TrailBlazer Magazine - Jan/Feb 2020

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 • $2.00

Wi ld

Adventu r es

I n Arizo na

Circling the Arizona Wagons A look at America’s best Art Museums

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

1

R FRIENDS U O Y E T I V IN

YOU receive a $25 Visa® Virtual Reward when your friend purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2020 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

GRAND PRIZE

SECOND PRIZE THIRD PRIZE

7-Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii

4 Nights in Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando ($2,000 value)

($4,000 value)

Free Dues for 2021 10 Winners Selected (Up to $599 value)

Contact Us Today!

(888) 808-8925 or visit ThousandTrails.com

2

*Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on page 61 of this magazine.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 VOL.52 • ISSUE 1

WHAT’S INSIDE

22 Circling the Arizona Wagons

regulars lifestyle Pics From The Parks

7

Member Deals 56 Crossword Puzzle 60 Sudoku Puzzle 61 Preferred RV Dealer List 62

44

Best Art Museums JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 • $2.00

Wi ld

Adve ntu r e s

I n Arizona

Circling the Arizona Wagons A look at America’s best Art Museums

tips & topics Do’s and Dont’s of Towing 52 Tech Topics 54 4 Paws On the Road 55

5

Message from Marguerite

10 Leap Year!

12 I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer – with The Braga Family 30 Winter Differently 38 A Community to Compliment your Lifestyle!

40 Cedar Plank Salmon 42 On the Road with Dolly Parton

calendars 16 On site Events 20 Local Events 64 Club Calendar

Cathedral Rock (AZ) JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

3

ENTER TO WIN ENTER TO WIN at Lazydays.com/TrailFuel at Lazydays.com/TrailFuel

LAZYDAYS RV TECH LAZYDAYS RV TECH SUPPORT HOTLINE SUPPORT HOTLINE 866.317.4012 866.317.4012

Our RV Experts are Our RV Experts are standing by to help! standing by to help!

Get More for Your Trade Get More for Your Trade

GET YOUR TRADE VALUE AT GET YOUR TRADE VALUE AT Lazydays.com/VALUETRADE Lazydays.com/VALUETRADE

NATION’S TOP TOP SELECTION SELECTION OF NATION’S OF RV RV BRANDS BRANDS

VISIT LAZYDAYS.COM/TRAILBLAZER 4 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER VISIT LAZYDAYS.COM/TRAILBLAZER

CALL CALL866.531.6818 866.531.6818

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE Happy new year and, not just new year, but a new decade! As we ring in the next ten years, I hope you also look back on the past decade and all of the memories you made. Did you have a different RV at the beginning of the past decade? Or, maybe you hadn’t yet visited your now favorite campground a mere ten years ago.

I can only assume the technology you use to get from place to place has changed a bit over the past decade, as well. At the same time, though much has changed over the past ten years, the things that matter have stayed the same: connecting with people over a shared love of camping, stories told around the campfi re, and exploring all this country has to offer for outdoor enthusiasts. I have a feeling those things will remain consistent in 2020 and beyond.

I’m sure many of you have set a few resolutions for this next year, with hopes of checking a few things off the list. It may be cliché, but there always seems to be a health and wellness theme to annual resolutions. While it’s easy to think outdoor health and fi tness is tougher in the winter months, specifi cally if you live where it gets cold, I challenge you to look at this season differently as we also choose to Winter Differently. If you live up north, this could be the year – or decade – to learn how to cross country ski or snow shoe. If you know the cold isn’t your forte, head down south and continue to hike, bike, walk, or run your way to your health and wellness goals for the year. We highlight a few tips and tricks in this issue to help you stay active during the winter months.

On the topic of resolutions, I’m curious if any of you have set resolutions that go beyond the year, and further out into the new decade. So much can be accomplished in 365 days, but just imagine what you can see and the memories you can make in over 3,600 days. The possibilities are truly endless, and the list of places to see and locations to camp is just as limitless.

If you’re looking for a place to start, I’d encourage you to check out some of the features in this issue. Dreaming of a sunny winter? Read about the road trip we’ve designed that takes you from Phoenix, Arizona, through the picturesque Sonoran Desert, all the way to Tucson.

If art is more your scene, we’ve highlighted the best art museums in the country, and there are plenty you won’t want to miss! With 2020 being a leap year, you’ll also have one bonus day to check off the next spot on your list, so I hope you make the most of it.

As always, I look forward to another year – and decade – of making camping memories with all of you and can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

5

www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kenzie Greene MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails Family of campgrounds and resorts.

Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, campground profiles and product features.

TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published by MHC TT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., 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 tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com TrailBlazermagazine.net NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Visit www.trailblazermagazine.net and click on the ‘Subscribe’ tab to easily subscribe online today!

Win$50

EACH Issue!

Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

1. Capture a photo of your trip at one of our parks.

2. Share with us at TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com.

3. Check out next month to see if you’re a winner.

Winners will receive a $50 American Express® Prepaid 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). The 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:

TrailBlazer Magazine Attn: TrailBlazer Editor Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606

Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of TrailBlazer Magazine 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 online at trailblazermagazine.net.

PRINTED IN THE USA

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: (800) 288-7245 Canada: (228) 497-3594 Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST

ThousandTrails.com

Remember! Thousand Trails members get preferred rates at RVontheGo.com (877) 570-2267

RVontheGo.com

▲ Bay Landing (TX): My dog on a bench with an evening sunset.

– Carolyn Slette Ficklin

6

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

WINN

ER!

▲ Leavenworth (WA): Woke up to surprise snow and a frozen lake outside of our tiny house at Thousand Trails.

– Sarah Jenelle

▲ Orlando RV Resort (FL): A pic from our first camping trip!

– Giulia, Erin & Paola

▲ Idyllwild (CA): Photo taken at Idyllwild campground.

– Jared Stein

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

7

WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER?

Winners For NOV/DEC The Pugh family camping at Lake Whitney RV Campground, Lake Whitney, TX

Winners For JAN/FEB Cindi and Mike Spencer camping at Verde Valley RV Campground, Cottonwood, AZ

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a $1,000 American ExpressÂŽ Prepaid Gift Card When you pay your annual dues for 2020 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American ExpressÂŽ Prepaid Gift Card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2020. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails campground in 2020, 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 campground. 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 postmarked by/ December 15, 2020. promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

8 beJANUARY FEBRUARY 2020ThisTRAILBLAZER

Your winter plans may be tiny… but they will be mighty.

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village ▲ FL

From tiny houses to cabins and yurts to covered wagons - with Petite Retreats, your winter vacation will leave a big impression.

Visit petiteretreats.com to plan your winter getaway, today!

Mt. Hood Tiny House ▼ OR

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village ▼ FL

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village Now Open!

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER 9

IT’S A

a e L p

YEAR!

FEBRUARY

29

10

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

F u n fa c t s about Leap Year

By Joan Rykal The year 2020 is a Leap Year.

Leap years occur in every year that is divisible by four, so that makes 2020 a leap year.

What does this mean to you?

Well, if you happen to hold the distinction of having one of the rarest birth dates, namely February 29, then you get to celebrate your birthday on the date you were born.

And, if you are a February 29 birthday, or a leapling as those babies are called, then celebrate with a Leap Day Cocktail! By the way, being born on February 29 carries some big odds, 1 in 1461.

The big question is always “why do we have Leap Year?”

You can thank the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar for that. Legend has it that he didn’t like the existing calendar, which was 355 days, except for every two years when there was an extra month consisting of 22 days. So, because he was emperor and could, he asked his astronomer to fi x the confusion and the astronomer in turn created the 365-day year, aligning it better with the solar year. Beginning with the year 45 BC, leap year rolled around every four years.¾

•

The extra day is actually called an intercalary day.

•

In 1928, bartender Harry Craddock invented the Leap Day Cocktail at the Savoy Hotel in London. Just mix 2 ounces of gin, ½ ounce of Grand Marnier, ½ ounce of sweet vermouth and a dash of fresh lemon. Shake over ice, pour into an iced cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon. Happy Leap Day!

•

The town of Anthony, Texas calls itself the “Leap Year Capital of the World.” The February 29 celebration there includes a festival with square-dancing and a guided trip to an Aztec Cave.

•

Leap Year has a mascot – a frog, of course!

•

In the U.S., Leap Years coincide with presidential elections.

So, it’s Leap Year y o u h av e a n e x t r a d ay t o c a m p ! T h e n e x t c h a n c e yo u get will be 2024!

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

11

Photo Courtesy of Jerome Braga

12

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

I Knew I Was a

TRAILBLAZER FEATURING

The Braga Family This month we are featuring Thousand Trails members Jerome and Jennifer Braga and their two girls.

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

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

J&J: As a family we started RVing about 6 years ago when our youngest daughter was 2 as we realized her severe food allergies were going to limit our ability to vacation (ie dining out and hotel allergens). We looked at it as an opportunity to take vacations while bringing our own food to make meals that were safe for our daughter.

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

J&J: We first heard about Thousand Trails after a couple of years of weekend camping and looking into doing a cross country road trip. That research brought us to YouTube where we got introduced to full-time rvers that raved about the membership opportunities. We decided on a 2 zone Camping Pass to start us off and it worked out perfectly!

J&J: I think our fondest camping memory was taking Jerome’s 87 year old mother down to Orlando, FL for a 3 week Road trip. She got to see Disney for the first time along with palm trees, alligators and play many rounds of mini - golf with her grand daughters. It got her to take her mind off of recently losing Jerome’s dad after being married 63 years. Our fondest TT memory was this past winter in Soledad Canyon. We were able to caravan with 5 other families to this one location and we coordinated a huge potluck dinner, fire pit and movie night. Every family created meal’s that would not endanger our daughters life, kept it allergy free and it was all incredibly delicious. The evening capped off with songs around the campfire and a revelation that these fellow campers were not just Thousand Trails members but part of our permanent family.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

13

I Knew I was a TrailBlazer when...

"One of our first campgrounds found us parked right along a riverbed with ridiculous sunsets and gorgeous morning dew. Perhaps it was the deer grazing directly across from us or the solitude we found within our own family, we knew we needed to do more of this."

TB: Any funny camping or RVing stories?

J&J: The funniest moment was when we were attempting a family photo at the TT Orlando RV Resort. We had the camera on the tripod with the self timer. We gathered in a group along with our dog Cole and just as the shutter went off, thunder struck which freaked Cole out.

Like a thoroughbred racehorse he took off running at an illegal rate of speed. Bobbing and weaving his way through campsites until he made his was back to our front door.

Photo Courtesy of Jerome Braga

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

What do you prefer and why?

J&J: We are defi nitely glampers who travel in our completely remodeled 42 foot fi fth wheel. We don’t see ourselves as tent campers but love the wilderness and outdoor adventure hikes.

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

J&J: We probably would have shied away from the west coast if we didn’t have our Thousand Trails membership and that would have been a huge regret.

14

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Photo Courtesy of Jerome Braga

Photo Courtesy of Jerome Braga TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle?

J&J: Our favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle is waking up everyday and being reminded that you are somewhere new and each area has endless opportunities to explore. When you have your fi ll of an area you pack up and move to a new location and start the process again!

TB: Can you finish this sentence?

I knew I was a TrailBlazer when…

J&J: One of our fi rst campgrounds found us parked right along a riverbed with ridiculous sunsets and gorgeous morning dew. Perhaps it was the deer grazing directly across from us or the solitude we found within our own family, we knew we needed to do more of this.¾ JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

15

Activities and Events – On Site

January / February On site CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2020 Celebrate 2020!

Say hello to 2020 with these events that help you start out the new decade with lots of fun in some unique ways: Wilderness Lakes (CA) will host their Annual Rose Parade Bus Trip on January 1. Come enjoy a continental breakfast before you board the bus to enjoy Pasadena’s most famous parade!

Three Flags (FL) kicks of the New Year with a Fiesta Weekend complete with a taco bar and pinata. The fun begins January 3.

It’s “Out with the Old, and in with the New” on January 4, as Lake Conroe (TX) celebrates 2020 with some old games and new games, and a casserole potluck!

Abracadabra Weekend will have you wondering how they did that when you attend this event at Peace River (FL) set for January 4-5.

The weekend will feature magical weird science and a magic show

by Magic on the Go.

Wilderness Lakes (CA)

How about a bike parade dressed as your favorite superhero?

San Benito (CA) will host a Costume Bike Parade on January 11.

Grab your bike, wear a superhero costume and ride around beautiful San Benito Campground. Prizes for best costume!

Find out who dunnit at Lake Whitney’s (TX) Murder Mystery Weekend, beginning January 18. Gather clues, question witnesses, collect evidence and solve the mystery.

Verde Valley (AZ) knows it’s a new year with new opportunities.

During their “Moving Forward” Weekend, set for January 19-20, there will be crafts focused on friendship.

Celebrate New Orleans style with Lake Whitney’s (TX) Mardi Gras Bash on February 25. They will have traditional Creole food and a King Cake, plus Dixieland Jazz music and plenty of beads!

Lake Minden (CA) will host a birthday party for beloved children’s books author Dr. Seuss the weekend of February 28-March 1. Join them for some silly activities, dress up like your favorite Dr. Seuss book character, make Dr. Seuss crafts and enjoy the Saturday Ice Cream Social.

16

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Pio Pico (CA)

The 54th Big Game will be played on Sunday, February 2 and everyone is ready for some football. Here’s who’s going to be cheering on their favorite teams: Lake Minden (CA) will host a “Tailgate” Potluck Social on Friday Night (January 31) and then will host a viewing party on Sunday. Morgan Hill (CA) will have all kinds of football related events during the weekend culminating with a viewing party on Sunday (bring your own snacks to share). Colorado River (TX) will kick off the fun with a Chili Cook-Off on Saturday and a viewing party on Sunday.

Soledad Canyon (CA), Verde Valley (AZ) and Wilderness Lakes (CA) ask you to bring snacks to share at the Sunday viewing party. Other viewing parties are scheduled at Lake Tawakoni (TX), Mt. Vernon (WA), Peace River (FL) and Lake Whitney (TX).

Let Me Call You Sweetheart Love is in the air as our properties celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with all kinds of fun to make your heart swell with love for camping, as well as for your sweetie!

Valentine’s Day (February 14) events include: Lake of the Springs (CA) hosts their candlelight dinner followed by dancing at the Lodge (tickets required).

Mt. Vernon (WA) asks guests to “Show Me the Love” with a dinner dance and bingo.

Orlando (FL) has a Sweetheart’s Dinner and Dance planned.

Three Flags (FL) will host a Valentine’s Day Potluck.

Turtle Beach (CA) has sweet events in store including Candy Bar Bingo at the Lodge.

Yosemite Lakes (CA) celebrates the day at the Base Camp Lodge.

Early celebrations include San Benito’s (CA) Picnic on the Lawn on February 8. Guests can purchase a picnic for two and celebrate al fresco. Soledad Canyon (CA) hosts a Valentine’s Day Dance on February 8 and Colorado River (TX) will host a dessert potluck and also has a dinner and movie planned on the 8th as well. Lake Tawakoni’s (TX) Valentine’s Day Dinner is set for February 9.

Peace River (FL) brings some friendly competition to the Valentine’s celebrations with their Third Annual Couples’ Shuffleboard Tournament, complete with a red champion ribbon the weekend of February 8-9.

Palm Springs (CA) does the same with their horseshoe tournament but also adds some dancing to the mix with a 50s and 60s Dance and a Sock Hop contest set for the February 8.

Activities and Events – On Site

Are you Ready for Some Football?!?

During the weekend of February 14-16, Lake Minden (CA) will have a chocolate tasting, a sweetheart jewelry class and a Valentine’s Day Potluck. Morgan Hill’s (CA) Valentine’s Weekend (February 14-16) will include Valentine crafts, popcorn and movie! On February 15, Lake Whitney (TX) hosts a Valentine’s Sweetheart Soiree, complete with a fondue fountain! Other Valentine’s fun includes crafts and games for the little ones. Lake Texoma (TX) will host a combo Valentine’s Day/Presidents Day celebration on February 15 with a DJ Dance party.

Don your favorite party clothes to be entered in the Door Prize Give-a-ways and enjoy treats from the chocolate fountain! Seaside (OR) is thinking along the same lines with their combo Valentine’s Day/Presidents Day events set for February 14-17 complete with crafts, a movie and U.S. Presidents’ Bingo.

Presidents’ Day Fun While two of our most well-known U.S. presidents were born in February – George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12), two other presidents were born in February as well. Both Ronald Reagan (February 6) and William Henry Harrison (February 9) were born in the month. However, Presidents’ Day as it evolved through history, is to celebrate all presidents.

Our properties have plenty of events planned to celebrate the great men that have led our great country through the years.

Wilderness Lakes (CA) celebrates Presidents’ Day February 14-16 with Candy Bar Bingo, a Presidents’ Day craft and Family Movie Night. Pio Pico (CA) celebrates February 15-17 with a barbeque and line dancing, plus a Saturday night dance with a live DJ. Seaside (OR) will play Presidents’ Bingo during February 14-17. Paying homage to George Washington and the famous cherry tree story, Colorado River (TX) will host a cherry pie bake-off on February 22.

Food Fun Who doesn’t love to eat or attend any event where food is involved? Our properties know if you bring out the food, they will come! Here are a few foodie events to keep you busy, and well fed, this winter.

During the weekend of January 3-5, Lake Minden (CA) will host a Friday Night Potluck where the menu includes your favorite pot of homemade soup. Bring what you need to stir up your favorite soup to share at the Potluck.

Then, the eating continues Saturday with Candy Bar Bingo and Ice Cream Social. The fun repeats itself during the weekend of February 21-23 with the same menu for fun planned.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

17

Activities and Events – On Site

It’s Chili Cook-Off time at Morgan Hill (CA) January 10-12 so bring your best recipes to the Recreation Lodge to see who will cook up the best pot of chili this year. Then, during the weekend of February 7-9, bring your favorite pot of chili to the Friday Night Potluck and stay for Brown Bag Bingo.

It’s all about the popcorn at Soledad Canyon (CA) as they celebrate National Popcorn Day on January 11 with fun popcorn crafts and popcorn and a movie.

Lake Minden (CA) wants everyone to stick to their New Year’s resolutions and invites you to bring your healthy eating recipes and ideas to the Coffee/Hot Chocolate Bar event during the weekend of January 10-12. There will also be Brown Bag Bingo so please bring a “white elephant” gift for the game.

A One Pot Meal Potluck is set for January 18 at Lake Texoma (TX) where campers are asked to bring their favorite one pot meal, which can include soup, chili, pasta or stew. The campground will provide bread, dessert and beverages. Don’t forget to bring your recipe to share, too!

Lake Conroe (TX)

Palm Springs (CA) cooks up their fun for a Chili Cook-Off on January 18 during their Country-Western Night! After the chili has been judged, the dancing begins to some great country tunes.

Lake Conroe (TX) is bringing out the pasta on January 18 – to eat and to play with! Experience Pasta Project, will feature a Pasta Potluck (for eating) and pasta arts and crafts and Pasta Bingo!

Enjoy a Potato Topper ‘n Beer Potluck at Three Flags (FL) during their Suds ‘n Spuds Weekend January 18-19. In addition to the Saturday potluck, there will also be crafts and games with a country theme.

Soup’s on at Lake Conroe (TX) on February 22 when you’re asked to bring your favorite soup to share during Soup Day. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate is the theme at Three Flags (FL) Chocolate Festival on February 21. There will be all kinds of chocolate to eat at a fondue event, an Ice Cream Social and more.

On February 22, Lake Whitney (TX) will host their Holy Smokes BBQ Cook-Off and invites all pit-masters and backyard BBQ chefs to compete. Recipes can include chicken, ribs, pork butts and brisket. There will also be music and children’s activities.

18

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Soledad Canyon (CA)

Activities and Events – On Site

Chasing Cabin Fever We’re really very good at enjoying the winter and knowing how to chase away any winter blues. Come enjoy the season at these events: After all it is winter, so why not embrace it at Lake Whitney’s (TX) Fourth Annual Polar Plunge on January 1.

Lake Minden (CA) has the cure for cabin fever with their Four Cs – coffee, company, card and crafts. Take the cure during the weekend of January 17-19 and enjoy a Friday Night Potluck Social followed by Brown Bag Bingo and on Saturday enjoy Candy Bar Bingo and an Ice Cream Social. If you’re still feeling the winter blues, try again during the weekend of January 24-26 to banish them with a whole bunch of winter crafts, a family movie, a Chili Potluck Social and Brown Bag Bingo.

The sounds of music through the ages will be wafting through the air at Peace River (FL) during the weekend of January 24-25 during their Decades of Music event. Plus, games and crafts will be on the schedule too! Then, during the weekend of February 14-15, they’ll celebrate the King himself, Mr. Elvis Presley with all things Elvis during their Man from Memphis weekend.

Morgan Hill (CA) banishes any traces of cabin fever during the weekend of January 25-27 with a stitching project, board games and puzzle fun, plus a celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Lake Whitney (TX)

Games and Tournaments Nothing like a little friendly competition to get your blood fl owing. Get in the game with these sporting events held this winter at our properties.

Lake Tawakoni (TX) has all kinds of games to play during Games Weekend starting January 11.

The Fourth Annual Ironman of Games Tournament is set for January 11-12 at Peace River (FL) Events will include a series of easy-going games and contests all for the chance to win the coveted blue ribbon!

Pio Pico (CA) hosts their annual Pool Tournament on January 22-26. This is the fi rst round of a traveling billiards tournament and is open to all members.

While the serious championship plays out on TV, Lake Conroe (TX) will host Big Game Weekend February 1-2. There will be fl ag football games, football crafts and of course, the big game on TV. Wilderness Lakes (CA) will host their annual Pool Tournament February 12-16. Join fellow Thousand Trails pool players from around the area that come to Wilderness Lakes for 9-ball, Jack and Jill, singles, and doubles. The following weekend, February 19-22, the name of the game is horseshoes as they host their annual Horseshoe Tournament. Doubles and Singles games will be played.

Wilderness Lakes (CA)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

19

Activities and Events – Local

2020 LOCAL CALENDAR OF

January / February BAY LANDING (TX) January 17-February 8,

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has been serving up western-style fun since 1896. Enjoy 23 days of livestock shows, horse shows, competitions, including a calf scramble, and plenty of live entertainment, food and beverages. Held at the Will Rogers Auditorium in Fort Worth. fwssr.com February 7-8

Little Women The Dallas Theater Center presents three performances of the classic “Little Women” at the Kalita Humphreys Theater on February 7 (8 p.m.) and February 8 (2 p.m. and 8 p.m.) Based on the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott, the themes of gender roles and political beliefs prove to be very current 150 years later..

LEAVENWORTH (WA) January 18-19 Bavarian Ice Fest

Icy fun is planned for the annual Bavarian Ice Fest 2020 in Leavenworth. Events planned include Icefest

20

Games, such as the Ice Cube Scramble and Frisbee Sweep, Ice Carving and Ice Sculptures, and a Snowmobile Sled Pull! All the fun takes place over two days, January 18-19. leavenworth.org LONG BEACH (WA) February 16 Haggle Day

Antique lovers will surely enjoy Haggle Day, on February 16, where they can work on the dealers at the Phog Bounder’s Antique Mall in Astoria to get the best deal possible. More than 55 dealers set over 2 floors are on hand to listen to your best offer!

February 28-March 1 FisherPoets

The FisherPoets Gathering is an authentic, creative celebration of life in the commercial fishing industry. A hundred fisher poets from coasts near and far share original stories, songs and poetry with each other. Enjoy storytelling, workshops, a self-guided cannery tour film and visual arts. The event is scheduled for February 28-March 1. poconomountains.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

ORLANDO (FL) January 18

Vegan Food Fest Are you a vegan, or considering becoming one? Come to Orlando’s Eagle Nest Park on January 18 and see what the vegan buzz is all about. Ten vegan food vendors will be on hand, plus there will be live music, a kid zone and vegan desserts. eventbrite.com/e/vegan-foodfest-tickets February 15

Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival The Tampa Bay All-Star Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival will be held at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on February 15.

One of Florida’s most popular festival, visitors not only get to sample over 200+ beer, wine and cocktail selections but also walk the ballpark’s field, round the bases and enjoy a simulated batting cage. Fun games are also on hand including Giant Jenga, Cornhole and Yard Pong. ballparkfestival.com PALM SPRINGS (CA) January 11-12 Desert Arts Festival

The Desert Arts Festival will be held January 11-12 in downtown Palm Springs. Celebrating 35

years, this was the original art show in Palm Springs. Come stroll the beautiful Frances Stevens Park and enjoy the works of 100 artists exhibiting in a variety of mediums including sculpture, glass, watercolors, oils, metal stone and wood.

10times.com/desert-arts-festival

February 14-23

Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival The 75th Annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is set for February 14-23.

Visitors can enjoy unique events like camel and ostrich races, as well as arts and crafts, carnival rides, headline entertainment and plenty of dates! The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. datefest.org RANCHO OSO (CA) January 15-25

Santa Barbara International Film Festival The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is one of the best when it comes to film festivals.

This year’s festival is scheduled for January 15-25 and will feature some major players such as Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Renee Zellweger. Plenty of screenings, award ceremonies and stars are on tap at this event. sbiff.org February 21-March 6

Santa Barbara Restaurant Week Eat your way through this charming coastal town during Santa Barbara Restaurant Week

SOUTH JETTY (WA) January 24-26

Florence Winter Music Festival Three days of bluegrass, Americana and folk music can be enjoyed at the 18th Annual Florence Winter Music Festival, scheduled for January 24-26.

There will also be food and drinks, and musical workshops.

Held at the Florence Events Center, this event is billed as “The Coast’s Best Music and Arts Festival.”

February 1

Florence Crab Crack Yummy Oregon Coast crab is the highlight at the Florence Crab Crack, along with sides such as pasta, coleslaw and garlic bread, plus beverages and dessert.

Held at the Florence Events Center from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, all proceeds benefit the Florence Food Share hunger relief efforts. florencefoodshare.org TALL CHIEF (WA) January 18-19

Seattle Wine and Film Festival Scheduled for January 18-19, the Seattle Wine and Film Festival will screen several award-winning films, including shorts, documentaries and feature films.

In addition to the films, the event

celebrates wine and will feature smaller wineries from the eastern Washington area. Held at the Old Rainier Brewery in Seattle. filmfreeway.com February 8

Lunar New Year Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse at Hing Hay Park in Seattle and enjoy lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations and more. Admission is free but there is a $2 fee for the Food Walk.

Event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 8.

VERDE VALLEY (AZ) January 18-19

VegFest If your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthy, consider the Sedona VegFest set for January 18 and 19. Billed as a two-day celebration of the joys of whole food plant-based eating, the event will feature cooking demonstrations and talks from some of the top plant-based nutrition, lifestyle and healthcare experts in the country. Held at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, the event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. sedona-vegfest February 22 to March 1

Sedona International Film Festival The Sedona International Film Festival and Workshop, which runs February 22 to March 1, will feature some of the best independent films from around the world as well as documentaries, foreign films, and animation. The nine-day festival is a treat for film makers and film buffs alike. sedonafilmfestival.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

21

Activities and Events – Local

EVENTS

set for February 21-March 6.

More than 20 area restaurants will offer prix fixe menus featuring delicious meals. Two course lunches for $25 and three course dinners for $40 are on the menu! santabarbara.com

CIRCLING THE ARIZONA WAGONS A Road Trip Between Phoenix, the Sonoran Desert, & Tucson

BY LYNN AND CELE SELDON

W

hen it comes to winter road trips in the sunny Southwest, it’s enticing to look at a map of Arizona and see how easy it is to visit three great destinations in the state: Greater Phoenix, the Sonoran Desert (and, specifi cally, Sonoran Desert National Monument), and tantalizing Tucson. This triangular-like road trip can be pursued in any order and only involves about 300 miles of driving (round-trip) no covered wagon required.

22

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Photo Courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management, Sonoran Desert (AZ)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

23

Phoenix (AZ)

GREATER PHOENIX The Greater Phoenix area encompasses about 2,000 square miles and features 20 incorporated cities, including Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and more. Maricopa County, where Phoenix is situated, covers more than 9,000 square miles. America’s sunniest metropolis is at the heart of the Sonoran desert, serves as the gateway to 24

Grand Canyon National Park, and features a desert and mountain backdrop that fi lmmakers (John Ford), writers (Louis L’Amour), and visitors have enjoyed for centuries.

today. The city of Phoenix was established in 1868 and the fi rst census noted 74 dwellings and about 250 people. Today, Greater Phoenix has almost 4.5 million inhabitants.

The Hohokam people originally inhabited the area until about 1450 A.D., creating the fi rst major urban civilization in the Salt River Valley and developing a canal system still in use

Top area attractions include: the Heard Museum; Dobbins Lookout; Desert Botanical Garden; Heritage & Science Park (in historic Heritage Square); South Mountain Park and Preserve; the

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Dobbin’s Lookout (AZ)

Musical Instrument Museum; Phoenix Zoo; Tempe Town Lake; Camelback Mountain; First Friday Art Walks in downtown Phoenix; and much more.

Consistent sunshine make outdoor pursuits easy, including world-class golf, tennis, hiking, biking and more. Road warriors will also love the offerings at the famed Bondurant High Performance Driving School

in Chandler. Spectator sports are also a Greater Phoenix highlight.

The options include PGA golf tournaments, NASCAR races, college football bowl games, and more. Phoenix is one of only 13 U.S. cities with franchises in all four major professional leagues: Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB); Phoenix Suns (NBA); Arizona Cardinals (NFL); and Arizona Coyotes (NHL).

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

25

Mountain Landscape in the Sonoran Desert (AZ)

Desert Wild Flower (AZ) Photos Courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management (AZ) 26

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Sunset in the Sonoran Desert (AZ)

Sonoran Desert at Sunrise (AZ)

SONORAN DESERT The vast Sonoran Desert (about 100,000 square miles) is one of four major deserts in North America (the other three are Great Basin, Mohave, and Chihuahuan). Generally speaking, it includes much of the southern half of Arizona (including Phoenix and Tucson), southeastern California, most of the Baja California peninsula, the islands in the Gulf of California, and a lot of the state of Sonora in Mexico.

It would take months of exploration to traverse the varied landscapes of the Sonoran Desert, but a trip to accessible – yet remote – Sonoran Desert National Monument, less than 60 miles southwest of downtown Phoenix, provides a great introduction to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert fl ora and

fauna, including the iconic saguaro cactus. Managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Monument has extensive forests of the classic cactus – but, it also has much more to offer visitors.

It can be accessed from the west (Gila Bend is a great base and features a Town Museum), the east (west from Maricopa), and the south (off I-8 at Exit 144/Vekol Road), with a full tank of gas and lots of drinking water, highly both recommended.

The monument features three distinct wilderness areas and three mountain ranges rising from the desert fl oor (Maricopa, Sand Tank, and Table Top), along with the Booth and White Hills, which are separated by wide desert valleys. Hiking and horseback riding is popular throughout

the monument (with four designated trails in three congressionally designated wilderness areas totaling 26 miles), as well as many miles of roads for mountain bike and motorized touring.

Wildlife spotting possibilities include desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, mule deer, javalina, owls, rattlesnakes, the Sonoran desert tortoise, lots of small birds, and more.

There are also signifi cant historic and archaeological sites to explore, including the remnants of important trails (like the Juan Batista de Anza National Historic Trail, which parallels the Butterfi eld Overland Stage Route, the Mormon Battalion Trail, and the Gila Trail). No matter where visitors head, there are a lot of opportunities for a lot of solitude and silence.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

27

Downtown Tucson (AZ)

TUCSON Located just 90 miles or so from the heart of Sonoran Desert National Monument (and just 115 miles from Phoenix on I-10), the area that is called Tucson today is one of the oldest continually inhabited areas in North America. Like Phoenix, the Hohokam people lived here for centuries.

Two Hikers on Rugged Trail (AZ)

28

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Spanish missionaries and soldiers arrived in the late-1600s, establishing Presidio San Agustin del Tucson and Mission San Xavier del Bac, which remain the area’s most historic and iconic structures. The city was founded on August 20, 1775, which is celebrated annually as La Fiesta de San Agustin.

Today, metropolitan Tucson has more than a million residents.

Highlights of a visit might include: aforementioned Presidio San Agustin del Tucson and Mission San Xavier del Bac; the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block; Old Town Artisans shopping and dining (including famed La Cucina and, nearby, beloved El Charro Café); the Arizona State Museum; the Arizona Historical Society; the Tucson Botanical Gardens; Pima Air & Space Museum; the Titan Missile Museum; the Casino Del Sol Resort; Biosphere 2 (a halfhour north); and much more.

Those coming from or heading to Sonoran Desert National Monument will defi nitely want to check out Tucson’s excellent Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

While all outdoors activities are popular in Tucson, two-wheel travel is especially alluring. Along with countless and varied trails, Tucson features The Loop, which is a network of more than 130 miles of paved car-free multi-use paths encircling the city (those without a bike can use popular Tugo Bike Share).¾

Tucson Pima County Court House (AZ)

To plan your

ARIZONA Adventure go to RVontheGo.com JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

29

Why be this guy?

When you could be this guy!

RVontheGo.com 30

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

THIS WINTER, FOCUS ON

FITNESS

By Joan Rykal Did you know the average person gains between fi ve and seven pounds in the winter? That statistic comes directly from webmd.com with the caveat that the total pounds gained does vary from person to person.

While many reasons are cited for the winter weight gain, the biggest one is basically hibernation, and we’re not talking about the bears, here.

With the change in the weather and the shortened daytime hours due to

Daylight savings time, people tend to spend winter mostly indoors. With winter, gone are the days of heading outside for a round a golf, a long stroll, a bike ride and nearly any outdoor activity.

But our thought on this is why not embrace the season and get out and get active?

Winter Differently this season by taking advantage of outdoor activities and keep fi t while having fun!

Here’s some more stats to get you moving: an hour

of skiing burns roughly 400 calories, an hour of ice skating can burn up to 600 calories and an hour of snowshoeing can burn up to 300 calories. We’ve got all kinds of outdoor fun in all kinds of locations – so stave off the weight gain and come stay with us!

Northwest The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting warmer than usual temperatures this winter but still plenty of snow in

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

31

Mt. Hood (OR)

the Northwest and that means lots of snow-covered hiking and snowshoeing trails, perfect powder on the mountains for skiing and sledding, and crisp and swift snowmobile paths.

area. Averaging 460 inches of snowfall annually, there is plenty of snow to be had to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Daily passes, lessons, and rentals are all available, too.

Leavenworth, Washington’s has more outdoor fun then you can shake a snow shovel at!

Head to Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest peak at 11,249 feet, for lots of winter activity.

Options include the Mt. Hood Skibowl (skibowl.com), which offers the fun of nightskiing with 34 lit runs (there is also day skiing on 65 runs as well as the fabulously fun Snow Tube and Adventure Park) or the historic Timberline Lodge and Ski Area (www.timberlinelodge. com), which offers over 1,400 acres of skiable terrain!

The Lodge itself is a major attraction. Built in 1937, it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

Check out the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club. Established in 1928 with a mission to “promote health, fi tness and fun through skiing and other winter sports,” the club offers very affordable day tickets to take advantage of the area’s snow-fi lled activities. Visit leavenworth.com for more information.

Stevens Pass (stevenspass. com) is another great place to enjoy the snow and winter activities in the Leavenworth 32

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

The Mt. Hood National Forest offers both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities as well as snowmobiling and sledding.

Book your stay now at Leavenworth RV Campground or Oregon’s Mt. Hood RV Campground to enjoy a wonderful winter in the Northwest.

California Of course, California is a great winter destination, but we’re looking for something a bit different than a day at the beach. How about some fun in the snow with plenty of sunshine? Get in on the winter fun at Yosemite National Park.

Depending on how long you plan to stay in the area, you can opt for the Winter

Yosemite Lakes (CA)

Leavenworth Tiny House Village (WA)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

33

Fun Pass, which is valid from January 7 to March 27, 2020, and includes savings on rentals, lift tickets, the Valley Floor Tour, and ice skating. The Curry Village Ice Rink is a great place to skate outdoors while enjoying views of the always spectacular Half Dome.

Another great winter outdoor adventure is photography – and Yosemite in the winter is a snow-capped and covered wonderland. Check out the Ansel Adams Gallery right in the Park. Another interesting place to visit is the Yosemite Museum, where you can learn about the people and culture of the Ahwahnechee people who lived in the Yosemite Valley.

From an activity standpoint, Yosemite in winter has hiking and snowshoe trails as well as skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing at the Badger Pass Ski Area. Hikes to consider would include the less-than-a-mile trek to Lower Yosemite Falls or the hike to Mirror Lake (shuttle required), which provides great views of Half Dome.

Birding is big in the winter as many of the birds in Yosemite stay year-round. Year-round residents include Western bluebirds, red-shouldered hawks, and woodpeckers.

34

Download the Yosemite Bird Checklist (.nps.gov/ yose/learn/nature/upload/ yosebirdchecklist.pdf) and see what you can find!

Explore Yosemite in winter and plan a stay at Yosemite Lakes RV Campground.

The Sunbelt The Sunbelt typically includes 11 sunny southern states, thus the name. It stretches across the southern portion of the US from Florida to California. For our purposes of wintering differently, we’ll focus on activities in Florida and Texas.

The Rio Grande Valley of Texas is a great place to winter. Birding, hiking, and the nearby beaches and waters of South Padre Island provide plenty of fit and fun activities. Expend plenty of calories parasailing in South Padre or enjoy a brisk hike on the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley Loop Trail, in the Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, which at just over four miles is a great way to check out the birds and wildlife while burning approximately 430 calories per hour!

Did you know you can basically hike your way through the Sunshine State?

If you follow the Florida

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

South Padre Island (TX)

Thousand Trails Orlando RV Resort (FL)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

35

Sunshine Key RV Resort (FL)

National Scenic Trail, which runs 1,300 miles from north to south, you can travel from Pensacola on down to the Everglades on foot! Check out fl oridatrail.org and see what you think. With plenty of Encore and Thousand Trails locations throughout Florida, there’s always a great resting point in reach!

If swimming burns off approximately 400 calories per hour, does swimming with mermaids up that fi gure?

36

Maybe, maybe not, but that is an experience you won’t forget. Visit Weeki Watchee Springs State Park to take a dip with these legendary creatures. The Park is also great for kayaking and paddle boarding and all kinds of outdoor water fun. Check out weekiwatchee.com to see all the activities. The Park is in Spring Hill, just about an hour’s drive from the Orlando RV Resort.¾

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Thousand Trails Orlando RV Resort (FL)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

37

Crystal Lake (FL)

Find a great Community to

Compliment Your Lifestyle!

RV and Manufactured Home communities have a lot in common, so it’s easier than you think to have the best of both worlds.

We know how much you love your RV and all of the adventure it brings, so why give it up? If you’re thinking about purchasing a manufactured home and leaving the RV behind, you don’t have to choose, and here’s why!

Coquina Crossing (FL)

ViewPoint, RV & Golf Resort (AZ)

38 JANUARY 38 / /FEBRUARY 38 JANUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER 38 JANUARY /FEBRUARY FEBRUARY2020 2020TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

Palm Lake Estates (FL)

Your manufactured home can serve as your home base. Many of our communities offer convenient RV storage, so you can relax, have fun, and enjoy tons of great amenities at home when you want, while still having easy access to all the road travel and exploration you crave.

Monte Vista (AZ)

Mid Florida Lakes (FL)

The Reserve at Lake Conroe (TX)

Colony Cove (FL)

1. At many of our manufactured home communities, you’ll find RV Club members who share your interests and passion for road travel.

2. The community-rich lifestyle provided by our manufactured home communities is very similar to the sense of community you find in your favorite RV parks.

3. Most manufactured home communities are located in great retirement destinations across the country – giving you easy access to many of the same awesome entertainment and adventure opportunities you look for when you set out in your RV.

Learn more at Call (800) 274-7314 39 JANUARY / FEBRUARY TRAILBLAZER 39 JANUARY / /FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER JANUARY FEBRUARY 20202020 TRAILBLAZER 39

who is in the kitchen with

TRAILBLAZER?

40

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Cedar Planked Salmon 15

min

Prep Time

20

35

min

Cook

min

Ready In

Ingredients:

3 (12 inch) untreated cedar planks 1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root 1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 (2 pound) salmon fillets, skin removed

Instructions: 1. Soak the cedar planks for at least 1 hour in warm water. Soak longer if you have time.

2. In a shallow dish, stir together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Place the salmon fillets in the marinade and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to one hour 3. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat. Place the planks on the grate. The boards are ready when they start to smoke and crackle just a little.

4. Place the salmon fillets onto the planks and discard the marinade.

Cover, and grill for about 20 minutes. Fish is done when you can flake it with a fork. It will continue to cook after you remove it from the grill.

(Recipe from allrecipes.com) Check out more recipes at TrailBlazer.com!

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

41

On the

road WITH DOLLY PARTON

By Cele & Lynn Seldon In honor of Dolly Parton hosting This Year’s CMA Awards, we wanted to remember when we interviewed her back in 2013!

42

Whether you spend life on the road for pleasure or work, it’s nice to have the comforts of home as you travel the highways and byways.

TRAILBLAZER checks in with folks who spend a fair amount of time on the road to see just what makes their home away from home. This month, we chatted with Dolly Parton.

Quite simply, Tennessee native Dolly Parton is an American icon.

Along with being a highly popular and successful singer, songwriter, entertainer, and actress, she also lends her name and devotion to Pigeon Forge’s famed Dollywood theme park destination (dollywood.com). From hit songs like “I Will Always Love You” and “Here You Come Again” to the big screen with the likes of “9 to 5” (also a hit song) and “Joyful Noise,” Dolly remains a beloved American figure from coast to coast.

Dolly and her long-time husband, Carl, enjoy the anonymity of traveling

by RV whenever possible, so TrailBlazer caught up with her about life on the road while she was back home in Tennessee for the annual opening of Dollywood.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

What’s your favorite thing about staying in your RV versus a hotel room?

My husband and I have always enjoyed having a little camper. We get out and take our little RV through the country. We have a home out on the west coast, in L.A., and I also have an RV there – the same one, the same type [as the one they keep in Tennessee]. So we ride up and down the coast in California. We’re set on both coasts. When we get out there, we get in that little camper and just go everywhere. If we want to stop on a river bank and take a nap or have a picnic [we do it].

What are your three favorite things onboard?

I just love everything about having an RV. It’s like a tiny miniature house.

We both love it. It’s just perfect for the two of us.

We have to be self-sufficient for obvious reasons. It’s the whole reason we’re out in our RV. I love my microwave – I like to bring popcorn.

I like my refrigerator. But I love, love, love having my own little private

bathroom. I can’t very well just stop at a service station – being a celebrity and all, somebody would just follow me in! I also love having the little bed in the back.

Do you listen to music on the road?

I don’t listen to music. I write music while traveling or camping.

What are a few favorite destinations?

We love touring Tennessee. We fi nd all these little out-of-the-way places.

We love Chattanooga. We got married a few miles away in Ringgold, Georgia. Every single year we go down on or around our anniversary in Ringgold and then we spend time in Chattanooga. We love the scenery in Chattanooga.

It’s one of our favorite places. We [also] go to Asheville a lot. *What shouldn’t people miss at Dollywood and Pigeon Forge?

They shouldn’t miss Dollywood and Pigeon Forge, period. They should make it a point to come to Pigeon Forge. All the great food.

All the great music. All the great rides. Gatlinburg’s wonderful and Sevierville’s great. This whole area is wonderful.

Highways or scenic routes?

We take backroads as much as we can because that’s one of the reasons we have the RV. We always take the old highways. We hate the interstate! We love the two lanes. Ours is small enough that my husband says he enjoys driving it.

He says it’s not much different than driving a truck or SUV. I sit up front with him.

Photo Courtesy of Dollywood/Curtis Hilbun

I’ve always loved my bus – my tour bus is great – but you’ve always got another driver and you can’t just sit up front with them, so I spend most of my time in the bus in the back. I miss all the front view of any traveling. In my little RV, I love sitting up front with my husband.¾

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

43

Van Gogh Sunflowers

Art Institute of Chicago (IL)

44

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Chicago (IL)

M ast e r p i e c e :

A Quick Look at Some of America’s Best Art Museums

BY Joan Rykal

A

rt dates back to approximately 700,000 BC in the form of prehistoric cave art. Since then, art has taken many forms from sculpture and drawing to painting and even graffiti.

Art has many styles as well including Impressionism, which focused on light and color to Dadaism, which was created to ridicule the meaninglessness of the modern world. Whatever you consider to be art, there are plenty of museums around the U.S. to find the pieces that speak to you. We’ve highlighted just a few for you to consider.

Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)

Chicago’s art museum is known for its collection of Impressionist and PostImpressionist art in addition to the of works of the Old Masters, as well as Asian and contemporary art. Visitors to the city will know the museum by the two lions that fl ank the entrance. Each lion weighs approximately two tons and have welcomed visitors since 1894. They were given unoffi cial names by the sculptor Edward Kemeys, who created them.

The lion to the north is “On the Prowl” while the lion to the south of the entrance

“Stands in an attitude of defi ance.” The lions are regularly dressed, donning wreaths during the winter season and in the event a Chicago team makes a fi nal round in their respective sport, the Lions have donned gear to represent the Cubs, the Bulls, the Blackhawks, the Bears and the White Sox. The museum is one of the oldest in the country and the largest. Permanent installations of note, and which should not be missed during a visit, include Andy Warhol’s portrait of Chairman Mao, Edward Hopper’s iconic “Nighthawks,” Vincent Van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait,”

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

45

National Gallery of Art (Washington DC)

Visitors here get the added bonus of the outdoor Sculpture Garden, while the inside exhibits range from ancient Byzantine altarpieces to pop art pieces by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Another bonus is the fact that admission to the museum is free every day the museum is open, which is yearround, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The museum began as a gift to the U.S. from Andrew W. Mellon, an American banker, financier, industrialist and philanthropist when he wrote to President Franklin Roosevelt seeking to donate his collection of art as well as provide the financing for a museum. According to the museum’s website, during Mellon’s tenure as Secretary of the Treasury, he came to believe that “the U.S. should have an art museum equal to those of other great nations.”

Mellon engaged architect John 46

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Russell Pope, who also designed the Jefferson Memorial and National Archives building. Pope created the West Building, which opened in 1941, while noted architect I.M. Pei designed the East Building, which opened in 1978.

A quick rundown of the best of the best here can include Titian’s “Venus with a Mirror,” Rembrandt’s “Self-Portrait” and Monet’s “The Japanese Footbridge.” Exhibits upcoming in 2020 include Degas at the Opera (March 1-July 5, 2020); and True to Nature: Open-Air Painting in Europe, 1780-1870,” which runs February 2 through May 3, 2020, and features the outdoor masterpieces of artists who practiced painting “en plein air.”

The masterpiece here can well be considered Leonard da Vinci’s “Ginevra de’ Benci,” which is said to be one of only three portraits of women painted

by Da Vinci and the only work of his exhibited in the Western Hemisphere!

National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian (DC)

National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian (DC)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

47

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Houston, Texas)

Housing more than 70,000 works of art from around the world, it is one of the 10 largest art museums in the US with more than 300,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. When the fi rst building was built in 1924, it was the fi rst art museum in Texas and only the third in the South. The museum campus includes several buildings and the collections themselves are separated in 15 distinct collecting areas that include Antiquities; Latin American Art; Bayou Bend, which focuses on Early American decorative arts and paintings; European Art and American Paintings & Sculpture. The museum campus houses several collection buildings, a cinema and two libraries. The Brown Pavilion was designed by architect Ludwig Mies ver der Rohe. Of note is the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden which contains works by Henri Matisse, Auguste Rodin, and Louise Bourgeois.

Highlights can include Marc Chagall’s “The Woman and the Roses,” “The Orange Trees” by Gustave Caillebotte, and “Girl Reading” by Auguste Renoir. A temporary exhibition set for 2020 is Norman Rockwell: American Freedom, which will run through March 19, 2020. The exhibit is dedicated to Rockwell’s iconic “Four Freedoms.”

48

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

The masterpiece here can well be the “Light Inside.” The museum created a tunnel that allows visitors to walk between two of the buildings, but this is no ordinary tunnel. Instead, it is an actual art installation, created by James Turrell, whose works focus on light and space. Visitors cross a raised walkway that has changing light illuminations to give the feeling of fl oating in space. Visitors have called the experience of Turrell’s “The Light Inside” awe-inspiring.

Houston (TX)

A Painting by Auguste Renoir

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

49

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (CA)

Los Angeles (CA)

50

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (CA)

Museum of Art (Los Angeles, California)

LACMA, as it is called, has a collection of more than 140,000 works ranging from ancient days to modern times. The oldest items are artifacts dating from 10,000500 BC while more current items include pieces by Japanese clothing designer Issey Miyake, whose collection includes a woman’s skirt and a man’s vest, circa 2002. The museum was originally part of the Los Angeles Museum of

History, Science, and Art which opened in 1910.

However, in 1961, the art portion of the museum split off, receiving its own building and became the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Here visitors can see everything from Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Can,” to several works by Picasso including sculpture, paintings and textiles. Of course, a California art museum must pay homage to the sport of surfi ng and LACMA obliges with its

History of Surfi ng exhibit that includes photographs and vintage equipment.

The masterpiece here may even be found before you get inside the museum. “Urban Light,” by Chris Burden, is an installation of 202 restored street lamps from the 1920 and 30s that can be found on the Wilshire Boulevard entrance to the museum.

Movie fans may recognize the installation from the fi lms “No Strings Attached” or “Valentine’s Day.”¾

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

51

THE DO’S AND DON’TS

OF RV TOWING Original article can be viewed on Lazydays.com

The RV lifestyle is generally a carefree one, but one thing that RVers tend to be wary of is towing. No matter the RV you own or your experience, towing is a great skill to have.

As a towable owner, you’re afforded the freedom to explore outside of your campsite with a tow vehicle. For motorhome owners, you can bring a boat, a few motorcycles/ATVs or another car! Being an expert RV tower takes a combination of the right skills and accessories and adds another dimension to your RV lifestyle. Check out the dos and don’ts of RV towing from Lazydays RV. DON’T: TOW WITHOUT THE RIGHT TOOLS RV towing begins and ends with your equipment. The right accessories can keep you safe and relaxed on the road, while the wrong equipment can make towing anything very diffi cult. Whether you are towing an RV with your car or truck, or towing another vehicle with your motorhome, your equipment requirements may be different, but the principles are the same.

It all starts with the proper hitch. Most towable RVs and motorhomes come standard with a receiver hitch. Depending on the class and model of an RV or motorhome, the weight/class rating 52

for the hitch varies. RVers should never try to tow anything that exceeds their hitch’s gross trailer weight (GTW). Before towing, make sure to check the GTW of your RV or personal vehicle.

Two instances where non-standard towing equipment is required are for fi fth wheel and gooseneck hitches, and when towing a vehicle, boat or trailer. Fifth wheels, which can only be towed by a pickup truck, utilize a special hitch that attaches to a truck’s bed. The hitch attaches via the rail system that forms the framework of a pickup truck bed. Fifth wheel hitches come in two standard types: fi xed and sliding.

Fixed fi fth wheel and gooseneck hitches are designed for trucks with beds that are 8 feet or longer.

Since a fi fth wheel hitch must be in front of a truck’s rear-axle, trucks with beds shorter than 8 feet can encounter clearance problems on sharp turns. Sliding hitches remedy this issue by sliding backward during sharp turns. Gooseneck hitches provide an improved turning radius and are great if you need added mobility for your towable RV.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

When towing with your motorhome, RVers have three methods to choose from: four down, tow dolly or trailer. Four down towing involves towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the road. Tow dollies are typically used when towing a front-wheel-drive vehicle, while trailers are needed for boats, ATVs, motorcycles and vehicles that can’t be towed otherwise.

For all your towing needs, from hitches and tow bars to braking systems and tow dollies, visit your local Lazydays Accessories and More store!

DO: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE RV towing, whether driving with a towable RV or with a motorhome, is a skill that takes practice to become comfortable.

Adding another vehicle or trailer requires a certain expertise from the RV driver. Two of the biggest differences RVers, both new and experienced, face is with braking and turning. With so much weight added to the rear of your vehicle, RVers should anticipate any turning or braking maneuver sooner than normal.

The classes are: •

Trailer sway is another factor that many RVers need to be aware of when towing. With larger towable RVs like travel trailers and fi fth wheels, crosswinds or blowback from large passing vehicles can cause them to sway and jostle around. Trailer sway occurs on turns, especially sharp ones, and can be particularly hazardous. If you experience consistent trailer sway while on the road or while taking turns at slow speed, a hitch adjustment or anti-sway bar may be required.

RV driving classes are the best way for fi rst-timers or RVers who are new to towing to gain confi dence on the road. Lazydays RV’s driver confi dence course provides classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction from a motorhome driving expert.

DON’T: EXCEED THE WEIGHT LIMIT As mentioned earlier, the biggest factor all RVers must consider before towing is their vehicle or RV’s gross trailer weight. Receiver hitches are rated in fi ve classes and differ by receiver size and their gross trailer weight (GTW) rating.

Class 1: Typically found on sedans and cross overs; Class 1 hitches typically feature a 1-1/4” receiver and have a GTW of up to 2,000 lbs. with a maximum trailer tongue weight of 200 lbs.

•

Class 2: Common on sedans, CUVs, and minivans, Class 2 hitches have a 1-1/4” receiver and a GTW of up to 3,500 lbs. with a maximum trailer tongue weight of 300 lbs.

•

Class 3: SUVs, CUVs, vans and trucks can feature Class 3 hitches. The standard receiver size is 2” and generally has a GTW of up to 8,000 lbs. with a maximum trailer tongue weight of 800 lbs.

•

Class 4: Found mainly on trucks and SUVs, a Class 4 hitch uses a 2” receiver tube with a GTW of up to 10,000 lbs. and maximum tongue weight of 1,000 lbs.

•

Class 5: With a square receiver size of 2.5”, Class 5 hitches are found on SUVs, standard pickup and other large trucks.

Their GTW can be as low as 12,000 lbs. or as high as 20,000 lbs. and tongue weight between 2,400 to 2,700 lbs.

Check the hitch rating on your larger SUV or truck for its exact specifi cations and gross trailer weight limit.

For other hitch types, gross trailer weight and tongue weight can vary based on the manufacturer and vehicle.

DO: HAVE ALL TOWING EQUIPMENT PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED Besides having the right RV towing equipment and confi dence on the road, properly installed towing equipment is crucial to a safe, easy towing experience. Proper hitch installation and a secure connection to the vehicle or trailer being towed are safety checks that all RVers should follow before you hit the road.

The RV service experts at Lazydays RV can install a wide range of RV towing accessories. From fl at towing to fi fth wheel hitches, we offer convenient, quickinstallation and same-day service in some cases. Schedule a service appointment with your local Lazydays RV dealership at 866-531-6818 to learn more!

For more RV tips, road trip ideas and news on the latest accessories, stay tuned to the Lazydays RV blog.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

53

Tips and Topics

TECH TOPICS

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

By Paul and Kerri Elders This month, we’ll give you some quick and easy safety tips to help streamline your travels. Life’s an adventure; let’s get going!

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Most RVs come equipped with a smoke detector. But if your RV isn’t equipped with a Carbon Monoxide Detector, we’d highly recommend you buy one and install it yourself. They’re widely available at your local big box store, hardware store, or online, and it only takes a few minutes to install one. A carbon monoxide detector can be a surprising lifesaver on the road.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is a natural byproduct of combustion. Two things make it dangerous: it is both invisible and “unsmellable” by the human nose. CO is produced by your car’s engine, your gas heating system, and even your LP gas-powered water heater and refrigerator. Ordinarily, CO is effectively vented to the exterior of the RV. However, in some rare instances, CO can become trapped in the interior of an RV, where it can cause serious bodily harm. In high concentrations, CO can be deadly.

The indications of CO poisoning include headache,drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, and/or flu-like symptoms.

If you own a motorhome, be sure to have it carefully inspected annually for exhaust leaks. Why? Because leaks in the exhaust system can cause CO to silently waft into the motorhome, especially while the engine is idling. Remember, you can’t smell it. Severe leaks can even pose a serious risk while driving. Without adequate ventilation, this gradual leak can quickly lead to CO poisoning and poses a serious health threat. If you regularly experience headaches or sleepiness/fatigue while driving, have your RV checked by a qualified technician ASAP. 54

Remember that an idling engine always produces CO, whether that engine is on your tow vehicle, your motorhome, or your generator. Always assure that your generator exhaust is properly ventilated to the outside.

If you use skirting to keep your RV warmer in the wintertime, remember that this same protection can pose a threat; the potential exists for this skirting to harbor concentrations of CO. Here’s another important safety tip: avoid packing cookie sheets, grocery bags, and other miscellaneous items around your RV’s propane heater.

This can restrict air flow to the heater, causing the heater to burn hotter. This, in turn, can crack the heat exchanger and cause carbon monoxide to silently leak into the RV’s living area.

Safety Checks: It’s a good idea to perform daily checks of engine oil levels, water levels, tires, and turn signals and brake lights. Before departing, take the time to walk slowly and methodically around your rig, checking for properly disconnected utilities, open outside storage compartments, raised TV antennas, etc. Every time you stop (i.e. for fuel, rest stops, shopping trips, etc.), do another walk-around inspection. Pay special attention to tire condition: make sure tires are properly inflated and check for foreign objects in your tires; this little bit of effort can go a long way toward preventing a flat on a lonely stretch of highway.

Make a habit of examining your rig’s tires closely, looking for cuts or other visible damage on both the sidewall and the tread. Whenever inflating tires to the proper pressure, take the time to inspect them visually for any obvious damage. Check the tread for irregularities in the wear pattern; this could indicate a possible alignment or wheel balance problem. Rotate your rig’s tires about every 15,000 miles

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

to help extend their life and improve your safety on the road.

Tire Inflation: Tire inflation pressure fluctuates with surrounding temperatures, so a slight, gradual air loss will typically occur over extended periods. Inflate all tires to their proper operating pressure, including the spare! Check your tires’ air pressure at least once a month, before each trip, and each morning you drive during a trip. Inflation pressures should always be checked when tires are “cold,” that is, before driving. Heat generated during driving increases air pressure (above the proper cold inflation pressure). This is normal, so never “bleed” air from a hot tire, since this could result in dangerous under-inflation.

Under-inflation creates excessive heat and breaks down tire walls, also causing instability while driving.

The vehicle does not respond as quickly. It’s kind of like driving a boat. whenever the driver makes steering corrections to the vehicle, it responds very slowly. On the other hand, overinflated tires cause the vehicle to ride rough, creating rattles that were not there before and accentuating existing noises, not to mention yielding an uncomfortable ride. The center part of the tire wears much sooner than it would if it were properly inflated and “hard” or over-inflated tires don’t grip the road properly. Remember, also, that you want to inflate your tires to the inflation pressure indicated either in your Owner’s Manual or found on the label located inside the frame of the driver’s door. Go by this number, which may not necessarily be the same psi indicated on the tire itself.

Happy trails!

Check out more tips & tricks on trailblazermagazine.net

4THE ROAD

Tips and Topics

PAWS ON

by Jenn Swope Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Jenn, I’m so torn over the micro chipping idea. I travel a lot and my dog is usually with us yet there is always that slim chance an accident could happen and having a back up plan is good. I don’t care to use a house collar as the tags jingle and even with the quiet tag style, the engraving can wear off and be illegible. There is GPS and other tracking devices that I know work with my Smartphone but I still am not sure what to do…I’ve read too much and now I worry. What do you do as I know you are full of adventure experience.

Happy Trails, Bernadette K. Thank you for your inquiry and honesty on this multi faceted question regarding micro chipping.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed with so much information so readily available at our fingertips this day and age. I think you’re smart to ask advice from your veterinarian and I appreciate you asking someone like myself who most certainly has a lifestyle full of adventure. While there is controversy on various levels regarding micro chipping, both of my dogs are micro chipped; that being said, my dogs are eight and nine years old and I don’t think that I would microchip again. I am not happy with how their bodies have seen the chip as a foreign object and have built scar tissue around the chip itself. I have heard and

witnessed firsthand stories how microchips can travel and settle in unwanted location with disturbing results. Although the statistics on something so radical actually occurring are slim to none, for me, it’s not worth the risk. My dogs are well trained and I think that is the top priority for any dog owner. Having appropriate identification on our pets collars and regularly updating phone numbers when needed is a standard practice that often gets overlooked in the busyness of a move or number change. Thank you for the reminder for each of us to double check our pets identification tags and contemplate this ever changing world we live in.

Jenn, Do you have an idea to keep added moisture and natural supplementation in my dog and cats diet while at home and when traveling? I can’t afford to feed raw as a main diet but thanks to your enlightenment on the subject, I now use Primal Freeze Dried as daily treats and both the dogs and cats go nuts for its goodness. I would love other natural suggestions to try as I’ve seen positive benefits with your ideas!

Thanks!

Jack and Teri M. How wonderful to hear the benefits of Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets in your cat and dogs lives. In addition, it’s very wise of you to consider adding natural supplementation and be on the lookout for other ways to increase your pets’ moisture intake other than simply setting water out. I rotate my dogs between Primal Bone Broth (that comes in 4 flavors) and Primal Elixirs (that are available in three formulas). All of these exciting frozen options are easy to feed, specific to holistic and organic supplementation and jam packed with goodness which supports a healthy immune system for even the most picky of pets. All of these formulas are great for dogs or cats so rotate away and find your favorites!

Easy to feed and store in the RV freezer or at home, you can use the broths or Elixirs to rehydrate your freeze dried food, be fed as a treat or poured over kibble. There’s really no wrong way to feed these wholesome vegetable and herb broths in any of their forms! Every Primal bone broth and elixir base are derived from meat proteins raised without antibiotics, added hormones or steroids.

All supplementation such as Apple cider vinegar, ginger, turmeric, and all vegetables are also organic so feed on a rotation with confidence! priamlpetfoods.com Jenn, What is the most dog friendly town near a Thousand Trails you have encountered? My partner and I are looking to plan a trip to the west coast this upcoming summer of 2020 and trust your experience in the matter.

We have 2 large dogs and enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities.

Sincerely, Bobbie and Janice C. How exciting to be planning your summer vacation to the West Coast in 2020! Hands down, my favorite dog friendly Thousand Trails is the Sunriver, Oregon preserve. Here you will find a giant off leash dog area that has access to the little Deschutes River for added fun as well as back trails within the park. Unlimited outdoor activities are available in the surrounding areas and your dog will be welcome to nearly all opportunities! Leavenworth, WA is another TT that boasts excellent dog friendly trails. Enjoy and travel safe!

Email Jenn your questions and share your pics to JennSwope@gmail.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

55

Member Deals

Member Deals!

Thousand Trails Members Always Save On RV Sites & Rentals at RVontheGo.com

Tahoe Valley (CA)

PACI FI C COAS T

20% Off 1 Month Stay

Valid at Mt. Hood, Tahoe Valley and Tall Chief

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid until 3/31/20. Book by 2/29/20 Min stay 29 nights, max stay 31 nights Use Promo Code: TB20PC

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on standard site unless otherwise specified. Stays 30 days or less are subject to $4 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 offer 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. Offers not valid at Grey’s Point Camp or Bethpage Camp-Resort.

56

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

THOUSAND TRAILS STANDARD DISCOUNTS:

20% OFF Daily Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

TT20%

Use Promo Code:

TT20%

10% OFF Monthly Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

TT10% *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

$100 OFF 3+ Month Stay

RVontheGo.com

Member Deals

FLOR I DA

Call! Click! Camp!

1 (888) 443-7301

Valid at all Florida RV Resorts

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 1/31/20 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 121 nights

Use Promo Code: TT100 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

S O UT H T EXAS

$100 OFF 3+ Month Stay

Valid at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Fun-N-Sun, Paradise Park, Southern Comfort, Tropic Winds, and Victoria Palms

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 1/31/20 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 121 nights

Use Promo Code: TT100

$125 OFF 3+ Month Stay

Valid at Lakewood, Paradise South and Sunshine RV

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 1/31/20 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 121 nights

Use Promo Code: TT125

ARIZO NA

$100 OFF 3+ Month Stay

Valid at Araby Acres, Countryside, Foothills West, Golden Sun, Monte Vista and Valley Vista

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 1/31/20 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 121 nights

Use Promo Code: TT100

$125 OFF 3+ Month Stay

Valid at Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Desert Paradise, Fiesta Grande, Foothill Village, Mesa Spirit, Mesa Verde, Paradise RV, Suni Sands, View Point and Voyager

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 1/31/20 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 121 nights

Use Promo Code: TT125 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on standard site unless otherwise speciďŹ ed. Stays 30 days or less are subject to $4 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 offer 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. Offers not valid at Grey’s Point Camp or Bethpage Camp-Resort.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

57

See if a Membership Upgrade is Right for You!

MAXIMIZE

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES More Freedom to Explore!

Enjoying the benefits of your Thousand Trails Camping Pass? Then you’ll love what our premium upgrade options have to offer. Get nationwide access to our premier campsites and resorts, keep the fun going with longer maximum stays, plan further ahead with extended booking windows, and much more!

Call today (888) 842-8617 or visit ThousandTrails.com/member-upgrade For more information, see a membership specialist on your next visit!

58 58

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations Travel Club

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. The 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.

JANUARY JANUARY / FEBRUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 2020 TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

59 59

C RO S SWO R D

ACROSS 1 Mother of Hermes 5 Female salmon 8 Semitic deity 12 Anagram (abbr.)

13 One - Spot 14 Fr. priest 15 Argyll island 16 Vagabond 17 N.Z bird 18 Bevel a ship’s timber 20 Foreign in origin 22 Solve 25 Insect 28 Equal Opportunity employer (abbr.)

29 Three - master ship 33 Mississippi bridge 35 Amer. Medical Assn. (abbr.)

37 S.Afr. Language 38 Aquarium fish 40 Master of Business Administration (abbr.)

42 Donkey (Fr.)

60

43 Otalgia 46 Nut 49 Wife of Abraham 53 Help 54 Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.)

57 Lady (Ital.)

58 Wings 59 No middle initial (abbr.)

60 Black 61 Stone (pref.)

62 Youngster 63 Look After DOWN 1 But (Fr.) 2 Immediately 3 Saying (suf.)

4 Love Feast 5 Habakkuk (abbr.)

6 Five-Franc piece 7 Gr. festival city 8 Male noble 9 Meet 10 Shelter (Fr.) 11 Weakly colored (pref.)

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

19 Devon river 21 19 (Rom. numeral) 23 Kentucky bluegrass 24 Logic proposition 25 Plead 26 Water (Fr.) 27 Electronic data processing (abbr.)

30 Sheep’s cry 31 Belonging to (suf.)

32 Suggestion 34 Apparition 36 Amer. Broadcasting Corp. (abbr.)

39 Defiant shout 41 Exclamations of delight 44 Laughing 45 Same (Lat.) 46 Eucalyptus secretion 47 Adjective forming (suf.)

48 Nipple 50 Noted physicist 52 Penmanship 55 Wine cup 56 Assistance

S U D O KU

Terms and Conditions for 2020 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

Find The Evergreen Tree

An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue.

Send us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card.

Brenda Charpentier Vancouver, WA

Found the tree on Page 31 of the November/December Issue.

Did you fi nd 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 January, 30, 2020 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2020, you will receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2020, 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, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2021, not to exceed $599 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, 2021. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize 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 Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 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 $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card and you will not receive a $125 Virtual Visa® Reward 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 MHC Property Management, L.P. 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.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

61

PREFERRED RV DEALERS Check out member specials on parts, service, and sales by visiting our preferred RV Dealer partners listed here.

USA A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City, Sevierville alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley affinityrv.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake, VA - Salem americanfamilyrv.com Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • bladerv.com Blue Dog RV CA - Redding ID - Coeur D’Alene ID - Post Falls NV - Las Vegas OR - Bend OR - Gresham OR - Medford OR - Redmond WA - Fife WA - Kennewick WA - Pasco WA - Spokane Valley bluedogrv.com Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg boatnrv.com

62

Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis • funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • burlingtonrv.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe CT - Union FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville, Ocala FL - Saint Augustine IN - Clarksville SC - Myrtle Beach NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, MA - Raynham VA - Fredericksburg GA - Macon, Atlanta camperland.net Campers Inn FL - North Jacksonville Fl - Jacksonville GA- Richmond Hill campersinn.com Candy’s Family RV TN - Murfreesboro KY - Scottsville candyscampers.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • chesacorv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale, Puyallup clearcreekrvcenter.com Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com Colerain Family RV IN - Indianapolis OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus colerainrv.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com Cunningham Campers, Inc. IN - Jeffersonville • cunninghamcampers.com Dunlap Family RV TN - Knoxville, Chatanooga, Nashville KY - Bowling Green dunlapfamilyrv.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com FIFE RV Center WA - Fife • fifervcenter.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com Gerzeny’s RV World FL - Nokomis• gerzenysrvworld.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington, Burlington • haltermansrv.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Hitch RV DE - Milford NJ - Berlin • hitchrv.com Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Johnson RV OR - Sandy WA - Fife • johnsonrv.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com

Lazydays RV AZ - Tucson CO - Denver CO - Loveland FL - Tampa FL - Ocala MN - Minneapolis TN - Knoxville lazydays.com Marjon RV CA - Moreno Valley • marjonrvs.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Mount Comfort RV IN - Greenfield • mountcomfortrv.com Northside Family RV KY- Lexington • northsidervs.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel, Scranton roadhousecamper.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Mesa, Showlow CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin NV - Sparks OR - Coburg WA - Buckley, Fife, Mt. Vernon rvcountry.com

RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • rvforless.net RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim, Willow rvvaluemart.com Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com Sky River RV CA - Buellton, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach skyriverrv.com Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Stoltzfus RV’s & Marine PA - West Chester • stoltzfus-rec.com Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The RV Factory Luxe Fifth Wheel IN - Elkhart • luxefifthwheel.com The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com Tonie’s RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Airstream of Dallas Fourth Worth Two other Vogt locations vogtrv.com Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

CANADA Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com Canadream AB - Calgary BC - Vancouver ON - Toronto NS - Halifax QC - Montreal YT - Whitehorse canadream.com GO VR QC - Ange-Gardien • go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Kustom Koach RV Centre BC - Aldergrove • kustomkoachrv.com Lardner’s Trailer Sales SK - Saskatoon • lardners.com Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Leisure Days RV ON - Aylmer, Kingston, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, Sudbury QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro leisuredays.ca Leisure Trailer Sales ON - Tecumseh • leisuretrailers.com O’Connor RV BC - Chilliwack • oconnorrv.com Ottawa Camping Trailers ON - Ottawa • ottawacamping.ca Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie vrsouliere.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

63

It’s Rally Time!

Club Calendar 2020 RVers seeking RVers? Rally clubs from coast to coast love to meet at our destinations. Join in on the fun!

TTN Central CA

Come join us! We are weekday campers and we like Lake of the Springs, Ponderosa, & Snowflower, but are open to other locations.

Please check out our Facebook page: RV/CampersofCentralCA(TTN).

Email us at ccttnRVgroup@gmail.com

Lewis and Clark TTN

Mike May: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Mike May (360) 581-5512 or mmay914@comcast.net.

Bounders United (BUTTN)

BUTTN’s are members who own or have owned a Bounder motorhome and belong to Bounders United & Thousand Trails. Please make your own reservations at the RV Resort.

Member # 1 (800) 388-7788; Non-Member # 1 (877) 570-2267.

(No-Host Outing) If you are interested in attending please contact: Yvonne Codde at (209) 207-8184.

TT of Texas/FMCA

July 13-17..Thunderbird-Monroe, WA

New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. All motorhomes, trailer owners, and 5th-wheels are welcome. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com.

Website: ttnoftexasfmca.com.

Sept. 14-18.....Seaside, OR

May 1-3.....................Lake Texoma

April 13-17...........Seaside, OR

May 11-15............Crescent Bar, WA June 18-22...........Whalers Rest, OR June 24-27...........Roseburg, OR Aug 10-14.......Paradise, WA

March 13-16..............Colorado River

Oct. 5-9..........Whalers Rest, OR

November 13-15.......Medina Lake

64

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

TT Travelers Southern California

We usually meet on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. In the morning we have coffee, snacks, socialize and play games. In the evening we have more fun with a potluck and card games. We are looking for more new members.

Come visit us. For information, contact Cecil Schoolcraft, Wagonmaster, (619) 997-9787, or email him at cecilanddonna@aol.com.

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 60.

Branching Out...

Seeking a Safer Tomorrow

Help the Manatees, Adopt One Today!

Are you a Photographer or an aspiring Photographer?

Submit your high quality photos about your stay at one of our Thousand Trails Properties for a chance to be featured in TrailBlazer and our Social Media Pages!

Submit your work to tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com Please submit 5-10 photos with a short description about your stay. Must be a Thousand Trails Member in order to be considered to be featured.

savethemanatee.org Photo © Wayne Hartley

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

65

HDTV TVThat That Travels Travels HD WithYou You With DISHOutdoors Outdoors In In 33 Easy Easy Steps Steps DISH Call 1-877-894-6220 Call 1-877-894-6220

USECODE CODE“TRAILS19” “TRAILS19” USE FOR 50 OFF A SATELLITE ANTENNA BUNDLE* $

FOR 50 OFF A SATELLITE ANTENNA BUNDLE* $

Visit DISHForMyRV.com/Trails or call 1-877-894-6220 Visit DISHForMyRV.com/Trails or call 1-877-894-6220 *With the purchase of a DISH Solo HD receiver and DISH-compatible antenna. Offer limit one per customer. Must mention coupon code at time of order.

Notthe valid on previous purchases.

Minimum requirement may apply. *With purchase of a DISH Solo HD receiverprogramming and DISH-compatible antenna.

Offer limit one per customer. Must mention coupon code at time of order.

NotView validpackages on previous purchases.

Minimum programming requirement may apply. for complete details.

For Pay-As-You-Go service, all charges, including monthly programming, pay-per-view and equipment upgrades, 66 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER must be paid in advance; failure to pay by due date will lead to service disconnection within 24 hours. All prices, packages, programming, features, View packages for complete details. For Pay-As-You-Go service, all charges, including monthly programming, pay-per-view and equipment upgrades, functionality and offers subject to change without notice.

State reimbursement charges may apply.

Additional restrictions apply. must be paid in advance; failure to pay by due date will lead to service disconnection within 24 hours. All prices, packages, programming, features,

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

67

Wherever your travels take you enjoy lifes’ delights with passion and

LIVE

All without worry, because if something happens and you need medical evacuation home then

LAUGH & Use your SkyMed membership card to pay the bill and

LOVE IT. ®

68

18 SERVICES

|

1-800-679-2020

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020 TRAILBLAZER

|

WWW.SKYMED.COM

|

LOVE USA