TrailBlazer Magazine - Nov/Dec 2019

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 ■ $2.00

This Year,

Winter Differently!

A LONE STAR STATE ROAD TRIP IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN YUMA!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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R FRIENDS U O Y E T I V IN Double the Rewards Ending Soon!

YOU receive a $50 Visa® Virtual Reward when your friend purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2019 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

GRAND PRIZE 7-Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii ($4,000 value)

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

Free Dues for 2020 10 Winners Selected (Up to $585 value)

Contact Us Today!

(888) 808-8925 or visit ThousandTrails.com

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

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

WHAT’S INSIDE

NOVEMEBER / DECEMBER 2019 VOL.51 ■ ISSUE 7

22 TEXAS THREE-STEP

regulars lifestyle

40

Pics From The Parks 7

Member Deals 56

Crossword Puzzle 60

Sudoku Puzzle 61

Preferred RV Dealer List 62

tips & topics

Austin vs Asheville 50

Tech Topics 54

4 Paws On the Road 55

Explore Comic – Con NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 ■ $2.00

This Year,

Winter Differently!

A LONE STAR STATE ROAD TRIP ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN FLORIDA

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Message from Marguerite

10 #100DaysofCamping 12 Beach Reads 14 I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer

– with Deanna Wilfred 32 Winter Differently 36 A Community to

Compliment your Lifestyle!

38 Check out Yuma!

44 Fudge Balls!

46 On the Road with Jimmy Fortune

calendars 16 Onsite Events NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Winter differently this year!

18 Local Events 64 Club Calendar NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE It’s hard to believe we’re already entering the holiday season and preparing for a new year. This year’s #100DaysofCamping promotion flew by, and brought in some of the best photos yet. Scrolling through 100DaysofCamping.com, it was fun to see generational photos from family reunions, action shots of the #100DaysofCamping towel along on a hike, and even a celebrity photo from a location or two! We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites and have included them in this issue of TrailBlazer, on pages 10-11.

Throughout 2019, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Thousand Trails, both looking back at all of the fun we’ve had over the past 50 years, and preparing for the next 50 years ahead. From photo contests that brought out some vintage shots and video footage of the properties and time capsule events across the country, to commemorative pins and 50th themed parties, it’s fair to say we had plenty of fun celebrating this milestone.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for all of the members and guests we’ve had make memories with us. To all of you and to the onsite teams who make it happen, thanks for giving us 50 years!

The year may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean we need to stop doing what we love. The winter RVing season is upon us and that means migrating south for warmer temperatures, palm trees, and beach breezes.

If you haven’t set your plans, yet, and you’re a northerner,

I encourage you to take a look at some of our Florida, Arizona, or South Texas locations and plan a trip or two for the winter. Whether you have The Trails Collection and plan to visit a few locations in the sunbelt, or prefer to settle down in one spot for the season, we have plenty of options waiting for you. You bring yourselves and the RV, and we’ll provide the sunshine and fun activities.

Or, if you’re someone who loves the chilly temperatures and snowy weather, check out the Pacific Northwest or northern California for gorgeous views and a guaranteed snowscape.

As the holiday season approaches, I hope you’re able to spend time with friends and family, and reflect on some of the camping and RV trips you took together in 2019.

Is there a location that was on your list, but you didn’t make it there this year? A new year is just around the corner, and is full of possibilities. Add it to your list and we’ll be there to welcome you when you arrive.

Enjoy the holidays and be sure to follow along on our social media channels for fun sweepstakes and promotions during the season of giving. Thanks again for a great 2019, and an even better 50th anniversary celebration. I look forward to what the next year of camping will bring.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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

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

TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com TrailBlazermagazine.net NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Visit www.trailblazermagazine.net and click on the ‘Subscribe’ tab to easily subscribe online today!

Win $50

EACH Issue!

Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

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

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

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

Winners will receive a $50 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card.

Each issue we will select ONE "winning" photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month). The winning photo will be posted on the TrailBlazer website as well as in the magazine.

Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to:

TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to:

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

Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of TrailBlazer Magazine and may be used for publication on company websites and promotional purposes.

One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received.

The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and online at trailblazermagazine.net.

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RVontheGo.com Remember! Thousand Trails members get preferred rates at Encore RV resorts.

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▲ Scottrun (PA): Two Brothers enjoying Scottrun.

– Laura Boden

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

WINN

ER!

▲ Fiesta Key RV Resort (FL): A gorgeous sunset while my son enjoys fishing.

– Cassandra Rowe

▲ Lake of the Springs (CA): This is a picture of Lake Mildred at Lake of the Springs CA on our last camping trip.

– Michael Hansen

▲ La Conner (WA): Sunset at La Conner.

– Stephanie Peterson

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER? Look for our Nov/Dec Get Out and Camp Winner in next month’s issue of TrailBlazer!

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a $1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card When you pay your annual dues for 2019 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2019. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails campground in 2019, you will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The drawings are limited to persons who are of legal age. The drawings will be held at our corporate office on the 10th day after the end of each month. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails campground. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. You may also enter the drawings by printing your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address on a 3" x 5" piece of paper and mailing it to the Sponsor in addressed, stamped envelope. You are limited to one mail-in entry which must be postmarked by December 15, 2019. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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

Sunshine Key s FL

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village Opening 2019!

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

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

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village t OR

Leavenworth Tiny House Village t WA

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Thank you to all our campers who made memories and participated in #100DaysofCamping at Thousand Trails campgrounds nationwide!

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 20192019 TRAILBLAZER NOVEMBER / DECEMBER TRAILBLAZER

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Pop a Book

Open This Season!

Check out these six recommended books to start your relaxing winter getaway right!

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

To Have and Have Not

by Ernest Hemingway: You may have seen the Bogart/ Bacall movie, but take some time to read the book. This classic novel details the life of Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain out of Key West.

The Nickel Boys

by Robert Colson: Based on a true story, Colson’s New York Time’s Bestseller tells the story of a boys reform school in 1960s Tallahassee.

Under the March Sun: The Story of Spring Training

by Charles Fountain: Learn the history, fun facts and more baseball lore than you can imagine about this winter ritual that has existed for more than 150 years.

Snowblind

by Christopher Golden: A small New England town is haunted by the memories of a deadly blizzard and with a monster storm approaching, will history repeat itself?

Dr. Zhivago

by Boris Pasternak: A classic love story where the snow and cold play major roles.

Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet

by Patrick Thorne: Stunning photography as well as detailed information on some of the greatest and most challenging ski runs in the world.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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I KNEW I WAS A

TRAILBLAZER

Deanna Wilfred

This month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Deanna Wilfred! She and her husband, Randy, have been camping with their family for 45 years.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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

D&R: For me it began when I was 11 - years - old and my parents took my brother, two sisters, and me on a 30 day seven state trip. We visited Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon along with lots of other places. My husband started camping and fishing with his family when he was five. So, our families have been a huge influence in our love of camping. We have been camping and RVing as a family for 45 years.

We started out in a tiny teardrop trailer with our boys who were eight months and three - and-a - half years old. We then moved to a large 9 x 12 army tent to a tent trailer to a small camper then a bigger camper to an even larger one. We used to take our boys camping and fishing almost every weekend during the summer with a group of friends and family. We also camped on major holiday weekends with a large group of about 50 friends and family going water skiing and swimming. In 1984, we took our sons on almost the exact trip my parents had taken me on and they loved it. We also added Victoria Canada to our trip. It was so much fun taking our truck and camper on the ferry over. In 1986, we took our sons then 12 and 15, our daughter at 11 months old, and a seven-yearold foster son on a two week trek through Oregon, Washington, and Canada. We took lots of weekend camping trips out to the delta fishing.

Our oldest son took his family on the same trip we took them on in 1984 and expanded it 5 years ago. So, the camping bug keeps moving.

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

D&R: We received a call asking us to attend a meeting about a campground membership, so we went and liked what we heard and took the offer to visit one of the campgrounds. We visited Thousand

Trails at Lake of the Springs in 1982 and loved it but at the time could not afford to purchase a membership.

So, when my sister asked me if we wanted her membership we said yes.

WE KNEW WE WERE TRAILBLAZERS "WHEN ALL WE WANTED TO DO WAS GO CAMPING..."

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

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

J&R: Our fondest camping memory was being able to take our children on a long trip to share the same adventures with them our parents shared with us. Allowing them to learn to love camping as much as we do and to show them things we had seen and introduce them to all the fun that is camping. Meeting new people, making new friends, and making memories they can share now with their children. Our favorite TT memory was the summer of 2018 when we camped at Snowflower and met the Johnson family, who were camping next to us. It turned out they actually knew our oldest son.

Their two children were so much fun. They came over during the day and visited and in the evening I got to sit and read to them before they went to bed. They called us their campground Gramma and Grampa.

There was also another family with children and I got to teach Amelia how to make lanyards. It was so much fun meeting these families and sharing crafts and books. We have remained friends with both families.

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

D&R: We now use an Alpenlite 29ft Riviera RK 5th wheel that our son gifted me with when I retired. We have used a teardrop trailer, tent, and a tent trailer, all sizes of campers and small travel trailers. We prefer our wonderful 5th wheel. It has lots of storage and a slide out bed that we can walk around and easily make.

It also gives us the ability to camp without hookups if we want, with storage tanks and a generator. We

D&R: Being able to relax, read, go on new adventures, visiting family, making new friends and experiencing life. To enjoy the country going places we’ve never been. To be able to enjoy a fire and make s’mores with the grandkids, and to have the grandkids go camping with us. Not having to go to work on Monday.

TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when… have stayed in the Thousand Trails cabins and love those, too, for special getaways.

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

D&R: We have been able to go so many more places because of our membership. Yosemite Lakes is one of my most favorite places to go and we have been able to go many times. We love the campgrounds all up the coast of Oregon and have been able to visit several in Washington that we would not otherwise have done.

We value our membership and will be getting so much out of it now that we are both retired and doing much more traveling. We are on a five and a half month trip now and visiting at least six TT campgrounds along the way.

We are sitting at Newport, Little Diamond as I write this and loving it. We have family in Spokane and a grandson that flew up from California to spend time with us.

If not for our membership, we would not be able to plan our next adventure to the east coast and beyond.

D&R: We knew we were Trailblazers when all we wanted to do was go camping. All we thought about was the day we would retire and move into our 5th wheel and hit the road.

When we planned our first long vacation and we actually got to get in the truck and go. We thought and talked about what it would be like when that day arrived and we talked about all the places we would go, people we would meet, the adventures we would experience, and letting go of the house and all the clutter. We love sitting outside at night and star gazing. There is no greater feeling in the world than waking up to the sound of rain on the roof and smelling the clean air and trees.

TB: If you could leave a piece of Thousand Trails history behind so that campers 50 years from now will remember what it was like to camp in 2019, what would you leave and why?

D&R: I would leave my comfy chair and a fire pit so they would know to sit down, relax and enjoy life, to visit with friends and other campers, and share their experiences. Life is short and we need to get out and enjoy it more.¾

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – On Site

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER Honoring our Veterans Lake Texoma (TX) will host a Pre-Veterans Day weekend event on Saturday, November 9 that includes door prize drawings for veterans and a special dessert and punch. Lake Conroe (TX) will also have Veterans Day events on the 9th with cake and appetizers. Colorado River (TX) will have a Flag Ceremony presented by the local Boy Scout Troop and also a bonfire with s’mores (weather permitting) on the 9th to recognize Veterans Day. Pio Pico (CA) salutes all heroes the weekend of November 9-10 during Local Heroes Weekend with a show of flags and special painted rock event. Special breakfast for vets at the Stone Lodge also. During the same weekend, Wilderness Lakes (CA) will have a bike/ golf cart parade, family movie and free cupcakes for past and present military personnel at the Sunday Ice Cream Time event. Seaside (OR) hosts a Spaghetti Dinner to honor veterans on Saturday, November 9 and Mount Vernon (WA) hosts a dinner and Bingo also on Saturday to honor our veterans while Lake Minden (CA) celebrates them the same day with a Pie and Ice Cream Social in their honor. They are also having a Veterans Memory Board, so bring your photos. Morgan Hill (CA) invites everyone to the Recreation Lodge for coffee and treats during the weekend of November 8-10.

On Sunday, November 10, Orlando (FL) will have a Flag Raising Ceremony followed by coffee and donuts and Medina Lake (TX) will have an event on Sunday as well.

All veterans and active military personnel at Rancho Oso (CA) can enjoy free french toast on Sunday. Virginia Landing (VA) also has breakfast for vets on Sunday.

Pio Pico, CA

Giving Thanks!

What are you thankful for? Perhaps all the wonderful events our campgrounds have cooked up to celebrate Thanksgiving Day? Thanksgiving comes early at Carolina Landing (SC) with their Thanksgiving Potluck on November 9. They provide the bird; you bring the side dishes to share!

Also, early to the party are Bay Landing (TX) and Natchez Trace (TN) when they host potlucks on November 10. If you plan to attend – please bring a covered dish to share. Turtle Beach (CA) is another early bird with their Thanksgiving Feast on November 15 as is Lake Texoma (TX), who will host a Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner (RSVP required) on November 16.

It’s a potluck so you bring the side dishes and desserts and they provide the turkeys. The event will be held at the Lodge at 3:30 p.m. Circle M (PA) has a Thanksgiving - themed weekend planned November 15-17 with crafts, a fire and s’mores while Verde Valley (AZ) will highlight Thanksgiving crafts and cooking techniques the weekend of November 16-17. Soledad 16

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Verde Valley, AZ

Activities and Events – On Site

ON SITE EVENTS Canyon (CA) will host a Thanksgiving Potluck on November 18 and Rancho Oso (CA) will give thanks with a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner and Dessert Potluck to be held at the Stone Lodge on November 21.

Other potlucks on the menu for November 21 are at Chesapeake Bay (VA), Hidden Cove (AL), Las Vegas (NV), Mount Vernon (WA), South Jetty (OR), Three Flags (FL), and Yosemite Lakes (CA). Peace River (FL) has set aside November 22 for their Thanksgiving Potluck as well as autumn crafts fun! Forest Lake (NC) holds their Thanksgiving feast on November 23 as does Pacific City (OR), Seaside (OR) and Thunderbird (WA).

Wilderness Lakes (CA) has a whole weekend of Thanksgiving activities on tap during the weekend of November 21-24 with family movie night, a visit from the clowns, Sunny Sunshine and Twinkles, the Wild Wonders Animal presentation and Dominic’s Karaoke.

Plus, a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner! Morgan Hill (CA) also has a big weekend planned (November 22-24) with Bingo, card games, and a movie.

La Conner (WA) celebrates Thanksgiving Day on November 28 with a traditional potluck with the campground providing the turkey, potatoes and gravy.

San Benito (CA) also celebrates the 28th with a Friendsgiving Potluck. Both Timothy Lake (PA) and Russian River (CA) host traditional Thanksgiving Day Potlucks providing main dish and ask that you bring the side dish to help celebrate Thanksgiving Day! Medina Lake (TX) will host a Late Lunch & Dessert Potluck on the 28th at the Top of the Trail Café – please bring a dessert. Football and Potluck are on the menu at Colorado River (TX) on Thanksgiving Day so come join the fun and stay for a weekend of movies and games.

Lake Whitney (TX) will also host a Thanksgiving Day Potluck.

Decorating and Craft Events Lake Minden (CA) kicks off the season’s festivities with their Getting Ready for the Holidays/Craft Fair November 1-3. San Benito (CA) hasn’t even finished with Thanksgiving before they start the decorating fun with a Holiday Tree Trimming event on November 21 at the Lodge beginning at 2:30 p.m. Medina Lake (TX) starts the rig decorating fun on November 30 and asks everyone to decorate their rigs – judging will be December 14 with prizes for the winners. Pacific City (OR) will host their Christmas Decorating and Tree Lighting event on November 30. Holiday music, beverages and cookies are all part of the fun.

Soledad Canyon (CA) hosts PJs and Hot Chocolate Weekend November 29-December 1 with hot chocolate, a sweets bar and crafts and card making fun.

If you still need presents, check out the Holiday Craft

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – On Site

Fair at Morgan Hill (CA) scheduled for the weekend of November 30-December 1. Lake Minden (CA) also starts the season off right with a Giving Tree Event and craft sessions for adults and children November 29-December 1.

Timothy Lake (PA) decorates the South Member Lounge during the weekend of December 6-8 complete with holiday beverages, cookies, and a classic holiday movie. Turtle Beach (CA) will host their Christmas Tree Decorating event in the Lodge beginning at 11 a.m. on December 7 and Mount Vernon (WA) will also decorate and the light the tree on the same date. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Lake Texoma (TX) also put aside the same weekend to decorate the campground and cookies and punch will be served. Seaside (OR) will also host their Tree Decorating Party on December 7.

Kids can write letters to Santa at this event, and all can enjoy holiday music and holiday cookies.

Oakzanita, CA

Verde Valley (AZ) will also have several holiday events during December, including decorating events during the weekend of December 7-8. All the decorating fun will culminate with the Rig Decorating Contest judging during the weekend of December 21-22.

Throughout the month of December, Oakzanita (CA) guests can enjoy holiday decorating weekends that will include adult arts and craft like candy making, gift making and ornament making. They will also have kids’ crafts too. Don’t miss the Lodge Decorating Party on December 2.

Parties and Celebrations Soledad Canyon (CA) hosts an Ugly Sweater Party the weekend of December 6-8 and the ugliest holiday garb will also be on display at San Benito’s (CA) Ugly Sweater Party on December 7. Russian River’s (CA) Christmas Social is set for December 14 as is Mount Vernon’s (WA) Christmas Party and Lake Texoma’s (TX) Annual Christmas Social. Santa and Mrs. Claus are the guests of honor at San Benito’s party on December 21. Yosemite Lakes will host a Holiday Celebrate on December 12 - 24 and Mount Vernon (WA) hosts Dessert and Movies to help everyone wind down form the holiday rush on December 25.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – On Site

ON SITE EVENTS Holiday Eating!

There will be cookie exchanges, breakfasts and brunches, and potlucks and dinners throughout the campgrounds this holiday season. Check with your favorite location for specifics.

Christmas Brunch will be hosted at Natchez Trace (TN) on December 14 and Three Flags (FL) will host a Cookie Exchange on the same day. Las Vegas (NV) will host a Holiday Dessert Potluck on December 20 and Mount Vernon (WA) will hold a Christmas Breakfast on December 24. Russian River (CA) does a Holiday Cookie Exchange on December 24.

For more holiday potlucks, dinners, breakfasts and brunches scheduled, check out the Theme Weekends Directory online at trailblazermagazine.net or with your favorite campground!

It’s 2020!

Check with your campground for specifics about their New Year’s Eve parties planned, but for the most part, if they’re open, they’re celebrating. Look for parties at Chesapeake Bay (VA), Colorado River (TX), La Conner (WA), Lake Minden, Lake Whitney (TX), Medina Lake (TX), Morgan Hill (CA), Orlando (FL), Pio Pico (CA), San Benito (CA), Seaside (OR), and Yosemite Lakes (CA) to name just a few! Also visit trailblazermagazine.net for the Theme Weekends Directory for more NYE info!

Just Regular Fun! Several non-holiday events are set for the months of November and December, so if you’ve had enough holiday cheer, check out these events.

Colorado River (TX) hosts their Welcome Back Winter Texans event on November 2, a Recipe Swap on November 16, and a Comfort Foods Potluck on November 23 Lake Conroe (TX) looks for the best chili during their Chili Cook-Off November 30 and then enjoy a Desserts Cook-Off December 7.

Lake Whitney (TX) put the groove in the season with their Seventies Peace, Love and Disco Party December 7 and have fun Candy Land-Style on December 14 complete with a life-sized version game.

Circle M (PA) hosts a movie marathon (November 1-3), a football watching marathon (November 8-9) while Lake Conroe (TX) does Sci-Fi Weekend November 2 and a Wild West Weekend November 16.

Circle M, PA

More chili is being judged at the Cook-Offs held at both Verde Valley (AZ) on November 2-3 and Las Vegas (NV) on November 15 and Three Flags brings the sweetness with their Tastes of Fall event November 16 with homemade apple cider and donuts!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER LOCAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2019 BAY LANDING (TX) November 23-24

10th Annual Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience Need to get your holiday shopping done quick? Check out this event that features more than 200 vendors with items for sale including candles, ceramics and pottery, clothing, antiques, vintage items and accessories. Held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, admission is free and event is indoors. There will also be live music, photos with Santa, pet adoptions and a raffle. funkyfinds.com BEND-SUNRIVER (OR) December 13 Holiday Lights Winter Paddle Parade

Decorated kayaks and canoes are the floats in this holiday parade set on the Deschutes River, as paddling enthusiasts decorate their craft for the holidays with lights and other holiday items. Held in the Old Mill District. Parade starts at 4 p.m. Unique way to ring in the holiday season. visitbend.com

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CHESAPEAKE BAY (VA) November 1-2 62nd Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival

This is the best place to taste oysters as Urbanna is a true oyster town! Learn the history of the oyster industry and see exhibits that show the industry as it is today. And of course, eat oysters prepared in a variety of ways. There will also be an Oyster Parade, craft beer tastings, and arts and crafts in the Festival Village. urbannaoysterfestival.com COLORADO RIVER (TX) November 1-3 Round Top Wine Fest

Enjoy a weekend of live music, great wines, good food and shopping all in the charming town of Round Top, Texas.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. exploreroundtop.com LAS VEGAS (NV) November 17

Donut Fest Las Vegas Held at Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas, there will be plenty of donuts and coffee to enjoy. General admission ticket gets you one free sample from each vendor.

Coffee and tea samples also on hand. Event has plenty of photo ops and a donut eating contest.

Hofbrauhauslasvegas.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

LEAVENWORTH (WA) November 29-December 1 Christkindlmarkt Authentic Bavarian foods, handmade crafts and entertainment are the perfect way to ring in the holiday season.

There will also be a lantern parade and a visit from Santa Claus. christkindlmarktleavenworth.com

December 6-9, 13-15, 20-22 Christmas Lighting Festival

Strolling carolers, spiced wine and hot cocoa, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and all things holiday lead up to the tree lighting each day. Festivities begin at noon and the tree lighting ceremony begins at 4:45 p.m. leavenworth.org LONG BEACH (WA) December 7 Crab Pot Christmas

Enjoy a coastal Christmas celebration along the Port of Ilwaco at the annual Crab Pot Christmas Tree event. Lighting the one-of-a-kind Crab Pot Christmas Tree starts at 5 p.m. and the public is invited to join the fun.

October 19-20

Pocono Food Truck & Art Festival Featuring more than 25 food trucks with delicious offerings

for all, the event also features the annual Art on the Mountain Art Show and Sale highlighting some of the region’s best painters, crafters, sculptors and more. Event runs from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. daily. poconomountains.com NATCHEZ TRACE (TN) November 9 SipTN

Family fun festival that showcases Tennessee Wineries that includes live music, artisan crafts, foods and local wines.

Held at the Nashville Farmers Market in Nashville. siptn.com ORLANDO (FL) November 30-December 1 Orlando Pottery Festival

The festival features over 30 artists with a variety of ceramic arts, from jewelry to sculptural art, pottery and home décor.

Event is held at the Florida Army National Guard Armory.

Free admission and free parking. Event runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. orlandopotteryfestival.org November 16-December 31 Christmas Town: A Busch Garden Celebration

Enjoy Christmas every day at Busch Gardens Tampa with millions of twinkling lights, holiday treats and holiday shows. hope-house.org/events/fallstockley-gardens

Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Tlaquepaque

PIO PICO (CA) November 8-11

Coronado Island Film Festival Categories include narrative features, short films (narrative, documentary and animated), and documentaries. In addition to the film screenings, there will be panel discussions, live performances, and parties. coronadoislandfilmfestival.com December 8 and 15

San Diego Parade of Lights To celebrate 50 years of ComicCon, this year’s holiday boat parade theme is Comic-Con on the Bay. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a stunning procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats along the Bay. There is no cost to view the parade. The parade begins at 5 p.m. sdparadeoflights.org.

RANCHO OSO (CA) December 6

67th Annual Holiday Parade Marching bands, holiday-themed floats and performance groups are just part of the reason more than 60,000 spectators turn out to watch Santa Barbara’s only nighttime parade. Come see the Holiday Prince and Fairy and enjoy the parade. This year’s theme is Tropical Holiday. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. downtownsb.org.

This Mexican tradition honors friends and family that have passed. Enjoy music, fire dancing, public altars and traditional Mexican food. Event is free and runs from 4 to 8 p.m. tlaq.com Various Dates in December

The Magical Christmas Journey at Verde Canyon Railroad Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December, guests can enjoy a magical miniature holiday village, complete with elves and a train ride to the "North Pole." Climb aboard and get in the holiday spirit! Great for all ages. verdecanyonrr.com WILLIAMSBURG (VA) November 28-30 Food and Feasts of Colonial Virginia

Cooking in Colonial Virginia is the topic at this event. See how food was gathered, preserved and prepared by both the Indians and Colonists alike. visitwilliamsburg.com December 7

Williamsburg Christmas Parade This year’s theme for the traditional holiday parade is Miracle on D.o.G. Street and will feature floats, bands, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Parade begins at 9 a.m.

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Activities and Events – Local

VERDE VALLEY (AZ) November 1

TEXAS THREE-STEP A LONE STAR STATE ROAD TRIP BETWEEN HOUSTON, AUSTIN & SAN ANTONIO

BY LYNN + CELE SELDON

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I

t’s enticing to look at a map of Texas and see how easy it is to visit three iconic Lone Star State cities in one road trip. This triangular-like road trip can be pursued in any order and only involves about 450 miles of driving (round-trip)‌no dancing required!

Each city shares certain "flavors" in its culture and cuisine and its obviously oversimplifying it, but a focus on "Asian" flavors in Houston, "Barbecue" in Austin, and "Tex-Mex" in San Antonio provides a perfectly tasty way to begin an exploration of three tantalizing Texas cities.

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HOUSTON Known as Space City since 1967, when NASA built the Manned Spacecraft Center, and made famous by Neil Armstrong when he said, "Houston, Tranquility Base here.

The Eagle has landed," after landing on the moon, July 20, 1969. 50 years later, modern Houston is a diverse city of towering skyscrapers, unique neighborhoods with many quirky attractions, lots of cultural attractions, some of the country’s top ethnic dining, and more.

Of course, Space Center Houston is a must-see attraction and it’s just 25 miles southeast of downtown, toward the Gulf of Mexico. With the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of landing on the moon, Space Center Houston is as interesting and relevant today as it was back in the "Summer of Love."

There is always something new at Space Center Houston. The destination attraction features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, interactive experiences, and theaters related to the past and future of America’s human space-flight program - all for one admission price. The experience is designed for both kids and adults.

Known around the world as the home of NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control and astronaut training, guests are taken behind the scenes to see NASA Johnson Space Center.

Space Center Houston has the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view.

Back in Space City proper, Houston’s downtown area is thriving, including the famed "underground tunnels" system that

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keeps locals and visitors cool in the heat of summer. There are now more than six miles of tunnels, with lots of restaurants and retail offerings connecting 95 city blocks in all.

Houston (TX)

Downtown’s Minute Maid Park, the home of the 2017 World Series champs, Houston Astros, is a must-see and -eat (thanks to Texas faves like Torchy’s Tacos, Jackson Street BBQ, Karbach Brewing’s beers (look for cans of their Crawford Bock, honoring the nearby street and box seats overlooking left field), and several menu items featuring Nolan Ryan’s beef. Their excellent stadium tours are highly-recommended.

Houston’s bustling Museum District features 19 cultural institutions and, thus, something for everyone (plus, 11 are free all of the time!). The possibilities include: Asia Society Texas Center; Buffalo Soldiers National Museum; The Children’s Museum of Houston; Contemporary Arts Museum Houston; Czech Center Museum Houston; DiverseWorks; The Health Museum; Holocaust Museum Houston; Houston Center for Contemporary Craft; Houston Center for Photography; Houston Museum of Natural Science; Houston Museum of African American Culture; Houston Zoo; Jung Center of Houston; Lawndale Art Center; The Menil Collection; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Rice University Art Gallery; and Rothko Chapel.

Houston (TX)

Houston definitely has a quirky side as well-some might even call it "spacey." The possibilities to search out around town might include: downtown’s Listening Vessels at Discovery Green (sculptures that focus sound waves); John Milkovisch’s Beer Can House, which is covered in beer cans and now houses a folk art gallery and NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Metro in Houston (TX)

workshop of Orange Show Center for Visionary Art; the East End’s Orange Show Monument, a folk artsy ode to the orange and more; Art Car Museum, which is nicknamed "Garage Mahal;" the National Museum of Funeral History; and, in the Theater District, the Big Bubble on the Preston Street bridge in Sesquicentennial Park, where pushing a red button results in bubbling fountains in Buffalo Bayou below.

Houston’s renowned culinary scene is especially known for its Asian influences, with the sprawling Chinatown neighborhood (which should more aptly be called Asiatown) in southwest Houston home to dozens of restaurants and lots of shops and cultural attractions influenced by China, Korea, Vietnam, Pakistan, Malaysia, India, and more. Restaurant options include Crawfish & Noodles, Fung’s Kitchen, Ocean Palace, Hong Kong Dim Sum, Banana Leaf, Avesta Persian Grill, London Sizzler Indian Bar and Grill, and many Vietnamese pho favorites (like Pho Bih, Pho Dien, and Saigon Pagolac). Shopping options include Hong Kong City Mall (look for the flavorful food court), H Market, and bargain shopping on Harwin Street.

Cultural attractions include Teo Chew Temple, as well as an exploration of Chinese culture through Asian Heritage Tours. For those who can’t make it 26

Park Center Drive in Houston (TX) out to this huge neighborhood, Les Noo’dle is close to downtown and features beloved ramen and more.

Celebrity chef Chris Shepherd (James Beard Best Chef Southwest in 2014) has several tasty options in Houston.

Shepherd’s restaurants worth seeking out include UB Preserve (telling the story of Houston through its food), The Hay Merchant (craft food and beer), One/Fifth (five years, five concepts, with current "Year Four" being Gulf Coast), and Georgia James (Shepherd’s unconventional take on a steakhouse).

Space City is also being called "Food Hall City" lately, thanks to a proliferation of good halls and farmer’s markets. Options include Conservatory Beer Garden & Food Hall, Bravery Chef Hall, Finn Hall, Lyric Market, Understory, Lyric Market, Railway Heights (opening late-2019), and Airline Farmers Market (opening 2020). Of course, Tex-Mex remains strong throughout Houston, including downtown’s Lone Star Taco Co. and Goode Co. Taqueria (in Finn Hall).

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AUSTIN Cowboy boot shop in Houston (TX)

Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World®" and situated just 165 miles west of Houston and 80 miles northeast of San Antonio, the hip city of Austin remains one of the Lone Star State’s most popular destinations for good reason. It all starts within "Austin City Limits" in the downtown area.

Austin is the capital of Texas and downtown’s large domed capitol building is a great place to start exploration. There are frequent tours leaving from the Texas Capitol Visitors Center nearby. Also nearby, the Bullock Texas State History Museum (including an IMAX theater) provides a great overview of Texas history.

Austin Mural courtesy of Seldon Ink

The campus of the University of Texas at Austin is just north of the capitol and includes the LBJ Presidential Library. It’s an ode to the life and times of President Lindon Baines Johnson.

Other "cultural" options downtown include: the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (including two on-site museums); BookPeople bookstore, the Harry Ransom Center (a humanities museum), the Blanton Museum of Art; pictureworthy Austin Central Library; and the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, which preserves the experience of AfricanAmericans in Austin in the historic Six Square neighborhood.

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Night life in Austin (TX)

Downtown is also home to historic Paramount Theatre (look for the huge lighted marquee) and Austin City Limits (ACL) Live at The Moody Theater, which plays host to Austin City Limits live television tapings and world-class music and musicians. Other highlights might include 2nd Street for shopping and 6th Street for live music.

Of course, live music is easy to find everywhere in Austin. Other possibilities include: 3TEN ACL Live; Stubb’s BarB-Q; Nutty Brown Café; Cedar Street Courtyard; The Roosevelt Room; the Scoot Inn; Emo’s; the Cactus Café; the Elephant Room; The Continental Club; C-Boy’s Heart & Soul; Shady Grove; and many, many more. An Austin Live Music Crawl "tour" is a great way to go!

Food is almost as important as music in Austin and the sprawling city doesn’t disappoint, thanks to world-renowned barbecue and much more. Downtown’s Franklin Barbecue is ground zero for brisket and more (get in line earlymorning), but there are lots of other tasty options in many genres, including: Comedor (modern and creative Mexican); Cisco’s Restaurant Baker & Bar (an LBJ fave); Scholz Garten (brews and ‘cue at this German beer garden and smokehouse that was founded in 1866); ramen and more at Ramen Tatsu-ya and a 28

Pennybacker 360 Bridge, Colorado River, Austin (TX)

splurge-worthy tasting menu at Barley Swine. Austin Easts Food Tours also provide a great way to take a bite out of the city.

Austin also features a large amount of outdoor space. For instance, historic Barton Springs Pool (a spring-fed public pool), Zilker Botanical Garden, and UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, all in sprawling (and shady) Zilker Park, provide reprieves from Austin’s oft-soaring temperatures. Even closer, Brush Square is a little oasis right downtown, along with the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which winds around Lady Bird Lake.

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Austin “Live music captial of the world®”

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The Alamo San Antonio (TX)

SAN ANTONIO Yet another popular Texas visitor destination, San Antonio is only 80 miles southwest of Austin. The historic city features much to see and do including a visit to the historic Alamo.

San Antonio is famed for the Alamo for good reason and self-guided exploration or a guided tour are both well worth it. Next, San Antonio is also famous for the River Walk, which is now 15 miles in total length after expanding out into the historic Mission Reach section and over to the Museum Reach section and the Pearl development at the former Pearl Brewery site (including popular San Antonio River water taxis and tours via GO RIO River Shuttles).

The River Walk features varied dining options, like colorful and tasty Casa Rio, which opened in 1946 when the River Walk was in its infancy. Nearby, historic La Villita Historic Arts Village, once an Army garrison, is now a thriving arts village with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Market Square is a bustling linear plaza with many historic buildings.

Other downtown highlights include San Fernando Cathedral; the Spanish 30

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Governor's Palace; Casa Navarro; the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum; the Texas Ranger Museum; Briscoe Western Art Museum; the San Antonio Museum of Art; the fascinating history "museum" in the basement of the historic Sheraton Gunter Hotel; the Witte Museum (including the Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center); and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

North of downtown, the bustling Pearl District at the one-time Pearl Brewery complex is yet another San Antonio revitalization success story. The area now includes world-class shopping and dining, as well as a very popular farmers market on Saturdays and an outpost of the Culinary Institute of America (including enthusiast programs). Celebrity chef Johnny Hernandez’s La Gloria (Mexican street food), frequent James Beard nominee Steve McHugh’s Cured, and Supper at Hotel Emma (be sure to have a peak into this hip hotel’s lobby library).

There's lots of great dining beyond the Pearl Brewery complex. Hernandez also offers The Fruteria (fresh fruit, smoothies, and tasty snacks), creative interior Mexicoleaning burgers at Burgerteca, and other

River Walk in San Antonio (TX) La Gloria locations. Other tasty options across the city include: La Panadería (Mexican breads, pastries, and more); historic Guenther House (great for breakfast and lunch); Fontaine’s Southern Diner; Boudro’s Texas Bistro; Schilo’s (Germany meets Texas since 1917); and fresh beers at Alamo Beer Company; as well as aforementioned Casa Rio. Further afield, extended sightseeing possibilities might include doubledecker bus tours of the city with City Sightseeing San Antonio; the four remaining colonial missions of Concepcion, Espada, San Jose, and San Juan Capistrano, south of downtown; the Broadway Cultural Corridor (including the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Antonio Zoo, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden); and the King William Historic District.¾

TO FURTHER PLAN THIS TEXAS THREE-STEP ROAD TRIP,VISIT TRAVELTEXAS.COM OR RVONTHEGO.COM

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Why be there?

By Joan Rykal Bundling up for winter can really add on the pounds. The weight of a winter coat ranges from 2 to 7 pounds. Snow boots can range from 2 to 4 pounds per pair, and a winter sweater comes in at just under 1 pound. Toss in the jeans, mittens, hat, scarf and long underwear and you’re adding another 3 pounds. Then go outside and pick up a shovelful of snow which can range between 7 and 45 pounds in weight! That’s a lot of extra winter weight!

Want to lose some weight this winter?

When you could be here.

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Shed all those clothes and put down the shovel and instead head to sunnier locales where your daily clothing weight drops substantially. A swimsuit’s average weight is less than 1 pound, a pair of flip flops are 10 ounces on average, sunscreen’s weight is negligible and your sunny smile – well, that’s worth its weight in gold. Whether it’s for a short trip to remind yourself what warm sun feels like, or an extended stay until Old Man Winter goes back into hibernation, there are plenty of choices to Winter Differently where the only shovel you’ll need is for building sandcastles and the only gloves to bring are for catching balls at a Spring Training game.

Monte Vista (AZ)

ARIZONA If you’re more particular to baseball gloves than winter gloves, be aware that Major League Baseball’s Spring Training in Arizona is a big deal. Fifteen MLB teams make their spring training home in and around the Phoenix metro area and Cactus League games run from late February through late March.

When there’s no game to catch, the area offers hiking opportunities at Camelback Mountain, Papago Park and the Sonoran Desert. Other ways to enjoy the Sonoran Desert include off-road Jeep tours and on horseback. With multiple Encore RV resorts in the Phoenix area as well as resorts in Yuma and Tucson – two other very popular Arizona winter destinations, you can Winter Differently this year.

Paradise (AZ)

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Sunshine Key (FL)

FLORIDA If you’re heading to Florida, luckily Encore Resorts has more than 30 locations in the Sunshine State that let you explore this sunny winter destination from coast to coast and in between.

On the Gulf side, start north in Tampa and travel south to Fort Myers enjoying the gulf breezes and warm winter days. Atlantic coast options run along highway A 1 A starting north all the way down south to the Keys. Inland options include the Orlando/ Kissimmee area.

As for what you can do in the winter in Florida besides soak up the sun, there are more options than you can shake a snow shovel at! The Keys 34

Fiesta Key (FL)

offer snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and kayak and canoe adventures while the Atlantic side attractions include the historic city of St. Augustine, the Space Coast, which is home to the Kennedy Space Center, and beach town fun including Daytona, Ft. Lauderdale, Vero Beach and Miami. The Orlando/ Kissimmee area of course has all the theme park attractions, but also non-theme park attractions that include the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Gatorland and airboat rides in the Florida Everglades.

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Tropical Palms (FL)

TEXAS At the southernmost tip of Texas sits the Rio Grande Valley, which is rich in history and culture and boasts plenty of sunny winter days. The weather is warm, with an average winter temperature of 74 degrees and visitors can enjoy a variety of things to see and do, both indoors and out. Ten Encore RV Resorts are sprinkled throughout the area so you can choose the resort that suits you to a tee. Speaking of tees, the Valley is home to some of the best public courses in the country. If you’re looking for a beach-themed winter, not to worry, as the sands of South Padre Island are about an hour’s drive away. Check out South Padre’s Sandcastle Trail or take some lessons from a pro on how to build the best sandcastle. The Rio Grande Valley is also great for bird watchers and is home to the World Birding Center.

Now that you know there’s so many options to Winter Differently, don’t you just feel that winter weight melting off! Don’t wait another minute – make your reservations to Winter Differently now and visit RVontheGo.com!

Victoria Palms (TX)

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Find a great Community to

Compliment Your Lifestyle!

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

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

Monte Vista (AZ)

ViewPoint, RV & Golf Resort (AZ)

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Crystal Lake (FL)

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

Colony Cove (FL)

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

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

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

The Reserve at Lake Conroe (TX)

Crystal Lake (FL)

Learn more at Call (800) 274-7314 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 20192019 TRAILBLAZER NOVEMBER / DECEMBER TRAILBLAZER

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Yuma, Arizona is considered one of the sunniest places, if not the sunniest place in the world. Yuma offers a whopping 360 days of sunshine annually. Given that stat, if you visit Yuma this winter, what are the odds those five days that may not be so sunny will fall during your stay? According to the World Meteorological Society, Yuma offers 4000 hours of sunshine per year. So, most likely, a winter visit to Yuma will be all kinds of sunshine-y days!

And let’s be clear here, all that sunshine does not mean hot, hot weather, but rather very comfortable temperatures. Yuma winters enjoy average daily temps around 76, with evening lows averaging 50 degrees.

COME CHECK OUT

YUMA!

YUMA, ARIZONA YOUR SUNNIEST WINTER DESTINATION!

By Joan Rykal Antelope Canyon (AZ) courtesy of Tom Virag

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Another fun fact – and most likely due to the gobs of sunshine the area experiences – Yuma is the winter vegetable capital of the world. In fact, Yuma is the source of approximately 90 percent of the leafy vegetables produced in the US from November through March and 75% of the lettuce worldwide.

So, what do you do if you’re headed to Yuma this winter?

Well, first book your stay at one of 7 Encore RV resorts, that offer wonderful amenities and the perfect place to stay while you explore Yuma.

Once you’ve chosen your Encore resort, get busy enjoying all that sunshine. And here are a few ideas on how to do that: Find a Date!

No, not the romantic kind, but the kind you eat! More than 7,500 Medjool dates are grown in Yuma and to celebrate that fact, each winter the city holds a Medjool Date Festival. The 2020 event is scheduled for January 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Yuma and promises dates, dates and more dates, as well as live music, Celebrity Chef demonstrations and all kinds of fun.

Go to Prison!

Not for real, but a trip to Yuma must include a visit to the historic landmark that is the Yuma Territorial Prison. The setting for many a Hollywood film as well as popular books, the prison, which the inmates helped construct, was established in 1876 and operated for 33 years. Now, the prison is Yuma’s Number One tourist destination and visitors can walk through the prison and views the cells as well as the solitary confinement holding. Take your mug shot to remember this experience. January is a great time to visit as the Annual Gathering of the Gunfighters happens where Old West guns fights are re-enacted to the delight (and thrill) of visitors!

In February, Yuma Crossing Days are celebrated with historic re-enactments.

Play in the Sand!

There is plenty of sand to explore in and around the Yuma area and they are pretty spectacular as "sandboxes" go. The Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area showcases sand dunes that can soar roughly 300 feet high! The location has been the backdrop for many popular movies ranging from the silent films days to present-day, including "Lawrence of Arabia" and most recently, "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi."

Adventurous types can explore the dunes via all-terrain vehicles, while the more serene option is to view the massive dunes from the Osborne Overlook Highway.

Araby Acres (AZ) Take a History Lesson!

Yuma is rich in history and has plenty of attractions that detail the history of the area. The afore-mentioned prison is just one of those. The Colorado River State Historic Park was once a military supply point and visitors today can see the quartermaster depot as well as other restored historic buildings that detail the importance of the area and its proximity to the Colorado River, a major transportation hub. To get an idea of what a mining town was like, visit the Castle Dome Mines Museum and Ghost Town which holds the remnants of a booming mine town dating back to 1878. In town, the Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens is a lovely way to learn the history of Yuma by touring the 19th century adobe home of E.F. Sanguinetti, who was known as the "Merchant Prince of Yuma", rising from a penniless 15-year-old-boy to build a booming mercantile trade. The current exhibit "CLUES: History Mysteries of Yuma" takes visitors on a room by room search for clues to solve the mystery while uncovering Yuma’s history.¾

Foothill Village (AZ)

Suni Sands (AZ)

Mesa Verde (AZ)

Book your Yuma Vacation Today at RVontheGo.com!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Explore The World of Comic-Con and Comic Conventions

By Joan Rykal

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C

omic-Con. What is it? If you think it’s a convention for comic book lovers, you’re only partly right.

Is it something relatively new? Absolutely not. Comic-Con International: San Diego, which is the mother of all similar conventions that have popped up since its inception, turned 50 years old this year. And it attracted more than 130,000 people at the July 2019 event.

Back in 1970, a group of comics, movie and sci-fi fans got the idea to put together a convention for likeminded people. The original event, held in March 1970, was a one-day convention and attracted 100 people.

Believing the event to be a success, they followed it up with a three-day, much larger convention the following July and attracted more than 300 visitors this time – possibly thanks to big-name guests like sci-fi fiction writer Ray Bradbury and Jack Kirby, a prolific and innovative comic book artist (he was the creator and/or co-creator of Captain America, the Fantastic Four and many more wellknown comic book heroes).

Fifty years later, San Diego’s ComicCon has grown exponentially in attendance as well as in the importance of just what this convention represents. With its more than 700 separate events, educational workshops, film screenings, book launches and more, it is the place for anyone even remotely interested in the far-reaching genres included here, ranging from sci-fi to fantasy, anime, horror, manga and more.

Cosplay is very popular at ComicCon. Cosplay is defined as the act of dressing up as a character from a movie, book or video game. This year’s Cosplay top characters included popular Game of Thrones characters

like Cersei Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen, favorites from the Harry Potter series such as Lord Voldemort, Dumbledore and the boy wizard himself, Marvel hero Deadpool, and Star Wars mainstays Princess Leia, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

And that’s just the tip of the Cosplay iceberg – if it appears in any of the genres represented here, someone will dress like them.

Comic-Con International is also an awards ceremony, announcing winners for annual awards that include the Inkpot Awards, the Icon Award, and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, which is considered the Oscars of the industry. Comic Con is also known for having the first release of trailers for highly anticipated movies and television shows. This year’s event released trailers for Top Gun: Maverick, It Chapter Two, Star Trek Picard and television series including The Walking Dead, Westworld and Supergirl.

In addition to the major San Diego event, there are many similar events held around the country each year.

Some are big and some are small, but all of them offer a uniquely individual experience.

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (Chicago, Illinois): Scheduled for February 28 to March 1, 2020, this event will celebrate its 10th year with the 2020 convention. Also called C2E2, this convention, like ComicCon, focuses on the genres of comics, graphic novels, anime and pop culture.

What makes this one interesting is the C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay, which is a competition of Cosplay with cash prizes awarded. It is also a draw thanks to the variety of guests who appear, which have included the late Adam West, television’s original Batman, comic legend Stan Lee, Sean Astin, who play

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Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings movies, and author M. Night Shyamalan. C2E2 is the largest convention of its kind in the Midwest. (c2e2.com)

MegaCon (Orlando, Florida): Celebrity photo sessions, autograph sessions, Artist Alley and an Indy film festival are all part of this event, which is one of the largest in the southeast. This past year the event welcomed several cast members from the Back to the Future film series including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

Over 1,000 retailers are onsite as well offering games, comic books, clothing and original artwork. Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the 2020 MegaCon will run April 16-19. (megaconorlando.com)

Emerald City Comic Con (Seattle, Washington): This comic and pop culture show brings together creators and fans alike and at their March 2019 convention welcomed over 90,000 visitors. Featured guests are from the entertainment, literature and comic industry - fans attending the 2019 event got a two-fer of sorts, as Gwendoline Christie, who appears in both the Game and Thrones (GOT) franchise as well as the Star Wars sequels was a featured guest.

Christie was there representing her Captain Phasma character from the Star War films, however GOT fans could at least say they were in the presence of Ser Brienne of Tarth. The 2020 event is scheduled for March 12-15. ECCC also hosts a charity art auction that benefits the Seattle Children’s Hospital, auctioning off artwork and art books. (emeraldcitycomiccon.com)

Fan Expo (Dallas, Texas): This expo boasts that it is fun for the whole family. Held at the Dallas Convention Center (2020 dates are March 27-29), Fan Expo is three days of excitement with photo and autograph sessions, workshops 42

and panels, 500 retailers and a Tattoo Alley that specializes in tattoos of your favorite characters.

A special Family Fun Zone offers opportunities to meet princesses and favorite cartoon characters come to life. There is also a kid’s costume contest. (fanexpodallas.com)

Comicpalooza Houston (Houston, Texas): From its small beginning as an autograph session in the lobby of a movie theater to the well-attended event it has become, Comicpalooza has a lot to offer. There is a film festival featuring student films, science fiction and anime to name a few; tabletop game tournaments and a Maker’s Space where creative ideas become reality. Literature events include workshops, panel discussions and roundtables while kid-oriented events include plenty of Legos®, drawing, singing, dancing and story time. The 2020 event is set for May 22-24. (comicpalooza.com)

Otakon (Washington, DC): You won’t find Marvel superheroes or Jedi Knights at Otakon as it is dedicated solely to Asian pop culture which includes anime, manga and related movies, music and video games. Past Otakon events have included such unique events as the Otakurave, featuring DJs from the area, Lyra’s Ball, a formal dance for Cosplay participants, and Masquerade, which has costumers performing short skits on stage for prize money. The next Otakon will be held July 30-August 2, 2020. (otakon.com)

Anime Expo (Los Angeles, California): Over 100,000 people with a love of anime attend this annual convention in downtown LA. This one has a fashion show featuring popular Asian fashion, the competitive Masquerade, and live music events featuring some of the most popular Asian musical

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groups. Get set for Anime Expo 2020 which will be held July 2-5. (anime-expo.org)

WonderCon (Anaheim, California): Visit the convention’s Trailer Park and you can see trailers for upcoming films, or Artist’s Alley where you will find comic book artists signing books, doing sketches and selling artwork.

This convention has been around since 1987 and was originally known as the Wonderful World of Comics Convention, eventually being shortened to WonderCon. April 10-12 are the dates for 2020’s WonderCon. Check out Toucon, the official blog of both the San Diego Comic-Con and WonderCon, for all kinds of information at comic-con.org

The Great Philadelphia Comic Con (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): The motto of this convention is "Get UR Geek On" and they pull out all the stops to help attendees do just that. Three days of panels, workshops, photo ops, celebrity guests and a one-of-a-kind Kids Zone, which provides kids attending insight into the creative arts world are all part of The Great Philadelphia Comic Con. The 2020 event is set for April 3-5. (philadelphiacomiccon.com)

Comic-Con Museum (San Diego, California): The plan is to open in 2021 and the museum will be a permanent installation located in San Diego’s Balboa Park allowing fans to experience Comic-Con all year long. The museum will feature exhibits, educational programming and films, as well as special events.

Whether you’re a comic fan or just love people-watching and celebrity sightings, everyone should experience a comic convention at least once. Who knows, you may become a fan and end up coming back year after year, costumed and ready to get your comic on!¾ NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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who is in the kitchen with

TRAILBLAZER?

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls Ingredients: 8 ounces 60% cacao dark chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ½ cup heavy cream ¼ cup bourbon ¾ cup pecan halves, finely chopped

Instructions: 1. Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring heavy cream and bourbon just to a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Remove from heat and pour cream mixture over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute; stir vigorously until cream and chocolate are thoroughly blended. Let mixture cool 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 2 hours. (If you cannot make the truffles immediately, the mixture will keep, covered, in the fridge up to 1 week.)

2. Place chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Working quickly and using a small warmed teaspoon (dipped into hot water and then dried), scoop chilled chocolate mixture by 2-teaspoon portions, and shape each into a ball.

Place each ball on chopped pecans. Once the plate is filled, wash hands and roll balls in pecans to completely cover.

Transfer balls to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chocolate mixture and pecans.

4. Chill balls until firm, about 1 hour. (Or freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.) Enjoy them now, gift them, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

(Recipe from southernliving.com) Check out more recipes at TrialBlazer.com!

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Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

On the road WITH JIMMY FORTUNE

By Cele & Lynn Seldon This month, we chatted with American country and gospel singer, and former member of the Statler Brothers, Jimmy Fortune Jimmy Fortune’s last name is no accident. He has been blessed with much fortune in his life. Not necessarily the monetary side of fortune (although after a 35-plus year career as a chart-topping singer, the money likely took care of itself), but more as someone who was at the right place at the right time. Some might say serendipity.

Fortune might say blessed.

Growing up in Nelson County in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Fortune was one of nine siblings. His upbringing was like that of The Waltons, the fictional family portrayed in the television series of the same name which, ironically, was set in the

nearby community of Schuyler, Virginia, also in Nelson County.

After kids asked him to sing for a nickel when he was in first grade, he ended up with a couple of nickels in his pocket at the end of the day and knew there was something to this. He started performing with his Dad at local square dances. At 13, he formed his first band, The New Edition. After he graduated, he started playing the Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Ramada Inn hotel circuit six nights a week in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Waynesboro, Staunton and up towards Washington, D.C. Working days as a service writer at a Charlottesville Porsche Audi dealership, he was burning a candle at both ends and burning himself out.

Then, as it were, good fortune struck. The original tenor of the Statler Brothers, Lew DeWitt, was suffering from Crohn’s disease and needed to temporarily stop playing and touring with the band. He had heard Fortune singing at a Virginia ski resort and suggested he audition for the role. The band members thought he would be a good replacement and Fortune started performing with the band in January 1982. By July, DeWitt knew he would be unable to return to the band and Fortune

was hired as the permanent tenor for the Statler Brothers.

He performed with them for the next 20 years and went on to write some of the bands most popular hits, including three of the bands #1 hits, "Elizabeth," "My Only Love," and "Too Much on My Heart." When the Statler Brothers retired in 2002, Fortune realized that he wasn’t done yet.

In his mind, he hadn’t completed his mission from God to deliver his uplifting music to people in need. So, he set off on a solo career. Within weeks, good fortune struck again, and the Oak Ridge Boys reached out to see if he was interested in going on the road and opening for them.

Naturally, he said yes.

Now, 17 years later, Fortune’s solo career is going strong. His eighth album, "God & Country," was released earlier this year to great fanfare. The fourteen tracks are reimagined national classics and congregational favorites that share faith and patriotism. They are a celebration of the beauty of America, the courage of those who have made it free, and the belief of what we can accomplish as a people.

We recently caught up with the Jimmy at home in Nashville before heading out on an early Fall tour.

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You are a singer and songwriter. Do you write all your own songs?

Half of my show are songs that I’ve written. A lot of songs that I learned through the years were songs that led me to writing the songs that I write now. I have a background that started in gospel music and then went into country and then into all this different kind of music. Music has been a life of doing what I love for a living.

Which do you prefer?

I love both. Singing was the first thing that I discovered that I could do. Singing was the thing that brought me to the dance.

It made me realize that’s what I wanted to do. I didn’t know I could write until after I was with the Statler Brothers. I never had the time. The first song I wrote was "Elizabeth", which turned into a #1 song.

Have you ever written songs for other singers?

Dailey & Vincent have cut a lot of my songs. A lot of gospel groups and bluegrass groups have recorded some of my positive Christian songs. The Statler Brothers were really the ones that got my songs on top of the charts years ago. That catapulted me to the good things that are happening today.

I just want to write for the sake of a good song. I want my music to have a message of hope, of understanding that we’re not in this by ourselves.

Was going solo once the Statler Brothers retired difficult?

It was. I was standing out there by myself. When I was singing with the Statler Brothers, I didn’t have to talk. I didn’t say much at all. When they retired, I had to talk to the audience. It scared me to death. I didn’t know if I could

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do it or not. Now I’m in to a 17year career on my own.

Now to talk about your bus and your life on the road.

What kind of bus do you have?

I have a 2005 45’ Prevost H3. It’s got two staterooms, it sleeps 12 people, it has a bathroom and shower. It’s a working bus more than it is a motor home. It’s kind of a home away from home. It’s kind of a refuge where we can go and be comfortable.

Does your bus have a name?

Elizabeth. It doesn’t have a name on the side. I just have a little license plate on the back. It’s a solid red bus and it’s kind of a subtle thing on the back that says Elizabeth so people will know it’s mine.

How many shows do you perform a year? How many miles would you guess you travel on your bus a year?

We’re doing about 90 shows per year. Probably looking at more in 2020. We’ve put about 70k miles on it so far in 2019.

Who travels on the bus with you?

My wife which is something I love.

I have a sound man. A driver, of course. I can drive it as well.

I said I’m not paying that much for something that I can’t drive.

I have a bass player. I have a couple of guys that sing who also play multiple instruments. There’s usually at least six of us on there.

Sometimes we take some friends with us.

Tell us about your bus.

There’s a living room, kitchen, bunk room and a stateroom in the back. You can sleep in the back, but it doesn’t have a bed.

It has a huge couch, a table with another seat, and closets. We all use it as an additional living area.

If someone needs a little private

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Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

time, they can go back there. The bus is for all of us. It’s not just for me. Everyone sleeps in the bunks.

Every bunk has a TV and the ability to watch movies. There’s a big TV in front and one in the back lounge.

What’s your favorite thing about staying on your bus versus a hotel room?

If you need a place to go lay down and rest in the middle of the day, you can go back and relax and have your private place to think, get your show together, get your thoughts. You can entertain on the bus with friends. It makes life a lot more comfortable.

Do you listen to music on the road?

I do from time to time. We’ll listen to something while we’re rehearsing. Or somebody might bring some new music on the road. It has a great sound system in the front and the back.

Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

What else do you do while you are on the bus?

Mostly talk. We can run our business out of it. Nina can be on the phone and talking or working in the back lounge for booking or publishing.

Do you cook on the bus?

We only have a microwave. We don’t really do any cooking.

Although we do have a nice big refrigerator. Most things are already fixed or something we can heat up. My mother-in-law fixes a bunch of stuff that we can take on the road and just heat it up. She’s a great cook. Also, people bring us stuff on the road.

Any favorite places you like to eat on the road?

We love Cracker Barrel. We stop at Cracker Barrel a lot because, well, of course they have my music in there which is one good thing.

But they also have a lot of great

food. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal at Cracker Barrel. We like Panera. We like their salads. If we hear of a great steakhouse in the area, we’ll stop. Some like sushi so we’ll find a place that has good sushi.

Do you ever stop to do any sightseeing?

We try to mix in as much of that as we can. Especially out west. I just love it out west. I love Montana, Yellowstone Park, Wyoming, Northern CA, especially the Redwood trees. Arizona is one of my favorite places to go.

Did you ever camp as a kid?

Mostly tent camping. I had a camper when I was with the Statler Brothers. I’d camp with the kids.

Now we usually get a beach house in Folly Beach, South Carolina with the family. Nina and I want to get a small Airstream just for us to go whenever we want to.¾

For more ‘On the Road’ Features Check out TrailBlazer.com!

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Fried Green Tomato courtesy of Seldon Ink

All Things Food Austin vs. Asheville

By Lynn and Cele Seldon Although these cities are 1,100 miles apart and one is ten times larger than the other (Asheville’s population is approximately 100,000 while Austin is closer to one million), they have a lot more in common than both starting with the letter ‘A’. Both have attracted reputations of being cool, with tasty culinary cultures. Here’s a look at their similarities, as well as what sets them apart.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

ROCK STAR CHEFS

Both cities are rocking awardwinning dining scenes and have several James Beard-nominated rock star chefs cooking up a storm.

Austin Aaron Franklin at Franklin BBQ franklinbbq.com

Austin Franklin courtesy of Wyatt McSpadden.

Aaron Franklin - of downtown’s Franklin Barbecue fame - is the undisputed barbecue godfather of Austin barbecue. With lines down the block every morning and selling his brisket, ribs and pulled pork out in a matter of hours, Franklin and his ‘cue have been featured on "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations," Bon Appetit’s "Best Barbecue Joints in America," Jon Favreau’s 2014 film, Chef, and a Best Chef: Southwest win accolades in 2015 from the James Beard Foundation.

Asheville Katie Button katiebuttonrestaurants.com

Katie Button courtesy of Seldon Ink

With a background in science, Katie Button switched gears while in Europe and embarked on a culinary career. working under luminaries including José Andres and Ferran Adrià. She then brought a taste of Spain to Asheville, with the 2011 opening of Cúrate Bar de Tapas. Since then she has opened Button & Co. Bagels, been nominated for a slew of culinary awards and accolades and helped put the Asheville dining scene on the map.

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LIQUID ASSETS

One common denominator between the two cities is the adult beverages scene. Craft beers, ciders and spirits are soaring to new heights in both cities.

Austin Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery & Tasting Room deepeddyvodka.com Austin is the home to two überhot vodka distillers that have made a serious mark on the clear liquid. Both Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Deep Eddy Vodka were born in Austin and have a cult-like following. Head to Deep Eddy Distillery & Tasting Room, 20 miles west of Austin, to sample their vodkas in tasting flights and specialty cocktails, kick back on the patio, play some cornhole and pick up some Deep Eddy swag.

Asheville South Slope exploreasheville.com Named Beer City USA in 2009 and sweeping the competition ever since, Asheville is home to more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the country. Many of the breweries can be found in the South Slope area, a walkable neighborhood for craft beer lovers, just blocks from the heart of downtown. For national brand options, head to Sierra Nevada’s "Malt Disney World" or New Belgium’s Liquid Center along the French Broad River.

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Austin Franklin BBQ courtesy of Wyatt McSpadden.

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CASUAL FOOD

For a casual meal, there are plenty of options that offer full flavor and ambiance.

Austin Shady Grove theshadygrove.com Shady Grove is the perfect spot to grab a casual meal - think wings, nachos, salads, classic sandwiches (the vegetable laden, ooey gooey Hippie Sandwich rocks!), burgers and homestyle specialties like meatloaf and chicken fried steak - and kick back in the dining room or out in the courtyard under the 100-year old pecan tree.

From April through mid-September, enjoy dinner with live music at Austin’s longest running free live music series, Unplugged at the Grove.

Asheville Early Girl earlygirleatery.com A fixture of the downtown Asheville dining scene since 2001, Early Girl Eatery is a perennial favorite for scratch-made Southern comfort food, from morning to night. Focusing on farm-to-table fare long before it was a trend, Early Girl whips up creative scrambles and breakfast bowls (they serve breakfast all day), fresh and imaginative salads, classic sandwiches and Southern-style dinners.

SWEET SPOT

In these two cities, it’s all about the ice cream.

Austin Lick Honest Ice Cream ilikelick.com As the name implies, Lick Honest Ice Cream uses the purest ingredients without any artificial flavors or colors, high fructose syrup or preservatives.

The milk and cream come from one family-owned dairy in central Texas and everything else that goes into their creamy confections is scratch made in-house. And, with standard sweet flavors and savory options like roasted beet with fresh mint and shishito pepper and plum, there is a flavor for everyone.

Asheville Sunshine Sammies sunshinesammies.com What started as a food truck is now a full-fledged storefront in South Slope and features an "after school" menu of childhood treats with a twist. We’re talking gourmet moon pies, oatmeal cream pies and their specialty, ice cream sandwiches. Made with more than 15 varieties of house made ice cream and almost as many flavors of their fresh baked cookies, there is an endless variety of ice cream sammies that you can create.¾

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Tips and Topics

TECH TOPICS

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

By Paul and Kerri Elders

This month, we’ll take a look at some pragmatic towing tips for "toads" and give you some simple, easy ideas for improving your RV’s lighting. Ready? Let’s get going!

This month, we’ll take a look at some helpful driving tips for making the most of your RV adventure and explore the reasons GFCI electrical receptacles have "test" buttons.

Ready? Let’s get going!

Quick Toad Tips: A toad - RV shorthand for "towed car" - is an extra vehicle towed behind an RV (almost always behind a motorhome). Toads are terrific traveling companions, perfect for sightseeing daytrips, running errands, and shopping excursions. They’re nimble, agile, and easy to park, which explains why they’re so popular with the motorhoming set.

If you want to find the perfect toad, just rememeber to always size-match your toad to your tow vehicle. Don’t try to tow a Mack truck behind a small RV; size and weight are important considerations for safe handling and your motorhome’s roadworthiness.

Remember that you’ll want to perform all necessary oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid changes for your toad, just as you do for your motorhome.

For convenience’s sake, it’s a good idea to keep your toad on the same maintenance schedule as the motorhome you use to pull it.

Keep a spare tire on hand, a lug wrench that fits your toad’s wheels, and ALWAYS check the toad’s Owners Manual for complete instructions on towability and safe towing practices.

Do it wrong,and you can ruin a transmission. Make sure you have your insurance paperwork, registrations, and inspections up to date. And you’ll probably want to invest in a stone guard/towing guard to protect your toad from wayward stones and debris.

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Make it a point to periodically check all hardware and pins on your toad (including baseplates) and the hookups on your motorhome, inspecting for damage or wear. Verify that all signal lights and brake lights are working properly and that all tires are in good condition. You ALWAYS want to catch small problems before they become big ones.

Light Up Your Life: The reason most of us travel is to see the world. So once we’re nestled into a comfortable campsite, we like to hit the road in our toads and take a good look at the surrounding countryside. And sometimes, these sightseeing day trips morph into partial night trips.

If you know you’ll be away from your RV for a few hours after dark, take a few minutes to close all the blinds before you leave for your sightseeing adventure. It’s a good idea to install a simple plug-in electric timer that will bring on a couple of interior lights at dusk to make it appear as though someone is home whenever you’re away from your RV after dark.

To improve your safety inside, get some low-voltage plug-in nightlights for the bathroom and kitchen areas.

A simple, inexpensive, batterypowered round push-on light can also be helpful for the bedside table.

Consider getting a rechargeable flashlight. You can easily mount its permanent charging station "holster" just inside your RV’s entry door. By mounting it lower on the wall near the stairwell, it’s always within easy reach, even from outside, which is where it’s usually needed for hookups, checking tires while traveling at night, fueling, etc.

As any veteran road warrior can tell you, lighted storage bays are priceless.

If your RV isn’t outfitted with lighted bays, visit your local hardware store, RV supply house, or Amazon.com and get some battery powered push-on

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

lights. They’re easily mounted with sticky tape (or even Velcro strips) so you can perfectly position them for easy reach and optimum light.

Another handy, inexpensive light to always have at hand is a simple, LED Microlight keychain flashlight. Smaller than a quarter, they can really come in handy during late night fuel runs.

A lighted grab bar handle at the entry door is especially helpful when returning to your rig after dark; you can find these online or at your local RV supply house. Another add-on lighting option is a surface-mounted Porch/Utility light. Hardwired into your RV’s 12 volt system, these can be mounted at or over the entry door. Solar yard lights can be easily pushed into the ground at your latest campsite; they’re easy to pull up when you’re ready to go. They charge during sunny days, turn on automatically at dusk, and are an attractive option for cheerfully lighting the path to your door.

Even with the brightest of porch lights, those very dark black steps at your rig’s entry point can be a challenge to negotiate in the darkness. Luckily, there’s an easy and inexpensive way to make entering or exiting your rig at night a little safer. Just buy a roll of inch-wide white reflective tape at your local hardware store or RV Supply Center. Clean the step’s surface as recommended by the tape manufacturer, then run a strip of tape along the top outer edge of each step, across the full length of the stair step. The reflective tape will clearly highlight the edge of each step, and you’ll be able to see exactly where you’re stepping, even in dim light.

Happy travels, trailblazers!

Check out more tips & tricks on trailblazermagazine.net

Tips and Topics

4 PAWS ON THE ROAD

by Jenn Swope Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals felines! Made with premium North American catnip, the soap like liquid is non-toxic, safe, die free and does not leave a slippery surface on linoleum or hardwood, nor does it stain. The Bouncy Bubbles are quite the hoot for cats, dogs and human entertainment! The retail MSRP on this product is $6.50 and well worth a try. Happy Trails!

I so look forward to reading your column! Here’s my dilemma- I don’t like to use any type of a choke chain or snap collar on my dogs. I have terrible arthritis and I need to be able to have a collar style that simply slips over my 3 dogs’ heads that is thin and sturdy. My dogs are all 25-80lbs and ideally, I would like to be able to attach a leash & a secure tag to the collars as well.

Jenn, My family and I are always looking for fun interactive toys for our two cats that love to travel with us. We love using laser pointers and they each have cat perches set up in the front and the back of our 2015 Cameo 5th wheel trailer. Because we are working from the road we often miss cool, fun new choices that might be on the market that would suit our lifestyle. I know you have great suggestions and we are very much looking forward to hearing a feature feline favorite from ya! Thanks for including cats in the RV line up of care and concern.

Thank you, Chris and Judith A. Port Ludlow, WA I appreciate you thinking about the mental well being of your cats and asking me to be your shopping guide. Certainly, all pets matter!

Bouncy Bubbles is an unique new product made by OurPet featuring Cosmic Catnip, a favorite catnip supplier well known in the industry; these are literally bubbles that you blow from the included bubble wand to entice and exercise your

Much appreciated for your guidance on this issue!

Be Well,

combinations so you can outfit each one of your dogs in style and comfort for each of you! ruffwear.com/ products/rope-dog-knot-a-collar Jenn, I was reading my Trailblazer and thought I would give another suggestion to keeping out the occasional dog stink odor. I have 4 dogs and can’t imagine being without them. One major option to eliminating the stink is diet biologically dogs are carnivores. Kibble and canned "dog" food is 40-60% carbs, and generally cheap carbs at that. Carnivores don’t eat carbs except in the contents of the stomach. I have found that feeding my dogs a fresh unprocessed, biologically appropriate diet is the best way to keep that stink and the vet at bay. I can provide information to back this up if necessary. The stink comes from more than just their coat. It’s a deeper issue. Thanks for your articles.

Sincerely, Carlyn W.

Jessica L. Cannon Beach, OR

Eugene, Oregon

Oh, Jessica! I’m sorry to hear about your arthritis, but I’m happy to share that I do have a collar suggestion for you! Ruffwear is my favorite canine gear company as everything they make is thoughtfully designed and long wearing. The "Knot-a-Collar" has secure, sliding knots for a customizable fit and has built-in reflective webbing on super strong, thin, climbing rope material. I love using this low-profile collar on my thick necked, Boston Terrier, Brie.

The Knot-a-Collar also settles comfortably in long hair/fur and reduces matting. The hardware on the collar includes a sturdy place to secure a dog tag that includes a rubberized noise silencer as well as leash attachment. Ruffwear rigorously field tests all of their products and has a solid guarantee against defects in craftsmanship and materials. This collar slips over the dog’s head and retails for $19.95. There are 4 and comes in beautiful color

Carlyn, I agree with you 100% that diet is the #1 most critical line of defense and assurance to helping maintain thriving pets and warding off the dreaded "dog stink". Rather than masking the smell, treat the deeper issues. As you know, I am a massive advocate for a raw food diet; I solely feed Primal Pet Foods - that coincide with Dr. Billingshurst’s B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Philosophy as it emulates and enhances ours pets diets on how they would access food in the wild.

Complete and balanced with organic meats and vegetables, synthetic free, and rich in anti-oxidants! Thank you for sharing with us your spot on truths!

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

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Access to Campgrounds in your zone(s)

Park to Park Family Access Reciprocal Network Getaway Cabins Travel Club

This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated, and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. The filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize or item of value as part of any promotional plan.

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 2019 TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

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C RO S SWO R D

ACROSS 1 Family member 5 Food 9 Botanist (abbr.)

12 Dagger 13 Fish sauce 14 Abridged (abbr.)

15 Malay title of respect 16 P.I dyewood tree 17 River (Sp.) 18 Under 20 Brit. saint 22 Join 24 12 (Rom. Numeral) 25 Spirit (Ger.) 26 Musical Instrument ( Percussion) 30 Air - to - air missile (abbr.)

31 Knot lace 32 Inclined 33 Beowolf monster 36 Edging loop 38 Belonging to (suf.)

39 Ass 60

40 Stoppage 43 Zoroastrian 44 Television channel 45 This one (Lat.) 47 Uncanny (Scot.)

50 Half - Boot 51 Spiders’ nests 52 Eucalyptus secretion 53 Donkey (Fr.) 54 Lamb 55 Ironwood DOWN 1 Mountain Standard Time (Abbr.)

2 S.A Herb 3 Interim 4 Virgil’s hero 5 Religion 6 River in “Kubla Khan” 7 Portuguese coin 8 Pastry 9 Fishhook point 10 Fetish 11 Instrument (suf.)

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

19 Deed 21 52 (Rom. Numeral) 22 Kill killed by samuel 23 Rip 24 Totem pole 26 Evil (Sp.) 27 Great lakes island 28 Benevolent and protective order of Elks (abbr.)

29 Attorney (abbr.)

31 Decimal unit 34 New (Ger.) 35 Laurel Nymph 36 For (Sp.) 37 Rom. house 39 Rom. province 40 Mulberry - bark cloth 41 Dayak people 42 Behold! (lat.)

43 Foot (pref.)

46 Trouble 48 Rom. First day of the month 49 Unclose

S U D O KU

Terms and Conditions for 2019 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

Find The Evergreen Tree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue.

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

Roberta DeShoung of Newhall, CA found the tree on Page 50 of the September / October 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 December 5, 2019 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2019, you will receive a $50 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2019, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2020, not to exceed $585 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, 2020. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates.

Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $50 Virtual Visa® Reward Card and you will not receive a $50 Virtual Visa® Reward Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored.

Employees of MHC Property Management, L.P. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes.

We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships.

This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored

by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

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NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com

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

Cunningham Campers, Inc. IN - Jeffersonville • cunninghamcampers.com Dunap Family RV TN - Knoxville, Chatanooga, Nashville KY - Bowling Green• dunlapfamilyrv.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com

USA A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City, Sevierville alrvsales.com

PA - Hamburg • boatnrv.com

ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com FIFE RV Center WA - Fife • fifervcenter.com

A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • agorv.com

Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis • funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com

Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley affinityrv.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake, VA - Salem americanfamilyrv.com Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • bladerv.com

Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • burlingtonrv.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • camperland.net Campers Inn CT - Union FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville, Ocala FL - Saint Augustine IN - Clarksville SC - Myrtle Beach NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, MA - Raynham VA - Fredericksburg GA - Macon, Atlanta • campersinn.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • chesacorv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale, Puyallup clearcreekrvcenter.com

Blue Dog RV CA - Redding ID - Coeur D’Alene ID - Post Falls NV - Las Vegas OR - Bend OR - Gresham OR - Medford OR - Redmond WA - Fife WA - Kennewick WA - Pasco WA - Spokane Valley • bluedogrv.com

Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com

Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie SC - Ridgeland

Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com

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Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com Colerain Family RV IN - Indianapolis OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus colerainrv.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com

Crossroads Trailers

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com Gerzeny’s RV World FL - Nokomis• gerzenysrvworld.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington, Burlington• haltermansrv.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Hitch RV DE - Milford NJ - Berlin• hitchrv.com Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Johnson RV OR - Sandy WA - Fife • johnsonrv.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, • lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com Lazydays RV AZ - Tucson CO - Denver CO - Loveland

FL - Tampa FL - Ocala MN - Minneapolis TN - Knoxville lazydays.com Marjon RV CA - Moreno Valley • marjonrvs.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Northside Family RV KY- Lexington • northsidervs.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com

CANADA

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim, Willow rvvaluemart.com

Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca

Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com

Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com

Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com

Canadream AB - Calgary BC - Vancouver ON - Toronto NS - Halifax QC - Montreal YT - Whitehorse • canadream.com

San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com

Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com

Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com

Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com

Sky River RV CA - Buellton, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach skyriverrv.com

Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com

Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com

Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com

Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com

Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com

Stoltzfus RV’s & Marine PA - West Chester • stoltzfus-rec.com

PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com

Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com

Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) roadhousecamper.com

GO VR QC - Ange-Gardien • go-vr.com

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The RV Factory Luxe Fifth Wheel IN - Elkhart • luxefifthwheel.com

JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Kustom Koach RV Centre BC - Aldergrove • kustomkoachrv.com Lardner’s Trailer Sales SK - Saskatoon • lardners.com Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Leisure Days RV ON - Aylmer, Kingston, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, Sudbury QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro • leisuredays.ca Leisure Trailer Sales ON - Tecumseh • leisuretrailers.com O’Connor RV BC - Chilliwack • oconnorrv.com Ottawa Camping Trailers ON - Ottawa • ottawacamping.ca

Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com

The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com

Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com

Tonie’s RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com

RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net

Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com

RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Mesa, Showlow CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg WA - Buckley, Fife, Mt. Vernon rvcountry.com

TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com

RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com

Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com

VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com

TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net

Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie vrsouliere.com

RV’s For Less

Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Airstream of Dallas Fourth Worth Two other Vogt locations • vogtrv.com

Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com

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y l l a It’s R ! e m i T CLUB CALENDAR 2019 Bounders United (BUTTN)

RVers seeking RVers? Rally clubs

from coast to coast love to meet at our destinations. Join in on the fun!

TT of Texas/FMCA

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

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

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

Nov 8-10.........................Medina Lake New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. All motorhomes, trailer owners, and 5th-wheels are welcome. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com.

Website: ttnoftexasfmca.com. Blog: ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com.

TT Northwest

TTN Central CA

Rallies are member-generated.

Main contact: Daphne Bailey, Daphnebailey07@comcast.net.

Lewis and Clark TTN

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

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

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

Email us at ccttnRVgroup@gmail.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

TT Travelers Southern California

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

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

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 60.

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

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

FOR 50 OFF A SATELLITE ANTENNA BUNDLE* $

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

Notthe valid on previous purchases.

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

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

NotView validpackages on previous purchases.

Minimum programming requirement may apply. for complete details.

For Pay-As-You-Go service, all charges, including monthly programming, pay-per-view and equipment upgrades, 66 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER must be paid in advance; failure to pay by due date will lead to service disconnection within 24 hours. All prices, packages, programming, features, View packages for complete details. For Pay-As-You-Go service, all charges, including monthly programming, pay-per-view and equipment upgrades, functionality and offers subject to change without notice.

State reimbursement charges may apply.

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

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

LIVE

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

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

LOVE IT. ®

18 SERVICES

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1-800-679-2020

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 TRAILBLAZER