TrailBlazer Magazine - August 2014

AUGUST 2014 ■ $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

Road Trip:

The

Pacific Coast Highway A Palette of Possibilities:

America’s Artist Colonies A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

WHAT’S INSIDE

VOL. 36 ■ ISSUE 7

AUGUST 2014

Columns

Features

5 Message from Marguerite

36 The Pacific Coast Highway

9 Tech Topics

46 A Palette of Possibilities:

51 4 Paws on the Road 52 Ask RV Bill

America’s Artist Colonies

Calendars Lifestyle

16 Preserve Events

10 Who’s In The Kitchen

with TrailBlazer?

20 Local Events

12 Trailmix:

Travel the PCH with TT and Encore

22 Spotlight:

45 Tips for a Successful Family Road Trip

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62 Club Calendar

The Pacific Coast Highway: From the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State all the way down to the tip of Baja, California, the Pacific Coast Highway is 1,650 miles of coastal experience. Hop a ride with TrailBlazer as we take a trip down this iconic highway.

Regulars 52 Advertiser Index 52 Crossword Puzzle

26 Updates & Upgrades

56 Encore RV Resort Deals

for TT Members

28 I Knew I Was A Trailblazer

62 Sudoku Puzzle

32 Global Noble

64 Winding Roads

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On Location: Catch Rancho Ocho’s debut on Lifetime Network’s Designing Spaces!

66 On Location

66 A Palette of Possibilities: Artists colonies have been in existence for centuries. Some were organized and others sprang up as artists sought inspiration and a sense of community. There are several splashed across the United States. Take a peak at our list and see what treasures you might find on a visit to a few!

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

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ime flies when you’re having fun. Let’s think about that saying for a minute. Did time seem like it was flying this past winter when most of the country was experiencing record-breaking cold temperatures and snowfall? Probably not, but doesn’t it seem like just yesterday you were pulling out the camping gear getting ready for another summer season of fun?

The facts are the facts – the passage of time is the same regardless of the season or your state of mind. So, I am telling you now to “make hay while the sun shines!” Old Man Winter will be here before you know it.

The calendar may say August but there is still plenty of time left to enjoy camping adventures before the weather in most of the US has you considering making the trip to our always warm and sunny locations like Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas.

The Midwest, Northeast, and Northwest are in the full swing of summer, hosting the events that make them so desirable, like lobstering in Maine, blueberry harvesting in the heartland and, of course, the old summer staple: state and county fairs.

Sure, we provide year-round camping, but there’s something about summer and the freedom in our schedules that make this time of year the best of the best when it comes to family camping.

If you haven’t taken your big summer trip yet, consider following the route outlined in our feature story on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Lucky for you, Thousand Trails offers locations from the northern coast of Washington right on down to sunny San Diego. This drive is guaranteed to be a memorable one.

Another feature in this issue is on artists’ colonies. A very interesting article, but what I like is that these colonies sprung up around the United States as people sought out others with like-minded interests. Sounds a bit like the original concept Milt Kuolt had when he looked to create a place for “fun-seeking, outdoors-loving families.” People with similar interests looking to spend time together – I guess that makes us a “colony” of sorts!

We hope you enjoyed our celebration this past July. We will continue to celebrate 45 Years of Making Camping Memories right on through December, so continue to watch TrailBlazer, our newsletters, and our Facebook page for more fun ways to mark this milestone.

In short, my message here is a simple one.

Camping is a lifestyle and the true camper knows no seasons --- but there’s something about summer that makes the camping experience that much better. So, let’s celebrate and make more memories before our camping gear includes more “weather-required” equipment!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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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 DESIGNERS Mindy Drexler Susie Bue

Harbor View, Colonial Beach, VA: Beautiful Sunset – Debra Rawlings, Daytona Beach, FL

ADVERTISING SALES 877-252-9320 TBads@equitylifestyle.com 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 Address Changes for TrailBlazer can be sent via email toTrailBlazerAddressChanges@ EquityLifestyle.com NEW Subscriptions 1-877-252-9320 TTN & LTR Reservation Services (From United States and Canada) 1-800-288-7245 • 228-497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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 each issue! 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 photo 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.

One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received. The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and on www.trailblazermagazine.net.

PICS FROM THE PARKS

each issue!

Pacific City, OR: Haystack Rock located on the south side of Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City.

– Dennis James, Forest Grove, OR

Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen TX: The view from the top of my rig.

– Claude and France Bourgeois, Quebec, Canada

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 165 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

TECH

TOP CS:

RVing is a great adventure & there’s always something new to learn!

by Paul and Kerri Elders

This month, we have a few ideas to help keep your rig looking sharp and running lean. We’ll look at a simple way you can measure your fresh water supply when filling your fresh water holding tank so you can accurately estimate your travel weight. We’ll also share an old-timer’s tip for getting your rig sparkly, shiny clean and let you in on the ins and outs of those funny-looking electrical outlets, GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters). Read on!

Water, Water Everywhere Even though most RVers rarely think about it, it’s important to know just how much fresh water you’re carrying in your holding tanks on every trip. That’s because the amount of water you decide to carry with you equals a certain amount of extra weight. Of course you want enough water on board to satisfy your needs, but you shouldn’t carry so much that it overburdens your RV. Remember that excess weight also adds to fuel costs over the course of a long trip.

Just one gallon of water weighs approximately 8-1/3 pounds (8.33 pounds); that means a fully-loaded 70 gallon water tank adds a whopping 583 pounds to your RV’s travel weight!

A simple way to estimate how much water you have on board is by having someone watch your holding tank monitoring panel as you’re filling the fresh water tank. When the monitor panel’s indicator reaches one-quarter full, stop filling. If your tank has a capacity of 70 gallons, you’ll have approximately 18 gallons of water on board at the quarter tank mark.

But this is just a rough estimate and these monitors are not always 100% accurate.

A much more accurate measuring method involves using your fresh water hose, a bucket and a wristwatch with a second hand.

Simply time how long it takes to fill the bucket with water. For example, let’s say you perform this test with a five gallon bucket and find it takes one minute to fill it. That lets you know that while you’re filling your fresh water holding tank, you’re adding five gallons of water every minute.

So, in our example, in four minutes, you’ll add 20 gallons of water to your fresh water tank (5 gpm (gallons per minute) x 4 minutes = 20 gallons.) Keep in mind that this is just an example and your fill rate will vary at different locations/campsites, depending on the available water pressure and your hose size, so take your own measurements and adjust accordingly.

Old-Timer’s Secret to a Sparkling Clean Rig Lots of RVers want to know the secret to keeping their rigs in Hollywood-bright condition. Here’s a tip to make that at-home wash job shine just like a professional one. Visit your local grocery store and buy a small bottle of a spotfree rinsing aid designed for dishwashers (like Jet Dry.) You’ll also need a clean garden sprayer (the type that attaches to a water hose that gardeners use to apply liquid or granular fertilizers.)

Wash your RV a section at a time as you normally would and rinse as usual. While the RV is still wet from the rinse, fill the receptacle of the garden sprayer to its fill line with water, then stir in a teaspoon of the dishwasher rinsing aid.

Attach the sprayer to your hose and spray the rinsed portion of the RV with a fine mist.

Dry that section of the RV, then move to the next section and repeat the process for a beautiful, virtually spot-free shine!

Shock-Proof Circuitry Designed to prevent deadly electrical shocks, GFCI outlets are frequently used on the RVs of today. GFCI stands for “ground fault circuit interrupter,” a special type of circuit breaker that’s built right into an electrical receptacle.

GFCIs are those “funny-looking” electrical outlets with small TEST and RESET buttons on the face of the outlet. If a short occurs, the GFCI immediately and automatically shuts down the circuit, thus preventing you from receiving a serious electrical shock.

GFCIs are mandated for external electrical receptacles and some internal electrical receptacles, especially in bathrooms and around kitchen sinks. To assure you always have the proper protection, it’s important to frequently test your GFCI. It’s easy!

Just push the TEST button on the receptacle; if it’s operating properly, you’ll usually hear a “click” as the GFCI trips its circuit, killing the power to the outlet. After the GFCI trips its circuit, simply press the RESET button to reactivate the outlet. If you have to replace a GFCI receptacle ALWAYS replace it with another GFCI. NEVER replace a GFCI receptacle with any other type of outlet.

If you find your GFCI is tripping every time you travel, or if it fails to reset when you test it, it’s a good idea to visit your local RV Repair Center and let them investigate the source of the problem. It could be a defective receptacle, but it might be an indicator of a wiring problem.

Check it out ASAP. ■

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Pacific Coast Highway

Cooking

By Lesley Tennessen, Dutch Oven Diva

A drive along Highway 101 will take you from Seattle all the way to San Diego. This beautiful drive will meander along the coastline, going through little hamlets and towns, some close to the coast, and some right on the coast. There’s plenty to see and do, from fishing to wine tasting.

When choosing what food you’ll want to enjoy on this trip, I’d say fish any day. It’s what I think of when I think of this coastline. Because there is such an abundance of fresh fish and seafood everywhere on this drive, I have provided recipes for some Fried Fish Tacos, a brothy Fish Stew, as well as a Sourdough bread recipe, since San Francisco is the home of Sourdough Bread, dating back to the gold mining days.

Enjoy!

Lesley 10

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Fish Tacos This is a quick and easy recipe for a beer batter that goes great with nearly any fish and seafood.

It’s basically a fish-n-chips batter made with a good beer, flour and a little oil. The keys here are cold batter, hot oil and quality fish.

This recipe works well with tilapia, cod, haddock, walleye, sea bass, snapper or halibut -- really any firm fish. You can even use it with shrimp, calamari or oysters.

Enjoy and savor the flavor of the Baja. This recipe makes enough batter for 2 pounds of fish or seafood.

Setup:

12-inch Dutch oven 18 coals underneath

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fish, shrimp, oysters, clams or squid • 8 tablespoons self-rising flour • 2 tablespoons olive oil • About a half a bottle of good beer • 1/2 teaspoon salt • Oil for frying • Kosher salt • 8 flour tortillas or 16 corn tortillas • Cabbage, slaw or crispy lettuce • Crema or plain yogurt flavored with lime juice

Preparation: Mix the flour, oil, salt and beer together in a bowl. Add the beer last and do it slowly, stirring all the time. You want enough beer in the batter to make it the consistency of pancake batter. Put the batter in the fridge for 20 minutes. After batter has been in refrigerator for 10 minutes, take out the fish and salt it liberally. Let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes or so, and then slice it into pieces about the size of a large shrimp. Light charcoal so that it is ready for you to heat the oil just as the fish is dredged and ready.

When the coals are ready, begin to heat the oil to 350 degrees (I use canola oil, but any vegetable oil will do.) When the oil is hot, dredge the fish into the batter and let it get coated thickly. Gently place it in the oil and repeat. Do not crowd the pot or deep-fryer.

Do this in several batches. Fry until the fish is golden brown, moving it around the oil so it does not stick anywhere. This will take about 5-8 minutes. Let the fish drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Salt the drained fish with kosher salt. In another pan, lightly fry the corn tortillas to partially cook them, but do not make them crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Assemble the fish, greens or slaw.

Drizzle with crema sauce. Serve at once with an ice cold beer.

Dad’s Fish Stew

Setup:

(adapted from allrecipes.com)

12-15 coals underneath

This is a tasty and simple stew and can be made from all kinds of firm flesh fish to your liking that can be found in the local markets as you drive the coast. Stop in and find out what is freshest!

12-inch camp Dutch oven

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons olive oil • 1 cup chopped onions • 2 large garlic cloves, chopped • 2/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 1 cup fresh chopped tomato (about 1 medium sized tomato)

• 2 teaspoons tomato paste • 8 ounces clam juice (or shellfish stock) • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon blanc) • 1 1/2 pounds fish fillets (use halibut, cod, sole, red snapper, or sea bass), cut into 2-inch pieces • Touch of dry oregano, Tabasco sauce, thyme and pepper • Salt

Preparation: Light the coals. In the meantime, chop all the vegetables and fish. Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over bed of coals. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté 4 minutes. Add parsley and stir 2 minutes.

Add tomato and tomato paste, and gently cook for 10 minutes or so. Add clam juice, dry white wine, and fish and simmer until fish is cooked through, less than 10 minutes. Add seasoning. Salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve with the Sourdough bread.

Sourdough Bread Setup:

Ingredients for Bread:

10-inch Dutch oven 14 charcoal briquettes on top, 7 underneath (2 sets of coals, 1 for preheat, 1 for baking)

(Makes a small 6-7 inch boule serving 4-5 people) • 2 cups bread flour, plus extra for working with dough • 1 1/2 cups starter • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for Starter:

• Vegetable oil for greasing bowl and dough ball

(This should make the 1 1/2 cups needed for the bread.)

• 1 cup flour • 1 cup water • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1/4 small potato, peeled

Preparation for Starter: Mix first 4 ingredients together in a non-reactive bowl, crock or container (do not use a metal container.) Then add in the potato. Let this sit on the counter for at least 18 hours.

Don’t put a tight cap on the container because the gas formed during the process needs to escape. Stir the mix about every 8 to 12 hours. The longer it sits out, the more sour it will get.

If a liquid forms on the top, it is the alcohol from the ferment.

Stir that back in to the starter.

Preparation for Bread: In a large bowl, combine flour, Sourdough starter and salt. Knead well for about 10 minutes. The dough will be stiff but will get smooth with more kneading.

Place the dough ball into a greased bowl and cover with towel or plastic wrap. Set in a warm place and raise until it has doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

Remove the dough and gently deflate. Knead lightly on a floured board.

Shape the dough into a flat circle, about a 1/2 inch thick. Form your boule ball by pulling the dough over itself and pinching the seams shut. Place the ball, seam side down, covered with a towel and allow a second rise of about 1 hour. About 15 minutes before you want bake, start preheating your oven. Start your second set of coals so they are ready to bake with. Open the oven, place the bread ball in and cut a cross hatch into the top with a serrated knife. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Test for doneness by inserting a thermometer into the middle. It should read about 185 degrees. The bread should also be getting nicely browned. You may need to put additional coals on the lid to brown to your liking. Remove bread from the oven to a cooling rack. Let cool for 30 minutes before serving.

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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TrailMix Explore the

Pacific Coast Highway with

Thousand Trails & Encore

Road Trip! Who’s up for a leisurely ride down the Pacific Coast? Check out our feature story on the Pacific Coast Highway and it might have you pulling out maps of Washington, Oregon, and California to chart your course down this iconic highway.

If you’re from the west coast you may know the area well and if you’re from anywhere east of the Sierras, you might find a whole new world if you head west!

Thousand Trails and Encore RV Resorts have a huge presence along the coastline, as well as inland from the great “southern sea.” So, plan your trip and make your reservations for a west coast road trip chock full of breathtaking scenery, fabulous seafood, and the friendly faces at Thousand Trails and Encore.

1 Starting north in Washington, you’ll find Oceana in Ocean City.

A fabulous oceanfront preserve with miles of sandy beach, you’ll have opportunities to surf fish, dig for clams, fly a kite, or walk the beautiful beach.

Don’t miss: sunset on the beach.

2 Heading south, you’ll find Long Beach, located just 1,200 feet from the Pacific Ocean. With plenty of paths down to the beach, which is a dog-friendly beach to boot, your ocean side stay at Long Beach will provide plenty of photo ops!

The quaint town of Long Beach is just two miles from the resort.

Don’t miss: the lighthouse at Cape Disappointment.

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

1 2 Seaside – Seaside, OR

Russian River – Cloverdale, CA

3 4

3 Leaving Washington and heading 6 Sand dunes, spruce trees and sea air await you at South Jetty, the last into Oregon, your first Thousand of the Oregon resorts as you head Trails stop is Seaside, located in south. Explore the dunes, hike the the historic coastal town of Seaside. varied landscape, which includes Here, you can whale watch, swim, forests and wetlands, and simply and visit the Lewis and Clark enjoy this beautiful slice of nature. historic sites nearby.

Don’t miss: amazing seafood at local restaurants.

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Don’t miss: “sandboarding” the dunes – it’s the latest craze!

7 Eureka – you’re in California. Actually, you’ll pass the town of Eureka as you make your way south on the PCH to Russian River in Cloverdale.

At this resort on the banks of the Russian River, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful wine country of northern California while enjoying the resort’s amenities that include Don’t miss: the tide pools and sea hiking and biking trails and plenty caves at nearby Cape Kiwanda. of fishing opportunities.

4 Pacific City in Cloverdale is next, set amid towering spruce trees and offering fantastic ocean views.

Clam, crab, and explore the beaches and sand dunes without leaving the resort. Or, head to nearby Sand Lake Recreation Area and enjoy riding the dunes!

5 Another resort to enjoy that’s on the beach is Whalers Rest in South Beach, which is situated just 150 yards from the Pacific. Relaxing, wooded sites, plus amenities that include a pool, tennis courts, horseshoes, mini-golf, and biking and hiking trails make this a perfect place to stay while enjoying the Oregon coast.

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Don’t miss: the Petrified Forest in nearby Calistoga.

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Don’t miss: the Oregon Coast Aquarium, just four miles from the resort.

Pacific City – Cloverdale, OR AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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Pio Pico – Jamul, CA

8 Just about 45 minutes east of the 10 Considered the “American Riviera,” 11 Hooray for Hollywood, and our PCH in Santa Cruz, you’ll find Santa Barbara boasts a “Mediterranean” nearby resort, Soledad Canyon Morgan Hill. Surrounded by the climate, history, architecture, culture, in Acton. This is high desert camping hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and more. And, Rancho Oso is just at its best, where scenery and this resort offers plenty of hiking 30 minutes from it all! Horseback greenery abound. Plenty to do and fishing and is the perfect spot ride, hike the trails or simply enjoy onsite, with hiking, mini-golf, to camp while you explore California’s the scenery at this 310-acre resort shuffleboard, and tennis, and central coast. that will add a western flair to plenty to do nearby, including your stay. touring Tinsel Town!

Don’t miss: Sycamore Creek Don’t miss: Placerita Canyon Vineyards & Winery, just steps Don’t miss: A ride on Bandit, State Park – where gold was from the resort.

Rancho’s resident paint horse. discovered before Sutter’s Mill.

9 Have you dreamed of riding horses on 12 As your trip on the PCH comes to an the beach? Encore’s Pacific Dunes, end, San Diego might be your last located in Oceano, offers the stop to enjoy the California sunshine opportunity to do just that. The before you head home. Come visit location also offers magnificent Pio Pico, a California destination sunsets, scenic dunes, and plenty resort in Jamul, just south of San Diego. of amenities.

Don’t miss: Morro Rock, in nearby Morro Bay.

Pacific Dunes - Oceano, CA

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Rancho Oso – Santa Barbara, CA

You might want to extend your fiesta with a visit to the border, just 20 minutes from the resort.

Bocce, billiards, and volleyball are just a few of the games to enjoy at Pio Pico, plus there are hiking trails and a relaxing swimming pool.

This is just a short list of the opportunities you’ll have to stay with Thousand Trails and Encore while you drive the coast. For more locations and details, visit www.ThousandTrails.com to see what’s on the way!

Don’t miss: the pandas at the San Diego Zoo

by Joan DeAno-Rykal

Morro Rock – Morro Bay, California

Sunny Boy & Windy – Rancho Oso

South Jetty – Florence, OR

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES

AND

Activities and Events – On Site

AUGUST events The theme weekends planned for August are proof that there is no end to summer fun when it comes to Thousand Trails.

Another round of BIG FUN is on the schedule this month, so come out and have a ball with us this August.

We’ve listed just a few of the events here to entice you to join us -- for a full listing of events visit www.thousandtrails.com or check out the Theme Weekend directory at www.trailblazermagazine.net.

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The Time Machine What was your favorite decade? Check out these preserve events that take a step back in time. From disco balls to poodle skirts, these events will span several decades of fun.

Chestnut Lake (New Jersey) celebrates them all from the ’50s to the ‘90s during the Blast from the Past Weekend scheduled for August 22-24.

The ‘50s Turtle Beach (California) is offering a prize for the Best Dressed Couple at their ‘50s dance set for August 9. They will also be showing the movie, “American Graffiti” to showcase the decade.

Williamsburg (Virginia) relives the ‘50s August 8-10 with fun that includes a Chocolate Marshmallow Drop.

Mount Vernon (Washington) goes way back in time during the weekend of August 15-17.

Prehistoric Weekend will feature Scott Peterson and his amazing collection of reptiles.

There will also be craft activities that include making volcanoes and quicksand!

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Let’s Go to the Hop as Morgan Hill (California) brings back the 1950s complete with hulahoop and bubble gum blowing contests and a Saturday night Sock Hop. Don’t forget your letter sweaters and poodle skirts. The fun is set for August 16.

Lake Minden (California) will host a good old-fashioned Ice Cream Social featuring root beer, cola and orange soda floats followed by a Saturday evening Sock Hop during their 1950’s celebration the weekend of August 29-31.

The ‘70s

It’s all groovy as Oakzanita (California) celebrates Psychedelic ‘60s Weekend August 2-3 complete with love beads, tie-dye tees and an outdoor movie.

Bear Cave (Michigan) will celebrate not only the 1970’s but the ‘60s too during their Retro Weekend, scheduled for August 1-3.

There will be prizes for the best dressed guest representing each era.

Who remembers Woodstock?

Chesapeake Bay (Virginia) will try to jog your memories, or help you make new ones, during their Woodstock Weekend, set for August 1-3. Hip-huggers, peace signs and tie-dye will be the fashion of the weekend.

Activities and Events – On Site

The ‘60s

Dig out your polyester pantsuits and your platform shoes and show off your dance moves during Disco Weekend at Gateway to Cape Cod (Massachusetts) during the weekend of August 15-17.

Over at Williamsburg (Virginia) it’s Flower Power Weekend as they celebrate the ‘60s the same weekend.

The ‘80s The ‘80s were definitely explosive so come sing along at the ‘80s Dance Party hosted by Natchez Trace (Tennessee) during the weekend of August 1-3. The bigger the hair the better!

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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AND

MORE

AUGUST events

Beachy Fun

Activities and Events

Activities and Events – On Site

ACTIVITIES

Books, Movies & TV They call these the dog days of summer so what better way to cool off than with some beachy fun. These preserves are getting “Sirius” when it comes to keeping you cool.

Sea Pines (New Jersey) kicks off the Dog Days with a Beach Blast BBQ the weekend of August 1-3 that will include a Dessert Taste-Off on Saturday night. Other fun scheduled includes limbo dancing, a hula-hoop contest and fishing contest, plus a DJ Dance on Saturday night.

Lake Minden (California) hosts a SANDtastic Beach Party the weekend of August 8-10. Events include a SANDwich Potluck, sand castle contest and paddleboat races.

Beach volleyball, sand castles and poolside grilling will keep you cool and amused when you visit Wilmington (Ohio) during the weekend of August 8-10 for their beach Party Weekend.

Head to Bend (Oregon) the weekend of August 16-17 and celebrate “Beachy Fun in Central Oregon,” with fun that includes a sand castle building contest and a kid’s sandbox dig for treasures!

An End of Summer Beach Blowout is on the schedule August 23 at Verde Valley (Arizona).

Enjoy a big party, as well as Member Appreciation events, as the preserve bids farewell to summer.

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Taking a cue from pop culture as well as old-time classics, these preserves offer fun as it relates to your favorite viewing and reading pleasures.

Leavenworth (Washington) brings two favorites to life with their Willy Wonka Weekend, followed by the Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer Weekend.

Willy Wonka Weekend, set for August 1-2, includes activities and games based on the family favorite movie. Oompa Loompa photo ops, Violet Beauregard’s Bubble Gum Blowing Contest and a burping contest are just a few of the things planned. The following weekend, August 9-10, your adventure awaits as the events revolve around the classic Mark Twain stories of Huck and Tom. Participate in Big Jim’s Tug of War, Injun Joe’s Treasure Hunt, and sack races. For social fun, try Aunt’s Sweet Tea and Fish ‘n Rods Social.

Slay the dragon, learn the art of castle building and participate in sporting events ala Game of Thrones at Whalers Rest (Oregon) the weekend of August 1-3.

It’s Game Show Weekend at Kenisee Lake (Ohio) during the weekend of August 8-9. They will be playing TV favorites including “Family Feud”, “Minute to Win-It” and “The Newlywed Game”.

Come on and have some fun!

Let the wild rumpus begin at Lake Gaston (North Carolina) during the weekend of August 15-17 at their Where the Wild Things Are Weekend. Games galore, plus Member Appreciation Events, are on the schedule.

Activities and Events – On Site Activities and Events

Location is Everything!

These preserves are the perfect spot to be when popular local events turn up and even make their way back to the preserves where the fun continues.

The 8th Annual Blueberry Festival comes to town August 1-3 and Paradise (Washington) gets in on all the fun.

Enjoy parades and pie eating contests and then head back to the preserve for blueberry-filled meals!

Pine Country (Illinois) is making it easy to see and sample the latest in not only camping gear but also food and wine. Enjoy their Taste of Camping Weekend set for August 1-3.

Enjoy a Taste of British Columbia August 9 at Cultus Lake when the preserve brings samples of local fruits, vegetables and specialty foods, including goat cheese and honey, for your tasting pleasures.

Participate in, or simply enjoy the action, of Shawnee Mountain’s Annual Mud Run, near Timothy Lake North and South (Pennsylvania.)

There will also be an Iron Man/ Woman Contest at the preserve with activities for all ages and experience levels. Evening fun includes a DJ Dance and country band.

All this happens the weekend of August 15-17.

Who doesn’t love a State Fair? Enjoy the Evergreen State Fair while staying at Thunderbird (Washington) during the weekend of August 22-24.

The fair runs through September 1.

It’s all fun and funnel cakes so don’t miss it.

Celebrate the King It’s been 37 years since Elvis Presley went to Rock ‘n Roll Heaven but Elvis lives at Ponderosa (California) on August 16.

The preserve will celebrate the life of Elvis with classic movies, songs and a unique display of Elvis memorabilia. There will even be an Elvis Pictionary game!

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

19

Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

OF

CALENDAR events

Bay Landing (TX)

Rancho Oso (CA)

Throughout August Billy Bob’s Texas: World’s Largest Honky Tonk Concerts run throughout August and include Mike & The Moonpies, August 1; Cowboy Mouth, August 8; Whiskey Myers, August 9; Chris Isaak, August 15; Ted Nugent, August 16; and the 33rd Annual Country Showdown, August 22. Billy Bob’s is just 35 minutes from the preserve. For more information visit www. billybobstexas.com

July 31-August 3 Old Spanish Days Fiesta This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Fiesta Historical Parade, one of the largest equestrian parades in the United States. The parade starts at the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach, to State Street, then up State Street to Sola Street.

Viewing the parade is free but there are shaded reserved seats available for purchase. Visit www. oldspanishdays-fiesta.org for more information.

Orlando (FL) Throughout August Fridays on the Plaza Every Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., the Winter Garden Tourist Association hosts a free concert in Centennial Plaza featuring a local band or musician.

This casual event takes place in the heart of Winter Garden’s historic downtown. Winter Garden is just a 15 minute drive from the preserve.

Lake of the Springs (CA) July 31-August 3 Yuba Sutter Fair Known for the 4-H exhibits and more, this is a fun event for the whole family that includes games, rides, a demolition derby, and more. Held in Yuba City, just 30 miles from the preserve. For more information visit www.ysfair.com.

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Lake of the Springs (CA)

Idyllwild (CA)

August 6-10 Nevada County Fair Get ready for five days of excitement and fun planned for fairgoers of all ages. The Nevada County Fair is the perfect opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, carnival rides, animals, and exhibits in a community-friendly environment at affordable family prices! For more information visit www.nevadacountyfair.com.

August 9 Butterfly Daze This is a fun-filled day featuring the Monarch Butterfly with hands-on opportunities to learn migration characteristics and the life cycle of the Monarch. There will also be arts and crafts. Held at the Idyllwild Nature Center, just two miles from the preserve, event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information visit www.rivcoparks.org/ idyllwild -nature-center.

Lake Conroe (TX) August 9 Tim McGraw: Sundown Heaven Town Tour 2014 Enjoy country music star Tim McGraw in a live concert in the beautiful outdoor setting of the Woodlands Pavilion, just nine miles from the preserve.

For information visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

Rancho Oso (CA) July 31-August 3 Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo Junior Tri-Counties riders compete in Breakaway Roping, Tie-down Roping, Team Roping and Barrel Racing. Riders compete in the Non-Pro Stock Horse Class and Buckaroo Class, plus eliminations for the Open Stock Horse and Hackamore Classes.

This event is held at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real in Santa Barbara, just 18 miles from the preserve. For tickets and information please visit www.sbfiestarodeo.com or call (805) 688.5093.

South Jetty (OR) Pacific City (OR) August 6-9 Tillamook County Fair This fair, which is the highest attended county fair in the state of Oregon, features 4-H Exhibits, Brad’s Reptiles, magicians, Pig ‘n Ford races, horse races, a demolition derby, hypnotists, talent show, midway rides and more.

Entertainment scheduled includes Uncle Kracker on August 6, The Oak Ridge Boys on August 7, and Phil Vassar on August 8.

Visit www.tillamookfair.com for more information.

August 9 Second Saturday Art Tour Join the self-guided Second Saturday Gallery Tour from 3 to 5 p.m. and enjoy the fantastic art from local Florence artists. A listing of the participating galleries can be picked up at Backstreet Gallery, 1421 Bay Street in Florence.

Idyllwild (CA)

Chehalis (WA)

Diamond Caverns (KY)

August 9 Great Albacore Tuna BBQ Challenge The Oregon Albacore Commission, in conjunction with the Port of Newport, presents the third annual “Great Albacore Tuna BBQ Challenge” featuring professional and amateur chefs and culinary students creating their best tuna loin recipes for the judges and the public who come to sample these awesome creations. Saturday, August 9 will be the professional and amateur competition and Sunday, August 10 features culinary students.

Event is held at 2000 Marine Science Drive in Newport, just 5 miles from the preserve. For more information visit www.tunabbq.com.

August 16-17 21st Annual Jazz in the Pines Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines is three stages of continuous music, featuring over two dozen bands. The festival marketplace offers a wide selection of art, jewelry and handicrafts. There will also be food and drinks available. Event is held at the Idyllwild Arts Campus, just seven miles from the preserve.

For information visit www.idyllwildjazz.com.

August 22-24 Chehalis Garlic Fest & Craft Show Event features garlicthemed cuisine, artisan and craft vendors, chef’s demonstrations, kids activities, and an Antique Alley. There will also be live music and wine tasting from local wineries. Event hours are Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information and admission prices, visit www.chehalisgarlicfest.com

August 27-August 30 National Corvette Museum 20th Anniversary Celebration & 5th National Corvette Caravan Register for this event and enjoy three days of activities in and around the museum, including interesting and unique road tours, special video presentation, raffles, the annual Open Membership meeting and more.

For more information, or to register call (800) 53-VETTE (83883) or visit www.corvettemuseum.org.

The museum is located just 22 miles from the preserve.

Pio Pico (CA) August 10 Hillcrest CityFest Arts, crafts, food and entertainment are featured at this popular annual street festival held along Fifth Avenue in the eclectic neighborhood of Hillcrest, less than 30 miles from the preserve. For information visit www.fabuloushillcrest. com/events.

Grandy Creek (WA) August 16-17 Cascade Days Event includes a parade, Logger Competition, car show, Fireman’s Muster, kids activities, music, contests and much more.

Event is just five miles from the preserve.

For information visit www. cascadedays.com or call (360) 853.7867.

Ponderosa (CA) August 17 Garden Valley’s 16th Annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show Garden Valley’s 16th annual car, truck, and motorcycle show will feature live music all day, a raffle and food and drink vendors. Gates open at 8 a.m. Event is just five miles from the preserve. For information call (530) 333.2179.

Medina Lake (TX) August 21-24 Gillespie County Fair & Festival Enjoy four action-filled days and nights at the oldest, continuously running County Fair in Texas. Whether it’s the carnival, the livestock and agricultural exhibits or the arts & crafts, this weekend is sure to bring a smile to the entire family. For more information call (830) 997.2359.

Diamond Caverns (KY) August 25 Free Mammoth Passage Cave Tours Free tours of the world’s longest known cave system will be offered on this day. Mammoth Cave National Park is just seven miles from the preserve and can be accessed via the preserve’s walking/ bicycle trail. For more information visit www.nps.gov/maca.

Pio Pio (CA) August 29-September 1 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition Guests can watch over 300 tons of sand be carved and molded into beautiful sculptures. Held at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, alongside San Diego Bay, the summer event will feature live entertainment, food trucks and unique rides for kids including a zip line that flies over the show. The B Street Cruise Ship Terminal is located at 1140 N. Harbor Drive in San Diego, approximately 28 miles from the preserve.

For more information visit www.ussandsculpting.com.

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

21

Activities and Events – Local

Whalers Rest (OR)

Spotlight

45 Tips for a Successful Family Road Trip A cross-country road trip is the best way to gt the family together and experience all the beauty the United States has to offer. To make the best of any road trip, we’ve collected 45 tips to ensure a successful trek for drivers ans passengers alike!

To do before you go: • Trace the route

To bring for the younger crowd:

• Create a packing checklist

• TV shows and movies

• Pack for each day, not for each person

• Lots of snacks

• Pack a pet restraint (if traveling with one)

• A cookie sheet to be used as a desk • Audio books

So, pack up your car or RV and hit the road! With these tips and a little love and patience, it’s sure to be an unforgettable trip, for all the right reasons.

• Pack an overnight bag

• Disposable cameras

• Share the plan with the whole group

• Electronics chargers and car adaptors

• Ready your fussy baby

Be sure to check out a more detailed list on our blog: newsfromthetrail. thousandtrails.com, including instructions for the games listed.

• Hang a car mirror

• A backpack for each child (have each pack their own)

• Pack up car, sleep in clothes, and rise early • Don’t over plan • Check for pet friendly locations and rest areas

• Dry-erase boards,magnet boards, Wikki-Stix or pipe cleaners • A map to help them follow along • Art supplies for all ages • Mad Libs • Action figures and dolls • A ball, jump rope, or Frisbee for rest stops • Presents • Printed scavenger hunt or car bingo sheets (you can find on the Internet)

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

To play:

To avoid a meltdown:

• License Plate Bingo

• Take turns as car DJ

• Lingo!

• Decide on a budget

• Pick a Category (the celebrity game for younger riders)

• Make sure your children have their security blankets, teddy bears, pacifiers, or anything else they need to be secure and comfortable

• The Alphabet Game

• Stop often

• Stop fights before they happen

• Sweet ‘n’ Sour

• Have each family member be in charge of making a meal

• The Celebrity Game

• Road Sign Story Time

To ensure a happy marriage: • Treat yourselves • Purchase or rent a GPS • Plan solo time

• Check on your significant other a number of times a day

• Rotate the seating arrangement • Give each child a nickel, dime, or quarter every 50 miles as spending money

by Emma Seavey

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

23

Come Explore Michigan’s

Saginaw Bay Resort!

Saginaw Bay Resort, in Standish, Michigan, offers 93 full hook-up campsites, 301 water and electric campsites and 54 pull-thru sites.

There is also a variety of rental units that sleep anywhere from four to twelve people. Open year-round, Saginaw Bay features a full assortment of top-of-the-line amenities that include:

• General Store

• Basketball

• Laundry facilities

• Horseshoes

• Playground

• Nature and Hiking Trails

• Adult Lounge

• Badminton

• Game Room

• Volleyball

• Fitness Room

• Indoor and Outdoor Pool

• Putt-putt Course

• Hot Tubs

Other offerings at Saginaw Bay Resort include free use of paddleboats and aqua cycles, a lineup of live entertainment, as well as exciting activities throughout the year including special holiday celebrations, and a very special and peaceful spot, treasured by most visitors, the Chapel in the Woods.

There’s plenty local interest as well, including:

• Amusement Parks

• Casinos

• Factory Outlets

• Marinas and Beaches

Saginaw Bay Resort has been part of the RPI and Preferred networks since 2011. Come spend some time in northern Michigan and see for yourself just how great this resort is.

RPI members can make reservations by calling 1-800-456-7774 or submit an online request at www.resortparks.com

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CIRCLE NO. 161 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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Renovated Pickleball Courts

pdates

&UPGRADES What guests are saying about

Chesapeake Bay...

Updated Sports Courts

“We love Chesapeake Bay.

Thanks for the fun!”

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

“All the improvements are nice.”

“We had a very good stay, in fact didn’t want to leave!! The adult pool was the best.”

“I love all of the renovations that are being done.”

“We loved the new pools!”

“The new bathrooms by the tent area have been updated and they look great.”

New pool deck

“Remodeling of the tent area bathhouse was an excellent job,

miniature golf, pickleball and pool remodeling are very nice...”

“Love the new pool and bath house!”

“Love the new amenities.”

Updated Mini-Golf

“All improvements look great.”

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

27

I KNEW I WAS A

TrailBlazer

TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories?

BS: A majority of my camping memories include Thousand Trails. Meeting new friends and being involved in the activities has brought much joy to my life. In Thousand Trails I found an opportunity to spend time with like-minded people. Many times over the years I have participated in group sing-alongs, potlucks, games, and a long list of activities to take part in. On many occasions I have traveled between preserves with people I had just met and found we enjoyed being together again at the next preserve.

TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories?

Bill Steinebach with his treasured vest featuring campsite pins.

This month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Bill Steinebach, a man who has been a member since 1981 but a TrailBlazer since 1943.

TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began!

BS: I have been camping most of my life. When my family moved to Tucson, Ariz., in 1943, some of our neighbor families convinced my mom and dad that we should get horses and ride up into the Catalina Mountains foothills and camp on the weekends.

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Everyone had a horse to ride except me; I was “lucky” enough to get a burro to ride. Later on when I was in the US Navy, my wife and I would go on motorcycle rides with one pup tent and two sleeping bags.

BS: I have had many enjoyable times at Thousand Trails preserves but one thing I always enjoyed was entertainment by Dick and June Marie Bell, and their comedy show, “Dump Station Revue.” Everyone was happy any time they were in a park for entertainment.

Everyone enjoyed watching June Marie carve pine knot forest gnomes. June Marie taught the carving skill to others who were interested for a small fee. I was one of her students and I enjoyed many hours of carving over the next 10 to 12 years.

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

BS: In 1981, we received our invitation to come to the Oakzanita Springs Preserve for a presentation. At that time, we still only had a motorcycle to camp with. After we decided to purchase a membership, we convinced the staff that we would purchase some kind of camping vehicle. That’s when our continuous camping began.

Bill with his Monaco Caymen at Turtle Beach

“ I knew

favorite parts of the USA create a list that would take a long time to list, but the Grand Canyon has a special meaning to me. In 1944 or 1945 (I am not positive of which year,) I was a member of the Tucson Boys Choir and we were privileged to be invited to sing for a national broadcast on the NBC Radio Easter Sunrise Broadcast from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

I was a

TrailBlazer

when I reached a total of My first RV: 1972 Escapade

49 preserve pins.”

TB: What type of camper are you/ what equipment do you use?

What do you prefer and why?

BS: Since I sold my last motorcycle, I have preferred a motorhome for my camping needs. I started with a used 1972 Escapade and I pulled a 1969 VW Beetle behind it. Since then I have used three different Class Cs and nine Class As, which included five Diesel Pushers.

TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership?

BS: In early 1994, my wife and I were in Tucson visiting family when we decided to do a trip that would take us all over the country to see our friends and family. We started out with a visit to Verde Valley, one of our favorite preserves, and then went on to Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico (staying in RPI parks.)

We then traveled through the northwest corner of Texas and through Oklahoma. From there, it was on to Horseshoe Lakes in Indiana and up to Michigan. From Michigan, we drove to Kenisee Lake in Ohio. We passed through the western tip of New York and

drove on to Pennsylvania. We then stayed at Lynchburg Preserve in Virginia, Forest Lake Preserve in North Carolina and Carolina Landing in South Carolina. We also visited Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi,and Florida, staying at Thousand Trails locations in Tennessee and Florida. We went back to Texas and stayed in six different preserves over a four month period. At that point our son and grandsons in Washington were yelling for us to come see them so we headed that way. We managed to go through California, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana before ending up in Washington.

In all, we stayed in 20 Thousand Trails preserves on this big trip, which began in late May 1994 and wrapped up in June 1995. It is nice to be retired and be able to enjoy a leisurely life, thanks to the convenience of our membership.

TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle?

BS: In every state there is a unique peace and beauty of nature. Saying that, it seems to me that Thousand Trails and Encore has placed somewhere for me to stay and enjoy life. My

TB: Can you finish this sentence?

I knew I was a TrailBlazer when...

BS: In 1982, my second year as a member, I rented a 16-foot travel trailer from the Navy’s Special Services and made a trip from San Diego, Calif., to our son’s place in Shelton, Wash. Had I not had Thousand Trails available to me, I could not have made that trip. I believed then I was a TrailBlazer. I knew I was a TrailBlazer when I reached a total of 49 preserve pins.

Glenda in Palm Springs

TB: Feel free to share any other camping/RVing stories here.

BS: I am a few months from my 80th birthday and I have a 38-foot Monaco Knight Diesel Pusher which I plan on driving until the authorities take away my license. I lost my wife of 32 years in 2003 but I am now married to a wonderful lady who loves to drive our RV as much as I do.

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

29

Dog Days of Summer

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ThousandTrailsGear.com Objects in ad are not to scale. Offer valid on all qualifying orders through August 31, 2014 30

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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CIRCLE NO. 160 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

A TRUE TRAILBLAZER:

GLOBAL NOBLE After the successful climb of majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro, and a few days to give Noble’s feet a chance to recover from the trek, the plan was to head to Nairobi. A stop at the Amboseli Game Reserve was on the agenda.

“En route, we blew a tire and discovered a wasp nest in the tire,” recalls Noble. “This was only our second flat tire since what turned out to be our wise decision to have those new steel rims handmade for the Jeep.”

“The Masai Foundation had loaned the land for the game reserve to the British Protectorate of Tanganyika,” said Noble. “This was the heart of Masai country, with their many herds of cattle, goats, and donkeys. As we drove, we regularly waved to the many Masai on the roads, who greeted us with a big ‘Jambo’ as we traveled along.”

Amboseli is flat, dry and full of thick bush, but according to Noble, its animals were among the easiest to see. “As we entered, a large bull elephant charged our Jeep, along with a black rhino charge immediately thereafter,” said Noble. “Each animal stopped about 50 feet from our Jeep, which was about the size of a large elephant. Our Jeep ‘out-stared’ each charging animal, but were we pushing our luck?”

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

After viewing hundreds of Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles, as well as an equal number of impala, gnu, and zebra, Dean and Noble exited the game reserve before sundown and headed into the community of Amanga, which was on the border of Kenya and Tanganyika, where Noble purchased a Masai spear for $5.60.

Traveling 100 miles north, they found themselves in Nairobi, the commercial capital of East Africa – at 5,500 feet it was, according to Noble, “a fascinating place.”

Once in Nairobi, Dean wanted to fly to Madagascar to see its

Noble writing up his many notes.

many endemic birds but the $150 round trip cost on Air France was prohibitive. “So, he had to wait until he was a storied ornithological professor in Texas before he could visit Madagascar,” said Noble.

Noble set about looking for a source of funds, hoping to sell the story of their trek to an advertiser. Sure enough, Bardahl, a US company that was the leading brand in motor oil and oil additives, was interested in the story, tendering one hundred British pounds for the opportunity for the Jeep to sport a Bardahl sticker advertising that the Bardahl

brand was used in the trek. Free gas was also exchanged if the pair would place the familiar Mobil Oil Pegasus sticker on the side of the Jeep.

“Dean’s plan was to set off for parts unknown to him or me.

There was no way any unknown would stop Dean from seeing his birds, and there was no discomfort which he might have to endure that could stop him.

He was unstoppable – that is why I invited him to join me in the first place,” said Noble.

With Dean off bird watching, the Jeep was left in the solo care of Noble. “The Jeep was still greatly overweight from the factory-recommended 7,000 pounds,” said Noble. “Back in Brazil, we weighed in at 9,500 pounds. We were having trouble with spring hangar brackets snapping, the front end axle splitting and were greatly overtaxing the engine, requiring us to run in low gear.

I needed to find a way to lessen the Jeep’s weight.”

Noble at the equator with a bunch of Kenyan school boys.

plus pick up some cash,“ said Noble. “We just might be home free from an overweight point of view; our front end would breathe a little easier and we could get a little further down the road!”

Stay tuned – Where did Dean go? Out birding, of course, but he left on foot, taking off for the Belgian Congo and the Ituri

Jungle where special tropical birds reside. How far was that from Nairobi? Three thousand miles! How would Noble find Dean? After all, there was no forwarding address and no hotel at which he was staying. Dean was alone in the bush. But what bush and on what road?

That challenge is answered in our next edition of Global Noble!

“Ampex had given me a stereophonic tape recorder that came in three suitcases, weighting in at 35 pounds each,” said Noble. “Selling that could be an option but who would want that in Nairobi?

Luckily I was able to sell it to a production company for $500.

We were losing weight and picking up cash!”

“Now, if I could just find a farmer who would appreciate our Mercury 2KW electric generator mounted over the cab, along with our heavy refrigerator, we could lose another 300 pounds,

Elephant in Amboseli Game Reserve in Kenya.

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Hey Solo Travelers – Are You Ready For An Epic Vacation?

Come join your fellow Thousand Trails members on November 16, 2014 when we sail Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Epic round-trip out of Miami.

We’ll visit the beautiful ports of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where you can climb the Dunn’s River Falls, shop at one of the many local stalls, visit a sugar cane plantation, or spend the day at the beach.

Then, it’s on to George Town, Cayman Islands. The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is famous for its Seven Mile Beach, the popular Stingray City and its excellent diving. Both nature and history are preserved underwater with a collection of easily viewed shipwrecks.

Our last port of call is the island of Cozumel, off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, which continues to be known for its fantastic fishing, snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Norwegian Epic is the ship of choice for those sailing on a Caribbean cruise because Norwegian has literally changed the face of cruise line entertainment with the introduction of Blue Man Group at sea, and that’s just the beginning.

Norwegian Epic is offering worldclass performers and a new wave of accommodations – from Studios, designed and priced for the solo traveler, to the private Haven.

Add more than 20 different dining options and you’ll understand why this is Freestyle Cruising on a truly grand scale.

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What’s Included?

• 7 complimentary dining options, from three-course dining to endless buffets with action stations.

• Entertainment day and night with Blue Man Group, Legends in Concert, live comedy, jazz club, dueling piano bar, and a wealth of clubs and lounges.

Studios for Solo Travelers The Norwegian Epic was the first of the Norwegian fleet to feature studio cabins (128 in all) targeted at, and priced for ,solo cruisers - no single supplement required. (now also available on NCL’s Breakaway, Getaway, Escape, and Pride of America.)

These studios are cool and hip, right down to the funky lighting and flat screen TV. These staterooms have a full size bed for one. The biggest • Fitness center, sports court, perk is that studio guests have private access to The Living Room, climbing and rappelling wall, aqua which is a shared social lounge park, pools, and hot tubs. just for studio guests, that boasts • Youth programs for children a bar (with daily hosted pre-dinner ages 3-17. gatherings), coffee making facilities, two large TV screens and comfy • Attentive room steward and seating for hanging out, reading a complimentary room service. book, and mingling with other solo • $50 Onboard Credit when booking travelers.

through Preferred Access

*Preferred Access offers members substantial savings on resort condominium accommodations with weekly rates as low as $299.

Members also receive up to 30% off participating hotels and car rental discounts. Plus, we now offer personalized cruise booking service. Not only will we work to get you the best cruise price, but we also offer special amenities such as Onboard Credit, prepaid gratuities, and shore excursions, on hundreds of cruises each year.

Whether you’re looking for last minute travel bargains or planning a once in a lifetime vacation, Preferred Access is here to help.

The November 16 sailing date is open to all Thousand Trails members, as well as their friends and family. Whether you’re traveling by yourself or with your family or friends, we’re sure you’re going to enjoy this fun-filled cruise. And, book by August 30 and you’ll receive $50 Onboard Credit, compliments of Preferred Access!

*Preferred Access is included with the following memberships RPI Preferred Gold and RPI Preferred with Resort Connections.

To find out if your membership is eligible, call 800-281-4977.

WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER? Pictured left to right: Preserve Manager, Lynn Mishnick , William and Monica Gardella and their family.

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2014 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

Lucky winners,

William & Monica Gardella from Boyd, TX, were camping at Bay Landing when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card.

When you pay your annual dues for 2014 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 2014. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2014, 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, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails preserve. 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, 2014. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

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The

Pacific Coast

Highway

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

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Along with other iconic drives like Route 66, Route 1 down the Atlantic coast, and the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway,

the Pacific Coast Highway is simply one of those bucket list roads every American should drive at least once. Running from the rugged coastline of northwest Washington State near Seattle down through Oregon and California to San Diego, the PCH is perfect for varied segments or the entire 1,650 mile drive.

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Washington Running around 300 miles to the Oregon state line, the aptly-named Evergreen State’s portion of the Pacific Coast Highway is generally assumed to start in Port Townsend, overlooking Puget Sound. However, many PCH adventurers start their drive in Seattle and head straight to the coast in Aberdeen. But historic Port Townsend is well worth the initial diversion north, as is the drive west on Routes 20 and 101 along Puget Sound before starting down the coast to California. This route is in the shadow of the Olympic Mountains and sprawling Olympic National Park.

Along with an interesting museum in City Hall, historic Port Townsend also features shopping, 1907’s Rose Theater (next to tasty fish and chips specialists, Silverwater Café,) and the former military base at Fort Worden State Park, where much of “An Officer and a Gentleman” was filmed and where there is now an excellent marine science museum and more (including reenactments.)

Next comes quaint Sequim (pronounced “Skwim”,) including the Museum & Arts Center in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley and the popular Hi-Way 101 Diner. Less than ten miles to the north, by taking Dungeness Loop from US 101 past lavender farms and the Museum & Arts Center’s historic reconstructed Dungeness Schoolhouse, Dungeness is a sprawling sand spit diversion just to the north.

Busy Port Angeles is next, including the Feiro Marine Life Center and easy access to Olympic National Park. Though it looks appealing, Route 112 that parallels US 101 is not recommended for those driving big rigs. Instead, alluring Lake Crescent is further west on curving and scenic US 101, with blue water, boating, hiking, and more.

The road then turns south toward Forks, where timber once ruled (check out the Forks Timber Museum) Seattle’s Space Needle 38

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and today tourists outnumber lumber trucks. South of Forks, Hoh Rainforest is less than 20 miles to the east and well worth a visit.

Next down the coast comes stunning Ruby Beach, a premier example of Washington State’s wild coastline and driftwood-draped beaches. US 101 then turns east at Quinault, heading to Lake Quinault and lots of misty water- and landbased activities before turning south again to bustling Aberdeen, where many PCH explorers choose to start their drive south. For those starting in Port Townsend, Lake Quinault is well worth the very short diversion from US 101, with varied hikes to waterfalls, the world’s largest spruce, the little Lake Quinault Museum, and in-season salmon, rainbow trout, and more at lakefront Salmon House. Situated at Grays Harbor on the Chehalis River, Aberdeen features the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, with tours.

Situated at Grays Harbor on the Chehalis River, Aberdeen features the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, with tours and programs revolving around the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. Breakwater Seafood &

Chowder House is a great place to head for another fresh seafood fix.

US 101 heads south out of Aberdeen, though many choose to take Highway 105 out to salmon-crazed Westport on the coast, where visitors find sausage, smoked items, and more at Bay City Sausage, famed local oysters at Brady’s Oysters and lots of fresh seafood at Bennett’s Fish Shack (they also have locations in Grayland and Ocean Shores). After heading through Tokeland on Willapa Bay, Route 105 rejoins US 101 just north of Raymond and South Bend.

Olympic Sculpture Park – part of the Seattle Art Museum.

Pike Place Market overlooks the Elliott Bay waterfront.

Connected by the Chehalis Trail for walkers and bikers, Raymond is a timber town and home of the excellent Willapa Seaport Museum, while South Bend (“Oyster Capital of the World”) focuses on tasty Willapa Bay oysters. River View Dining is a great place to sample the local bivalves—where the most popular way to order them is grilled. South Bend’s large Pacific County Courthouse features a huge stained glass dome.

The drive down the rest of Washington’s coastline to the Columbia River and the Oregon state line is equally gorgeous, including a possible diversion on Route 103 to the Long Beach Peninsula and little coastal towns AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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like Long Beach, Nahcotta (home of the Moby Dick Hotel and Oyster Farm), and appropriately-named Oysterville. Cape Disappointment is anything but, thanks to the Cape Disappointment State Park, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the North Head Lighthouse, the eight-mile Discovery Trail to Long Beach, Confluence Project installations

by Maya Lin (of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial fame), and seafood back on US 101 at Pelicano Restaurant on the waterfront in Ilwaco.

Oregon Running for more than 350 miles along the rugged Oregon coast from Astoria to Brookings, the Beaver State’s stretch of PCH

features a bevy of protected areas hugging the cold Pacific Ocean, where fresh seafood is found for all to enjoy. First comes historic Astoria on the Columbia River, with possible highlights including the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Flavel House Museum, and smoked fish and more at Josephson’s Smokehouse.

Gearhart’s claim to fame is that it was once the summer home of famed foodie James Beard. Foodies passing through Gearhart today will want to head to pretty Pacific Way Bakery & Café on the way to the beach.

Tony’s Crab Shack Seafood and Grill Bandon, Oregon.

Cliffs and foliage tower above the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon coastline.

The busy and fun beach town of (at least for the Oregon coast) Seaside is next, where there’s the historic Seaside Aquarium, and an “End of the Trail” statue dedicated to Lewis and Clark’s reaching the Pacific Ocean in 1805. Nearby, a recreation of their salt works is part of Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.

After Ecola State Park and Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, quiet Cannon Beach is just to the south.

Along with artsy shopping opportunities, there’s great clam chowder and much more at highly-recommended Ecola Seafoods Restaurant & Market.

Mo’s is another tasty option, but if you miss it here, you’ll have more Mo’s to catch in Lincoln City, Otter Rock, Newport (two locations), and Florence. Mo’s is also wellknown for their clam chowder.

US 101 along the stretch south of Cannon Beach provides great views to the Pacific below before reaching the town of Tillamook. The sprawling Tillamook Air Museum is certainly a draw, but many people come to Tillamook specifically for the cheese

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and other dairy products from famed Tillamook Cheese, where there’s also a self-guided factory tour.

From Tillamook, many PCH drivers choose to stay on the coast using the Three Capes Loop (Route 131), versus heading inland on US 101.

Highlights on this alternative route down through Pacific City before rejoining the PCH proper include famed Cape Lookout (and Cape Lookout State Park), Cape Kiwanda and towering Haystack Rock, and coastal towns like Oceanside, Netarts (look for Schooner Restaurant & Lounge on the harbor), and Sandlake.

Busy Lincoln City has lots of fast food options, but fresh seafood is a tastier option at varied possibilities like aforementioned Mo’s, Roadhouse 101, Oceans Apart (Hawaiian cuisine), and Chinook’s Seafood Grill at Chinook Winds Casino Resort. After driving more rugged coastline including frothy and appropriatelynamed Cape Foulweather, Newport is best-known as the home of nearby Yaquina Head Lighthouse, eclectic Rogue Ales World Headquarters, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Yaquina Bay oysters. Local oysters, clam chowder, and more local seafood are on the menu at both bayside Mo’s locations (including the original one.)

Quieter Waldport and Yachats (pronounced “Yahots”) are just south, with Waldport’s Alsea Bay Historic Interpretive Center, nearby Heceta Head Lighthouse sits along the Oregon coast outside Florence.

Siuslaw National Forest, and the seafood plates at Leroy’s Blue Whale in Yachats among the possibilities.

Iconic Cape Perpetua is just south of town, as is the famous Haceta Head Light and Sea Lion Caves, where Stellar sea lions and more can be viewed.

PCH drivers headed south next enter Florence on the pretty Siuslaw River Bridge. Historic downtown is worth a stop, as is Waterfront Depot Restaurant & Bar on the river.

Towering sand dunes for 50-plus miles south of Florence are certainly a PCH highlight in Oregon. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Visitors Center in Reedsport is a perfect place to learn more.

With some of the largest sand dunes in the world, Umpqua Dunes, less than 10 miles south of town, is a great option. The Dean Creek Elk viewing area is also just three miles east of Reedsport on the Umpqua River. The timber town of Coos Bay

Pacific City RV Resort – Cloverdale, OR. Photo credit Ivan Chilcote.

was the hometown of the late running sensation, Steve Prefontaine, and there’s a monument to him here.

Coos Bay is also the home of The Mill Casino (with bayside Plank House restaurant) and Sharkbites, a ‘seafood café.’

Heading south toward quaint Bandon, look for Bullards Beach State Park, where the driftwood is often especially dramatic and Coquille River Light is especially picture-worthy. Historic Bandon has several highlights, including Beach Loop Drive, the Bandon Historical Society Museum in the former city hall, and the Bandon Driftwood Museum (and store) in Big Wheel General Store. Tony’s Crab Shack is a great place to sample the daily catch. South of Bandon, US 101 leads past local myrtlewood shops to the nearby, and typically windy, Cape Blanco Lighthouse (Oregon’s oldest and tallest), windswept Port Orford, Humbug Mountain State Park, and Prehistoric Gardens, an incongruous collection of concrete dinosaurs that stand in contrast to the natural coastline surrounding it. Down in Gold Beach, jet boat tours on the Rogue River and catching or eating fresh salmon are popular pursuits (Barnacle Bistro and Chowder House are two tasty options.)

Known as the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the 28-mile AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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drive on US 101 from Gold Beach to Brookings is a fittingly scenic end to Oregon’s portion of the PCH. Stunning views and pull offs await alert drivers, with Harris Beach State Park one final highlight before Brookings and the California state line.

California The Golden State features about a thousand miles of PCH pleasures

and it gets started with a bang almost as soon as drivers cross the state line. First comes Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park running down the eastern side of US 101, with lots of huge redwoods and hiking trails to see them. Next, Crescent City (with quick and tasty Chinese combos at Wing Wah) can serve as a base for exploring the state park more thoroughly or heading south to Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Trees of Mystery (look for huge wooden and stucco statues of Babe the Blue Ox and Paul Bunyan), the town of Klamath, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and the iconic Redwood National Park.

This is classic northern California coastal nature at its best.

Patrick’s Point State Park is just south of Orick and it offers great views of the Pacific from above the crashing waves. Next, the drive down to Arcata and Eureka on US 101 is mostly on four-lane highway, though the old PCH does still precariously perch over the Pacific in spots. Arcata’s a great little town – catch the vibe at their Saturday farmers’ market The Original 101 Diner in Encinitas, CA.

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Bixby Creek Arch Bridge in Big Sur, CA.

on Arcata Plaza or at the nearby North Coast Co-op. So is Eureka, with its historic and walkable Old Town and more great places to stock up or eat out (like Sea Grill). Located across the water from Eureka, the timber town of Samoa features Samoa Cookhouse, an old company cookhouse that now welcomes hungry visitors.

US 101 cuts inland at Fortuna, making for a relatively quick run down to Leggett, before joining Route 1 to head back to the coast.

Known as “The Lost Coast,” the curving coastal road to the west might seem appealing, but it’s not recommended for anyone in a big rig. US 101 passes through Scotia and then reaches the largest number of giant redwoods in the world at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. At more than 30 miles in length, “Avenue of the Giants” is well worth the diversion.

More towering redwoods follow all the way down to Leggett and its drive-through Chandelier Tree (locals say it’s the original one among many more that followed.)

The PCH then heads back out to

the coast on Route 1 for the stunning drive down to Fort Bragg and beyond.

South of quieter Rockport and Westport, busy Fort Bragg is a great stop to quench hunger and thirst at the likes of North Coast Brewing Co. (makers of popular Red Seal Ale) or the classic Golden West Saloon.

Those hungry for foliage beyond big redwoods will enjoy Fort Bragg’s Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, while sea glass collectors may want to check out famed Glass Beach.

Quaint Mendocino is just 10 miles to the south, with highlights including A majestic redwood along the Avenue of the Giants in Weott, California.

Ford House Visitor Center & Museum, Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino Headlands State Park, Van Damme State Park, and lots of dining options.

Route 1 continues along the coast to Elk, while Route 128 heads southeast to the Boonville and Anderson Valley wine country. Those staying on the PCH will want to head to Elk, where the Elk Garage and Queenie’s Roadhouse Café are must-stops.

The road hugs the Pacific heading south through Point Arena, Gualala, and several stunning state parks to Guerneville and the Russian River. Once slated for a nuclear plant, a stretch of shoreline near Point Arena was recently added to offshore California Coastal National Monument, marking the first piece of coastal land proper to become part of the national monument.

Sonoma Coast State Park is also definitely a highlight here, as are Bodega Bay and little Bodega, the setting for Hitchcock’s “The Birds.”

Though many PCH drivers tend to then take faster US 101 down to and through San Francisco, US 1 and the PCH do continue along the coast through Tomales Bay through Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Muir Woods, Muir Beach, and the Marin Headlands before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco.

US 1 goes through San Francisco before hitting the Pacific coastline again at aptly-named Pacifica. The PCH then hugs the coast down through Montara and Princeton, before

Neptune’s Net in Malibu, California is known for their fabulous seafood.

reaching relatively rural Half Moon Bay. Next, 50-plus miles of coastal driving past lots of beaches leads to Pescadero and then, about ten miles further south, picture-perfect Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Next, Año Nuevo State Park is where huge northern elephant seals lumber ashore each winter to birth and mate – it’s well worth a visit any time of year.

Santa Cruz is next, with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (the area is “the birthplace of mainland surfing”), and the unique redwoods at nearby Mystery Spot. After passing through Watsonville and Castroville, the PCH heads back to landmark Monterey.

Many highlights await here, including Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, Custom House, and Monterey’s Fish House. Nearby Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are other coastal California classics.

Big Sur is next and it just may be the prettiest section of the entire PCH – and that’s saying something.

The curving drive along the rocky coastline passes through thousands of acres of protected areas along the coast and inland. Possible stops when passing through Big Sur country include Garrapata State Park, Big Sur Village, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, dining and toasting with a view at Nepenthe, the Henry AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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Miller Memorial Library, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and little Lucia.

Just north of San Simeon, remote Hearst Castle is a Golden State landmark and is well worth the short diversion to see how the other half lived. Back on the PCH, a relatively commercial stretch leads through Cambria and Cayucos to Morro Bay (look for Dorn’s Original Breakers Café), San Luis Obispo (home of historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the fantastical Madonna Inn), and beyond – including lots of other Spanish missions running all the way to San Diego.

Pismo Beach is a great sandy stop, including great seafood at Splash Cafe (with two more locations in San Luis Obispo) and Cracked Crab. Route 1 then goes through Guadeloupe and Lompoc, plus the beautiful beaches along Gaviota State Park and Regugio State Beach, before arriving at Santa Barbara – where highlights might include Mission Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and seafood at Enterprise Fish Co. (they also have a location in Santa Monica, the terminus of Route 66.)

Ventura, Santa Monica, Topanga Canyon, The J. Paul Getty Museum, and Malibu follow, with lots of great PCH beach stops along the 44

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California’s Pismo Beach is considered the “clam capital of the world.”

way. Neptune’s Net, about 15 minutes south of Point Mugu State Park, makes for a great place to stop for the views and fresh seafood.

After sprawling Los Angeles and all of its possibilities on and off the coast, Long Beach awaits with the Queen Mary (now a floating hotel with several dining and imbibing options) and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Next come lots of beach towns and cities, including Huntington Beach (look for the International Surfing Museum), Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente (home of Richard Nixon’s “Western White

House.”) There are also several coastal missions along the drive, including Mission San Juan Capistrano and Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia.

Possible stops before heading into San Diego proper and the end – or beginning – of the PCH include Oceanside’s classic 101 Café, Carlsbad’s Legoland, South Carlsbad State Park, Del Mar, peaceful Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and La Jolla. Though mostly paved over by I-5, old US 101 can still be followed right into San Diego proper. ■

The Queen Mary, once the grandest ocean liner in the world, is now a hotel and entertainment venue.

some of the rarest World War II war birds and artifacts in the world.

Varied boat, seaplane, and helicopter tours offer additional unique ways to explore the city and the truly stunning surrounding landscapes and seascapes.

The sightseeing possibilities include Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Mount Ranier, Mount St. Helens, and even excursions up to Victoria and Vancouver in Canada’s British Columbia.

Seattle, Washington

Seeing Seattle There’s so much to see and experience in Seattle that it warrants a multi-day stay before or after a trip on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Of course, Pike Place Market is right on the water downtown and it’s a great place to start. Rachel, the famous bronze piggy bank, is near the main entrance. So is Pike Place Fish Company, home of the famous fish-throwers. The main level features other seafood shops, colorful flower stalls, and lots of produce stands, while the lower level offers one-of-akind shopping stops. Various Pike Place Market tours are highly recommended.

Come evening, Seattle culture and cuisine beckon. The Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest Ballet both perform in McGaw Hall at the Seattle Center, while the Seattle Symphony Orchestra plays at Benaroya Hall.

For dinner, it’s hard to beat fabled and fresh northwest cuisine and more at one of award-winning chef Tom Douglas’s menu of many restaurants – like Seatown, Palace Kitchen, and more.

Seeing San Diego San Diego is a dynamic urban center with trendy new restaurants, nightclubs and retail shops. Downtown is composed of eight distinct neighborhoods, including the historic Gaslamp Quarter, colorful Little Italy, and the up-and-coming East Village – each with a distinct personality and allure.

The Seattle Center is also nearby and hard to miss. Here, Seattle explorers can speed up an elevator in the Space Needle to the 520-foot-high observation deck. There’s also don’t-miss contemporary popular culture at Frank Gehry-designed EMP Museum (founded by Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen), the Pacific Science Center, and Chihuly Garden and Glass—the most comprehensive collection of Dale Chihuly’s artwork ever assembled in one place.

The Gaslamp Quarter features 16 ½ blocks listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has grand Victorian buildings that are home to many of San Diego’s finest restaurants, bars, and shops. Once home to generations of Italian families who made their living in the local tuna fishing industry, charming Little Italy is a quaint and lively neighborhood filled with outdoor patio cafes, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, boutique shops, and beautiful Amici Park. The revitalization of East Village, a former warehouse district, was ignited in 2004 with the opening of Petco Park, the San Diego Padres’ baseball stadium. Today, visitors can enjoy trendy hotels, fashionable restaurants and cafes, rooftop bars, boutique shops, and live music venues scattered throughout the area.

Depending on visitor interests, other Seattle options include the Seattle Art Museum (SAM); the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI, including the new Bezos Center for Innovation, supported by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, and his wife, MacKenzie); the Museum of Flight; and Paul G. Allen’s Flying Heritage Collection, which recently opened a second hangar, that displays

San Diego is not only California’s birthplace – it is also the state’s historic soul. Visitors can forego the history books and instead travel to San Diego for a lesson on California’s beginnings. Whether it is visiting Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma where California was first discovered in 1542, or exploring a gold mine from the Southern California

A short walk along the waterfront reveals stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains before arriving at the Olympic Waterfront Park. Here, 20-plus groundbreaking large-scale sculptures are set in an outdoor setting.

gold rush days of 1869 in the historic mountain town of Julian, San Diego is steeped in history.

Notable historic settings include Mission San Diego de Alcala and Mission San Luis Rey, the first and largest of California’s missions respectively; Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, representing San Diego’s rich Hispanic heritage from 1821 to 1872; and downtown’s aforementioned Gaslamp Quarter, which was an infamous “red light” district during the Wild West days of the late-1800s.

San Diego’s rich interest in arts and culture is showcased in some 90 museums, historic sites and monuments.

The 1,200-acre Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the United States, is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West” and is home to 15 museums, numerous art galleries, five theaters, and 16 beautiful gardens. San Diego is also home to the San Diego Opera, San Diego Symphony and a kaleidoscope of theater, dance, music, street festivals, and visual art events that are held throughout the year.

Thanks to a diverse landscape and mild temperatures year-round, San Diego is a farmer’s paradise. With more than 6,000 farmers in San Diego County, the region boasts more small family farms than any other county in the nation and grows some of the country’s most sought-after produce.

Embracing the fruits of the land, top chef talent and restaurateurs focus on local culture over trends and offer a wealth of multifaceted and multicultural culinary experiences. The region’s 6,700 - plus eateries encompass everything from sophisticated temples of haute cuisine to casual, surfside taco and burger shacks – all sharing a commitment to fresh ingredients that are the heart and soul of the San Diego dining tradition. ■ San Diego, California

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A Palate of Possibilities

by Kim Wuchter You should never let a town’s size fool you. Some small towns have big reputations in the art world. With beautiful surroundings, these rural gems are magnets for painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, performers, and craftsmen, looking to escape the urban sprawl. Artists come to create and collaborate with other artists, to teach and learn, and hone their crafts. For tourists, it’s a great opportunity to soak up the creative atmosphere, find inspiration, as well as bring home a one-of-a-kind treasure. Often, you can meet the artist, ask questions and tour their studios or galleries as well.

To help you delve into the art world, Trailblazer presents a few great small town artist colonies, starting in the east and heading west. They are all just a short hop from a Thousand Trails or Encore location.

Provincetown, Massachusetts Provincetown claims to be the oldest continuously operating artist’s colony in the United States. Prominent art students and teachers were drawn to Provincetown for the beautiful light, natural landscapes, and rustic scenes.

It began when painter Charles 46

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Webster Hawthorne arrived in Provincetown in 1899 and founded the Cape Cod School of Art, where he taught painting for the following 30 summers. Other artists soon followed Hawthorne and opened up their own art schools. By 1916, a Boston Globe headline declared “Biggest Art Colony in the World at Provincetown.” The new art schools and art movements grew into a year-round arts community of young, aspiring artists.

Today, Provincetown remains a haven for artists in every medium – painting, sculpting, theater, writing, and music. The vibrant arts community offers an atmosphere of support, collaboration and learning opportunities. Commercial Street is lined with privately owned art galleries that host Gallery Strolls every Friday night during the summer. These free open houses allow arts enthusiasts to browse and meet local and visiting artists and gallery owners.

Gateway to Cape Cod RV Campground, in Rochester, MA, is approx. 83 miles from Provincetown.

Highlands, North Carolina With fewer than 1,000 permanent residents, Highlands is located on a plateau in Macon County in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

It sits on the borders of the

Gallery shopping in Provincetown.

Carolinas and Georgia. In the summer, the population swells as the Highlands attracts vacationers looking to escape the oppressive heat and humidity of low-lying areas. The arts scene is active year-round with the new and bustling Bascom Center for Visual Arts and four theaters as well as antiques dealers and galleries.

The Bascom Center provides audiences of all ages with diverse exhibitions, studio art instruction and other cultural experiences.

The six-acre campus includes six buildings. The Bascom offers a community gathering place amid art and nature, along with many program offerings. Exhibitions highlight the work of the many talented artists who live and work Bascom Center: Photo Courtesy of Bascom Center

in the region as well as exhibitions of world-renowned artists whose work might not otherwise be seen in this community. Nearly 400 educational offerings are scheduled each year in indoor and outdoor classrooms, including adult and children’s classes, family art experiences, artist demonstrations, docent training and more.

One of the area galleries that stands out is the Ann Jacob Gallery, one of the first contemporary galleries in the Southeast. Established in 1968, the gallery holds continuous exhibitions of regional, national, and international artists working in all mediums. Also, be sure to visit the Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass. It is considered one of the finest collections of its kind in the world.

Carolina Landing RV Resort, in Fair Play, SC, is approx. 60 miles from Highlands, NC.

Sarasota, Florida Set among moss-draped oaks and sculpture gardens, Towles Court, just a few blocks from downtown Sarasota, features galleries, boutiques and art studios housed in quirky “Old Florida” bungalows and wildly colored cabins. Dozens of artists work out of this colony, and the studio and galleries feature everything from silver jewelry to classic watercolors.

You can commission a portrait, take an art class or just spend the day browsing. When you tire of shopping, stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants mixed in between the galleries, or stumble upon an impromptu Tai-Chi class in the outdoor sculpture garden.

On the third Friday of each month, the galleries open their doors for a monthly art walk from 6 to 10 pm. The studios serve up refreshments and there’s usually some live music.

In addition to Towles Court, Sarasota hosts a smorgasbord of art events from early fall through late spring. Just about any week you’ll find offerings in theater, dance, visual arts and more.

For art lovers, a must-see is the renowned Ringling Museum of Art, which is an impressive 31 galleries filled with treasures from old

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Rockport, Texas A fishing and birding haven, Rockport is often called a sportsmen’s paradise. But it is also an art lover’s paradise. The coastal town is home to a vibrant arts scene with more than 200 working artists living in the area.

In the downtown, there are 15 art galleries, many of which feature nationally recognized artists.

The heart of the art community is found at the Rockport Center for the Arts, which encompasses three art galleries, numerous workshops and classes throughout the year, and a Sculpture Garden on Aransas Bay.

Working in studio in Gatlinburg: Photo courtesy of Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development

masters to contemporary art. In October, thousands of arts lovers converge on the museum grounds for the Ringling International Arts Festival. More than one hundred performers from across the US, Central and South America, the Middle East, Europe, and Great Britain perform in dance, jazz, comic puppetry, world music, a touch of circus, and more.

Encore RV Resorts offers four locations less than 30 minutes from Sarasota. They include Ramblers Rest in Venice, Royal Coachman in Nokomis, Terra Ceia in Palmetto, and Winter Quarters-Manatee in Bradenton.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee The scenic beauty of the Smoky Mountains serves as home and inspiration to the artist colony of Gatlinburg. This band of artists and craftsmen claim to 48

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be the largest organization of independent artisans in the nation.

The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop is an eight-mile loop along Route 321 where most of the major artists in the area live and work. You’ll find a wide range of authentic mountain handiwork such as wood carvings, hand thrown pottery, quilts, paintings, handblown glass, and more. With over 100 craft shops, studios and galleries, there’s plenty to see every day of the year. You can visit with the artists and craftsmen, see them work and purchase wonderful keepsake items. Most shops open at 10 a.m. and close around 5 p.m. daily. All of the studios are open to the public, and most artists specialize in themes related to the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains, whatever their medium. An old-fashioned trolley transports visitors around the loop for $1.

Encore’s Scenic RV Resort, in Asheville, NC, is approx. 85 miles from Gatlinburg.

The town, which was named a “Top 10 Coastal Art Colony” by Coastal Living Magazine, can trace its artistic roots back to 1948 when world traveler Simon Michael opened the “Fulton School of Painting.” Today, the area is home to nationally recognized sporting and wildlife artists such as Al Barnes, Herb Booth, and Steve Russell, and one of the most recognized visionary sculptors in the world, Jesus Moroles. Moroles was awarded the 2008 National Medal of Arts by President Bush and the 2007 Texas Visual Artist of the Year. He currently has his foundry and studio in Rockport.

The annual Rockport Art Festival on July Fourth weekend attracts thousands of tourists to Rockport each year. It’s one of the largest juried art festivals in the US. Encore has 10 resorts located in the Rio Grande Valley, located approx. 2 hours from Rockport.

Jerome, Arizona Once a booming copper mining town and then a ghost town, Jerome has rebuilt itself into a thriving artist community. Located high on top of Cleopatra Hill (5,200

feet high) between Prescott and Flagstaff, Jerome is now a bustling tourist destination and artistic community with a population of about 450. Much of the population is working artists, writers, and musicians with a very eclectic mix of art galleries and working studios, open to the public.

Starting in the 1960s, artists started locating in Jerome, helping to revitalize the old ghost town. They moved into some of the town’s historic, abandoned buildings and turned them into studios and galleries. One of the most well-known local artists is Cody DeLong. His public gallery and studio is located next to the visitor center. Specializing in high quality oil paintings of Jerome, The Grand Canyon and the Southwest, DeLong has earned a national reputation and his work has been showcased in many magazines

Salt Spring Saturday Market

Jerome’s galleries and artist studios host an Art Walk and keep their doors open until 8 p.m. Some serve appetizers or desserts, and often bring in live music. It’s a great chance to meet the artists and see their work.

An easy-to-read map of the Jerome Art Walk is available at the various galleries, and a free shuttle service is provided to help navigate the hilly terrain.

A noteworthy stop is Gallery 527, which is home to some of northern Arizona’s finest artists showing their work in a beautifully restored, 100-year-old building.

This impressive collection of painting, sculpture, ceramics, fused glass, jewelry, photography, and a lovely outdoor sculpture garden is a must see for gallery lovers. It’s open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort is less than 10 miles from Jerome.

Gallery shopping in Jerome

and museum shows. You can buy prints, see what Cody is working on or sign up for classes.

More than a dozen galleries are located in the center of town, offering a chance to meet the artists and see handcrafted art including jewelry, pottery, glass, leatherwork, clothing, paintings and sculptures and more made both locally and internationally.

On the first Saturday of the month,

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia In the southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Salt Spring Island has been often called one of North America’s best small arts towns. The island, which is the largest of British Columbia’s Gulf Island archipelago, gets its name from the naturally occurring springs on the island. It’s just an hour and a half away by ferry boat from Vancouver. One of the most

well-known artists on the island is wildlife painter Robert Bateman.

Some 34 studios are sprinkled throughout the island, many of which offer tours where you can view and purchase the creations of the artists. Some of the studios offer a unique experience such as a workshop or demonstration. Artists may be present to answer questions about their work and help you understand the creative process.

In the downtown core, you can take a self-guided exploration of a series of galleries with exquisite pieces in various mediums, all within walking distance. ArtSpring, the local performing arts center, hosts rotating art exhibitions year-round.

The Salt Spring Saturday Market is widely regarded as one of the best in Canada and features more than 150 vendors. It displays a great cross-section of the high quality arts and crafts including paintings, pottery, jewelry, clothing, weaving. and woodworks. The market is at Centennial Park in Ganges.

This year the market’s hours will expand to include Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Salt Spring Island is accessible via ferry from Seattle, Washington.

Both the Thunderbird and Tall Chief preserves are conveniently located to Seattle. ■

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ACROSS 1 Compass Direction 4 Caviar 7 To be announced (abbr.)

10 Other (sp.)

11 Yale student 12 Heat 14 Charged lepton 15 Apt 17 Aid to Dependent Children (abbr.)

18 Flexible wood 19 Noun-forming (suf.)

20 Ironwood 22 Nose (pref.)

24 Fort 27 19th century rifle bullet 31 Blue (Fr.) 32 Stool pigeon 34 Estrade 35 Showy flower 37 Therm 39 Crab-eating macaque 41 Wood (Lat.) 42 Dead on arrival (abbr.)

45 Aloe derivative 47 Possesses 50 Slub (2 words) 52 False friend 53 Half a ticket 54 Indo-Chin. language 55 Trolley 56 This one (lat.)

57 Finesse 58 Trouble

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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DOWN 1 Detachable button 2 Upholstery fabric 3 Eternity 4 Roe (2 words) 5 Strong-scented 6 Iron (ger.)

7 Brace 8 Low 9 Son of Zeus 10 Tumor (suf.)

13 Physicians, for short 16 Carriage 18 Old Times 21 Seal with oakum 23 Ancient Syrian port 24 Can. Broadcasting Corp. (abbr) 25 Bantu Language 26 Shellac 28 4th incarnation of Vishnu 29 3 (Rom. numeral) 30 Compass direction 33 Palm 36 Russ. inland sea 38 Swed. country 40 Bastard wing 42 Abnormal (pref.)

43 Pledge 44 Aoudad 46 Mosque in Jerusalem 48 Bedouin headband cord 49 Benedictine title 51 Television channel 52 Thus (Lat.)

4

paws ROAD ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Finding new, sun soaked adventures is one of my favorite daily activities and I know my dogs look forward to our quality time together, too. Here are a few helpful tips that will ensure the best overall experience for you both on your next trek.

It’s About The Journey A hike is much more demanding than a stroll around the campground and each one of us, as well as our dogs, has different physical needs and restrictions. Plan out your route ahead of time and consider the level of challenge you are embarking on to be sure you and Fido don’t get halfway into something you can’t safely return from. Remember older dogs and people each have different fitness levels and joint pains so plan a hike that is at a comfort level well suited for you both. There is a lot to take in, so enjoy the journey

even more by resting in a shady area every 30-60 minutes and refuel with your friend.

Plan to pack more water than you need for both you and your four-legged friend. Natural water sources are beautiful to encounter and photograph, but are usually bacteria and virus laden, certainly not a safe water source for humans or dogs.

There are many easy to carry or clip-on, collapsible dog water bowls on the market today that will act as the perfect, portable water station for your pooch. In addition, be sure you bring along plenty of healthy snacks for you both to keep energy levels up and running.

Be mindful that your dog is current on their vaccines, including rabies, be sure they are up-to-date on heartworm prevention and some type of flea and tick control.

Jenn Swope-Gehr is now a full-time RVer whose life would not be complete without animals. A vet tech for nine years and a professional horse trainer, rider and instructor that still teaches national level clinics, Jenn’s expertise with helping animal owners to better connect with their own dogs, cats, birds and horses have been a daily source of pleasure and passion.

Jenn and her husband, Bill, travel the country year-round with their two Boston Bulldogs, Ginger and Brie.

Ginger and Brie.

Email me your comments and share your pics at TBPets@equitylifestyle.com.

By Jenn Gehr

I bring along a small backpack with these additional items to be best prepared for the unforeseen.

A pocket/utility knife, tweezers, alcohol swabs, triple antibiotic ointment, eye drops, Telfa pads, medical tape, matches, sunscreen/lip balm, LifeStraw, extra jacket/rain coat for both myself and the dogs.

Protective booties for use when your dog’s paws are showing signs of wear or when the terrain is too harsh, i.e. an area covered in lava rock, stinging nettles or thorns A hand towel to dry your pup if they get cold. An old towel or t-shirt can also be cut into strips and used as a tourniquet or sling in case of an emergency Benadryl, dye-free, 25 mg gel tablets just in case you or your dog are stung or encounter anything poisonous. *Pack along any extra medications that you or your dog are dependent on a daily basis just in case the unthinkable were to occur.

At the end of your hike, do a thorough tick check and be on the look out for any out of the ordinary skin rashes that might pop up over the next few hours. Most people and pets who are going to have a reaction to Poison Oak and Poison Ivy show symptoms of a rash, itchiness or swelling within 24-48 hours. If your dog shows symptoms, I suggest contacting your vet.

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ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Q:

Hi Bill: We so enjoy your columns and read those first! However I can’t remember where I read about an item that you put in your RV freezer that helps keep down the amount of frost you accumulate, allowing you to defrost less often. I believe it was a rectangular bar shape, fairly flat, that did not take up much room, maybe 6 x 4 inches.

Being used to “frost free” refrigerators at home, it is time consuming to have to unload a large two-door compartment and quickly defrost while trying to keep frozen food frozen.

Can you help us? If it even saves a little time and electricity, it would be worth trying!

Thanks.

A: Thank you for the kind words. It really is our pleasure to help out the RV community and make new friends along the way. The item in our freezer is an ordinary thin plastic kitchen cutting board. You can purchase them just about anywhere kitchen utensils and/or supplies are sold. They really do work well and you’ll never have to spend hours defrosting the ice that sticks to the back of your freezer plate ever again. Instead, the ice sticks to the plastic cutting board. All you’ll need to do is remove the two shelves in the freezer and as you remove the plastic cutting boards from the freezer plate, the ice will fall off the plastic. Measure the back plate of your freezer, and get the closest size cutting board, or larger, and cut to size. Remove the shelf or shelves and install the plastic cutting boards to the rear wall holding them in place while re-installing the freezer shelves to hold the plastic cutting boards in place against the back wall. Not only does it stop the ice buildup on the freezer but it extends the time by months in between defrosting. I just love inexpensive, yet effective little time savers!

Barbara and John Nelson, Mirror Lake, NH

Q:

Bill: I own a 2005 Winnebago 30B Sightseer. I need to reconnect a wire to my cigarette lighter but it is behind the radio. How do I take the radio out of the dash?

George Cooper San Jose, CA

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A:

George, I am assuming that there is no power to your lighter/power point. Are you sure the wire has dropped off? I’m thinking that there could be a blown fuse causing the problem, or possibly a ground wire, as it is unusual that this wire drops off the power point.

Removing the radio requires a special set of tools that most likely would be available at any stereo shop or RV service department.

The dash pod will lift up towards the windshield to allow to everything mounted in the dash. The pod is held down with Velcro so lift from the bottom towards the windshield. The power point is tough to get to but it is accessible as long as you’re patient. Wiring diagrams are on Winnebago’s website at www.winnebagoind.com. I hope this info is helpful to you in solving your dilemma.

A:

Q:

Thanks, Marty Holmes

Marty, I contacted Keystone in hopes of getting an answer to your bathroom light fixtures problem. I’m sorry to say, but I do not have any clear answers to report back as Keystone no longer uses this fixture. I think that the glass can be removed, but I’m not positive.

Here’s a suggestion – the next time he removes the light, take it to a local RV service center and ask them if they could tell you whether the glass can be removed or not. You could always install a quick connect fitting on the wiring so removal would be as easy as unplugging the wiring harness. The fixture is 12-volt so this should not be a problem. You can get these rubber plugs at any RV or marine parts store. You could even replace the light fixture with something easier to clean although it may be a little bit more expensive. Thank you for your patience and good luck.

Q:

A:

Hi Bill: We own a 2001 Winnebago motorhome that is wired for 30-amps. We have tried to have it changed to 50- amp with no success. I seem to remember reading in one of the RV magazines we receive about how this can be done but I can’t find the magazine. Was it in your column and if so could you tell me where to look for this.

Elaine, just to keep things simple, I’ll gladly answer your question again so you don’t have to thumb through back issues. The benefits of 50-amp service are so convenient, especially with today’s modern RVs that have more electrical appliances than ever. You can add 50-amp service to your motorhome, but the cost would be roughly $2200 or more for parts and labor. The article that you are referring to was about adding a device called the JTB. This addition will add an extra 20-amp circuit to any RV. This device will allow you to run the microwave at the same time as an conditioner or an electric water heater without turning one of the appliances on and off. You can even add to the JTB, if necessary. I use our JTB while we are connected to 30-amp service even though we have 50-amp service allowing us to essentially turn 30-amp service to 50-amp service for a fraction of the cost. There are several models and prices, and the prices and installation will very depending on the location of your service panel. Usually about 2 to 3 hours are needed for the labor of the install. For more info, check their website at www.jtbmfg.com.

Hi Bill: We have a six-year-old Keystone Big Sky. My husband spends a whole day disconnecting the wiring for the bathroom light fixtures so that I can wash the glass. This seems like insanity to me. Can the glass fixtures be removed with out having to disconnect the whole three glass bar? Please help!

Thank you.

Elaine Lipe Greenville, KY

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

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

53

Thousand Trails

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Smart Choice Auto Group & RV Sales Jersey Village, TX www.smartchoiceautogroup.com

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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www.RVontheGo.com

1-888-443-7301

Discount taken off weekly rate. Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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Classified Advertising SCRUBR Odor-Free Dishcloths & TREKR Self-Cleaning Washcloths Perfect for RVing and camping. They dry fast, rinse clean, and don’t get smelly.

(858) 653-0401 • www.lunatecgear.com

TO ADVERTISE WITH TRAILBLAZER SEND AN EMAIL TO TBads@equitylifestyle.com

CLUB CALENDAR • AUGUST 2014 TT SINGLES Central California August 22-24: Snowflower, CA September 26-28: Morgan Hill, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 467-3278 or email to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net.

Northwest August 22-24: Paradise, WA September 26-28: Cultus Lake, BC Contact: Director Marybeth Turner at (206) 255-9363 or email to Marybeth.Turner@seattle.gov; Winnie Hoyteniuk at (604) 858-9757 or email to winnie@smartt.com (British Columbia); Daphne Bailey at (503) 590-8566 or email to daphnebailey07@comcast.net (Oregon); or Linda Christofferson at (360) 653-3648 (Washington).

TT Travelers Southern California August 4-6: Idyllwild, CA September 8-10: Oakzanita, CA Contact: Cecil Brown, Wagonmaster at cecilbrown@hotmail.com or call (951) 323-1714.

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

TTN So Cal Weekenders No Campout in July August 1-3: Idyllwild, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves.

All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members.

No dues, just fellowship. Email: ttnweekenders@earthlink. netwebsite: http://home.earthlink. net/~ttnweekenders/ TTWest/FMCA August 10-12: Bend, OR (in conjunction with FMCA National Rally in Redmond, OR Aug. 13-16) September 12-14: Russian River, CA Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly. Contact Bob Litfin at (408) 226-6529 or email to clitfin@USA.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

TT of Texas/FMCA September 5-7: Lake Whitney, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com.

Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com.

We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore. blogspot.com Bounders United (BUTTN) August 18-21: Leavenworth, WA September 29-October 1: National Rally 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 Tom or Pat Kennedy at (360) 794-4903 or email at BUTTNs231@gmail.com.

TT East Trail Buddies We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members. We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or email to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com

Terms and Conditions for 2014 Referral Promotion from page 4.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined), you will receive a $45 Visa® Prepaid Card through July 31, 2014. 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 2014, not to exceed $525 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2015. 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, 2014 and December 14, 2014, 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, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA 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, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $45 Visa® Prepaid Card and you will not receive a $45 Visa® Prepaid Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. 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 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.

The show is so big, you’ll need 3 days to see it all!

September 10 - 14 Giant CenterSM 550 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033

Over 1,200 new RVs - one stop shopping The hottest RV and camping accessories Talk directly to 45 RV manufacturers

Hourly seminars featuring RV Doctor Gary Bunzer, Bob Marx, John Holod and more! #HersheyRVshow

As Featured on HGTV Free daily parking

www.largestRVshow.com (c)2014 Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. All Words, designs, and phrases appearing with the symbol ®, SM, or TM are trademarks used under license or with permission of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company

Join Our Mailing List

20th Annual Tour

Thurs,January 1,2015

Take a fabulous day trip to Pasadena for the 126th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade.

Our package includes: Continental Breakfast • Grandstand Seats Round-Trip Fare on a Deluxe Charter Bus only

$140 per person

Make your reservations now!

First come, first served (53 seats available) For more information, please call: (951) 672-7804

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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Complete

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

for

Free Prod For free pro uct Inform duct informa for produc ation and t information tion (and a chance Chance to to win $25 and drop ) circ Win! this card in 101 the mail. On le up to 25 correspon 102 103 e Fast Fac ding Fast 111 ts winner Facts num 104 112 will be sele bers 105 113 cted month 106 121 114 ly.

107 122 115 108 123 116 131 109 124 117 132 110 125 118 133 126 141 119 134 127 142 120 135 128 143 136 151 129 144 137 152 130 145 138 153 146 161 139 154 147 162 140 155 148 163 156 149 164 157 150 165 158 166 159 167 160 168 169 170 Member #

Rod Head of SeaTac, Washington

Phone #

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!

Ron & Carolyn Goodling of Dover, Pennsylvania found the evergreen tree on page 44 of the June issue.

Did you find the tree in this issue?

Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

Postmark deadline is August 31, 2014 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 62

It’s your money. Save it well.

299

$

*

Per Month

Book online today and from September through November 2014, get more for your money with this exclusive rate at any of these Carefree RV Resorts.

Enter Discount Code TB299 when making your online reservation.

Florida Big Tree · Arcadia · 863-494-7247 Blue Jay · Dade City · 352-567-9678 Citrus Hill · Dade City · 352-567-6045 Country Squire · Paisley · 352-771-5614 Grove Ridge · Dade City · 352-523-2277 Kissimmee South · Davenport · 863-424-1286 Lakeland · Lakeland · 888-622-4115 Marco Naples · Naples · 239-774-1259 Mill Creek · Kissimmee · 407-847-6288 Pleasant Lake · Bradenton · 941-756-5076

Rainbow Village Largo · Largo · 727-536-3545 Red Oaks · Bushnell · 352-793-7117 Shell Creek · Punta Gorda · 941-639-4234 Spanish Main · Thonotosasassa · 813-986-2415 Southern Charm · Zephyrhills · 813-783-3477 New Jersey/Atlantic City Shady Pines · Galloway Township · 609-652-1516 California/Palm Springs area Indian Wells · Indio · 760-347-0895

First time visitors only, not valid with any other offers or discounts. Electric not included in rate. Offer is based on availability and subject to change without notice. Reservations required. Stays must be completed by November 30th, 2014.

AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER It’s your time. Live it well. Live carefree. carefreeRVresorts.com CIRCLE NO. 116 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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On Location

Rancho Oso, in Santa Barbara, California will be featured on the television show, Designing Spaces.

The show selected Rancho Oso to feature in its lifestyle segment because of Rancho Oso’s unique offerings. In addition to its gorgeous setting, Rancho Oso is popular thanks to the variety of rental units, including a covered wagon! The resort provides visitors a definite western flair with horses, stables and bucking bull demos.

Air dates for the segment are scheduled for August 14 and September 19.

Check your local listing for channel.

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AUGUST 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

SAVE TODAY. VACATION TOMORROW. See how much you could save on RV insurance.

for your RV

geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | local office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington,AUGUST D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2014 GEICO 2014 | TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 128 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50 CIRCLE NO. 132 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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Congratulations Thousand Trails On

5 4Years Of Making Camping Memories!

We’re Proud To Be Celebrating With You!

800-679-2020

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