TrailBlazer Magazine - March 2014 by TrailBlazer Magazine

MARCH 2014 n $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

ROADSIDE

ATTRACTIONS

No, we’re not in Italy!

TOOLING AROUND AMERICA’S AUTO MUSEUMS

L A Z E

ROA

S• UE

4 201

•

T R A I L

D A O RTRIP CO D TRIP

Spotlight: Thousand Trails New Website A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble

WE NEVE R STA N D ST IL L . Like RVers themselves, we’re always moving forward. For proof, look no further than the new Winnebago Forza™ and Itasca Solei.™ These all-new models offer the performance and comfort of a highend diesel pusher without the big-ticket price tag. Each double slideout floorplan, the 34T and the bath-and-a-half 38R, is loaded with premium amenities — residential appliances, Corian counters and efficient LED lighting — as well innovative interior features that bring new flexibility to motorhome living. But don’t let their sleek profile fool you: the storage capacity of these coaches is phenomenal: up to 228 cubic feet on the 38R, by far the best in class! See your nearest Winnebago or Itasca dealer, call 800-643-4892, or see our entire lineup at WinnebagoInd.com.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50 CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

VOL. 36 n ISSUE 2

MARCH2014 CONTENTS

R OADSIDE ATTR ACTIO N S

Photo by Henryk Sadura

Message from Marguerite Tech Topics

5 9

Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer

TrailMix: Roadside Attractions & Oddities

Activities & Events

ELS Events Calendar

Updates & Upgrades

I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer

A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble

On The Road: Carrie Morey

Features:

Roadside Attractions 34 America’s Auto Museums 40 RV Bill 46

On the Cover: While this looks like Pisa, Italy’s famous Leaning Tower, this is actually a half-sized replica in Niles, Illinois and just one of the roadside attractions we highlight in our feature beginning on page 34.

Advertiser Index 50 Crossword Puzzle 50

Club Calendar 51 Member Deals 52 Spotlight: TT’s New Website

Classified Advertising

On Location 66

▼

The Henry Ford Museum Plaza 1 - The Henry Ford

Sudoku Puzzle 62

AMERICA’S AUTO MUSEUMS

The Henry Ford Auto Museum in Dearborn, Michigan is just one of more than 75 auto museums across the country. From collections to interactive exhibits, these museums offer a history of the automobile through the years. Check out our roundup of just a few of these museums beginning on page 40. MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Celebrating 45 Years Please Share Your Memories With Us Join in the celebration and share your memories. Our 45-year milestone has provided a long, long time to create camping memories, fine tune your favorite camping recipes and take a whole lot of pictures. Please share your camping stories, recipes and photos with us. We will select a winner from each of the following submissions. • Best Then And Now Photo

Then

Now

This photo, submitted by Michelle Heinze, of West Sacramento, CA, depicts Michelle’s husband as a young boy at Bend/Sunriver. He is in front of the lodge. The second photo depicts their daughter in front of the same lodge.

• Best Camping Story

• Best Camping Recipe

All submissions can be sent via mail to TrailBlazer Magazine, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606 or via email to Celebrate45@equitylifestyle.com. All submissions must be received by midnight on August 31, 2014. Winners will be announced in the November/December 2014 issue of TrailBlazer.

Saturday, July 19, 2014 Come Celebrate 45 Years Of Making Camping Memories At Your Favorite Thousand Trails Location. More Details To Come.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

ARS

OF MAKING

RIES•

•CEL

RA TI

YEARS 1969-2014

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

ne of my messages a few months back focused on letting you know we are here and we are listening. As I mentioned, we want to know what’s on your mind and offered several ways for you to contact us to let us know your thoughts, comments, etc. Well, we’ve gone one better and now, we’re coming to you! If you have stayed with us recently, you should have received an email from us within a few days of your stay’s end. The email links to a post-stay survey that we are asking our guests to complete so that we can work to ensure our guests receive the best experience possible. The survey is short but provides great feedback. Was it easy to make reservations? Were you warmly greeted upon arrival? Did you find the activities and amenities you expected and further, how were your accommodations? Would you recommend us to a friend? The point of the survey is to get a better understanding of your experience. Based on your responses, we take action to improve where needed, give kudos where merited and in general, take all the information to continue to provide the optimum experience. Managers are making contact directly with the respondents to follow up on comments and concerns. And as a result, we are hearing that our guests are pleased with this one on one contact. Your time is precious so we want B

The celebration continues as we mark 45 years of making camping memories. We’ve got some more history for you on Page 22 and we are asking for some input. As you can see on Page 4, we are asking you to share your camping memories, recipes and photos from your experiences through the years as a TT member. Also, mark your calendars for Saturday, July 19, 2014. That’s the day we will celebrate our 45 years preservewide. We won’t spill all the details just yet, but wanted to let you know to make sure to keep that date open. Spring is just around the corner which means opportunities to camp across our preserves and make more memories. Enjoy!

L A Z E

T R A I L

RTORAIDP E

D TRIP

S• UE

4 201

ROA

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

While not part of any survey, we have definitely heard from our website users over the years. We listened and we made changes. In January, we unveiled the new, and improved, Thousand Trails website (www.thousandtrails.com). In addition to a fresh new design and a more user-friendly navigation, the new site was built to encompass everything the user is looking for, from reservations and campground information to up-to-date news from the world of Thousand Trails. And there are more enhancements planned for your online experience.

•

to make sure the time you spend at a Thousand Trails location is time well spent.

MARCH 2014 | 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 Susie Bue 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

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Peace River: This enchanting tree is located along one of the many walking trails at Peace River. - Suzanne Reese, Wauchula, FL

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.

PICS FROM THE PARKS San Benito: Louisa and Clark and Patrick and Nikki Guinasso after a round of miniature golf. - John & Kathy Guinasso, San Jose, CA

Crystal Isles: Taken at Three Sisters Springs nearby Crystal Isles RV Resort, Crystal River. - Karen Lueck, Crestview FL

MARCH 2014 | 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 2014 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

Lucky winner, Paul Minnis from Burtchville, MI was camping at Orlando when he was presented with his $1,000 gift card.

Lucky winners, Billene and Roger Flynn from Oak Hills, CA. (pictured here with Palm Springs Resort Manager Kate Kinsey) were camping at Palm Springs when they were presented with their $1,000 gift card.

Will you be pictured here next month? Get Out and

Ca mp

When you pay your annual dues for 2014 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express gift card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2014. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2014, you will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The drawings are limited to persons who are of legal age. The drawings will be held at our corporate office on the 10th day after the end of each month. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails preserve. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. You may also enter the drawings by printing your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address on a 3â&#x20AC;? x 5â&#x20AC;? piece of paper and mailing it to the Sponsor in addressed, stamped envelope. You are limited to one mail-in entry which must be postmarked by December 15, 2014. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Tech Topics by Paul and Kerri Elders

▶

This month, we’ll take a look at a topic that’s always on everyone’s mind: Weight Management. And we’ll tell you the secret place to check for proper tire inflation pressures and how easy it is to inspect your RV for “hidden” leaks to help prevent future problems. Ready, set, and away we go: WATCHING YOUR WEIGHT, THE EASY WAY: As all experienced RVers quickly learn, weight management is a key to successful traveling--and we’re not talking about managing your waistline. Managing your RV’s loaded weight carefully is important for safety’s sake and for optimal fuel performance. An overloaded RV is a handling nightmare, particularly in mountainous travel. And one that’s improperly loaded (i.e. heavier on one side or the other, unbalanced from front to back, etc.) can impact the RV’s handling characteristics and can even impede your ability to brake safely in an emergency situation. So THINK when you load, and always resist the urge to overload your storage bays with unnecessary extra cargo—that’s just another word for extra weight! An easy way to save on loaded weight while traveling from campground to campground is simple: don’t fill your water tanks to capacity. While en route between nightly campsites, there’s usually no reason to carry a full tank load of water. Water weighs roughly eight pounds per gallon, which means that a full 70-gallon freshwater tank will add approximately 560 pounds to your RV’s cargo weight. Simply by choosing to carry only 20 gallons of water (about 160 pounds), you’ve successfully shed 400 pounds of excess weight. FYI, gasoline weighs approximately six pounds per gallon; diesel fuel, about seven pounds a gallon; and propane weighs in at roughly 4.2 pounds per gallon. So ask yourself a question: are you really sure you want to “fill ‘er-up” for a short day trip? You can save even more weight simply by remembering to empty your holding tanks (both blackwater and graywater) before breaking camp. LEAK PATROL: It’s important to keep tabs on your rig’s condition at all times; as we’ve said time and again, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Periodically

check your RV for signs of water leakage, paying special attention to inside corners and around windows. Take a quick look under sinks in the bathroom and kitchen, checking both plumbing fixtures and the drains and p-traps for evidence of tiny leaks. Check the shower and bath area carefully. Press on the walls of the shower, feeling for any unusual “give” and occasionally take the time to take a closer look at your shower fixture. Check your interior ceiling, of course, paying particular attention to the areas under your roof’s joints and seams. Carefully and regularly take a look at slideouts, storage bays and windows where leaky seals can progress quickly from small water leaks to advanced mildew and mold. Pay special attention to areas around roof vent fans and other roof or siding penetrations (TV antennas, satellite dishes, roof racks, roof railings, ladders, skylights, air conditioners, etc.). Use a flashlight to carefully inspect the wall, ceiling, and floor areas of all closed spaces, staying alert for signs of water damage. Look in all closets and closed areas, always remaining alert to the tell-tale odor of mildew, which can betray a hidden leaking problem. The sooner you find a problem, the sooner you can repair it and prevent the kind of heartbreaking damage undetected water leaks can cause to your beloved home on wheels. WATCH THOSE TIRES: Few people realize just how vital properly maintained tires are to their safety. Whether you drive a Honda Civic or a 36,000 pound diesel pusher, your tires are your only points of contact with the roadway. And if you overload them, over-inflate them, or under-inflate them, you could be headed for a world of trouble.

Continued on page 62 MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

WHO’S IN THE KITCHEN

with TrailBlazer?

Food Museum

Cooking!

his month we’re cooking up some recipes with a nod to some of the museums across the country devoted to foods – including corn, pickles, potatoes and mustard. We’ll use mustard in a tasty dessert cake, make jelly from corn and brew up a delicious soup from pickles and potatoes.

Dill Pickle Soup (Serves 6-8) (from Cathy Pollak, NoblePig.com)

This delicious recipe combines pickles and potatoes. If you love all things pickle, don’t miss the Pickle Barrel House, a two story pickle barrel in Grand Marais, Michigan. For the potato-lover,the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho, showcases Idaho’s most famous product. For information visit www.idahopotatoomuseum.com

Set-up:

12-inch Dutch oven 30-40 coals

Ingredients:

5-1/2 cups chicken broth 1-3/4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered 2 cups chopped carrots (smaller dice) 1 cup chopped dill pickles (smaller dice ~ about 3 large whole dills) 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup water 2 cups dill pickle juice* 1-1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning 1/2 teaspoon table salt 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 6-8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled

Directions:

Light the coals and put a bed down under the oven, using about 20 coals. In a large pot, combine broth, potatoes, carrots and butter. Set the Dutch oven on the bed of coals. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Use the additional coals on the lid to make the process quicker (heat from the top and the bottom). Add pickles and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, sour cream and water, making a paste. Vigorously whisk sour cream mixture (2 tablespoons at a time) into soup. 10

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

(This will also break up some of your potatoes which is okay. Also, you might see some initial little balls of flour form but between the whisking and boiling all will disappear. Don’t panic.) If you need to, pull some of the coals from under the pot. Pull out the center of the coals to slow the simmer down, reducing the heat. Add pickle juice, Old Bay, salt*, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook 5 more minutes and remove from heat. Garnish with black pepper, fresh dill and sliced dill pickles (optional). Serve immediately. *All pickle juice is not created equal. Some is saltier than others. Taste your soup after adding the pickle juice and final seasonings. It’s possible you will not need any salt or would prefer more or less.

Corn Cob Jelly (Makes 5 half-pints) (adapted from www.chickensintheroad.com)

If you are a lover of corn, do not miss a visit to The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. The entire museum is dedicated to corn. Visit www.cornpalace.org for visitor information. You will also love this corn based jelly, which oddly tastes like honey.

Ingredients:

12 large ears of corn 2 quarts water 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 package powdered pectin Sugar

Directions:

Cook corn; cut kernels from cobs and store for another use. Measure 2 quarts water into a large pot; add corn cobs. Bring to a boil and keep at hard boil for 30 minutes. (If you had the pot covered when you brought it to a boil, take the lid off now. Boil it down uncovered for a more concentrated result.) Turn off heat and remove cobs. Strain corn liquid through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer–if desired. (I prefer to leave the corn bits in there! I didn’t strain it. Up to you!) Measure remaining

corn liquid (you should have a little over 3 1/2 cups corn liquid after it boils down.) Return liquid to the large pot. Stir in lemon juice and pectin (add a dab of butter to prevent foaming.) Bring to a boil. Add sugar by cup to match the measure of your corn liquid. Stir to dissolve sugar. Bring pot to a rolling boil. Boil hard one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Ladle hot corn cob jelly into hot jars. Adjust lids and bands. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Lemon Glazed Mustard Spiced Poppy Seed Cake (from GypsyWorldSpiceCafe.com)

A visit to the National Mustard Museum, in Middleton, Wisconsin, will provide you all the history of mustard you need to know. And, this delicious cake proves mustard is not just for sandwiches.

Setup:

2 10-inch Dutch ovens 350 degrees, 28-30 coals, 7 under, 12-15 on lid Parchment disc Oil or spray to grease the oven

Ingredients:

I box Yellow Butter Cake mix or White Cake mix 1-1/4 cups water, milk or coconut milk from dairy case 1 stick butter, softened 3 eggs 2 teaspoons dried mustard 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (do not need if using coconut milk) 2 tablespoons poppy seeds 1 cup confectioner’s sugar Zest of 1/2 lemon, finely chopped Juice from 1/2 lemon

Directions:

Light the charcoal. Grease and flour each Dutch oven; or 4-5 minutes to create a smooth, airy batter. Pour an set aside. I use a small amount of the dry cake mix to equal amount of batter into each prepared Dutch oven. ‘flour’ the pan. Put the disc of parchment into each oven. Bake for approximately 35-38 minutes at 350 degrees. Place cake mix, butter, water and eggs, mustard, extract Lift the lid and check if done (cake tester should come and poppy seeds in a large mixing bowl. Beat on low for out clean). Sometimes, just removing it from the bottom 30 seconds to mix, with hand or electric mixer. Beat for 2 heat and letting it finish will do the trick. Remove from minutes on medium speed. Note: if you’re whisking by the heat and remove the lid. Cool for about 10 minutes in hand, use a sturdy whisk and beat for about 100 strokes the oven, then invert onto a wire rack. Cool completely. To make the glaze: Combine lemon zest, lemon juice and confectioner’s sugar. Whisk until there are no lumps. If it is a little thick, put in a small amount of milk or cream. Whisk again. Put one layer down onto a serving platter. Place some of the lemon icing and spread. Top with the other cake layer. Drizzle the icing over the cake, letting some run over the edge. MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

TRAILMIX

Visit Us and See More Roadside Attractions & Oddities One of our features this month highlights roadside attractions and oddities. These are great to visit as you make your way to your favorite Thousand Trail preserve. We’ve gone one better and provided you a list of attractions near some of our preserves. Read on…..is the world’s largest ball of yarn near your favorite preserve? The Sutter Buttes near Lake Minden - Nicolaus, CA

Home on the (Small) Range We all know the Rockies, the Sierras, and the Appalachians but do you know where you can find the “Smallest Mountain Range in the World?” The Sutter Buttes are just outside Yuba City, which is located about 20 miles from California’s Lake Minden preserve in Nicolaus. Although technically not a mountain range, these valley peaks are a small circular complex of eroded volcanic lava domes. Formed about 1.6 million years ago, the Sutter Buttes have had many names over the years and much Indian lore from the area focuses on these peaks. The Maidu Indians inhabited the area and referred to them as Histum Yani or Spirit Mountain. Legend has it that after death, the spirits of the Maidu people rest in the buttes. While most of the land is private, the Buttes can be seen on the west horizon as you drive toward Yuba City on Highway 99. For more information visit www.parks.ca.gov Sitka Spruce Tree near Pacific City - Cloverdale, OR

Oregon and the Octopus Tree A visit to our Pacific City preserve in Cloverdale, Oregon allows you the opportunity to view a giant Sitka Spruce, also known as the Octopus Tree. Shaped like an inverted octopus, the tree is believed to be over 300 years For more information and times of operation visit www.capemeareslighthouse.org

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Presidents Hall of Fame near Orlando - Clermont, FL

History Lessons in the Sunshine State If you’re visiting our Orlando preserve in Clermont, Florida, you’re lucky because you get to see two interesting attractions and we’re not talking about the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Clermont is home to the Presidents Hall of Fame and the Citrus Tower. Both are oldies but goodies. The Florida Citrus Tower was built in 1956 and was once the most famous landmark in the area. At 500 feet above sea level, it provided visitors the opportunity to view the miles of orange groves surrounding the area. For more information and times of operation visit www.citrustower.com The Presidents Hall of Fame was originally a wax museum called the “House of Presidents.” Today’s version offers small replicas of Mt. Rushmore, the Lincoln Memorial and the White House, as well as wax figures of US Presidents. For more information and times of operation visit www.thepresidentshalloffame.com The Great Goober near Lake Texoma - Gordonville, TX

The Great Goober Durant, Oklahoma, which is less than an hour’s drive from our Lake Texoma preserve in Gordonville, Texas, claims to be home to the world’s largest peanut. It’s actually the world’s largest peanut monument (and several other US towns claim to have one as well) and is dedicated to the peanut growers in Bryan County. It was dedicated in 1973 and includes a time capsule that contains legal and historic documents that will be opened in 2023. For more information visit www.durantmainstreet.org

Forever Marilyn Stature near Palm Springs - Palm Desert, CA

A Bit of Hollywood On the silver screen, Marilyn Monroe may have appeared larger than life, but the Forever Marilyn statue, permanently on display in Palm Springs, California is actually larger than life. Standing 26 feet tall, the sculpture is a super-sized tribute to Ms. Monroe’s iconic scene from the movie, The Seven Year Itch. Also near our Palm Springs preserve is Pioneertown, an Old West town built in the early 1940s for filming westernthemed movies and television. Nowadays, you can stroll along Main Street, be entertained by one of the staged gunfights and experience what life was like in the Old West. For more information visit www.visitcalifornia.com

Map of Point Roberts near Birch Bay - Blaine, WA

Not Quite Canada While Point Roberts is considered part of the US, the only way to get there by land is to go through Canada. This quaint little town is situated on five square miles of a peninsula that for the most part is Canadian. Falling at the border of the 49th parallel, which is the demarcation for the US/Canadian border, Point Roberts offers plenty to see and do, including eagle watching, whale watching, hiking, biking and plenty of beaches. And while no passport is required to stay at our nearby our Birch Bay preserve, you do need one if you plan to visit Point Roberts. For more information visit www.pointrobertstourism.com Texas Prison Museum near Lake Conroe - Willis, TX

Jungle Jim’s International Market near Wilmington - Wilmington, OH

It’s a Jungle Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, Ohio is 200,000 square feet of shopping – it’s so large, store tours are available. In addition to regular groceries and produce, Jungle Jim’s has a selection of more than 1500 hot sauces, and international specialty items from Asia, Europe and Africa. Rounding out this “more than just a grocery store” is an olive bar, a tasting bar for beer and wine and even a cooking school. If you’re planning to stay at our Wilmington preserve, you know where to go for groceries – and just about anything else you can think of. For more information and times of operation visit www.junglejims.com

Doing Time in Huntsville While this may not be on everyone’s list of must-sees, if you’re visiting our Lake Conroe preserve you may want to take the roughly half-hour’s drive to The Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville. The museum provides a history of the Texas prison system and has several artifacts, including “Old Sparky,” a vintage electric chair. For more information and times of operation visit www.txprisonmuseum.org Who Drank all the Beer? Another rarity to visit if you’re staying at Lake Conroe is the Beer Can House in Houston, Made from 30,000 plus beer cans, tabs and tops. This home is the result of the efforts of the late John Milkovisch, who apparently enjoyed a beer or two! For more information and times of operation visit www.beercanhouse.org Knapp’s Castle near Rancho Oso - Santa Barbara, CA

Yark Birds Shop’n Kart near Chehalis - Chehalis, WA

For the Birds If you’re looking for a 60-foot metal bird, plan a stay at our Chehalis RV preserve and take a trip into town and you’ll find one. Originally a mascot for a home-supply store, the metal bird is now the focus as you pull into the Yard Birds Shop ‘n Kart stores in Chehalis. For more information visit www.yardbirdshistory.com

Castle Ruins If you’re looking to incorporate hiking, spectacular views and some history, consider a trip to Knapp’s Castle, which is near our Rancho Oso location. The ruins are what remain of a sandstone castle built by Union Carbide founder, George Owen Knapp. Originally built in 1916, Knapp sold the property in 1940 and shortly after the sale the mansion was destroyed by a forest fire. While the property is now private, you can view what remains of the castle in a 0.8 mile hike. For hiking information visit www.santabarbarahikes.com By Joan Rykal

Calendar - MARCH 2014 ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

MEMBER APPRECIATION EVENTS Saturday, March 15 All Thousand Trails Locations Check with properties for a list of times and events

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA Cultus Lake Throughout March: All activities are member-generated. Come down to the Family Centre and have a card night or a pool tournament with your friends; it is up to you! The Family Centre is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Office staff and Ranger staff are on hand if you need assistance. ARIZONA Verde Valley Throughout March: Pickleball daily at the courts. The Homestyle Grill restaurant is open daily at 8 a.m. serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (closed Mondays/Tuesdays.) Pool tourneys Fridays/Sundays/ Mondays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Penny Pokeno Mondays at 2 p.m., Wii Bowling league Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and Mondays/Sundays at 7 p.m., Karaoke Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Card Bingo Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday night entertainment with Hired hands Band at 6 p.m. March 1: Family Movie Night (the first Saturday of every month.) March 8: Pet Parade: Prizes and treats given for the best-dressed and best trick. March 15: St. Patrick’s Day & Member Appreciation: Stop in and let us show you how the luck of the Irish works. Who will be the one to find the pot of gold? CALIFORNIA Idyllwild March 10 Music in the Meadow Event is held at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, 52000 Temecula Drive, in Idyllwild, just four miles from the preserve. Event runs from 7:30-8:30 p.m. March 12 Spring Dance Concert Event is held at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, 52000 Temecula Drive, in Idyllwild, just four miles from the preserve. Event runs from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

(Events may be subject to change)

Lake Minden February 28-March 2: Craft-tastic: Children and adults will enjoy a variety of new and exciting crafting projects as we explore re-purposing old and broken jewelry, keys, silverware and other interesting small objects. Join us for the Friday Night Potluck Social and stay for Brown Bag Bingo. Enjoy the pre-spring weather with a walk around the lake. March 7-9: Photo-licious: Join us for a nature walk around the lake and discover some great photo opportunities. Take some fantastic photos as the RC boats race on the lake. Craft a pair of earrings for St Patrick’s Day and make St. Patrick’s Day cards. Come in to the lodge for cards, crafts and coffee. March 14-16: A Bit-O-the Irish: Make sure to sign MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

up early for Lake Minden’s famous Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. We’ll also be crafting with an Irish theme. Friday night we’ll celebrate National Corn Dog Day with Chili and Corn Dog Potluck Social. March 21-23: Stupendous Soups: Bring your favorite pot of homemade soup and join the fun at one of Lake Minden’s extremely popular “Pot-O-Soup” Potlucks. We’ll be making memories and crafting mini memory books. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, take an Art Journaling class and learn some imaginative, fun ways to record your thoughts, ideas and memories. March 28-30: First of the season Craft Sale and Flea Market!: Sign up early for this season’s first Craft Show and Flea Market or take a break from watching the RC boats race to check out the sale. Check the monthly schedule for other great activities. March 1 The 134th Bok Kai Parade and Festival This unique event is the only one of its kind anywhere in the Americas and has happened annually since at least 1880. The Bok Kai Parade, this year celebrating The Year of the Horse, will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Vendors will be set up on 2nd Street, between D and B streets in Marysville. Food and official Bok Kai merchandise will be for sale immediately following the parade while a variety of entertainment will take place on C Street, near the Yuba County Library. Bands, lion dancers, and other performances will take place throughout the afternoon. On Sunday, at 4 p.m., Bomb Day (Yee Yeut Yee), will take place in the heart of Marysville’s historic Chinatown, at the corner of 1st and C streets. Handmade bombs will be lit and young men will scramble to catch the lucky rings. The catching of the rings is open for viewing only. The parade and festival are just 20 miles from the preserve. Lake of the Springs Throughout March: Every Saturday and Sunday we will serve breakfast. Every Saturday evening we will have a Baked Potato Social and Family Candy Bar Bingo. March 15: St.Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dance: We will be serving corned beef and cabbage. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (530) 6923215 or (530) 692.1612. Morgan Hill March 1: Mardi Gras Weekend: Bring a shoebox and make a float. Decorate a mask to wear to the showing of “The Princess and the Frog.” Bring a sweet treat for the King Cake Feast. March 15: Western Weekend: There’s a new sheriff in town so join us for some country fun. Yee Haw! Catch a flick with our favorite good, old boys, Woody and friends. Break out your cowboy boots, hat and favorite Western shirt for a chili cook-off, followed by an old-fashioned Hoedown. See y’all there!

March 3-16 BNP Paribas Open The BNP Paribas Open is a two-week combined ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and WTA Premier event featuring the top men and women professional tennis players competing in a 96 singles draw and 32 doubles draw. Held at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78200 Miles Avenue, in Indian Wells, just five miles from the preserve. For information call (760) 200-8400 Pio Pico March 1: Mardi Gras Madness! Blue Ribbon Grooming (mobile groomers - first Saturday of every month) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Scavenger Hunt at 1 p.m.. Costume Contest at 5 p.m. March 7: Campfire and S’mores at 6 p.m. March 8: Western Weekend: Pay a quarter to have the town sheriff lock up a friend at 1 p.m. Dress the part and win a prize at 5 p.m. March 14: Campfire and Wadingers at 6 p.m. March 15: It’s a Soirée: Dinner and Dance at 5 p.m. March 21: Campfire and S’mores at 6 p.m. March 22: Nature Weekend: Sky Hunters presentation at 1 p.m. Sky Hunters is a nonprofit group dedicated to informing the public about raptors, birds of prey and promoting raptor conservation. March 29: A Night at the Oscars: Craft (every Saturday) at 11 p.m, plus Candy Bingo at 3 p.m. and a fun twist on Movie Night at 7 p.m. March 1-April 30 Flower Fields Ranunculus Season Flowers, flowers, flowers as far as you can see. Every March and April, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch blossom into a spectacular sea of brightly colored ranunculus flowers. Tours are offered and photographers, professional and amateur alike, set up for stunning close up buds in bloom. Carlsbad is just 50 miles from the preserve. March 29-30 Spring Busker Festival Seaport Village, along San Diego Bay, comes alive with a celebration of street performers in a battle of entertainment and one-of-a-kind performances by jugglers, sword swallowers, comedic stuntmen and more. Seaport Village is just 21 miles from the preserve.

Rancho Oso Every Weekend in March: 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 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 spring weather is perfect for hiking, riding, photography, or wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, only a scenic half hour drive away. Don’t want to drive? Let us help you arrange a guided winery tour with a local tour company! Later 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 delicious breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday at the Stone Lodge Kitchen!

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

March 6-9 La Quinta Art Festival This is Southern California’s premier fine art festival, ranked #1 in the nation, showcasing 230 top artists in a magnificent outdoor gallery setting. Live entertainment, food and drink complement your experience. Held at La Quinta Civic Center Park, 78495 Calle Tampico, in La Quinta, just seven miles from the preserve. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (760) 564-1244.

Turtle Beach March 15-16: Go Green: Let’s get ready for spring. Bring your ideas for our community vegetable garden. Then relax by the fire with hot chocolate and s’mores. March 22-23: Fly Horse Fly: It’s Horseshoe Tournament time at Turtle Beach. The tournament will kick off with the junior competitions, followed by singles competitions and ending with couples competitions. All horseshoe pitchers and spouses will enjoy a potluck dinner in the lodge. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the tournament, either as a pitcher or spectator. Wilderness Lakes March 1: Casino Night March 7: SkyMed March 8: Movie March 15: DJ Mike Allen. March 16: Line Dance Rally Registration. March 17-20: Line Dance Rally. March 22: “Highway 91” Tony Lopez performs. March 29: Dominic’s Karaoke. FLORIDA Orlando March 6-9: The Ides of March are Upon Us: Mercy Seat performs traditional gospel music on Thursday, On Friday, we’ll have our traditional Friday Night English Fish ‘n Chips dinner followed by entertainment by Mike Thomas, one of Orlando’s own. It’s Meat Bingo on Saturday - if you haven’t played, this is your chance. Jerry Jones is back by popular demand on Sunday evening, performing traditional gospel selections. March 13: Save a Life, Give Blood: Join us for our annual Blood Drive and let’s try to beat January’s record of 30 pints. This is an awesome way to give back. All participants who donate will receive a T-shirt and movies tickets. In addition you will receive an entry ticket for a grand prize , a picnic table cover. March 14-17: Wearing of the Green: Who says you have be Irish to show your St. Patty’s Day spirit. Music and karaoke on Friday, with beer and brats dinner. Try to win our Best Dressed Leprechaun Contest at our Member Appreciation event on Saturday. Watch for the invite with additional details. On Saturday night, it’s the hilarious comedy show performed by Laughing Bird. On Sunday, we will have a pet parade at photos at the TT dog park. Mike Havenec performs old time gospel music in the evening. St. Patrick’s Day celebration with be held in the Activities Center serving a traditional corned beef dinner. March 21-23: The sweethearts of Branson, The Denny Yeary Group perform in the Ballroom and Then and Now will perform for MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

your dancing pleasure on Saturday night. On Sunday evening, Julian and Bonnie George will provide gospel entertainment. March 2830: Headed out West Partner? Pure Country Gold will be performing at the Ballroom on Friday Night. The Weavers will provide music and karaoke on Saturday night. On Sunday, grab the kids and send them on a scavenger hunt for some great prizes. Then everyone will gather around the fire for our traditional Hobo Stew dinner. Bring your favorite vegetable. Three Flags RV Resort Throughout March: Mondays: Candy Bar Bingo. Tuesdays: Crafts and Bingo. Wednesdays: Potluck Dinner. Thursdays: Donut Social. Fridays: Bingo. Saturdays Ice Cream Social. Sunday Church Service and Card Bingo. March 15: Member Appreciation Meeting and Manager’s Meeting. March 17: St. Patrick’s Day party featuring Last Tyme Out. Peace River March 2: The Marvelous Mike Thomas will be here to entertain us at 7:00. March 7: We are going to take a tour to Joshua Groves and see how the citrus growers provide us with produce! Tasting included! There is a charge of $5 for this tour. Also, UpTown Country will perform in the evening and we will have popcorn available. March 9: Love Song presents an evening of gospel music to encourage and entertain. March 14: Hold on to your hats!!! The wildly popular Laughing Bird Show will be making a debut performance right here. March 15: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Weekend: We are having a Billiards Elimination Tournament! Basic 8-Ball rules apply. March 16: Jerry Jones will bring his vocal talents to inspire and entertain us at 7:00. March 17: It’s a “Get Your Green On” potluck and party for St. Patrick’s Day!!! Bring your best corned beef and cabbage dish, or any other Irish dish you can think of and we will have a feast! We will also have a special St. Patrick’s Day Bingo followed dinner. March 21: Hold on to your hats! The energetic and wildly popular Weaver/ Believer-Survival/Revival will be here to entertain you! NEVADA Las Vegas March 1-2: Celebrate the Movies Weekend: Movies! We love them! What better way to celebrate them than the Academy Awards. On Saturday, join us for our Craft Sale. Then on Sunday, we’re rolling out the red carpet Sunday night at the Activity Center to watch the Oscars. March 15-16: Go Green Weekend: We’re getting a jumpstart on St. Patrick’s Day starting on Saturday with our Luck of the Irish Sidewalk Craft Sale, followed by our St. Patrick’s Day themed Member Social at the Activity Center. NEW JERSEY Lake and Shore March 15 St. Patty’s Day Celebration St. Patty’s Day Celebration in Wildwood, just five miles from the preserve.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

OREGON Pacific City March 22-29: Spring Break Week: Volunteer Firefighters/EMTs appreciation with engines and emergency vehicles displayed on specific dates. March 2 Indoor Farmers & Crafters Market Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Cultural Center. For more information call (541) 994.9994. March 22 Solve Spring Break Clean-Up Help keep Oregon beaches clean. Local cleanup sights include D River Wayside, SW 51st Street and Road’s End State Park. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call (503) 844-9571, x317 March 22-29 Spring Whale Watch Week View whales from specific coastal locations and from our ocean view lodge windows and observation deck at the preserve. For more information call (541) 765-3407 or visit www.whalespoken.org Whalers Rest March 15: Member Appreciation Day. Enjoy a free Italian soda after the Manager’s Social. March 22-29: Spring Safari: Come for a week of parental relaxation while we entertain the kids with a variety of daily activities including our traditional Teen Night on Tuesday and Kids Extreme Night on Thursday. Look for more details on the Whalers Rest website. PENNSYLVANIA Scotrun March 7-9: Hot Cocoa and Good Friends: Share a winter weekend with old friends and new. March 14-16: Lucky St. Patrick’s Day: Visit Mt. Airy Casino and try your luck. Timothy Lake South March 13-16: The Luck of the Irish: Fantasy Karaoke will be here to let you sing your heart out and we will be serving a feast of Ham, Cabbage and Potatoes. Join us during the day for a Treasure Hunt in search of the Pot of Gold. Through March Shawnee Mountain Ski Area/Fernwood Resort Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, located just 10 minutes from the preserve, is open for day and night skiing. Snow Tubing at Fernwood is now open daily and is just five minutes from Timothy Lake South. Fernwood has some of the best snow tubing in the Poconos. Timothy Lake has discount tickets for both Shawnee and Fernwood, an opportunity which is exclusive to our visiting members. Stop in the Welcome Center and pick up your discount lift and tubing tickets.

Lake Conroe March 1: Mardi Gras: Let the good times roll! This weekend it’s all about the beads and mask. Join us for a Mardi Gras party. March 8: Spring Break: Come join us for Spring Break! There will be plenty to do, from sack races to Tug of War, from kickball to Fear Factor games. March 15: St Patrick’s Day: Let’s GO GREEN at Lake Conroe this weekend! We’ll make some leprechaun crafts at the AC and have a scavenger hunt. Will you be the one to find the pot o’ gold??? March 22: Welcome Spring! Spring is here so let’s celebrate the beautiful weather and have some outdoor fun. March 29: Rodeo Weekend: Yeehaw!! Come to Lake Conroe this weekend for some rip-roaring’ rodeo fun! We’ll be tossing cow chips and playing horseshoes. And, don’t forget about the best dressed Dude and Dudette contest. March 22 Texas Wildlife Woodlands Expo The Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring Fling is designed to help families learn a little about the land on which they live — and how to best take care of it — through hands-on clinics, live demonstrations and children’s activities. Sponsored by the Texas A&M Forest Services, event is held at 200 College Park Drive, in Conroe, just 16 miles from the preserve. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call (936) 273-2261. March 4-23 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Held at the Reliant Center in Houston, less than an hour from the preserve, event will feature great entertainers including Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Usher, Selena Gomez and REO Speedwagon. For more information visit www.RodeoHouston.com

Lake Texoma March 1: Mardi Gras: Experience Mardi Gras Lake Texoma style! Bring your purple, green and gold decorations and your best costume for the King and Queen contest at the Masquerade Party. March 8: Spring Break at Lake Texoma: Join us for a week of relaxation and fun and a break from the daily grind. March 15: It’s all about being green this weekend so bring your shamrocks and leprechaun hats and help spread the cheer!

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

TEXAS Bay Landing February 28-March 2: Season Kick-off Weekend: The 2014 Season is here. Enjoy our Opening Weekend featuring food and fun for the whole family March 14-16: St. Patty’s Day: May the luck of the Irish be with you! Start the day out with green pancakes. We’ll also have a green Jell-O sucking contest and our annual “Pot of Gold” event who will be the lucky one to find the Pot of Gold hidden in the park. Plus, plenty more activities are planned. Fill up the tummy with Irish Stew and cornbread. March 21-23: Spring Fling: Come join us and enjoy the start of spring break with Frisbee golf, flag football, sack races and much more. We’ll even have a pet show for your little fourlegged friends. March 28-30: It’s a Bug’s Life: It’s time to get out your bug cages and start collecting bugs for the bug tasting contest! Just kidding! Crisp, crunch, slimy and juicy - are they grasshoppers, spiders or ants? We will have a critter race and a “largest bug found” contest. Plus, Angie will have a dinner that will crawl off your plate whipped up from her Rattlesnake Cafe.

Lake Whitney March 1: Birthday Cake/Anniversary Celebration. March 6: Potluck Dinner. March 8: Ice Cream Social events are back for the season. March 10-15: Spring Break! Outdoor fun starts at 10 a.m. every day. Plus, there will be a movie every day at 1 p.m. On Monday, come walk the trails and find a rock and paint it to add to our growing painted rock collection. On Tuesday, play putt-putt golf, volleyball and washers. Wednesday is all about the cow patty toss and Frisbee throw. Thursday fun includes horseshoes, bean bag toss, and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. On Friday, come walk the trails and find a fossil. Then enjoy hot dogs by the pool at 6 p.m. On Saturday, it’s Green All Day! Wear crazy hair, enjoy sack races, tug of war, and water balloons. March 16-23: Week-long building and planting of our Community Garden. March 29: Decorate for Easter; plus Easter Brunch will be served. Medina Lake March 1: Mardi Gras Day: Let’s bring Louisiana to Texas with a Mardi Gras Golf Cart and Bike Parade as the King and Queen lead the way. Who will be the lucky one to find the baby in the Mardi Gras cake during the Ice Cream Social? Let’s put on our Mardi Gras attire for the contest. Don’t forget to have fun at the craft sale, kids craft event and Candy Game. March 8-15: Spring Break will bring fun for the kids with crafts, games and food. March 8: Kid’s craft will start the day, plus wacky golf, candy game, lawn dice, bean bag baseball along with other fun games. March 15: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Bike and Cart Parade, plus leprechaun hunting is also on the list (who will find him??). Also, Candy Game for our sweet tooth and Ice Cream Social is a must - free for everyone to say thank you to the members. We will end the evening with Kids Bingo (for kids only). March 22: Spend the day outside for fresh air fun, plus kids crafts with an outdoor spin. Volleyball shuffleboard and wacky golf with a flare, too. Remember the Craft Sale and Ice Cream Social. March 29: Bingo Bash Day: Craft sale and kids craft will start the day and then we get going with everyone’s favorite, Ice Cream Bingo, plus Candy Bar Bingo and Snack Bingo, followed by Brown Bag Bingo to end the day (bring one bagged gift ($5 or less) for every card you want to play.) VIRGINIA Chesapeake Bay March 15: St. Patrick’s Day Feast: The Irish at heart come together for another of our winter potluck suppers. March 22: Welcome Back BBQ: Bring your lawn chairs and a side dish; the hot dogs and fixin’s are on us! Continued on page 62

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Bay IndiesCoquina Indies Coquina C ove Clerbrook Golf & ew RV Resort Colony Countryside RV Harb den Sun Pioneer Vil Lake Fairways Golde Paradise RV Resort V ountry Sunshine RV un-N-Sun RV Resor Southern Comfo dies FLORIDA Sunshine RV Colony C r Lakes RV Resort G Gulf View RV Resort neer Village Clerbroo s RV Resort Bay Indie EQUITY LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES (ELS) EVENTS CALENDAR

CLERBROOK GOLF & RV RESORT Clermont, FL

SUNSHINE HOLIDAY DAYTONA Ormond Beach, FL

Mar Mar Mar Mar

Mar 7-16, 2014 �� Bike Week Bands, Breakfasts, Dinners Mar 28-31, 2014...............End of the Year Carnival

6, 2014 �� Breakfast 10, 2014......................... ELS Golf Tournament 13, 2014............Chris Michaels Comedy Show 17, 2014..................... St. Patrick’s Day Dance

COLONY COVE Ellenton, FL

Mar 14, 2013 �� Mardi Gras

COQUINA CROSSING Elkton, FL

Mar 8, 2014 �� Concert Mar 17, 2014 ��St. Patrick’s Day Mar 22, 2014.................... Spring Golf Tournament Mar 29, 2014...................... Spring Chorus Concert Apr 12, 2014 �� Concert/Show Apr 11-12, 2014................... Resident Garage Sale Apr 25-26, 2014..................... Spring Theatre Show May 5, 2014 ��Cinco de Mayo May 12, 2014....................... Mother’s Day Brunch

SHERWOOD FOREST RV RESORT Kissimmee, FL

March 17, 2014 ��St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Social

HARBOR LAKES RV RESORT Port Charlotte, FL

Mar 1, 2014.............................. Mardi Gras Dance Mar 7-8, 2014.............. Resort Follies (Talent Show) Mar 15, 2014 ��St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance Mar 22, 2014 �� Lawn Party Mar 29, 2014 �� Volunteer Appreciation Party Apr 5, 2014 ��Last Dance Apr 20, 2014 �� Easter Potluck

GULF VIEW RV RESORT Punta Gorda, FL

Mar 7, 2014......................Southern Express Dance Mar 9, 2014............. Branson - Deb & Gordie Show Mar 15, 2014..................... St. Patrick’s Day Dance - Anything Goes Band

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CrossingCountryside ARIZONA & RV Resort Golden Cove Gulf View RV R bor Lakes RV Resort llage Sunshine Holid en Sun Monte Vista ViewPoint RV, Golf & VLakewood RV Resor rt Paradise South RV ort Voyager RV Reso Cove Monte Vista Golden Sun Lake Fair t Countryside RV Bay ok Golf & RV Resort es Southern Comfort COUNTRYSIDE RV RESORT Apache Junction, AZ Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar

1, 2014.Dance Featuring Come Back Buddy 4, 2014..................................Gospel Show 8, 2014.................. Dance Featuring Hillery 15, 2014.Concert Featuring Reign-N-Country 17, 2014.St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Party 22, 2014 �� Dance Featuring Julie Lee White Rose Duo Mar 25, 2014...Concert Featuring Ron Kendricks Mar 29, 2014 ��Dance Featuring Judy Anne

GOLDEN SUN RV RESORT Apache Junction, AZ

Mar 5, 2014.......................Ball Team Fundraiser Mar 8, 2014....A Tribute to Simon and Garfunkel Mar 24, 2014.....Going Home Dinner and Dance

MONTE VISTA Mesa, AZ

Mar 1, 2014..............................Firemen’s Breakfast w/Auctioned Pies Mar 3, 2014.......... Village College - Jeff Hopkins Mar 5, 2014.................Showtime - Mc6Acapella Mar 6, 2014......... Happy Hour - Harry Mathews Mar 8, 2014..................................... Patio Sales Mar 9, 2014......................Monte Vista’s Annual Memorial Service Mar 10, 2014.........Village College - Mike Everitt Mar 11, 2014................... Healthy Living Lecture Mar 11, 2014...................Concert - The Ultimate Eagles Band Mar 12, 2014............................Activities Coffee Mar 13, 2014........ Happy Hour - Doug Reynolds Mar 14, 2014 �� 2015 Concert Series Preview Mar 15, 2014 ��Pancake Breakfast Mar 17, 2014 �� Get Up, Get Active - St. Patty’s Day 5k Mar 17, 2014.................................. St. Patrick’s Day Corn Beef and Cabbage Dinner Mar 17, 2014 ��Village College - Joe Cobb Mar 18, 2014 ��The Dixie Swim Club Play Mar 19, 2014 �� Showtime - Highland HS Strolling Strings Mar 20, 2014 ��Happy Hour - Ron E. Cash Mar 22, 2014 �� Spring Expo and Bake Sale Mar 24, 2014........ Village College - Bill Harrison Mar 25, 2014 �� Healthy Living Lecture Mar 26, 2014.......Concert - The Great American Song Book

MONTE VISTA Continued

Mar 27, 2014 ��Happy Hour - Sip and Dip - The LaRaDos Mar 28, 2014 ��Dessert & Entertainment Mar 31, 2014....... Village College - Danny Foley Apr 5, 2014 �� Pancake Breakfast Apr 8, 2014 �� Karaoke Happy Hour Apr 18, 2014 ��Easter for Kids - Bring your Grandchildren Apr 19, 2014 �� Pancake Breakfast Apr 20, 2014 �� Easter Ham Bake Community Center May 10, 2014 ��Mother’s Day Brunch

VEIWPOINT RV RESORT Mesa, AZ

Mar 1, 2014 ��Quilt Show Mar 4, 2014 �� Johnny Counterfeit Mar 5, 2014 �� Music on the Green Mar 6, 2014 ��Rolling Stones Tribute Band Mar 7, 2014 ��Karaoke Mar 11, 2014 �� Mariachi Ricardo Mar 12, 2014 �� Music on the Green Mar 13, 2014 �� Journey Tribute Band Mar 14, 2014 �� Dave and Pam Trio Mar 15, 2014 ��Yard Sale Mar 17, 2014 �� St. Patricks Parade/Party Mar 18, 2014 �� Hypnotized by Pattie Mar 19, 2014 �� Music on the Green Mar 21, 2014 ��Karaoke Mar 22, 2014 �� Indoor Hockey Game Mar 26, 2014 �� Music on the Green Mar 28, 2014 ��Going Away Dance Apr 2, 2014 �� Music on the Green

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Bay IndiesCoquina Indies Coquina C ove Clerbrook Golf & ew RV Resort Colony Countryside RV Harb den Sun Pioneer Vil Lake Fairways Golde ARIZONA Paradise RV Resort V TEXASRV ountry Sunshine un-N-Sun RV Resor dies Southern Comfo Sunshine RV Colony C r Lakes RV Resort G Gulf View RV Resort neer Village Clerbroo s RV Resort Bay Indie oint RV, Golf & Tenni PARADISE RV RESORT Sun City, AZ Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar

6, 2014 �� The Journeyman Gospel Quartet 8, 2014 ��Shopper’s Paradise 10, 2014 �� Cabaret with Tommy Halloway 12, 2014.December ‘63 - Frankie Valli Story 15, 2014 �� Paradise Arts and Crafts Show 17, 2014 ��St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Dinner Mar 18, 2014 ��Paradise Playhouse Mar 22, 2014 �� Big Band Theory Mar 29, 2014 �� DJ Dance with Kort Apr 3, 2014 �� The West Valley Pops band Apr 26, 2014 �� DJ Dance with Kort

COUNTRY SUNSHINE RV RESORT Weslaco, TX

Mar 1, 2014.......Golden Oldies with Susan Carmen Mar 6, 2014........................... Encore: Frankie Villa and the Jersey Boys Mar 8, 2014............. Dance with Country Line Band

FUN-N-SUN RV RESORT San Benito, TX

Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar

2, 2014.....................................Paul’s Journey 4, 2014........................................ Mardi Gras 7, 14, 21, 28, 2014....................Texas Country 16, 2014................................... Dale & Gayle 23, 2014.......................................Kenny Hess

VICTORIA PALMS Donna, TX

Mar 4, 2014 ��Kenny Hess Mar 7, 2014 ��Frankie Valle - December ‘63 Mar 8, 2014 ��Walter Plant Mar 12, 2014 ��Diego Mar 17, 2014 �� County Line

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CrossingCountryside & RV Resort Golden Cove Gulf View RV R bor Lakes RV Resort llage Sunshine Holid en Sun Monte Vista ViewPoint RV, Golf & VLakewood RV Resor rt Paradise South RV ort Voyager RV Reso Cove Monte Vista Golden Sun Lake Fair t Countryside RV Bay ok Golf & RV Resort es Southern Comfort is Coquina Crossing MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 107 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Chehalis... Where It All Began O The old grey barn site of the first Open House for TT Chehali s

nce the Kuolts decided not to sell the parcel of land in Chehalis, things moved forward and the concept of Thousand Trails began to take on a life of its own. They decided that Chehalis would be the flagship of what was to be a network of campgrounds that offered quality camping for “city-weary folks.” In addition to the sales and marketing plan that was implemented, work began in force at Chehalis. Crews were hired to clear land and build roads. Milt designed the campsites so that they sat nestled among the foliage of the lush Pacific Northwest landscape, while also ensuring privacy for campers. A log clubhouse was built that would include a cozy family room, a small library and game tables. An old weathered barn sat on the property when the Kuolts purchased it and that became the site of the first Open House where potential members were invited to see the land and the plans for the development. The vista from the barn was that of a daisy-covered field with glimpses of the sparking creek waters beyond it. Who wouldn’t want to camp here? Everywhere you looked, nature was inviting you to stay awhile. Soon the preserve was ready for visitors. Even the pool, which ran into water main issues and had to be filled with water hauled in from the creek, was open for business. The list of amenities and activities continued to grow to include an amphitheater, baseball field, basketball court, family center, gazebo, horseshoe pits, laundry facilities, mini-golf, playground, sauna and spa, shuffleboard, swimming and wading pools, tennis courts, volleyball court, Trading post and RV storage. As a religious family, the Kuolts believed strongly in families worshipping together so a site was set for a chapel to be built at Chehalis. The Kuolt’s son Thambi designed the chapel and the family came together to build the open air structure. A date was set for a grand opening that would include a dedication at the chapel for the new Chehalis campground. A concept had come to life and continued to grow!

Milt Kuo

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

The Chapel at Chehalis

Chehalis has always provided plenty to do. Check out the Activities Calendars from the 1970’s and today.

The

SUNDAY SERVICES With Bob Paterson

June 30th & July 7th

Then

10:00—11:00 m Adult Lodge Non tional

Denomina~ Come as you are ~ Children welcome

ACTIVITIES See “Recreation Schedule” page 8 of this news letter or Bulletin Boards for times and locations.

WHAT’S HAPPENING? Sat u r d ay m o r n in g s at 11:00 am m eet w it h o u r Man ag er Br en d a Ro za, Main t en an ce an d Recr eat io n st af f f o r p ar k u p d at es, cu r r en t even t s, m em b er sh i p i n f o r m at i o n , sch ed u led act ivit ies, q u est io n s, f eed b ack an d m o r e…Fam ily Lo d g e

MEMBERS CRAFT FAIR Display and sell your hand crafted items!

FAM I LY CRAFT T I M E

Only $5.00 for a table for the day! Saturdays &

TUESDAY

Sundays.

“KEEPSAKE MEMORY

Please pay in the Country Store

1-2 pm ~ $3.00

SCRAPBOOK” Decorate and fill with all your adventures here At the park!

...See yo u t h er e!

WEDNESDAY “S’MORES KIT”

HAYRIDE! Climb on for a FREE tour around the park, or just a lift back to your campsite. (C, D, E, F, G & H sections only). FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE Family Lodge

DAILY Family Lodge ~ $3.00 per scoop

craft project. Ingredients for 4

6:00 pm

S’mores Sandwich Cookies included.

General Audiences

DISNEY MAGIC WEEKEND

FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY THEME CRAFT “LAND BEFORE TIME

Two trips lasting about 45 minutes each starting & ending in the Family Lodge parking Lot.

ULTIMATE ICE CREAM SOCIAL

1-2 pm ~ $5.00 Join “Ms Peanut” for a fun and tasty

DINOSAUR EGGS” 11:00am-12:00pm $2 & $3 (supplies limited) Join us for an hour and create something fun!

FACE PAINTING

DISNEY BINGO!

All ages welcome!

Bring the family in for a refreshing Ice Cream Sundae! Choices of Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry & NSA Vanilla ice creams and a variety of toppings to choose from. Get your tickets early and avoid the rush! Please pay in the Country Store. 2:30-3:00pm

FRIDAY & SATURDAY Everyone is welcome FRIDAYS & SATURDAY 1-2PM

Candy prizes provided

The pool at Chehalis These photos show the construction of the original pool and the pool as it stands today, newly renovated last spring. Now

Now MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

& PDATES UUPGRADES

Check here each month to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new at the preserves and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the works.

The playground is ready for family fun! 24

The stone wall design provides the perfect backdrop to the new check-in area at the renovated Welcome Center.

Overview: The newly paved parking lot and landscaping surround the renovated Welcome Center.

SOLEDAD CANYON

Acton, CA

The upgrades and updates to Soledad are almost complete. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a quick recap of the improvements. The Welcome Center Exterior upgrades include landscaping, parking lot lighting and paving and masonry updates. The fully-renovated interior will feature new furniture, a new 65-inch LED television, a new check-in area and an awesome stone wall design. The Family Lodge will have new lighting and fixtures, new BBQ grills, and new benches and picnic tables, plus renovations to the dance hall and restrooms. The Adult Lodge will have new furniture fixtures, pool, tables and LED televisions. The Sport Courts have been resurfaced. The Pool Area will be expanded to include a new playground and splash pad for children, new picnic tables, new benches, and grills as well as seating. Plus, restrooms throughout the preserve are being remodeled and more than 65 sites were upgraded from 30 to 50-amp service. And, new entry signage is planned. We appreciate your patience while this project was underway and as we near completion. We hope you enjoy our new look! Flagstone walkways are just one of the renovations to the Welcome Center

New splashpad - Photo courtesy of California Waters The tennis court was just one of the several Sport Courts that were resurfaced.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Bill pulling the trailer to the next adventure

Bill and Jenn at the Grand Canyon

I Knew I Was a

TrailBlazer T

his month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Bill and Jenn Gehr, a couple that has been fulltiming for five years, but working with RVs for 34. If the name sounds familiar it’s because Bill Gehr is TrailBlazer’s very own Ask RV Bill. Get to know the man behind the column a bit better with this month’s “I Knew I was a TrailBlazer” feature! TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began! BG: Long before we met each other over seven years ago, both Jenn and I felt as though we had been camping our entire lives. In 1972, I went to work for an Airstream dealer in Ventura, California, and then in 1979, I started Bill’s RV Service in the same town. My very first motorhome was given to me unexpectedly by a former customer who had passed away and left it to me in her will. Jenn has been camping with her family since she was five. Her father, Steve, should have received a medal for his patience and good humor in driving the family of four around the western part of the United States over many a summers with the old Winnebago, fondly named “Shamu.” Annual trips to Lake Havasu, off-road trips to the Mojave Desert, and camping at Carpinteria State Beach in beautiful

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Southern California were a way of life for us both. We love outdoor activities and RVing simply came naturally to us. We have been on the road as full-timers for five years now! TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? BG: A friend of mine had purchased a Platinum membership to TT and explained to me the benefits of having such a campground membership. As I was looking to retire and begin my dream of traveling fulltime, my wife and I saw many benefits in purchasing an Elite membership. Our first Thousand Trails outing was to the Rancho Oso preserve in Santa Barbara, California. TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories? BG: Honestly, we could write an entire book on this subject alone! Being that we are from the West Coast it was very exciting to have an opportunity to have many TT parks to choose from when traveling to the east. Three and a half years ago, we went east to pick up our first Boston Bulldog in Plainville, Connecticut. It was an easy decision to make the Sturbridge, Massachusetts preserve our home base for a month to get the puppy used to RV life and potty training before we continued

on our journey. At Sturbridge, there is a large, peaceful lake surrounded by beautiful poplars. During our visit we watched a beaver nibble down a golden leafed Aspen tree and we watched it fall into the water. We took a picture of this and actually won the grand prize for the Thousand Trails photo contest! TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories? BG: One of our other favorite Thousand Trails parks is Bend-Sunriver in Bend, Oregon. With pristine views of snowcapped Mount Bachelor and the lazy little Deschutes River winding around the preserve, it’s hard not to fall in love. A fond memory of this location was when we rented kayaks and saw bald eagle chicks being fed by their caring parents. What a treat for us native Californians! Another favorite memory took place at the Gateway to Cape Cod preserve in Rochester, Massachusetts, where we took our bicycles on the ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard. We cycled close to 50 miles that day and enjoyed lunch overlooking Chappaquiddick! On the ferry ride home that evening, the perfect sunset capped off yet another perfect day as full-time RVers. Every week we have those moments where we look at each other and say, “THIS is why we do what we do!” 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.) BG: We had a motorhome in the past, and quickly sold it. Jenn has an extensive background in the horse world, and is very comfortable driving a truck and trailer configuration. In addition, we absolutely love the panoramic back window views that are offered in a fifth wheel. We travel with two mountain bikes and two road bikes so the floor plan configuration for storage is most conducive for us and our lifestyle towing a trailer. Our first fifth wheel was a 32-foot and we quickly outgrew it. Now we travel in a 36-foot, full wall slide Carriage Cameo that is towed by our F350 King Ranch dually truck. TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership? BG: Having a Thousand Trails membership encouraged us to go further east than we might have initially wanted to travel. We love scenic byways and rich history so planning a four month trip to the East Coast was so easy knowing we had direct access to Thousand Trails all along the way. Knowing there would be a plethora of lobster rolls to eat, venturing out on a whale watch excursion and having the opportunity to watch the fall colors change along the East Coast was a dream of ours that we have enjoyed making come true! The Moody Beach preserve in Maine is one of our very favorites!

Jenn with the dogs, Brie and Ginger

The Gehr’s award-winning photo of the Sturbridge preserve Our view of the Leadville, CO sunset

TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle? BG: Experiencing firsthand and on a daily basis, God’s majestic handiwork! We are avid outdoors folks and love exploring the trails with our two dogs, cycling into little Continued on page 64

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

he waiting is over – we will reveal to you in this article the hows, whys and what?!? as to how Noble wound up spending a night alone, and ill-equipped, on Rhodesia’s highest mountain…

Leaving the Kariba Dam, Noble and Dean were energized. The buzz in the area was positive because the dam would be bringing much needed electric power to an area of the country that would benefit the farmers and miners. The goods roads in Rhodesia had allowed the pair to travel must faster resulting in better mileage for the Roadrunner. Dean had many new bird species to identify and Noble was meeting with the entrepreneurs of the country and creating lasting business relationships. So they ventured on, stopping in Salisbury to meet up with people they had met on the S.S. Boissevain during their journey from Rio to Cape Town. Again, the hospitality of others sidetracked their travel plans, but Dean and Noble welcomed these opportunities to meet people of the countries visited. They dined with the City Manager of Salisbury while the Jeep spent the night at a dealership where a crushed bearing the right rear wheel was repaired and a brake booster system was installed providing the Jeep new break power. Leaving Salisbury, they headed in northeast and camped in the valley below Rhodesia’s highest mountain, Inyangani. Upon waking, they were met with perfect weather to accommodate Dean’s birding adventures as well as Noble’s plan to climb Mt. Inyangani solo. “I headed off wearing short pants and a t-shirt, taking along a canteen of water and a few raisins,” Noble recalls. “The plan was for Dean and me to meet a few hours later. After all, Mt. Inyangani was only 8,517 feet high, roughly 2,000 feet above the valley so it was not a long climb. Anyone in reasonable shape could do it in a day, climbing at 1,000 feet per hour.” So Noble headed off, walking the meadow trail of mushy tall grass. “When the trail ended, I had to use my own wits to keep an eye on the summit and traverse more dense terrain, which included fallen tree limbs and large rocks,” said Noble. “This was not the first time I had to fend myself during a climb. As an incoming freshman as USC I was invited to join the dedication climb in the summer of 1951 of “Trojan Peak,” a 13,968 foot mountain in the Sierra Nevada Range. There was no trail to the top of that mountain and no ropes; just a lot of third class climbing using your knees to get over the rocks. Inyangani was the same - no ropes needed but here was also no trail. There was just virgin territory with fallen logs and plenty of rocks and mushy wet grass. Starting the climb after noon, Noble expected to be back for dinner. “But because there was no trail, I did not climb at a rate of 1,000 feet per hour. It was more like half that rate so I did not reach the summit till well after 3 p.m.,” he recalls. “There was no 28

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

doubt that I would make it to the summit, but the question of how long it would take.”Upon reaching the summit Noble waited a bit hoping Dean would join. “After all, he climbed Popocateptl so it was logical he would climb, but he was having too much fun seeing new birds. So I started down knowing that going down would be twice as fast.” It was late afternoon and cloudy. Within minutes of his departure from the summit, Noble was met with foggy conditions, obscured vision, a fading sun and worst of all – no compass. “There was no way to tell which direction I was heading so I found a small stream and followed it down until it came to a falls too steep to negotiate. That was a dead end,” he recalls. “So I climbed back up through the thick brush. It was getting dark and foggier. I had no idea where I was and no reference points. No moon, no stars. So I stopped. I found a big rock to crouch down next to as a shield from the wind. I pulled up wet tall grass as a blanket for my bare legs. That was no help!” Thanks to the height at which he “camped” he did not fear any visits from lions or leopards, but he recalls “hearing every animal noise in the bush that night. So you know I did not sleep.” With the much welcomed sunrise, Noble was up and ready to get his bearings. “I was on the wrong side of the mountain, but within one hour I had reached the saddle of the mountain and was able to see Dean down in the valley shouldering a rucksack with goodies and coming to search for me. A one man search party at dawn!” said Noble. “It didn’t take long for me to reach the valley floor where Dean was. I was able to get warm and eat some food – Dean had warm oatmeal ready for me. What a treat! After that adventure, Noble says “There is no place like, even when it is a 5 ton, 17-foot long Jeep. Because inside was a warm bed, dry clothes, food, liberty, our gear and safety.” After resting another night, they took off toward the frontier of Rhodesia and Mozambique. But a stop in Umtali, near the border provided for the “monthly cleaning” ritual. The front axle on the Jeep required welding, supplies needed to be purchased, post cards written, laundry done and a search for supply of fresh water. “A restaurant meal and a taste of civilization was what that was all about,” said Noble. “Because when you are in the bush, it is easy to forget…..” On to Mozambique! ■

USE CODE: TB0314D

WIN THIS RV & JEEP PLUS $55,000 FOR TAXES*

2014 BERKSHIRE RV A true luxury experience.

2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED Legendary performance and comfort.

YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS MORE CHARITIES THAN EVER BEFORE! ABOUT THE SPONSOR:

New Beginning Children’s Homes (NBCH), a 501(c)(3) organization and sole sponsor of this giveaway, is a provider of long-term residential care giving foster children a safe family atmosphere where they can heal, grow and be loved.

YES!

The following organizations will receive grants from New Beginning Children’s Homes from the proceeds of this giveaway:

I WANT TO WIN THESE PRIZES AND HELP THESE CHARITIES! USE PROMO CODE: TB0314D

Name _______________________________________________ Phone _________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________ State ______ Zip _________________ Card # _______________________________________________ Exp _______ Security Code ________ Email _____________________________________________________________________________ No charge for email – receive your tickets and updates fast and FREE! SPONSORED BY

Mail Tickets Add $1.95 mail/processing for tickets by mail. I HEREBY CERTIFY I AM 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE OFFICIAL RULES.

Credit Card Donations may be faxed to: 317-807-0526

ENTER TODAY

COMPLETE CREDIT CARD INFO OR MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: NBCH PO Box 17064, Indianapolis, IN 46217-0064

DONATION PACKAGES

TICKET DONATION AMOUNT: $3 �� 1 TICKET $10 ��5 TICKETS $20 ��15 TICKETS +5 Mail/Processing: $1.95 U.S. mail or $4.95 $35 ��30 TICKETS +5 Add non-U.S. mail ($0 for email) $50 ��40 TICKETS +5 TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $75 ��65 TICKETS +5 $100��100 TICKETS +5 $200 ��240 TICKETS +5 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for mail delivery $300 ��360 TICKETS +5 +5 $500 ��600 TICKETS ODG14

**SPECIAL OFFER VALID WITH $20 MINIMUM DONATION A 501(c)(3) nonprofit www.newbeginningchildrenshomes.org

NBCH is the sole sponsor of this giveaway. NBCH is a nonprofit provider of long-term residential care with a mission to provide foster children a safe family atmosphere where they can heal, grow and be loved while working through many difficult life issues.

AT WINOUTDOORGIVEAWAY.COM OR CALL 877-700-8946 (UWIN)

NO PURCHASE, CONTRIBUTION, DONATION OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY AND MAKING ONE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. 2014 Outdoor Adventure Dream Giveaway starts on January 25, 2014 and ends December 30, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EST. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada (except Quebec) and of other countries where permitted by law, age 18 and older. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning = One (1) divided by total number of valid tickets timely entered for this particular Dream Giveaway drawing. For entry details and official rules including free entry method visit www. dreamgiveaway.com/official-rules.aspx. Sponsor: New Beginning Children’s Homes, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, PO Box 529 Centerton, AR 72719.. *$55,000 for TAXES applies to payment on behalf of winner for IRS withholding requirement, additional taxes may be owed. Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler and is not affiliated with this promotion. This ad is for informational purposes only.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 102 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

CAMPING IS ALWAYS BETTER

WITH FRIENDS!

CONGRATS TO OUR 2013 WINNERS Grand Prize - Shirley Pinkerton, Latonia, KY Second Prize - Aaron Pelletier, Abbotsford, BC Third Prize - Dennis Goff, Cunningham, KS • Richard Passio, New Philadelphia, OH • Robert Mcauley, Langley, BC • Richard Starks, Oakland, CA • Kim Cambra, Redding, CA • Christine Hendrix, Madison, SD • Marvin Cossey, Desert Hot Springs, CA • Josh Bowman, Hudson, NC • Jesus Bermudez, Lakeside, CA • Rhea Stanley, Aubrun, CA

Receive a $25 American Express Gift Card when your referral purchases a Zone Camping Pass. Your referral also enters you into our 2014 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes.

Grand Prize

Second Prize

Third Prize

7 Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii

4 Nights in either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando

Free Dues for 2015 10 Winners selected

(A $4,000 value)

(Up to $499 value)

(A $2,000 value)

1-888-808-8925

WWW.ZONECAMPINGPASS.COM/REFERTHEZONE Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on our website at www.ZoneCampingPass.com/referthezone.

CIRCLE NO. 103 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Carrie Morey owner and founder of Callie’s Charleston Biscuits Photo Credit: Angie Mosier

OntheRoad WHETHER YOU SPEND LIFE ON THE ROAD FOR PLEASURE OR WORK, IT’S NICE TO HAVE THE COMFORTS OF HOME AS YOU TRAVEL THE HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS. TRAILBLAZER CHECKS IN WITH FOLKS WHO SPEND A FAIR AMOUNT OF TIME ON THE ROAD TO SEE JUST WHAT MAKES THEIR HOME AWAY FROM HOME. THIS MONTH, WE CHATTED WITH TASTEMAKER, OWNER AND FOUNDER OF CALLIE’S CHARLESTON BISCUITS, CARRIE MOREY.

CARRIE MOREY

Made completely by hand and with only the finest ingredients, her small team of bakers are keeping the tradition of Southern biscuit making alive. Callie’s now boasts seven flavors of frozen biscuits including favorites such as Country Ham, Cheese and Chive, and Buttermilk, along with novelty flavors like Cinnamon and Black Pepper Bacon. Carrie has also developed other products including two hand-mixed pimento cheeses, cheese crisps, shortcakes, and honey. In the fall of 2013, Carrie released her first cookbook, Callie’s Biscuits and Southern Traditions: Heirloom Recipes from Our Family Kitchen, which features Southern stories, culture, and culinary experiences that shaped her childhood, her burgeoning biscuit business, and one-of-kind recipes. To kickoff the release of her cookbook, Carrie decided to go on a tasty road show in the newest addition to her family, “Beatrice”—a 1999 Chateau Sport RV. Her six-city tour will take her to the best of the South including Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, Charlotte and Birmingham with more than 35 other pit stops along the way. We caught up with her just as she was packing up for her trip across the South in the Biscuitmobile. 32

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

What kind of RV do you own? A 1999, 25-foot, Ford Chateau Coachman. Do you RV for work, pleasure, or both? Mainly for work right now as I’m in the middle of the tour for my cookbook but looking forward to doing lots of pleasure touring on school breaks and summer vacation when our three young girls are out of school. What’s your favorite thing about staying in an RV versus a hotel room? My own sheets and pillow. I don’t know how many sleepless nights I’ve had over a bad pillow. We always bunk up when we travel so we actually have more space in the RV. It’s almost like having two rooms in a hotel. My own cooking beats room service. What are some of your favorite things onboard? My most favorite thing is the bathroom. It’s been a travel game changer. I’ve also been known to roll out of bed in the morning and do some PJs driving. The roominess is truly amazing. There is plenty of room to take my biscuits, and other products like cookbooks, so it’s like a traveling storage unit too. I used to have to ship so many things to my destination, and now we just load up the Biscuitmobile. What are a few favorite destinations and why? I love going to the beach with the Biscuitmobile because it’s like traveling with your house. And lately we’ve been traveling all over the Southeast, which is great for our business because we wrapped it with tons of Callie’s Biscuits photography, so it’s a moving advertisement. Also, we have taken it to an SEC football game which I was super excited about. I can’t think of a more comfortable way to travel and it makes tailgating a cinch.

arrie Morey, daughter of Charleston caterer extraordinaire, Callie White, founded Callie’s Charleston Biscuits in 2005 with the goal of making her mother’s famed, made-by-hand biscuits available across the country. And with legions of devoted biscuit fans, accolades in food magazines and newspapers such as Food & Wine, Saveur, Southern Living, and The New York Times, plus television appearances on NBC’s Today Show and Food Network’s Unwrapped, Callie’s Charleston Biscuits has garnered freezer and shelf space in some of the most coveted retail stores across America.

What do you like to do onboard while en route? We do a lot of singing. You name it – we’ve sung it. We play lots of games – road bingo, the alphabet game, the license plate game, but for the girls their favorite thing is writing in their journals about all of the stops along the way. Do you generally like to take the highway or scenic routes and why? We take the highway, because for me traveling alone a lot or with other women and children I think it’s the safer option. This summer with the whole family onboard we’re ready to be a bit more adventurous. What’s your favorite meal to make onboard? I’m lucky, I’m not rolling out biscuits onboard because I have a stash of frozen Callie’s Biscuits. I love to sauté kielbasa and put it between a black pepper biscuit with spicy mustard. I also do pimento cheese roasted chicken breasts in the oven along with cast iron macaroni pie – my family’s version of macaroni and cheese. Tell us a bit about your biscuit tour? Where will it take you and what will you be doing? We are hitting just about every city that will have us. Knoxville and Nashville, TN, Asheville, Hendersonville, Southern Pines, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, and Charlotte, NC, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Aiken, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head, SC, Augusta, Atlanta, St. Simons, and Savannah, GA, and Louisville and Lexington, KY. And we can’t forget Birmingham, Mobile, Florence, and Montgomery, AL. We are taking a guerilla marketing approach to this tour. We are stuffing the Biscuitmobile with as many biscuits and cheese crisps and pimento cheese as possible and we are going to stop with planned tastings and book signings and then we are going to use social media to do lots of impromptu stops and give biscuits away. I am so excited about the surprise factor and I hope people will respond. I think it’s going to make an ordinary tour an extraordinary one for sure. We get lots of people admiring the RV and wishing they were onboard for all the fun and adventure. We hear you are going cross country with your entire family next summer. Where will you go and what will you see? We own a little house in Victor, Idaho and every summer we drive across the country cramped in our SUV. We don’t really get a chance to get a feel for the places where we stop to rest our head. We’re road warriors trying to get through the road trip. This was part of the motivation for purchasing the Biscuitmobile. We want to really enjoy the countryside. Each summer we take a different route and I think this summer might be time for the Southern route. We plan on stopping a lot more and having the Biscuitmobile is going to make a difference. I’ll get to meet so many of my amazing retailers across the country and do signings, demos, and tastings. We’re also so excited to set up camp and to take the girls to everything from baseball games to national monuments. Biscuit Making - Photo Credit: Chris McEnriry

Black Pepper Biscuits

RECIPE FOR BLACK PEPPER BISCUITS From Callie’s Biscuits and Southern Traditions, published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. 2 cups self-rising flour (White Lily preferred), plus more for dusting 1½ to 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper 5 tablespoons butter: 4 tablespoons cut in small cubes, at room temperature, and 1 tablespoon melted ¼ cup cream cheese, at room temperature ¾ cup whole buttermilk (may substitute low-fat buttermilk) Topping: 1½ teaspoons kosher salt and 1½ teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper, mixed 1. Preheat the oven to 500°F. Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position. 2. Measure the flour into a large bowl. Mix in the pepper to distribute evenly. Incorporate the cubed butter and then the cream cheese into the flour, using your fingers to “cut in” the butter and cheese until the mixture resembles cottage cheese. It will be chunky with some loose flour. 3. Make a well in the center. Pour in the buttermilk and, using your hands, mix the flour into the buttermilk. The dough will be wet and messy. 4. Sprinkle flour on top of the dough. Run a rubber spatula around the inside of the bowl, creating a separation between the dough and the bowl. Sprinkle a bit more flour in this crease. 5. Flour a work surface or flexible baking mat very well. With force, dump the dough from the bowl onto the surface. Flour the top of the dough and the rolling pin. Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness into an oval shape. (No kneading is necessary—the less you mess with the dough, the better.) 6. Flour a 2-inch round metal biscuit cutter or biscuit glass. Start from the edge of the rolled-out dough and cut straight through the dough with the cutter, trying to maximize the number of biscuits cut from this first roll out. Roll out the excess dough after the biscuits are cut and cut more biscuits. As long as the dough stays wet inside, you can use as much flour on the outside as you need to handle the dough. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet with sides lined with parchment paper, in a cast-iron skillet, or a baking pan with the biscuit sides touching. (It does not matter what size pan or skillet you use as long as the pan has a lip or sides and the biscuits are touching. If you are using a castiron skillet, no parchment paper is necessary.) Brush the tops with the melted butter and sprinkle with the topping. 7. Place the pan in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 450°F. Bake 16 to 18 minutes, until light brown on top (or as dark as you prefer), rotating the pan once while baking.

ROADSIDEAttractions

Story by Dave G. Houser

Theme parks, beaches and national parks lead the list of popular attractions and destinations for a road trip. But for those with an eye for the unusual, a journey along Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highways and byways can in itself be the destination. Roadsides across the country are dotted with attractions of another kind â&#x20AC;&#x201C; quirky curiosities and outrageous oddities that serve as monuments to American uniqueness and ingenuity.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Niles, Illinois’ own version of Italy’s famous Leaning Tower of Pisa - Photo courtesy of Henryk Sadura

Wall Drug - Wall, South Dakota

here are any number of books, articles, websites, blogs and, yes, even apps for finding our country’s amazing parade of weird and wonderful roadside attractions. But the fact remains that once you steer off the Interstate you might just discover for yourself something new in the way of kitsch or craziness. The roadside attraction movement got its start back in the 1920s with the birth of the national highway system and gained momentum following World War II when a booming economy fed Americans’ pent up desire to hit the road (no more gas ration stamps). Drivers had to stop and rest and refuel, especially out west where long uninterrupted stretches of vacant landscape were commonplace. Many an enterprising businessman saw this as an opportunity to dream up attractions that would meet travelers’ needs – as well as liven up life along the road. Doug Kirby, co-author of New Roadside America, mentor of the website www.roadsideamerica.com and perhaps

the world’s leading authority on the subject, recalls a trip as a youngster to visit Mount Rushmore and the Dakota Badlands that initiated his fascination with roadside oddities. He remembers the countless billboards, emblazoned with the likes of “Free Ice Water,” “Petrified Wood” and “Black Hills Gold” leading for hundreds of miles to Wall Drug in tiny Wall, South Dakota. Founded in 1931 as a simple drug store by enterprising pharmacist Ted Hustead, Wall Drug grew to become a cowboy-themed department store, and with the eventual addition of a western art museum, a kitschy gift shop and restaurants it has become what the New York Times recently described as “A sprawling tourist attraction of international renown that takes in $10 million a year and draws some two million annual visitors.” For Kirby, it was a chunk of petrified wood he purchased at Wall Drug that remains the most treasured memory from his South Dakota vacation. “Some people visit these places just to make fun of them,” he says, “but, as I do, you know you like them deep down.” MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

The Hood Milk Bottle - Boston, Massachusetts Ted Hustead’s Cowboy Orchestra - Wall Drug - Wall, South Dakota

Fasten your seat belts folks, ‘cause we are going to take a coastto-coast spin through Thousand Trails territory to check out the wackiest, kitschiest and most fascinating roadside attractions we could find. So smile and delight along with us as we begin our titillating trip in Boston, MA.

Gator attraction - Photo courtesy of Alexander Shalamov Teapot House - Photo courtesy of Jupiter Images

Just steps away is the Children’s Museum Hall of Toys, a true wonder for the toy-collecting set with its extensive collection of miniature toys and dioramas. It is home to the World’s Smallest Flea Market and is especially noted for its six fully furnished New England-style dollhouses. If that’s not amazement enough for you, step over to Government Center on Cambridge Street and have a look at the oversized and always steaming teapot above the Starbucks store. Some sources claim it to be the World’s Largest Teapot but we learned of two others – in Chester, WV and Navasota, TX – that are definitely way larger. Ah, but they don’t emit steam. We’ve found that creators of some of these attractions are inspired by the size of things and are prone to claim their whatever to be the world’s largest or smallest whatever. Few of them have ever endured the scrutiny of Guinness or other record-keeping authorities so you should take such claims with the world’s smallest grain of salt. We haven’t checked this in the Guinness Book of World Records, but we’ve found no one disputing Oneida, NY’s claim as home to the World’s Smallest Church. Even if it is or isn’t, you’ll probably find diminutive Cross Island Chapel, which sits on a dock in the middle of a pond, the cutest little church you’ve ever seen. It measures a mere three by

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Wall Drug magazine advertisement

The Haines Shoe House in Hallam, Pennsylvania

Yep, even the largest of America’s cities are home to some amazing roadside – or in this case streetside – attractions. Take the Hood Milk Bottle Building, for example. Standing 40-feet tall on Congress Street near the South Boston waterfront, it looks every bit like a giant vintage milk bottle. Built of wood and reworked to include a concession stand, it obviously originated as a promotional gimmick for Hood and it must have helped as the company has grown to become one of the nation’s largest branded dairy operators.

six feet and is actually available for non-denominational services and special occasions. Locals like to point out that it would certainly provide a way to cut down the guest list for a wedding. Our hands-down favorite among New England roadside attractions rests (quite literally) beside the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream plant in Waterbury, VT. That would be Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard where, surrounded by a white picket fence, several dozen of the company’s discontinued flavors, including Oh Pear, Bovinity Divinity and Makin’ Whoopie Pie were laid to rest beneath marble headstones. Remember the old nursery rhyme “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe…” Who knows, maybe there was, but we do know somebody lives in the Shoe House in Hellam, PA. This giant wood frame and stucco bootie was built in 1948 as an advertising gimmick and guesthouse. Even Bigfoot would get lost within its 48-foot long by 17foot confines, which accommodate a living room, three bedrooms, two baths, and a kitchen. Another of the Keystone State’s oddball attractions can be seen, aptly enough, along the old Lincoln Highway in Wilkinsburg, and is dubbed the Crinkly Lincoln. It’s a 1916

statue of Abe Lincoln, hammered out of copper by New Jersey sculptor Alfonso Pelzer. It shines, like the saying goes, as bright as a new penny. Fact is, Lincoln looks like he was dipped in the same stuff they used when some of us were kids to bronze our baby shoes. Newark, Ohio is undoubtedly proud of being home to the World’s Largest Basket. And would you believe that 500 people work inside the seven-story brick-and-mortar replica of Longaberger Basket Company’s hot-selling Medium Market Basket? We’re not sure how working inside this bizarre building affects employee morale and performance – but we assume it must be good that they don’t have to go out for lunch. Another imaginative replica stands – though not exactly upright – in Niles, IL. Built in 1934 to cover the town’s water tower, it hails from distant Pisa, Italy. You’ve probably already guessed it as the Leaning Tower of Niles. It is, in fact, a rather accurate and quite handsome half-scale reproduction of Pisa’s 600-year-old original and attracts a great deal of attention – especially from Italian visitors. Stonehenge, England’s famous ring of standing stones that dates back to Neolithic times, has fostered many copies

Foamhenge - Natural Bridge, WA

around the world, but the best we’ve found in this country is the work of artist Mark Cline who created an exact replica of the English wonder from foam. It’s accordingly named Foamhenge, which SpellCheck won’t recognize, but you will when you view it on a grassy bluff in Natural Bridge, VA, near Lexington. Cline’s foam stones are arranged in their astronomically correct positions, down to the degree. It is amazing, and so too is the 215-foot-high naturally formed limestone arch nearby, for which the town is named. Moving on to the Carolinas, there’s an attraction in Wilson, NC that you absolutely must see one day. The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park just opened last fall to display more than 30 massive moving sculptures representing the life work of the noted folk artist Simpson who built his ingenious and endearing windmill-like contraptions from machinery parts and industrial salvage. Simpson died in May, 2013 but left his mark on the world of folk art with his colorful whirligigs and he left many of them in Wilson for all to enjoy. Going from the sublime to total kitsch, you can hardly miss South of the Border’s 100-foot-high marquee off I-95 in Dillon, SC. A southern landmark for more than 50 years, this sprawling mix of amusement park, 300 motel rooms, 14 schlocky shops and six dining venues (Pedro’s Hot Tamale shop is a favorite) is outlandish to say the least – but as Doug Kirby suggested earlier, you know you’ll like it deep down. Most who stop here do. As one of America’s most popular vacation destinations you would figure Florida to be a treasure trove of offbeat roadside attractions – and you’d be right. The Sunshine State is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators living in the wild and there must be thousands more on display at myriad gator attractions such as Gatorland, Gatorama, Gator Park and various zoos. You can watch a Miccosukee brave (truly!) wrestle with one and you can sink your teeth into gator bits or burgers at the likes of Gator Grill, Alli-Gators or Gator Joe’s. So it won’t surprise you that Florida is home to the world’s largest man-made gator – 200-feet long from tooth to tail. His name is Swampy and he’s disguised as a tacky gift shop in the town of Christmas, which adds up to a completely nutty scenario. This place is near Titusville if you really want to find it. Some say the post office down in Ochopee, in Everglades 38

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

country, is the world’s smallest but we can only verify that it’s the puniest P.O. in the United States. We’re good with that though ‘cause we’ve been in it – actually just up to the window – as it measures a mere 7x8 feet and only the Postmistress can fit inside. We stopped by to get post cards stamped with its popular 34141 zip code. While we’re making the long drive on I-10 west to our next destination in Texas we should point out that some of these roadside attractions are tricky to find and others charge admission fees and have varying hours of operation. We suggest you use your GPS, smart phone or other fancy device to get that info. Remember too that you can find descriptions of many of these attractions at Doug Kirby’s roadsideamerica.com site. Over a period of nearly 20 years, retiree John Mikovisch plastered his little house on Malone Street in Houston with more than 50,000 flattened beer cans. He wasn’t into recycling

THE THING?

after wedging our way through a huge gift shop loaded with souvenirs as well as some nice Native American crafts. But we’re not going to tell you what The Thing is. You’ll have to fork over a dollar to find out for yourself. There’s nothing at all kitschy or bizarre about the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, AZ. It’s the real thing and it is a beautiful sight to behold. What makes it so extraordinary and thus worthy of our roster of roadside attractions is the extraordinary story behind how it wound up here in Arizona. In the late 1960s the City of London realized its venerable 1830s bridge spanning the River Thames could no longer hold up under the stress of modern day traffic and decided to put the bridge up for auction and build a replacement. Arizona entrepreneur Robert McCulloch thought it would make a good tourist attraction in Lake Havasu City and offered the top bid of $2.4 million. He then had the bridge painstakingly disassembled stone by stone, shipped to the U.S. and reassembled (at a cost of another $7 million) where it stands today. Approaching the sunny shores of Southern California, we’ve come to realize we’ve chortled, smirked, rolled our eyes in wonder and laughed ourselves nearly silly piecing this article together – and it’s time to stop. Not, however, without having a look at a museum that seemed to us a most appropriate place to bring our mirthful journey to an end.

London Bridge in Lake Havasu, AZ - Photographed by David Pruter

– he had a plan – and while John has left us, his Beer Can House remains the idol of the city’s folk art community. It is now operated by the Center for Visionary Art and is open to visitors. It is a long way up north to Plano, but definitely worth the trip for those with a taste for the truly bizarre. Here you’ll see the Cockroach Hall of Fame Museum. Yes, visitors do come here in swarms to gasp and gawk at display after display of suitably dead cockroaches, delicately dressed up as celebrities – for instance, there’s “Marilyn Monroach,” “David Letterroach” and Liberoachi.” What more can we say? We’re rolling along I-10 once again and as we pass from New Mexico into Arizona we are being bombarded with signs beckoning us toward “THE THING.” What is The Thing? We can’t help but wonder -- because there’s nothing else to do except to keep the vehicle in one lane at a time. Is it from outer space…or maybe the swamp? We eventually found out

After taking a quiz to learn how gullible we are (not very on the heels of this trip) we perused the displays at San Diego’s Museum of Hoaxes. Hoaxes, of course, have inspired many a roadside attraction and how revealing it was to find a museum that decodes hundreds of legends and hoaxes, all under one roof. We really did know it but we ascertained for certain that a jackalope – as deceptively realistic as some taxidermists have made it appear – is not a real animal. ■ Wall mounted jackalopes

TOOLING AROUND

AMERICA’S AUTO MUSEUMS Where to go to see why getting there is at least half the fun By Lynn Seldon

The automobile—and eventually trucks and RVs—have epitomized America’s love of travel and road trips. That may explain why there are so many museums and other destinations devoted to cars and car travel.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Henry Ford Museum Plaza 1 - Photo Credit The Henry Ford

Custom Hot Rod - Photographed by David Newhardt

rom dozens of varied auto collections and carrelated exhibits to lots of dedicated car museums throughout the nation, it’s easy to explore historic locations that relate to four wheel travel in its many forms. That’s why hitting the road for Jack—and Jill—can often lead to an exploration of road travel across the country. “Americans have had a long love affair with the automobile,” says Jackie Frady, president of the National Association of Automobile Museums and executive director of the National Automobile Museum, The Harrah Collection, in Reno, Nevada. “This, coupled with an ongoing interest in cultural experiences, allows travelers to indulge their passion for both, by visiting automobile museums across the country.” “Museum visitors will typically experience exceptional automobiles and fascinating stories about an industry that has shaped our country’s history and the people behind the cars,” Frady continues. She says there are more than 100 museums in 36 states in their association. Located right downtown, Reno’s National Automobile Museum is one of many perfect places to explore automobiles in America. Also known as The Harrah Collection, the National Automobile Museum is unique in that they feature more than 200 various vehicles set in authentic street scenes that include typical background sounds. With a hardware store, a movie theater, cobblestone streets, and more as backdrops, audio tours allow visitors the opportunity to explore the cars and their eras at their own pace. In addition, visitors can honk an antique “ooga” car horn and even put on a period hat and coat at the museum’s photo car (a 1926 Ford Model T).

Of course, as can be expected, the state of Michigan is a go-to mecca for varied museums and other destinations devoted to the automobile. Thanks to its connection with Ford Motor Company and more, the Detroit suburb of Dearborn is a natural place to start. The Henry Ford is most definitely an ode to the automobile, but it also features many other opportunities to explore American history. “Driving America is more than an exhibition with cars on display,” says Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford. “It is really an interactive, state-of-the-art story for us—us as drivers, consumers, and enthusiasts. It examines the car as an innovation and explores how it has changed almost every aspect of our lives and heavily influenced the decisions we made.”

Roadside Food - Lamy’s Diner & McDonalds sign - Driving America - Photo courtesy of The Henry Ford MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

four living-history farms, and the oldest annual car show in the country (September’s Old Car Festival). There’s also The Henry Ford IMAX® Theatre (the largest IMAX® theater in Michigan), the Ford Rouge Factory Tour (featuring the rich history of the Rouge, the birthplace of the Model A, the V-8, the Mustang, the Thunderbird, and today’s iconic F-150), and the Benson Ford Research Center (the world’s largest collection of automotive and truck product literature).

With more than 80,000 square feet of sweeping space, the exhibit includes more than 130 vehicles and 60 cases of artifacts. Sprinkled throughout the experience are 18 interactive 42-inch touchscreens offering thousands of additional details, images, videos, and oral histories. Driving America uses The Henry Ford’s unparalleled collection, including some of the most important and significant vehicles of our time: an 1896 Duryea, the last remaining example of America’s first production car; an 1865 Roper, the oldest surviving American car; and a 1931 Bugatti Royale, the third of just six built in the world. Century-old electric cars, current hybrids, muscle cars, and modern-day SUVs fill out the exhibitions 20 focal areas, covering everything from hot rods and road trips to road food and racing. There’s much more at The Henry Ford beyond Driving America and Henry Ford Museum, thanks to a collection that holds 26 million-plus objects (like Henry Ford’s quadricycle) and documents and other adjacent attractions. For instance, Greenfield Village features 300 years of American history through 83 authentic historic structures,

In addition, Dearborn features the Automotive Hall of Fame, which is also located on Oakwood Boulevard across the parking lot from The Henry Ford. Various possibilities for auto buffs here include the Soichiro Honda Atrium (changing car displays and special exhibits); the William Maybach Hall of Recognition (recent Hall of Fame inductees and more); the Fred Mancheski Theater (media showcasing the history of the industry and Hall of Fame honorees); the Hall of Honor, including a large John Gable “History of the Auto” mural depicting the history of cars on world culture; and lots of permanent and changing exhibits ranging from the automobile’s early days to today. The Hall of Fame’s 1948 Chrysler Convertible is certainly a highlight. There are more than ten other auto-centric possibilities in Michigan alone. Detroit proper features the Model T Automotive Heritage Complex, which was the birthplace of Henry Ford’s “Tin Lizzies” and is currently the only early Detroit auto plant open to visitors. The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum is another great option near the Motor City. An hour northwest of Detroit, Flint was the birthplace of General Motors. Sightseeing possibilities here include the Sloan Museum’s Buick Gallery and the Durant-Dort Carriage Company Office, a National Historic Landmark at 315 West Water Street that housed the carriage company that would become General Motors. General Motors recently purchased Durant-Dort’s original “Factory One” across the street from the Company Office. Located near Hickory Corners midway between Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids, the Gilmore Car Museum and adjacent museums and collections are well worth a visit. The rural 90acre museum complex features the

hallmark Gilmore Car Museum, with eight historic barns (featuring the world’s largest collection of Kalamazoobuilt cars and much more), a re-created 1930s service station, and three miles of paved roads where it’s not uncommon to catch one of the museum’s vintage cars or an authentic London double-decker bus on the move. Incredibly, there’s also the Pierce-Arrow Museum, the Classic Car Club of America Museum, The Franklin Collection, the Model A Ford Museum, and the CadillacLaSalle Museum and Lincoln Motor Car Museum, both being built at press time. It all makes for a car lover’s dream destination just 150 miles from Detroit. Also within easy reach, other Michigan possibilities include: The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site in Shelby Township; Chesterfield’s Stahls Automotive Foundation; Marysville’s Wills Sainte Claire Auto Museum; and Lansing’s R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. The neighboring state of Ohio also features many auto enthusiast options. Packard fans will naturally gravitate to Dayton’s Citizen Motor Car Company (America’s Packard Museum), located in a restored Packard dealership, and the National Packard Museum in Warren. Cleveland’s Western Reserve Historical

Society is well worth a visit, thanks to the Crawford Auto Aviation Collection and its major “Setting the World in Motion” exhibition, which explores auto and aviation technologies in northeast Ohio in the first half of the 20th century. Other Ohio options include the extensive car collection, a re-created 1940s Texaco gas station, car memorabilia, and much more at Snook’s Dream Cars in Bowling Green, the Canton Classic Car Museum, and Kettering’s British Transportation Museum, which is currently looking for permanent museum space in the Dayton area to showcase a collection of beloved British cars (think Austins, MGs, Minis, and more), as well as varied vintage bicycles. Pennsylvania is yet another state packed with auto-oriented attractions, as well as some two-wheel possibilities. Major cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia feature the Frick Car & Carriage Museum and Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum respectively, while many smaller Pennsylvania towns like Kutztown (Old Spokes Auto Museum, “Home of the Hudson”) and Huntington (William E. Swigart Automobile Museum) offer more options, as do America on Wheels in Allentown, the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, and the Rolls-Royce Foundation in Mechanicsburg. Attraction-rich Hershey also offers a diversion from all things chocolate, thanks to the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

The AACA Museum focuses on cars, buses, motorcycles, and more with original and restored vehicles exhibited in background scenes that bring transportation history to life in “Sea to Shining Sea,” from a New York City machine shop to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Additional exhibits include Model Ts to muscle cars and even Flo’s restored 1941 Valentine Diner, relocated from Wichita, Kansas. More than a dozen vehicles owned by the Museum of Bus Transportation are parked next to Flo’s and they make up the largest collection of historic buses under one roof. The museum’s excellent gift shop includes fun garage (and RV) décor and much more. Down in the car-crazed Carolinas, the options abound. Charlotte’s NASCAR Hall of Fame is a great place to start, as is nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway and several racing team shops that welcome visitors in Cabarrus County, “Where Racing Lives.” Along with several other famed racetracks, North Carolina options also include Mooresville’s Memory Lane Museum and Maggie Valley’s Wheels Through Time Museum (featuring rare vintage motorcycles). Down in South Carolina, German auto and motorcycle buffs will definitely want to head to BMW central in the Greenville area, thanks to the BMW Zentrum Museum, plant tours (when they’re not in production), and the varied options at their highly-regarded BMW Performance Driving School. Loyal fans of Michelin tires will want to head to bustling downtown Greenville to the Michelin On Main shop, which features everything Michelin.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Even further south, the Sunshine State also has a number of possibilities for auto aficionados and even for those interested in historic carriages from another era. The possibilities include iconic Daytona International Speedway (with varied tour options), the Tallahassee Automobile Museum; the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum in Pinellas Park; and Rick Treworgy’s Muscle Car City. There’s also Grand Oaks Resort & Museum, which features the world’s largest private collections of elegant European and American carriages. Heading across the country to the land of the actual Golden Gate Bridge, California also has many auto-driven attractions. Car-centric possibilities include Sacramento’s California Auto Museum; the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles (be sure to ask about extra ticketing for “The Vault”); the Toyota USA Automobile Museum in Torrance (by appointment only); Oxnard’s Murphy Auto Museum; Menifee’s Motte Historical Museum; Danville’s Blackhawk Museum; and San Diego’s J.A. Cooley Museum and San Diego Automotive Museum. Racing fans will definitely want to check out Pomona’s Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Justice Private Automotive Collection (Justice Bros., Inc.) in Duarte. Up in Oregon, there’s the Northwest Vintage Car & Motorcycle Museum in Brooks, which is part of Antique Powerland (15 museums celebrating Oregon’s agricultural heritage). Further north in Tacoma, Washington, LeMay— America’s Car Museum houses up to 350 vehicles from private owners, companies, and the LeMay collection, which amassed a Guinness Book record of 3,500-plus vehicles in the mid-1990s. Of course, many other states in the lower 48 have auto-focused museums and attractions.

Roper Steam Carriage, 1865 - From the Collections of The Henry Ford

CHECK OUT THESE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUMS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN STATES BY OUR PRESERVES

Be sure to call ahead before planning a visit to confirm address, opening hours, entrance fees, and more.

ALABAMA Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35094 (205) 699-7275 www.barbermuseum.org

ARIZONA Scottsdale International Auto Museum

9617 N. Metro Pkwy. West, Ste. 1066 Phoenix, AZ 85051 (602) 944-1238 www.scottsdaleinternationalautomuseum.com

The Franklin Auto Museum 1405 E. Kleindale Rd. Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 326-8038 www.franklinmuseum.org

CALIFORNIA Blackhawk Museum

3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir. Danville, CA 94506 (925) 736-2280 www.blackhawkmuseum.org

Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 930-2277 www.petersen.org

Motte Historical Museum 28380 State Hwy. 74 Menifee, CA 92585 (951) 928-3210 www.mottemuseum.com

California Auto Museum 2200 Front St. Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 442-6802 www.calautomuseum.org Last, but definitely not least, those taking the Alaska Highway or otherwise heading to Fairbanks and the rest of the Last Frontier won’t want to miss the excellent Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks. With 85-plus immaculate vintage vehicles accompanied by period fashion displays and much more, this automobile museum is definitely “worth the drive.” ■

San Diego Automotive Museum

2080 Pan American Plz. (Balboa Park) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-2886 www.sdautomuseum.org

J.A. Cooley Museum

4233 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 296-3112 www.jacooleymuseum.org

Continued on page 60

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

“

„

I HAVE A 38-FOOT 2005 ITASCA SUNCRUISER WITH 2 SLIDES...

... and the leveling jacks will not maintain their level. I have to re-level the motorhome every 1-2 days. I have had them inspected and the repair shop said there is nothing wrong. Any ideas? Thanks, Richard and Joyce Stone

A: Hello, Stone Family! Thank you for your question. Your particular motorhome is equipped with HWH leveling jacks and it is very unusual for them to retract by themselves while weight bearing. I have to assume that you have thoroughly checked

“

HI, BILL: WE ARE PURCHASING A NEW REFLECTION BY GRAND DESIGN AND THE RV SALES TEAM TOLD US...

„

... about a product called Xzilon. From the reviews I’ve read, it appears Xzilon, when used on cars, requires two or more applications and has iffy at best results. Your opinion will be greatly appreciated on this product and its application on this new fifth wheel.

all hydraulic systems to be sure there are not any leaks. There

Thank you. We are looking forward to your opinion and thoughts.

are four solenoids that are located on the hydraulic pump

Sincerely,

assembly that are designed to allow for manual retraction of

JF Correia

the jacks should you ever loose 12-volt power. The solenoids

Reno, NV

can be opened and closed via a T-handle or an Allen Set Screw. Check all four to be sure they are closed tightly by turning them clockwise. It is possible that all four solenoids could be defective, but highly unlikely. After tightening, I suggest you

do this simple, at-home test. Raise the motorhome up with all

Congratulations on your new fifth wheel! The Grand Design is

four jacks. Using a felt tip pen, make a small mark at the top

a beautiful RV! The Xzilon coating is a synthetic wax. You can

of each jack on the polished surface of the ram. If indeed the

apply the product for a LOT less money that what a professional

jacks are slowly retracting, the marks will disappear up into

may charge. I suggest using a high quality, automotive

the cylinder. Let me know what transpires and we will go from

Carnauba-based wax that will achieve the same protective and

there…To Be Continued…!

glossy results you are looking for.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

“

„

WE OWN A 2005 CRUISER BY CROSSROADS AND WOULD LIKE TO CLEAN AND RE-CAULK THE RUBBER ROOF. ... Are there instructions available for the process, and in particular, how to remove the existing caulk? I would like to do it myself, as I’m very handy at doing most maintenance things around the house. Also what cleaning and roof coating do you recommend? Thanks, Ron Fernandez Pleasanton, CA

“

„

I HAVE A 2004 FOREST RIVER SIERRA WITH TWO SLIDES (A 30 RLSS).

About six months ago, I had some minor work done on the fifth wheel trailer fluid reservoir because it had a leak. Repairs included a new rubber seal and the repair person put a permatex seal around the surface, taking care not to get the bolts at the four corners; screwed it back on and put fluid in the reservoir. This is a Lippert Components Inc. system. Recently it has started to leak again. I removed the reservoir after draining the fluid and the lower left hand corner of the reservoir is cracked. I now need another fluid reservoir and rubber seal, however, all distributors that I have contacted are telling me that I have to have a new $1,200 pump system. My pump system operates great. I do need the new reservoir

and rubber seal. Is there anyway to locate just the needed

RV owners as rubber roof maintenance is often overlooked.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Ron, this is an excellent question that will help out many other Removing the existing caulking is not an easy process. Start by using a sharp putty knife and a little elbow grease to remove the caulking from around the vents, antennas, etc. Work with caution so as to not to dig too deep or you may damage the

parts? The power system works great when fluid is full. The system is powered by a 12 vdc system (one 6 vdc 6301006-0303 and another 6 vdc on opposite.

Sincerely, Bill Oakley

scrub from one end of the roof to the next. Rinse thoroughly

and allow time to dry. After the roof has dried, I recommend

Bill, when a manufacturer discontinues a certain model or

using Dicor Self-leveling Lap Sealant to re-caulk. Do not use a

product, it can really create havoc. One thing you might try

paraffin based sealant as it can damage the rubber membrane.

is a plastic repair kit/tool. The best way to repair plastic is

If the roof is not in good shape, you may need to re-coat the

with heat. Many auto body shops have such tools. You may

entire rubber membrane. You will need to purchase the Dicor

be able to clean and prep the plastic reservoir and then pay

RV Roof Renew Kit (#RP-RRK-30.) This kit will complete a 30-

the shop to repair it for you. Additionally, I have a contact

foot RV. If you have a larger RV, you can buy the acrylic roof

at Lippert and I will contact him and see if there are any

coating for around $80 per gallon. The key to success is in the

leftover parts for your particular system and get back to you

preparation. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and the

personally. Please email me a picture of your unit to help

results should look like new and last for many years to come.

locate the correct part. With any luck, we can get you up and

roof’s rubber membrane. If the rubber membrane is in good shape, use Murphy’s Oil Soap and a medium bristle brush and

running again in no time flat! P.S. Remember to re-caulk after you are done! Regardless of the age of your particular rubber roof, it is important to clean and apply 303 Protectant Sunblock every 4-6 months.

GOT A QUESTION FOR BILL? SEND AN EMAIL TO AskRVBill@equitylifestyle.com MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

THOUSAND TRAILS PREFERRED RV DEALERS

SAND THOUAILS TR RRED E PREF LERS DEA

ATTENTION

THOUSAND TRAILS MEMBERS

Check out member specials on parts, service and sales by visiting our preferred RV Dealer partners listed below, or visit with them directly at our next Member Appreciation Day. A&L RV Sales - Christiana, TN - www.alrvsales.com Alpin Haus - Amsterdam - Port Jervis - Saratoga, NY - www.alpinhaus.com Al’s Trailer Sales - Salem, OR - www.alstrailers.com American Family RV - Chesapeake, VA - www.americanfamilyrv.com Bama RV - Dothan, AL - www.bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis - Chehalis, WA - www.baydosrvs.com

La Mesa RV - Orlando, FL - Ft. Myers, FL - Port St. Lucie, FL - Yuma, AZ Sacramento, CA - San Diego, CA - www.lamesarv.com McMahons RV - Mesa, AZ - Colton, CA - Palm Desert, CA Westminster, CA - www.mcmahonrv.com Media Camping - Fairless Hills - Hatfield - Media, PA - www.mediacamping.com Patterson RV - Wichita Falls, TX - www.pattersonrv.com

Big Country RV - Bend, OR - Redmond, OR - www.bigcrv.com

Paul Evert’s RV Country - Bullhead City, AZ - Coburg, OR - Fresno, CA - Laughlin, NV - www.rvcountry.com

Blade Chevrolet RV - Mt. Vernon, WA - www.bladerv.com

Princesscraft RV - Round Rock, TX - www.princesscraft.com

Boat n RV - Ridgeland, SC - West Coxsackie, NY - www.boatnrv.com

Roy Robinson RV - Marysville, WA - www.royrobinsonrv.com

Browns RV - McBee, SC - www.brownsrvsuperstore.com

RV’s For Less - Knoxville, TN - www.rvsforless.net

Campers Inn - Leesburg, FL - Macon, GA - Raynham, MA - Merrimack, NH Kingston, NH - Mocksville, NC - www.campersinn.com

RV Value Mart - Litiz, PA - Manheim, PA - www.rvvaluemart.com

Charlie Obaugh RV - Staunton, VA - www.charlieobaughrv.com Clear Creek RV - Silverdale, WA - www.clearcreekrvcenter.com Country Camping Corner - Matthews and Kings Mountain, NC www.countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers - Newfield, NJ - www.crossroadstrailers.com Curtis Trailer Center - Schoolcraft, MI - www.curtistrailercenter.com Ellis Travel Trailers Statesboro, GA - www.ellistraveltrailers.com Floyd’s RV - Norman, OK - www.floydsrvs.com Funtime RV - Tualalin, OR - www.funtimervinc.com Hayden’s RVs - Richmond, VA - www.haydensrvs.net Lakeside RV Sales - Anderson, SC - www.lakesidervsales.com 48

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

See Grins RV - Gilroy - Morgan Hill - CA - San Martin, CA - www.seegrins.com Smart Choice Auto Group & RV Sales - Jersey Village, TX www.smartchoiceautogroup.com Sunbelt RV Center - Belton, TX - www.sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center - Atwater, CA - www.sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. - Douglasville, GA - www.superdealsrv.com TAC Trailer and RV - Moyock, NC - www.tactrailerandrv.com Tacoma RV - Tacoma, WA - www.tacomarv.com Vogt RV - Ft. Worth, TX - www.vogtrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet - Athens, TX - www.welcomebackrv.com Western Travel Sales - Lyden, WA - www.westerntravelsales.com

Catalina Spa and Rv Resort

– The Ultimate Oasis

he phrase “fun in the sun” was surely coined for Southern California. To get more specific, though, the ultimate spot to indulge in that pleasurable pursuit would have to be the desert playground two hours out of Los Angeles, known as the Coachella Valley. This is home to the sparkling jewel of Palm Springs, renowned since the 1940s as the hot hideaway of the rich and famous. While still chic and luxurious, Palm Springs is no longer exclusively a millionaire’s lair. as its dry, rarified air has been accessible to all for many years. Take the RV enthusiast. There is no better home base from which to enjoy the area’s stark beauty and recreational bounty than the Catalina Spa and RV Resort, just off Interstate 10 between Palm Springs and its sister city of Desert Hot Springs. With 477 sites for RVs up to 45 feet in length, 50-amp electrical service and easy access patterns, Catalina Spa and RV Resort is not only a retreat for languid desert lounging, Not an RPI Member? Add RPI Basic for Only $79 $89 or RPI Plus for

Call 1-800-635-8498 for information CO, LTR You must be a NA mber or Mid-Atlantic me offer. to qualify for this

but a healthy haven as well. One of the longtouted wonders of the region – acknowledged by the very names of the cities – is the presence of natural springs tailor-made for soaking away the cares of the day. Catalina Spa has two of its own hot natural mineral-water spas, along with two naturally heated mineral-water swimming pools. It’s a convenient extravagance rarely found while traveling the byways. The spa is simply one fine attribute of Catalina’s multi-dimensional allure. On the property, visitors can fish and play tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes and pickleball. There are hiking trails, golf tee-offs and putting greens, biking and a dune buggy derby all great for working up a sweat. Then, water volleyball and water aerobics are perfect for cooling off. The ice cream socials can help bring down the body temperature while exciting the taste buds. For the artistically inclined, you can line dance, perform in jam sessions or take a woodcarving class. You can also try your hand with bingo games, coed poker and pinochle. (Even higher stakes can be had at one of the six nearby Indian casinos.) Catalina Spa and RV Resort even offers swap meets and patio sales … something, indeed, for everybody. (On the shopping front, within a short drive, is one of the largest clusters of factory outlet stores in the nation.)

Speaking of clusters, the Coachella Valley is known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” with a selection of the best-designed courses anywhere. But sport is just one aspect that makes this destination world class. The scenery is profound, with dramatic mountain and desert landscapes. Guided tours reveal the Living Desert Reserve, American Indian sites and old mining camps. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts riders up to 10,805-foot Mt. San Jacinto, a remarkable trip in itself, and one that provides a completely different, pinetree-studded environment, not to mention spectacular views for miles around. The same truly stunning vistas can be laid at one’s feet (if, that is, you were wearing super-elevator shoes) via hot-air balloon rides. But let’s not lose track of the glamour angle. This is a few short minutes, remember, from Palm Springs - an amazing mix of day and night life including world-class restaurants and clubs, celebrity home tours, an array of museums, and shopping that just doesn’t stop. But that’s the big draw of this unique location. Worldly attractions commingled with natural splendor. High-class dining next to produce stands offering scrumptious date shakes. All within reach at Catalina Spa and RV Resort where it all converges for the stay of a lifetime.

Catalina Spa and RV Resort is located at 18-800 Corkill Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241. For reservations, call RPI at 1-800-456-7774. MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Antiballistic Missile (abbr.) 4 Son of Ruth 8 Heddles of a loom 12 Shaft 13 Dismiss 14 US dam 15 Tier 17 Winglike 18 Chateaubriand heroine 19 Delirium tremens (abbr.) 21 Variation (pref.) 24 Blaubok 28 Time period 31 Ecclesiastic box 33 Abridged (abbr.) 34 Atl.Coast Conference (abbr.) 35 Dismal 36 Beam 37 Before 38 Burden 39 Middle (pref.) 40 Eradicate 42 P.I. tree 44 Gelderland city 46 Viper 50 E. Indian fiber plant 53 Can 56 Open 57 Initial (abbr.) 58 Bronze (Lat.) 59 Languish 60 Rattan 61 Bacon, lettuce, and Tomato (abbr.)

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

103 AloeCure................................................................................. 31 107 The Bradford Exchange- John Wayne Horseshoe................. 21 116 Carefree RV Resorts................................................................65 102 Dream Giveaway .................................................................. 29 104 Equity LifeStyle �� 52-57 132 GEICO ��68 128 SkyMed ��67 124 Winnebago ��2

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

DOWN 1 Harp (ital.) 2 Entice 3 Talking bird 4 Refuse 5 Life (pref.) 6 Slip 7 Title of property 8 Shore 9 Mulberry of India 10 Exclamation 11 Sea ( Fr.) 16 Axillary 20 Tree 22 New sugarcane shoot 23 Mountain nymph 25 Berne’s river 26 Down with (Fr., 2 words) 27 Freezing (pref.) 28 Bookbinding style 29 Pale down 30 Maple genus 32 Arabian judge 35 Ran 39 Created 41 Kind 43 Sip 45 Heroic 47 Dull yellowish brown 48 Daredevil Knievel 49 Peace of Mind 50 Weaken 51 Silkworm disease 52 Bobbsey twins 54 Genetic letters 55 A (Ger.)

CLUB CALENDAR MARCH 2014

PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS

TT SINGLES

TTWest/FMCA

March 28-30: San Benito, CA April 25-27: Lake of the Springs, 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.

March 14-16: Morgan Hill, CA Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly. Contact Bob Litfin at (408) 226-6529 or email to clitfin@USA.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

Northwest

TT of Texas/FMCA

March 28-30: Mt. Vernon, WA April 25-27: Chehalis, WA Contact: Director Marybeth Turner at (206) 255-9363 or email to Marybeth.Turner@seattle. gov; Winnie Hoyteniuk at (604) 858-9757 or email to winnie@smartt.com (British Columbia); Daphne Bailey at (503) 590-8566 or email to daphnebailey07@comcast.net (Oregon); or Linda Christofferson at (360) 653-3648 (Washington).

March 7-9: Colorado River, 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

Central California

Bounders United (BUTTN)

March 3-5: Soledad Canyon, CA April 7-9: Palm Springs, CA Contact: Cecil Brown, Wagonmaster at cecilbrown@hotmail.com or call (951) 323-1714.

April 7-10: South Jetty, OR Wagonmaster will be Tom & Pat Kennedy. Bounders United/TTN are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Tom or Pat Kennedy at (360) 794-4903 or email at BUTTNs231@gmail.com.

TTN So Cal Weekenders

TT East Trail Buddies

March 7-9: Palm Springs, CA April 4-6: Pio Pico, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship. Email: ttnweekenders@earthlink.netwebsite: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttnweekenders/

March 21-24: Forest Lake, NC 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

TT Travelers Southern California

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

THOUSAND TRAILS MEMBER DEALS AT ENCORE RV RESORTS MARCH 2014

MEMBERS ALWAYS SAVE 20% OFF DAILY RATES 10% OFF MONTHLY RATES ALL ENCORE RV RESORTS NATIONWIDE ALL THE TIME!

PIONEER VILLAGE FORT MYERS, FL CACTUS GARDENS RV RESORT YUMA, AZ

FUN-N-SUN SAN BENITO, TX

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.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

WESTCOAST OREGON WASHINGTON &CALIFORNIA

MT HOOD VILLAGE RV RESORT

WELCHES, OR

TALL CHIEF RV & CAMPING RESORT

FALL CITY, WA

TAHOE VALLEY CAMPGROUND

LAKE TAHOE, CA

PACIFIC DUNES RANCH RV RESORT

OCEANO, CA

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

50% OFF / WEEK (Valid Thru 4/30/14)

BARRINGTON HILLS, HUDSON, FL BULOW PLANTATION, FLAGLER BEACH, FL CLERBROOK GOLF & RV RESORT, CLERMONT, FL HIGHLAND WOODS, POMPANO BEACH, FL LAKE MAGIC, CLERMONT, FL PINE ISLAND, ST. JAMES CITY, FL SOUTHERN PALMS, EUSTIS, FL SUNSHINE TRAVEL, VERO BEACH, FL TERRA CEIA, PALMETTO, FL TOBY’S RV RESORT, ARCADIA, FL VACATION VILLAGE, LARGO, FL

40% OFF OFF A / WEEK 40% WEEK ALL REMAINING REMAINING ALL FLORIDA PROPERTIES PROPERTIES FLORIDA

CLERBROOK GOLF & RV RESORT CLERMONT, FL CRYSTAL ISLES CRYSTAL RIVER, FL

(Valid Thru 4/30/14)

(EXCLUDES FIESTA KEY, ROYAL COACHMAN, SUNSHINE KEY RV RESORT & MARINA)

20% OFF OFF A / WEEK 20% WEEK (Valid Thru 4/30/14)

FIESTA KEY, LONG KEY, FL ROYAL COACHMAN, NOKOMIS, FL SUNSHINE KEY RV RESORT AND MARINA, BIG PINE KEY, FL

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

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

SOUTHWEST ARIZONA & TEXAS

$199 / MONTH MAY OPENING SPECIAL! (Valid Only May, 2014)

VENTURE IN, SHOW LOW, AZ

/ WEEK $199 A WEEK/ $399 A / MONTH $699 MONTH (Valid May Thru September, 2014)

ARABY ACRES, YUMA, AZ MONTE VISTA, MESA, AZ PARADISE RV, SUN CITY, AZ VICTORIA PALMS, DONNA, TX VIEWPOINT, MESA, AZ

$119 WEEK/ DSDF A WEEK/ $299 $449 A MONTH ALL ALL OTHER OTHER ARIZONA ARIZONA & & TEXAS TEXAS PROPERTIES PROPERTIES

SUNSHINE RV HARLINGEN, TX

(Valid May Thru September, 2014)

(EXCLUDES APOLLO VILLAGE, CASA DEL SOL EAST & WEST, CENTRAL PARK, SUNRISE HEIGHTS, WHISPERING PALMS)

FIESTA GRANDE RV RESORT CASA GRANDE, AZ

$99 / WEEK $1549/ $199 / MONTH 3-M ONTH SEASONAL (Valid May Thru September, 2014)

VALLEY VISTA, BENSON, AZ

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. The three month stay promotion is not available for single Zone holders. 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. 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

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

NORTHEAST MAINE NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA $20 / NIGHT MIDWEEK (Valid open thru June 15 and Sept. 15 thru close)

LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, LAKE GEORGE, NY

LAKE GEORGE SCHROON WARRENSBURG, NY

$400 OFF AN ANNUAL

(Valid throughout 2014 )

LAKE GEORGE SCHROON, WARRENSBURG, NY

$399 $199 /A WEEK WEEK/ (Valid throughout 2014 )

LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, LAKE GEORGE, NY

www.RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE LAKE GEORGE, NY

Nightly rate only valid midweek, Sunday-Thursday. 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.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

MIDWEST ILLINOIS INDIANA WISCONSIN

COME VISIT OUR THREE NEW WISCONSIN PROPERTIES OPEN IN MAY!

• BLACKHAWK CAMPING RESORT, MILTON • LAKELAND CAMPING RESORT, MILTON •NESHONOC LAKESIDE CAMPING RESORT, WEST SALEM

NESHONOC LAKESIDE MILTON, WI

6 WEEK STAY FOR ONE LOW PRICE (Valid Only May 1- June 15, 2014 or September 6 - Closing)

$299 FOR 6 WEEK STAY INDIAN LAKES, BATESVILLE, IN YUKON TRAILS, LYNDON STATION, WI

$399 FOR 4 WEEK STAY TWIN MILLS, HOWE, IN TRANQUIL TIMBERS, STURGEON BAY, WI FREMONT JELLYSTONE PARK, FREMONT, IL

$499 FOR 4 WEEK STAY O’CONNELL’S JELLYSTONE PARK, AMBOY, IL ARROWHEAD, WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

ARROWHEAD WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

TRANQUIL TIMBERS STURGEON BAY, WI 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. The three month stay promotion is not available for single Zone holders. 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. 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

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Spotlight | Thousand Trails Website

ave you had a chance to visit ThousandTrails.com recently? You may have noticed a few changes upon your arrival. The Thousand Trails website received a makeover! From a bright, new color palette and photos to a wider display and easier navigation, the changes are apparent immediately upon arrival. Consider this your insider’s guide to the new design. Check out some of the new features, or some that have been improved, here. Welcome Screen One of the first aspects of the website is the brand new welcome screen. At this time, it features photos taken by Thousand Trails members at various locations across the country. Additionally, to make the member login process easier, the option to sign in has been added to the first page. This brings you to your account information much quicker so you can be well on your way to make a reservation! Accommodation Settings Tired of typing in the number of individuals in your party, pets or vehicles you’ll be bringing with you to a Thousand Trails campground? Once you’ve logged in, head on over to My Preferences and hone in on the accommodation settings. The system will remember the settings specific to your membership so you won’t have to deal with numerous drop down menus while making your reservation. Another fun feature is the “length of stay” option. If you typically stay for a week, this information will be added to your account so the end date will be automatically chosen for you. Of course, should you wish to change the length of your stay for a particular visit, you can easily change the end date. 58

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Photos on Preserve Pages You asked for photos and we’re here to give them to you! On the new website, each specific preserve page features numerous photos, along with the option to make them larger. Take a virtual tour of your favorite Thousand Trails locations or check out a soon to be new favorite spot from the comfort of your own home. The convenience of know before you go!

Membership Details A hidden gem on the new website, the Membership Details portion is certainly an upgrade from the past Thousand Trails website. After logging in, select “My Membership” from the left-hand navigation menu. Scroll down past the campgrounds listed as a part of your membership and you’ll come across a box labeled “Membership Details.” Here, you’ll be greeted with a quick snapshot of the details specific to your membership.

Stay tuned for new improvements to the Thousand Trails website and be sure to take the time to explore! ■ by Annie Colletti

Continued from page 45

CHECK OUT THESE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUMS: CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN STATES BY OUR PRESERVES FLORIDA Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

MICHIGAN Automotive Hall of Fame

Western Reserve Historical Society (Crawford Auto Aviation Collection)

Rick Treworgy’s Muscle Car City

The Henry Ford

National Packard Museum

ILLINOIS Wheels O’ Time Museum

R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

OREGON Northwest Vintage Car & Motorcycle Museum

3301 Gateway Center Blvd. Pinellas Park, FL 33782 (727) 579-8226 www.tbauto.org 3811Tamiami Tr. Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 639-6767 www.musclecarcity.net

1710 W. Woodside Dr. Dunlap, IL 61525 (309) 243-9020 www.wheelsotime.org

Volo Auto Museum 27582 Volo Village Rd. Volo, IL 60073 (815) 385-3644 www.volocars.com

20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, MI 48121 (313) 982-6100 www.thehenryford.org 240 Museum Dr. Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 372-0529 www.reoldsmuseum.org Wills Sainte Claire Auto Museum 2408 Wills St. Marysville, MI 48040 (810) 388-5050 www.willsautomuseum.org

INDIANA Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum

Ypsilanti Auto Heritage Museum

Kokomo Automotive Museum

Vintage Auto Museum of New Jersey

1600 S. Wayne St. Auburn, IN 46706 (260) 925-1444 www.automobilemuseum.org 1500 N. Reed Rd. Kokomo, IN 46901 (765) 454-9999 www.kokomoautomotivemuseum.org

Studebaker National Museum 201 S. Chapin St. South Bend, IN 46601 (574) 235-9714 www.studebakermuseum.org

KENTUCKY National Corvette Museum 350 Corvette Dr. Bowling Green, KY 42101 (270) 781-7973 www.corvettemuseum.com

Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum 1100 N. Dixie Ave. Elizabethtown, KY 42701 (270) 765-2181 www.swopesmuseum.com

MAINE Cole Land Transportation Museum 405 Perry Rd. Bangor, ME 04401 (207) 990-3600 www.colemuseum.org

Seal Cove Auto Museum

1414 Tremont Rd., Seal Cove Mount Desert Island, ME 04674 (207) 244-9242 www.sealcoveautomuseum.org

MASSACHUSETTS Larz Anderson Auto Museum 60

21400 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, MI 48124 (313) 240-4000 www.automotivehalloffame.org

15 Newton St. Brookline, MA 02445 (617) 522-6547 www.larzanderson.org

100 E. Cross St. Ypsilanti, MI 48198 (734) 482-5200 www.ypsiautoheritage.org NEW JERSEY

1800 Bay Ave. Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 (732) 899-0012 www.vintageautomuseum.org

NEW YORK Champlain Valley Transportation Museum 12 Museum Way Plattsburg, NY 12903 (518) 566-7575 www.cvtmuseum.com

Saratoga Automobile Museum 110 Avenue of the Pines Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-1935 www.saratogaautomuseum.org

NORTH CAROLINA Wheels Through Time Museum 62 Vintage Ln. Maggie Valley, NC 28751 (828) 926-6266 www.wheelsthroughtime.com

Memory Lane Museum

769 River Hwy. Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 662-3673 www.memorylaneautomuseum.com

OHIO Snook’s Dream Cars

13920 Country Home Rd. Bowling Green, OH 43402 (419) 353-8338 www.snooksdreamcars.com

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

10825 East. Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44106 (216) 721-5722 www.wrhs.org 1899 Mahoning Ave. N.W. Warren, OH 44483 (330) 394-1899 www.packardmuseum.org

3995 Brooklake Rd. NE Brooks, OR 97303 (503) 399-0647 www.nwcarandcycle.com

PENNSYLVANIA Antique Automobile Club of America Museum 161 Museum Dr. Hershey, PA 17033 (717) 566-7100 www.aacamuseum.org Rolls-Royce Foundation 189 Hempt Rd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (717) 795-9400 www.rollsroycefoundation.org

SOUTH CAROLINA Michelin On Main 550 S. Main St., #102 Greenville, SC 29601 (864) 241-4450 www.michelinman.com

BMW Zentrum Museum & BMW Performance Driving School 1155 Highway 101 S. Greer, SC 29651 (888) 345-4269 www.bmwusa.com

Tennessee Lane Motor Museum

702 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, TN 37210 (615) 742-7445 www.lanemotormuseum.org

TEXAS Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum 120 Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 878-2406 www.dicksclassicgarage.com

WASHINGTON LeMay—America’s Car Museum 2702 East D St. Tacoma, WA 98421 (253) 779-8490 www.lemaymuseum.org

WISCONSIN Wisconsin Automotive Museum 147 N. Rural St. Hartford, WI 53027 (262) 673-7999 www.wisconsinautomuseum.com

Come Sail with Us

Two Great Cruise Options: Receive $50

Breathtaking Alaska Summer 2014

Hot Valentine Date 2015 in the Caribbean

Aug 10 - Aug 17, 2014 Norwegian Pearl Roundtrip from Seattle, WA

Feb 14 - 21, 2015 Norwegian Getaway Roundtrip from Miami, FL

Starting at $999 pp*

Starting at $929 pp*

onboard credit.

Book by 3/31/14 and we will DOUBLE your onboard credit!

*Rates are per person based on double occupancy and do not include port fees and taxes. Airfare and transportation to/from port is not included. Prices are accurate at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

For information and reservations: Preferred Access â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-281-4977 â&#x20AC;˘ cruises@preferred-access.com

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Tech Topics continued from page 9

So, how exactly do you know if your tires are overinflated or under-inflated? Most people would say that if they LOOK okay, they’re properly inflated. Wrong. Others would answer that they know by looking at the maximum PSI number printed on the tire sidewall. But they’d be only half-right; the number printed on the tire sidewall actually answers a different question: “What’s my MAXIMUM PSI?” In other words, what number constitutes over-inflation of my tires if I exceed it? The answer - One psi over the maximum printed on the tire sidewall. Proper tire inflation pressures are carefully calculated by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this number by reading your Owners’ Manual carefully or by checking the information label on the inside of the driver’s door frame on most passenger cars and trucks. The manufacturer sets the proper tire inflation range for your vehicle based on its design, road clearance, number of axles, handling issues, etc. Always be sure to check tire pressure readings when your tires are cool (or have been driven less than a mile) for accurate, reliable readings. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and exciting start to your springtime travel season; happy trails!

Paul and Kerri Elders are freelance writers; visit their list of RV Industry Links at RVLinker.com. Their cookbook, The American Gourmet Collection Cookbook, is available at Amazon.com. ■ Continued from page 17

WASHINGTON Birch Bay ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR 62

March 14-16 12th Annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival Annual birding festival celebrates the incredible variety of migratory birds that visit this area of Washington. Event includes field trips, nature cruises, wildlife demonstrations, arts & crafts, kids activities, expert wildlife speakers and more. Plus, all day birding expo on Saturday. For additional information visit www.blainechamber.com/wow March 29 9th Annual Birch Bay Road Race Exceptional 15K (9.3 miles) and 30K (18.6 miles) distances plus 5K. This race offers athletes an opportunity to move up from the 10K and half-marathon distances to a new mid-distance standard, with full race support. Perfectly timed for athletes training for May or June marathons and half marathons. Enjoy spectacular ocean views on a course that follows the shoreline and quiet county roads. Run through the natural habitat of eagles and shorebirds. For information contact the Visitor Center at (360) 332-4544 or Chamber of Commerce at www.blainechamber.com. MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Chehalis March 26-April 6: Spring Break-ation: Family Lodge will be open for indoor entertainment: Plus, movies, crafts, puzzles, games, Ice Cream Social and good times! Bring your Xbox, Wii, PlayStation, etc. and enjoy our new Gaming Center in the Downstairs Activity room. Don’t forget the ‘Happy TTrails’ horse trails are open for all equine enthusiasts (reservations required). La Conner March 14-16: St. Patrick’s Day: Spread the luck of the Irish, get out your green and come to our breakfast and eat Lucky Charms. Don’t miss our Irish celebration and don’t forget to wear your best St. Patty’s day attire.

Calendar Events are also listed on our website. Visit www.trailblazermagazine.com to see events.

Classified Advertising 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 SCRUBR Odor-Free Dishcloths & TREKR Self-Cleaning Washcloths Perfect for RVing and camping. They dry fast, rinse clean, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get smelly. (858) 653-0401 www.lunatecgear.com

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

Terms and Conditions for 2014 Referral Promotion Terms and Conditions: For each Eligible Referral (as defined), you will receive a $50 American Express gift card through December 31, 2014. In addition, for each Eligible Referral, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and hotel/cruise accommodations for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and hotel accommodations for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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, 2015. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning the drawing depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Park Pass from us between January 1, 2014 and December 14, 2014, and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, 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 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. MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to

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! Judy Johnson from Woodland, CA found the evergreen tree on page 54 of the November/December 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 March 31, and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

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

Nate Booth

of Camarillo, CA

Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 62

G EA R

ThousandTrailsGear.com I Knew I Was A TrailBlazer continued from page 27

unknown towns for lunch, and fly fishing the days away. John Muir summed it up in one famous sentence – “The mountains are calling and I must go.” TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when... BG: We turned the key to begin our dream of traveling as full-time RVers! TB: Feel free to share any other camping/RVing stories here. BG: Without fail, every campground we visit we end up making new friends. Some of those friends have become our closest over the last few years. People who camp on a regular basis are generally friendly, genuinely helpful and downright thankful! We know those are the types of individuals we want as our friends/neighbors. Colorado 64

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

has a special place in our heart for RV life and outdoor adventures. From mountain bike training for the famed Leadville Silver Rush 50 mountain bike race, learning to fly fish in fast-moving waters, and ordering up a dream bike at the Moots factory in Steamboat Springs, the last two summers and falls have been more than we could have hoped for. This spring and summer we will be enjoying Thousand Trails all the way up the Pacific Northwest, one right after another! Now that we have been on the road for number of years people often ask us where we are going to stop and settle down. Settle down!? RV Life is for us! Even our personalized license plate says so! We know that life is short and that tomorrow is not guaranteed so we live each day to the fullest! We are already planning upcoming trips all the way through 2016 and beyond. Maybe we will see you on the open road! Follow us at www.BillGehr.com. ■

It’s your money. Save it well.

50%off Daily Rates

In March, April and May

In April and May

Florida Big Tree · Arcadia · 863-494-7247 Grove Ridge · Dade City · 352-523-2277 Kissimmee South · Davenport · 863-424-1286 Homosassa River · Homosassa · 800-471-3722 Pleasant Lake · Bradenton · 941-756-5076 Red Oaks · Bushnell · 352-793-7117 Waters Edge · Zephyrhills · 813-783-2708

New Jersey/Atlantic City Shady Pines · Galloway Township · 609-652-1516 Long Beach · Barnegat · 609-698-5684

California/Palm Springs area Indian Wells · Indio · 760-347-0895

*Offer valid for new reservations only, first time visitors please, sites are limited and based on availability. Not valid holidays and special events. Electric not included on stays 21 days or more. Reservations cannot be made more than 48 hours in advanced.

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

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Photo Courtesy of The Flower Fields® at Carlsbad Ranch

Every spring, from March through mid-May, the hills of North San Diego County are abloom with the most spectacular show of color. This amazing palette is created by the nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that bloom in the The Flower Fields® at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad, California. Open from March 1 to May 11, visitors flock to see this beautiful hillside sight that definitely heralds the arrival of spring. The fields are open to the public and tours and wagon rides are available. There are also special events planned throughout the season, including live music and entertainment, a special kid’s day and photography workshops. For more information, hours and ticket prices, visit www.theflowerfields.com. The fields are just 50 miles from our Pio Pico RV Resort & Campground in Jamul. ® So make your plans today to stay at Pio Pico and visit The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

MARCH 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

no copays • no deductibles • no claim Forms

Join Our Travel Club

what would you do in an emergency? SkyMed members simply call our toll-free number and speak to a caring SkyMed representative 24 SEVEN 365. NO pre-recorded phone messages.

Members have access to thousands of beautiful resorts and luxurious hotel accommodations around the world at exclusive prices not available to the public. There will be travel opportunities promoted to members offering flights at discounted prices, cruises, excursions and dream tours you can sign on as part of our group of SkyMed connected travelers.

18 EmErgEncy TravEl SErvicES wiTh ThE SkymEd UlTimaTE TravEl Plan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Hospital-to-Hospital Emergency Air Transport Vehicle & Vessel Return Visitor Transportation Transportation for Recuperation Nearer Home Commercial Carrier Medical Escort Flights Ground Ambulance Helicopter 100 Mile Waiver

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

SkyMed Plus (Pet Return) Minor Children / Grandchildren Return Primary Driver Disability Physical Remains Return Escort / Companion Transportation Return Transportation After Recovery Incidental Expense Allowance Organ Retrieval Organ Recipient Transportation Global Emergency Travel Services

• No membership fee to SkyMed members • A place to interact with other SkyMed members and our travel experts to share ideas, seek advice and exchange experiences • Exclusive trips and specials for SkyMed Travel Club members • One stop service for online booking options • The lowest available prices and fares • The best travel insurance options • The comfort of knowing you are secure within the trusted SkyMed group ;of companies

www.skymed.com/thousandtrails 800-475-9633

Watch for SkyMed seminars when you travel. It could save your life!

CIRCLE NO. 128 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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

for your RV

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

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