TrailBlazer Magazine - July 2013 by TrailBlazer Magazine

JULY 2013 n $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

ROAD TRIP American Made Adventures

Fly Fishing On the Fly On the Road: Nick Pihakis A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble Ask RV Bill

B L A L Z I

E R

T R A

RTORAD IP 2013

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Camping is always better with friends! Receive a $25 American Express Gift Card when your referral purchases a Zone Camping Pass. Your referral also enters you into our 2013 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes.

Grand Prize

or 7 Night Cruise Trip to Hawea)ii (a $4,000 valu

Second Prize 4 Nights in either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando

Third Prize FREE DUES for 2014

(10 winners se lected) (up to $525 va lue)

(a $2,000 value)

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on page 51 of this magazine.

VOL. 35 n ISSUE 6

JULY2013 CONTENTS Message from Marguerite Tech Topics Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer

5 9 10

Governor’s Palace. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

TrailMix 12 Activities & Events

News & Notes 20

I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer

Spotlight: Independence Day Style

On the Road: Nick Pihakis

A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble

Features: Roadtrip — 32 American Made Adventures

AMERICAN MADE ADVENTURES

Fly Fishing On the Fly

Our July Road Trip takes us to several important places throughout the US that played a huge part in the varied and vast history of our country. Ride along with us as we celebrate America!

Member Deals 44 Advertiser Index 50 Crossword Puzzle 50 Club Calendar 52 Ask RV Bill 53 Preserve Services Directory

Sudoku Puzzle 63 Classified Advertising

On Location 66

FLY FISHING

▼

Cape Cod striped bass. Photo by Tom Rosenbauer

Winding Roads 62

Did you know that fly fishing is the oldest method of recreational angling dating back more than 2000 years? We’ve reeled in some of the best locations in the US where you can partake in this age-old sport.

Cover photo: Fly fishing in British Columbia, Canada JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Letters to the Editor

Send your letters to TrailBlazer Magazine, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or send an email to TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com.

Susan S. wrote – Kudos go out to the folks who put together the national parks and farmers’ markets features, as well as the spotlight on Teddy Roosevelt. A friend and I had decided to do a September road trip from Seattle to North Dakota to South Dakota and back through Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon seeing all the national parks and as many historical markers as possible along the way. What perfect timing for us! Susan’s letter also included a question similar to Jean W.’s from our June issue regarding why certain preserves don’t have listings in our Activities and Events section.

Susan – we are so glad the features in the June issue play into your travel plans. We hope that every issue hits home with our readers’ planned adventures or sparks the desire to hit the road. Thanks for your comments. And again, in regard to your question about preserve event listings you’ll be happy to see information from the preserve you mentioned included in this issue. While we ask all of the preserves to provide their calendar information to us, due to our print schedule some preserves do not have the information finalized by our deadlines. Please remember to check the Thousand Trails website at www.ThousandTrails.com for specific preserve information.

This poem was sent to us by a member who enjoys camping at Sturbridge Preserve in Massachusetts. Coleman Lamp I think it’s time to go and camp I’ll bring along my Coleman lamp If it turns a little damp Up to the store I’ll take the ramp I’ll buy a postcard and a stamp Let’s hang the awning with a clamp At Outdoor World in Sturbridge I like to camp with my old time Coleman lamp

Readers: Hooray – we’ve already heard back from a few of our readers about their favorite places to go while visiting our preserves. Please keep sending us this information so that we can begin creating an online directory that would point our preserve guests in the right direction. Please let us know your favorite local spots when visiting our preserves. Is there a great shopping area? A not-to-be-missed pizza place? Where’s the best burger? What’s the best local attraction? Send your comments to TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

B L A Z I L

E R

T R A

RTORAD IP

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

2013

eople make all the difference. You’ve heard it thousands of times and I am sure you can recount experiences where the people you encountered in a situation made a difference. We like to think that with your camping experiences, that rings true as well. Sometimes it’s the friendly neighbor at your campsite who has just the right tool you need for that surprise RV project, or perhaps their camper kitchen has the spice you forgot back home that makes your camp meal just right. Often times, it’s more than the helpfulness but also the camaraderie. We like to say that camping is better with friends – in essence, the people you are with make all the difference. I am sure you can recall many campfire stories that bring a smile to your face The one common activity that brings everyone together at our locations throughout the season is the love of camping. Being able to share this activity with friends and family is why we think our Referral program works so well. We’d like to give you a glimpse of two of our Referral Winners: Meet Polly Buenger, a Second Prize Winner of our Referral promotion. As the second prize winner she had her choice of four nights in Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando. Polly chose Orlando because her bucket list included attending the Houston Astros Spring Training Camp in Florida.

made “the trip of a lifetime” even better was her traveling companion of choice, her friend, and long time TT member, Reta Angell. They had a ball, and all because, as Polly wrote “we shared our experiences and referred friends who became members.” Then, there’s the story of Joe Cannon and his wife Rita. Joe was the Grand Prize Winner of the Referral promotion and he and Rita enjoyed a Caribbean cruise. What a trip they had, and again, people made the difference. A courteous crew, great traveling companions and more turned the simple act of referring a friend into a “boatload” of rewards for the Cannons. So, as you’re traveling this summer and you’re thinking how much someone you know would enjoy the experience you’re having – remember to refer a friend. People do make all the difference. Our Summer Road Trip this month gives a nod to a list of places that make America America! From locations of historic note to those that are truly unique to the US, we found some pretty interesting places across the country for you to visit during the month that we celebrate our Independence. Plus, camping season is in full swing so we hope you are making the most of summer and of course, bringing along a friend or two to make the camping experience even better.

“Winning this trip enabled me to attend Spring Training in style,” Polly wrote in a letter to us. What Marguerite Nader President & CEO JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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

EDITOR Joan DeAno Rykal TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Heather Anderson ADVERTISING SALES 877-252-9320 TBads@equitylifestyle.com TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published monthly except bimonthly Nov./Dec. and Jan./ Feb. by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

TrailBlazer Magazine

Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 www.trailblazermagazine.net

Address Changes for TrailBlazer can be sent via email to TrailBlazerAddressChanges@ EquityLifestyle.com New Subscriptions 1-877-252-9320

TTN & LTR Reservation Services (From United States and Canada) 1-800-288-7245 • 228-497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. September 1 to March 31 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time 24-hr. STAR Line: 1-800-859-7827 228-497-3594 Member Services 1-800-388-7788 Resort Parks International Reservations 1-800-456-7774 ELS Reservations 1-877-362-6736 PRINTED IN THE USA

Little Diamond: Little Diamond hosts a Civil War Reenactment each summer. This picture was from the July 2012 event. - Thomas Street, Tacoma, WA

Now Win $50 EACH Issue!

Pics from the Parks Photo Submissions Do you have a winning photo from your visits to our preserves and resorts? We’d love for you to share it with us and what’s more, your submission will now be entered into our photo contest. Winners will receive a $50 American Express Gift Card. Each issue we will select ONE “winning” photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month.) Winning photo will be posted on the TrailBlazer website as well as in the magazine. Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to: TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to: Equity LifeStyle Properties, Attn: TrailBlazer Photos Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of Equity LifeStyle Properties and may be used for publication on company websites and promotional purposes. One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received. The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and on the website.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PICS FROM THE PARKS Rancho Oso: One of the many trails we rode on. This one is overlooking Rancho Oso below. - Sandy Nobunaga, Torrance, CA

Rancho Oso: Photo was taken at Rancho Oso during the morning feeding at the barn. - Mark Christoffels, Long Beach, CA JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER?

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing simply pay your 2013 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

er, th’s winn This mon nhauer, be Joyce Um as camping na, PA w s from Cleo en she wa h w y e h s r at Her d with he e t n e s e r p t card. $1,000 gif d here e picture b u o y l il W th? next mon

re with Miller ictured he Joyce is pReynolds and Kim y a R er, Pam Leep

Get Out and

Ca mp

When you pay your annual dues for 2013 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express gift card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2013. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2013, you will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The drawings are limited to persons who are of legal age. The drawings will be held at our corporate office on the 10th day after the end of each month. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails preserve. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. You may also enter the drawings by printing your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address on a 3” x 5” piece of paper and mailing it to the Sponsor in addressed, stamped envelope. You are limited to one mail-in entry which must be postmarked by December 15, 2013. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limtied Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Tech Topics by Paul and Kerri Elders

▶ RVs are terrific homes on wheels, and they’re subject to the same little irritants that can “sneak up” on you at your stay-at-home home. So it pays to be both diligent and observant. If you notice changes in the way any component in your RV is performing, investigate! It’s always a lot easier (and less expensive) to address little problems before they become big ones. This month, let’s take a look at some simple solutions to water pressure issues, identify what you should know about windshields and windows inspections, and find out just how easy it is to maintain electric entry steps. Improving Water Flow

If you’ve noticed that the water pressure in your shower, bathroom, or kitchen is running a little slower these days, it’s time to do a little investigative work. Take a few minutes to do a quick check of the water screens on your kitchen and bathroom faucets. It’s a good practice to remove, inspect, and clean these water screens periodically to remove any grit or particulates that may be clogging the screen and slowing water flow. Simply unscrew the faucet’s head, remove the screen, and gently clean the screen with a clean toothbrush, rinsing thoroughly. Run a bit of water through the faucet while you have the screen off, then replace the screen and washer. Replace and re-tighten the faucet head, and your problem should be solved. As for the showerhead, the easiest way to clean this is simply to remove it, then soak in a small amount of CLR or Lime-Away, rinse well, and re-install. Once you’ve cleaned the faucet screens and your shower head, you can take your inspection a step further. Take a look at your trusty Owners’ Manual (you know, the book every RVer HAS and no RVer READS—till we actually have to). You might just discover that your RV is equipped with a built-in water filter. And that little water filter may be the long-neglected item that’s slowing down your water flow. While water filters are invaluable for keeping your water supply safe and clean, they must be properly maintained to keep them operating at peak efficiency. If your RV is equipped with an inline water filter, it needs to be inspected and changed at the manufacturer’s

suggested intervals. Fortunately, changing one is usually a snap. Once you’ve changed the filter, you may find your water flow problems are permanently in the past.

Windshield Checkup

Motorhome owners should carefully examine their front windshield every six months, inspecting the black urethane sealant for a good, tight seal. If you’ve been experiencing wind noise or water leaks, you may have a sealing problem. If you discover the source of the sealing problem during your inspection, you can temporarily patch the problem area with a high quality, clear silicone until you have the opportunity to take your unit to an appropriate repair facility. But resist the temptation to let this silicone sealer be your permanent fix; make sure you do indeed have the factory seal properly repaired ASAP. While you’re inspecting the windshield’s seal, take a good look at the integrity of the glass, checking for cracks and chips. If you find any chips, have them repaired as soon as possible, so they don’t become cracks. Fortunately, most areas now have mobile windshield repair services, so you’re usually just a phone call away from fixing a chip BEFORE it becomes a crack. And if you find cracks, have your windshield replaced immediately; it’s a safety hazard. All RVers need to periodically inspect the windows of their RVs, looking for damage and/or leaky seals. This is another area where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Leaky window seals can quickly progress to leaks in your walls, which can further progress to mold, mildew, and swollen siding. Pay attention and do what needs to be done WHEN it needs to be done. Continued on page 65 JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

WHO’S IN THE KITCHEN

with TrailBlazer?

OUR OWN THOUSAND TRAILS

grill masters

uly is National Grilling Month so of course we just had to provide you some tried and true great grilling recipes so we enlisted the help of our Facebook fans for this month’s recipe selections.

Santa Maria Style Tri-tip – Todd F. 2 (3 pound) tri-tip roasts Seasoning Salt Mixture: 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons white pepper 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon onion powder 4 Tablespoons granulated garlic 2 Tablespoons salt Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl Basting Sauce: ½ cup red wine vinegar ½ cup garlic-infused vegetable oil Whisk together vinegar and oil in a small bowl. Coat both sides of the tri-tip roasts with the seasoning mixture, rubbing it in as you would a dry rub. Let the seasoned tri-tip rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Sear each side of the tri-tip at 600 to 700 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

each. Remove seared tri-tip from the grill, cover it with foil and let it rest while bringing the grill temperature down to 350 to 400 degrees. During this cool down period I usually toss in a couple of oak chunks. Put tri-tip back on the grill and cook to an internal temperature of 126 degrees for medium rare, basting with the sauce every 5 to 10 minutes. Remove tri-tip from the grill, cover it with foil and let it rest 15 minutes. Cut into ½ inch slices, against the grain.

Salmon on the Grill – Bettina M. Get a nice cut of salmon and cut it into portion sized pieces. Season the fish with a dry rub of a palmful of brown sugar, a pinch of dry mustard, and a tiny pinch of red or black pepper (or both - I like it without the pepper and instead add a sprinkle of salt.) Leave the fish in a covered plastic bowl with some vegetable oil, more brown sugar, soy sauce and some water. This really seals in the flavor and makes it a flavorful fish. I like the taste strong so you can choose to use less or more of any of the ingredients. After an hour or two I take it out, flip it on the grill and serve it with grilled zucchini and a nice bowl of noodles.

Grilled Vegetables – Laura F. Place sliced vegetables (green and red pepper, onion, zucchini, broccoli and green beans - whatever veggies you want) into a Ziploc bag. Add shrimp, scallops, or cubed chicken. Add one Tablespoon of oil and a shake of Mrs. Dash (or other flavoring of your choice). Refrigerate at least one hour then toss on grill in basket or bowl, stirring occasionally until tender. This is a great camping recipe because you can prepare at home and keep refrigerated in the fridge or cooler a day or two until you arrive at your campsite. If I am preparing ahead of time I usually keep the seafood separate until the day of cooking.

Maple/Bourbon BBQ Chicken – Louise M. Rub four chicken breasts with a mixture of ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. I usually just mix it all in a big Baggie. Bring to a boil ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 Tablespoons bourbon (or apple juice), and 2 teaspoons mustard (boil till mixture thickens.) Cook chicken six minutes, brush with sauce, and flip and grill 2-4 minutes, brush with sauce, test for internal temp till done.

Grilled Spicy Lemon Shrimp – Tina B. 1 pound large raw shrimp Basting sauce: ½ cup of thawed frozen lemonade concentrate 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce 1 Tablespoon soy sauce 3 Tablespoons finely chopped cilantro 2 cloves finely minced garlic For basting sauce, combine all ingredients. Place shrimp on skewers, then onto hot grill, brush with basting sauce and cook until shrimp is cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on how large the shrimp is. Makes four servings. Continued on page 62 JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

TRAILMIX

Your Own American Adventure

f this month’s feature, American Made Adventures, has you planning an AllAmerican trip this July, keep in mind many of our preserves are located so close to these historic sites that we think are unique to American history. Stay with us while you explore the history that made America the great country that we love.

Going Colonial - Williamsburg, Virginia Our own Williamsburg Preserve is almost in the backyard of the living history museum that is Colonial Williamsburg. With so much to experience in this historic village, it’s easy to spend a few days exploring while staying with us. A beautiful, wooded location, the preserve offers pools, a game room, mini-golf and more. Choose a loft log cabin rental unit and feel a bit like the pioneers who founded our country. Eureka, You’ve Found It – Marshall Gold Discovery State Park If you want to pan for gold and see if you can strike it rich while visiting Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in Coloma, California, settle in at the Ponderosa Preserve which is the perfect place to strike camp as it is just minutes from the state park. Ponderosa also has the distinction of being located on the South Fork of the American River so kayakers and rafters love the setting. Live like a King – Graceland We’d definitely say “thank you, thank you very much” if you chose Cherokee Landing as your home base while visiting Graceland Mansion. Home to the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley, Graceland and its grounds and museums, are just about an hour’s drive from Cherokee Landing. After imagining the high living lifestyle that Elvis experienced, the quiet serenity of Cherokee will be a welcoming retreat- swim, fish, take out a canoe or just relax and listen to some music - rock ‘n roll, of course! Cross Continent – Fort Clatsop While the main means of transportation for the Lewis and Clark expedition was watercraft, you can take a road trip to Oregon and visit Fort Clatsop, where their journey ended in 1805. Lucky for you, Seaside Preserve is just 25 minutes from this historic site so heading home after your visit won’t take nearly as long as Lewis and Clark’s journey. Seaside’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean is ideal for exploring the body of water that was the ultimate destination for Lewis and Clark. Guests can enjoy whale-watching, salt water fishing and simply bask in the beauty of this Oregon setting.

12 JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 12

Lights, Camera, Action – Hollywood Who could imagine the future of this town when the first studio opened back in 1911. Since then, this California location has become synonymous with the motion picture industry in the United States. Stay at Soledad Canyon and see what sightseeing tours are scheduled into Tinsel Town. And while Hollywood may have a Walk of Fame, Soledad offers its own walk – the 60 acres of the streamway that traverse the preserve provide the ideal nature walk.

Ponderosa

Roger That! – Titusville, Florida If space exploration has always been a dream, see how it was done with a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, in Titusville. Visitors can tour launch centers, meet retired astronauts and see actual rockets. And if that gets you in the mood for a ride of your own, the theme parks of Orlando are just about a half-hour drive away. So if you’re up for the adventure, choose to stay at any one of our three resorts, TT’s Orlando, and Encore’s Clerbrook and Lake Magic are the perfect locations for this thrill-filled getaway. Historic City Visits There’s no better place to learn about the beginnings of the United States than by visiting three great historic places – Boston, Philadelphia and Washington DC. Make it an eastern road trip and stay with us along the way as you walk in the footsteps of our country’s forefathers. Start out in Boston and walk the Freedom Trail, visit Paul Revere’s home and the Old North Church. If your timing is right, you might be in Boston to experience the awe-inspiring Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Then, spend a night or two with us at Gateway to Cape Cod and take a beach break before heading off to Philadelphia to see the site of the first and second Continental Congress as well as the Liberty Bell and the house of the famous seamstress who stitched together the first Old Glory. Our preserves located in the Pennsylvania Dutch country, which is about an hour’s drive from Philly, offer a quiet, not to mention beautiful, respite from the city touring and your drive. And if you’re a true history buff, you won’t want to miss a tour of Gettysburg National Military Park before leaving PA to head to Washington DC. The Gettysburg Preserve is the ideal spot to recharge before hitting the road. The monuments, the White House, the war memorials and more make a visit to Washington DC most likely one of the most educational vacation adventures you can experience. And the lesson continues as you make your way to the Chesapeake Bay Preserve in Gloucester, VA. Gloucester itself is rich in history and the preserve sits along the banks of the Piankatank River, a site of several actions during the Civil War. So whatever American Adventure you choose this summer, stay with us along the way! ■

Soledad Canyon

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort

Chesapeake Bay JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Calendar - July 2013 ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Member Appreciation Events Saturday, July 20 and Saturday, August 24 All Thousand Trails Locations

Check with properties for a list of times and events BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA Cultus Lake June 28-July 1: Canada Day Weekend: Happy Birthday Canada! Breakfast will be available each day of the holiday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. After breakfast on Monday, July 1, the kids will make a decoration for their bikes and then join our bike parade where there will be judges and prizes. The parade will be held at 11 a.m. On Saturday evening we will be having a Spaghetti dinner at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m. come and join our Recreation Staff for a night of Karaoke. Checkout on July 1 will be delayed until 3 p.m. so you all can come to the Rec Hall at 1 p.m. to celebrate Canada Day. We will be serving complimentary birthday cake. July 4: American Independence Day: Happy Independence Day (USA): Help celebrate Independence Day (USA) with our American members, as we offer everyone a scoop of ice cream for half price at the Pie and Ice Cream Social at 1 p.m. July 6: The Great TT Race Weekend: Kids come and try your skills in the Annual Great TT Race. We will start the race at 2 p.m. Prizes for the winners and lots of fun for everyone. Come and enjoy the Manager’s famous burgers and hot dogs at 5:30 p.m. July 13: Christmas in July: HO HO HO, Merry Christmas in July! Bring out your Christmas decorations and decorate your rig for the weekend. Kids, come and make a Christmas craft on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for the tree. Maybe Santa will come after we decorate the Christmas tree in the Rec Hall and get it ready for the turkey dinner, with all the trimmings at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the meal will be available at the Country Store until 2 p.m. Seating is limited so get your tickets early. July 20: Chili Cook-Off Weekend: We will have a Chili and salad dinner. The Chili will be the result of the Chili Cook-Off at 5:30 p.m., so bring your favorite chili (enough to feed 15 people). We need at least five entries. Cost will be $3.50 per bowl and we supply the bowl. After the Cook-Off we will have our Special Karaoke night with Mike and Marjorie so bring your best singing voice to the Rec Centre at 7 p.m. and join in for an evening of fun and laughter. July 27: Western Weekend includes Western crafts for the kids. Plus, we need all the cowboys and cowgirls to dress up in their best Western costume for a Steak Dinner, (you cook the steak for your meal on our BBQ) at 5:30 p.m. After your Steak Dinner join us for an evening of dancing with Hong Kong Cowboy. CALIFORNIA Idyllwild July 5-7: We have several fun activities planned this weekend. We start out with s’mores at the campfire on Friday. Enjoy a Saturday morning breakfast at the Pine Cone Cafe, followed by a hike on the local park trails. Stop by the cafe patio on Saturday afternoon for the Ice cream Social and then try your luck at Candy Bar Bingo. Sandii Castleberry will perform her “Americana Show” Saturday night at the Amphitheater. On Sunday we will have a fishing tournament and our very own Fourth of July Parade for carts, bikes, campers and pets. Check the activity schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss any of the fun. Horseback riding will be available and you can cool off in the pool. The Pine Cone Cafe will be open all weekend so leave the cooking to Jan Boss and her staff. July 19-21: Thousand Trails Bluegrass Festival: There will be a

(Events may be subject to change)

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

jam session at the Amphitheater on Friday night. On Saturday there will be a campfire with s’mores and more Bluegrass at the Amphitheater. July 27-29: Wild West Weekend and 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off. Bring your favorite chili recipes and all the fixings then sign up to enter the contest. Prizes will be awarded. We have planned several fun Western activities. Our very own rodeo clown will be calling bingo. Bring your cowboy hat and Western duds and join in on the fun. Saturday night, Cowboy Jack will play some of your favorite Western tunes around the campfire and of course, we’ll have s’mores. Lake of the Springs Every Friday in July we will have Adult Money Bingo put on by our volunteer fire department. On Friday and Saturday nights we will serve dinner at the Lodge and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Every Saturday John Carter performs at the Family Campfire. July 4: Kids’ Fishing Derby for anyone under age 15, plus patriot tie-dye - purchase a shirt from us or bring your own. Also BBQ in the park and free watermelon feed, 4th of July family parade and fireworks display to patriotic music. July 6: Family Dance with Jim Hunter Band. July 13: Family Dance with Heading Due West. July 20: Family Dance with Southern Wings. July 27: Family Dance with The James Slack Band. Ponderosa July 4 Family Blast Held at El Dorado County Fairgrounds, event features Kids’ Activities, food and beverage available for purchase, live music from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m., Hay Mazes, Arts & Crafts, Free Kids’ Contests and Games, Mechanical and Inflatable Rides, and Fireworks after dark. Gates open at 4 p.m. Fairgrounds are just 12 miles from the preserve. For information call (530) 621-5860. Rancho Oso Every Saturday: 11:00-Noon: Come on down to the arena to watch the stock dogs herding sheep and cattle and stay for the bucking bull demo! Get up close and personal with our young bulls as we prepare them for a future in rodeo! A definite photo op! Every Weekend: Join the fun and hop on board the famous Rancho Oso hay wagon to take a tour of our beautiful resort! Wagon will drop off passengers at the barn for the stock dog and bucking bull demo and barn tour. Don’t forget to call the stables at (805) 683-5110 and book your unforgettable horseback ride for ages eight and over. Of course, your little buckaroos can get their first ride on a big horse, led by one of our friendly wranglers! This is a great “photo-op” for your scrapbook. The weather is perfect for hiking, swimming, riding, photography, or wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, only a scenic half hour drive away. Don’t want to drive? You can easily arrange a guided winery tour with a local tour company! Later

July 4 Independence Day Parade, Festival & Fireworks Celebration SYV Rotary is pleased to invite you to enjoy the 4th of July Parade. Seeing the streets of this picturesque town lined with family and friends, hearing the cheering of children waving the flag, will make you feel proud to be part of this spectacular happening. The fireworks display is a SYV Rotary Sponsored Event; all proceeds benefit community charities. For more information visit www. santaynezvalleyrotary.org. Event is held in downtown Solvang and the Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang, just 22 miles from the preserve. Event runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 13-14 25th Annual Santa Barbara French Festival Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of France right here in Santa Barbara! The French Festival is back at Oak Park this weekend. Come shop, dine, create and celebrate all things France, poodles included! Event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is held at Oak Park, 300 W. Alamar, Santa Barbara, just 22 miles from the preserve. Admission is free. For information call (805) 963-8198.

Wilderness July 4-7: It’s our 4th of July Weekend Celebration. Come join in all the fun for the weekend! The Clowns, Twinkles and Sunny Sunshine, will be here to do face painting and make balloon figures and animals on Thursday. Warm up those vocal cords for Ron’s Karaoke on Friday, and one of your favorite bands, the Hit Men, will play outside for your enjoyment on Saturday. Red, White & Blue Kids Crafts and lots of time to enjoy our pools to cool off. July 13: Casino Night. Come play Blackjack for FREE. Play with Wilderness money and get rich. Tickets given and drawing for prizes at the end of the evening. Must be 21 to play. July 20: Movie Night with FREE popcorn. July 27: Dominic’s Karaoke for the whole family. Who knows you might be discovered for American Idol. ILLINOIS Pine Country July 3-7: Week of the Fourth: Let’s do four days in the Great Outdoors at Pine Country. A mix of fun activities such as Sports of All Sorts, Adult Hayride, Bags Tournament, Chinese Lanterns, live music and Wet-n-Wild Saturday...a day of fun water games and a water slide ($). If you like to laugh you won’t want to miss our Friday night Minute to Win It game. July 12-14: Sports of All Sorts Weekend: Come enjoy a few friendly games of Tug of War, Kickball, and a family Softball Game (16-inch ball) or take a scenic hayride through the park. July 19-21: Christmas in July: Get your decorations out for a site decorating contest (prizes for the best decorated site). Also a Christmas ornament craft, hayrides with Santa and, of course, cookies and milk with Santa and a Christmas Dance. July 26-28: Taste of Camping: A weekend of tastes and multiple vendors including food vendors, wine tasting ($), plus RVs on display, outdoor equipment and much more.

MASSACHUSETTS Gateway to Cape Cod July 5-7: Independence Day Weekend including site decorating contest and Saturday evening entertainment by local band, Shananagans, who will play your favorite tunes. July 12-14: Prom Night Weekend: Relive your high school dance with DJ Gary. Also, The Gateway to Cape Cod “limo” will take a tour of the campground to pick up revelers. July 19-21: Christmas in July Weekend: One of our favorite theme weekends. Watch for Santa, he often vacations here this weekend. Site decorating contest with great prizes.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

on Saturday, join us for the Ice Cream Social to make your favorite sundae or hot chocolate! Keep the weekend sweet with our Candy Bar Bingo too! Check out our breakfasts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and dinners on Friday and Saturday at the Stone Lodge Kitchen! Our chuck wagon is open serving lunch on Saturday – great burgers!

Throughout July (Thursday afternoons and weekends) Harbor your Arts - Hyannis Browse among the seven colorful shanties featuring local artists who work from their “seaside shanties”. Artists change weekly and work varies from painting, jewelry, sculpture, glass ceramics, wood carving and much more. Event is just 40 miles from the preserve. May through October Tours at Nauset Lighthouse Nauset Light Preservation Society volunteers lead tours of the lighthouse and provide historic information. Tours are free, donations accepted and some parking fees may apply. Check website for dates and times. For information call (508) 240-2612 or visit www.nausetlight.org.

MICHIGAN Saint Clair July 4-7: Independence Day Weekend: Hamburger and Hot Dog Picnic Potluck Dinner, Friday Ladies’ Night (an evening of shopping, eating, games, crafts, pampering and fun). A Night at the Races (betting with pretend money and auction of donated prizes afterward.) for adults on Saturday along with a special Family Bingo. Loads of crafts and games and ice cream galore. July 13-14: Mystery Weekend: Mysterious kids and adults crafts, Scavenger Hunt and introduction to Geocaching (bring your handheld GPS device with you this weekend). July 20-21: Las Vegas Weekend: Adults-only Blackjack Blast, Play with free chips, win tickets to use in a raffle for either great or comical prizes. Family Candy Bar Bingo too! July 27-28: 12th Annual Potluck CookOff Weekend: Compete for big prizes in five categories: salad, casseroles, vegetables, dessert and other. Don’t miss all the fun cooking themed activities for kids and adults alike. NEW JERSEY Lake and Shore July 4-7: Not only will we be celebrating America’s birthday but all of your birthdays as well. Don’t miss our Fourth of July celebration at the pool on Thursday. Saturday is your big birthday bash with cake and ice cream. Plus, all weekend long there will be music, contests games, parades, bonfires, bingo and more. You are not going to want to miss it. July 12-14: Viva Las Vegas: Casino Night is back. All the fun of a night at the casino without having to leave the comforts of the resort. Music, food and more - it’s sure to be a good time. July 19-21: Magic in the Park: This is going to be one magical weekend you are not going to want to miss. Magic show, crafts, games, music and more is on the agenda. July 26-28: Christmas in July: Ho Ho Ho - an Island Christmas is coming early to Lake and Shore. Enjoy your favorite holiday traditions in JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

the summer, including cookie decorating, caroling, a hayride with Santa, tree trimming and much more. Ask someone special to the Yule Tide Ball on Saturday or come solo and meet someone under the mistletoe.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

NEW YORK Rondout Valley July 4-7: Fourth of July Weekend: Come to a Birthday Party celebrating America’s Freedom. Among the fun will be sack races, watermelon eating contest, bubblegum blowing contest, pie eating contest, great crafts and frog jumping contest. Make sure to get your festive 4th of July decorations out for the site decorating contest. Prizes will be awarded. We will also have our July 4th Parade. DJ Joey B entertains on July 4 and Music by the Rollercats on July 6. July 13-14: Valentine’s Day/Big Summer Flea Market: It’s Flea Market time again so have fun selling and buying! We will also be celebrating Valentine’s Day. Come play The Newlywed Game and attend the special Sweetheart Dinner with dancing afterwards to the wonderful music of Breakaway on Saturday night. The Snack Bar will have wonderful specials to help make the events “special for love birds.” OHIO Kenisee Lake July 6-7: Patriotic Weekend includes Red/White/Blue Decorated Golf Cart and Bicycle Parade through the park with an Ice Cream Social afterwards. July 13-14: Willy Wonka Weekend so bring down your items to dip in our Chocolate Fountain. July 20-21: Games, Games, Games! Bring and share your games down to the Welcome Center and enjoy laughter with fellow campers. July 27-28: Dance, Dance, Dance! Put your dancing shoes on and cut a rug to DJ Rabbit. July 13 Early America “Live” 1890 Reenactment An 1890 reenactment in 19th Century village with Tavern, House, General Store, School classes and Church. Early skills, make and take crafts, lots to see and do. Held in Jefferson at 147 E. Jefferson Street, just three miles from the preserve. For information call (440) 576-0496.

OREGON Bend/Sunriver July 4-7: A great weekend with lots of fun, including the Yummy Banana Split Extravaganza which is built and eaten by our guests. We will have our annual parade on the Fourth and this year we are starting an annual family fun kickball tournament. We’ll provide the popcorn and the peanuts. We’ll be roasting marshmallows on the island one evening and our favorite musicians will entertain too. And, of course, don’t miss our annual Bend over the Fourth horseshoe tournament. This is a long standing tradition at our park and everyone of all skill levels and ages are welcome to participate…truly a family fun activity. On Friday, Star Productions will be here for an exciting game show night …come play and see what it’s like. On Saturday, the wonderful Summit Express Jazz Band will play! These folks are amazing. July 13-14: Beachy fun in Central Oregon…Yes we can build sand castles here in central Oregon. Bring your team or join one at the sand castle building contest. Kids bring your shovels to help us find the buried treasures in Big Jim’s Sand Box. Banana Splits on Saturday. Airband performs on Saturday so come dance and sing to all of the classics. They even take requests. July 15-19: Pickleball Mania #7! The new courts are awesome. The pickleball competition will include men’s and ladies 16

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

round robin doubles, singles, and mixed with skills levels. Registration forms can be found on the USAPA website or contact Rec Director Carol Malcom at (541) 593-8494, ext. 105 or Tournament Coordinator Rhoda Zaph at (208) 7034241 for additional information. July 20-21: Good ole country fair competitive games like sack races, corn husking, and jello slurp just to name a few! And of course we must throw in our haystack dive! Saturday is bingo night so get ready. July 27-28: Carnival of Clowns will feature old and new games with prizes, face painting, popcorn and balloons. On Saturday, the belly dancers return by popular demand. Come learn and enjoy an entertaining evening. Pacific City July 4: Fireworks at Rockaway Beach. Don’t want to fight traffic? Make reservations for the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad trip from Garibaldi to Rockaway for the fireworks show. Call (503) 842-7972. July 6: Sidewalk Daze: Join us for a sidewalk sale at the store, sidewalk chalk art, Scott Davis balloon art and carnival games. 3rd Annual Oregon Coast Classic car show 9 a.m. at the Alderbrook Golf Course. Clover’s Day parade and festival in Cloverdale and fireworks show at Bob Straub Park in Pacific City. July 13: Luau Daze. Teriyaki/ Pineapple burgers special for lunch. Pin the parrot in the palm tree, hula and limbo contest. Graber, Souter & Rupp Country / Gospel entertainment. July 20: Annual Dory Days Festival in Pacific City. 4H horse show in Tillamook in the new pavilion at the fairgrounds. July 27: “Jultober” Fest features dill and rye kraut and brats lunch special. Mug and Pretzels Social. Beer Chuggin’ for adults and pretzel toss into the giant stein. Enjoy the sounds of Lee King entertainer. June-September Tillamook Farmers’ Market Market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seaside July 3-7: It’s going to be a great Independence Week! Celebrate our nation’s birthday here at Seaside! Fun will be had by all this week! On July 3 enjoy the Big Screen! plus an outdoor movie, popcorn, a roaring fire in the Big Pit, a wienie roast and s’mores! If you miss this night, no worries, we’ll do it again on Saturday! Independence Day events include July 4th Parade starting at the Seaside Museum at 11 a.m. and from 12 to 3 p.m., the Seaside Museum Old-Fashioned Social. After dark, enjoy Seaside July 4th Fireworks Display on the beach. July 5: It’s BBQ Time! We will be enjoying the sounds of Storm‘in Norman, classic Rock & Roll and after he gets everyone going… IT’S KARAOKE TIME! July 6: Enjoy the Big Screen! Plus outdoor movie, popcorn, a roaring fire in the Big Pit, a wienie roast and s’mores! It doesn’t get much better than this! July 7-11: It’s Line Dancing Time! - another first at Seaside. Jan Cole, who hosts the June Event at South Jetty, will be here to inspire and teach the novice to the experienced! She wants everyone to get out there and have some fun! And so do we! Whalers Rest July 4-7: Stars and Stripes Galore Weekend starts off early with our Fourth of July parade and site decorating contests. We’ll be serving up a special BBQ lunch outside the SCH at noon on the 4th following the parade. Saturday, in the North Clubhouse at 7 p.m., will be “American Bingo Fun”. July 12-14: Santa Hits The Surf this weekend. Join us for Christmas Dinner Saturday night at 5 p.m. in our North Clubhouse followed by huge “Christmas Party” in our South Clubhouse at 7 p.m. Come join the fun and let’s see who’s been naughty or nice. Also we’ll have the ugliest Christmas Sweater contest, so plan ahead! July 19-21: It’s Oregon Territory Weekend so join the wagon train of fun this weekend. We will revisit the history of Oregon, make some awesome Oregon

July 26-29 Toledo Summer Festival Held in downtown Toledo, just 20 minutes east of the preserve, this event features Sidewalk Chalk Artists!, Kids parade, Toledo Idol Karaoke Competition, Mrs. Claus’ Breakfast, Festival 5k walk, Grand Parade, local logging show and the best fireworks of the summer. Fee: Festival Buttons for just $7.50 each allow entry into the Toledo Summer Festival all three days. Admittance without a button is $6 per day. For information call (541) 336-5066.

PENNSYLVANIA Hershey July 4-7: Celebrate the Fourth of July: Come dance the night away with the Second Chance Band. On the 4th we will have our parade - walkers, golf carts and bicycles are welcomed. Decorate for the occasion and celebrate our freedom. We will have Soldier’s Story reading and our third paint ball game so bring your supplies. July 12-14: Carnival Weekend: Come out for the carnival that includes pie throwing, spin art, and spill tank to name a few. This event includes your favorite carnival games and food. July 19-21: Outer Space Weekend: Meteor showers and stargazing! Bring your own telescopes if you’d like. Let’s see what we can find. We will also have a fun craft to do. July 26: Pik’n n Grinnin’: Let’s have fun hillbilly-style. Come swim in our Cement Pond, enjoy potato sack races, tater peeling contest and more foot stomping fun. Fishing with William, plus Amber Waves will play from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for a love offering. TENNESSEE Natchez Trace July 6: Annual Independence Celebration - open to the public with food vendors, crafts, bounce houses, music and of course, fireworks after dark. July 13: Luau on the Beach features music, free pontoon rides, paddle boat races, beach volleyball and water slides, plus shish kabobs on the barbie. July 27: Christmas in July with Dirty Santa gift exchange, plus Santa will be here with a gift for all children. July 20 Music in the Park Country music and Bluegrass show, held at David Crockett State Park, 1300 W. Gaines in Lawrenceburg, just 20 miles from the park. Event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and admission is free. TEXAS Bay Landing June 28-July 4: It’s patriotic time again so decorate your bikes, tricycles, golf carts, and strollers for our annual bike parade. All ages welcome. We supply the red, white and blue. Then - let the games begin! All games will leave you soaked, yoked and smelling like a banana. Don’t forget our Radical Golf Cart Races. Decorate your site and/or cabin and win a prize. Then step to a buffet

for a full meal deal followed by fantastic fireworks and dancing under the start at the Beachview as T. Bone Road performs. July 19-21: Beach Bum Days/Boat Regatta: It’s that time again to launch your man-sized cardboard boat at the Regatta! Get the sand between your toes while you’re making sand castles. Try out your serves at the volleyball game - can you clear the net? Don’t forget your bathing suit and sunscreen - all the activities will be scorchers. Angie at her Rattlesnake Cave will cook up something good for her Saturday Dinner Special.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Coast Art, and enjoy the travels in our very own Whalers Wagon Train. Ron Diller will entertain us Saturday night in the South Clubhouse at 7 p.m. July 26-28: Sea Creature Escape weekend so we’re calling all sleuths! Whalers has been invaded. Help us solve this weekend-long mystery. Then we’ll celebrate with Fiddlin’ Fun Saturday night in the South Clubhouse at 7 p.m. with the Bush Pilots.

Colorado River July 4 Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, Kids and Pet Parade Held at the Downtown Courthouse Square, event includes parade, plus food and vendors and is just five miles from the preserve. For information call (979) 732-8385.

Lake Conroe July 6: July Fourth and July Birthday Weekend: It’s Red, White and Blue time, so don’t forget to decorate your sites for the best decorated site award. We’ll start the day off right with breakfast at The Cactus Café and then have a golf cart parade, water gun fight and fireworks at dark. Oh and don’t forget the dancing under the stars with the Leftovers Band. July 13: Summer in Full Swing Weekend: All games this weekend will leave you soaked! Water volleyball, a water balloon toss and a park-wide water gun shootout. Come prepared! Forewarned is forearmed! July 20: Friendly Competition Weekend: Let’s enjoy some friendly competition this weekend with board games and, of course, bingo! The kids will be making friendship bracelets on Saturday morning. So bring your friends and your competitive spirit for a fun weekend. July 27: Kids Splish Splash Weekend: This weekend will be all about kids. We will make kids crafts and have water balloon toss contest. There will be golf cart water gun and water balloon fights. Snow cones and hot dogs will be served from the Cactus Café. July 28 Bernhardt Winery Grape Stomp & Wine-a-rita Anniversary Celebration The celebration includes guided tours through the vines hosted by Ron Saikowski, an award-winning wine columnist, plus a grape stomp, lawn games, a Lucy Look-A-Like contest, specialty food vendors, and the traditional sunset toast. Event begins at the winery at 4 p.m. Winery is located at 9043 County Road 204 in Plantersville, just 28 miles from the preserve. For information call (936) 894-9829. Lake Tawakoni Week of July 4: Vacation Bible School. July 6: Nickel, Dime and Quarter Bingo at 10 a.m., Ice Cream Social at 1 p.m., Washer Tournament at 2, Dinner at 6 p.m. (buy tickets at Ranger Station in advance $7); Menu to be determined and will be posted later. Raffle drawing at 7 p.m. (last chance for tickets) 50/50, 7:30 Stephen Pride in concert - bring your lawn chairs and enjoy. July 20: Walk the Park at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. Candy Bar Bingo, and 11 a.m. What’s Happening Meeting, 12 p.m. Ice Cream Social, 1 p.m. Putt-Putt. July 21: Chapel Services at 8:45 a.m.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Lake Texoma July 6: Teen Pool Party with DJ Tyler Bratcher, plus Fun in the Sun Family Games. July 13: Let’s Dance with DJ Tyler Bratcher. July 20: Dave Zentgraf performs, plus Decorate Your Pet Parade. July 27: Allen Hurt performs, plus Christmas in July. Medina Lake July 6: Let’s start the day off with a craft sale. We’ll decorate our bikes and golf carts for our 4th of July parade in the park. Banana Splits will cool us down, and then it’s a toe-tapping, finger-snapping good time with Bimbo and the Borderline Band. Let’s kick up our heels for some dancing. July 13: Let’s be creative with kids’ crafts, plus Bean Bag Baseball for all ages (no running or bats required.) Treat your taste buds during our Ice Cream Social. Cool off at the pool with water games. For our Minute to Win It games, we’ll compete against others. July 20: Craft Sale, Kids crafts, Ice Cream Social, Bingo Day, Ice Cream Bingo, Candy Bar Bingo and Mystery Bingo. July 27: Pool Day - kids’ crafts at the pool, plus Top of the Trail will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers at the pool. We’ll have water games at the pool, plus Ice Cream Social and Lawn Dice. July 4 Lakehills 4th of July Parade and BBQ The parade will travel down Park Road 37. The American Legion will have a BBQ dinner and dance following the parade in their hall in Lakehills. Event is just two miles from the preserve. Parade begins at 11 a.m. For information call (830) 751-3711.

VIRGINIA Chesapeake Bay July 4-7: Fourth of July Kids Carnival: Explosive weekend of activities, food and fun! Decorate your golf carts and bikes for our annual “Independence Spirit” parade. Gather up your children and grandchildren for the 2nd annual member-generated Kids Carnival. Dance on Saturday night. July 12-14: Western Weekend: A weekend filled with Western activities that even “The Duke” would enjoy. On Friday night, we’ve got a Western movie for the kids and Casino Night and Blind Prize Auction for the adults. Treat yourself to a Mexican dinner on Saturday night, and then polish up your cowboy boots and hats for some boot scootin’ boogying. July 19-21: Intro to Geocaching: Learn all about geocaching, an outdoor treasure hunt to find hidden caches using a GPS or smart phone. Join the five million active geocachers who have left or found caches across the whole world. After a short introduction, go in search of the cache, and when you find it, make an entry in the logbook and see what others have left. July 22-28: Vacation Bible School Week II: If you missed the first week of Vacation Bible School, here’s another! On Friday night, listen to the inspirational gospel music of Jerry Jones, live in concert. Saturday activities TBA. July 20-21 Gloucester Renaissance Festival Enter a world of Medieval fantasy that includes Juggling workshops, knighting ceremonies, royal archery contest and masquerade ball. Free admission. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held at 6509 Main Street, just 15 miles from the preserve. For information call (804) 693-2355

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

WASHINGTON Birch Bay Throughout the month, Christmas in July activities are planned as our Summer of Holidays returns. July 20-21: Check out our Red Canopy Karaoke Booth at the 34th Annual Discovery Days Festival and lend some sweet song. Come join us! July 4 Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and SHOW-N-SHINE Come spend the day celebrating the Fourth of July in downtown Blaine. Thousands of people come to celebrate the day with daylong activities that include a pancake breakfast, a parade at noon, an arts & crafts street fair with 80+ vendors, a show-nshine, live entertainment, and plenty of good food. Get your spot in Blaine Marine Park for a community picnic and jazz concerts. Ride the historic Plover Ferry from Blaine to Semiahmoo Resort where you can make an afternoon and evening of it with a salmon BBQ and a perfect spot to watch the fireworks over Semiahmoo Bay! On-site registration for the Show-N-Shine begins 8:00 am ~ Awards announced at 2:00 p.m. Events are held at 344 H Street, just three miles from the preserve. July 20-21 34th Annual Birch Bay Discovery Days A great weekend for the entire family. Fun activities abound with a grand parade down Birch Bay Drive, arts & crafts fair (Saturday and Sunday) and a variety of food vendors. There’s plenty more to do this day including kite flying on the beach, clamming, wake boarding and more. Bring the entire family! Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parade starts at 11 a.m. from The C Shop. Event is held behind CJ’s Beach House Restaurant, 7878 Birch Bay Drive, just one mile from the preserve. For information call (360) 371-5004.

Chehalis July 4-7: Enjoy a long Independence Day Celebration, culminating in our annual 4th of July Parade on Saturday! Bring your bike to decorate and ride in the parade. Prizes for most Patriotic Campsite and Best-Dressed Bike! Common Law Band performs Saturday night at the Family Lodge. July 1214: STP Weekend. Support your favorite riders as they pedal from Seattle to Portland in this annual event. Centralia is the mid-point and overnight stop for over 10,000 cyclists! We’ll be ‘carbing up’ the riders at our Saturday evening spaghetti feed and Sunday morning pancake breakfast. Everyone is welcome - please see handouts for details. July 19-21: Happy Birthday to You! Weekend: We’re having a birthday party all weekend and you are the guest of honor. Kids, join us for a birthday piñata and pin-the-tail-on-thedonkey contest. Adults, the HUGE gift sitting in the family lodge belongs to one of you. Join us Saturday after bingo to discover the lucky winner. Also, contests galore, and of course, birthday cake, music and karaoke Saturday night. July 26-28: Frontier - POW WOW Days! Enjoy a cowboy-style breakfast on Saturday morning followed by new TT entertainer, Ron Boyles/RED HEART Indian Flute music and American Indian Art in the evening at the Family Lodge. Western crafts and games all weekend long. Save the Date for the Wenatchee Youth Circus at Chehalis - August 3 and 4!

July 11-14 Toledo Cheese Days Held in downtown Toledo, just 20 minutes from the preserve. For information visit www.visiontoledo.org.

Long Beach

July 4 Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Event includes fireworks at the beach. Held at Ocean Park and Long Beach, 1-3 miles from the preserve. July 10-13 Sandsations Sand Castle Contest The annual Sandsations sand sculpture celebration and contest is held along the beach in Long Beach.

Mount Vernon July 6: A Day at the Races: Join us as we turn the Oasis into a speedway. Build, paint and race your own wooden car. July 13: Pirate Days, Arrr Matey! Put on your buccaneer gear, walk the plank, search for treasure and we will be sure to have a swashbuckling good time. July 20: The Aloha Dancers never fail to entertain and teach us, from tot to teen, they will make you feel like you are on an island. We will be making grass skirts, playing coconut croquet and dancing up some fun. July 27: Boo! I have always said that Halloween belongs in the summer and somebody finally listened! We will be having a best decorated site contest, plus fun and games and of course, candy for the little ghosts and goblins.

July 13-14 Highland Games Bagpipes, Highland dancing, amazing competitions, sheepdog trials, gathering of the clans, Scottish food, weaving, spinning, and vendors all by the Skagit River. An amazing experience for everyone. Held at Edgwater Park, just two miles from the preserve. For information visit www.celticarts.org. ■

New!

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Through October Community Farmers’ Market Held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Boisfort Street, just 15 minutes from the preserve.

RENTAL UNITS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE DELIVERED TO THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS THOUSAND TRAILS • BEND/SUNRIVER, OR • HERSHEY, PA • LAKE AND SHORE, NJ • LAKE CONROE, TX • LAKE OF THE SPRINGS, CA • LEAVENWORTH, WA • PONDEROSA, CA • SEA PINES, NJ ENCORE • ARROWHEAD, WI • LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, NY • MT. HOOD, OR • O’CONNELL’S, IL • PLYMOUTH ROCK, WI • TRANQUIL TIMBERS, WI • TWIN MILLS, IN • YUKON TRAILS, WI FOR INFORMATION CALL 888-443-7301 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.THOUSANDTRAILS.COM

Visit the website at trailblazermagazine.net

If you don’t see a preserve event listed here, visit

ThousandTrails.com

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

News& Notes

Bear Cave

Bay Landing Adult Center

Chehalis, WA The new Camp Host office is open in the former kitchen area of the Adult Lodge. Plus, the Adult pool, spa and Family pool have all been resurfaced for the season. New banquet tables for the Family Lodge have arrived!

Bay Landing, TX Bay Landing has a new Adult Center. Bear Cave, MI Bear Cave hosted an open house recently where local author Kent Kaiser discussed his memoir “Hard Way Back” and signed copies of the book as well for attendees. Kaiser’s memoir depicts tales from his adventures to Alaska and New Zealand, including a recount a Kodiak Brown Bear attack. Bend, OR Bend has added a beautiful new Welcome Center which will make check-in much easier. As soon as you turn into the driveway make an immediate right and it will take you straight to the front door. This will help ease the line getting through the gates. Also, the restroom in the Townsquare and restroom two on B Road have been remodeled. Birch Bay, WA The off leash dog area will be under construction this summer for expansion at Birch Bay – the plan is to have a bigger and better dog area open again by mid-August.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Gateway to Cape Cod, MA The tractor at Gateway to Cape Cod is sporting new tires and that means wagon rides are good to go again! Idyllwild, CA The security doors at the Idyllwild Office have been installed and the building has been freshly stained. The lodge will have the patio and deck refurbished soon and new signs should be in soon.

Bend

Welcome Cente r

Kenisee Lake, OH The Camper Check-in area at Kenisee has been relocated the Welcome Center. The road has been widened to accommodate the campers and the former Library Room has been redone and is now the Ranger Station Check-in. Final touches include new countertop, fresh coat of paint, and an extended ramp.

Safari Tent at Morgan Hill

Lake Texoma, TX Lake Texoma has completed the remodeling of the Welcome Center and is currently working on improvements to the electrical system. Lake Whitney, TX Lake Whitney hosted a wine tasting event in May and a good time was had by all.

Idyllwild

Mount Vernon, WA Mount Vernon is just about complete with the major remodel of the office space which will result in a beautiful new Welcome Center. New Camp Hosts Ron and Glenda Mion have joined the team at Mount Vernon. Natchez Trace, TN Natchez Trace is working on the remodeling and enlargement of several cabins. Soledad Canyon, CA Soledad Canyon has completed the upgrade to 50-amp at 70 sites in Sections N and Q. â&#x2013;

Long Beach, WA Long Beach has three new yurts and the lodge is reopening this season. Come out and camp and see the new additions.

Lake Whitney ent Wine Tasting Ev

Medina Lake, TX Medina Lake has a new fence around the swimming pool. Morgan Hill/Rancho Oso, CA If you love tent camping, then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love the new Safari Tents at Morgan Hill and Rancho Oso. Plan your stay in a Safari Tent this summer.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

America! ENJOY

“America’s Finest Discount Camping”

We’ve Added Over 60 Locations This Year! New Locations are Being Added Every Month!

f you’re looking for ways to make your camping dollars go twice as far at quality RV parks and campgrounds, check out Enjoy America! Its low $39.95 fee for one year is well worth it. As a member, you can: •S ave 50% for at least one night on your camping fees at hundreds of quality RV parks and campgrounds nationwide •R eserve sites nationwide through one toll-free number •E njoy a complete guide to quality RV parks that welcome Enjoy America! members at 50% off

Free 6 Months of Enjoy America!* • I ncludes online campground directory •P rinted directory available (just pay $5.95 S/H) Easy Enrollment Options •O nline: www.Enjoy-America.net Use coupon code “Trail6” •C all 1-888-643-6569 and mention coupon code “Trail6”

Enjoy America!

Partial Listing of New Resorts Since 2012 Resort Name

Salmon Harbor Resort-Smith River, CA Pechanga RV Resort-Temecula, CA Junction West RV Park-Grand Junction, CO Wilderness Lake-Willington, CT Naples Campground-Naples, ME Indian Creek Campground-Tecumseh, MI Memphis South RV Park & Campground -Coldwater, MS Big Red Barn-Carthage, MO Benton RV Park-Fort Benton, MT Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort-Las Vegas, NV RV Resort at Carolina Crossroads-Roanoke, NC Osprey Point RV Resort-Lakeside, OR Swamp Fox Campground-Florence, SC Camping 109-Big Stone City, SD Creekside RV Park-Pigeon Forge, TN Dixieland RV Park-Carmine, TX R & D Campground-Milford, VA River Expeditions-Oak Hill, WV Northern Hideaway-Pearson, WI Terry Bison Ranch-Cheyenne, WY Coquihalla Campground-Hope, BC

Regular Rate

Enjoy America! Rate

$20-$35 $28 $43-$53 $42.50 $36-$47 $35 $30 $36 $24-$28 $33 $45 $24 $41.95 $30-$42

$10-$17.50 $14 $21.50-$26.50 $24.25 $18-$23.50 $17.50 $15 $18 $12-$14 $16.50 $22.50 $12 $20.98 $15-$21

$38 $45 $36-$42 $50 $25-$60 $40 $40

$19 $22.50 $18-$21 $25 $12.50-$30 $20.50 $20

* Free 6 month membership in Enjoy America! for TT members who don’t currently have an Enjoy America! membership or one of the following memberships that includes Enjoy America!: RPI Plus, RPI Platinum, RPI Preferred, RPI Preferred Gold or RPI with Resort Connections membership. Free membership is with Enjoy America! only and must be activated by August 15, 2013. No cash value. Void where prohibited.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Hawaiian Islands: Travel to O’ahu

he Hawaiian Islands are one of Preferred Access’ most popular travel destinations. Preferred Access members have the resources available to get the most out of their vacation time and money. Our O’ahu Visitor Bureau certified O’ahu Specialist can help you create the perfect O’ahu vacation package for the needs of you and your family; whether staying for a week in a spacious condo with kitchen or a few nights in one of the many hotels. Preferred Access can help take away the headache of vacation planning by booking airfare, car rental, and activities for you. Now is the perfect time to start planning your winter escape to O’ahu. The capital of the Hawaiian Islands, O’ahu boasts stunning scenery and is perhaps the most versatile of all the islands. If a fun family getaway is what you want then the Aulani Disney Resort in Ko Olina is perfect. You’ll love their immense pool features and calm lagoon; perfect for a paddleboard lesson or soaking up the sun. You can also enjoy an authentic Hawaii luau at Paradise Cove, which is within walking distance. Swinging up the Leeward (western) side of the island, you can visit rural towns and local beaches such as Makaha Beach. For an experience to remember, check out Wild Side Specialty Tours out of Wai’anae Boat Harbor. You will get the opportunity to snorkel in the wild with pods of dolphins and sea turtles. Moving up to the north shore of the island, you will find the laid back town of Haleiwa, where you can eat like a local or enjoy seven miles of beautiful beaches. The north shore is famous for its surfing waves at Waimea Bay, but not recommended for beginners. The winter waves in this area are record breaking. Due to surfing

popularity in sport and spectatorship, this area is quite bustling in the winter months. If surfing isn’t your thing then check out the Dole Plantation, the Polynesian Cultural Center, swim in a waterfall after a cultural walk through Waimea Valley or golf during your stay at the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort. Down the Windward (eastern) side of the island, visit Kualoa Ranch. Spend the day experiencing numerous adventure tours either by horseback or ATV as well as site tours by bus. You’ll see locations where some of your favorite movies were filmed and explore Hawaiian fish ponds, jungles and gardens. They even have a “Secret Island” where you can spend the day kayaking, canoe riding, standup paddling, and playing beach volleyball. The Windward side of the island is where you can go where the locals go. Visit Sandy Beach, walk down the Makapu’u Point lighthouse trail or snorkel in the breathtaking coral reef at Hanauma Bay. The south shore is home to exciting Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. Honolulu is great for shopping, nightlife and entertainment, or for exploring the history of O’ahu. Pearl Harbor is a must stop for all visitors, but make sure to book your Arizona Memorial tour early because space is limited and will sell out. For active travelers, hiking up Diamond Head Trail provides a great view and for a challenge, Koko crater is a feat. For those brave at heart, take an aerial tour by Seaplane with Island Seaplane Services. The winter months are also whale watching season on O’ahu, so pack your bathing suit and binoculars and get ready to experience the spirit of Aloha.

Preferred Access is included with RPI Gold, Resort Connections and RPI Platinum memberships. To find out how to add Preferred Access to your membership, call

1-888-318-1214

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Gerald and Shirley Gitler

Oregon Coast below Seaside

I Knew I Was a

TrailBlazer T

his month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Gerald and Shirley Gitler. This couple started camping together in 1979, after Shirley introduced Gerald to it and convinced him camping was the way to go. They have explored multiple Thousand Trails preserves across the country, have made numerous friends while camping and have even passed down their love of camping to their daughters. TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began! GG: We started in about 1979, when our youngest was just a month old. My wife introduced me to it. I grew up in the city and she had grown up in more of the suburbs so she camped through scouting. I had never camped. We started out with a two man tent, a pick-up truck and our four kids. TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? G&S: We were camping at Hershey Highmeadow Campground and we took the kids to McDonalds for lunch. Thousand Trails sales reps were there handing out coupons for three free nights of camping at TT Hershey. We took advantage of the deal and purchased a membership at Hershey. 24

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories? G&S: Well, basically we made a lot of friends at Hershey. They were all good times. This past year we took a trip out west, all the way to Washington State and Oregon, then towards San Francisco. The trip lasted about five and a half months. Staying at Crescent Bar was one of our favorites. It was a beautiful campground. We met up with a lot of our friends who had been up in Canada and we had a great stay at Crescent Bar. The view was excellent and we were there for two weeks. TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories? GG: When we were in Orlando, there was a couple ahead of us at the entrance gate. The woman was putting the gate code in and when it opened she went through but the gate closed so fast that her husband didn’t get through the gate. This happened three times! Another time at Gettysburg Farm, there were 32 of us sitting around a guy’s fire. One guy picks up this one piece of wood and says, “smell this wood,” and passed it around the circle. After it had gone all the way around he said “I got 32 people to smell this piece of wood!”

TB: What type of camper are you/what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why? (ex: fifth wheel, RV, tent, cabins, etc.) G&S: We have a 40-foot Beaver motor coach. We prefer the coach. We’ve been to the shows and looked around at different ones and we always stay with what we have. It is good quality and it was made very well. The roominess is nice; it has three slide outs. No more sleeping on the ground! TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership? SG: I think the trip west across the United States. We used RPI and stayed in the Wisconsin Dells, too. We have grandchildren in Minnesota so we took them to the Dells. The little ones loved the water parks and everything. Each of our daughters is three years apart so our Thousand Trails membership afforded us the opportunity to go on vacation more during the summer than we would if we had to go to a hotel. It provided us the opportunity to spend a week down at the Jersey Shore, and then go up to the New England sites. We have relatives up in Maine so it was good to be able to go up to Moody Beach. The Jersey Shore has always been a favorite place. I had some major surgery and for me to get to the Philadelphia hospital from our home in Pennsylvania actually took longer than if we stayed in the Jersey Shore, so we did that. We traveled between the hospital and the preserve for a month and a half. It was a good break for me because of the surgery. I had to get exercise and had to walk on something flat, so the Shore boardwalk was perfect. TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle? G&S: I think it’s got a lot to do with the fact that you sit at home and you know your neighbors, but at a campground people are outside sitting around a fire, swimming, playing pickleball or shuffleboard and you can always get a conversation going with somebody. One night at Gettysburg Farm, we were sitting outside and it was starting to get dark so we started folding up chairs to go into the coach. Our neighbor on the site behind us had a fire going and said, “Hey! Come over and sit with us!” We’ve been good friends with them for the last five years. We travel to different resorts together and catch up with each other. We’ve made a lot of friends. Also, when we were in Florida, we were sitting around and had a happy hour (in Florida it’s all day long!) A good 25-30 people came to our site. Each day, we would say where happy hour would be and everyone would come with a dish and bring their own drinks.

Our 40-ft. Beaver motor coach

Happy hour at TT Orlando TT Crescent Bar

TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when... G&S: ...when I could pack at a moment’s notice, getting whatever camper it was we had at the time ready and Continued on page 62

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Spotlight | Independence Day Style

pple pie, barbeques galore, the sizzling of the steak as it hits the grill, laughter all around and huge groups of people proudly donned in red, white and blue can only mean one thing: the Fourth of July has arrived and the celebrating has only just begun! After the crowd-filled town parades come to a close, the best way to continue the day is to spend it in the great outdoors with close friends and family. But how can you ensure that you can get them all in one place? Throw a patriotic themed party at your site and celebrate the day with gusto. Follow these steps for a successful Independence Day celebration.

Decor

The easiest way to distinguish a Fourth of July party from a standard summer barbeque is to deck out your site in red, white and blue. If you’re working with a space that offers a patio or fencing, bunting stands as a traditional and popular way to decorate and ensure that all of your guests will understand the theme. A simple stars and stripes tablecloth for the picnic table, with small flags in a vase as a centerpiece is also an easy set up for an outdoor event. Want to make sure the celebration lasts after the fireworks? Try stringing up patriotic lights along your RV. Reusable Revolution LLC offers solar powered lights with red, white and blue bulbs so your July 4th festivities can be earth friendly as well! www.amazon.com

Food and Drink

It’s hard to deny any grilled food item during the 26

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

summer months, but on July 4th, the family grill master should prepare to serve up hot dogs, burgers and corn on the cob for hours on end. Pair these holiday staples with fresh strawberries and blueberries for a little patriotic flair. Serve up a quick pitcher of iced tea and lemonade for refreshments. The best part? These items require minimal preparation so the hosts can still enjoy the day. For dessert, pick up an apple pie or fruit cobbler before heading out for the holiday weekend, or channel your inner Betty Crocker and try your hand at baking one on your own. If you’re looking to try something new, check out our members’ favorite grill recipes on pages 10-11.

Games

Get everyone, young and old, involved in the day’s festivities by setting up a few outdoor games. A little friendly competition before a grilled delight screams summer and is a sure fire way to get your guests chatting with each other. Murbles, a game similar to bocce, is an excellent outdoor game for a July 4th party. The simple rules and point system ensure that no one will be frustrated during the instruction session. Also, should you want to make the game extra patriotic, when you purchase your own set, you are able to customize your colors. Why not make them red, white and blue? Learn more about Murbles at www.murblegame.com Now that you have the right set up, all that’s left to do is have fun, be safe and enjoy the day! ■ by Annie Colletti

CIRCLE NO. 160 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

THIS MONTH, WE CHATTED WITH...

NICK JimPIHAKIS ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and the Rolling Southern Kitchen

t’s easy to see why Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q owner Nick Pihakis loves being on the road and visiting his huge helping of very popular restaurants (30-plus and counting). He’s happy because his home away from his Birmingham, Alabama home base happens to be a spacious 45-foot 2001 Prevost Le Mirage. “We call it Jim ‘N Nick’s Rolling Southern Kitchen,” said Pihakis during a rotating quarterly get-together of his restaurant partners in Charleston, South Carolina (where there are currently two tasty Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q locations). With southern locations currently in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as well as two Colorado locations in greater Denver, Jim ‘N Nick’s is famous throughout North America for its barbeque—and much, much more. Nick and his father, Jim Pihakis, opened the first Jim ‘N Nick’s in 1985, and Nick still tries to visit every location twice a year. The restaurants have a very loyal following, thanks to a motto and philosophy of: “Scratch-Made Everything…Yes, Everything. No Freezers. No Shortcuts.”

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Nick Pihakis with his Prevost Le Mirage Executive Coach Photo by Lynn Seldon

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.

Of course, the barbeque is rightfully famous, thanks to their ‘low (heat) and slow (smoke)’ method of letting pork shoulders steep in hickory smoke for more than 14 hours. But, menus feature many more rightfully popular items (all made from scratch), including: Kitchen Sink Pork Nachos; various salads (including ‘top it your way’ possibilities like pulled pork, southern fried chicken, and smoked chicken, beef brisket or turkey breast); huge baked potatoes with similar smoked toppings; ribs; classic southern sandwiches (from pulled pork to pimento cheese and much more); juicy hand-crafted burgers from a hickory-fired grill; various entrées (like a huge bone-in smoked pork chop); and more. Barbeque combos are a favorite, as is a list of scratchmade trimmings like baked beans, creamy cole slaw, slow-cooked collards, macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach, and a vegetable of the day. Their legendary cheese biscuits come complimentary to the table. Between barbeque-based and -laced meetings in Charleston, TrailBlazer caught up with Pihakis in his Prevost (including an impromptu bluegrass concert by musician and occasional driver Jeff Mosier) over at the bustling King Street Jim ‘N Nick’s location.

Why did you buy your Prevost? We thought about a plane, but with flying—unless you get a really big plane—you are really limited with weather and it’s hard to communicate. We felt like we could use the bus as a tool to get people on it if we need to go to New Orleans or Atlanta or wherever we needed to go, we could have meetings and talk. I personally mostly use it for recreation….football games, tailgating, and the like. So it’s really fulfilled both sides…..business and personal. What’s your favorite thing being onboard? It’s a fabulous way to get around...I love the control of travel with a bus. It’s a very comfortable way to get around. The trip up here was seven hours but it doesn’t feel like it. You’re working, watching TV, listening to music… What are your three favorite things/gadgets/items onboard? The television, the bathroom, and the bedroom in back. When I get back there and that engine’s on...it’s like a cocoon. It lulls you to sleep.

Nick Pihakis with his Prevost Le Mirage Executive Coach. Photo by Lynn Seldon

Nick Pihakis at a table at Jim ‘N Nick’s on King Street, Charleston, SC. Photo by Lynn Seldon

What are a few favorite destinations and why? New Orleans…love it…it just never stops! Nashville is a beautiful city right on the river…always things to do there. Charleston…it’s a beautiful town...you’ve got the city, the history, the culture, [and] the barrier islands. Do you cook onboard? We take food, [use] caterers, and stop at restaurants. When we’re traveling, we’ll stop at some favorite restaurant we want to try and get food to go. We like to support local restaurants anywhere we go, so we always cater from a local restaurant that we know [including fried chicken and more from beloved Bertha’s while in Charleston]. And we go to the restaurants wherever we go. We went to Bowen’s Island [famed for its oyster roasts] last night and tonight we’re going to McCrady’s [one of Charleston’s top restaurants]. How would you describe your barbeque style? We cook our BBQ in a smoker with our own rub. We cook fresh every day. Our sauce is a tomato-based sauce. It’s sweet and spicy. There really is no Alabama style of barbeque sauce, so we’ve created something in the middle of the road.What drives us is the freshness of our product versus our sauce. We don’t even have a freezer in our restaurants!

Jim ‘N Nick’s Pulled Pork sandwich with fries and slaw. Photo by Angie Mosier

What about those famed cheese biscuits you offer on a complimentary basis and also as a mix? Man, I’m telling you. We could run out of barbeque, but if we run out of cheese biscuits…..it’s ugly! n by Lynn Seldon JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

GLOBAL NOBLE

fter a 10-day cruise on the Boissevain, Dean and Noble landed at Cape Town, South Africa.

“We had reached Africa at last,” said Noble. “We were as far away from the USA as you can get on a continent.” Africa, all 12,000,000 square miles of it, twice as big as Antarctica, twice as big as South America and four times the size of the first 48 states in the US.

I found the many businesses, mostly of English origin, and the politics of South Africa fascinating.”

“We had travelled 20,000 miles over the past seven months and we were about to travel an additional 20,000 miles on this one continent alone over the next nine months,” said Noble. “We were ready for adventure. But first, I had to do something about the Jeep being overweight. Having 50 flat tires in the first several months was a big drag. So I found a Goodyear tire dealer and asked the owner to make us a new set of tough steel rims which could take our weight, and also, on those new rims, we could upgrade the quality and size of the Jeep’s tires.”

Their first visit was to Mr. and Mrs. Gant, who had indicated to the pair that they had a modest farm in the Cape Province. “I soon learned what modest meant,” said Noble. “The Gant’s place consisted of 9,000 beautiful acres of farmland so productive that it took 1000 individuals living onsite to manage it.” A respected family, the Gant’s land produced enough for a small city, including peaches, apricots, plums, hay for their cows and horses, grapes for wine making, a cheese barn and even a machine shop with a man who could handle a forge. All surplus was exported.

It took eight men eight days to hand forge four new steel rims, but they did it. “What a difference that slight enlargement meant for the rest of our trek,” said Noble “We had only eight flat tires for the next 30 months, travelling over 60,000 miles. We were beginning to win the tire war!” While on board the Boissevain, Noble and Dean met many South Africans coming home from their South American holidays. “These individuals were fascinated by our Jeep adventure and asked Dean and me to visit them,” Noble recalls. “These invitations were hard to turn down because we would be introduced to the life and culture of this emerging, productive new country, which was at that time, caught up in Apartheid. Dean would be in paradise with all the new endemic birds and 30

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

“We also saw so many exotic animals, like the springbok,” said Noble, explaining that a springbok is a medium-sized antelope. Dean and Noble spent several days camping in and around Cape Town, had the Jeep serviced, caught up on communications and did some laundry. Noble sent off 170 postcards and eight letters to friends on five continents. “Laundry was a rare event in our lives, “ recalls Noble. “We attacked laundry on those rare occasions when we encountered a river,” he said, adding that taking a shower in South Africa was also a rare event. “Most people in Africa took tub baths,” said Noble “Though we did find a shower at the Jeep agency.” Continued on page 65

CIRCLE NO. 154 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

B L A Z I L

E R

T R A

RTORAD IP

from Boston

2013

to Williamsburg

merican Made Adventures

by Kim Wuchter ireworks, parades and barbecues are

great ways to celebrate the Fourth of July. But, if you want to expand

your Independence Day festivities, take a look at Trailblazer’s “13 for 2013” star spangled road-trip ideas that spotlight some of our nation’s most iconic sites. Besides the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore, which are two of the most obvious patriotic symbols, our list contains destinations that fill your heart with national pride and showcase our country’s great achievements. There are sites that pay homage to pivotal moments in our nation’s history, and other destinations that reflect our country’s ingenuity, talents and greatest leaders.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Photos Above: 1) Jamestown ships. www.leerogersweb.com 2) Courtesy Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 3) Liberty Bell. www.nps.gov Photos Right: 1) Powhatan Indian village www.pulloverandletmeout.com 2) World War II Memorial. www.nps.gov 3) Paul Revere and North Church, Boston Courtesy Freedom Trail Foundation

A Walk Through Time Ye Old Times Two outstanding living history museums bring early colonial villages to life in Williamsburg, VA. At the Jamestown Settlement, you can travel back to America’s first permanent English settlement. It is said to be the birthplace of the nation and was founded in 1607, 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. Take a walk through the re-creation of the first English settler’s encampment and learn about the world of Pocahontas in a re-created Powhatan Indian village. You can even board replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia. Adult admission is $16. Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in United States, presenting a colorful recreation of our revolutionary past. Here you will feel like a resident in a town on the verge of war as you interact with townspeople and learn their stories. Taverns serve authentic 18th-century food and drink, and the townsfolk and shopkeepers dress in period clothing. There are more than 20 guided and selfguided tours each day. Single day tickets are $41.95 for adults. Where Freedom Rings Known as the birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park (INHP) encompasses many of the crucial events that helped shape our country’s democratic ideals. The park spans 55 acres over 20 city blocks within the city of Philadelphia. The park preserves and interprets resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America, including the site of the meetings of the first and second Continental Congresses and the site at which the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of

the United States of America were debated and signed. Sites include the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Valley Forge National Historic Park, Betsy Ross House, and the National Constitution Center, which opened in 2003. This hands-on museum works to expand people’s understanding of the Constitution through numerous multi-media exhibits. You’ll want to begin your visit at the Independence Visitors Center. You can pick up a park map, sign up for tours and find out more about special programs and events at the park. The park is located in Old City, within walking distance to numerous art galleries, museums and other attractions. All Things American A visit to Washington, DC is like hitting the patriotic jackpot. With so much to do, you really need to take a couple days to see it all. The most popular attractions are the monuments and war memorials on the National Mall, and tours of the White House, the U.S. Capital and Supreme Court buildings. If you plan ahead, you can even meet with your congressional representatives. Some offer drop-in times, but most require a written request for a meeting. The first step is to visit your Senator or Representative’s web page at either www. house.gov or www.senate.gov and see what they offer and how you can request a meeting. A Town Ahead Of Their Time Boston is home to a number of firsts -- the first public library, the first public school and the country’s first historic walking tour. The Freedom Trail is a great attraction in Boston that gives an introduction to Colonial Revolutionary Boston. This red path cuts through downtown Boston and leads to 16 significant historic sites. It is a 2.5-mile walk from Boston Common to the USS Constitution in Charlestown. Altogether, the trail takes about two to three hours.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

coastal tip of Oregon. Today, at the Fort Clatsop National Memorial, you can visit where the Lewis and Clark party encamped for a cold, rainy winter before making their return trip. The visitor center includes a replica of Fort Clatsop similar to the one built by the explorers, and an interpretive center offering exhibits, a gift shop and films. Daily costumed programs and other ranger-led activities are scheduled during the summer months, beginning mid-June and ending Labor Day weekend.

Fallen Forts

Along the trail, you can see Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s House, the site of the Boston Massacre, King’s Chapel and more. The Freedom Trail Foundation offers 90-minute walking tours led by 18th century costumed guides (adult tickets $11). Audio tours are also available for rent at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Moments Of Discovery Golden Opportunities When gold was discovered in California’s Sacramento Valley in 1848 it was arguably one of the most significant events to shape American history during the first half of the 19th century. Thousands of gold seekers poured into California. It all began in present day Coloma along the South Fork of the American River where carpenter James W. Marshall found flakes of shining metal as he was working to build a water-powered sawmill for James Sutter. Today, the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park tells the story of 49er life and mining and features a replica of the original sawmill. Throughout the year the park provides daily interpretive programs on subjects such as blacksmithing and gold panning as well as sawmill demonstrations. The South Fork is also California’s most popular whitewater rafting river, where daring adventurers brave the rapids April through Labor Day. Lewis and Clark Slept Here “Ocean in View! O the joy.” This was William Clark’s journal entry from November 1805 as the Corps of Discovery finally reached the Pacific Ocean. The team of explorers had traveled across the continent, starting in Missouri, and their westward journey came to end near Astoria at the 34

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

The Birth of the Civil War Sitting on a tiny island at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter holds a special distinction in America’s history books. The opening shots of the Civil War were fired here on April 12, 1861 by the Confederate artillery. The Union forces at Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square in Charleston is a great way to learn about the history of the fort. It tells about the growing sectionalism and strife between the North and the South, leading up to the battle. After browsing the museum, you can board the passenger ferry at Liberty Square to the fort. (Note: You can also reach the fort by private boat or onboard another passenger ferry that departs from Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant.) With each arriving ferry, visitors can listen to a 10-minute ranger history talk before beginning a self-guided tour. Or, visitors can use the entire hour to explore on their own. Most notably, Fort Sumter houses the best collection of 19th century seacoast artillery anywhere in the United States.

Photos Right: 1) Fort Clatsop. A living history “explorer” from the Lewis and Clark expedition. 2) Fort Sumter Visitor Center. www.nps.gov 3) Alamo. Courtesy Jeff Jowdy Photography 4) Mansion of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes. Courtesy Hayes Presidential Center

A Heartbreaking Texas Tale Beloved by Texans, the Alamo stands as a symbol of courage and loyalty. Once a mission, the Alamo became a battleground in 1836 for a small band of Texans who held out for 13 days against the larger centralist army of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Afterward, the death of defenders inspired many Texans to join the Texan army. Today, the Alamo is a popular attraction in San Antonio, linking visitors to its heartbreaking past. Three buildings - the Shrine, Long Barrack Museum and Gift Museum - house exhibits on the Texas Revolution and Texas history with stories on the fall of the Alamo. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

Famous Homes

The Mother of Presidents There is something intriguing about wandering the home of a former president. It gives an intimate peek into their lives and personalities in a way that books can’t. Two states claim the nickname Mother of Presidents – Virginia and Ohio. Eight former presidents were born in Virginia, and seven in Ohio. In Virginia, George Washington’s 500-acre Mount Vernon Estate and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello attract big crowds. One of the most popular in Ohio is the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, located in Fremont on the sprawling estate known as Spiegel Grove. The center consists of the Hayes Home, a 31-room mansion constructed by Hayes’ uncle, and the Hayes Museum and Presidential Library. It was the first presidential library in the country and houses more than 70,000 books. Last July, an extensive, five-year restoration project was completed on the Hayes Home. By using early photos of the home’s interior and working with Victorian experts, the home’s furnishings and features closely resemble the way President’s Hayes left it. In the Cincinnati area you can visit the birthplace and boyhood homes of Presidents William Howard Taft and Ulysses S. Grant. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, east of Cincinnati on the Ohio River. The Grant birthplace is a three-room cottage that has been restored and furnished with period items. The home is open April to October, Wednesday through Sunday. JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

The First American Idol If you want to visit the most famous rock and roll residence in the world head to Memphis. Graceland welcomes more than 600,000 visitors each year who come to remember Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, for his revolutionary style and unique sound that changed the face of American music and culture. The basic admission of $33 (adults) includes an audio-guided tour of the mansion’s first floor, the mansion’s grounds and two free exhibits. For an extra fee, you can also tour the Elvis Auto Museum, Elvis’ two custom jets and two new themed exhibits for 2013: “Elvis: Live from Vegas” and “Elvis’ Hawaii.” Both exhibits give in-depth looks at some of his concerts and shows through rare film footage, photos and memorabilia. They also offer a glimpse of a few of his signature jumpsuits worn on stage.

American Ingenuity Hooray for Hollywood The word Hollywood is synonymous with American cinema and has long been dubbed as the film capital of the world. It’s home to movie and television celebrities and world-recognizable attractions. Walk in the footsteps of the “stars” on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the world famous Hollywood sign. Even though much of the movie industry has moved into surrounding areas such as West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, many secondary industries, including editing, effects, props, post-production and lighting, remain in Hollywood. Take a tour of Hollywood on a hop-on hop-off double decker bus or visit the locations of movie stars homes with a tour company. You can explore how movies are made at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, or, take the VIP Tour at Warner Brothers Studios, which gives you an insider look at stage sets, backlot streets, sound stages, craft shops and more. Another fun stop is the Hollywood Wax Museum, where stars of hit movies are immortalized in wax.

Photos Left: 1) Graceland trophy room. commons.wikimedia.org 2) VIP Tour at Warner Brothers Studios. wbspecialevents.com 3) Hollywood Walk of Fame 4) Hollywood sign Photos Right: 1) Downtown San Jose Skyline. Courtesy Team San Jose 2) Tech Museum. Courtesy Team San Jose 3) Atlantis Unwrapped. kennedyspacecenter.com

36 JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 36

Techie Heaven You don’t have to be a computer nerd to appreciate Northern California’s Silicon Valley. Known as the high-tech capital of the world, Silicon Valley is located on a 60-mile peninsula immediately south of San Francisco. Its name originated from the region’s large number of silicon chip innovators and manufacturers, but eventually came to refer to all the high tech businesses in the area. Just 20 minutes from San Francisco, this incredibly scenic area offers delightful year-round weather. You can enjoy a San Francisco Giants game, set sail on a sightseeing or whale watching cruise or go winery hopping. Techies, on the other hand, might want to delve into the Computer History Museum, the Tech Museum, Intel Museum or Apple headquarters store. To Space and Beyond What can be more awe-inspiring than watching the thunderous roar of a rocket launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center? The best place to view a launch is the Kennedy Space Center Apollo/Saturn V Viewing Area, which is only three miles from the launch pad. Tickets cost approximately $20 and there is limited availability. Or, you can head to Cocoa Beach and watch it for free. This beach town has long been a favorite destination for tourists who want to watch a space launch. Located on a thin barrier island, Cocoa Beach boasts lots of water activities, ocean front parks, a golf course, lighted tennis courts and great

restaurants. Cocoa Beach is also known as the surfing Capital of the East Coast and is home to several surfing champions. A 30-minute drive takes you to the Kennedy Space Center, where you can learn everything about NASA’s travels in space with an IMAX space movie, out-of-thisworld exhibits and shows. There is also the Astronaut Hall of Fame and interactive space-flight simulators. Opening June 29, a new $100 million, six-story facility will house the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Guests will be able to examine the Atlantis up close and learn the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle program through numerous simulators and hands-on, interactive experiences. To find out more about the new Atlantis center or see a schedule of upcoming rocket launches visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com. So celebrate America this July with a road trip that is guaranteed to have you marveling at the varied and vast history of our country. ■

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

FLY FISHING ON THE FLY By Lynn Seldon

West Branch of the Ausable River, NY

In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing. Norman McLean, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories

or those who have caught the bug or will inevitably catch it, fly fishing can become a religiouslike experience. There is certainly something spiritual about communing with Mother Nature—and fish—on a quiet tree-shaded stream, a rushing river, or some other fresh or salty body of water. That must be why so many RVers pursue fish on the fly and why many more follow in their wake every day. Fly fishing is certainly hot these days, according to Tom Rosenbauer, marketing director for Orvis Rod & Tackle, host of “Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing” on World Fishing Network (WFN), and author of many popular books about fly fishing (including the classic Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide). He says, “We host free fly fishing clinics in all of our retail stores and they’re very popular—10,000-plus people a year!” 38

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Rosenbauer also recommends Orvis’s Fly Fishing Schools, which are available in a variety of topics, lengths, and locations. “The Orvis schools will save you years of trial and error,” says Dan Gracia, a sporting traditions specialist with the fabled company. Garcia says Orvis opened the country’s first fly fishing school in 1966 with the hopes of drawing 20 students to the first class—150 people signed up. Today, Orvis fly fishing school locations at iconic fly fishing destinations range from Orvis “central” in Manchester, Vermont to North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Idaho, and more. Orvis has more than a dozen school locations, with varied offerings including one- and two-day schools and two- and threeday specialty schools (like the threeday Orvis Complete Trout School at Morrison’s Lodge in Merlin, Oregon). For those who inevitably catch the bug,

their one-day Advanced Fly Fishing School is in the fly fishing Mecca of Manchester. The hands-on schools cover Orvis’s progressive and adaptable fly casting techniques, including video analysis; essential fly fishing knots; how to choose gear and tackle; stream entomology (the science of insects); proper fly selection; reading water and currents; and how to play, land, and safely release fish. Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran attending a short Orvis store clinic, enjoying one of their longer schools, or taking advantage of a variety of other store or destination offerings, it’s all about getting out on the water. Fortunately, North America features world-class fly fishing hotspots in many diverse locations—meaning it’s a great option to have your gear onboard at all times.

The possibilities for catching fish on the fly include panfish in lakes and ponds (crappie, sunfish, bluegill, and more); bass and pickerel (often found feeding on small panfish); trout and much more in cold water rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds; fabled salmon; and a wide variety of saltwater fish, like tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish, stripers, bluefish, and more. Of course, sometimes a boat or guide is required—and it’s imperative to check local fishing regulations and licensing. Starting up in the Northeast, classic fly fishing destinations await. In Maine, brook trout fishing is rightfully famous in dozens of the state’s smaller streams and ponds. Of course, there’s also landlocked salmon and more. Of course, every fly fishing fan will want to make a pilgrimage to Orvis’s Green Mountains headquarters in Manchester, Vermont, including their flagship store, the famed Orvis Ponds (great for practice), and much more. Manchester’s “local” river, the Battenkill, is famed for its fly fishing for good reason—maybe that’s why Orvis HQ is just down the road.

Well-travelled and –fished Rosenbauer also recommends Cape Cod for fly fishing. He says, “There’s a lot of shore access because the whole outer shore is a national seashore thanks to President Kennedy. People can catch striped bass right from the beach with a fly rod!” The pretty Catskill Mountains are considered to be the birthplace of North American fly fishing. Specifically, the fabled West Branch of the Delaware River is still highly regarded as one of the world’s foremost dry-fly fishing destinations for wild trout. And, like Cape Cod, the Empire State’s Long Island is also another great saltwater possibility. In Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region, it’s easy to find some of the state’s best and most convenient fly fishing. The possibilities include, but aren’t limited to, the Youghiogheny River, Beaver Creek, and Meadow Run. Central Virginia’s great fly fishing in the Shenandoah Valley is what lured Beau Beasley (www.beaubeasley.com) to help promote Waynesboro’s huge annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival (www.vaflyfishingfestival.

org), which draws 1,500-plus anglers each April. Waynesboro and the popular annual April festival are well worth a diversion when you’re anywhere nearby. Along with the South River, which runs right through downtown, Beasley—who authored Fly Fishing Virginia and Fly Fishing the Mid-Atlantic —recommends several rivers in the region for varied fish and experiences, including Virginia’s Rapidan River; Maryland’s Beaver Creek; Pennsylvania’s Elk Creek; New Jersey’s Sandy Hook; and Harker’s Island down in North Carolina. Beasley also says there’s a great fly fishing shop right in Waynesboro: South River Fly Shop (www.southriverflyshop.com). Over on I-81 in Harrisonburg, Mossy Creek Fly Fishing (www. mossycreekflyfishing.com) is another place to head for gear, lessons, guiding, local advice and more. They’ll send you out to many classic fly fishing creeks and rivers, including Mossy Creek, Smith Creek, Beaver Creek, the South and North rivers, the Shenandoah River, and the James River. For a splurge, drive down I-81 from

WEST BRANCH OF THE DELAWARE RIVER

ORVIS

FLY FISHING SCHOOL

All photos by Tom Rosenbauer unless otherwise noted

PENNSYLVANIA WILD BROOK TROUT STREAM

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

FLORIDA SOUTHERN EVERGLADES REDFISH

NORTH CAROLINA Harrisonburg to The Homestead Resort (www.thehomestead.com) in Hot Springs. They feature a two-day Orvis school, as well as Cascades Stream, a private trout fishing spot with stunning 20-foot waterfalls as a backdrop. In southwest Virginia, there’s the Blue Ridge Highlands Fishing Trail (www. fishblueridge.com). More than a dozen lakes, rivers, and streams are featured in this pretty four-county area, including the long and popular New River. Down in the Tar Heel State, there’s the popular WNC Fly Fishing Trail (www. flyfishingtrail.com) in western North Carolina. Western Carolina University in Collowhee hosts the Southeastern Fly Fishing Festival each May (with information on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail’s site). Of course, where there’s good fly fishing, there are good fly fishing shops and guides. Three great western North Carolina resources include Brookings’ Cashiers Village Outfitters (www. brookingsonline.com); Hooker’s Fly Shop & Guide Service (www. hookersflyshop.com); and AB’s Fly Fishing Guide Service (www.abfish. org). In addition, Chattooga River Fly Shop (www.chattoogariverflyshop. com) and Chattooga Whitewater Shop (www.chattoogawhitewatershop.com) 40

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

TENNESSEE LITTLE RIVER are two good resources across the state line in South Carolina. In addition, Orvis also offers another great learning opportunity at Asheville’s Biltmore Estate (www.biltmore.com), thanks to a two-day school that features fly fishing on the famed Davidson River. To the west of Asheville in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, the rivers and streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone offer more than 800 miles of trout fishing opportunities! Among many possibilities, North Carolina’s Cataloochee Creek comes highly recommended. Called the “Nature Coast” for good reason, the Florida-style flats around Crystal River and Homosassa north of Tampa are world-renowned for tarpon, black drum, redfish, sharks, bonita, tripletail, and more. This is truly a special part of Florida worth further exploration on land and water. Of course, the Florida Keys (www.flakeys.com) offer the opportunity to fly fish for several saltwater species on the flats, including bonefish, tarpon, and permit. This involves special gear, casting and fish fighting techniques, and local knowledge, so Orvis’s Rosenbauer highly recommends hiring a guide.

The Louisiana Delta is famed for saltwater and freshwater fly fishing. The long list of possibilities can include Lake Pontchartain; Bayou Segnette; the Atchafalaya Swamp; Biloxi Marsh; classic offshore fishing out of Grand Isle and Venice; and even City Park right in New Orleans. Up in Missouri, the lakes, rivers, and streams of the Ozarks welcome fly fishers in a big way. Branson (www.explorebranson.com) and the surrounding Ozark Mountains provide great bases for fly fishing—and for visiting the iconic Ozarks lodge-like Bass Pro Shops White River Outpost (www.basspro.com). Founded in the Ozarks back in the early-1970s, legendary Bass Pro Shops is at well over 50 stores and counting. Further north, Michigan was the birthplace of Trout Unlimited (www. troutunlimited.com), which conserves, protects, and restores North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Fly fishing waters are always seemingly close by and the unique carp fishing is worth the drive. Over in Minnesota, the Twin Cities mean the mighty Mississippi River, but also a plethora of nearby lakes and rivers. White Bear Lake and Minnetonka Lake are among many local favorites.

❝

There is certainly something spiritual about communing with Mother Nature— and fish—on a quiet tree-shaded stream, a rushing river, or other some other fresh or salty body of water.

❞

FLORIDA TARPON JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Orvis’s Rosenbauer obviously loves the Rocky Mountains, saying, “Any place in the Rocky Mountains, you’re going to find great fly fishing.” Colorado continues to lure fly fishers from around the world, as do Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, with way too many opportunities to list. In the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, the Salmon River remains one of the most popular western destinations for fly fishing. At Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch (www.idahorocky.com), the Salmon runs right through the property and there’s also a stocked trout pond, plus weekly casting clinics. Idaho’s Silver Creek and Henry’s Fork are also magnets for those who’ve seriously caught the bug, and, Rosenbauer adds, “Missoula, Montana, is in a good troutcentral area.” Rosenbauer is also a big fan of fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park, saying, “It’s relatively uncrowded and the fishing is spectacular. And you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop.” He adds, “Yellowstone National Park is surprising because people can’t guide in the park and they can’t run drift trips. You’ll see traffic on the road and you’ll

be the only one in the Madison River!” The Yellowstone Association Institute (www.yellowstoneassociation.org) does offer popular fly fishing field seminars. Just outside the park proper, Cody (www.yellowstonecountry.org) is a great base. A guided adventure is a great option in this part of “Yellowstone Country.” Of course, California has great fly fishing. The San Diego area is a great base for inshore and offshore fly fishing options, including the unique opportunity to fish for mako sharks on the fly. The Lower Sacramento River, from Shasta Dam through the town of Redding, is rightfully famous—huge trout are caught right under the famed Sundial Bridge right in town. So is The Fly Shop (www.theflyshop.com) in Redding, which bills itself as the world’s largest fly shop. It’s truly a fly fishing destination in its own right. Once there, they’re bound to recommend the Upper Sacramento River, the Trinity River, and the McCloud River as well. Oregon features classic fly fishing like

BROWN TROUT ARKANSAS RIVER

CUTTHROAT TROUT SOUTH FORK OF THE SNAKE RIVER

COLORADO

OREGON oregonflyfishingreport.blogspot.com

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

its neighbors to the north and south. Portland provides a great place to start looking for salmon, steelhead, and trout, including coastal waters, nearby Willamette Valley, and more. Washington State is equally blessed with great fishing. The Greater Seattle area can be a fun big city base, with salmon and so much more. Fisheries include Puget Sound, the Olympic Peninsula, and lots of coldwater lakes and rivers—the famed Yakima River is just 100 miles to the southeast. Up north of the border, British Columbia and Alberta provinces are renowned for fly fishing, thanks to the Pacific Ocean, lots of freshwater lakes, and the rushing waters coming out of the Canadian Rockies. The almost infinite possibilities might include: the mountain rivers, streams, and lakes of both provinces; Calgary’s Bow River (with fishing right downtown); the Kamloops area; the Banff region; British Columbia’s Fishing Highway 24 (www. fishinghighway24.com); Vancouver and beyond; and Stamp River, Englishman River, Cowichan River, Cowichan Lake and much more on pretty Vancouver Island.

Finally, there is a plethora of roadaccessible fly fishing in Alaska. With more than three million lakes, 3,000 rivers, and countless trout- and salmonfilled streams (as well as Dolly Varden and more), there’s seemingly fly fishing around every bend in the road. The long list of possibilities includes Tangle Lakes (with great access near Mile 20 of the Denali Highway); the Copper River Basin and the Gulkana River; the Chena and Salcha rivers along the Richardson Highway; the Lower River just outside Valdez; Blueberry Lake State Recreation Area; Anchorage’s Ship Creek; rivers along the Parks Highway; the Russian River along Sterling Highway; the Kenai River; famed Homer Spit; Prince William Sound (generally only accessible by plane or boat); and so much more. This is just an overview of the fly fishing possibilities from Maine to Alaska, meaning it’s time to hit the road on the fly to enjoy these options and many, many more!

MAKE ORVIS YOUR FLY FISHING BUDDY

With more than 50 stores across the

country, Orvis stores and staff members are great resources for gear, general knowledge and tips, and local fishing. Orvis’s Tom Rosenbauer highly recommends store visits, as well as visits to www.orvis.com and their immense Orvis Fly Fishing Learning Center at www.howtoflyfish.orvis.com. The main Orvis site has links to their various schools, as well as a state-bystate (and around-the-world) round-up of Orvis-endorsed fly fishing operations and trips.

FLY FISHING ON THE WEB

There are several other websites that will prove to be great resources for fly fishing basics and beyond, as well as fly fishing trips. These include: www. takemefishing.org (a great overall resource with specific fly fishing pages); www.basspro.com (almost as good as a visit to one of their stores); www.worldfishingnetwork.com (a great online extension of the television network); www.reservefishing.com (the world’s first real-time fishing guide booking service); www.matchthehatch. com (great regional online and print resources); and www.fieldandstream. com (see “Top Fly Fishing Cities & States from Field & Stream”). ■

TOP FLY FISHING CITIES FROM FIELD & STREAM Though there were lots of runners-up for good reason, beloved Field & Stream magazine highlighted America’s top fly fishing cities:

TOP FLY FISHING CITIES • Miami, Florida • San Diego, California • Seattle, Washington • Grand Rapids, Michigan • New York, New York • Austin, Texas • Boston, Massachusetts • San Francisco, California • Jacksonville, Florida • Milwaukee, Wisconsin • St. Louis, Missouri • Buffalo, New York • Baltimore, Maryland • Portland, Oregon

YELLOWSTONE

BRITISH COLUMBIA

STEELHEAD

WASHINGTON wildtroutoutfitters.com

Photo by Joe Rotter

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

MEMBER DEALS JULY 2013

Thousand Trails members receive

20% off daily rates, and 10% off the monthly rate

at Encore RV resorts and campgrounds. In addition to these standard discounts, we invite you to take advantage of these other great offers.*

888-443-7301 to make your reservations! www.RVontheGo.com Call

WESTcoast CALIFORNIA OREGON WASHINGTON

Tall Chief FALL CITY, WA

offers CALIFORNIA* Standard Offer in above box

pacific dunes ranch, oceano, CA san francisco RV, pacifica, CA palm springs oasis, cathedral city, CA tahoe valley, lake tahoe, CA santa cruz ranch, scotts valley, CA

offers WASHINGTON & OREGON* Standard Offer in above box TALL CHIEF, FALL CITY, WA MT. HOOD, WELCHES, OR

www.RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301 *Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

44 44

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

southwest

ARIZONA & TEXAS

offers arizona

$99/WEEK OR $199/MO VALLEY VISTA, benson, AZ OPEN ALL SUMMER

MEMBER DEALS

Lake Conroe

WILLIS, TX

(Through September 2013)

$119/WEEK OR $399/MO MONTE VISTA, MESA, AZ PARADISE RV, SUN CITY, AZ VENTURE IN, SHOW LOW, AZ VIEWPOINT, MESA, AZ VOYAGER, TUCSON, AZ

THOUSAND TRAILS MEMBERS CAN NOW CHOOSE FROM SITES AT ENCORE’S

(Through September 2013)

VOYAGER RV RESORT**

all other arizona encore resorts

$119/WEEK OR $299/MO

TUCSON, AZ

(Excludes Apollo Village, Casa Del Sol Resort East and West) (Through September 2013)

offers TEXAS

all TEXAS ENCORE resorts

3rd NIGHT FREE $119/WEEK $299/MO (Through September 2013)

*Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate. **Limited sites are available. All membership rules apply including any “high use” restrictions. Available to members that currently have access to Thousand Trails Verde Valley Preserve, excluding Zone Camping Pass holders. Certain restrictions may apply and offer is subject to change. CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

southeAst

FLORIDA & NORTH CAROLINA FLORIDA offers

(Through October 2013)*

$99/WEEK

ALL FLORIDA PROPERTIES

(EXCLUDES SUNSHINE KEY)

$299/WEEK

SUNSHINE KEY RV RESORT AND MARINA, BIG PINE KEY, FL

Sunshine Key

RV Resort and Marina BIG PINE KEY, FL

Goose Creek NEWPORT, nc

NORTH CAROLINA offers

(Through August 29, 2013)*

$149/WEEK SCENIC, ASHEVILLE, NC

$199/WEEK

LAKE MYERS, MOCKSVILLE, NC TWIN LAKES, CHOCOWINITY, NC

$299/WEEK

GOOSE CREEK, NEWPORT, NC

$15/night midweek

GOOSE CREEK, NEWPORT, NC SCENIC, ASHEVILLE, NC TWIN LAKES, CHOCOWINITY, NC

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MIDWEST

MEMBER DEALS

wisconsin illinois & indiana $399 FOR 4 WEEK STAY

TWIN MILLS, HOWE, IN tranquil timbers, sturgeon BAY, WI FREMONT JELLYSTONE PARK™, FREMONT, IL

(September 6 - Closing)

$499 FOR 4 WEEK STAY ARROWHEAD, WISCONSIN DELLS, WI (September 6 - Closing)

New Rentals Coming Soon!

O’CONNELL’S YOGI BEAR JELLYSTONE PARK™ AMBOY, IL July 8 - August 31, 2013

Yogi Bear’s ™ JellystoneT,PWaI rk

$199/WEEK (7 consecutive nights) 40% OFF ANY MIDWEEK STAY (Sun - Thurs)

FREMON

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

ME MEMBER DEALS

NORTHEAST

MAINE NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA

$15/NIGHT MIDWEEK

VALID FOR ALL RESORTS FROM MAINE TO VIRGINIA (September 4 - Closing)* (EXCLUDES LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE AND LAKE & SHORE)

$199/WEEK SUN-THURS MIDWEEK SPECIAL 1/2 PRICE ON ALL SITE TYPES

Lake George Escape

LAKE GEORGE, N

(September 4 - Closing)

LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, LAKE GEORGE, NY tuxbury pond, south hampton, NH

Patten Pond ELLSWORTH, ME

At Patten Pond you can pick a site with a spectacular water view or a spacious pull-thru. No matter what your interests, this is an RV Resort that offers everything in a classic Maine vacation environment.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

Weekly Monthly

Spring Gulch NEW HOLLAND,

6 WEEK STAY FOR ONE LOW PRICE $299 FOR 6 WEEK STAY LAKE GEORGE SCHROON VALLEY RESORT, WARRENSBURG, NY

$399 FOR 6 WEEK STAY

BRENNAN BEACH, PULASKI, NY ROBIN HILL, LENHARTSVILLE, PA RONDOUT VALLEY, ACCORD, NY Sandy Beach, contoocook, NH SUN VALLEY, BOWMANSVILLE, PA tuxbury pond, south hampton, NH

New Rentals

Available!

$499 FOR 6 WEEK STAY

(September 4 - Closing)

Lake George Escape

& Vacation Rentals

ALPINE LAKE, CORINTH, NY LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, lake george, NY Mt. Desert Narrows, bar harbor, ME Narrows Too, trenton, ME Patten Pond, ellsworth, ME SPRING GULCH, NEW HOLLAND, PA

$500 OFF ANNUAL SITES

APPALACHIAN, SHARTLESVILLE, PA LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, LAKE GEORGE, NY ROBIN HILL, LENHARTSVILLE, PA (Valid for first time annuals)

$250 OFF ANNUAL SITES ALL OTHER RESORTS FROM MAINE TO VIRGINIA (EXCLUDES LAKE AND SHORE, NJ)

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Sinbad’s bird 4 Niger-Congo language 8 Stripe 12 Abridged (abbr.) 13 Fat (pref.) 14 Economy (abbr.) 15 Stinging insect 16 Douse (2 words) 18 Unclean in Jewish law 20 Russ. inland sea 21 Ring-shaped game piece 23 Cover meat with bacon 25 Fraction of a rupee 26 Fillet 27 Compass direction 30 Press for payment 31 Goodbye (Sp.) 32 Europe (abbr.) 33 Honshu bay 34 Haw. goose 35 City in Bihar India 36 Irish nobleman 37 Leg of mutton or lamb 38 First principles 40 Wine (pref.) 41 Sinous 44 Clod 47 Garden tool 48 Galatea’s beloved 49 Monkey 50 Molding 51 Legislature 52 Belonging to (suf.)

Answers on page 64

Reader Service

Free Product Information

For product information, complete the Fast Facts card circling no more than 25 numbers, and drop in the mail. You can also visit our website www.trailblazermagazine.net for links to our advertisers’ websites.

FF# Advertiser

Page

116 Carefree RV Resorts ��61 106 DirectSat TV ��64 104 Equity LifeStyle �� 44-49 160 FirstStreet Jacuzzi Walk-In Tub ��27 154 FirstStreet Captioning Phone ��31 132 GEICO ��68 128 SkyMed ��67 109 STEADYfast ��63 50

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

DOWN 1 Mortar mixer 2 Laconian clan group 3 Cotton fabric 4 Item of property 5 Hashish 6 Presidential nickname 7 One who is (suf.) 8 Whiskers 9 Recorded proceedings 10 Carol 11 D epartment of Natural Resources (abbr.) 17 Line 19 Estuary 21 Arabian judge 22 Alone (Lat.) 23 Salt solution 24 Tonic herb 26 Polish border river 27 Solan (2 words) 28 Betel leaf concoction 29 Quod ____ demonstrandum 31 Umbel family herb 35 Liquor 36 Afr. fruit 37 Alluvial deposit 38 Anagram (abbr.) 39 Roast 40 Migratory worker 41 Theater sign 42 Male person 43 Here (Fr.) 45 Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.) 46 Vertical airfoil

RETAILER DISCOUNTS

housand Trails has partnered with a number of popular brands to provide you with exclusive members-only savings. Below you will find our latest special offers available to you. Please log into the member section of the Thousand Trails website at www.ThousandTrails.com to take advantage of these great deals!

MEMBER DEALS

Coach Supply Direct - 5% off at Coach Supply Direct! We are your premier source of RV, Marine and Utility Vehicle Furniture and Accessories at the lowest prices. Everything we offer is priced as close to wholesale as we can get it! Now we are offering a savings of 5% more to Thousand Trail Members, RV On The Go and Encore Parks Customers! We would be happy to serve you with all your interior needs. Please go to: www.coachsupplydirect.com to see everything that we offer! If you have any questions, you can call us at 1-800-589-7251 or email us at info@ coachsupplydirect.com. We look forward to serving you! Mention TRAILBLAZER5 for your exclusive discount! Exclusive Hertz Program - Visit the member section of the Thousand Trails website for special deal. Exclusive iDine Savings - Simply register any credit or debit card and dine at a restaurant on the program. Afterwards, complete a quick dining review about your experience within 30 days. The more you dine, the higher the percentage you can earn, up to 15%! Visit: www.idine.com/trailblazer for details and to enroll. NationalPetPharmacy.com - Trusted by veterinarians and pet lovers alike, NationalPetPharmacy.com is fully licensed and Vet-VIPPS certified for safety as well as quality. Our FDA/EPA approved pet meds are the same ones you get from your vet – but conveniently delivered to your door. Thousand Trails members save $5 on a $20 order with Discount Code: BLAZER5 PetFoodDirect.com - 15% off your order of $49 or more. Get all your pet’s food and supplies delivered to your door with PetFoodDirect.com’s Auto Ship program. This coupon is valid on everything in our store, except: vet diet foods, prescription and free shipping items, and gift certificates. One time use per customer. Only one promotion code can be applied per order. Not for use with any loyalty or other reward websites. Discount Code: BLAZER15 Rand McNally Visit www.randmcnally.com/ELS for special GPS discount for TT members. Terms and Conditions for 2013 Referral Promotion Terms and Conditions: For each Eligible Referral (as defined), you will receive a $25 American Express gift card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and hotel/cruise accommodations for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and hotel accommodations for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2014, not to exceed $525 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on January 7, 2014. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning the drawing depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Park Pass from us between January 1, 2013 and December 14, 2013, and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, residents of AZ, FL, NV, NY, PA and TN are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, NV, PA or TN. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored. Employees of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600.00 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

CLUB CALENDAR JULY 2013 TT SINGLES Central California July 26-28: Snowflower, CA August 23-25: Snowflower, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 467-3278 or email to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net. Northwest July 26-28: Bend/Sunriver, OR August 23-25: Chehalis, WA Contact: Director Dewey Erlwein at (360) 880-7443 or email to derlwein@peoplepc.com; Winnie Hoyteniuk at (604) 858-9757 or email to winnie@smartt.com (British Columbia); Daphne Bailey at (503) 590-8566 or email to daphnebailey07@comcast.net (Oregon); or Linda Christofferson at (360) 653-3648 (Washington). Southwest Contact Babe Bohner at (909) 797-6437 FUN NITES Fun Nites are social gatherings organized by and for TTN members. Eugene/Springfield Area Round-a-Bouters group For more information call Merry Klum (541) 726-7586 or Leona Todd (541) 844-4277. Pacific City Pacific City Ramblers Ramblers meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Home Town Buffet in the Tigard Market Place, 13500 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, Oregon. Contact Charlie Buren at (503) 705-1587, Chickie Dientsel at (503) 286-8566 or Suzy Mulbey at (503) 678-2993. All Portland-area TT, NACO and LTR members welcome. TTN So Cal Weekenders NO JULY CAMP OUT August 2-4: Idyllwild, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS

email: ttnweekenders@earthlink.net website: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttnweekenders/ TT Travelers We are retired residents of Southern California who are TTN members. We meet monthly at a Southern California preserve for fellowship, games and potlucks. Please call Darlene Steddum at (805) 714-9038 or email to darjerste@juno.com or Sharon Straite at (562) 899-8298 or email to lesstraite@verizon.net if you are interested in information about our group. TTWest/FMCA July 9-11: Snowflower, CA (Mid-Week Rally) September 13-15: Russian River, CA Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly, except for the “no-host get-together” at Palm Springs Preserve immediately following the FMCA Western Area Rally in Indio, California. Contact Bob Litfin at (408) 2266529 or email to clitfin@USA.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance. TT of Texas/FMCA September 6-8: Lake Whitney, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com Bounders United (“BUTTN”) July 11-14: San Benito, CA August 6-9: Morgan Hill, CA Wagonmaster will be Tom & Pat Kennedy. “Bounders United/TTN” are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Thomas Kennedy at (360) 7944903 or email at BUTTNs231@gmail.com TT East Trail Buddies We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members. We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or email to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS, ANSWERED!

“

HI BILL! WE PURCHASED YOUR ABCs OF RVs DVD ...

„ “

... series. We have a 1999 40-foot Gulfstream Motorhome. Went to install a new fan in the toilet room. We have lost 12-volt. I went on the roof and cleaned the corrosion and rust from the push switch. After that, the ground was good. Still, there is no 12-volt power. I took the plastic housing off the fan to check the 12-volt power coming from the wall. No 12-volt but the black positive and white ground going to the florescent ceiling light had power. I put in the new motor (and it works) but now my ceiling fan over the bathroom sink, the living room fan, as well as the wall thermostat for the AC, does not work. I then switched on the florescent ceiling light to the hall light and I jumped 12-volt positive from the other ceiling light and ran it to the toilet room positive on the fan. When I turn on the switch all the fans and the thermostat work. I cannot figure why I do not have power to my fan but power to my fluorescent ceiling light works fine. Before the toilet room fan was taken out, everything worked individually. Now when I disconnect the jump wire to the toilet fan from the florescent ceiling light all the fans and thermostat do not work. I tried running positive wire to the fan as it has 12volt power. I turned the hall switch on and everything works. I have a used a test light and a 12-volt digital meter. I can’t figure this out. All fuses and breakers are fine. Hope you can help me. Jack Charvet

A: Jack - thank you for purchasing the ABCs of RVs as we work hard on the series and hope that you find good, useful information from them. It sounds like you have been very diligent in trying to diagnose your unusual electrical problem. From what I understand, the ground wire is still intact. Providing that all of the fuses are in tact as well, the positive wire must be severed somewhere between the fuse and the fan in question. At this point, I suggest you run another positive wire to the closest source - and from what I can gather in your letter - you are attempting to do this. However, wall-switched fluorescent lights are not the most reliable source. Perhaps you can access the wall switch and pull the positive wire from the input. I also suggest that you test the voltage of the fan while it is running on HIGH to determine that the voltage is adequate. I hope this info is helpful. I know that solving electrical issues in a RV can be a challenge!

„

OK! WHAT AM I MISSING? WHY RUBBER ROOFS? ... ... I’ve owned six RVs over the years. Only one had a rubber roof and that’s the only one I had trouble with. The only roofs that are written about in the RV magazines seem to be rubber roofs. ThanksRonald Van Buren

A: Ronald - kudos to you as this is a very observant question! Yes, the majority of the RVs on the market today are manufactured with a rubber roof largely due to weight and cost. Aluminum roofs are pretty much a thing of the past while fiberglass is nearly twice as heavy as a rubber roof and four times the cost when you consider the price of the material and the labor to install it. There is no question that fiberglass roofs are much more durable and easier to repair. However, some of the newer rubber roofs are more durable. For instance, the TPO rubber roofs, with proper care, will outlast the older, EPDM roofs by several years. If you are in need of a rubber roof replacement, be sure that you inquire about using the TPO rubber. ■

GOT A QUESTION FOR BILL? SEND AN EMAIL TO AskRVBill@equitylifestyle.com JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Preserve Services Directory* | July 2013 PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

NORTHWEST OREGON BEND/SUNRIVER | 541-593-8494 Annual/Extended Stay - We still have some open sites available for annual use. Stop worrying about space available in beautiful Bend/Sunriver with your own site and come and enjoy all we have to offer year-round. From skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter to fishing, hiking and festivals in the summer. Please call Bobbie or Julie at the Preserve. Short-Term Rental - Cabins, cottages and yurts available for rent year-round, call for quote. Special Events - Perfect location for your family reunions, rallies and birthday picnics. Packages are available for renting our winter lodge for that special birthday. The main lodge is available for weddings, banquets and conferences. We also welcome ski clubs and snowmobile clubs. Call Wendy at the preserve. PACIFIC CITY 503-965-6200 (Preserve Office) 503-965-6442 (Ranger Station) Annual/Extended Stay - No longer a need to move your RV off-site for 1-3 years, plus the flexibility to occupy the unit up to 210 nights without contract use restrictions and then stay longer with reservations. Decorate your preferred site or add a storage shed if desired. Order your new Cavco Cedar Cabin and custom design the interior, select your preferred campsite and schedule delivery. Financing available. Contact Ginny to make an appointment. Special Events - Awesome coastal weather, beach access, clamming, crabbing, beach-combing, professional and friendly service, campsites, rental units and gazebo. We host parties, club rallies, reunions, weddings and retreats for all group outings. A group consists of 4 or more campsites/rentals or any combination thereof. Contact the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas and take advantage of our RV storage program. $50 for 4 weeks, $300 for 26 weeks or $550 for 52 weeks. Dry storage space is limited. New enhanced dry storage with electric hook up features. SEASIDE 503-738-0626 (Preserve Office) 503-738-5292 (Rentals) Annual/Extended Stay - The Oregon Coast! Enjoy your own personal site for your RV. Home base for full-timers, improved landscape options available, personalize your site – add a storage shed and/or deck. You no longer need to move your RV. Call Christopher or Barry at the preserve. Short-Term Rental - Discounted short-term rentals available for two week and monthly stays. Great rates for Monday-Thursday mid-week stays. Call for our current specials. Our cabins are available all year long. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage for $60 per month. Get two free months with our yearly rate of $600. SOUTH JETTY 541-997-8296 (Preserve Office) 541-997-8333 (Rentals) Annual/Extended Stay - Extended Stay program now available. Use it any 210 days and store your rig year-round. Contact Preserve Manager for details.

Special Events - Beautiful setting on the central Oregon coast, 18 rental units, including two new cabins and a very large garden home. Large meeting area and kitchen facilities. Parties and meetings of all sizes. Call preserve for details. SuperHost not available June 15-Sept. 15. WASHINGTON BIRCH BAY | 360-371-7432 Annual/Extended Stay - Play by the bay longer with stays beyond your membership days and enjoy the sun, not the grays, at Birch Bay. Space may still be available for your Personal Site. Purchase a vacation home, while they last, or bring your own. Monthly stays limited and also available at just $450 month, plus utilities. Come experience the beauty of the true Northwest. Contract Chandra at the preserve. CHEHALIS | 360-262-9489 Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy your own year-round private site in beautiful Chehalis. There’s no need to move your RV off-site. You can occupy your site for 210 days without reservations and then stay longer with reservations. Contract Brenda Roza for an appointment. Short-Term Rental - We have monthly rentals for 1-4 months for $475 per month, plus utilities. We also have rental cabins and trailers offering daily and weekly rates. Special Events - Perfect venue for your family reunion, church campout, picnic, party, school event or retreat. Rental units, RV sites, picnic areas, catering, day-use activities and amenities can be all yours with our SuperHost program. Our lodge is available off-season for weddings, banquets, parties, retreats, or conferences. Call preserve or send email chba@equitylifestyle.com. On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage: $45 per month or $180 for 6 months. Call Ranger Don. GRANDY CREEK | 360-826-3554 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site available! $1,950; please call the preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Monthly sites available. Call preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - $40 per month, space is limited. LA CONNER | 360-466-3112 Annual/Extended Stay - Your very own site on our beautiful resort is waiting for you. Spend your free time on the Skagit Bay, walking on the beach, photographing the resident Bald Eagles, and relaxing in our spa. We have limited sites available so hurry. Our Annual Program now has 210-day usage. Please call Nancy or Matthew at the preserve. Short-Term Rental - Leave your RV at home and come stay in our comfortable Panabode Cedar Cabins. Full kitchen, sleeps 6. Call preserve to make reservations. Please call Nancy or Matthew at the preserve.

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

LEAVENWORTH 509-763-2020 | 800-353-1700 Short-Term Rental - A snowmobiler’s paradise, we receive an average of 10 feet of snow annually. Just across from our preserve we have access to over 200 miles of snowmobile trails. We have rentals that include a Log House that sleeps 24, a Chalet that sleeps 8, four cabins that sleep 4 to 5 and four lodge rooms that sleep four, plus our RV sites In our Timber View and Lake View areas.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

*Information subject to change

Short-Term Rental - Yurts, cabins and trailers available to fit your budget.

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

LITTLE DIAMOND | 800-994-6654 Annual/Extended Stay - Spend the summer in beautiful northeastern Washington. Annual and monthly sites available.

LONG BEACH | 360-642-3091 Annual/Extended Stay - Long Beach is only minutes away from the grand Pacific Ocean, surrounded by gorgeous nature and a rich history of pioneers past. Don’t miss out on your chance to have your own place at the beach. You can have your own personal RV site where your rig can stay year-round and you can occupy your rig for 210 days out of that year for the low price of $2,100! No more hassle storing your rig and just think of all the money you will save on gas. We are also introducing a special 3-month rate during the off-season; stay 3 months for only $350 per month or $425 per month during the off season. Call Kate at the preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Feel at home in one of our Vacation Trailers or lovely Thousand Trails Cabins both with fully stocked kitchens. Call the preserve for rates or make your reservations online. Special Events - Planning a reunion, wedding, special event or a trip with a bunch of friends and family? Long Beach is the place for you! We have plenty of RV and tent sites as well as cabins and trailers available for rent. We are right off the beach and close to historic downtown Long Beach. For more information, call Kate at the Preserve Office. On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas with our dry storage sites. Available year-round at the low price of $50 a month or get two months free when you sign up for a year for only $500. Call the Preserve Office for details. MT. VERNON | 360-724-4811 Annual/Extended Stay - Come enjoy our preserve with beautiful forest settings and views of the mountains where wildlife parade through. Relax in your own personal site now up to 210 days. Walk the trails or relax in the large swimming pool and spa. Please call Kelly King at the preserve to get your site. OCEANA | 360-289-3504 Annual/Extended Stay - New Reduced Prices! Walk down to the beach for some quiet time away from all the hustle and bustle. Park your RV 12 months at Oceana. Stay up to 210 days a year with no time out. For the BEST PRICE on the WA coast for a full hook-up site with 50-amp power call Dale Graham at the preserve. Short-Term Rental - A limited number of sites are available starting at $350 per month, plus elec. for next summer season. Call Dale Graham at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability). PARADISE 360-985-2121 (Preserve Office) 360-985-2756 (Ranger Station) Annual/Extended Stay - Save on fuel, extend your stay at Paradise for $550 per month, or consider leaving your rig year-round with an annual lease. Call the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability). THUNDERBIRD 360-794-4030 (Preserve Office) 360-794-8987 (Ranger Station) Annual/Extended Stay - We are now open year-round and have Annual Sites available. Come stay with us and explore the beautiful state of Washington. We also offer the Extended Stay Program at $575 per month, plus $35 electric fee. If interested, please call the Preserve Office.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage costs are $3.50 per day, $21 per week or $75 per month, or $750 per year. Call the Preserve Office.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Special Events - Granite Lodge: Two full kitchens, dining for large groups, sleeps 20+, adjacent RV and tent sites, spa and sauna, satellite TV. Contact preserve at (800) 562-4788.

Short-Term Rental - Four (4) TT Rental Cabins available. For special off-season rates, please call the Preserve Office.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA CULTUS LAKE | 604-858-3932 Annual/Extended Stay - We have both Standard and Value Annual Personal Sites available. From October 1-March31, each winter season, we offer month to month stays (not to exceed three (3) months at a time). If you are interested, contact Norman or Lisa at the Preserve Office. On-Site/Dry Storage - During the months of October to March each year we offer storage on our non-water sites at a daily, weekly, monthly or six-month rate. Check with the Preserve Office or Ranger Station if you’re interested. SOUTHWEST ARIZONA VERDE VALLEY | 928-634-8158 Annual/Extended Stay - Extend your stay with us for $99 a week plus tax. Extend by the month on a 30-amp for $350 or 50-amp for $425, plus electric. Annual sites start at $2,500 per year. Pick a lease package where you can stay 365 nights-Best Deal. For more information regarding our Extended Stay and Annual Lease programs, contact Scott Woolley at the preserve. Short-Term Rental - 29-foot trailers for $595 per month (includes electric). Cabins $1,000-1,250 per month (includes electric). Weekly housekeeping and linens, TV/ VCR, satellite. Pet and non-pet units available. Call the preserve to reserve your unit. Dry Storage - Dry Storage available w/o electric for $50 per month or $425 per year, with electric for $90 per month or $775 per year. Call the preserve for details. CALIFORNIA IDYLLWILD 951-659-4097 (Preserve Office) 951-659-4137 (Ranger Station) 951-659-0698 (Recreation Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual lease as low as $2,195 per year (not including electricity). Keep your trailer/rig or motorhome on a site for 365 days per year! Please contact Preserve Manager for more details. Short-Term Rental - Stay in the preserve on a month-to-month basis for as low as $575 per month, including water and electricity. We also have rental cabins!! Daily, weekly and by the month. Please contact the Preserve Manager at for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for as little as $75 per month or $650 per year. Please contact the Preserve Office for more information on terms and conditions. LAKE MINDEN 530-656-2701 (Preserve Office) 530-656-2702 (Special Events) 530-656-2700 (Storage) Annual/Extended Stay - Variety of sites available – 1-3 year leases, sewered and non-sewered sites; utilities not included. Snowbird Program: $425 per month, plus electric, includes one honeywagon dump per week. Call the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: Quarterly for $120. Call the preserve for information LAKE OF THE SPRINGS | 530-692-1852 Annual/Extended Stay - Have your own personal site waiting for you. Call Renee for more information at (530) 692-3212. We also have sites available on a monthly basis, call (530) 692-1852. JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Special Events - Have your group gathering with us! Campsite and rental units are available. Call (530) 692-1852.

RANCHO OSO | 805-683-5686 Annual/Extended Stay - Monthly RV sites $749, plus electricity.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Why haul your rig back and forth? We have dry storage for $50 per month. If you pay for one year, you get one month free. Call (530) 692-1852.

Short-Term Rental - Check out our new reduced rates for our 29 and 30-foot trailers.

MORGAN HILL 408-779-6396 (Preserve Office) 408-779-4932 (SuperHost) Annual/Extended Stay - Call the preserve to get the details on the best prices in the area for full hook-up and partial hook-up sites for stays up to 210 days in a year. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $85 per month and $792 per year. Call the preserve for more details. OAKZANITA 619-445-2835 (Preserve Office) 619-445-2515 (Ranger Station) Annual/Extended Stay - Gas prices got you down? Hate the hassle of setting up and taking down your RV? If you like to escape the hustle and bustle of your life then we have the program for you. You can have your own personal site and you can leave your rig 365 days a year, you can occupy your rig for up to 210 days a year. We offer a limited number of annual sites and due to gas prices they fill up fast. Call Sheila or Cheryl at the preserve for more information. Short-Term Rental - We offer rental cabins you can stay for the night or by the week. Call the preserve for prices. We also have a limited number of horse corrals available by the day or week. Call the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage for only $450 per year, $65 per month or $40 per week. Call the Ranger Station for more information. PALM SPRINGS | 760-345-1682 Annual/Extended Stay - Are you dreading the day when you have to pack up your RV and return home before all the snow has melted? Enjoy your time in paradise and extend your stay and/or leave your RV here by obtaining an annual site. Monthly stays available. Call the Preserve Office for reservations. Special Events - We have 22 rental units available for group events. Rally groups welcome September through November and April through May 15. Call the preserve for information. PIO PICO | 619-421-0104 Annual/Extended Stay - Are you tired of moving from park to park every 2-3 weeks? Or moving your RV in and out of storage? Get your own personal site and leave your RV there all year long. Contact Dave D. at Preserve Office. Short-Term Rental - Are you going on vacation? We have Vacation Rental Trailers and cabins available for short-term stays. For more details please call the preserve. Special Events - Are you planning a group event, family reunion or sports banquet? We can accommodate all group sizes. Call preserve office to schedule event. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Frank at x102 for more details and specials information. PONDEROSA | 530-642-5830 Annual/Extended Stay - Sign up for our new Annual Site program. Make a site yours for an entire year or up to 3 years! Eliminate storage costs and the hassle of moving your rig. Call Dominic at the preserve. Special Events - Plan your next special event with us along the beautiful American River. We can help you host up to 150 guests for your wedding, family reunion, rally, or other special event function. Make your event one to remember – host it at Ponderosa Resort! Call the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Kathy at the preserve for information.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Special Events - Reunions, youth groups, picnics, retreats, meetings. Private Chapel/ Pavilion and courtyard available for events. Stay in new cottages, TT cabins, western bunkhouse cabins or covered wagons. RV groups of six or more rigs can now save campsites for arriving group members. Please contact preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $75 per month or $750 per year and save $150. Call the preserve for information. RUSSIAN RIVER 707-894-5321 (Preserve Office) 707-894-5355 (Special Events) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are still available - only a couple left. Extended Stay $425 per month, plus electric; includes one honeywagon dump per week. For more information call the preserve. SAN BENITO 831-389-4477 (Ranger Station) 831-389-4478 (Special Events) Annual/Extended Stay - Both programs are available. We also have Getaway Cabins and other cabins and vacation trailers all for the asking. Give us a call and see when we can fit you in. We also have space available for the public and we have tent sites too. For any questions, contact our Ranger Station. Special Events - If you’re looking for that great place for family gatherings, youth groups, reunions, meetings, retreats, church gatherings or just your very own special event, such as birthdays or anniversaries, contact Teri and we can get you on your way. So come and enjoy the natural beauty of San Benito. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Ranger Station for details. SNOWFLOWER | 530-389-8241 Annual/Extended Stay - Have a favorite camping area or site you prefer? Reserve a personal seasonal site anywhere in the preserve for only $388 per month. Seasonal sites available from May through October, weather permitting. Short-Term Rental - Try something new and stay in one of our cabins or yurts! Cabins sleep four maximum and start at $71.20 per night mid-week, plus tax; yurts sleep 4-5 and start at $44 per night mid-week, plus tax. Cabins and Yurts are only a short drive to exploring California’s historic Gold Country or gaming and nightlife In Reno, NV. The yurts have heaters and new mini-fridges for your convenience. Call preserve for information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage sites available starting at $8 per day to $75 per month. Call the Ranger Station to check availability. SOLEDAD CANYON 661-269-1740 (Preserve Office) 661-269-7038 (Special Events) Special Events - Have your rally, wedding, picnic, retreat or reunion at our beautiful preserve. Catering for up to 3,000 available. Call the preserve for information. On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site storage no longer available. Dry Storage $75 per month or $750 annual. Call the preserve for information. TURTLE BEACH | 209-239-0991 On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $20 per week or $60 per month. WILDERNESS LAKES 951-672-4831 (Preserve Office) 951-672-7804 (Special Events/SuperHost)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Fish from the back of your site! No reservations required. You can leave your RV on-site 365 days per year. You may occupy the site 210 days per year. Call Brandie or Dave at the preserve for more information.

Short-Term Rental - Make your cabin and trailer reservations early; high demand in fall, winter and spring. Call the Rental Office for information. MIDWEST/NORTHEAST ILLINOIS PINE COUNTRY 815-547-5517 (Preserve & Marketing Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available - rates $2,044. Monthly site rental (RV) - $425 per month. We offer weekly and mid-week special rates also. Call preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Public W/E/S - nightly rate - $43. Tent sites - nightly $28. Special Events - Large and small pavilion available for rental - must reserve. Clubhouse space available for rental - must reserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Yearly storage rates $350. INDIANA INDIAN LAKES 812-934-5496 (Preserve & Marketing Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at just $1,200. Please call Charlene. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV storage available starting at $35 per month. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual rates available. Call Charlene at the preserve. HORSESHOE LAKES | 765-832-2487 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Lease Sites are $1,500 for lakefront and $1,075 for non-lakefront. Short-Term Rental - We have 126 sites available (122 full hook-up, and 25 50-amp sites - 50-amp sites are $3 per night). Special Events - RV sites, meeting/banquet room, kitchen available for reunions, parties, church groups, weddings, etc. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available starting at $10 per week up to $300 annually. MAINE MOODY BEACH | 207-646-4586 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites Available: Premium $2882, plus electric fee; Elite $3542, plus electric fee; membership required. Great sites still available. Close to sandy beaches, attractive, Portland ME and Portsmouth NH. Annual Cottages Available: 28â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; park models, sleeps 4 adults and 2 children, complete kitchen and bath, supplies. Own your own cottage to come to all season! Annual site fee required. Prices vary - contact manager for more information. Extended Stay Available: $535 per month - April, May, June - September, October. Extended Stay available for 1000 per month - July and August. Call Country Store for more information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - $4 per day, $25 per week, $45 per month or $375 per year. Valid insurance and agreement required.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

NEVADA LAS VEGAS 702-451-2719 (Preserve Office) 800-288-7245 (Rentals) 702-451-4647 (Storage) Annual/Extended Stay - Come HOME to your own private site in FUN City. Yearround sites available in four price ranges. Extended Stay monthly sites available from $475 per month. Call preserve for details.

Special Events - Moody Beach Is a great getaway for your group. Rallies and Reunions. Safari Field available. Contact us to book your group or party.

MASSACHUSETTS GATEWAY TO CAPE COD | 508-763-5911 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for $2350. Vacation cottages for sale starting at $2500, plus site fee of $2450. Please call preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Park Model rentals available starting at $60 per night (some pet units available). Call the preserve for more information and reservations. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available $46 per month or $360 per year. Call the preserve or inquire at the Trading Post. STURBRIDGE | 508-347-7156 Annual/Extended Stay - Annuals from $1740 to $2666 for lakeside and, new this year, seasonal sites for spring and fall for $500. Short-Term Rental - Five rental units available with nightly and weekly rates, 10 people per site. All you bring is linen and food. Amenities are free. Special Events - We have a beautiful conference center for all occasions nestled in beautiful Sturbridge. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage: $20 per week; $45 per month; or $350 per year. MICHIGAN BEAR CAVE | 269-695-3050 Annual/Extended Stay - You are invited to stay at a former Potawatomi Indian Village. Stay and fish on the St. Joseph River from your annual site for $1820. Choose a premium site for $2080. Your site, your way! Short-Term Rental - Park model rentals available; one bedroom for $69 per night or 2 bedroom for $99 per night; 2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends. Linen rental for additional fee. Call for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas and leave your trailer in storage for only $30 per month. ST. CLAIR | 810-329-7129 Annual/Extended Stay - Beautiful sites, concrete pad and patio, paved road, metered 50-amp electric, water and sewer. Stay up to 180 nights and store your rig the rest of the year. $2,000 per year. Similar new sites with gravel pads and roads are only $1,500 per year. Contact Preserve Manager for details. NEW JERSEY CHESTNUT LAKE | 609-652-1005 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at $1,599; Monthly Sites from $500. On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage for $25 per week; $50 per month or $400 per year. LAKE & SHORE | 609-624-1494 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are full - we do have a waiting list. Special Events - We can accommodate parties up to 175 and weddings too! SEA PINES Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available, starting at $2895.

Short-Term Rental - April 15-June 10 and September 5 to closing (Oct. 20). Spring or Fall - Shoulder Seasons, get away for a weekend or a week at Moody Beach. Call Country Store for special or look us up on line at www.1000trails.com. JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $20 weekly, $50 per month or $400 per year.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly, $200 for six months or $375 per year. Call or stop by the Country Store during regular hours.

NEW YORK RONDOUT VALLEY | 845-626-5521 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites start at $2,895; for other special, please call preserve.

PA DUTCH COUNTRY | 717-665-2500 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site available - standard sites for $1825, plus metered electricity. Premium sites for $2200, plus metered electricity. Vacation Cottage site fee for $2100 per year. For more information, please call Stacey or Joan at the preserve.

Special Events - Open air pavilion available to rent for special events. On-Site/Dry Storage - November-April: $25 per month; April-October $45 per month or $396 for the year, if paid in full. OHIO KENISEE LAKE | 440-576-9030 Annual/Extended Stay - Lakefront and non-lakefront sites available. Please call the preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Elite site is $475 for a month-to-month and $425 per month for a standard site.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage is available for $3 per day, $60 per month, and $375 per year. For more information, please call Stacey or Joan at the preserve.

Special Events - Rustic Barn, Pool Pavilion available for Family Reunions, Superhosts, and Get-togethers. If interested, please contact Linda Roberts for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage ONLY. Fees: $35 per month; $65 per quarter (yearly) $125 per 6 months; and $235 for one year.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only - $400 per year or $50 per month. Contact preserve for details.

WILMINGTON | 937-382-5883 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Call preserve for details.

TIMOTHY LAKE RESORT NORTH 570-588-6631 (In Season) 570-588-1617 (Off Season) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Seasonal Location near beautiful Bushkill Falls and the Delaware Water Gap. Annual Sites are $2185 which includes 30-50 amp service, sewer and water with metered electric; paved roads throughout resort. Limited amount of Used Cottages for sale also. Call resort directly.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available - $40 per month or $150 for six (6) months. Call the Ranger Station. PENNSYLVANIA CIRCLE M | 717-872-4651 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites still available starting at $2,150. Vacation cottages also available. Supply is limited. Contact Jamie at the preserve (ext. 12) for details. Short-Term Rental - Short term site rental available. Contact Jamie at the preserve (ext. 12). On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available. Contact Preserve Office (ext. 0) for details. GETTYSBURG FARM | 717-292-7191 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available. Call Jeff at the preserve office for information. Special Events - Two pavilions are available for your reunion, company picnic, wedding or party. These creekside pavilions are a popular gathering spot for your special functions. Call Jeff or Mary at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly and $300 yearly. Call the preserve or stop by the Trading Post. HERSHEY 717-867-1891 (Preserve Office) 717-867-3967 (Storage) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available at beautiful Hershey Preserve starting at $2,600. Call Kim at the preserve.

Special Events - Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry about the weather â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our large building is available for rent. Building will accommodate square dance groups inside; also available for weddings and other events. For more information, please call Stacey or Joan at the preserve.

SCOTRUN | 570-629-0620 Annual/Extended Stay - Scotrun, in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, has annual sites available starting at $1295. Scotrun is central to everything in the Poconos and easy access right off Route 80.

Special Events - SuperHost Facility Rental: Family Lodge $400; Pavilion $100. Call preserve for more information.

Short-Term Rental - 14 cabins available for rent. Call the preserve for details.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Short-Term Rental - Rental Cabins available May 1-October 28. Special Events - 150 Seat Indoor Entertainment Center for Events & Rental, Birthday Parties Packages, Seasonal Indoor Water Park also available for parties, Member Lounge with Televised Sporting Events including NFL Sunday Ticket. On-Site/Dry Storage - $20 weekly, $65 monthly, and $390 annually. TIMOTHY LAKE RESORT SOUTH 570-588-1617 (Year-round) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available at a great year-round location near beautiful Shawnee Mountain and Bushkill Falls. Annual Sites are $2385 which includes large sites with 50-amp service, year-round sewer and water with metered electric, paved roads throughout and gated community. Includes 365 days of access with 230 days of usage to use as you want. Limited amount of used Cottages Available and New Cottage Sales. Call resort directly. Short-Term Rental - Rental Cabins available Year-round. Special Events - RV Rallies & RV Clubs Welcome. Prices Range from $24.99-$39.99 a night depending on size of group or rally. We are a Shawnee E-Ticket Center. Our guest can purchase tickets for all Winter Events and Summer Festivals and receive discounts for these events at the resort. On-Site/Dry Storage - $20 weekly, $65 monthly, and $390 annually. Space is Limited! SOUTHEAST ALABAMA HIDDEN COVE | 205-221-7042 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available - $2,150. For information please call the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available: $20 per week, $45 per month or $325 per year. Storage available for boats and RVs. For information, please call the preserve.

Special Events - Our lakefront Clubhouse and Pavilion are the perfect venues for family reunions, receptions, birthday parties, company events, church picnics, etc. We also have RV sites, tent sites and cabins. For details please call the preserve.

SOUTH CAROLINA CAROLINA LANDING | 864-972-9892 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available starting at $1,300 for current members.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for $3 per day or $200 for 6 months. Call preserve for information. FLORIDA ORLANDO 352-394-5531 (Preserve Office) 352-394-7300 (Special Events) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites: Standard $3330; Premium $3430 (must be a Thousand Trails member to become an Annual Site Holder). Seasonal sites: Standard: Member/Public: 3 months: $1755/$2178; 4 months: $2204/$2628; 5 months $2575/$3000; 6 months: $3054/$3474. Premium: Member/Public: 3 months: $1965/$2391; 4 months: $2416/$2840; 5 months: $2790/$3210; 6 months $3264/$3690. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage $8 per night, $30 per week or $70 per month. PEACE RIVER | 863-735-8888 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for $2280 per year, plus tax and electric. Extended stay/seasonal sites are also available: November $350; December $375, January $410; February $425; March $410; April $375. Discounts available for three months or more. Seasonal sites are 30-amp with water and electric. price includes one free honey wagon dump per week. Call Lee at the preserve for more details.

THE OAKS AT POINT SOUTH | 843-726-5728 Annual/Extended Stay - Come spend the season where it’s sunny at our beautiful spot close to Savannah, Charleston, and right next door to the historic Beaufort by the sea. Our rates are very reasonable - $350 per month plus tax and electric. Call the preserve and book now. Easy access to/from I-95. On-Site/Dry Storage - We offer on-site storage at $150 per month, plus electric and taxes. TENNESSEE CHEROKEE LANDING | 731-376-0935 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available from $1,099 to $1,300 for the season for current members. Extended Stay sites are $300 for current members. Call the preserve to make your reservations. Short-Term Rental - We have campsites and rental cabins available. Call the preserve to make your reservations. NATCHEZ TRACE | 931-796-3212 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites still available - $1,020 to $1,380. Short-Term Rental - Mid-week cabin stay special - $99 Monday through Thursday. Limited Availability. Standard Cabins only.

Short-Term Rental - We have nine rental log cabins available, for nightly or monthly rental.

Special Events - Rallies Welcome! Large rental hall facilities available.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage $45 per month. Call the preserve for information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry: $5 per day/$25 per month.

THREE FLAGS | 352-748-3870 (Preserve Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Please call Joanne or Darlene for details.

TEXAS BAY LANDING | 940-683-3016 Annual/Extended Stay - Bay Landing is now your personal site for 12 months. *Annual Stay – stay up to 210 days a year with no time out. Limited spaces available. Honey Runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for $10, plus tax. No need to move your rig, we come to you! Contact the Ranger Station before 2 p.m. to put your name on the list. Don’t cut your weekend short with towing and setup. Save on Gas. No pulling! Please call Lynn.

Short-Term Rental - Vacation cottages available for rent. Special Events - We have a large clubhouse that may be rented out for special events. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site storage is available for $3 per day, $50 per month or $350 per year. Call Joanne or Darlene for details. NORTH CAROLINA FOREST LAKE | 336-998-4135 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are available! Don’t delay in securing yours now and start enjoying the convenience of annual site rental. Contact Preserve Office for current rate. Short-Term Rental - Cabins, cottages and short-term rentals are available. The longer you stay, the better the price! For rates and availability contact Barb Stanze at the Preserve Office. GREEN MOUNTAIN PARK | 828-757-4088 Annual/Extended Stay - Rates are $1,400 to $2,855. Call preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Vacation cottages for sale at $4,495.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Short-Term Rental - Park Model Rentals $60 and $70 per night. For information, call the preserve.

Special Events - We have excellent amenities for any of your SuperHost needs, such as family reunions, weddings, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Beautiful pavilions on Lake Bridgeport. Please call Nena at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only - $45, plus tax ($48.04). COLORADO RIVER | 979-732-8229 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site leases available for part-time or full-time occupancy. Suitable for RV or park models. Also offering Winter/Summer Texan extended stays for members and the public for up to 5 months at market rate, plus metered electricity. For pricing and details about Annual sites or 55+ programs, call Marty or send email at crmgr@equitylifestyle.com. Special Events - Make your family reunion or church picnic interesting and fun for all ages. Contact Marty or send email to crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage available - $2 per day or $365 per year.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available year-round; fenced secure area. Call the preserve or send email coloradoriver_mgr@equitylifestyle.com.

LAKE GASTON | 252-586-4121 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Rates from $1,950. Call the preserve for details.

LAKE CONROE 936-856-7888 (Preserve Office) 936-856-3751 (Rental Office) JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Annual/Extended Stay - Come stay for a maximum of five months at a time on our Texan Program. The cost is $375 per month, plus electricity. We also have medical stays available. For details contact the Ranger. Our annual program allows you to stay up to 210 days and leave your rig onsite for the entire year. Hidden Cove annual programs are available for 300 days. Contact the Preserve Office for details. Short-Term Rental - We have six cabins for rent nightly for two weeks at a time; $80 for members, plus $10 extra for guests, plus tax, per night. We have nine Getaways for our Getaway members. We also have a Hidden Cove rental, which are owned by members and rented by the week or the month. Check with our Preserve Office for details. All rentals are fully furnished. You just need to bring clothes and food! Special Events - SuperHost/pavilion/family center/lake area rental available most weekends for parties and special events. Contact the Ranger Station at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage is $35 per month, plus tax. Contact the Ranger Station. We also have short-term storage at $40 per week, plus tax, where you may store your RV and leave electric plugged in while you are out of the preserve. LAKE TAWAKONI | 903-598-2800 Annual/Extended Stay - Standard and Premium sites are available. There are electric charges on both. These sites are for 210 days of usage. Marina and dry storage are available for boats. Short-Term Rental - Two rental cabins available. On-Site/Dry Storage - Monthly Dry Storage cost is $42.70. LAKE TEXOMA 903-523-5835 (Preserve Office) 903-523-4206 (Special Events/Storage) Annual/Extended Stay - Personal Sites available. A year with no time out. *Limited spaces available.* Save on gas, setup, pulling/towing. Please call Nic at the preserve office for information. Don’t delay - sites are rapidly filling up! On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for $40 per month. Please call Brynda. LAKE WHITNEY | 254-694-4269 Annual/Extended Stay - Our annual/personal site program allows you to camp up to 210 days a year. There are 4 different price ranges depending on the site type chosen. Call us to find out how to get your personal site at Lake Whitney. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $55 per month or $605, plus tax, for the entire year (if paid in full at start of storage). You receive the 13th month free. Don’t wait - limited space. MEDINA LAKE 830-751-2444 (Preserve Office) 830-751-2406 (Special Events/Storage) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Site program available. Guarantee your personal site for an entire year with sites starting at $1,733. Call preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - We have 20 fully-furnished rental cabins that sleep 4-6. (18 are lakefront locations). Pet units also available. Special Events - Chesapeake Bay is an ideal resort for your next family reunion, rally, club outing or any kind of group gathering. Located on the beautiful Piankatank River, the setting is lovely, with amenities and activities for all ages in season. In winter, business or group retreats as well as craft clubs and guilds can have the place to themselves - comfortable, well-furnished cabins are available all year. We can do the cooking so all you have to do is relax and enjoy. On-Site/Dry Storage - Field storage available year-round. On-site storage available Nov. 15May 15. Call Resort Office for details. HARBOR VIEW | 804-224-8164 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites $1600, plus electric; monthly $375, plus electric. Short-Term Rental - Book your stay in our Rental Unit; sleeps 6 with a full kitchen and bath. Pets allowed. Call for rates and details. Special Events - Plan your group event at Harbor View. Air-conditioned Recreational Hall and covered Pavilion available for reservation. LYNCHBURG | 434-332-6672 Annual/Extended Stay - Come discover why Lynchburg is among the top 25 retirement communities in the nation. Discover all of the history, charm, entertainment and cultural events the area has to offer. We offer annual sites for $1,235.; Value sites for $950. and monthly sites for $325. Call Preserve Office for more information. Short-Term Rental - Spend a month or two and enjoy all the wonderful activities and attractions of the area. Our monthly rate is $300, plus electric. Call the preserve for more information and start making your plans today. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage is available for $40 per month, $10 per week. Discounts available on six month and yearly contracts. VIRGINIA LANDING | 757-442-4853 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are available for $1,000, plus electric. Call preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Fully furnished cabins starting at $70 for members. Call preserve for more information. Special Events - Plan your group event here. Air-conditioned family lodge and kitchen available for rental. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage for $35 per month.

Special Events - Family reunions, company picnics, rallies – we do them all! We have two large outdoor areas available for day use. Campsite and limited cabin rentals are also available. Call Cindy at Special Events.

WILLIAMSBURG | 757-566-3021 Annual/Extended Stay - Your best year of camping begins at Williamsburg. Annual on-site program at our beautiful tree-sheltered campground: full hook-up, metered sites begin at $1,750. Vacation Cottage Program offers 28 to 38-foot park models, vinyl or log-sided from $1,499 to $4,999, with a 3-year annual on-site lease. Satellite reception sites still available. Call Kristi at the preserve to find out about this month’s TrailBlazer Reader’s Special.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage $67, plus tax per month or $540 per year, plus tax. Call Preserve Office or Storage.

Short-Term Rental - Spacious cabins that sleep 6-8 are available starting at $56 for members. Fully furnished except for linens. Call Preserve Office for more information.

VIRGINIA CHESAPEAKE BAY 804-693-6951 (Resort Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Chesapeake Bay is the best place to spend weekends and vacation. Our annual sites make it so easy to jump in the car and head to the “rivah”! Contact Lisa in the Resort Office if you would like information on how you can lease a site in 2014.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Secure and easy access storage for $20 per week, $45 per month, or $395 annually, with park membership. Call the preserve for more information.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 116 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer continued from page 25

take off to parts unknown and explore. We like to get to places and explore. My brother-in-law emailed us and asked how many miles we had traveled with our motorhome across the country. At the time we were in San Francisco, I wrote back to him because Gerald keeps track of all that, and we had gone 4300 miles in the motorhome, but the pickup truck had over 7000 miles on it, and that doesn’t count the 4300 being towed! We’ll get in the car and just explore the area. TB: Feel free to share any other camping/RVing stories here. GG: The reason I started to like camping began years ago when we would go to the Jersey Shore. We’d get up in the morning and load the car up, drive like

a maniac to get down there to spend the day on the beach and the night on the boardwalk. Afterwards we’d have to drive home for three hours. Everyone else would be sleeping and I’d be the only one awake. I found a campground only six miles away and I think that was perfect!

From funny stories to touching moments, we’re looking to tell the story of our members - when they started and when they realized they were a true “TrailBlazer.” If you’re interested in being interviewed, send us a note at TBeditor@ equitylifestyle.com. ■

Continued from page 11

Grilled Italian Sausage with Marinated Tomatoes – Monica L. I do this all the time at Scotrun. It’s fast and easy! ½ Tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1-½ Tablespoons olive oil 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, each cut into 6 slices 1/3 red onion, thinly sliced

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

6 (4 ounce) mild Italian sausage links 6 French rolls, halved lengthwise Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat. Whisk together red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and olive oil in a small bowl. Arrange the tomato and onion slices on a serving platter, and pour dressing over the top. Allow to marinate at room temperature while you cook the sausages. Pierce the sausages with the tip of a sharp knife a few times and place onto the grill. Cook until sausage is no longer pink in the center, turning frequently so that they cook evenly and are lightly browned, about 15 minutes total. Serve on French rolls with marinated tomatoes and onions. n

WORLDWIDE RV TOURS AND RALLIES Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Overseas & USA, Rose Parade, Balloon Fiesta, Kentucky Derby & more! Free vacation guide (800) 952-8496 or www.fantasyrvtours.com Get DIRECTV for your RV and Home! Pkgs start at $29.99/mo for 12 mos. Ends 7/31/13. Offers subject to change. NEW DIRECTV customers only. Terms & restrictions apply. Call Now! 1-800-257-4480 SCRUBR Odor-Free Dishcloths & TREKR Self-Cleaning Washcloths Perfect for RVing and camping. They dry fast, rinse clean, and don’t get smelly. (858)653-0401 www.lunatecgear.com Omnia Stove Top Baking Oven Want to bake when RVing or camping. Get the affordable portable Omnia. Works on any stove top heat source. (858)653-0401 www.lunatecgear.com

STOP

THE SHAK IN G!

STEADYfast® Tested and reviewed by Trailer Life, Bill Gehr (RV Journal), Highways and others

What’s The Difference? Tighten 3 conveniently located handles. That’s it, your parked 5th wheel or travel trailer is STEADY Fast! The Convenient & Simple 45 Second Solution Visit

Toll-Free

www.steadyfast.com 866-498-8754

CIRCLE NO. 109 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

ClassifiedAdvertising

Answers on page 64

To Advertise in Marketplace Or To Place a Classified Ad email TBads@equitylifestyle.com Deadline for September 2013 Issue is July 12, 2013 JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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

Kevin & Lynny Ross

CIRCLE NO. 106 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

from Stanwood, WA found the evergreen tree on page 22 of the May issue. Did you find the tree in this issue? Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Postmark deadline is July 31, and remember — the tree could be a different color and size.

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to

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

Richard Morrissey of San Angelo, TX

Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 63

Global Noble continued from page 30

Tech Topics continued from page 9

Also, before departing Cape Town, Noble made a trip to the Royal Dutch Shell Company to attempt an exchange of international publicity for some gasoline. “We had paid all of thirteen cents a gallon for gas in Ecuador and now in South Africa we were forced to pay the outrageous price of forty-two cents per gallon,” said Noble. “But Shell would have nothing to do with our venture. I had struck out, but we had a good story to tell so on we trekked.”

Electric Step Maintenance

They were headed for the Great Karoo, the desert north of Cape Town. According to Noble, the word Karoo was a Hottentot word meaning without water. “If you have ever been to the hot Coachella Valley east of Los Angeles, that is what the Karoo territory looks like. With water it is very inviting, without water it is a very unattractive desert,” said Noble. “Dean loved our drive from Cape Town to the more adventuresome areas of the country because that is where the birds were. After just nine days in South Africa, Dean had identified 70 new species,” said Noble. At the time, Dean thought there were about 9000 species to identify. Today, ornithologists suggest that there are about 10,000 separate species and sub species of birds on this planet.

Given a little routine maintenance, electric entry steps will serve you well for many years. Just inspect and lubricate your electric step monthly. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require a lot of time. Take a few minutes to check for loose or corroded wires or worn parts. Work with care, staying aware of your physical position so that you can quickly move clear of the step and the mechanism in case of an accidental activation. Clean all mud, salt, and road grime from the step before lubricating, and lubricate all moving parts (like bearings, pivot points, slides, clevis pin, and drive linkage) every 30 days with a good quality grease that is moisture- and heat-resistant, such as Kwikee’s Kwik Lube Spray Grease, which sprays on like a penetrating oil, but becomes the consistency of a protective grease after application. Remember to carefully wipe away any overspray on the step itself to protect your carpets, thus ensuring domestic tranquility. Keep your eyes on the horizon and blaze a trail; happy travels, everyone! ■ Paul and Kerri Elders are freelance writers; visit their website at RVLinker.com Follow Paul & Kerri on Twitter @rvlinker

“There is not a more daunting species of human than the ornithologist anywhere when it comes to searching for possible new species of birds,” said Noble. “Dean was walking all over the earth when he could. No bad weather could interfere with his mission. He became famous as a college professor where each summer, he would take a graduate student and fly off to a remote part of the world to identify known species and search for new species. Dean was, and is, unstoppable. He now has over 60 years under his belt in the bird watching arena.” So….where to next? See what we uncover in August. ■ JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

GONE pin

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obvious from the pictures of Louisa and Clark that camping season is in full swing. Clark is enjoying his Midwest Zone Pass and spent a few days at Twin Mills Resort, located in Howe, Indiana. Between visits to the snack bar, Clark went fishing, swimming and perfected the art of the sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;more. Ever the adventurer, Louisa tackled the rapids of the American River in California while staying at the Ponderosa Resort, in Lotus. She was also one of the first campers to enjoy the new Safari Tents at both Morgan Hill and Rancho Oso. They sure are busy little campers! 66

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 128 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

JULY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 132 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50