dinner. April 14: Larry Stevens plays a variety of new and old Country/Classic Rock. You will really enjoy yourself. April 21: Casino Night. Come play Blackjack for FREE. Play with Wilderness money and get rich. Tickets given and drawing for prizes at the end of the evening. Must be 21 to play. April 28: Movie Night.

MASSACHUSETTS Sturbridge

April 6-8: Activities include egg coloring, crafts, and morning Easter Egg Hunt for all ages followed by a Potluck ham dinner. April 13: Spring Cleaning so bring your rake and you will be rewarded by the staff. April 16-22: School’s out on vacation so all the families come and keep the kids busy all week long. The pool will be opened and there will be lots of activities

NEW JERSEY Lake and Shore

April 6-8: Hippity Hoppity Easter Weekend: Come and enjoy your Easter at the shore! We will have plenty of fun activities for the entire family, including

April 7-8: Hop on over for an eggciting time! Annual egg hunt and egg coloring along with lots of other fun and entertaining activities.

OHIO

Wilmington April 28-29 Land Speed Racing Four times a year, scores of car and motorcycle racers gather at the Airborne Airpark in Wilmington to speed down the Ohio Mile racetrack. Vehicles range from production cars and bikes (basically off the showroom floor) to exotic, purpose-built racers. It is quite a show! Sponsored by the East Coast Timing Association. Event is held at Airborne Airpark just 15 minutes from the preserve. For more information visit www.ecta-lsr.com.

OREGON Pacific City

April 7: Egg coloring and egg hunt.

April 13-15 Pacific City Annual Birding & Blues Festival The Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival offers a great combination: exploration of bird wildlife during the day and Blues concerts in the evening. The event will feature speakers, riverboat tours, and other excursions in the area. For more information about the Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival, contact the Kiwanda Community Center at (503) 965-7900.

Seaside April 7 The Seaside Art Walk This event takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 5-8 p.m. as galleries, shops and restaurants host artists, authors and musicians. Participating locations often provide tasty treats and beverages. Maps for the Walk are available at participating businesses, the Seaside Chamber and Seaside Visitors Bureau. For more information visit www.seasidechamber.com.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Calendar - April 2012

Easter egg dying, egg hunts, crafts, games and plenty of candy. Fun for all ages. There will even be a special Easter Egg Hunt for adults.

April 27-29 Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival You’ll enjoy a great spread of northwest cuisine, myriad arts and crafts, a selection of Oregon and Washington’s finest wineries, a fantastic beer garden and fun entertainment The Rotary Club of Astoria will be serving its traditional crab dinner all weekend long (price TBD based on Market Value) in the Exhibit Hall where you can enjoy live music all weekend. For more information visit www.oldoregon.com/events

Whalers Rest April 7: Happy “National Caramel Popcorn Day! Come help us celebrate at 1 p.m. in our South Clubhouse with a free serving of Whalers Own Carmel Popcorn! Children’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 3 p.m. Meet in our South Clubhouse for the fun all kids! April 21: Whalers Rest celebrates “Earth Day Weekend” at 2 p.m. in our South Clubhouse. Join us for Earth Day activities for all ages.

PENNSYLVANIA PA Dutch Country

April 6-9: Events will include Friday night Candy Bar Bingo, Saturday wagon ride and Soup and Sandwich Social with music from Men and Machine. April 13-15: Saturday Ceramics Class ($), plus wagon ride. April 20-22: Ceramics Class ($), plus wagon ride. April 27-29: Ceramics Class ($), wagon ride, and Wine and Cheese Social.

SOUTH CAROLINA Carolina Landing

April 28: Make a Difference Day: Our annual event! We are constructing a APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

new walkway to pool area with parking for golf carts. We will also add a picnic area and plant several trees.

Event is held every Thursday night in April from 6 to 9 p.m. Each Thursday features a local band/performer, plus vendors for food and drinks. Bring a chair and enjoy the entertainment. A great family event for people of all ages! Event is in downtown Anderson, just 22 miles from the preserve.

TENNESSEE

Cherokee Landing April features Member-Generated Activities including Cards, Bingo, Horseshoes, Billiards, Puzzles, Fishing, Volleyball, and Shuffleboard. If you wish to play Bingo, please see the Ranger for assistance. We will be passing out Activities for the major holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day).

Natchez Trace March 29-April 1 Mule Day Celebration Event features mule competitions, mule pulling, mule driving, plus food concessions, live music, arts & crafts, beauty pageant, children’s entertainment and rides and a huge Mule Day Parade. For information visit muleday.com or call (931) 381-9557.

TEXAS

Bay Landing March 30-Apr. 1: Let the March winds blow you into Bay Landing! Paper airplanes will be soaring over and dodging the kites doing their dance in the sky. Look out! Frisbees are flying everywhere. What do I hear? Someone is whistling a tune, can you? Balloons are taking off in the distance – where will they end up? Angie will even have something to eat that will fly off your plate. April 6-8: Easter Weekend: Hop on over for our Easter activities. Sunrise Services will be held at the local churches in town – see park for listings. Angie will have all kinds of goodies cooked up from her “Rattlesnake Cave”. Find the Golden Egg at our egg hunt and win the HUGE prize. Free cake and ice cream with be served for the April birthdays and anniversaries. Don’t forget to decorate your own bonnet and basket for our contest. We will be having an Adult Flashlight Hunt starting at dark so bring your flashlights to find your Golden Egg. Also, on the 7th, Cheryl, our Mary Kay Consultant, will be having another Complete Makeover Contest. Be sure to stop in and sign up for the big contest. Great prizes plus a makeover. Good Luck Ladies!

Colorado River Throughout April: Every Thursday at 1 p.m. Crafts with Maureen in the Activity Center. Every Saturday: Craft Sale from 8 a.m. to noon at the Activity Center. What’s Happening at Colorado River/Meeting with Manager at 10:30 a.m., Potluck Supper at 5:30 p.m. (Call Ranger for details), and Bingo with 16

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Lake Conroe April 7: Come celebrate Easter with us! We’ll dye eggs (be sure to bring your hard boiled eggs), have egg relays, do an egg toss and have an egg hunt. Special Easter services will be held on Sunday morning. This will be an eggceptionally fun weekend at Lake Conroe. April 14: Back to the 50’s Weekend: Get out that poodle skirt, ladies, and slick back your hair, gents, and let’s have fun remembering the good ole days. There will be hula-hoop contests and bubblegum blowin’, root beer floats and rock and rollin’. Be there or be square, daddy-o!! April 21: Cajun Fest Weekend: Crawfish races, games on the pavilion and some finger-lickin’ good crawfish, boudin sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes, Yum! In the evening we’ll be dancing on the pavilion to the ever-popular music of Blackjack County Band. This is one weekend you won’t want to miss! April 28: Kids’ Fishing Tournament Weekend: There’s fish in them thar ponds, so kids, bring your poles and let’s catch ‘em. Prizes will be awarded so be sure to sign up in the AC for the big fish-off.

Lake Tawakoni April 7: Easter activities.

First Monday Trade Days Held at the Canton Fairgrounds, just 30 miles from the preserve this event is one of the world’s largest trade days.

Lake Whitney April 7: We are planning a fun Easter Weekend! Starting with an Easter Egg Hunt for the Children on Saturday afternoon, followed by an Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt on Saturday evening! We will have a visit from the Easter Bunny and lots of crafts and activities for the entire family to enjoy.

April 21-22 Antique Alley & 37 Miles of Sales This unique event is located in the downtown areas of Cleburne, Grandview, Itasca, and Maypearl. You will find vendors lining the street selling antiques, collectibles, art and crafts, handmade furniture, Western décor, jewelry plus more. Festival style food and many private landowner shows. Downtown Grandview will offer Mennonite homemade ice cream 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For information call the Chamber of Commerce for each town: Cleburne (817) 645-2455, Grandview (817) 866-4881, Itasca (254) 687-2331 and Maypearl (972) 435-2131.

Chehalis April 28 Third Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival A sight so beautiful you will never forget this wonderful experience. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Village Resort and Nature Center at Lake Whitney, 220 Deep Canyon Drive, less than10 miles from the preserve. For information call (254) 694-2564

Medina Lake April 6-8: Friday Fish Fry at the Top of the Trail Café. Saturday events include Bunny Hunt, Easter egg coloring, Adult Easter Egg Night Hunt. Bring your Easter bonnet for our contest. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, plus meet the Easter Bunny. April 14: Bingo Weekend: We’ll play Ice Cream Bingo, Candy Bar Bingo, Card Bingo and Super Bingo.

April 14-15 Chuckwagon Races Wagon races are the NASCAR of Cowboys! Open pasture horse drawn wagons compete at breakneck speeds. Wagons from Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas will be competing. Gunslingers will start the show around 11:00 a.m. with a gunfight. The chuckwagons will enter at noon with competition to follow. Held at Twin Elms Guest Ranch in Bandera. For information call (830) 796-3628.

VIRGINIA

Chesapeake Bay April 7-8: Easter Eggstravaganza: Kids, bring your bikes to the campground to decorate and show off in the bicycle parade. Paint Easter eggs while your parents check out the first craft show of the season. Sunrise Service on Sunday followed by Easter Egg Hunts. April 28: The best view of the Richmond Race is on the big screen at the campground!

Throughout April: Saturday Matinees: 1 p.m. in the Adult Lodge, all ages welcome! April 2-6: Spring Break is here! Join us for lots of fun, inside and out! Movies, games, and our Ultimate Ice Cream Social. April 6-9: Easter Weekend – book your campsite now so you don’t miss the 3rd Annual Egg Hunt & Potluck on Saturday! Bring your favorite dish to share.

Grandy Creek April 6-8: Easter Eggstravaganza: Join us for some traditional Easter activities like egg dying and an Easter Egg Hunt. Take part in the jelly bean counting contest – closest guess wins all the beans!!

April 1-30 Skagit County Tulip Festival This month-long festival celebrates the blooming tulips and the Skagit Valley bulb growers. It attracts many visitors who come to see the colorful walk-in fields that bloom out sometime in April. The festival also includes many other attractions including visits to local farms and nurseries, wineries, art shows, street fair, parade, salmon BBQ, and a quilt show. In addition to tulips, the local valley farmers grow irises and daffodils. Event is about a 40 minutes drive from the preserve. For information call (360) 428-5959.

La Conner April 7-8: Easter Weekend: Come dye eggs with us on Saturday and then watch the fun as kids have an Easter Egg Hunt. Join us on Sunday for brunch. April 23-27: Spring Break Week activities include crafts and games daily. Watch the board for schedule.

Little Diamond April 27-29: Arbor Day Celebration: Plant a tree, take a nature hike.

Long Beach

WASHINGTON

March 30-April 1 Peninsula Arts Association Spring Show

April 6: Easter Potluck at 5 p.m. April 7: Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. April 21: Earth Day Karaoke Party at 2 p.m.

The 21st Annual Peninsula Arts Association Spring Show features over 50 local artists who will be displaying their work. There will also be unique art and art supplies shopping available, much of which is from the very artists on display in the show. An art raffle will also be held (proceeds benefiting the Art Enrichment Program and the PAA High School Graduate Scholarship Fund). Admission and parking are free.

Birch Bay

April 21 71st International Plowing Match 2012 Come and watch these magnificent horses and their plowmen till the soil as in days gone by. Free admission and free parking. Awards will be held at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds (Rotary Building), just 10 miles from the preserve. For details call (360) 354-4111.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Main Street Block Party

Maureen and Gary at 7 p.m. in the Activity Center. Every Sunday: Worship Service with Rev. and Mrs. J. V. Hamman in the Activity Center at 10 a.m. April 11: Ice Cream Social in the Activity Center. April 25: Ice Cream Social in the Activity Center.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Long Beach continued April 28 Black Lake Fishing Derby The Black Lake Fishing Derby is for kids ages 1-14. The day’s events start out at 7 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast. The fishing starts at 10:30 a.m. with a hotdog lunch in the afternoon. Prizes are awarded based on aggregate weight and age groups. All children must be accompanied by an adult and some fishing poles will be available on a first come first served basis. This is a great way to spend the day with friends and family. Event is held at Blake Lake in Ilwaco, just 1 mile from the preserve.

Mount Vernon April 2-6: Spring Break: Take a break and come to Mt. Vernon for a getaway – enjoy the trails, miniature golf, a game of softball or our

NEWS&NOTES FROM THE PRESERVES

Bay Landing Bay Landing has replaced satellite dishes at the new Getaway units as well as built porches on these units. Also, Section 1 Bathhouse has had a facelift inside. Carolina Landing The dock at Carolina Landing has received new decking as well as moved to a new location. A fish habitat has been added plus a buoyed area for swimming and new beach area. The mini-golf received a makeover and there’s new carpet and landscaping. Chehalis The County is in the planning stages for improvement to CentraliaAlpha Road, including widening the main entrance to the preserve. Two new Getaway units have been added in the D Section view area. Overgrown perimeter trails are being cleared and connected to provide an expanded trail system for non-motorized use. Restrooms are being painted, beginning with B restroom. Work has been completed for the replacement of the primary power lines, transformers and junction boxes in Sections C, D and E and portions of F. This is the second stage of the power upgrades planned for Chehalis. Cherokee Landing New screens on some of the back porch cabins have been added at Cherokee Landing as well as new deck rails and steps on the Tomahawk Lodge. There are new handrails to the bridge and the staff has cleared some underbrush off some of the sites close to the lake. Colorado River Colorado River has completed electrical repairs in D-section which included the installation of three new distribution panels. Green Mountain Park After a long wait, the 600 camping area is open and ready for the season at Green Mountain Park. Plus, a major cleanup has taken place over the winter months.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

other amenities. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, go to the Oasis, or seek out games or movies at the Lodge. April 7: Easter events include crafts and egg dying. A special themed dinner is also planned; reservations required. Please call (360) 724-4811. April 8: Easter Brunch: Enjoy a family brunch with an array of Easter cuisine followed by the popular Egg Hunt and a Jelly Bean guessing contest – closest number wins!

April 13-14 World’s Biggest Garage Sale Garage sale, plus antiques, food, entertainment and more. Held at the Skagit Valley Fairgrounds, just 10 miles from the preserve. For information call (360) 336-9453 or visit SkagitCounty.net

SPRING GULCH

FOLK FESTIVAL

May 17-20, 2012 26th Anniversary

Paradise April 7: Easter Weekend: Bring your camera for pictures at the Easter Bunny Egg Hunt. Don’t miss Potluck with Paradise – we’ll provide the ham. ■

Idyllwild Idyllwild installed a new playground, repaired electric sites at the lower camp, painted all the restrooms and lodge as well as reupholstered all the furniture in the lodge and added video game machines. They are currently working on landscape improvements, plus new flags and swings have been purchased. The pool has a new heater. Lake and Shore All of Lake and Shore’s rentals have been updated this winter! Check out the new Adult Lounge, with 7 big screen TVs, a great sound system, a BYOB bar, a fitness center and a game room! Lake Tawakoni The restroom facilities at the Adult Lodge pool are open and accessible from “A” and “E” Section at Lake Tawakoni. Lake Whitney Lake Whitney is currently working on a major project to replace all three lift stations. Also in the works is the re-surfacing of the Adult and Family pools as well as the wading pool and the hot tub. Additionally, they are in the process of revamping the cabins. Mount Vernon The exterior of the Family Lodge at Mt. Vernon has been painted and everyone is invited to come on in! Also two Getaway units are now ready for occupancy. Palm Springs The pickleball courts at Palm Springs have been updated. Sturbridge Sturbridge says Welcome Back! after the long winter during which plenty of tree removal was completed. Turtle Beach Turtle Beach has been very busy with upgrades and repairs - the North well (large well) has been fully reconstructed. Both wells have been upgraded for more dependable water pressure and capacity. The lodge has been spruced up with new paint, the ceilings in the lodge have been repaired and new furniture added. The lodge roof has been replaced, and the front deck remodeled, and the back steps replaced. With new gravel in sites the and trees trimmed, we are excited to reopen and welcome members back “home” to Turtle Beach!

2012 entertainment

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott Dry Branch Fire Squad Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha-Chas Archie Fisher Magic Slim & the Teardrops ...and many others to be announced

BOOK A 7 NIGHT STAY FOR $185/COUPLE or $25/COUPLE for a day ticket (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) (Limited availability. Must check-out no later than May 24, 2012. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer not valid on rental units. Reservations required. Use promo code TBFF12)

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1-866-864-8524 Event will be held at the Spring Gulch Resort 475 Lynch Road New Holland, Pennsylvania

www.SpringGulch.com APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Later, when asking his squad buddies who might be interested in accompanying him on his world adventure, he was directed to a fellow who was “fearless”, having climbed Mt. Fijiyama, a daunting task in itself, in hip-deep snow in December. “I thought to myself this just might be the kind of guy I’m looking for.” Upon meeting the daring fellow, Dean Fisher, Noble found him to be the same CCA officer that had guided him in the through the clouds. Learning that this man’s impetus to make the 12,000-foot Mt. Fijiyama climb, in the snow, no less, revolved around the opportunity to see a rare bird, Noble knew this was the perfect match. “Dean was a real passionate ornithologist who would endure any kind of situation to see a new bird,” he said.

Q. WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU COMBINE TWO NAVY BUDDIES, A 5-TON JEEP AND AN INCREDIBLE SENSE OF ADVENTURE? A. AN AMAZING 6-CONTINENT TREK THAT LASTED 1,116 DAYS AND COVERED MORE THAN 110,000 MILES (80,000 LAND MILES AND 30,000 AIR AND SEA MILES). And that’s just a quick summary of the journey that Noble Trenham, aka Global Noble, and his friend, Dean Fisher, embarked upon in January 1959. TRAILBLAZER recently interviewed Noble…a man who can definitely be considered a true trailblazer.

GLOBAL NOBLE

dmitting that he comes from an “adventuresome family”, Noble had visited Europe and seen much of the Western Pacific while serving as a pilot in the Navy, but he felt he was “missing out on the people.” So he got the notion to visit 75 countries over a 15-month span. “While my family was all for the idea, no one else believed it could be done,” said Noble. He approached Jeep to see about the possibility of them providing a vehicle and was met with the same reaction: “No

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

After a proper christening of breaking a bottle of champagne over the front bumper, the Roadrunner was ready to go. Armed with an 8-page itinerary, and an overloaded truck (designed to carry 7,000 pounds, all in the Roadrunner was carrying 9,500), they hit the road. The date – January 25, 1959. The original plan for fifteen months soon stretched into 37 months (or 1,116 days) and they arrived home on February 16, 1962. So where did they go, what did they see, and what did they learn? We’ll have more on Noble and Dean’s incredible journey in our May TraiBlazer. n

Holding treasured Curare-tipped arrows from primative South Amercian Amazon Indians in Peru

one believed a 25-year-old kid could make this trip successfully,” he said, adding that Jeep agreed to cover the cost of parts for the journey provided Noble bought the Jeep. The other essential “item” for the trip was the ideal travel companion. “I am a gregarious guy so I knew I had to find a travel partner who had equal passion for the mission to see the world,” he said. How he did that proved to be another interesting piece of this story. Navy pilots are often tasked with landing on the carrier in the least ideal of conditions. During one event, Noble had only one chance to land under very foggy conditions or bail. “I had to rely upon the Combat Center Arena Radar Officer to keep me aligned with the center line of the carrier as I could not see the carrier through the clouds,” he said. “If he was not able to align me, I would have crashed into the side of the ship. Alignment was crucial.” Safely guided in, the landing was a success.

Pre-launch Southern California location

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Spotlight

GoHavea Ball

nlike games that steal the spotlight for a few hours before petering out, certain recreational games just have “it.” They have the lasting power to survive world wars, adventures across continents and the strange, disco ball infused era of the 1970s. While each of these feats is quite different from the others, it is undeniable that it takes a special type of sport to make it through the challenges presented over time. In this case, however, these gallant sports all have one common element: a ball. Bocce, petanque and pickleball have all made an impact in different regions of the world, and continue to gain popularity in the United States. Pointing out that ball sports are wildly popular is an obvious statement. From the record-breaking audience that tunes into the Super Bowl every year to the faithful activity of playing catch with dad, our society has truly embraced the ball and target game technique.

Bocce

Bocce, one of the oldest ball sports in existence, stemmed from games played during the Roman Empire. This individual, non-contact sport developed its current rules, regulations and name in Italy, where “bocce” is the plural version of the word “bowl.” Games can be conducted between two players, or teams of two, three or four individuals. While bocce is often lumped into the yard and recreational games category, multiple tournaments exist, both nationally and internationally. This year, the United States Bocce Federation will be hosting the 2012 National Bocce Tournament in Round Lake, Ill., from June 15-24. Competitors who make it into the top class will qualify for various international tournaments, as well as gain a spot on the team that competes in the North American championship, to be held in Canada this year.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Looking for an idol in your sport of choice? Consider buying a poster of Umberto Granaglia, a bocce pro who was named the player of the twentieth century by the Confederation Mondiale des Sports de Boules. During his prime, Granaglia won 13 World Championships, 12 European championship titles and 46 Italian National Championships.

Petanque

Said to be a mixture of bocce and horseshoes, petanque also has a Roman Empire foundation. However, the current form of the game originated in 1907 in La Ciotat, France. Derived from the term “feet anchored,” petanque was invented by Boule Lyonnaise player Jules Lenoir, whose rheumatism prevented him from running before he threw the ball. To compensate for his inability to get a running start, the length of the field was cut approximately in half and the delivery became a stationary motion – two key elements of the newly born game. Today, over 40 formal clubs are a part of the Federation of Petanque USA (FPUSA), the official U.S. organization affiliated with the International Petanque Foundation. The sport continues to have a following – both competitively and recreationally – large enough to result in multiple national and international tournaments each year. One of the largest U.S. held tournaments is the Petanque America Open, an international competition located in Amelia Island, Florida. Because the FPUSA understands that the sport’s followers aren’t all in one region, this event occurs once a year to allow petanque enthusiasts to gather and mingle, as well as compete for a cash prize.

Pickleball

While it may not have roots that extend into the early days of civilization, the new kid on the

block has certainly created a name for itself – and a unique one at that! This ball sport differs greatly from bocce and petanque, as it is also a racquet sport. Originally invented in 1965, pickleball started at the home of Joel Pritchard, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of Washington. He and two friends returned home after a golf outing and found their children bored. They began to set up the badminton net, but couldn’t find a shuttlecock. To improvise, they grabbed a whiffle ball, lowered the net and cut paddles from plywood. Although the sport is surrounded by rumors stating that the whiffle ball used was borrowed from the Pritchards’ family dog, Pickles, the dog was purchased after the game was invented, and named after their successful activity. The name pickleball truthfully originated with Joan Pritchard, as she said the game reminded her of the “Pickle Boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats. Today, the sport touts a USA Pickleball Association and the country is peppered with pickleball tournaments. From senior tournaments to all-ages competitions, pickleball has become a national phenomenon, competitively as well as recreationally. So, the next time you’re racking your brain trying to think of an activity for the afternoon, grab a ball and try out one of these favorites. Whether you’re looking for a recreational activity or something with a bit of competitive edge, a ball sport is sure to get you moving and squelch any boredom that may attempt to bounce your way. ■ by Annie Colletti

ResortSports A sports craze has swept across our properties, and has no intention of stopping soon. From younger travelers to fulltimers, from beginners to national competitors, pickleball has found its way into many hearts. Similar to life-sized table tennis, the sport can be played in singles as well as doubles. The next time you’re visiting one of these properties, be sure to check out their pickleball courts and get involved! Seaside Thousand Trails, Seaside OR This past year, Seaside staff converted one tennis court into a set of four pickleball courts. Pickleball enthusiasts and members of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) agree that this location offers some of the nicest pickleball courts in the system. These newly redone courts are scheduled to host a national tournament from September 13-16. To register, please visit USAPA.org and make reservations to stay at the preserve by calling (800) 3887788 or visiting thousandtrails.com. Friends and cheerleaders are welcome to join the excitement. Palm Springs Thousand Trails, Palm Desert CA A little timid about jumping into the pickleball craze without practicing with a paddle first? Palm Springs may be the location for you. A resident pickleball fan is available on site to walk beginners through all the fundamentals of pickleball and practice with them before they hit the court with the pros. In just a couple hours of practice time, you could be crowned the next pickleball champion! Palm Springs hosts weekly tournaments on the property, where players compete for fun prizes. Pickleball begins at 8 a.m. on the property and players hit the newly redone, decomposed granite courts as soon as the clock strikes eight! Tropic Winds RV Resort Encore, Harlingen TX Tropic Winds RV Resort offers three pickleball courts for its guests to use. In order to avoid high winds and to keep the lightweight whiffle ball in check, pickleball is played between 8 a.m. and noon, with a turnout of 24-36 players each morning. If you’re looking to play, you may sign up on the main bulletin board or just show up in the morning! At this point, all tournaments are scheduled by the guests, but onsite staff is currently discussing the possibility of larger tournaments as well as lessons for beginners. Voyager RV Resort Encore’s Voyager RV Resort in Tucson is big on pickleball. Currently the resort offers 7 dedicated pickleball courts with plans to add more. During the season, the resort offers both structured and open play and hosts several tournaments, including the Senior Olympics in January. APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER 23

An Exclusive St. Louis Getaway at Lost Valley Lake Lost Valley Lake Resort in Owensville, Missouri, is a 500-acre resort located a short drive from St. Louis. With boundless activities, it is the perfect setting for a fun and relaxing family vacation. This is a full service recreational paradise. The resort boasts two lakes - perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating (canoes and paddleboats are available to rent). They also offer two clubhouses, a new 10,000 square foot sport complex complete with indoor basketball and volleyball courts as well as a reception hall that can seat over 900 people. Additional amenities include a media room, children’s play center, indoor mini-golf, and a well-appointed adult TV lounge area and on-site spa services. If that’s not enough, there’s a petting zoo, horse stable with riding arena, children’s fishing pond, several children’s play areas, a bounce pillow, plus indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Lost Valley Lake offers planned activities from Saturday hayrides and bonfires to Memorial Day sack races and New Year’s Eve parties. No matter what the season is, there’s always a celebration and never an unexciting moment. With all of the great things to do, this resort is a vacation destination. In addition to RV and tent sites, Lost Valley Lake offers fully furnished one-bedroom condominiums. Units have a private bedroom, sofa bed in the family room and a full kitchen. Watch movies on a flat screen television. Lower units offer charcoal grills just off the deck. Best

American History Served Up In RPI Comfort

of all, RPI members can rent a condominium for as low as $299 a week. The resort is a great base camp to see the sights of the local area. Explore the wine country and spend the day in the nearby wine trails such as Hermann Wine, Missouri Trail, Missouri Winstrasse, Ozark Mountain Region and Route Du Vin which combined offers over 100 vineyards and wineries for you to indulge in. Alternatively, discover the various caves at Onondaga Cave State Park. There are guided cave tours and exhibits including the Cathedral Cave, Fisher Cave, Ozark Caverns and Devil’s Icebox Cave. Plus, you’re only a short drive from Six Flags with its thrilling rides and awesome water park. With so much to do, you can’t go wrong. Site reservations are required and can be made one month in advance. Condominium space is limited, so call now at (800) 281-4977 to reserve your spring or summer vacation.

Preferred Access is only available through RPI’s ns. Resort Connectio To find out if your igible membership is el please call

1-800-807-0685

Lost Valley Lake’s upcoming events: April 7 and 8: (Easter weekend) Jelly Bean Count, Easter Egg Hunt, Puppet Show and Family Dance, Easter Worship Services, Christian Karaoke and Easter Crafts April 14: Social Hour, Dime Bingo Sprint and Spring Horseshoe Tournament April 21: Photography Class, Kite Festival, Spring Crafts and Spring Concert April 28: Worm Races, Kids Fishing Tournament and Hypnotist Show

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

During the American Civil War, one of the most important states from a historical perspective was the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was home to the Confederate capital in Richmond and where most of the battles in the war’s Eastern Theater were fought. It is perfect for family vacations that seek to combine fun, relaxation and sport along with historical riches to explore and experience. A great base camp for visiting the many nearby Civil War battlefields – as well as other Virginia and Washington, D.C. sites – is Skyline Ranch Resort in Front Royal.

pool and Jacuzzi, stocked fishing pond and more. There’s a well-appointed adult lounge, seasonal snack bar, pavilion, 8,000-squarefoot clubhouse, 24-hour security and 24-hour laundry. The staff is renowned for its helpful, friendly ways and great knowledge of all the surrounding opportunities. And don’t forget the natural beauty that surrounds you in Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the country’s longest rural parkway and connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The Parkway passes through numerous recreation areas, each with visitor centers, picnic areas and trails.

With RPI membership, it’s the same all across the United States: The best RV resorts in the finest locations, an amazing variety of vacation options at the most economical prices. Being an RPI member makes your time on the road more relaxing, more fun, more satisfying. Here’s a sampling of battlegrounds within a short foray from Skyline Ranch. Bull Run/Blackburn’s Ford, July 18, 1861 The Union army, 35,000 strong, marched out of Washington to meet the Confederate army, which was concentrated around the vital railroad junction at Manassas. The Confederate army, about 22,000 men, guarded the fords of Bull Run. First Manassas / First Bull Run, July 21, 1861 The Federal forces were routed. Although victorious, the Confederates were too disorganized to pursue. This battle convinced the Lincoln administration that the war would be a long and costly affair. A special treat this time of year, when Washington is blooming with its trademark cherry blossoms, is the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 – April 27. There are five weeks of events in D.C. promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture and community spirit. This year’s festival commemorates the 100th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees from Japan. Skyline Ranch itself offers the kind of all-inclusive amenities members expect from RPI resorts. A partial listing includes a mini-golf, outdoor pool with kiddie

The town of Front Royal is full of charming shops, restaurants and is close to wineries. The Shenandoah River and the entrance to the Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive are located in this historical town. You are welcomed destinations like Skyline Ranch and always treated like family. With RPI membership, you are guaranteed the same great service time and time again. Call RPI at 1-800-456-7774.

with open arms at Not an RPI Member ? Add RPI Bas ic for Only $79 or RPI Plus for $89

Call 1-800-635-8 498 for informati on

You must be a NACO, LTR or Mid-Atlantic member to qualify for this offer.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Virginia

There’s Always Something New to Discover in the Old Dominion By Lynn Seldon

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On the whole, I find nothing anywhere else. . .which Virginia need envy.

- Thomas Jefferson

ntroduced more than 40 years ago, the popular tourism slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” can have many meanings to travelers. There’s certainly a lot to love in the Old Dominion: the southern charm of the people and places; the history; the mountains; the water; the big cities; the small towns; and so much more. Virginia’s excellent interstate system allows explorers to get to the state’s varying regions quickly and smaller scenic roads make it enjoyable once there. That means more time to pursue recommendations and make new discoveries. Many of the regional roads are part of the Virginia Byways system. Visitors will see lots of blue “Virginia Byways” signs, indicated by a red cardinal, the state bird. The byways program recognizes certain roads for their historic or scenic interest and Virginia certainly has lots of history and scenery to love. The state is steeped in history and much can be learned from more than 2,200 black-and-white historical markers found on roads throughout the state. These signs have been going up since 1926 and there’s an excellent book called A Guidebook to Virginia’s Historical Markers from the University Press of Virginia that can help avoid the temptation to pull over and read every single sign. There are also hundreds of “Civil War Trails” interpretative markers as well (500+ and counting). The recent 150th anniversary of the start of America’s Civil War makes it an ideal time to be in Virginia—a hotbed of Civil War activity. In addition, the state park system and several national parks are also popular options throughout the state. The state and the National Park System have done an excellent job in promoting and preserving the variety of parks throughout Virginia. 26

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Agecroft Hall. Historic Garden Week in Virginia is the oldest and largest statewide event of its kind in the nation and has been called America’s Largest Open House. Photo by Beth Furgurson courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Central Virginia From the capital city of Richmond right on the James River to historic plantations to Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello and much more, Central Virginia provides a microcosm of all that there is to love about the state. Along with the city proper, several interesting drives head out of Richmond, making it easy to explore the state’s hub. Richmond is well worth a stay of several days. The expanded (and still free) Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is better than ever and the fascinating Virginia Historical Society Museum next door is also free. Other greater Richmond area highlights might include Agecroft Hall (a 15th century manor house), the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, Richmond International Raceway, and The Museum and White House of the Confederacy. Two Central Virginia outings are also easy to pursue: Route 5 to many plantations and Routes 6 and 20 to Jefferson’s Charlottesville.

and Jamestown (all destinations in their own right). Possible plantation stops along the way include: Shirley Plantation (founded in 1613); Berkeley Plantation (the mansion was built in 1726); Westover Plantation (situated right on the James River); and Sherwood Forest Plantation (home of President John Tyler). The grounds of Westover and Sherwood Forest are the only parts open to the public. Heading in the opposite direction out of Richmond, Route 6 heads west into “Jefferson Country.” Thomas Jefferson loved the rolling countryside of central Virginia and roamed the region in search of beautiful scenery, architectural possibilities, and farmland and vineyard sites (he was once again ahead of his time…Virginia now features world-class wines). Route 20 then takes the “Constitution Route” to Charlottesville—four U.S. presidents and 11 Virginia governors were either born or built their private estates along this stretch. This part of the drive also features several wineries well worth a stop and ends at the university town of Charlottesville. Route 20 and the Constitution Road continues to Fredericksburg and is a great extension of this regional exploration.

In less than 60 miles, the drive on Route 5 winds through more than 300 years of Virginia (and U.S.) history—ending up at the “Historic Triangle” of Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown,

Shenandoah Valley Roanoke is the largest city in the Valley and a great place to start. Downtown highlights have to include: Center in the

The same marketing folks that came up with the catchy slogan have divided the state into nine unique regions that all reveal the heart of Virginia in their own ways. Once on the road, it’s easy to see why “Virginia is for Lovers.”

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Lexington options can include a parade or a cadet-led tour of VMI

Cannons at Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Photo by Nathan Beck courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org 28

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Taubman Museum of Art Photo by Timothy Hursley courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

Square (including the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the Roanoke Museum of Fine Arts, Roanoke Valley History Museum, and Mill Mountain Theatre); the Historic Farmers Market in the recently renovated City Market Building; the Virginia Museum of Transportation; the contemporary Taubman Museum of Art; and the historic Hotel Roanoke. Up on nearby Mill Mountain, the huge lighted star can be seen from a 60-mile radius on a clear night. The zoo there is also well worth a visit and the famed Blue Ridge Parkway is nearby. The college town of Lexington is next. Home of the Virginia Military Institute and Washington & Lee University, Lexington options can include a parade or cadet-led tour of VMI, a stroll through W&L’s quaint campus (including Lee Chapel, where Robert E. Lee is interred), and a carriage ride around historic downtown. Staunton also has a bustling downtown area that features the Red Brick district, with many art galleries, two historic movie theaters, and lots of shops and restaurants. The town is also the home of the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Presidential Library, The American Shakespeare Theater, and the renovated Stonewall Jackson Hotel. Sprawling James Madison University is in Harrisonburg. It’s also the headquarters for George Washington National Forest—the mountainous western boundary of the Shenandoah Valley.

In New Market, the New Market Battlefield Historical Park memorializes the brave charge of cadets from VMI on May 15, 1864. Many exhibits and an outdoor walking tour bring the battle alive. Further north, Shenandoah Caverns provides an opportunity to head into the stunning underbelly of the Valley. Situated just off Route 11 near Mount Jackson, Route 11 Potato Chips is quite simply a must-stop. This Shenandoah Valley success story produces renowned potato chips found at Cracker Barrel and many Mid-Atlantic stores, as well as at the modern production facility. Strasburg, “The Antique Capital of the Blue Ridge,” features huge Strasburg Emporium (antiques and more) and the Valleyoriented Strasburg Museum. Shenandoah Valley explorers shouldn’t pass through Middletown without stopping for a meal at the Wayside Inn (be sure to order the peanut soup). Seasonal productions next door at the Wayside Theatre make it well worth checking their schedule in advance. Up in Winchester, which changed hands about 70 times during the Civil War, highlights have to include: George Washington’s Office and Headquarters; Stonewall Jackson’s Winter Headquarters; Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Battlefield; the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley; and the recently-opened childhood home of Winchester native Patsy Cline. APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

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the Blue Ridge Highlands give a natural high to visitors

Peaks of Otter Lake. Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo by CameronDavidson@CameronDavidson.org courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

Blue Ridge Highlands This mountainous rural part of Virginia has many highlights. Whether it’s mountain music along The Crooked Road (Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail) or mountain views from the Blue Ridge Parkway and many other overlooks, the Blue Ridge Highlands give a natural high to visitors. The town of Abingdon provides a great base for exploring the region, including Barter Theatre, The State Theatre of Virginia, and Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway (a great place to find original crafts, regionally produced foods, and mountain music). Bristol, “The Birthplace of Country Music,” is another possibility—including the Pickin’ Porch’s bluegrass music every Thursday night. Featured in TrailBlazer in 2010, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the heart of the Blue Ridge Highlands—as well as along the eastern edge of the Shenandoah Valley. From the North Carolina state line heading north, Parkway highlights can include: Puckett Cabin, once the home of a busy local midwife; Mabry Mill (an oft-photographed water-powered mill from the early-1900s); Peaks of Otter (historic lodge and dining); and Humpback Rocks (including a reconstructed mountain homestead). The northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway also marks the southern terminus of the 105-mile Skyline Drive—another great Virginia scenic drive. Heart of Appalachia This southwestern region provides the mountainous heartbeat of Virginia, thanks to a wide variety of state parks and attractions high and low. The southwestern part of the state features quaint small towns where residents are proud of their mountain heritage. 30

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Some small towns with big attractions include: Clintwood (Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center); Big Stone Gap (“The Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” a long-running outdoor drama); Appalachia (Appalachia Cultural Arts Center); Hiltons (A.P. Carter Museum and Carter Family Fold); Pocahontas (Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine & Museum); and many more big-time small town options. State parks highlight Virginia’s natural and historical attractions throughout the Heart of Appalachia. Among many possibilities, state parks well worth a visit include Natural Tunnel State Park, Wilderness Road State Park, and Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. In addition, the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park preserves the famed Daniel Boone Wilderness Road. Southern Virginia Known as “Virginia’s Racing Region,” Southern Virginia features the classic Martinsville Speedway, Alton’s highspeed Virginia International Raceway motorsports resort near Danville, South Boston Speedway, and Sugar Tree Motorsports Park (also in Martinsville)—as well as a great road for everyday driving (Route 58) that traverses the area (though with speed limits, of course). Small towns, lots of outdoor options, and historical draws are among many other highlights. Along with all of the revved-up Southern Virginia options, quieter small town possibilities might include: South Boston’s Berry Hill Plantation, welcoming guests since 1728; Clarksville (with a charming Main Street and fishing in the state’s only lakeside town); Chase City’s MacCallum

More Museum & Gardens; Emporia’s Village View Mansion; South Hill’s Tobacco Farm Life Museum of Virginia; Martinsville’s Virginia Museum of Natural History; and Danville’s Sutherlin Mansion, the last Capitol of the Confederacy, which also houses the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. Hampton Roads Nothing says Virginia quite like driving the Colonial Parkway between Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown Battlefield. This trio of American originals signifies the beginning struggles, the classic middle, and the dramatic ending to the nation’s Colonial era. There’s also much more to the Hampton Roads region than Colonial history. Other historic, modern, and natural pursuits can be found just south of the famed “Historic Triangle.” In Hampton, historic Fort Monroe National Monument and the Hampton History Museum bring the area’s military heritage and much more to life. That’s also true for Newport News, thanks to Fort Eustis, several Civil War battle sites, the U.S. Army Transportation Museum, the Virginia War Museum, and The Mariners’ Museum. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, Lightship Portsmouth Museum, and Portsmouth’s Virginia Sports Hall of Fame are also well worth stops. The city of Norfolk features Nauticus (showcasing global maritime commerce and the world’s largest navy), Hampton Roads Naval Museum, The MacArthur Memorial, and lots of outings by boat. Over in Virginia Beach, the oceanfront city features the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science center, miles of wide beachfront, and a classic boardwalk. Plus, Chesapeake is the gateway to the Great Dismal Swamp, which includes Lake Drummond (the state’s largest lake), the 4.5-mile Washington Ditch walking trail, boating, and more.

Brothers Store, which opened in 1842 and is now a Virginia Historic Landmark. The Wharf is also the embarkation point for ferries to Tangier Island. This small and unique island has remained relatively unchanged for decades. The proud residents welcome visitors to the quiet, narrow streets and a different way of life. Back in Onancock, head for Kerr Place, a beautiful old brick home that serves as the offices and museum of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society. The rest of US 13 serves as a commercial prelude to one of the best areas on the Eastern Shore: Chincoteague and Assateague. The town of Chincoteague features an island community based on the water and tourism. Quaint Main Street and many side streets are great for dining, shopping, spending the night, and world-famous annual events. The wild ponies of Assateague Island were made famous in Marguerite Henry’s book, Misty of Chincoteague. Each year, many of these wild ponies are herded into a corral on the south end of Assateague. On Wednesday of the last week in July, local firemen herd the ponies across the channel to Chincoteague. The next day, they are driven down Main Street for an annual auction. Continued on page 51

Eastern Shore A drive up or down Virginia’s Eastern Shore provides a peak into a totally different part of the Old Dominion. The people, places, and food make this land between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean a truly unique experience. Virginia’s Eastern Shore is steeped in history and modern times are slow to change it. From the Indians (many towns have Indian names) to centuries-old fishing villages where several towns have names from the sea, the Eastern Shore has evolved into one of the state’s most interesting destinations. Cape Charles provides a great introduction to the Eastern Shore and is now experiencing a rebirth, as many people renovate the beautiful buildings left over from boom times. A drive around town reveals many beautiful houses and stores. Further afield, little fishing towns like Oyster and Cherrystone are great for a look at Eastern Shore life. Quiet Pungoteague features many beautiful old homes, St. George’s Episcopal Church, and the site of the first drama performed in the New World. Busier Wachapreague is popular with fishermen from near and far. Onancock is great for a half-day or more of exploration. Pretty Market Street leads to the quiet Wharf, where it’s hard to miss the Hopkins &

Kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay at the Mouth of Mobjack Bay with New Point Comfort Lighthouse. Photo by CameronDavidson@CameronDavidson.org courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

America’s Civil War 20 Top Sites at a Top Time for Visits by Lynn Seldon

ast year marked the 150th anniversary of the start of America’s Civil War and 2012 and coming years will provide many more anniversaries and related modernday events—including lots of reenactments and other one-time offerings. Thus, there’s never been a better time to hit the trail to explore a wide variety of top Civil War-oriented sites. Though the list of possibilities could run into the thousands and Civil War Trails “trailblazers” and the National Park System (see “On the Trail of the Civil War) offer many more possibilities, here are 20 top sites worth the drive. Charleston, South Carolina The first actual shot of America’s Civil War took place at Fort Sumter in Charleston’s harbor on April 12, 1861. Confederates attacked the Union fort and earned a quick surrender in less than 36 hours. Today, tour boats take visitors to Fort Sumter National Monument, where artillery still sits on the walls and both the museum and park rangers provide insights to that first battle, the “Siege of Charleston” (1863-1865), as well as the re-raising of the U.S. flag on April 14, 1865. Historic Charleston has many other attractions for the Civil War buff, including several exhibits and more at the fascinating Charleston Museum. Washington, D.C. Our nation’s capital has many Civil War-oriented destinations. The African American Civil War Memorial & Museum highlights the contributions of the United States Colored Troops and other African American involvement in the Civil War. Ford’s Theatre and its museum, with its focus on Abraham Lincoln and his presidency, now also features the new Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership—designed to delve deeper into American history through exhibits, engaging videos, and creative programming. The Library of Congress houses more than 1,400 stunning Civil War photographs by Matthew Brady. The National Museum of American History features Lincoln’s top hat and the chairs that Lee and Grant used during the surrender at Appomattox. Cedar Hill, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, with its pretty views of downtown D.C., was the home of the abolitionist, statesman, and Lincoln confidante.

Fort Sumter, Charleston, SC

Ford’s Theatre, Washington D.C.

Manassas National Battlefield, Manassas, Virginia There were actually two major battles at Manassas National Battlefield. The First Battle of Manassas (also referred to as First Bull Run) took place in the heat of July 1861. Federal troops were routed, foretelling the possibility of a long Civil War (it was). The Second Battle of Manassas took place during equally hot August 1862, and also resulted in a Confederate win. The Henry Hill Visitor Center is the place to start, including a museum and walking and driving tour maps. There’s also a statue for Stonewall Jackson, who earned his nickname at Manassas. Shiloh National Military Park, Shiloh, Tennessee Part of the Mississippi Valley Campaign, the early-April two-day Battle of Shiloh in 1862 resulted in large number of A cannon at Marye’s Heights at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Battlefields Memorial.

32 2012 TRAILBLAZER PhotoAPRIL courtesy of |Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA Photo by Bill Crabtree, Jr., Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

deaths and injuries. The nearby town of Corinth was a strategic rail junction and suffered its own battle and siege—and the resulting loss to the Confederate cause was huge. Shiloh National Military Park and the Corinth Civil War Interpretative Center are well worth exploration. Tennessee is topped only by Virginia in number and breadth of Civil War sites, with other top options including: Chattanooga National Military Park (see below); Stones River National Battlefield; Fort Donelson National Battlefield; and so much more. Richmond, Virginia Today’s state capital city of Richmond was once the capital of the Confederacy and features a large number of visitorworthy Civil War sites. The best place to start an exploration of expansive Richmond National Battlefield Park is the new Civil War Gateway Visitor’s Center at historic Tredegar Iron Works, with staff and exhibits and audiovisual programs that introduce Richmond’s role in the Civil War. The park covers four major actions during the Civil War, including the 1861 naval action at Drewry’s Bluff, the 1862 Seven Days Campaign, part of the 1864 Overland Campaign, and the 1864-1865 actions along the Richmond-Petersburg fronts (including Fort Harrison). An 80-mile driving tour of the battlefields features 13 separate sites and four visitor centers. Other Richmond area highlights have to include: the American Civil War Center (which is also at historic Tredegar Iron Works and tells the story of the Civil War from three perspectives—African American, Union, and Confederate); the Richmond Slave Trail; the Museum of the Confederacy (featuring the White House of the Confederacy); Hollywood Cemetery (with many Civil War markers); the Virginia Historical Society; and historic Monument Avenue (with statues of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and J.E.B. Stuart).

Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg, Virginia Located just outside Petersburg and called “The Ultimate Civil War Experience,” this sprawling destination is a Civil War treasure trove. A visit starts with The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, where visitors choose a “Soldier Comrade” from a group of 13 real Civil War soldiers to accompany them with a personal MP3 player audio tour of the museum (visitors 34

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learn the fate of their soldier at the end of the tour). A path leads to Tudor Hall Plantation, which has been restored to its Civil War state. Other highlights include: The Field Quarter (field slaves life); Field Fortifications (a fullscale model of the fortifications around Petersburg); the Military Encampment (depicting the lives of soldiers); Battlefield Center (a museum focusing on the Petersburg Campaign); several self-guided trails; the excellent Civil War Store; and—nearby—Banks House, which served as the headquarters of U.S. Grant back in 1865. Fort Monroe National Monument, Fort Monroe, Virginia Recently added to the National Monument ranks in late 2011, historic Fort Monroe National Monument tells the American story from the 17th to the 21st centuries, ranging from the exploits of Captain John Smith to fleeing slaves to a modern-day bastion of naval defense that closed on September 15, 2011. Virginia’s Fort Monroe guarded the strategic entrance from the Chesapeake Bay to Hampton Roads and remained in Union control during the Civil War. It became known as “Freedom’s Fortress” because any slave who reached it was declared free. There are more than 170 historic buildings, including the Fort Monroe Casemate Museum, where Confederate president Jefferson Davis was once imprisoned. Fredericksburg, Virginia Like Richmond, Fredericksburg is rich in Civil War history and sites. The Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania National Military Park is one of the largest military parks in the world and spans more than 8,000 acres and four battlefields—Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The

Emancipation Oak, Hampton, Virginia This historic live oak has great relevance to the Civil War. In the fall of 1861, Mary Smith Peake—the first African American teacher of the American Missionary Association— taught the children of freed slaves, as well as adults, under this tree. They were part of the “contraband” camp (one of 100+) that had been established at Fort Monroe to house slaves who had gained their freedom by reaching the famed fort. In 1863, the oak was the gathering place for the first southern reading of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation (thus, the name). Issued on January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation would eventually free millions of slaves as the Union Army advanced. Later, in 1868, Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) was founded. Booker T. Washington, the son of a freedman, who attended the school from 1872 until 1875, would go on to start Tuskegee Institute and help start many schools for African American children in the region.

Photos bottom left page: The Civil War Adventure Camp at Pamplin, Petersburg, VA. Photo by Pamplin Historical Park. Top left page: The Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond, VA This page: Emancipation Oak, Hampton, VA. APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER All photos courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Two visitor centers at Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg help interpret the four battles through audio-visual presentations and museum exhibits. Other area highlights have to include: the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Culture Center (including the permanent “Fredericksburg at War” display); the White Oak Civil War Museum; the Civil War Life Museum Shop; historic Chatham Manor (which served as a Civil War hospital where Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross operated on Union and Confederate soldiers); and Ellwood, a quiet estate overlooking Wilderness Run where the only marked grave in the cemetery is for Stonewall Jackson’s left arm. Winchester, Virginia The Shenandoah Valley town and surrounding area is another major Virginia destination for Civil War buffs. Winchester changed hands more than 70 times during the Civil War. The excellent Civil War Orientation Center at the WinchesterFrederick County Visitors Center is a great place to start, thanks to interactive touch screens and more that make it easy to make a plan for visiting the area’s many sites. Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park features the significant 1864 battle and landscape, as well as an antebellum mansion that remained remarkably unscathed. There’s also: Kernstown Battlefield (site of two battles and an historic Civil War-era house); historic Mount Hebron Cemetery (including Stonewall Confederate Cemetery, with 2,500+ Confederate soldiers); Winchester National Cemetery (for Union Soldiers); Old Court House Civil War Museum (3,000+ artifacts); and restored Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters (including his prayer book and camp table). 36

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New Market Battlefield State Historical Park New Market, Virginia Taking place May 15, 1864, more than 250 cadets from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) joined Confederate forces in the Battle of New Market. Ten cadets were killed in action or died later due to wounds. A ticket to this major site includes: The Virginia Museum of the Civil War (focusing on the Battle of New Market and all major campaigns in Virginia, plus the Emmy-winning film, “Field of Lost Shoes”); Bushong Farm (original and reconstructed buildings); and varied auto and walking tours. Many New Market visitors also head down the Shenandoah Valley to Lexington to visit VMI and the fascinating VMI Museum—as well as downtown’s Stonewall Jackson House, the only home that Jackson ever owned. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia Though abolitionist John’s Brown’s famed 1859 attack on slavery took place before the official start of the Civil War, this strategically located town in a state formed by the war changed hands eight times. The historic community at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers saw the largest surrender of Union troops in the Civil War and the education of former slaves at one of the nation’s first integrated schools. Mountainous West Virginia saw much more action and the state features many other battlefields and sites worthy of exploration. Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Maryland This bloody one-day battle is solemn and sacred ground to Civil War buffs. Neither side could really claim victory on September 17, 1862, but the battle did turn Lee back from Maryland and would lead to Lincoln’s Emancipation

Proclamation. Visit possibilities include: “Antietam Visit” and “Antietam Documentary” films; ranger talks; an 11stop auto tour; walks; Pry House Field Hospital Museum; the super Museum Store; and so much more. Iconic sites at Antietam have to include Bloody Lane, Burnside’s Bridge, Dunker Church, and the Cornfield. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania All of Gettysburg is another sacred site for anyone interested in the Civil War. Over three days—July 1-3, 1863—the Union held their ground in Gettysburg, forcing Lee’s Confederate army back across the Potomac and halting his string of victories in prior months. Gettysburg National Military Park is the area’s top attraction and the most visited battlefield in the United States. Visitors can tour on their own or with park rangers or licensed guides (including bus tours, horseback rides, self-guided auto and walking tours, and even Segways and motorized scooters). It’s best to begin at the Museum and Visitor Center, where there’s a helpful timeline, tour and ticket sales, and the famous Gettysburg Cyclorama—a 360-degree oil painting measuring nearly 400 feet in length and completed in 1894. Other area highlights must include: the Soldiers’ National Cemetery (dedicated by Lincoln on November 19, 1863, with what became known as the Gettysburg Address); the David Wills House (where Lincoln put the finishing touches on his speech); varied town tours and other historic houses; the American Civil War Wax Museum; and the Gettysburg Diorama.

A cannon sits near the Pennsylvania Memorial.

Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi For more than 45 days from May to July in 1863, the Battle of Vicksburg was fought for control of the city and the Mississippi River. There’s a 16-mile auto tour that parallels the Union siege and Confederate defensive lines, with three interconnecting roadways, 15 tour stops, wayside markers, and exhibits. Highlights of any visit have to include: Vicksburg National Cemetery; the USS Cairo Museum and Gunboat; three detached riverfront batteries; and Pemberton’s Headquarters in historic downtown Vicksburg (where a mansion served as Confederate HQ). Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia and Lookout Mountain, Tennessee Featuring great views and overviews of this major Civil War theater, these two sites just across state lines provide two distinct visits. Chickamauga Battlefield in Georgia was the South’s last major victory in September 1863, and it is the nation’s oldest and largest military park. However, the Union won in renewed fighting in November at Lookout Mountain Battlefield outside Chattanooga. There are excellent audio tours and artifacts and displays at both battlefields and the Visitor Center at Lookout Mountain features James Walker’s dramatic 30 x 13-foot painting, “Battle of Lookout Mountain.” Continued on page 62

Vicksburg National Military Park

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YOUR TECH QUESTIONS, ANSWERED!

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BILL, I HAVE A 1995 PACE ARROW 34 FT. MOTORHOME...

The rubber roof has begun to turn black and it seems as though the white outer coating is wearing off. Each time I wash the RV more of the white coating runs down the sides of the coach. My local RV repair shop tells me that I need to have the entire rubber roof replaced as the cost of $4,900. Frankly, I don’t want to put that much money into a motorhome of this age. Can you suggest a less expensive option? Thanks, Frank Harrington, Lubbock, TX

A: Frank, What you have described is a common problem with an EPDM rubber roof of that age. After 10-15 years of being out in the elements, the outer coating deteriorates exposing the black membrane of the rubber roof material. Fortunately, the Dicor Rubber Roof Renew Kit (#RP-RRK-30) is a lower cost repair option at approximately $495, plus tax, and labor that can last 5-10 years. If you can do the work yourself, you will save even more! The kit contains everything necessary for a do-it-yourself install, with the exception of the plastic sheeting that you will need to hang all around the sides of the RV to protect from any drips or spills. If your caulking is in need of replacement, now is an ideal time to scrape off the old caulking, put on the new roof coating and re-caulk with rubber roof sealant. Please use extreme caution anytime you are working on your roof! 38

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BILL, MY WIFE AND I ARE LONG TIME RVers AND WE PLAN TO RETIRE SOON...

...The dream of full-timing is now closer than ever and the closer we get, the more questions arise! We plan on selling our house rather than renting it out. We own a 2001, 32-foot motorhome that we fear will be too small for full time use. Should we get a larger motorhome or switch to a fifth wheel trailer? What do we do for mail? Any guidance you can give us would be appreciated, as I know you and your wife are full-timers. See Ya’ Out On The Road, Larry and Lisa LeVoit, Mission Viejo, CA

A: Welcome Aboard, Larry and Lisa! Full-time adventures are well worth planning and these are excellent inquiries. The choice to live full-time in a Motorhome vs. fifth wheel is personal. Either way, you will be towing something - either a car or a fifth wheel trailer. Fifth wheels have more living space than a comparable motorhome and tend to handle better in high winds. I suggest you find a floor plan that you love, no matter what new “home” you decide on. As for your mail, there are mail services available that will ship your mail to you at your request where ever you are. We use a close relative whom we trust that can collect, open up, sort through, scan and email to us any mail item of importance. Other points to discuss would be; what state to register in, insurance, and monthly budget. Four items we could not be without would be the smart phone, laptop computer, the printer/scanner and a good sense of humor! We hope you enjoy the spoils of everything you have worked so hard at to achieve!

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BILL, THREE OF THE DUAL PANE WINDOWS IN MY 2009 CARRIAGE FIFTH WHEEL... ...have started to take on condensation between the two panes of glass. The repair facility has advised that I replace each window as the cost of about $700 plus labor, tax and shipping. The combined cost of three windows would be up over 3K! Can I just remove the inner pane and leave it out entirely? Or, is there some other alternative so I can keep the dual pane advantages that I prefer? I am a full-timer on a budget and I cannot be without my windows. Thank you for your advice. Anna James, Pensacola, FL

A: Anna, The problem you have described is one that I have encountered many times over the last 38 years working on and repairing RVs. The movement of an RV can cause the seal of the dual pane window to become compromised thus allowing for ambient air between the panes which contains moisture. If you lived in a vacuum, this annoying problem would not occur. In the last few years, several private companies have come up with a method of repair for this common problem. The window is removed from the RV and the inside pane is then separated and cleaned of all unwanted dirt and moisture. Then a new, airtight seal is installed along with the inside pane and the window is then reinstalled. The end result looks fantastic and is far less money than purchasing an entire new window. Enlist the help of the Internet to locate a window repair center or mobile glass business that is familiar with dual pane repair. You may be able to drive your RV in for onsite repair or find a mobile unit to come out to you for service. Thanks for your inquiry and I hope this info is helpful in solving your dilemma.

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BILL, THE LAST TIME I WENT OUT CAMPING IN MY FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER...

...the neighbor next door came running over to inform me that there was water streaming out from the fill spout of my water storage tank. Normally, I only keep about a ¼ tank of water to help reduce the amount of weight I carry when traveling, so you can imagine my surprise when the tank was overflowing onto the ground! I have owned RVs for many years and I have never encountered any problem like this before. I faithfully use a water pressure regulator. Is there a check valve somewhere in the system that should prevent this overflow from occurring? E.B. Cox, Denver, CO

A: Mr. Cox, More than likely, your problem described is in the water pump. Most water pump manufacturers have a built in check valve so they don’t have to rely on the OEM’s to install a check valve on the discharge side of the pump. First, have your water regulator inspected to be certain that you are not getting a higher than normal pressure read out. If the pressure is normal, the problem is in the water pump. A replacement check valve may or may not be available for your model water pump. In any case, you should be able to get a repair kit or the entire head assembly. Happy Camping!

GOT A QUESTION FOR BILL? SEND AN EMAIL TO TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com

Bill Gehr The back of our RV reads, “We haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on our list!” After owning and operating Bill’s RV Service in Ventura, CA for 34 years, Bill Gehr and his wife, Jenn, are now living the dream of the full-time RV lifestyle. Bill is a Master RV Technician and has starred in the DVD series The ABC’s of RVs, and RV Today on RFDTV. As a team, Bill and Jenn Gehr are technical contributors for a myriad of RV magazines and travel the USA with their two Boston Bulldogs and are avid cyclists and APRILhikers. 2012 | TRAILBLAZER 39

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GOOSE CREEK, NEWPORT WATERWAY, SWANSBORO

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APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

thepacific coast UT

7 26

thesouthwest

VIEWPOINT RV & GOLF RESORT

offers through SEPTEMBER 2012* 20% OFF ALL DAILY RATES

(Excludes Venture In, Casa del Sol Resort East, Casa del Sol Resort West, Desert Vista and Valley Vista)

SAN FRANCISCO RV

Mt. Hood Village

8 10

Tall Chief

tahoe valley

Come discover the Pacific Coast - from the rugged beauty of Oregon and Washington to sunny California, we’ve got just the place. From desert to mountain, from oceanside to cityside, make Encore RV Resorts your home base while you explore this magnificent coast.

arizona ㉕ VALLEY VISTA, BENSON ㉖ DESERT VISTA, SALOME $99/week Through April 2012 $199/month Through April 2012

arizona all OTHER PROPERTIES $119/week Through Sept 2012

offers WASHINGTON*

offers CALIFORNIA*

⑥ tall chief, seattle

$15/night $350/monthly stay (Must be completed by May 31)

offers OREGON*

⑦ mt. hood village, welches $15/night

⑧ pacific dunes ranch, oceano ⑨ san francisco RV, pacifica ⑩ palm springs oasis, cathedral city ⑪ tahoe valley CAMPGROUND, lake tahoe ⑫ santa cruz ranch, scotts valley

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

1-888-443-7301

come stay with us at

Casa del Sol Resort East, PHOENIX

(restrictions and exclusions apply)

Members Only Discounted Rate at Foothill Village, YUMA

Take advantage of our limited time offer of $249/month. Please call for availability and restrictions.

(Excludes Venture In, Casa del Sol Resort East and Casa del Sol Resort West)

$299/month Through Sept 2012 (Excludes Venture In)

texas all PROPERTIES*

20% off daily rates 30% off daily rates of stays of 7 nights or more 10% off monthly rates

Your Arizona choices just expanded

Through April 2012 $119/week $349/month

utah ㉔ st. george, hurricane $119/week $249/month

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APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

19 18 17

WI 14 13

NY PA

16 15

23 25 22

8 1

thenortheast AND MIDWEST

Mt. Desert Narrows

offers RESERVE BY MAY 1, 2012*

$15/NIGHT MID-WEEK $250 OFF ANNUAL SITE

$199/WEEK (May and June 2012) SUN-THURS MID WEEK SPECIAL 1/2 PRICE ON ALL SITE TYPES

VALID AT ANY ENCORE RV RESORT IN THE NORTHERN U.S.

(Excludes Lake George Escape, Valid Open - Close 2012)

⑮ lake george escape, lake (Excludes Holidays and Special Event Dates)

george

$500 OFF ANNUAL SITES (Valid for First Time Annuals) ⑬ alpine lake, corinth,

NEW YORK

$1500 FOR 6 MONTH STAY

VALID AT THE FOLLOWING RESORTS: Maine ⑰ Mt. Desert Narrows, bar harbor ⑱ Narrows Too, trenton ⑲ Patten Pond, ellsworth New hampshire ⑳ Sandy Beach, contoocook ㉑ tuxbury pond, south hampton new york lake george SCHROON VALLEY, warrensburg

⑮

6 WEEK STAY FOR ONE LOW PRICE (Valid May 1-June 15 or September 6 - close)

$299 FOR 6 WEEK STAY

indiana ⑥ INDIAN LAKES, BATESVILLE ⑦ HORSESHOE LAKES, CLINTON wisconsin yukon trails, lyndon station

④

new york lake george SCHROON VALLEY, warrensburg

⑮

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

1-888-443-7301

TWIN MILLS

alpine lake

Lake George RV

ARROWHEAD

$399 FOR 6 WEEK STAY

$499 FOR 6 WEEK STAY

indiana ⑤ TWIN MILLS, HOWE

ILLINOIS ⑨ O’CONNELL’S YOGI BEAR JELLYSTONE PARK, AMBOY

(Valid May 1-June 15 or September 6 - close)

New hampshire ⑳ Sandy Beach, contoocook ㉑ tuxbury pond, south hampton new york ⑭ BRENNAN BEACH, PULASKI ㉔ RONDOUT VALLEY, ACCORD Pennsylvania ROBIN HILL, LENHARTSVILLE SUN VALLEY, BOWMANSVILLE

㉕㉓

wisconsin tranquil timbers, sturgeon BAY FREMONT JELLYSTONE PARK, FREMONT ② ⑧

(Valid May 1-June 15 or September 6 - close)

Maine ⑰ Mt. Desert Narrows, bar harbor ⑱ Narrows Too, trenton ⑲ Patten Pond, ellsworth new york ⑬ alpine lake, corinth ⑮ lake george escape, lake george Pennsylvania ㉒ SPRING GULCH, NEW HOLLAND wisconsin ARROWHEAD, WISCONSIN DELLS

③

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APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS RETAILER DISCOUNTS Thousand Trails has partnered with a number of popular brands to provide you with exclusive members-only savings. Below you will find our latest special offers available to you. Please log into the member section of the Thousand Trails website at www.ThousandTrails.com to take advantage of these great deals! Exclusive Coleman Discount Thousand Trails members can now save 15% on their online purchases of tents, camping stoves and more! Exclusive Hertz Program When you rent with Hertz, you can take advantage of special year-round savings through the Hertz Membership Benefits Program. By using the Thousand Trails discount code, you can save whether you reserve online or by phone. Exclusive iDine Savings Simply register any credit or debit card and dine at a restaurant on the program. Afterwards, complete a quick dining review about your experience within 30 days. The more you dine, the higher the percentage you can earn, up to 15%! Visit www.idine.com/trailblazer for details and to enroll. Nature-Zyme Nature-Zyme is a safe, powerful, easy-to-use waste water treatment system that’s also friendly to the environment. Thousand Trails members can save 15% and get free shipping on their orders with promo code: TTWINTER PetFoodDirect.com 15% off your order of $49 or more. Get all your pet’s food and supplies delivered to your door with PetFoodDirect.com’s Auto Ship program. It’s the easiest way to shop for all the top brands of pet food (137 brands and counting!), flea & tick preventatives, treats, toys, cat litter, crates, collars, beds, bowls, pet meds, and so much more (16,000 top-quality pet products in all)! (This coupon is valid on everything in our store, except: vet diet foods, prescription and free shipping items, and gift certificates. One time use per customer. Only one promotion code can be applied per order. Not for use with any loyalty or other reward websites.) Discount Code: BLAZER15 NationalPetPharmacy.com Trusted by veterinarians and pet lovers alike, NationalPetPharmacy.com is fully licensed and Vet-VIPPS certified for safety as well as quality. Our FDA/EPA approved pet meds are the same ones you get from your vet – but conveniently delivered to your door. Thousand Trails members save $5 on a $20 order with promo code: BLAZER5

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

CLUB CALENDAR APRIL 2012 TT SINGLES Central California April 27-29: Lake of the Springs, CA May 25-28: 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. Northwest April 27-29: LaConner, WA May 25-27: Leavenworth, 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). FMCA Lewis & Clark April 21-24: Seaside, OR May 15-18: Whalers Rest, OR We are members of TTN and FMCA who meet once a month at various Washington and Oregon preserves. New members who are members of TTN and FMCA are always welcome. Contact Roger Beausoleil at (503) 390-4753 or Schar Olsen at (253) 208-0553 for more information about our fun activities. Southwest April 20-22: Wilderness Lakes, CA May 18-20: Soledad Canyon, CA Contact Babe Bohner at (909) 797-6437 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

Rand McNally The first GPS designed specifically for RVers. Special member discount. Thousand Trails is offering our members a special discount offer on all Rand McNally RVND GPS products. Visit www.randmcnally.com/ELS for more information.

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, Chickie Dientsel at (503) 286-8566 or Suzy Mulbey at (503) 678-2993. All Portland-area TT, NACO and LTR members welcome.

TCI Thousand Trails members receive discounts on Michelin tires through the Equity LifeStyle Properties Advantage program currently in place with TCI. TT members should call 1-888532-6435 and reference the Equity Advantage program to receive discounts.

TTN So Cal Weekenders April 6-8: Pio Pico, CA May 4-6: Oakzanita, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a

PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS

month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship. e-mail: ttnweekenders@earthlink.net website: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttnweekenders/ TT Travelers April 2-4: Palm Springs, CA May 7-9: Oakzanita, CA 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 18-20: 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 May 4-7: Lake Texoma, TX 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 website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com Bounders United (“BUTTN”) Campouts: April 24-27: Yosemite Lakes, CA May 22-25: Russian River, CA Wagonmaster will be Tom & Pat Kennedy. “Bounders United/TTN” are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Thomas Kennedy at (360) 7944903 or e-mail at BUTTNs231@gmail.com. TT East Trail Buddies March 29-April 1: Chesapeake Bay, VA 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 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

When you take your next camping trip, you will be glad to know that YKK Snap Fasteners America offers a product that is designed to keep all of your RV accessories securely attached to your vehicle. YSU’s SNAD (snap adhesively attached) snap components product line works great for mounting sunshades, curtain rods, drink holders, racks, camping gear, awnings, lighting, antennas, and many other accessories to the inside and outside of an RV. Originally created for the marine industry, these fasteners have a unique dome shape, and they come in either an automotive grade of plastic or a flexible base silicone. They also contain a pad of 3M™, VHB™ acrylic conformable foam adhesive on their underside which enables them to stick to most any surface without having to drill a hole. Installation is a snap with no tools, power or special skills required. Simply clean the surface that the snap is to be applied, peel off the protective paper backing, position and firmly hold the snap in place and release. The SNAD products are also perfect for attaching aftermarket applications to an RV without causing potential damage to the vehicle or its equipment. The plastic snap fasteners and the flexible base silicone adhesive snap fasteners can be used together. The plastic snap fasteners are designed to stick to flat surfaces, while the flexible base silicone adhesive snaps work best on convex and concave surfaces such as the inside and outside of a metal tube. The flexible base silicone snaps also attach to layered surfaces where different levels of framing come together such as door and access panel frames. The plastic snap fasteners are incorporated into a 40 mm diameter low profile, plastic dome, while the flexible base silicone adhesive snaps are incorporated into a 25 mm diameter low profile, silicone dome. Both the plastic snap fasteners and the flexible base silicone adhesive snap fasteners can also be used in many other applications including materials handling, ATVs, golf carts, signage, awnings, promotional displays, and trade show exhibits. The plastic and flexible base silicone snaps’ snap on/ off lifecycle exceeds that of hook & loop closures. And since there are no moving parts, the snap action is more consistent over thousands of connections than conventional metal snaps. SNAD fasteners are also available as either a stud or socket, and they come in black, white, gray or custom colors. 48

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Eagle One Nano Wax As-U-Wash

For more information on the plastic adhesive snap components or the flexible base silicone adhesive snap components and other YKK Snap Fasteners America Products, contact Rod Helwig at (502) 839-2297 or rodh@ykksnap-america.com.

▼

YKK SNAD Snap Fasteners ▼

Clean, shine and protect your vehicle in one step with the new Eagle One Nano Wax As-U-Wash. It provides superior durability and shine by combining the advanced technologies of a carnauba formula with Element Shield. Eagle One’s exclusive use of nanotechnology goes to work with nano-sized carnauba wax particles that condition and penetrate deeply restoring luster and shine while leaving behind a layer of wax protection.

3M™, VHB™ are registered trademarks of 3M Co., St. Paul, MN.

Unique Element Shield adds a layer of surface protection against harsh elements with every wash. Its enhanced detergents and thick suds wash away dirt and grime and make bug and bird mess easier to remove with each use. It also repels water to reduce spots and protects against heat and UV rays. It is safe for all surfaces. The product is the fastest and easiest way to cut washing and waxing time in half with unbeatable results. For information visit www.eagleone.com or call 800-432-4531.

Medical ID Marketplace Medical ID Bracelet With the rising numbers of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, allergies, and thousands of other illnesses, even the seasoned outdoorsman may have concerns about safety when adventuring out. If you’re working on any gear round up stories, I thought the below would be a good fit – active and stylish medical bracelets The Scenario: Imagine playing a sport outside, hiking with friends and someone has a heart attack. While trying to help this person in the field, an unknowing bystander gives them an aspirin as it has been shown to help with heart attacks. Unfortunately, the person having the heart attack was deathly allergic to aspirin, and a life was lost. How It Works: Nearly 50 years ago, the American Medical Association created a universal symbol that would be able to speak for people in emergency situations when they couldn’t - the red insignia. Today, this symbol is universal among EMTs and first responders and continues to save millions of lives as it reduces unnecessary hospital admissions and misdiagnosis.

Medical ID Marketplace, www. hopepaige.com, is the first company to mix fashion with medical bracelets. By combining active styles with the universal red insignia, people with a chronic illness, allergies, etc., are able to discretely hide their problem, but yet feel safe that an EMT will know exactly where to look if something were to happen while hiking, biking, camping, or hitting the outdoors. Medical ID Marketplace offers the only write-on rubber style bracelets in America called Medibands and also active styles that can be customized with an engraving on the back to alert EMTs of a problem. APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Virginia continued from page 31

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116 Carefree RV Resorts..........................8 120 Countryside Interiors.......................63 106 DirectSat TV....................................61 104 Equity LifeStyle..........................40-43 119 Essex Credit.........................62, 63, 64 159 FirstStreet/Jitterbug...........................2 132 GEICO.............................................67 128 SkyMed............................................68

Answers on page 64

ACROSS 1 Silver (Sp.) 6 List-ending abbreviation 9 Health resort 12 King of Judea 13 Rhine tributary 14 Stripling 15 P.I. ancestral sprit 16 Compass direction 17 Diminutive (suf.) 18 Lead ore 20 Bombastic 22 Foist 24 Dutch commune 27 You (Ger.) 28 Proverb 32 Numerous (pref.) 34 Mountain peak 36 Two-man fight 37 Music sign 39 Evil (Fr.) 41 As written in music 42 Gr. author 44 Nearsightedness 47 Land of King Arthur 52 Narrower than AA 53 Naut. rope 55 Fallacies 56 Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (abbr.) 57 Son of Apollo 58 Opposite of zenith 59 Encountered 60 Snow (Scot.) 61 Yellow 50

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

DOWN 1 Destroying (pref.) 2 Fugard heroine 3 See coat 4 Carry 5 Youth loved by Venus 6 Belonging to (suf.) 7 So much: music 8 Second wife of Jason 9 Small drink 10 Buddhist liturgical language 11 Irish exclamation 19 Mudfish 21 Spawning ground 23 Sole 24 Prussian spa site 25 Change color 26 Unit of work 29 Out (Ger.) 30 Gain 31 Guido’s note (2 words) 33 Inspector (abbr.) 35 Para-aminobenzoic acid 38 Ear inflammation 40 Fond 43 Fabric 44 Lady’s title 45 Rockies peak 46 Kiln 48 Jewish month 49 Mineral deposit 50 Few (pref.) 51 Son of Loki 54 Last Queen of Spain

170 TCI Tire Centers/Michelin..............61

Just across another bridge is a great example of good government. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge sits on the southern end of Assateague Island. This pristine seashore environment is much like it has been for centuries. Assateague Island also encompasses Maryland’s equally beautiful Assateague State Park. Using Chincoteague as a base, there is much to explore on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. It was established in 1943 as a wintering area for migratory wildfowl, but it has become much more. It’s a haven for beach lovers, hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, wild pony watching, and many excellent nature programs. Chesapeake Bay Bordering the beautiful Chesapeake Bay on the west like the Eastern Shore does to the east, the Chesapeake Bay region is also heavily influenced by life on the water. Whether it’s the Bay proper or one of many rivers and resulting peninsulas, this area welcomes those who love the water. Waterfront or water-leaning towns and attractions worthy of exploration include Mathews (a great fishing base), Reedville (Reedville Fishermen’s Museum), Gloucester (including a great lake at Beaverdam Park), Urbanna (featuring the famed Urbanna Oyster Festival), Deltaville’s Holly Point Nature Park and Deltaville Maritime Museum, Irvington (The Tides Inn), Kilmarnock, King George, King William, Gloucester,

and Colonial Beach. It’s also easy to find a restaurant specializing in fresh seafood—including famed local blue crabs and oysters. Northern Virginia Big city wonders, lots of history, and small town and country charm all await visitors to Northern Virginia. Plus, of course, it’s an easy base for exploring our nation’s capital. Mount Vernon, George Washington’s Estate and Garden, is on everyone’s must-visit list. But, the region has much more history to offer, including Arlington National Cemetery, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Manassas National Battlefield Park and many other Civil War sites, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and practically all of historic Alexandria, Leesburg, and Fredericksburg. Small towns out in horse (and wine) country also await exploration. Middleburg, Warrenton, Washington, and Culpepper all show the love to small town visitors. Thus, from the center of it all in the capital city of Richmond to historic and natural wonders in all directions, Virginia is truly for lovers…of everything. ■

Answers on page 64

Photos Top: Fishing boats docked at Chincoteague Island. Photo by Cameron Davidson/ camerondavidson.com. Bottom: Manassas National Battlefield Park. Photo by Bill Crabtree, Jr., photos courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Preserve Services Directory | April 2012 OREGON BEND/SUNRIVER | 541-593-8494

Annual/Extended Stay - We still have some open sites available for annual use. Stop worrying about space available in beautiful Bend/Sunriver with your own site and come and enjoy all we have to offer year-round. From skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter to fishing, hiking and festivals in the summer. Please call Bobbie or Julie at the Preserve. Short-Term Rental - Cabins, cottages and yurts available for rent yearround, call for quote. Special Events - Perfect location for your family reunions, rallies and birthday picnics. Packages are available for renting our winter lodge for that special birthday. The main lodge is available for weddings, banquets and conferences. We also welcome ski clubs and snowmobile clubs. Call Laura or send email to besh@equitylifestyle.com. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site storage available year-round. Call the preserve for information.

PACIFIC CITY 503-965-6200 (Preserve Office) 503-965-6442 (Ranger Station)

Annual/Extended Stay - 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. Order your new Cavco Cedar Cabin and custom design the interior, select your preferred campsite and schedule delivery. Financing available. Contact Ginny to make an appointment. Short-Term Rental - Rent a Cavco Cabin for the month of March for only $750 (savings of $1,580). Contact the Preserve Office for reservations. Special Events - 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 preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - 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.

SEASIDE 503-738-0626 (Preserve Office) 503-738-5292 (Rentals)

Annual/Extended Stay - The Oregon Coast! 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 the preserve.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Short-Term Rental - Discounted short-term rentals available for two week and monthly stays. Great rates for Monday-Thursday mid-week stays. Call for our current specials. Our cabins are available all year long.

Short-Term Rental - 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.

Special Events - Family reunions, RV rallies, church events, weddings or business meetings. Call Barry at the preserve.

Special Events - 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 preserve or send email chba@equitylifestyle. com.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage for $60 per month. Get two free months with our yearly rate of $600.

SOUTH JETTY 541-997-8296 (Preserve Office) 541-997-8333 (Rentals)

Annual/Extended Stay - Extended Stay program now available. Use it any 210 days and store your rig year-round. Contact Preserve Manager for details. Short-Term Rental - Yurts, cabins and trailers available to fit your budget. Special Events - Our heavily wooded preserve is located just 55 miles west of Eugene on the beautiful Oregon 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 preserve for more details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

WHALERS REST 541-867-6078 (Preserve Office) 541-867-3100 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy the beautiful Oregon Coast on your own personal site at Whalers Rest. Leave your rig year-round and occupy up to 210 days per year. Don’t have an RV or want a “vacation home”? We have former vacation rental trailers available for purchase and placement in the personal site program. Call Denise or Shari at the preserve for more information. Special Events - 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 preserve for details. SuperHost not available June 15-Sept. 15. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

WASHINGTON BIRCH BAY | 360-371-7432

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Please call for dry storage availability.

CHEHALIS | 360-262-9489

Annual/Extended Stay - 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

On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage: $45 per month or $180 for 6 months. Call Ranger Don.

CRESCENT BAR | 509-787-4349

On-Site/Dry Storage - Limited dry storage. Call the preserve for information.

GRANDY CREEK | 360-826-3554

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site available! $2,600, please call the preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site storage available on a limited basis. Call the preserve for information.

LA CONNER | 360-466-3112

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 the preserve. Short-Term Rental - Leave your RV at home and come stay in our comfortable Panabode Cedar Cabins. Full kitchen, sleeps 6. Call preserve to make reservations. Special Events - 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 the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only - please call the preserve for information.

LEAVENWORTH 509-763-2020 | 800-353-1700

Annual/Extended Stay - Leavenworth still has many beautiful sites available to call your own. Please call the preserve manager for more information. Short-Term Rental - We have monthly stays for 1-6 months at $500 a month, plus utilities. Come enjoy Leavenworth and all its beauty. Special Events - We’ve got the perfect venue for a fun-filled family reunion or a relaxing club/church retreat. Call or send e-mail to lemgr@equitylifestyle.com. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Dry Storage available for $5 per day, $30 per week or $75 per month. Call or send e-mail to lemgr@equitylifestyle.com.

LITTLE DIAMOND | 800-994-6654

Annual/Extended Stay - Stay in sunny, beautiful Eastern Washington! Annual and extended stay sites available. Call Mike at the preserve. Special Events - Granite Lodge: Two full kitchens, dining for large groups, sleeps 20+, adjacent RV and tent sites, spa and sauna, satellite TV. Contact preserve for more information.

LONG BEACH | 360-642-3091

Annual/Extended Stay - Only minutes away from the grand Pacific Ocean, surrounded by gorgeous nature and a rich history of pioneers past. Don’t miss out on your chance to have your own place at the beach. You can have your own personal RV site where your rig can stay year-round and you can occupy your rig for 210 days of the year! No more hassle storing your rig and just think of all the money you will save on gas. We are also introducing a special 3 month rate during the off season. Stay 3 months for only $350 per month. Call Kate at the preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Feel at home in one of our Vacation Trailers or Thousand Trails Cabins. Start planning now! Next summer will be here before you know it and we don’t want you to miss out on all the great festivities and events here on the Long Beach Peninsula. Call the preserve for rates. Special Events - Planning a reunion, wedding, special event or a trip with a bunch of friends and family? Long Beach is the place for you! We have plenty of RV and tent sites as well as cabins and trailers available for rent. We are right off the beach and close to historic downtown Long Beach. For more information, call Kate at the Preserve Office.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - NORTHWEST

NORTHWEST

for 210 days without reservations and then stay longer with reservations. Contract Brenda Roza for an appointment.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas with our dry storage sites. Available year-round at the low price of $45 a month or get two months free when you sign up for a year for only $450. Call the Preserve Office for details.

MT. VERNON | 360-724-4811

Annual/Extended Stay - Come enjoy our preserve with beautiful forest settings and views of the mountains where wildlife parade through. Relax in your own personal site now up to 210 days. Walk the trails or relax in the large swimming pool and spa. Please call Kelly King at the preserve to get your site. Special Events - 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 the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Donna at the preserve. Short term also available when you are taking a cruise.

OCEANA | 360-289-3504

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 ìno time outî. For the BEST PRICE on the WA coast for a full hook-up site with 50-amp power call Dale Graham at the preserve. Short-Term Rental - A limited number of sites are available starting at $350 per month, plus elec. for the summer season. Call Dale Graham at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability). APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Annual/Extended Stay - Save on fuel, extend your stay at Paradise for $550 per month, or consider leaving your rig year-round with an annual lease. Call the preserve for more information. Special Events - Starting to think about your family and friends gatherings? For more information call the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability).

TALL CHIEF | 425-222-0778

Special Events - Our Timber Lodge is available for your special event. Tall Chief is a great place to hold your next Rally or group event. Call for details.

THUNDERBIRD 360-794-4030 (Preserve Office) 360-794-8987 (Ranger Station)

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available year-round. Fenced secured area at $75 per month. Call to reserve at site.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA CULTUS LAKE | 604-858-3932

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual personal RV sites are still available at a starting price of $3000, plus utilities and taxes for the year (some restrictions apply). We will be offering a limited number of sites at a month-to-month rate of $349 per month, plus utilities, during January to April 2012. See Norm or Lisa in the office. Short-Term Rental - Through March 2012, come stay in one of our beautiful park models. We are offering a stay of three (3) nights for the price of two (2) nights (only applies to your first three (3) nights.) Offer is not available with other discounts, rebates, coupons, or any other free rental offer. On-Site/Dry Storage - We offer storage in the preserve at a daily, weekly, monthly and 6-month rate. Check at the office or Ranger Station if you are interested. During the off-season we have dry on-site storage available in the preserve.

SOUTHWEST ARIZONA VERDE VALLEY | 928-634-8158

Annual/Extended Stay - Extend by the month on a 30-amp for $350 or 50amp for $425, plus electric. Annual sites start at $2,500 per year. Pick a lease package where you can stay 365 nights-Best Deal. For more information regarding our Extended Stay and Annual Lease programs, contact Scott Woolley at the preserve. Short-Term Rental - 29-foot trailers for $595 per month (includes electric). Cabins $1,000-1,250 per month (includes electric). Weekly housekeeping and linens, TV/VCR, satellite. Pet and non-pet units available. Call the preserve to reserve your unit. 54

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Special Events - SuperHost groups welcome. Nice RV sites, catering, rentals and friendly staff. Contact Angela at the preserve.

Special Events - Let us help plan that special family event or company gettogether. Call SuperHost.

Dry Storage - 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 the preserve for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $85 per month and $792 per year. Call the preserve for more details.

CALIFORNIA

IDYLLWILD 951-659-4097 (Preserve Office) 951-659-4137 (Ranger Station) 951-659-0698 (Recreation Office)

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 Preserve Manager for more details. Short-Term Rental - Stay in the preserve on a month-to-month basis for as low as $575 per month, including water and electricity. We also have rental cabins!! Daily, weekly and by the month. Please contact the Preserve Manager at for more information. Special Events - 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 the preserve.

OAKZANITA 619-445-2835 (Preserve Office) 619-445-2515 (Ranger Station)

Annual/Extended Stay - 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. Call Sheila or Cheryl at the preserve for more information. Short-Term Rental - 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 the preserve. Special Events - 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 and ask Cheryl or Sheila.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for as little as $75 per month or $650 per year. Please contact the Preserve Office for more information on terms and conditions.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage for only $450 per year, $65 per month or $40 per week. Call the Ranger Station for more information.

LAKE MINDEN 530-656-2701 (Preserve Office) 530-656-2702 (Special Events) 530-656-2700 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Personal sites for the month or the season. Call the preserve for details.

Annual/Extended Stay - Variety of sites available – 1-3 year leases, sewered and non-sewered sites; utilities not included. Snowbird Program: $425 per month, plus electric, includes one honeywagon dump per week. Call the preserve for more information. Special Events - Family reunions, church outings, company picnics, wedding receptions. Call Sonia at Special Events. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $460 per year/$46 per month/$2.50 daily. Call the preserve for information.

LAKE OF THE SPRINGS | 530-692-1852

Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy having your rig waiting for you on-site. Call us for more information on our Annual and/or Monthly Programs. Special Events - Group outings are available. Sites and/or Rental units available. Overnight or Day Use. Call Tina at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

MORGAN HILL 408-779-6396 (Preserve Office) 408-779-4932 (SuperHost)

Annual/Extended Stay - Call the preserve 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.

PALM SPRINGS | 760-345-1682

Special Events - Rally groups welcome September through November and April through May. Call the preserve for information.

PIO PICO 619-421-2213 | 800-242-6562 (Preserve Office) 619-421-9672 (Rentals)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual leases starting as low as $3,149. Please call the preserve for more information on terms and conditions. Site choice for full hook-up or water and electric only. Short-Term Rental - Rent a site on a month-to-month basis for as low as $575 per month (excluding electricity). For further details please call the Rental office. Special Events - Have your SuperHost, rally, meetings or events in southern San Diego. Call the preserve for information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Monthly and annual dry storage available. Please call the Rental office for more information on terms and conditions.

PONDEROSA | 530-642-5830

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 the preserve. Special Events - 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 the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Kathy at the preserve for information.

RANCHO OSO | 805-683-5686

Annual/Extended Stay - Short-term monthly FHU campsites at $600 per month, plus electric. Annual sites also available at special rates. Call the preserve or send email to romgr@equitylifestyle.com. Short-Term Rental - Check out our new reduced rates for our 29 and 30foot trailers. Special Events - 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 the preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $75 per month or $750 per year and save $150. Call the preserve for information.

RUSSIAN RIVER 707-894-5321 (Preserve Office) 707-894-5355 (Special Events)

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 the preserve.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHWEST

PARADISE 360-985-2121 (Preserve Office) 360-985-2756 (Ranger Station)

Short-Term Rental - 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. Special Events - Family gatherings and SuperHost events in Sonoma wine country. Call the Special Events number for more information.

SAN BENITO 831-389-4290 or 831-801-2029 (Preserve Office) 831-389-4477 (Ranger Station) 831-389-4473 (Special Events)

Annual/Extended Stay - Both our Annual Site and Extended Stay Programs are available. We also have Getaway cabins and other cabins and vacation trailers for the asking. Give us a call and see when we can fit you in. We also have space available for the public and we have tent sites. For any of your questions or concerns, contact the Ranger Station. Special Events - If you’re looking for that great place for family gatherings, youth groups, reunions, meetings, retreats, church gatherings or just your very own special event, such as birthdays or anniversaries, contact our Ranger Station and they can direct you. On-Site/Dry Storage - We do have Dry Storage available for you. Call the Ranger Station for details.

SNOWFLOWER | 530-389-8241

Short-Term Rental - Try something new and stay in one of our cabins or yurts! Cabins sleep four and start at $100 per night mid-week, plus tax; yurts sleep 4-5 and start at $40 per night mid-week, plus tax. Cabins and Yurts are only a short drive to skiing at Sugar Bowl, Boreal, Royal George and Donner APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

MIDWEST/NORTHEAST

SOLEDAD CANYON 661-269-1740 (Preserve Office) 661-269-7038 (Special Events)

INDIANA

Special Events - Have your rally, wedding, picnic, retreat or reunion at our beautiful preserve. Catering for up to 3,000 available. Call the preserve for information. On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site storage no longer available. Dry Storage $75 per month or $750 annual. Call the preserve for information.

TURTLE BEACH | 209-239-0991

Annual/Extended Stay - Limited number of sites available for both annual lease and monthly rental. Extended stay available. Contact Preserve Manager for pricing.

INDIAN LAKES 812-934-5496 (Preserve & Marketing Office)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at just $1,200. Please call the Marketing Office. Short-Term Rental - Monthly cabin and site rentals available. Please call the Marketing Office. Special Events - 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 the preserve.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites ranging from $1,700 to $2,660. There are a variety of sites, including quiet sites and pond sites. Pond sites are $2,160. Short-Term Rental - Nightly and weekly rates, 10 people per site. All you bring Is linen and food. Amenities are free. Special Events - We have a beautiful conference center for all occasions nestled in beautiful Sturbridge. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage: $20 per week; $45 per month; or $350 per year.

MICHIGAN BEAR CAVE | 269-695-3050

Special Events - Contact Preserve Manager for information on accommodations for SuperHost groups and family gatherings.

On-Site/Dry Storage - RV storage available starting at $35 per month. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual rates available. Call Michelle at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $20 per week or $60 per month.

HORSESHOE LAKES | 765-832-2487

Annual/Extended Stay - Limited annual sites still available. Call for rates. 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.

Short-Term Rental - We have 126 sites available (122 full hook-up, and 25 50amp sites - 50-amp sites are $3 per night).

Short-Term Rental - 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.

WILDERNESS LAKES 951-672-4831 (Preserve Office) 951-679-7804 (Special Events/SuperHost)

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 Brandie or Dave at the preserve for more information. Short-Term Rental - Discounted rates Sunday-Thursday, excluding threeday holidays. Call for prices or check reservation’s web page.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Lease Sites are $1,500 for lakefront and $1,075 for non-lakefront.

Special Events - RV sites, meeting/banquet room, kitchen available for reunions, parties, church groups, weddings, etc. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available starting at $10 per week up to $300 annually.

Special Events - Call or send email to wlsh@equitylifestyle.com for your next reunion, retreat, party, seminar, and group rally. Catering available.

MAINE

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

MOODY BEACH | 207-646-4586

NEVADA LAS VEGAS 702-451-2719 (Preserve Office) 800-288-7245 (Rentals) 702-451-4647 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Come HOME to your own private site in FUN City. Year-round sites available in four price ranges. Extended Stay monthly sites available from $475 per month. Call preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Make your cabin and trailer reservations early; high demand in fall, winter and spring. Call the Rental Office for information. Special Events - Let us make your special event memorable. Have your family reunion, company picnic or wedding in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. Call the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

Annual/Extended Stay - July and August only: $850 per month, plus tax and electric. Special Events - Moody Beach Is a great getaway for your group. Rallies and Reunions. Safari Field available. Contact us to book your group or party. On-Site/Dry Storage - $20 per week, $45 per month, $375 per year, with valid insurance.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

ST. CLAIR | 810-329-7129

Annual/Extended Stay - Beautiful sites, concrete pad and patio, paved road, metered 50-amp 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 for details. Special Events - Enjoy family reunions, rallies, company picnics or special events through our SuperHost Program. Call preserve for more information.

NEW JERSEY CHESTNUT LAKE | 609-652-1005

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at $2,100; Monthly Sites from $500. On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage for $25 per week; $50 per month or $400 per year.

OHIO KENISEE LAKE | 440-576-9030

Annual/Extended Stay - Lakefront for $1,545 and non-lakefront for $1,030. Call the preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Elite site is $475 for a month-to-month and $425 per month for a standard site. Special Events - Rustic Barn, Pool Pavilion available for Family Reunions, Superhosts, and Get-togethers. If interested, please contact Linda Roberts or Connie Higgs for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage ONLY. Fees: $35 per month; $65 per quarter (yearly) $125 per 6 months; and $235 for one year.

WILMINGTON | 937-382-5883

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites now available: $1,250-$1,750. Call Amy for more information. Special Events - SuperHost Facility Rental: Family Lodge $400; Pavilion $100. Call preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $300 per year; $150 per six months, or $10 per week. Call the Ranger Station.

PENNSYLVANIA CIRCLE M | 717-872-4651

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites Available! Starting at $2,350, 210 days of occupancy; space is limited. Special Events - Looking for a great place for your next family outing? Look no further than Outdoor World Circle M in Lancaster. Contact Judy at to make your plans. On-Site/Dry Storage - Outdoor World Circle M is not accepting any new dry storage agreements.

GETTYSBURG FARM | 717-292-7191

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available. Call Jeff at the preserve office for information. Special Events - Two pavilions are available for your reunion, company picnic, wedding or party. These creekside pavilions are a popular gathering spot for your special functions. Call Jeff or Mary at the preserve.

LAKE & SHORE | 609-624-1494

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly and $300 yearly. Call the preserve or stop by the Trading Post.

Annual/Extended Stay - Full hook-up Annual Sites available for $2,200. Vacation Cottages for sale starting at $2,495, plus site fee of $2,300. Please call preserve for details.

SEA PINES

HERSHEY 717-867-1891 (Preserve Office) 717-867-3967 (Storage)

Short-Term Rental - Park Model rentals available starting at $60 per night (some pet units available). Call the preserve for more information and reservations.

NEW YORK

MASSACHUSETTS GATEWAY TO CAPE COD | 508-763-5911

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available $46 per month or $360 per year. Call the preserve or inquire at the Trading Post. 56

STURBRIDGE | 508-347-7156

Annual/Extended Stay - Limited Cottages available so make the call today. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $50 per month or $400 per year.

RONDOUT VALLEY | 845-626-5521

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are available. Call preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - We offer year-round, secure storage for just $440 per year. Our guests can pay in full for a 10% discount or be billed monthly.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - NORTHEAST

Ski Ranch. The yurts have heaters and new mini-fridges for your convenience. Call preserve for information.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available at beautiful Hershey Preserve starting at $2,600. Call Kim at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly, $200 for six months or $375 per year. Call or stop by the Country Store during regular hours.

PA DUTCH COUNTRY | 717-665-2500

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available – Standard sites $1,800, APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Short-Term Rental - 21 cabins available for rent. Call the preserve for details. Special Events - 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 the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage is available for $2 per day, $50 per month, and $375 per year. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at the preserve.

SCOTRUN | 570-629-0620

Annual/Extended Stay - - Scotrun, in the beautiful Pocono Moutnains, has annual sites and on-site/dry storage for the winter (October 30 to April 22) for $600. Scotrun is central to everything and easy access - right off Rt. 80. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only. Contact preserve for details.

TIMOTHY LAKE NORTH & SOUTH | 570-588-6631

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available and vacation cottages for sale in the beautiful, scenic Pocono Mountains! Call the preserve and ask for Cathy or Nicole for pricing information.

SOUTHEAST ALABAMA HIDDEN COVE | 205-221-7042

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available - $1,650. For information, call the preserve. Short-Term Rental - Park Model Rentals $60 and $70 per night. For information, call the preserve. Special Events - 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 the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for $3 per day or $200 for 6 months. Call preserve for information.

FLORIDA ORLANDO 352-394-5531 (Preserve Office) 352-394-7300 (Special Events)

Annual/Extended Stay - Sites still available for extended stay and lease options. Leave your rig and not have to move every few weeks. Please call Beth-Ann McCourt for more details or ask for when you arrive at the preserve. Special Events - Function hall, catering, activities and amenities are all yours with our SuperHost Program. For details, contact Beth-Ann McCourt.

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

PEACE RIVER | 863-735-8888

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for $2,200 per year, plus tax and electric. Extended seasonal sites available as well. Call Elnor at the preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - We have nine rental log cabins available, for nightly or monthly rental. On-Site/Dry Storage - Rates: $5 per day, $45 per month or $350 per year. Call the preserve for information.

KENTUCKY DIAMOND CAVERNS | 270-749-2891

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual lease sites available as well as Extended Stay. Call the preserve for more information. Short-Term Rental - Call the preserve for details on short-term rentals.

SOUTH CAROLINA CAROLINA LANDING | 864-972-9892

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available starting at $1,300 for current members.

THE OAKS AT POINT SOUTH | 843-726-5728

Annual/Extended Stay - Come spend the summer where it’s sunny at our beautiful spot close to Savannah, Charleston, and right next door to the historic Beaufort by the sea. Our summer price is very reasonable - $350 per month plus tax and electric. Call the preserve and book now for a great summer. Easy access to/from I-95. On-Site/Dry Storage - We offer on-site storage at $150 per month, plus electric and taxes.

TENNESSEE CHEROKEE LANDING | 731-376-0935

Special Events - Special rates available for rallies, reunions and special functions. Please call the preserve for details.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available from $1,099 to $1,300 for the season for current members. Extended Stay sites are $300 for current members. Call the preserve to make your reservations.

On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site and dry storage available. Please call the preserve for rates.

Short-Term Rental - We have campsites and rental cabins available. Call the preserve to make your reservations.

NORTH CAROLINA

Special Events - We are the place for your SuperHost needs. Rallies, family reunions, weddings, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, birthday parties and more. Call the preserve to make your reservation.

FOREST LAKE | 336-988-4135

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are available! Don’t delay in securing yours now and start enjoying the convenience of annual site rental. Contact Preserve Office for current rate. Short-Term Rental - Cabins, cottages and short-term rentals are available. The longer you stay, the better the price! For rates and availability contact Barb Stanze at the Preserve Office. Special Events - Ask about our special group rates for family reunions, rallies and camping adventures for that special occasion or birthday party! To learn more about these customized camping experiences please contact Barb Stanze at the Preserve Office.

GREEN MOUNTAIN PARK | 828-757-4088

Annual/Extended Stay - Rates are $1,400 to $2,855. Call preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Vacation cottages for sale at $4,495. Special Events - Call preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage available - $2 per day or $365 per year

LAKE GASTON | 252-586-4121

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Rates from $1,950. Call the preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available: $20 per week, $45 per month or $325 per year. Storage available for boats and RVs. For information, please call the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage only.

NATCHEZ TRACE | 931-796-3212

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites still available - $1,020 to $1,380. Short-Term Rental - Mid-week cabin stay special - $99 Monday through Thursday. Limited Availability. Standard Cabins only. Special Events - Rallies Welcome! Large rental hall facilities available. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry: $5 per day/$25 per month.

TEXAS BAY LANDING | 940-683-3016

Annual/Extended Stay - Bay Landing is now your personal site for 12 months. *Annual Stay – stay up to 210 days a year with ìno time out.î * Limited spaces available. * Don’t cut your weekend short with towing and setup. Save on Gas. No pulling! Please call Lynn. Special Events - We have excellent amenities for any of your SuperHost needs, such as family reunions, weddings, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Beautiful pavilions on Lake Bridgeport! Please call Nena. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only - $45, plus tax ($48.04).

COLORADO RIVER | 979-732-8229

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site leases available for part-time or full-time occupancy. Suitable for RV or park models. Also offering Summer 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 or send email at crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

Special Events - Make your family reunion or church picnic interesting and fun for all ages. All family oriented groups welcome. Contact Marty or send email to crmgr@equitylifestyle.com. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available year-round; fenced secure area. Call the preserve or send email crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

LAKE CONROE 936-856-7888 (Preserve Office) 936-856-3751 (Rental Office)

Annual/Extended Stay - Extended agreement by month, plus metered electricity. Come stay for up to five months at a time on our Texan Program. The cost is $350 per month, plus electricity. For details contact the Ranger. 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 Preserve Office for details. Short-Term Rental - We have four cabins for rent nightly, weekly or for two weeks at a time, for $75, plus tax, per night, for our members and $85, plus tax, per night, for guests. We have nine Getaway cabins for our Getaway members. We also have our Hidden Cove rentals, which are owned by our members and rented by the week or the month. Check with our Preserve 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! Special Events - SuperHost/pavilion/family center/lake area rental available most weekends for parties and special events. Contact the Ranger Station at the preserve.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHEAST

plus metered electricty; Premium sites $2,175, plus metered electricity. Vacation Cottage site fee $2,100 per year. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - 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. 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 TAWAKONI | 903-598-2800

Annual/Extended Stay - 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. Short-Term Rental - Two rental cabins available. Special Events - SuperHost facilities are available for family reunions and business use for a fee. Contact the BA for assistance. On-Site/Dry Storage - Monthly Dry Storage cost is $42.70.

LAKE TEXOMA 903-523-5835 (Preserve Office) 903-523-4206 (Special Events/Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Personal Sites available. A year with no time out. *Limited spaces available.* Save on gas, setup, pulling/towing. Please call Nic at the preserve office for information. Don’t delay - sites are rapidly filling up! Short-Term Rental - New rates - call the preserve manager or ask at the office. Special Events - We offer SuperHost programs church groups, family reunions, scout groups, etc. Contact Brynda. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available. Please call Brynda. APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHEAST

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 to find out how to get your personal site at Lake Whitney. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $55 per month or $605, plus tax, for the entire year (if paid in full at start of storage). You receive the 13th month free. Don’t wait - limited space.

MEDINA LAKE 830-751-2444 (Preserve Office) 830-751-2406 (Special Events/Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Site program available. Guarantee your personal site for an entire year with sites starting at $1,733. Call preserve for details. Special Events - 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 Special Events. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage $60 per month or $540 per year, plus tax. Call Preserve Office or Storage.

VIRGINIA CHESAPEAKE BAY 804-693-9757 (Preserve Office) 804-693-9645 (Special Events) 804-693-6951 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - 2012 annual sites are going fast! With any luck, there may be a few left. Call Lisa at the Preserve Office to find out! The 2012 season starts April 15. Short-Term Rental - We have 20 fully-furnished rental cabins that sleep 4-6. (18 are lakefront locations). Pet units also available. Special Events - On a tidal river of the Chesapeake Bay, we have 20 rental cabins, tent sites and 30- and 50-amp full hook-up sites. Perfect for group events, rallies and reunions. Indoor and outdoor facilities for meetings and gatherings. Call Special Events.

Annual/Extended Stay - Seasonal sites: $1,030, plus tax and electric, for the season or $350, plus tax and electric, per month. Short-Term Rental - Short-term rental available May through October. Call Mike. Special Events - Plan your next outing with us! Air-conditioned Rec. Hall open from May through October. Call Mike. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only – May 1 to Oct. 12. Call Mike.

LYNCHBURG | 434-332-6672

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 the preserve for more details. Short-Term Rental - Spend a month or two and enjoy all the wonderful activities and attractions of the area. Our monthly rate is $300, plus electric. Call the preserve for more information and start making your plans today. Special Events - We offer the perfect place for family reunions, church or company picnics, camping rallies, weddings and receptions, and other special functions. Contact the preserve at or send email to lymgr@equitylifestyle.com and let us help you plan your special gathering today. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $40 per month; $200 for six months $200, $400 for the year.

VIRGINIA LANDING | 757-442-4853

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Call the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available year-round.

WILLIAMSBURG | 757-566-3021

Annual/Extended Stay - 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 $1,750. Vacation Cottage Program offers 28 to 38-foot park models, vinyl or log-sided from $1,499 to $4,999, with a 3-year annual on-site lease. Satellite reception sites still available. Call Gary at the preserve to find out about this month’s TrailBlazer Reader’s Special. On-Site/Dry Storage - Secure and easy access storage for $395 annually with park membership. Call the preserve for more information.

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On-Site/Dry Storage - Field storage available year-round. On-site storage available Nov. 15-May 15. Call Storage for details.

HARBOR VIEW | 804-224-8164

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LAKE WHITNEY | 254-694-4269

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Civil War continued from page 37

Andersonville National Historic Site Andersonville, Georgia The infamous prison for Union soldiers at Camp Sumter operated in 1864 and 1865. The National Prisoner of War Museum serves as the park’s visitor center and features two introductory films, many artifacts, exhibits, and tour offerings. Highlights of touring the grounds can include costumed interpreters, reconstructed gates and stockades, and Andersonville National Cemetery, where more than 13,000 former Union prisoners are buried (as well as veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces since the Civil War).

Ft. Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach, North Carolina This site—the largest earthwork fort in the South—served as protection for the last supply line for Lee’s forces, which ran up the Cape Fear River and through the historic port city of Wilmington (also well worth a visit). It finally fell on January 15, 1865, after a huge Union amphibious attack. It was one of several major factors leading to a Confederate defeat and surrender later that year. Situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, Ft. Fisher features a helpful visitor center, original and recreated earthworks, a scenic walking trail, wayside exhibits, and guided tours.

WORLDWIDE RV TOURS AND RALLIES Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Overseas & USA, Rose Parade, Balloon Fiesta, Kentucky Derby & more! Free vacation guide (800) 952-8496 or www.fantasyrvtours.com FREE DIRECTV & RV KIT for your RV when you get DIRECTV for your home with ENTERTAINMENT Pkg (only $29.99/mo for 12mos). Limited Time! NEW DIRECTV customers only. Restrictions apply. Call Now for details! 1-800-257-4480

Appomattox Court House National Historic Park, Appomattox Court House, Virginia This small town and nearby village features the site where Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865, in the shadow of the old Appomattox Court House and historic McLean House. That court house was destroyed by a fire in 1892, but McLean House still stands. The Museum of the Confederacy recently opened a major new museum here that makes Appomattox even more of a draw.

LEAKY ROOF? Liquid Roof® goes on like paint, cures to a sealed EPDM rubber membrane. UV & Ozone resistant — good to 300˚F. 5-year warranty. For information and brochure call 1-800-467-7135 www.AdvancedRubberCoatings.com

On the Trail of the Civil War Perhaps no single resource can help plan visits to Civil War sites better than Civil War Trails and www.civilwartrails.org. This multi-state program identifies, interprets, and creates driving tours of the great campaigns and the less-known Civil War sites. Directional “trailblazer” signs and four-color interpretative markers with maps, illustrations, and text have been installed at more than 1,000 sites.

Marketplace

“The stories travelers discover at more than 1,300 Civil War Trails sites—each RV accessible—are as diverse as the sites themselves,” says Civil War Trails founder and executive director Mitch Bowman. “Visiting sites along the five state Civil War Trails program is like standing on the stage where many of America’s most momentous events occurred. There is no better time than now to discover these stories of triumph and tragedy” Because many of the major sites outlined in the feature are part of the National Park System, www.nps.gov can also serve as a great research and travel tool. ■

HEARTLAND LANDMARK 2012 Heartland Landmark Grand Canyon. $66,900. MSRP $90,787. True Four Season. 38’ w/ Triple Slides. 42” LCD TV, Central Vacuum, One Touch Leveling, Frameless Dual Pane Windows. Free 2nd Air Installed (In Stock Units Only). www.rvsforless.net 1-877-960-1777 DRV MOBILE SUITES 2012 DRV Mobile Suites 36RSSB3. $88,637.50. MSRP $110,668. True Four Season. 37’ w/ Four Slides. 2 ACs, Frameless Dual Pane Windows, Central Vac, Disc Brakes Fireplace, 4 Dr. Refrigerator, One Touch Leveling, 43’ Units Available. Mention This Ad for 10% Discount off M.A.P.! www.rvsforless.net 1-877-960-1777

Like us on Facebook Share your pictures, chat about camping and get involved with other camping enthusiasts. www.facebook.com/ThousandTrails CIRCLE NO. 120 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Kennesaw, Georgia Some of the fiercest fighting of the infamous Atlanta Campaign took place here on June 27, 1864, during a mountain battle that lasted from June 19 to July 2. Along with a unique cell phone-guided driving tour, visitors can explore artillery emplacements, preserved earthworks, and monuments. Georgia visitors may also want to head to the Atlanta History Museum for “Turning Point: The American Civil War,” which is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive Civil War exhibits.

ClassifiedAdvertising

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

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To Advertise in Marketplace Or To Place a Classified Ad email TBads@equitylifestyle.com Deadline for June 2012 Issue is April 5, 2012

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

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 a $25 American Express Gift Card! Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606 Postmark deadline is April 30, and remember — the tree could be a different color and size.

Tech Topics continued from page 11

appreciably lower your fuel mileage and some drivers feel that it negatively impacts engine performance. Generally speaking, most engines produced since Model Year 2001 have been modified to accommodate ethanol usage. But if you have an older RV or tow vehicle, it may be prudent to add an ethanol additive such as Sta-Bil Ethanol Treatment, StarBrite StarTron, Ethanol Medic, etc. when fueling up in a large metropolitan area.

Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to

win a $25 American Express Gift Card! This month’s Fast Facts winner is

Karen Santo

of Cape Coral, FL

Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50

Keep your fuel tank in tip-top shape, your hitch in good order, and your attitude in the Zone.

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 50

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

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

Wash and dry leaf lettuce. Cut up. Fold in remaining ingredients and toss lightly with dressing to taste. Serve at once. Serves two. Cook’s note: For crispier leaf lettuce, wash and drain it, wrap in a towel and chill. If you can’t serve the salad at once, chill it before adding croutons and dressing, then toss just before serving. ■

If you’re a diesel driver, you’ve probably realized that a diesel additive can help give your engine a little more power, keep it cleaner, and help it run smoother. Additives like Prolong’s Fast Fuel Diesel Treatment, Power Service Diesel Kleen, Red Line 85 Plus, Stanadyne Performance Formula, etc., are worth exploring. Diesel conditioners can also help keep a diesel engine cleaner by inhibiting microbial growth (algae and fungus) that can grow in diesel fuel. Some additives contain algaecides and fungicides; some simply inhibit microbial growth by absorbing water. Available products include Stabil’s Diesel Fuel Stabilizer and Valvtect BioGuard Microbiocide, among others.

Happy trails! ■

The Camper’s Kitchen continued from page 9

More Ideas for Spring Salads • Remove seeds from green, red or yellow peppers and make stuffed (raw) peppers using deli chicken, tuna or egg salad • Make a generous bed of shredded lettuce on each plate, drizzle lightly with creamy cucumber dressing then top with spears of lightly steamed asparagus and a poached egg. • Add cut-up strawberries to lettuce salad and toss with citrus dressing. • Liven your favorite coleslaw recipe by adding sliced scallions, white and light green parts only. About the Author Janet Groene’s books include Cooking Aboard Your RV. Send questions or comments to janetgroene@yahoo.com.

Terms and Conditions for 2012 Referral Promotion Terms and Conditions: For each Eligible Referral (as defined), you will receive a $25 American Express gift card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and hotel/cruise accommodations for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and hotel accommodations for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2013, not to exceed $499 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on January 7, 2013. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning the drawing depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Park Pass from us between January 1, 2012 and December 14, 2012, and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, residents of AZ, FL, NV, NY, PA and TN are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, NV, PA or TN. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored. Employees of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600.00 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

April 27-29: Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy a great spread of northwest cuisine, myriad arts and crafts, a selection of Oregon and Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest wineries, a fantastic beer garden and fun entertainment The Rotary Club of Astoria will be serving its traditional crab dinner all weekend long (price TBD based on Market Value) in the Exhibit Hall where you can enjoy live music all weekend. For more information visit www.oldoregon.com/events If you plan on taking in all the fun at this 3-day event, Seaside Preserve is just a short drive from the event. Plan a stay at Seaside and visit this great event all three days!

Photos courtesy of Astoria Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce

APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

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APRIL 2012 | TRAILBLAZER

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