TrailBlazer Magazine - May 2014 by TrailBlazer Magazine

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CIRCLE NO. 157 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

VOL. 36 n ISSUE 4

MAY 2014 CONTENTS Message from Marguerite 5 Tech Topics 30

Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer

TrailMix: TrailBlazer Turns 35!

Activities & Events - Local

Spotlight: Plan Your Summer Fun

Updates & Upgrades

I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer

On The Road: Calvin Gilmore

Features:

Route 66 34 Best Amusement Thrills For 2014 44 Advertiser Index 50

Stretching more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to LA, a cruise on iconic Route 66 is one road trip you don’t want to miss.

Crossword Puzzle 50 Club Calendar 51 Member Deals 54

Ask RV Bill 60 Sudoku Puzzle 62 Classified Advertising

On Location 66

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America’s favorite amusement parks are unveiling new thrills this summer that are faster, higher and better than ever. Take a ride with TrailBlazer and see what’s new.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

WE’RE CELEBRATING 45 YEARS SO WE’RE GIVING YOU

$45!

RECEIVE A $45* VISA® PREPAID CARD WHEN YOUR REFERRAL PURCHASES A THOUSAND TRAILS CAMPING PASS!

YOUR REFERRAL ALSO ENTERS YOU INTO OUR 2014 DRAWING FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THESE GREAT PRIZES.

GRAND PRIZE

7 Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii (A $4,000 value)

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

4 Nights in either Las Vegas, San Francisco Free Dues for 2015 10 Winners selected or Orlando (A $2,000 value)

(Up to $499 value)

1-888-808-8925 45

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THOUSANDTRAILS.COM

YEARS 1969-2014

*Details *Details and and qualifications qualifications for for participation participation in in this this promotion promotion may may apply apply and and are are set set forth forth on on page page 63 63 of of this this magazine. magazine.

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MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

lanning is everything, and planning is especially important when it comes to travel. That includes planning arrival and departure dates and times, making reservations for not only your accommodations but also for the local events and attractions at your destination. And before you even do any of that planning you have to decide just where you want to spend your time. Every trip you plan is designed to meet your needs ---- or your needs at that time! Maybe you want to relax. Maybe you want to try something new. Maybe you want to head to a destination that is completely different from what you typically seek – like a mountain lover heading to the beaches or vice versa. Maybe it’s all about family fun or meeting up with other families and ensuring there is fun for all ages. Thanks to Thousand Trails, planning is so easy. Check out our Theme Weekend supplement included with this issue. We’ve listed all the fun theme weekends going on at the preserves and they didn’t miss a thing. There are sock hops, luaus, parades, beach parties, movie nights, cookouts, cook-offs and more. You can immerse yourself in a Pirate Weekend or spend a weekend just eating chocolate! So if you’re looking for something specific, look to this handy guide to summer fun. If you want to plan around a specific location, check out our feature on page 34. From the mountains to the

beaches, from horseback riding to whale watching you can find it at, or very near, our preserves. If you want a history-based vacation, consider Gettysburg Farm or Williamsburg. Civil War history surrounds the Gettysburg location and our Williamsburg preserve puts you in reach of historic Colonial Williamsburg. Have you longed for a beach vacation that includes boardwalks and old-fashioned fun? Consider our Jersey Shore locations, Old Orchard Beach in Maine or the beaches of Cape Cod. Whatever you’re looking for you will find it with us – so get out those planners and make this the best summer ever. And don’t stop there. Get your winter plans in order, too. I don’t know about you but I am sure glad to be done with winter. This winter was one for the record books – and not just in locations that are used to snow and cold temperatures. So, don’t be left the cold this winter – look to our sunny locations and book some time with us in (almost) always sunny locations in Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. You’ll be the envy of all your friends when the cold weather hits and you planned ahead. So start planning your stay with us – we look forward to seeing you soon.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

MAY 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 DESIGNERS Susie Bue Mindy Drexler 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

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Countryside RV Resort: A breathtaking Arizona sunset. - Jackie Shibley, Barstow, CA

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 RV Resort: Wonderful sky just before sunset. - Jim Burzo, South San Francisco, CA

La Conner RV Resort: Our daughter enjoys a peaceful afternoon on our site. - Monika Hamilton, South Surrey, BC

MAY 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, Vickie LeBeau from Lake Havasu City, AZ, was camping at Verde Valley when she was presented with her $1,000 gift card. Will you be pictured here next month? Winner Vicki LeBeau pictured with Scott Woolley, Verde Valley Manager and Administrative Assistant, Dina Harbin, overlooking the Verde Valley Preserve.

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.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 160 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IN THE KITCHEN

with TrailBlazer?

Traveling the Mother Road with a Dutch Oven By Lesley Tennessen, Dutch Oven Diva

he thought of traveling Route 66 evokes images of roadside diners and all the great food those diners are known for. Here are a few recipes you can make with your Dutch oven that can be your own version of the roadside classics.

Patty Melt Sandwiches (Serves 2) Set-up: 12-inch Dutch oven lid Lid stand 32 lit charcoal briquettes

Ingredients: 4 slices of Rye bread 4 slices Swiss cheese 2 slices Cheddar cheese 2 onions, sliced 2 hamburger patties 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper Butter Oil for frying

Directions: Light the charcoal. Once the charcoals are ready (shoulders are grey, no smoking), then nestle your lid stand in the coals. Flip the lid upside down to create a griddle. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce on the hamburger patty, along with a dash of salt and pepper. Let that sit while you grill the onions. To grill the onions, start by placing a small amount of oil on the lid and place the onions into the oil. You are going to get grilled onions, so use the lid as a fry pan or griddle. It works best to do one onion at a time. Once the onion is done, push them to the edge to keep them warm. Fry the hamburger patty to your desired doneness. 10

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Hint: I cooked mine to medium because they will continue to cook. Once done, mop up the grease in the bottom of the griddle. Butter one side of one slice of the bread. Place that butter side down in the middle of the lid. Place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the bread. Place the cooked hamburger patty on top of the cheese. Then place half the onions on this sandwich. Place the Cheddar cheese on next. Butter the other slice of bread and put that on butter side up into the grill and grill on lid till brown, then flip sandwich and grill the other side. Repeat for second sandwich.

Chicken Fried Steak (Serves 6) Set-up: 12-inch Dutch oven 20-22 lit charcoal briquettes

Ingredients: Oil for frying 6 cube steaks (or 6 thick slices of corned beef) 2-3 cups of flour 1/8-1/4 cup seasoning salt 2 eggs 1/4-1/2 cup cream or milk 12-ounces beer 1 cup cream

Directions: While your coals are heating, prepare you batter bowls. Scramble the 2 eggs and thin out with the cream/milk. Prepare your flour mix by adding in the seasoning to 2 cups of flour and stir around with a fork. Set up the bowls as wet, dry, Dutch oven. Put about 1 inch of oil into the Dutch oven over the lit coals, laid out in a bed or solid layer. You want the temperature to be about 350-375 degrees for frying. Dip the cube steak into the egg first and then the flour. Repeat that egg/flour for all pieces of steak. When they are battered, place the steaks into the oil for frying Roughly 3-5 minutes per side. Once one side is done, flip to fry the other side. You should be able to fry 3 smaller steaks at one time.

Take the steaks out, but keep the oil for the gravy process. Keep the steaks warm on a dish with a paper towel for draining. Remove the pan from the heat. Into the existing oil, whisk in some flour (donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t add the whole cup at one time as you will be making a roux so slowly add the flour to the oil to create the roux.) When it starts to thicken, add in some cream. Whisk and stir. Then add in a bottle of beer to finish the thinning out. You can keep this warm by placing the fried meat patties back into the gravy.

Root Beer Float Cake Set-up: 12-inch Dutch oven 28-30 lit briquettes 1 parchment disk

Ingredients: Cake: 1 box white cake mix 2 eggs 1 1/4 cup root beer soda 1/4 cup vegetable oil Frosting: 1 3.2 ounce envelope Dream Whip mix 1/2 cup root beer

Directions: While your coals are heating, mix the cake, eggs, oil and root beer together. Beat well (about 2-3 minutes) so that the cake will be light and fluffy. Place the parchment disk into the bottom of the Dutch oven. Oil very lightly. Pour the cake batter over the disk and put the lid onto the oven. Place the oven over a ring of about 9-10 coals. Put the remainder of the coals onto the lid. Cook for 25-30 minutes. Test cake for doneness by either carefully lifting lid and testing by touch (cake will spring back when you touch it) or insert a toothpick to check for doneness.

Remove the oven from the heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes without the lid. You may need to run a knife around the edge. Put on heavy gloves. Place a cooling rack over the oven and flip so that the cake is on the rack. Place to the side for cooling. To make frosting; mix together the package of Dream Whip and root beer. Beat until it is stiff. Frost the top of the cooled cake. MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

My, you sure have grown! Back in 1978, members received news about Thousand Trails in the form of a 4-page, 8.5x11 newsletter. It was mailed to their homes and contained information about the company and the handful of preserves that comprised the Thousand Trails of the 1970s. A year later, as Thousand Trails continued to grow, so did the amount of information to keep members in the loop on all things TT. The newsletter was replaced by a 12-page color tabloid called TrailBlazer. In 1983, TrailBlazer switched from tabloid format to the full-color glossy magazine we know today. Over the next few decades as TT grew, so did the magazine. By the mid-1990s, the page count was upwards of 50 and to date, we average 68 pages of news, features, RV tips, recipes and information related to the outdoor lifestyle we all enjoy. And while the magazine has changed its look several times, the content has been pretty consistent. We’ve discussed RV filters, heating and cooling systems, generators, brakes and towables from decade to decade. Feature stories continue to highlight great travel destinations suited to the road warrior and the outdoor lover alike. A focus on not only what’s going on, but also what’s new at the preserves is eagerly anticipated by our readers while recipes, tips and product highlights round out TrailBlazer’s content. A Z E B L

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Whether you’ve been reading along for the past 35 years or are new to TrailBlazer, we hope you enjoy what you see!

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

LOCAL EVENTS

hanks to the Theme Weekend supplement included with this issue, you have a complete listing of the fun weekend events planned at all of our preserves throughout the summer and beyond. So we changed it up a bit this month and focused our calendar on the great local events near some of our preserves. These events provide just one more reason to spend some time with us!

CHEHALIS - Washington

Wine Tour

May 3-4

The Chehalis Valley wineries invite you to the Annual Spring Wine Tasting and Tour featuring six boutique wineries, each with their own distinction and style. You’ll find a large variety of wine, from the basic merlot and chardonnay to special blends, fruit and dessert wines. Start at the winery of your choice to purchase your Passport and commemorative wine glass, free wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Visit all for a chance to win the gift basket. Passports are good for both days. Maps are available on the website at www.wellswinery.com. Wineries are located near the Chehalis Preserve.

AAUW Garden Tour

LAKE MINDEN - California

May 3

AAUW Garden Tour

Tour the unique gardens of five homes in Yuba City. (Note: homes are not announced until the day of the tour when maps are distributed for the self-guided tour.) Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Sperbecks’ Nursey, Botanica Landscapes, Bald Mountain Nursery, Union Lumber, The Candy Box, Yuba City Florist and Yuba Sutter Regional Arts Council. Yuba City is just 20 miles from Lake Minden Preserve. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit AAUW Garden Tour Facebook.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

LOCAL EVENTS Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival Palm Springs

May 8-11

PALM SPRINGS - California.

Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival

Sponsored by the Palm Springs Cultural Center, this event was founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader, Arthur Lyons. It is a unique festival featuring an eclectic mixture of landmark and obscure vintage movies from the classic film noir era. Event is held at Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Road in Palm Springs, just 10 miles from the Palm Springs preserve. Event hours vary; for more information visit: www.arthurlyonsfilmnoir.ning.com.

BIRCH BAY - Washington

Springfest Art Studio Tour of Blaine

Plan to join us for this two day self-guided tour through scenic Blaine, Washington and the surrounding countryside. Visit the private studios of some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier local artists. This thriving community of artists, many of regional and national acclaim, is sure to spark your interest in the visual arts, the creative process and the unique studio environment of the working artist. Sponsored by Blaine Harbor Art Gallery. Brochures are available at the Blaine Chamber of Commerce (less than five miles from Birch Bay Preserve) or at www.blaineartists. com Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

May 9-11

May 10-11

LEAVENWORTH - Washington

Maifest

This weekend of celebration includes afternoons and evenings of music and dance with the world-renowned Enzian Schuhplattler, Alpen Folk, local jazz groups and entertainers from the Pacific Northwest. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the great activities including a parade and Grand March and horse gallantry. Held in downtown Leavenworth, just 17 miles from the Leavenworth Preserve. For information visit www.leavenworth.org. MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

LOCAL EVENTS

May 18

PIO PICO - California

21st Annual

Sicilian Festival in Little Italy

Sicilian cuisine is some of the best in the world, and it is all here at the annual Sicilian Festival in San Diego! Bring the family and chow down. Event is in San Diego, just 28 miles from Pio Pico. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information visit www.sicilianfesta.com

Sicilian Festival

MEDINA LAKE - Texas

Cowboys on Main

Western-themed action, including staged gunfights and strolling musicians, greets you as you stroll the streets of downtown Bandera, 22 miles from the Medina Lake Preserve, events hours are 1 to 4 p.m. For information call (800) 364-3833.

Summerfest

LONG BEACH - Washington

Summerfest

Summerfest gets you in the summer mood with entertainment, activities and events each weekend from May to September 1, 2014. Stay with us at the Long Beach Preserve and enjoy all the fun.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

LOCAL EVENTS RANCHO OSO - California

May 24-25

I Madonnari- Italian Street Painting Festival

Madonnari, or street painters, transform Santa Barbara’s Mission Plaza using pastels on pavement to create vibrant and colorful, large scale images. The festival benefits the Children’s Creative Project, a nonprofit arts education program of the Santa Barbara County Education Office. The Santa Barbara Mission is just 15 miles from Rancho Oso. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. For more information visit www.imadonnarifestival.com

WILMINGTON - Ohio

Taste of Cincinnati

May 24-25

Come enjoy the nation’s longest running culinary arts festival, held in downtown Cincinnati, just 45 minutes from the Wilmington Preserve. Event runs from noon to midnight daily. For information visit www.tasteofcincinnati.com Taste of Cincinnati

LAKE GASTON - North Carolina

22nd Annual

Battle of the Barbecue 22nd Annual Battle of the Barbecue

Top-notch pig cookers compete to be the Battle of the Barbecue Champion! Enjoy a barbecue plate and eat-in, while enjoying live music and other vendors, or you can drive-thru and purchase your barbecue by the pint. Event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held at the Lake Gaston Lion’s Den, just 10 miles from the Lake Gaston Preserve. For information visit lakegastonchamber.com

May 24 MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

ummer vacation! Those two words can evoke a full sensory overload. Memories flood back from past trips and your head spins with thoughts of where to go next. Statistics show that when planning a vacation, nearly 25% of leisure travelers rely on friends and relatives to plan their trips, while 31% use past experiences to guide them to their relaxation destination. One in ten use websites and five percent look to social networking. We think everyone should look to Encore and Thousand Trails. Why? Because whether it’s mountains or beaches, quiet times or full-on activity calendars; with more than 170 scenic locations in more than 24 states, the choices are plentiful.

TAKE TO THE MOUNTAINS “You ask me why I dwell in the green mountains; I smile and make no reply for my heart is free of care.” Those words by poet Li Bai sum up what many feel about the mountains. So, if you’re looking for a carefree mountain destination, read on…. At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain in Maine’s Acadia National Park is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. What’s more, it’s just a few miles from Encore’s Mt. Desert Narrows, Narrows Too and Patten Pond resorts. In addition to Cadillac Mountain, you can enjoy the quaint town of Bar Harbor. 18

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Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains encompass 2,400 square miles of mountains, lakes, waterfalls and woodlands in Northeast Pennsylvania. White water rafting, fishing, canoeing, waterfall viewing and scenic driving tours through several charming towns are just a few of the things to do here. Luckily, there are three Thousand Trails locations situated within the Poconos area – plan a stay at Scotrun or Timothy Lake North or South and experience this beautiful area. How about a summer dog sled ride? If that piques your interest then make reservations now at Oregon’s Bend/Sunriver. Nearby

GIDDY-UP You may be a seasoned rider or looking to introduce your little ones (or yourself) to the joys of horseback riding. If that’s the plan this summer, we’ve got some choices for you. Oakzanita Springs in Descanso, California provides horse lovers the opportunity to board their own horse while enjoying the nearby trails. Oakzanita has six corrals with campsites next to or near the corral area. Rancho Oso, Mt. Bachelor offers this unique opportunity in beautiful Santa Barbara, offers endless as well as many hiking opportunities in the horseback riding opportunities. The horses Deschutes National Forest. at Rancho Oso are well-suited for beginners. The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad offers train rides Hour long trail rides are available for ages through the forest and foothills south of majestic eight and up, while ages seven and under Mt. Rainier, the highest mountain in Washington can get a hand-held ride led by a wrangler. State, and the fourth highest in the U.S. Enjoy Or try Encore’s Pacific Dunes Ranch in spectacular views of both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Oceano, California or the “Happy TTrails” at St. Helens when you stay at Chehalis. Washington’s Chehalis Preserve. MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Colonial Williamsburg - Photo Credit: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Courtesy Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

A BIT OF HISTORY

TAKE A HIKE

While school may be out for summer that doesn’t mean vacation can’t take on a bit of an educational slant. Traveling opens our eyes to everything this country has to offer and if you look for it, there’s history to be found just about everywhere you go.

Encore’s Mt. Hood RV Resort is nearby to more than 700 miles of groomed hiking trails and word has it that hiking along the Salmon River is some of the best you can find in this Oregon favorite.

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum in Virginia and just a few miles from Thousand Trails’ Williamsburg Preserve. A visit to the area provides families the opportunity to take in not one, but three historic locations important to our country’s history; Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. If you know anything about the Civil War, you know that the Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the War Between the States. Plan a visit to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, in Dover, Pennsylvania which is located just a few miles from the historic battlefields. Another educational note – Gettysburg Farm is a working farm providing children the opportunity to feed and pet the animals as well as learn about planting and harvesting crops. 20

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With a backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, hiking around Washington’s Leavenworth Preserve is a beautiful experience. With more than 300 acres of forest and meadows, and more than 700 miles of forest service hiking trails in the area, this is a hiker’s dream location. If you’re interested in desert hikes, there are two options to consider. A stay at Thousand Trails Palm Springs, in Palm Desert, California, is the perfect base to explore the nearby Living Desert which offers three different trails to explore this zoo and botanical garden. Hike Red Rock Canyon, just 20 miles west of our Las Vegas Preserve, which offers everything from easy trails to challenging rock scrambles and features breathtaking landscape with sandstone cliffs, creeks, canyons and waterfalls.

Leavenworth RV Resort, WA

BEACHIN’ IT If it’s ten toes in the sand and sunshine on your face you’re looking for, consider these “beachy-keen” options. Maine’s Ogunquit Beach has long been a favorite family beach destination. Just a few miles from Thousand Trails’ Moody Beach Preserve, you can enjoy the coast and all it offers, including deep-sea fishing, whale watching and the charming beach towns. Another long-time family favorite for beach visits has been the New Jersey shore. The beaches of Cape May consistently rank among the top U.S. beaches and we’ve got

you covered if that’s where you’re headed. Thousand Trails’ Lake and Shore, in Ocean View, is less than five miles from the beach. What’s more, when you’re done with the shore for the day, head back to the preserve and enjoy their water park and pool complex. It’s the only campground in the Cape May County that offers a water park facility. Clamming, crabbing, sand dunes and sand castles are all within reach of Oregon’s Pacific City Preserve. Located in Cloverdale, Oregon on the magnificent Northwest coast, this preserve has a nature trail that leads directly to the beach from the campground. Pacific City RV Resort, OR

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A FISH TALE Several Thousand Trails and Encore locations are known for their onsite lakes and rivers that provide some of the best fishing around. Plus, so many of our preserves are conveniently located to major fishing areas – like British Columbia’s Cultus Lake, which is near the Fraser and Vedder rivers, both known for excellent salmon fishing. Indiana is a great spot to drop a line and there are three choices for you to do so. Encore’s Twin Mills Resort in Howe, hugs the 525 miles of lakeshore of South Twin Lake which is home to bluegill, largemouth bass and Northern pike, to name a few. Further south, Thousand Trails Horseshoe Lakes in Clinton has 11 lakes onsite, plus a bait and tackle shop. Fish to your heart’s content for crappie, catfish and largemouth bass. Lake Texoma is known for its striper, a species of bass, which can be found on the lake of this Gordonsville, Texas preserve. If it’s trout you seek, consider California’s Idyllwild Preserve that features a small, but productive pond jumping with these guys.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE Do you canoe? Or kayak? Or maybe you just enjoy setting adrift on a lake surrounded by towering evergreens and basking in nature’s beauty? We’ve got plenty of water – no matter what you want to do with it. California’s Lake of the Springs Preserve offers a variety of ways to enjoy the 120acre onsite lake, including pontoons, canoes, bumper boats and kayaks for rent. Another California favorite for water fun is Ponderosa, in Lotus. Ideally situated on the south fork of the American River, it is a popular white water rafting location and a stay at Ponderosa puts you waterside! Peace River Preserve in Florida is popular for canoe trips. The preserve rents canoes and also has a boat ramp. 22

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Guests at Michigan’s Bear Cave Preserve will love the fact that the preserve is situated right on the St. Joseph River making it so convenient to enjoy time on this river that once served as a canoe route for early settlers and Native Americans.

THE GOOD KIND OF WINING This one is definitely for the 21 and over crowd, but definitely worth a mention. Several of our locations are near wineries – small and large.

California’s Russian River Preserve sits in the Alexander Valley, which has a total of 32,536 acres, of which 15,000 are vineyard acres. Stay with us and explore this beautiful wine country. There are more than 15 wineries located near the Thousand Trails’ Morgan Hill Preserve, in Morgan Hill, California, but most conveniently located is Sycamore Creek Vineyards and Winery, which is right next door! Another great winery within walking distance of a preserve is the Alcantara Vineyard in Cottonwood, Arizona – neighbor to our Verde Valley Preserve. Check out their “funyak” float trips for some wine tasting fun. A visit to Forest Lake Preserve, in Advance, North Carolina will put you in reach of 24 wineries. Visit www.yadkinwinetours.com to see a listing of wine tours for 2014. Looking to taste some cherry wine? Visit Encore’s Tranquil Timbers and take a short drive around the Door County Wine Trail and sample the wines of seven different Wisconsin wineries. So no matter your pleasure, from destination to things to do,Thousand Trails and Encore definitely have what you’re looking for. So, get planning, make your reservations now at ThousandTrails.com and enjoy summer fun with us.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 158 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

& PDATES UUPGRADES Check here each month to see what’s new at the preserves and what’s in the works.

Many of our preserves are getting brand new rental cabins and cottages just in time for your summer stay!

THE WEST CALIFORNIA IDYLLWILD Idyllwild LAKE MINDEN Nicolaus LAKE OF THE SPRINGS Oregon House PIO PICO Jamul RANCHO OSO Santa Barbara RUSSIAN RIVER Cloverdale SAN BENITO Paicines YOSEMITE LAKES Groveland OREGON WHALERS REST South Beach TEXAS LAKE CONROE Conroe

THE WEST Lake Of The Springs, CA

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

WASHINGTON CRESCENT BAR Quincy LONG BEACH Seaview

THE EAST ILLINOIS PINE COUNTRY Belvidere INDIANA INDIAN LAKES Batesville MAINE MOODY BEACH Wells MICHIGAN ST. CLAIR St. Clair NEW JERSEY LAKE & SHORE Ocean View SEA PINES Swainton PENNSYLVANIA GETTYSBURG FARM Dover SCOTRUN Scotrun TIMOTHY LAKE SOUTH - East Stroudsburg

THE EAST Scotrun, PA

*Actual units subject to change.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Vern and Beth Pich

Hiking near Verde Valley, AZ

I Knew I Was a

TrailBlazer

his month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Vern and Beth Pich, a couple who has been camping together for 50 years. They truly understand the TrailBlazer lifestyle and have explored countless areas of the country, all while experiencing and celebrating the outdoors. Heed their advice and you, too, could become the consummate camper! TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began. VP: We actually started camping as a family 50 years ago, the summer after our daughter was born. I had camped frequently as a Scout but Beth was an absolute novice. Our first “rig” was a four man canvas tent that leaked profusely during the full week of rain and left our 6-month-old daughter with bronchial pneumonia. I thought we would never camp again but Beth was sold on the outdoor life and the concept of seeing and experiencing new places. The next summer we rented a canvas top trailer and the next year we traded an old car for a teardrop trailer and traveled to the east coast of Canada. When I moved to a new position as a college professor (and had two months off) we attempted to rent a pop up camper, however, none were available so we purchased a number of pop ups and rented them out for the summer. Of course we kept the best one for our own use. As our family grew in size and age, we progressed to our first travel trailer (a 21-foot Golden Falcon) and 26

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each summer we would choose a direction and go. We headed east in Canada one year then west the next. Another year we traveled to Wyoming, Colorado and California and another straight to Arizona and California and finally down the East Coast to Florida. In the winter, we parked the trailer in northern Ontario and spent weekends and holidays snowmobiling in temperatures as low as -40 F. As our children got older and into high school they wanted to have summer jobs so we stopped our summer traveled and placed a travel trailer at an annual site on Georgian Bay, bought a boat and cruised the bay and Lake Huron. For a few years we actually had a second travel trailer which we used for extended travels. Then in 1996, we traded for the first of four fifth wheels and began to land cruise again. That year we became regular “snowbirds” and in 2007 we traded up to our first motorhome. TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? VP: In 2007 we were at a campground in Homestead, Florida, and we decided that we would become virtual full-timers. Beth began to scan the Internet for camping associations and organizations. She found a blog that talked about Thousand Trails and other membership groups so we investigated further. Within a couple of weeks, we purchased our Thousand Trails and RPI memberships.

TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories? VP: We would both agree that our fondest memories of camping occurred when we took three of our grandchildren and spent a month in the mountains of Colorado. The grandkids (ages 7 to 10) provided the motivation to hike, play in the snow, enjoy hot springs, explore and white water raft twice. The month gave us time to enjoy Colorado from west to east and north to south. We are hikers so our fondest TT memories all relate to hiking at Palm Springs and the Ladder Trail, San Benito and The Pinnacles, St. George and Zion National Park and finally Cultus Lake and the BC waterfalls, mountains and Othello Tunnels. TB: Any funny camping or RVing stories? VP: At Steamboat Springs one summer, we heard that there was a natural hot spring about 20 miles out of town. With directions in hand, we ventured up into the hills with all the kids to experience nature. Just before we arrived at the parking spot, I was able to get a glimpse of the river and the bathers. We parked along the road and had to walk up over a steep rise. I rushed half way up and yelled in my loudest voice, “come on KIDS, it is just over this hill.” As we crested the rise all we could see was bare butts disappearing into the woods to later return in bathing suits to join us in the springs. They certainly had been communing with nature “au natural.” That was a fun day. Another story comes to mind. Our daughter and sonin-law had only been married for a few years and he was still experiencing his new father-in-law. They had borrowed our traveling trailer and came to visit us at our seasonal site. Unfortunately, the blackwater drain pipe was plugged when they tried to dump. Being an experienced camper, I came over, took a stick and forced it up the pipe. Of course you know what happened. I got covered but nonchalantly said “There you go...it should work now.” and rubbing my hands added, “You can finish now. I have to go and make the hamburger patties for dinner...you are coming over, aren’t you?” We still laugh about that one.

Family fishing trip

On one visit to the west we were in St. George Utah (we had no air conditioning and it was still 97 degrees at 10 p.m.) so we decided to drive all night to the Yosemite campground. We were exhausted; so after setting up we decided to get some rest only to wake up to a commotion in the site next door. Our neighbors had left their food on their table and had gone for a walk. One of the local black bears was actually sitting at the table stuffing a pound of butter and other groceries into his mouth while shooing away the crows and jays who were trying to participate in the feast. After most of the big items were gone, the bear climbed down and lumbered up a small incline and sat down licking his paws. The jays and the crows took over. Later, the neighbors returned to the mess, the wife screamed, their dogs barked wildly, they packed up and were gone in half an hour. All the while the bear was sitting on the side of the hill overlooking the chaos he had caused. TB: What type of camper are you/what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why? VP: Over the past 50 years of camping we have utilized every form of rig. We have had three different travel trailers, four fifth wheels, two motorhomes and are now back to a 34-foot travel trailer. Each new “rig” was based on our real or perceived need at the time. Sometimes cost was a priority (young family with four children), other times space was important (trip to Colorado with three grandchildren), and other times perceived comfort and “just the next step up” was a determining factor. There is no doubt that the motorhomes were comfortable and easy to drive and we utilized them effectively. We clocked over 80,000 miles in them over six years. Our bucket list included a trip to Alaska and we purchased the second motor home with that in mind. We tend to camp at Thousand Trails and RPI and even dry camp from time to time. We also are “destination” campers. We head someplace and once there, we stay for a while and explore (hiking, biking, off-roading) everything we can for miles around and then move on. As examples, we have spent seven weeks in and around Verde Valley and hiked most of the trails at Sedona. We stayed in Alaska for seven weeks and the Yukon for four. This year, we spent three and Medina Lake to Texarkana. Do you want to know anything about the 1835-36 Texas

The quaint town of Leavenworth, WA MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

history or the Painted Churches or the Czech/German immigrants? Just ask. Or did you know that there are multiple “vortex” locations in and around Sedona? Just ask. We have been there. You probably have noted by now that visiting big cities is not one of our things. To us, camping is all about seeing, experiencing and learning all about places and things and to support all of our travels we have thousands of photos with notations. On our 2012 trip (12,000 miles) to Arizona, Utah, Oregon, BC, Yukon and Alaska and back home to Ontario we took more than15,000 pictures. TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership? VP: As everyone knows, traveling today is expensive and the more economical your campground fees the further you can go and the more you can see. Our three trips to the western US (Arizona, California, Utah, Oregon) and on the third one to BC and finally Alaska would not have been possible if we had had to spend $30-40 per night camping at other parks. In 2012 we were on the road for eight months. Prior to purchasing our Thousand Trails membership we were paying $600 to $700 per month to camp in comparable parks. In comparison, this winter we will have been away for four months and our costs for camping, including our annual dues, will be $897. In addition, we can visit any of our Thousand Trails parks whenever we please for the rest of this year at a minimal cost. We kick ourselves when we think of all the years we paid huge camping fees before discovering Thousand Trails and the affiliated parks. Considering the locations, the size, the security and the value, a membership in Thousand Trails is a camper’s dream. So far we have camped in 39 different Thousand Trails locations, and at 76 and 74 years of age respectively, our plan is to visit all of the rest and many for a second or third time again TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle? VP: We have always been outdoor people. When our children were young, a hike, a pick-up ball game, a skating rink in the back yard in the winter or beside a lake with a fishing rod in summer was what our family did. When we started to travel and camp, we decided together where we would go next and what we would do when we got there. Winters were spent planning, summers doing. North America has unlimited unique places to see in all sorts of ways. From a mountain river hot springs in Colorado to the majesty of Niagara Falls and Mount Rainier or the spectacular rock formations of Bryce Canyon or the thirty thousand islands of Georgian Bay, it is all there for us to internalize and enhance our life experience. Considering what there is to be seen from Gaspe in the northeast of Canada to San Diego in the southwest or from the rain forests of BC to the Florida Keys it would take multiple lifetimes to do it all. Add to all of that fresh air, an outdoor BBQ, a gentle breeze, the soft song of a bird and a spectacular sunset and that is about as close as one can get to Utopia. God (aka Mother Nature) put it there for us to experience and the outdoor lifestyle is the way. 28

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

A winters frost at Idlywild, CA TB: Can you finish this sentence? TrailBlazer when...

I knew I was a

VP: We knew we were TrailBlazers after our first summer trip with our children across the US to Yosemite. As we took that trip we realized that there was so much more to see and do and we have spent the last 48 years trying to accomplish that. While we have traveled to Europe, South America and Bermuda in the past, we made a conscious decision to spend all of our time traveling in North America and Thousand Trails is our passport. Many of our friends travel overseas and we enjoy their trips vicariously as they enjoy ours when we share our pictures and stories. TB: What’s on the agenda next? VP: The current plan is to travel down the East Coast (TT, Encore and OW parks) in the fall of 2014 and end up as far south as Sunshine Key to return home in the spring of 2015. Then, in 2015 a late summer trip towards BC and down the Washington/Oregon coast to California to return home in the late spring of 2016. All plans are subject to the caveat “God Willing.” TB: Feel free to share any other camping/RVing stories here VP: This is not so much a story but advice. Travel with your family for the joy of traveling and drink in the beauty that is all around. Yes, have lots of fun, too, and as you and your children grow and even as grandchildren arrive, they, and you, can remember and even re-enjoy the camping lifestyle. They will thank you. When you travel, be safe. Remember that every piece of equipment requires maintenance attention. In all the miles that we have traveled we have never had a blown tire or engine or bad wheel bearing. Yes we have had to do repairs while traveling but each was something that we recognized and had repaired before it became an emergency. If you would like to read about our travels in 2012 go to our website www.still-on-the-road.com (if you click on the “photos” header you can also see some of the pictures we have snapped.) Enjoy!

CIRCLE CIRCLENO. NO.102 161ON ONFAST FASTFACTS FACTSCARD CARDPAGE PAGE5050

Tech Topics by Paul and Kerri Elders

▶

Hot dog! The summertime travel season is here, so it’s time to give a little thought to a few helpful hints that will keep your temperature from hitting the ceiling. Luckily, there’s a tried-and-true way to help you keep your cool, all summer long. Just remember the Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared! We’ll also give you some easy, breezy tips for keeping your mind sharp behind the wheel. KEEP YOUR COOL: An overheated vehicle is something none of us want to experience, but it happens. You’ve undoubtedly passed a disabled car or truck sitting on the shoulder with its exasperated and overheated driver popping the hood and losing his temper. Don’t be that guy; think ahead. Glance at the temperature gauge occasionally. Overheating can be caused by something as simple as a piece of road debris (newspaper, plastic grocery bag, etc.) blocking the radiator’s air flow, an accumulation of bugs on the radiator grille, low water levels, or an overloaded rig. Many overheating problems in RVs are caused by a heavily loaded RV driven improperly. Fortunately, that’s easy to prevent. Don’t overpack and always drive your RV in the proper gear on hot summer days-this means the gear that permits the engine to operate at its optimum rpm range. Never try to climb a hill at a speed that causes your RV to shift up and down (with automatic transmissions), and, if you have a manual transmission, try to avoid constantly upshifting and downshifting, which strains the transmission and the engine. Instead, select a gear or speed that will permit your engine to pull the load comfortably. Sure, you may have to drive a little slower than you might prefer, but it’s a whole lot faster than the walking or waiting you might have to do if your engine overheats. There’s nothing quite like idling an RV in 110 degree heat in a traffic jam to send your thermometer into the stratosphere. Plan your day so you can avoid driving through any city during rush hour in the summer. Save your city drive-throughs for light traffic times and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches! Transmissions can also suffer from the heat. Most transmission failures are caused by overheating of the transmission fluid. Take this threat seriously, especially if you travel through mountainous regions towing a 30

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

heavy trailer. An easy solution is to install an auxiliary transmission cooler, which will work to keep the fluid cooler, keeping your transmission operating at its best. Another area to watch during the heavy summer travel season are the fins on your radiator—it’s important to keep them clear of debris, dirt, and insects. If the fins get clogged, your engine can’t effectively cool itself. Fortunately, there’s a sublimely simple solution to this problem. After you’ve parked the rig for the evening and have enjoyed an hour or so of relaxation at your campsite (which gives the engine time to cool off), open the hood and use a garden hose and nozzle to spray a concentrated stream of water onto the back of the radiator, aiming toward the front. This will help cool the radiator and will also help dislodge debris from the radiator fins, so that you’re ready to roll the next morning. Once the radiator is cool, check the coolant level and replenish as needed. THINK AHEAD: Pack a spare set of coolant hoses, oil filters, fuel filters, and fan belts that fit your motorhome or tow vehicle and your toad, if you tow one. Also pack some spare transmission fluid, brake fluid, and oil. If you have trouble on the road, you’ll want to have the parts on hand to make the job a breeze for the mechanic who saves the day. ROAD WARRIORS: Attention Please: While driving is a pleasure, there’s no doubt that long hours behind the wheel can lead to fatigue and distractibility. And that’s a BAD combination. When you’re tired, your mind slows down. So does your reaction time. The average driver makes over TWO HUNDRED decisions per mile, and when you’re tired, your Decide-O-Meter is, too. And that can lead to trouble down the road. Continued on page 62

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 113 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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 THE FOUNDER OF THE CAROLINA OPRY AND COUNTRY MUSIC ENTERTAINER, CALVIN GILMORE

CALVIN GILMORE

Calvin Gilmore in his Cadillac

s an aspiring country music singer in his youth, little did Calvin Gilmore, the son of a farmer on a third-generation farm in the Ozarks of southern Missouri, know that making it big in the music world would mean creating an empire in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

drive places that you can’t with traditional RVs. I love that I can sleep right on the stream. I had power put in down by the river so I can actually plug in there. It’s funny when canoeists go by. Out of nowhere there’s this thing on the side of the river that looks like a spaceship right on the water.

Wanting to be a country music star, but not wanting to live a life on the road, Calvin decided to create a musical variety show where he could perform and remain in one place – home. So, in 1986, he brought a new sound to the Grand Strand with the opening of The Carolina Opry. Now, 28 years later, he is still producing and directing (and performing) at The Calvin Gilmore Theater, with a variety of musical shows and special events that has single-handedly turned Myrtle Beach into the largest country music enterprise on the East Coast. When Calvin isn’t at the theater, he can often be found traveling in the Blue Ridge Mountains, to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, or to his ranch in the Ozarks. And it’s often in his off-road Chinook Baja camper. We caught up with Calvin in Myrtle Beach to talk about his love of camping.

What kind of RV do you own? A 2002 Chinook Baja. When I started out, I thought, is there such a thing as an all-terrain four-wheel drive camper? So I researched it on the Internet and found the ultimate in the Baja. There are only three things I’ve used it for and that’s to go to my ranch in Missouri, to tailgate at Clemson football games (my daughter and son-in-law graduated from there) and camping outings that former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford used to host at Coosaw Plantation. It’s got two captains chairs in the front, a little couch and seating booth with a table that folds down into a bed, a mini kitchen with all the amenities, a full bath, satellite television, and a beautiful wood grain finish. It basically has everything you’d find in a much larger RV, but it’s all put together so well.

How did you get involved in RVing? I have a ranch on the Big Niangua River in the Southern Ozarks where I grew up and where I keep cattle. There’s a mile-long trout stream below Bennett Spring State Park that’s stocked with rainbow trout from the park. That’s why I got the RV. It’s a real pleasure that I can drive it right down on the gravel bar along the water. It’s a four-wheel drive with dual wheels so you can 32

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Do you RV for work, pleasure, or both? I generally use it for pleasure. But when we open a new show or a new theater, I’ll sometimes take it there while it’s under construction so I’ll have an office or someplace where I can do what I need to do. I was in a film called “Bolden!” that filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, so, while I had a dressing room available to me, I decided to use the Baja instead so I drove it right on the lot and used that as my dressing room and a

place to stay between takes. What’s your favorite thing about staying in your RV versus a hotel room? It’s not so much about that for me. It’s really about having something I can take places where there are no hotel rooms like the river or tailgating. Another movie that I did, “Get Low,” with Bill Murray and Robert Duval, was shot in this little town in Georgia. They basically took it over to make it the set for the movie and there weren’t any hotel rooms anywhere close by. So I took the Baja so I could stay in it and use it as my dressing room as well. What are your three favorite things onboard? Satellite TV, which is real nice because you can watch television anywhere. I also like the big wench on the front bumper for getting yourself out if you get stuck anywhere. The third thing would be the extra gas and water tanks, on the back, for use if you are traveling in the desert. There are also hydraulics for running an electric wench to change tires and fill tires with air. All great things if you are traveling off-road.

Calvin driving his Baja Calvin Gilmore performs at the Grand Old Opry

What are a few favorite destinations and why? My ranch in Missouri, the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Clemson games! What do you like to do onboard while en route? I do all the driving. My wife isn’t too crazy about driving the Baja.

Captions: Picture Coming

Highways or scenic routes? Scenic – always “Blue Highways.” What’s your favorite meal to make onboard? Fresh rainbow trout can’t be beat. And second, I guess, would be hot dogs. Has anyone ever approached you at a rest stop or somewhere and asked to see your rig? Yes everywhere! I can’t go anywhere in that thing without people wanting to look in and take pictures. Even RV places that I go for maintenance can’t believe it. They want to take pictures with it. I let people come in for a look. But I don’t let canoeists in because they get it all wet. What’s the next big project? I’ve been working on a Broadway musical called Blue Ridge Thunder that features hip-hop cloggers. There are four of them in our show now. This show, though, would include 20 cloggers and it’s based on where clogging really came from. The story is about clogging started in an Irish pub as an Irish jig and how it came across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Blue Ridge Mountains, across the states and the Grand Ole

Opry to New York where my cloggers were finalists in America’s Got Talent. It’s really the story of where it all got started and where it is now. We’re currently rewriting the book (script) to tell my story. We’re also looking at a property on the West Coast in Monterey, California. We see Monterey as a market that’s a little bit like Myrtle Beach. We’re also always updating our theater. We just put in all new luxury seating in the Calvin Gilmore Theater in Myrtle Beach. We also installed a new LED backdrop that gives a whole new dimension to the show. MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 169 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Noun-forming (suf.) 5 Cry 8 Languish 12 “Arabian Nights” dervish 13 Harem room 14 Swami 15 Anta 17 Adjective-forming (suf.) 18 Cheer 19 Aft. gazelle 21 Agent (abbr.) 22 Irish church 23 Misplaced 25 Card reader’s card 28 Lead telluride 31 Heb. measure 32 Federal Aviation 33 Letters sound 34 Two-footed 36 Ionian island 37 Track 38 Ten decibels 39 Fetish 41 State (Ger.) 43 Storage place 46 Onionlike plant 48 Cuban dance 50 Jewelry setting 51 Poetic contraction 52 City in Judah 53 Eng. statesman 54 Electric reluctance unit 55 Love of Abie

Answers on page 64

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113 Bradford Exchange - John Wayne Figurine .......................... 31 116 Carefree RV Resorts................................................................65 104 Equity LifeStyle................................................................ 54-59 157 FirstStreet/Easy Climber......................................................... 2 161 FirstStreet/Perfect Choice HD............................................... 29 158 FirstStreet/The Perfect Sleep Chair........................................23 160 FirstStreet/Walk-In Hot Tub......................................................9 132 GEICO.....................................................................................68 169

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128 SkyMed ��67 50

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

DOWN 1 Small goby 2 Norse mythical hero 3 Victory site of Nelson 4 To be announced (abbr.) 5 Yuccalike plant 6 Polish border river 7 Saltwort 8 For you information (abbr.) 9 Site 10 Amalekite king 11 Young female pig 16 Sort comedy sketch 20 Used to express negation 22 Chosen nation 24 Palmetto 25 Afr. cotton garment 26 Make friend (Fr.) 27 Temporary relief 28 Mulberry of India 29 Child 30 Woman: obs. 32 Hesitate 35 Hades 36 Greek letter 38 Confusion 39 Gr. leather flask 40 Bauble 42 Rhine tributary 43 Palm liquor 44 Cleopatra’s attendant 45 Appoint 47 Jap. game of forfeits 49 Grandfather of Saul

CLUB CALENDAR MAY 2014

PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS

TT SINGLES Central California

TTWest/FMCA

May 23-26: San Benito, CA June 27-29: Morgan Hill, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 467-3278 or email to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net.

May 16-18: Lake of the Springs, 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

May 23-25: Seaside, OR June 27-29: Leavenworth, 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).

TT Travelers Southern California

May 5-7: Oakzanita, CA June 2-4: Rancho Oso, CA Contact: Cecil Brown, Wagonmaster at cecilbrown@hotmail.com or call (951) 323-1714.

TTN So Cal Weekenders

May 2-4: Oakzanita, CA June 6-8: Wilderness Lakes, 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/

May 2-4: Lake Texoma, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com

Bounders United (BUTTN)

May 12-15: Pacific City, OR June 2-5: Bend/Sunriver, 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. TT East Trail Buddies We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members. We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or email to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

THOUSAND TRAILS PREFERRED RV DEALERS

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

Charlie Obaugh RV Staunton, VA - www.charlieobaughrv.com

Alpin Haus Amsterdam - Port Jervis - Saratoga, NY - www.alpinhaus.com

Clear Creek RV Silverdale, WA - www.clearcreekrvcenter.com

Al’s Trailer Sales Salem, OR - www.alstrailers.com

Country Camping Corner Matthews and Kings Mountain, NC www.countrycamping.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 Big Country RV Bend, OR - Redmond, OR - www.bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV Mt. Vernon, WA - www.bladerv.com Boat n RV Ridgeland, SC - West Coxsackie, NY - www.boatnrv.com Browns RV McBee, SC - www.brownsrvsuperstore.com Campers Inn Jacksonville, FL - Leesburg, FL - Macon, GA - Raynham, MA Merrimack, NH Kingston, NH - Mocksville, NC www.campersinn.com 52

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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 Keystone RV Center Greencastle, PA - www.keystonervcenter.com Lakeside RV Sales Anderson, SC - www.lakesidervsales.com

THOUSA N TRAILS D PREFERR DEALER ED S

La Mesa RV Orlando, FL - Ft. Myers, FL - Port St. Lucie, FL - Yuma, AZ Sacramento, CA - San Diego, CA - www.lamesarv.com

See Grins RV Gilroy - Morgan Hill - CA - San Martin, CA www.seegrins.com

McMahons RV Colton, CA - Palm Desert, CA - Westminster, CA www.mcmahonrv.com

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

Media Camping Fairless Hills - Hatfield - Media, PA - www.mediacamping.com

Sunbelt RV Center Belton, TX - www.sunbeltrv.com

Patterson RV Wichita Falls, TX - www.pattersonrv.com

Sundown RV Center Atwater, CA - www.sundownrv.com

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

Super Deals RV Inc. Douglasville, GA - www.superdealsrv.com

Princesscraft RV Round Rock, TX - www.princesscraft.com R.B. Taylor & Sons Lynchburg, VA - www.rbtaylorandsons.com Roy Robinson RV Marysville, WA - www.royrobinsonrv.com RV’s For Less Knoxville, TN - www.rvsforless.net

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

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

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

THOUSAND TRAILS MEMBER DEALS AT ENCORE RV RESORTS MAY 2014

MEMBERS ALWAYS SAVE 20% OFF DAILY RATES 10% OFF MONTHLY RATES ALL ENCORE RV RESORTS NATIONWIDE ALL THE TIME! FREMONT JELLYSTONE PARK FREMONT, WI

MT DESERT NARROWS BAR HARBOR, ME

TWIN MILLS HOWE, IN

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.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

WESTCOAST OREGON WASHINGTON &CALIFORNIA

MT HOOD VILLAGE

PACIFIC DUNES RANCH

TALL CHIEF

PALM SPRINGS OASIS

WELCHES, OR

FALL CITY, WA

OCEANO, CA

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA ALL FLORIDA PROPERTIES 50% OFF WEEK

(Valid Thru 5/1/14 - 10/1/14)

PROMO: TTFL14W SUNSHINE TRAVEL VERO BEACH, FL

BULOW RV RESORT SOUTH FLAGLER BEACH, FL RAMBLERS REST VENICE, 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.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

SOUTHWEST ARIZONA & TEXAS

VENTURE IN SPECIALS!

Venture In RV Resort is perhaps best recognized for its extremely comfortable climate. With its location in the White Mountains, this RV resort in Arizona sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet, making the environment a pleasant 25 to 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix and Tucson and great for outdoor enthusiasts. Open May through October, make Venture In your summer RV Resort getaway!

MAY OPENING SPECIAL: $199! PROMO: TTAZV14M

VENTURE IN SHOW LOW, AZ

THREE MONTHS $999 PROMO: TTAZV14S (Valid May 2014 - September 2014)

30% OFF / WEEK PROMO: TTAZV14W (Valid May 2014 - September 2014)

30% OFF / MONTH PROMO: TTAZV14M (Valid June 2014 - September 2014)

ALL OTHER ARIZONA AND TEXAS ENCORE RESORTS 50% OFF / WEEK (Valid May 2014 - September 2014

PROMO: TTAZTX14W 50% OFF / MONTH (Valid May 2014 - September 2014

PROMO: TTAZTX14M (50% off Exclusions: Venture In, Whispering Palms, Sunrise Heights, Apollo, Casa Del Sol Resort East, Casa Del Sol Resort West, Central Park Village, Salome, KOA

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

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

NORTHEAST

MAINE NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA VIRGINIA

40% OFF DAILY RATE

Valid through June 12, 2014 & September 3, 2014 - Close

PROMO: TTNEMW14 $399 / WEEK PROMO: TTLGE399

(Valid throughout 2014 )

LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, LAKE GEORGE, NY

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

ROBIN HILL LENHARTSVILLE, PA

BRENNAN BEACH PULASKI, NY Subject to availability. Reservations required. Reservation must be a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 6 days total. 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.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

MIDWEST ILLINOIS INDIANA WISCONSIN TENNESSEE ALABAMA OKLAHOMA KENTUCKY

COME VISIT OUR THREE NEW WISCONSIN PROPERTIES OPEN IN MAY!

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

BLACKHAWK MILTON, WI

40% OFF DAILY RATE

Valid through - June 12, 2014 & September 3, 2014 - Close

PROMO: TTNEMW14

YUKON TRAILS LYNDON STATION, WI

O’CONNELL’S YOGI BEAR PARK

AMBOY, IL

Subject to availability. Reservations required. Reservation must be a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 6 days total. 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

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

“

„ Q: “

BILL, I AM NEW AT OWNING A 2005, 37-FOOT, INTERNATIONAL DOLPHIN...

WOW, BILL! I’M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE STONE’S THAT I READ ABOUT IN THE MARCH 2014 TRAILBLAZER.

and I want to tow my 2011 two-door, four-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler. I have found prices ranging from $2100 to $4400 for the towing package, and I am shocked that it costs this much to add towing equipment.

I have the hitch and six-pin plug-in on the RV, but nothing on the Jeep. Is this price normal? Thanks, Joe Record

„

I also need to re-level every two days as my jacks are slipping. Just before the warranty ran out, one solenoid blew and there was oil everywhere!!! When repairing that, we discovered another

was faulty. One was covered under warranty but the other was not.

Joe, unfortunately the equipment to tow a dinghy is not cheap, but

out on the extended warranty plan and he retracted them. No

it is a necessary evil. Towing packages consist of a baseplate, tow bar,

problem since, other than having to re-level every two days.

safety cables and an electrical cord between the motorhome and the dinghy. That being said, the baseplate on the Jeep Wranglers are very basic and not as expensive to set up as some others makes and

A few month’s later with the slide out while cleaning the carpet, I tried to retract but the jacks were stuck again. I had a tech come

ThanksClayton Bisson

models (that was your encouraging word!) You should be able to get the job done for around the low price of $2100 or less. Towbars are the most expensive part and can run anywhere from $600 on up to over $1000. Check the Internet as you may be able to find a used tow for cheap. Shop the Internet for the electric cord and the

safety cables as well. Most likely you’ll need the baseplate installed

Clayton, I need more information to answer this question. For

by a professional. Unless you’re very good at wiring, have them also

instance, are the jacks you have made by H.W.H., LCI or BIGFOOT?

install the wiring to the Jeep’s tail lights for towing.

You may have a similar problem as I described in the question that I answered in the March column, but without knowing which brand of jacks you have it is very difficult to answer you in a more thorough fashion as I’d like. Most likely, your particular problem will be located somewhere in the pump assembly. Thanks, and I hope to hear more from you soon.

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

“

WE ARE PURCHASING A 1998 SOUTHWIND MOTORHOME WITH 54,000 MILES...

„

on it and would like to get a warranty. The dealer told us they do not issue warranties on anything older than a 1999. Do you know of any company that will issue one on a 1998? We are excited about getting it but don’t won’t to incur any major problems. We

“

HI, BILL AND JENN. I KNOW YOU TWO LOVE TO BIKE RIDE AND MY WIFE AND I LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH OUR ROAD BIKES AS WELL.

are seniors and this rig was the only one we could afford on our

„

budget.

We keep them on a rack on the back of our fifth wheel trailer that

Thanks,

is attached to our hitch, not the ladder. Our question is “What kind

Linda and Ron Egger

Hello future RVers!! We are so excited for you both in deciding to make a plan to get on the road and enjoy all of the many benefits of traveling RV-style. You are wise to think ahead about warranty issues and inquire about the possibility of an extended warranty plan. Please know that because of the age of the RV there are no extended warranty or insurance companies that will cover what you are looking for, and more so, what you will need on this RV. One of the reasons would be the deterioration of many parts, including transmission seals and engine seals, and largely because of age and inactivity. If the refrigerator has not been replaced in the past, it is at the end of its life and has a potential to stop functioning. Due to the age of the refrigerator, parts are likely unavailable, and, expensive if you can find them. Often RVs of this age can literally nickel and dime you to death. Unless this motorhome is in pristine condition and is a great bargain, you may want to reconsider purchasing this motorhome. Remember that RV tires are only good for seven years; if they are past that age you’re looking at quite a tab for a new set of tires. Every tire has a DOT code printed on the sidewall; the last number of the

of bike cover should we use to fully cover your bikes for protection from the weather when they are on the rack?” Thank you, Bill and Liza Beard Amarillo, TX

A: Hello Cyclists! For us, there is no better addition to our full-timing lifestyle than the wonders found while riding our bikes. So far, we have cycled in 38 states, including Hawaii! We noticed that you are from Amarillo-Palo Duro Canyon. What a wondrous location to explore! Wherever we go, no day is complete without a ride into towns and asking a local for their favorite lunch spot. When we do put the bikes on the back of our fifth wheel, we cover them with a Swagman Bike Cover that is just large enough to house either two road or two mountain bikes. Of course, we lock them up securely with two heavy-duty cables and hardened locks. The cover is easy to use and the full-length zippers have served us well for over four years now. Thanks for your inquiry- it’s always encouraging to know more RVers are enjoying healthy and green outdoor activities such as cycling.

DOT code is the year they were manufactured. If the motorhome is a good price, and you’re still interested in purchasing it from the dealer, pay somebody (other then the dealer trying to get rid of it) to thoroughly inspect every square inch of the motorhome engine, transmission, refrigerator, a/c etc. Check for dry rot, etc. Take special care to inspect the roof condition. If it is a rubber roof it could cost a few thousand dollars to replace, not including any dry rot that may have occurred underneath it over the years. Feel free to email me again if you have further questions!

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

Tech Topics continued from page 30

When you sit for more than two hours in one position (as you do when you drive), blood can begin to pool in your legs, so it’s essential that you remember to take a little physical time-out. Stretch, move, and walk around for a few minutes every couple of hours. As we’ve mentioned repeatedly in our columns, it’s an excellent idea to get out and do a periodic walkaround inspection of your RV, checking tire health, headlights, taillights, trailer hookups, etc. Drink a cool glass of water, get your mind off the road, and get your blood circulating again. Your body needs a little exercise and exercise improves your alertness, boosts your circulation, relieves stress, reduces fatigue, and makes your trip safer and easier. Here’s wishing you a summertime full of happy, and cool, travels!

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.

If you plan on checking out any of the new thrills at the amusement parks listed in our feature, plan to stay with us at these nearby locations: Six Flags Great Escape Queensbury, New York

Six Flags Great America Gurnee, Illinois

Holiday World Santa Claus, Indiana

Encore - Alpine Lake, Corinth - 20 miles Encore Lake George Escape Lake George Schroon Valley - 5 miles Rondout Valley, Accord - 130 miles

Pine Country, Belvidere - 55 miles

Diamond Caverns, Park City KY - 120 miles

Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, California Soledad Canyon, Acton - 35 miles Wilderness Lakes, Menifee - 112 miles Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson Township, New Jersey Chestnut Lake, Port Republic - 50 miles Lake & Shore, Ocean View - 80 miles Sea Pines, Swainton - 85 miles

Hershey Park Hershey, Pennsylvania

Busch Gardens Tampa Hershey Preserve, Lebanon - 15 miles Tampa, Florida PA Dutch, Manheim 30 miles Encore Ramblers Rest, Venice - 75 miles Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio

Morey’s Piers Wildwood, New Jersey

Kenisee, Jefferson - 110 miles

Chestnut Lake, Port Republic - 50 miles Lake & Shore, Ocean View - 20 miles Sea Pines, Swainton, New Jersey - 15 miles

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park & Universal Studios Orlando Orlando, Florida

Carowinds Charlotte, North Carolina

Orlando, Clermont - 35 miles Sherwood Forest, Kissimmee -22 miles Forest Lake, Advance, NC - 75 miles Lake Magic, Clermont - 30 miles Green Mountain, Lenoir, NC - 75 miles

FOR PRESERVE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS VISIT WWW.THOUSANDTRAILS.COM

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 don’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 $45 Visa® Prepaid Card through July 19, 2014. In addition, for each Eligible Referral, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and hotel/cruise accommodations for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and hotel accommodations for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2014, not to exceed $525 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2015. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning the drawing depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Park Pass from us between January 1, 2014 and December 14, 2014, and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, 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. MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Find The Evergreen Tree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue. Drop us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 American Express Gift Card! Willard Swiger from Arlington, WA found the evergreen tree on page 5 of the March 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 May 31, 2014 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to

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

Linda Willinger

of Middle River, Maryland

Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 62

GEAR UP FOR SUMMER WITH THOUSAND TRAILS GEAR We have lots of new items - Check them out!

Portable Mini Speaker

Twill Cap

Camping Chair

Gone Camping T-Shirt

Aviator Sunglasses

Travel Tumbler

Ear Buds

Pop-Up Camping Cooler

THOUSANDTRAILSGEAR.COM 64

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

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MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

TH O

ND TRA I

A US

SUMMER 2014 ENCORE

Everybody in the pool!

The long Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer Thousand Trails and Encore are ready and waiting for you with plenty of summer fun on the agenda .

MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER

Thousand Trails & Encore Summer Fun Street Anywhere, USA

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER 67 MAY 2014 | TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 128 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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

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CIRCLEGEICO NO.is128 ON FAST PAGE 50 Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ÂŠ 2014 GEICO Some discounts, coverages, plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. a registered serviceFACTS mark of CARD Government Employees MAY 2014 | payment TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 132 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50