TrailBlazer Magazine - November/December 2011 by TrailBlazer Magazine

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 n $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

VISIT THE

SUNSHINE STATE Take a Spin Around Daytona, Florida

BUCKLE UP FOR A 500-MILE ROAD TRIP

VOL. 33 n ISSUE 10

Photo courtesy of Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER2011 CONTENTS

Daytona ■ 26

Photo courtesy of Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

If you feel the need for speed, or for that matter, water sports, fishing and plenty of beach relaxation, then head to this fabled beach town on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

On the cover: Sunrise at Hollywood Beach, Ft. Lauderdale

Florida Road Trip ■ 32

Message from Tom The Camper’s Kitchen

Activities & Events

Features Tooling Around Daytona

Florida Road Trip

Member Deals

News & Notes

Gift Guide

Club Calendar

Advertiser Index

Crossword & Sudoku Puzzles

Preserve Services Directory

Marketplace

Classified Advertising

Winding Roads

Postcard from the Road

We’ve created our own 500 mile lap around Florida, and with more than 30 Thousand Trails (TT) and Encore locations, you can enjoy the Sunshine State by day and spend your evenings with your TT/Encore friends and family. See Page 12 for great places to stay! NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 114 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

MESSAGE FROM TOM

Get in the Zone

Reward Your Friends, Reward Yourself! When your referral activates their Zone Camping Pass, you are entered into our 2011 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes.

Grand Prize 7 Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii (a $4,000 value)

Third Prize FREE DUES

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

for

2012

(10 winners selected)

PLUS receive a

$25 American Express Gift Card

when your referral purchases a Zone Camping Pass

ell, another year is drawing to a close. For most, this is a time of reflection to measure accomplishments over the past 12 months. Taking stock at year-end is typical, on both a personal, as well as professional, front. Were goals met? Were changes made for the good? And then, we move on to planning for the next year.

In essence, “a going on” is really just rolling with the changes and moving forward with the knowledge you’ve gained.

However, there’s another way to look at year’s end and that’s why I chose the quote below for the Thought of the Month. Sure, it’s the end of a defined period which is always a good time to take stock, but if you take what you’ve learned and apply it going forward, it really is just a “going on.” Not an end, nor a beginning, but a continuing!

If I reflect on the past year, or even a bit further back, I am confident that Thousand Trails has strived to do the same. We’ve looked to add value to your memberships, to provide plenty of options to enjoy this lifestyle and to ensure that our preserves and resorts remain your first choice. We’ve implemented more member deals and introduced forums for communication, from our monthly newsletter to our Facebook fan page. We’ve learned from our experiences and keep “going on.”

The things we’ve experienced in the past year help mold us to better prepare for the future. These experiences, whether good or bad, serve as constant reminders of the important things in our lives. Never losing sight of what defines who we are. Our passion for travel, the outdoors, and our family and friends keep us keeping on. What do they say about the “best laid plans”? This past summer when we were impacted by the east coast storms, plenty of plans changed, and quite quickly. So what did everyone do – they kept “going on”. Everyone from the preserve staff to our guests kept “going on” – banding together to, dare I say, ride out the storm.

As we end 2011, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy holiday season and also to thank everyone for making our lifestyle the great experience that it is. Happy 2012! – Keep going on!

TOM HENEGHAN Pr esident and CEO

Thought Of the Month

1-888-808-8925

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” ~ Hal Borlund

www.ZoneCampingPass.com/referthezone Or see your Resort Manager or Camp Host for more details! Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on our web site at www.zonecampingpass.com/referthezone NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

PICS FROM THE PARKS

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

EDITOR Joan DeAno Rykal TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Heather Anderson

TrailBlazer Magazine

Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 www.trailblazermagazine.net New Subscriptions 1-877-252-9320 TTN & LTR Reservation Services (From United States and Canada) 1-800-288-7245 • 228-497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. September 1 to March 31 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time 24-hr. STAR Line: 1-800-859-7827 228-497-3594 Member Services 1-800-388-7788 Resort Parks International Reservations 1-800-456-7774 ELS Reservations 1-877-362-6736 PRINTED IN THE USA

Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to: TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to: Equity LifeStyle Properties, Attn: TrailBlazer Photos Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 E-mailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of Equity LifeStyle Properties and may be used for publication on company website and promotional purposes. Submission Deadline/Winner Notification Information: October-November/December: Submissions must be received by midnight on December 31. The winner will be announced in our March issue and on the website January 15.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Virginia Landing. Photo by Stephen Salios, Seaford, DE

Pics from the Parks Photo Submissions Do you have a winning photo from your visits to our preserves and resorts? We’d love for you to share it with us and what’s more, your submission will now be entered into our quarterly photo contest. Winners will receive $50. Every quarter we will select one “winning” photo from the submissions received during the previous three months (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the quarter.) Winning photos will be posted on the TrailBlazer website as well as in the magazine.

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TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published monthly except bimonthly Nov./Dec. and Jan./ Feb. by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

Ponderosa: Our little Yorkie, P’nut, loves to swim in our pool. After watching her friend Jake fetch and return she could not hold back. She jumped in and swam with the big dawgs! Sylvia & John Napoles, Lantana, TX

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ADVERTISING SALES 877-252-9320 TBads@equitylifestyle.com

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Paul and Kerri Elders Janet Groene Kim Wuchter

Seaside: Seaside Preserve has four fabulous new pickleball courts, which are packed every morning. The manager, Christopher, helped us organize a tournament, which was a huge success. We decided that we’ll have an Annual Weekend-After-Labor-Day Pickleball Tournament here at Seaside. Come learn the sport... it’s a great way to exercise and meet new friends. Sue Shuckhart ~ Full-time RVer NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

The Camper’s Kitchen | Fake a Fabulous Dessert by Janet Groene Dinner is done. The table is cleared. Now all eyes turn to you, the cook, expecting the meal to end with a dessert that says Tah-DAH. These recipes look as if you slaved all day. Only you know they are fabulous phonies created with secret shortcuts.

RV travel is all about good food, good fellowship and plenty of time for campground fun. With these recipes you can have it all.

Very Berry Crisp >

14-ounce package frozen blackberries or raspberries, thawed 14- to 16-ounce package frozen strawberries, thawed 1 tablespoon Minute Tapioca 1/3 cup sugar Squeeze margarine 15-ounce package granola cereal OR 2 cups graham cracker crumbs Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put berries in a greased 9x13-inch casserole and sprinkle with tapioca and sugar. Stir. Drizzle with margarine. Let stand 10 minutes and stir again. Sprinkle with granola or crumbs, drizzle with a little more margarine and bake 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Serve hot, warm or cold. It’s good plain or top it with ice cream, whipped cream or vanilla sauce. Serves 8.

Spicy Apple Tarts

Bakers work hard to put a fluted finish on their masterpieces. Thanks to aerosol cans with fancy nozzles you achieve the same look by pressing a button. 14.4-ounce jar spiced apple rings, e.g. Musselman’s White bread Butter, cinnamon sugar 1 can buttercup yellow aerosol cupcake frosting OR 1 aerosol can of whipped cream Heat oven the 400 degrees. Drain the apple rings well. Count them. For each ring, cut a circle out of a slice of white bread using a 3-inch biscuit cutter. Save crusts and scraps to make bread pudding or stuffing. Butter bread, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and watch it carefully while you bake it until it’s golden brown. At this point, bread can be set aside until later. To proceed, top each bread round with an apple slice. In the center of each apple slice add a fancy squiggle of frosting or whipped cream. Cook’s note: Aerosol whipped cream is fragile, so add it just before serving. Frosting holds up longer unless the day is very hot and humid. Serves 4 to 6. 8

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Orange You Smart Pie

It looks like a pie, eats like a pie, but it is so easy you’ll be embarrassed at the lavish compliments. 9-inch crumb pie crust, bought or homemade 1 pint vanilla ice cream 1 pint orange sherbet Caramel ice cream topping About 1/2 cup chopped Butterfinger candy Allow ice cream and sherbet to soften. Using two spoons, dot crust with alternate mounds of orange and white. When half done, drizzle lightly with caramel topping. Add remaining ice cream and sherbet. Smooth the top, pressing filling into the crust. Sprinkle with candy, cover with plastic wrap and freeze. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting in wedges. Serves 6 to 8.

Berry Cherry Bingo

1 ½ cups water 2 tablespoons alphabet pasta 4-serving packet cherry gelatin dessert mix 15-ounce can pitted sweet cherries 8-ounce container vanilla yogurt Quart tub of whipped topping, softened Continued on page 48 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Just In Time For The Holidays Rand McNally Provides GPS For RVers

fter extensive research and testing in the RVing community, Rand McNally has released the TripMaker® RVND™ line of GPS products – the first navigation devices designed specifically for RVers. Available in a 5-inch or 7-inch high-definition screen size, the TripMaker® RVND™ provides multimedia information for trip planning, RV specific routing and information crucial to the RVer on the road. RV-Easy Routing The routing includes legal (including propane and other RV-only) roads, height, length and weight restrictions, and right or left-turn preference based on eleven different RV types. With a quick reference to the specific Rand McNally Road Atlas page, turn-byturn spoken and text directions; the driver can stay focused on the road ahead.

RV-Critical Information The TripMaker® RVND™ features more than 14 million points of interest – including festivals, and National, State, and Regional Parks, plus: • RV Campgrounds, RV dealers and services, parking and rest areas, and travel centers with detailed amenities such as dump stations, propane availability and more. • Detailed exit and amenities information on upcoming exits. • RVer tools such as checklists for set up and take down, maintenance logs, trails back to your campsite, and quick mileage calculators. • Pet friendly locations including parks, animal hospitals, and beaches.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Things To See And Do Along The Way TripMaker® RVND™ features Rand McNally editor’s pick content – exclusive data, videos and photos, including: • Best of the Road® – three-to-four day adventures including unique stops, photos and maps to plan a memorable adventure. • Regional, city and scenic trips plus weekend getaways. • 12,000 researched locations to make any trip exciting and unique. • More than 600 fishing spots with searchable amenities available. CIRCLE NO. 116 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Through December 31, 2011, Thousand Trails members will receive a special 10% discount on the Rand McNally TripMaker® RVND™ GPS products. Simply visit the Rand McNally website at www.randmcnally.com/ELS and use promo code ELSRVND to activate this special offer.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

If you’re planning a trip to Florida, whether you want to experience the thrill of the upcoming Daytona 500, scheduled for February 26, 2012, or are planning your own lap around the Sunshine State, consider making these Encore RV Resorts your “pit stops” along the way as you explore. Check out pages 38-39 for great deals.

Winter Quarters Pasco

Manatee Royal Coachman

• Barrington Hills • Crystal Isles • Fort Myers Beach • Gulf Air • Gulf View • Harbor Lakes • Pioneer Village • Rambler’s Rest • Royal Coachman • Silver Dollar Golf & Trap Club • Terra Ceia Village • Toby’s • Topics • Vacation Village • Manatee • Winter Quarters Pasco Encore’s Vacation Village in Largo, is the perfect location to enjoy all the offerings of the Tampa/ St. Pete area. The resort offers plenty of amenities, including a heated pool, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits and an events and activity calendar that’s plenty full. Or consider Winter Quarters in Pasco for your Tampa-based stay. With gorgeous waterfront sites and an on-site fishing lake, water fun is the name of the game. Other resort amenities include heated pool and hot tub, billiard room and shuffleboard courts. If you’re stopping over in Sarasota, ramble on over to Encore’s Rambers Rest, in Venice. Located along the Myakka River, the resort offers great fishing, plenty of shady trees to relax under, and it’s just a stone’s throw to the Gulf. Gulf View, in Punta Gorda, offers plenty of hospitality and friendship in addition to its amenities, activities and proximity to historic downtown Punta Gorda and nearby Fisherman’s Village.

Ramblers Rest 12

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Enjoy the views of the water from the Clubhouse at Manatee in Bradenton, do a little beach fishing or sign up for a line dance class when you stay at this Encore Resort.

Encore’s Fort Myers Beach is a tropical paradise and just a few miles from some of the best shelling to be found on the beautiful beaches of southwest Florida. Or, after you’ve spent your day searching for the perfect shell, end your day at Pioneer Village – a friendly, yet very active, resort in North Fort Myers, that offers top-notch amenities in addition to a variety of activities and events.

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

• Breezy Hill • Bulow Plantation • Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina • Highland Woods • Sunshine Holiday • Sunshine Holiday Daytona • Sunshine Travel On the Atlantic-side of the Sunshine State, make Breezy Hill your stop when visiting Ft. Lauderdale. Just two miles from the beaches, this resort that features two heated pools, bocce courts and clubhouse is a great choice.

Lake Magic

If you’re on the search for lush, unspoiled beaches, then the quaint town of Vero Beach is a must on your drive around Florida and Encore’s Sunshine Travel provides the perfect home base to explore the area.

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort • Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort • Lake Magic • Sherwood Forest • Southern Palms • Winter Garden

Sunshine Holiday Daytona

The Orlando area is home to plenty of attractions, as well as Encore Resorts. Consider Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort in Clermont that includes an 18-hole golf course that features rolling fairways and undulating greens set among nature preserves and lakes. Or Lake Magic is another option that puts you within minutes of all the attractions the Orlando area is famous for. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Calendar - November/December 2011 Cultus Lake

Dec. 10: Come out to the preserve either for the day or the weekend and join the staff and other members for our annual Christmas party and potluck luncheon. Festivities start at 1 p.m. You bring the goodies and we’ll supply the ham. If you are interested, call the preserve to let us know you’re coming or sign up in the Family Center.

CALIFORNIA Lake Minden

Nov. 4-6: Crafters Holiday: Join us for a weekend of crafting. We’ll have tables set up for jewelry making (various projects), beaded ornaments, and a variety of holiday gift ideas. Sign up early for specific projects. Don’t forget the Friday Night Potluck Social, Brown Bag Bingo and a Family Movie. Nov. 11-13: A Salute to Veterans: Join us for a Veterans Day Pie Social. Veterans are encouraged to bring photos for our Salute to Veterans board and memories to share with other veterans and members. Help make holiday cards to send to our men and women serving overseas. Nov. 18-20: Baby It’s Cold Outside: Sounds like a great time for bingo, card games, board games, puzzles and hot chocolate with friends and family. Let’s get busy making Christmas cards for those special people on your list. Take a Christmas ornament class and bead an ornament just the right size for your traveling Christmas tree. Nov. 25-27: Annual Thanksgiving Social: This is our most popular social. Join us Saturday for a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey and dressing at our Annual Thanksgiving Potluck. Enjoy a scrumptious meal while you catch up with old friends and make new ones. Then take a relaxing walk around the lake. Join us for karaoke or make Christmas card and mini tree ornaments. Dec. 2-4: Crafters Holiday: Join us for a weekend of crafting. We’ll have tables set up for jewelry making (various projects), beaded ornaments, scrapbooking, holiday tags and wrapping, and a variety of holiday craft projects. Sign up early for specific projects. Don’t forget the Friday Night Potluck Social, Brown Bag and Candy Bar Bingo. Dec. 9-11: Get in the Holiday Spirit: Carol around the Christmas tree after the Friday Night Potluck Social, then join us for hot chocolate, popcorn, and a Christmas movie. It’s not too late to bead a pair of Santa earrings in a holiday bead class. Dec. 16-18: Christmas Dinner Social: Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck Social. Walk off those calories while you follow the clues and hunt for the Yule Log. Not quite finished with your Christmas shopping? Take a beading class and make a bracelet or a pair of earrings. You can also craft a Christmas ornament. Dec. 23-25: Join us for coffee, hot chocolate and good conversation. We’ll play cards and board games and share holiday memories and stories with old friends and new. Dec. 31-Jan. 1: Happy New Year: Join us for a Potluck Dinner, Brown Bag Bingo and karaoke as we bring in the New Year.

November 11 Yuba Sutter Veterans Day Parade

This annual parade honors the contributions of servicemen and women throughout our nation’s history. Held on D Street in historic downtown Marysville, just 19 miles form the preserve. Parade begins at 11 a.m. For information call (530)743-2390.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Lake of the Springs Throughout November and December: Saturday Baked Potato Social followed by Family Bingo. Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner – 2 p.m. We supply the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy with coffee and iced tea. Members bring a dish for their family, plus 8. Tickets are $6.50, plus tax, per person, ages 5 and up. Advance ticket purchase is available at the Trading Post. Nov. 25-27: Craft and Variety Fair. Dec. 10: Holiday Tree Trimming and hot chocolate. Come help us decorate our Lodge tree. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration includes Candlelight Dinner and Dance. We will be serving prime rib, plus complimentary glass of champagne or sparking cider. Diamondback Band entertains. Cost is $18.95, plus tax, per person. Advance sign up is required – please call (530) 692-3215 or (530) 692-1852.

November 25-December 23 44th Annual Cornish Christmas

Each Friday enjoy delicious foods, handmade carts and crafts, musical entertainment, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, costumed vendors, Grass Valley Cornish Christmas Carols, Tommyknocker Cloggers and Santa Claus. Held in downtown historic Grass Valley from 6-9 p.m. For information call (530) 2728315.

Wednesdays and Sundays in December Victorian Christmas

Sponsored by Historic Nevada City, event is held in downtown Nevada City each Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. and each Sunday from 1:30 to 6 p.m. and features Victorian singers, bagpipers, live Nativity scene, visit from Santa Claus, vendors in costume, hot roasted chestnuts and hot cider. For information call (530) 2652692 or (800) 655-NJOY.

Oakzanita Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Dinner will be served at 1 p.m. sharp. Dinner will include turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, rolls, veggies and dessert. Call the preserve at (619) 445-2835 (after Nov. 1) for prices and dinner reservations.

Palm Springs Nov. 12: The Recreation Department is pleased to announce the debut of “The Remember When Band”. Dance the night away with this husband and wife team that will entertain the crowd with some oldies but goodies. Nov. 24: Make plans to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday at Palm Springs. Our Thanksgiving morning will start out by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on the big screen, followed by a little football. We will have a Thanksgiving Dinner. Dec. 24: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the park, the songs of the holidays rang through the night. We will be caroling, drinking hot chocolate and savoring Christmas cookies. After the caroling, we will have our Christmas Decorating Contest awards ceremony. Decorate your rig, site or both. Dec. 31: Happy New Year! Celebrate the New Year with good friends, good food and the band “Faultline”. Dance the night away! Get your tickets early.

Learn how to Square Dance. Professional callers will be teaching Square Dancing every Tuesday night beginning November 1. Classes will also be available for those that want to brush up on the steps. Hours are 6:30-8:30 p.m. Held at Sun City Palm Desert, 38-180 Del Webb Boulevard, in Palm Desert, just a mile from the preserve.

Ponderosa December 10-11 Christmas in Coloma This is an annual family celebration and fundraiser for Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Volunteers re-create an 1850s country Christmas complete with crafts, living history recreations, and food. For the kids, old-fashioned games will be played. And of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there. Held at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, just one mile from the preserve. For information call (530) 622-6198.

Rancho Oso Every Saturday 11:00-Noon (weather permitting): Come on down to the arena to watch the stock dogs herding sheep and cattle and stay for the bucking bull demo! Get up close and personal with our “baby” bulls as we prepare them for a future in rodeo! A definite photo op! Every Weekend: Join the fun and hop on board the famous Rancho Oso hay wagon to take a tour of the beautiful resort! They will drop off at the barn for the dog & bull demo and barn tour. Don’t forget to call the stables and book your unforgettable horseback ride for ages 8 & over. Of course, you can give the little buckaroos their first ride on a big horse, led by one of our friendly wranglers too! Later in the day, join us for wine tasting at the Adult Lodge, or come by the Stone Lodge for the Ice Cream Social to make your favorite sundae! Keep the weekend sweet with our Candy Bar Bingo too! Rancho Oso is one fun place! Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Dinner and Dessert Potluck! Join us at 1 p.m. at the Stone Lodge for a delicious Thanksgiving meal with all the fixins! Bring a dessert to share for double the size of your party. Please call us at (805) 683-5686 by November 21 to make your dinner reservations. Dec. 31: Join us as we ring in 2012 at our New Year’s Eve Party with DJ.

December 3 Los Olivos Olde-Fashioned Christmas Celebrate an Olde-Fashioned Christmas as the streets are adorned with luminaries and the smell of popcorn and roasted walnuts fills the air. Local merchants will welcome guests during this romantic return to small town holiday celebration. Experience musical performances and a tree lighting ceremony by our “Little Angel.” Event runs from 3 to 7 p.m. in Los Olivos, just 25 miles from the preserve.

San Benito Regular Friday Night Spaghetti Feed now includes rice and fish on menu. Serving begins at 6 p.m. at Reba’s Cafe in the Family Lodge. Every Saturday and Sunday, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., we have breakfast with a full menu. The first and third Saturday is our Manager’s Meeting at 11 a.m. On the second and fourth Saturday we have 9-Ball tournaments for teens and adults and crafts every Friday and Saturday. Ice Cream Socials are every Thursday through Sunday at 2 p.m. We also have non-denominational Sunday services at 11 a.m. Nov. 12: Old-Fashioned Potluck featuring your special dish. After dinner, sit back and enjoy the music of Kim and Aimee. Their music and instruments come from all around the world and they encourage us to come forward and ask questions about their instruments. Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Dinner. Nov. 26: Our famous Thanksgiving Leftover Dinner at 6 p.m. in the Family Lodge at Reba’s Café. Afterwards, we will be sharing Christmas cookies and hot chocolate while we decorate the Christmas tree. Dec. 25: Christmas Potluck. We provide the ham and turkey and everyone brings their favorite Christmas dish. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve: We put on a fabulous dinner with entertainment afterward. We serve dinner, then clear the floor for a fun-filled evening of dancing.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

November 1 Desert Dancers Square Dance

Snowflower November 11 Veterans Day Dance & Social

Held at the Truckee Community Art Center, in Truckee, just 25 miles from the preserve, event features music by Vibra-Tones. For information call (530) 550-7600.

November 25-27 Country Christmas Faire

Begin your holiday season with a small town glimpse of Christmas. The Faire features unique gifts from more than 100 top artisans. Live entertainment, festival foods, Santa and a community bonfire. Held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, just 30 miles from the preserve. For more information visit www. nevadacountyfair.com.

Turtle Beach Nov. 16: Thanksgiving Potluck: Join us at 2 p.m. in the Family Lodge for a Thanksgiving Potluck and good company! Sign-up sheets are located in the Lodge. Dec. 14: Christmas Potluck: Join us at 2 p.m. in the Family Lodge for Christmas Ham and holiday fun. Sign-up sheets in the Lodge. Also, during the first week of December anyone wishing to help decorate the Christmas tree in the Lodge should see the ranger.

Wilderness Lakes Nov. 5: Ron Ebell plays any type of music you could imagine. Just bring the whole family out to enjoy quality time together. You can dance, clap your hands, stomp your feet or just listen. Nov. 12: Casino Night. Come play Blackjack for FREE. Play with Wilderness money and get rich. Tickets given and drawing for prizes at the end of the evening. Must be 21 to play. Nov. 13: Happy Veteran’s Week. FREE Cake for all Veterans at the Ice Cream Social. Nov. 19: Dominic’s Karaoke for the whole family. Who knows you might be discovered for American Idol. Nov. 24: Happy Thanksgiving! Recreation NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

FLORIDA Peace River

Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Dinner at 3 p.m. We provide the Main Dish Potluck. $5 per ticket. See office for details. Dec. 2: Uptown Country at 7 p.m. Dec. 18: Mike Thomas Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 24: Candlelight at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 27: Christmas Dinner at 3 p.m. We provide Main Dish Potluck. $5 per ticket. See office for details. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party. Tickets are $5 per person. See office for details. There will be daily activities scheduled throughout the month.

November 18 and December 19 Friday Night Live A portion of Main Street Wauchula is blocked off to provide plenty of vendors, entertainment and family activities. Approximately 2.5 miles from the preserve.

OREGON Pacific City

Nov. 19: Thanksgiving Potluck: We supply the turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls and beverages. You bring the place settings and potluck dish to serve your family, plus 8. Bring salads, potatoes, stuffing or desserts if last name begins with A-M, bring relish tray, raw veggies, fruit, cheese plate or hot vegetables if your last name begins N-Z. Call (503) 965-6200 to make your dinner reservations or sign up in the kitchen. Dec. 3: Decorate the Family Center for Christmas. Holiday snacks and music provided. Dec. 10: Decorate the Christmas Tree in the Family Center. Music and snacks provided or bring your favorite holiday dish to share. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Potluck and PJs. Wear your Flannel Jammies to the Family Center and watch 2012 ring in on the TV. Bring CDs and dance to your favorites. Munchies, noisemakers and hats provided. 16

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

November 4-5 Holiday Bazaar at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds December 3 Tree lighting at the Pioneer Museum Whalers Rest Nov. 11: Veterans Day Luncheon served in the South Clubhouse at Noon. Come celebrate with us. All veterans will eat for free. Special thanks to those serving and those who have served our country. Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Dinner served in our North Clubhouse. Please reserve your seat for our annual family time. We will provide turkey, ham, potatoes, dressing, gravy and members sign up to bring side dishes and desserts. Dinner will be served at 3:00 p.m. Dec. 17: “Christmas Under The Sea” party in our South Clubhouse at Noon. We will serve lunch and celebrate with games and prizes. Bring the whole family. We might have Santa show up too! Dec. 31: New Years’ Eve Gathering Fun! Calling all members to come enjoy some fun together in our South Clubhouse at 7 p.m. (member generated) as we say goodbye to 2011 and welcome to 2012!

PENNSYLVANIA

The Oaks at Point South Nov. 24: Join us for Thanksgiving Dinner at The Oaks. We’ll provide the turkey, dressing and dinner rolls and everyone brings a covered dish (to serve 6 or more) for a potluck-style Thanksgiving. Event begins at 3 p.m. After dinner events may include bingo or a movie.

November 11, 2011-January 1, 2012 James Island County Park Holiday Events Roast marshmallows or hold a loved ones hand for a stroll down luminescent enchanted walking trails. Journey through more than 600 light displays. Or take a tour on the festive train or a whirl on the old-fashioned carousel. Sip hot chocolate and discover unique treasures at the festival gift shops. James Island is just about an hour’s drive from the preserve.

December 1-31 Blue Heron Nature Trail Walks Walk the nature trail and look at the Christmas lights set up along the trail. There are even lights floating on the water of the lake behind Jasper’s Porch. Located at Ridgeland SC (behind Jasper’s Porch), just 15 minutes south of the preserve. For information call (843) 726-7611.

Scotrun

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve: Come ring out the old and ring in the new with us. A fun day is planned that includes Tarot Card readings from 5 to 8 p.m. (see what 2012 will bring!) DJ Tom will entertain from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Our programs are free – bring your own beverage and snacks. Celebrate with us!

November 17-December 18 Christkindlmarkt Each weekend come experience the market that includes many specialized, quality items. For exact days and hours, visit www. artsquest.org/christkindlmarkt. Held in Bethlehem, just 35 miles from the preserve.

December 3-4 and December 11-12 Old Tyme Christmas Sponsored by the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, come experience an old-fashioned Christmas of the 1800s as guides dressed in period clothing lead you by candlelight through the farm. Event includes a live Nativity visit from Belschnickel, caroling and more. Visit ends with complimentary refreshments. Tickets are $10 per person, children 3-12 are $5. For information call (570) 992-6161 or visit www.quietvalley.org.

SOUTH CAROLINA Carolina Landing

Nov. 12: Annual Thanksgiving Dinner/Canned Food Drive/Toy Drive. Admission is one new unwrapped toy for Christmas and a canned food item. One toy per family for either a boy or girl and one canned food item per person. We will supply turkey, potatoes, and drink. Event begins at 12 p.m. in the Family Lodge.

TEXAS

Bay Landing Nov. 19: Thanksgiving Potluck. Dec. 17: Christmas Potluck. Check with preserve to confirm dates and details.

Colorado River Join us every Saturday evening for potluck suppers. Lots of good food and friends. There will be other activities planned. Join us every Sunday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Activity Center for worship service with Rev. and Mrs. Hamman.

December 10 Indoor Flea Market Held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, in Columbus, just 6 miles from the preserve, event features indoor flea market with entertainment and food vendors. For more information, call (979) 732-2071.

Lake Conroe Nov. 5: Apple Delightful & Happy November Birthdays Weekend: How knowledgeable are you about apples? Come to the AC and see if you can identify your favorite apple. We’ll have apple treats, share delicious recipes (bring yours) and play some apple games. We’ll also celebrate November birthdays with birthday cake. Nov. 12: Honor Our Veterans Weekend: We’ll be honoring our veterans of the armed services this weekend and thanking them for their service as we make Christmas cards for our troops overseas. Bring a photo of your veteran for our Wall of Honor. All vets will be served a free root beer float compliments of the staff. Nov. 19: Welcome Back, Winter Texans: Let’s start the day with breakfast Saturday morning and play games

all through the day. We’ll also have root beer floats and banana splits as reminders of how good it is to be back at Lake Conroe. Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day: You’ll not want to be anywhere else but at Lake Conroe on this day as we’ll be having an old-fashioned Thanksgiving spread. We’ll furnish the turkey, dressing and gravy and you bring the sides and desserts. Bring enough to serve yourselves and at least six others and let’s enjoy a day full of good food and fellowship. Nov. 26: Trim the Tree Weekend: Deck the halls and trim the tree; good times are back for you and me. Let’s enjoy some Christmas music as we decorate the Activity Center for the Christmas holidays. Bring a snack to share and we’ll provide the hot chocolate. Dec. 3: Snowman Weekend/ Happy December Birthdays: We’ll be making some ornaments for our tree and sharing our favorite holiday stories. We’ll also celebrate our December birthdays with cake and all are welcome. Dec. 10: Cookie & Dessert Exchange Weekend: Bring your favorite holiday dessert (and the recipe) to the AC for an exchange of wonderful treats. Cookies and dessert bars, pies and cakes — you bring it and we’ll supply the coffee, and we’ll continue the time honored tradition of grazing through the holidays. Dec. 17: Here Comes Santa Weekend: Have you been good little boys and girls this year? If so, you’ll need to come to Lake Conroe and talk to Santa as he’ll be making his last minute list before he heads back to the North Pole to get ready for his worldwide whirlwind trip next weekend. Then tune up your musical instruments and plan to join us as we go on a caroling hayride throughout the preserve. Dec. 24: County Christmas Eve Weekend: Games and more games are on tap for the day: Left Center Right, Farkle, Pokeno and Bingo. Come spend Christmas Eve with us at Lake Conroe. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party Weekend: Bring your snacks and drinks to the AC for a Goodbye-2011- Hello-2012 Party when we’ll bring in the New Year with style. To honor a Texas tradition, we’ll be serving black-eyed peas at midnight.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Office will be open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Nov. 25: Movie Night with FREE popcorn. Nov. 26: E & E Animals. See different types of animals you do not see on an average day. Hedgehogs, Red Fox, Wallaby, Python and many, many more. Plus, Wild Rose Road Show. Come enjoy some music, comedy, action and just plain fun! The whole family can spend quality time together. Dec. 3: Casino Night. Come play Blackjack for FREE. Play with Wilderness money and get rich. Tickets given and drawing for prizes at the end of the evening. Must be 21 to play. Dec. 10: Coyote Country DJ plays any type of music you could imagine. Just bring the whole family and enjoy quality time together. Clap your hands and stomp your feet or just listen. Dec. 17: Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will visit us during kids’ craft. Get your picture made with Santa and then make your own picture frame to put place it in. Dec. 17: Dominic’s Karaoke for the whole family. Who knows you might be discovered for American Idol. Dec. 23: Movie Night with FREE popcorn. Dec. 24: Christmas Eve. Recreation Office will be open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 25: Merry Christmas. Recreation Office will be open from 9 a.m. until noon. Potluck at noon in the Family Lodge. Sign up in Recreation beforehand. Bring your favorite dish to feed at least 6 people. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve. Wii Tournaments. Recreation will be open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and New Year’s Day from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Lake Tawakoni Nov. 19: Thanksgiving Dinner. We will furnish the turkey, cornbread, dressing, rolls and tea. Participants should bring a side dish to serve their family, plus 6. Dec. 17: Christmas Dinner: Meat, rolls and tea will be furnished by preserve. Please bring a side dish to serve your family, plus 6.

Lake Texoma Nov. 5: Birthday Bingo & Family Potluck on Sunday. Nov. 12: Veterans Day Weekend: Event to recognize Veterans, plus a Wii Tournament. Nov. 19: Gospel Music Weekend: a weekend of inspiriting music featuring Heavens’ Harbor and others. A potluck dessert provides social time in the evening. Dec. 3: The season is upon us so bring a Christmas decoration to give as a prize for Bingo. Dec. 10: Christmas Crafts Weekend. Dec. 17: Movie Weekend: Enjoy some Christmas Classics to help generate the spirit of the season. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve: Welcome in the New Year with the sounds of Trey Houston.

November 12 American Heroes Festival Celebrate Veterans Day with fireworks, a fun run/walk, car/ bike/truck show, family entertainment, live music and more. Sponsored by The Colony Five Star Sports complex, approximately 60 miles from the preserve. For information call (877) 264-4386.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

17 17

WASHINGTON ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Through December 31 Dallas Blooms: It’s a Fairy Tale World This one-of-a-kind exhibit features seven castles designed and built by local architecture and construction firms, bringing to life beloved stories for families to enjoy. Located at the Dallas Arboretum, approximately 85 miles from the preserve. For information call (214) 515-6500.

Lake Whitney Nov. 5: Potluck Dinner and Cards. Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Dinner. Dec. 25: Christmas Dinner. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party. Please note that all activities during the winter months are member-generated.

Medina Lake Nov. 19: Bingo Weekend: We will be playing Ice Cream Bingo, Candy Bar Bingo, and Super Bingo with great prizes. Nov. 24: Let’s all gather for our annual Thanksgiving Day Potluck. Dec. 10: Member Christmas Party: Craft Sale, Ice Cream Bingo, Cookie Decorating. We’ll enjoy Party Trays and singing carols while we decorate our Christmas Tree. Dec. 21: Christmas Cantata. Dec. 24: Christmas Gift Exchange. Dec. 25: Annual Christmas Day Potluck. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Dance with black-eyed peas and cornbread to start off the New Year.

November 25 Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony For the past 25 years, this spectacular one-hour parade along San Antonio’s River Walk has featured illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly costumed participants. At 7 p.m. the switch is thrown and approximately 122,000 twinkling lights form a magical canopy over the River Walk. Lights shine brightly through January 1. The River Walk is just 40 miles from the preserve.

December 2-3 Banderas’ Annual Shoppers’ Jubilee, Holiday Parade and Campfire Christmas Traditional lighting of the Christmas Tree in front of the Courthouse at 4:45 p.m. Friday, followed by performances by local church choirs, plus live Nativity, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by wagon. Then enjoy luminaria-lit Main Street while carolers sing and shopkeepers host open houses until 9 p.m. On Saturday, enjoy Banderas’ Holiday Parade down Main Street which begins at 11 a.m. At 4:30 bring your chairs to the City Park on the banks of the Medina River and join in a Campfire Christmas. Gather around the chuck wagon for hot chocolate and cookies and enjoy storytelling and Christmas carols. The Bandera River Players will present a live Nativity. For more information on the Campfire Christmas call (830) 796-4447. For information on the Shoppers’ Jubilee event contact (830) 796-3280. Bandera is just 25 miles from the preserve. 18

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Birch Bay

December 31 Annual Ring of Fire & Hope Revelers ringing in the New Year start with lighting road flares along the Birch Bay shoreline. Anyone can participate. This is a spectacular sight as the bay becomes a ring of fire, signifying hope for the coming year. For a small donation, flares are usually available at the Birch Bay Visitor’s Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, less than a mile from the preserve. For information, call (360) 371-5004. Event begins at 7 p.m.

January 1 28th Annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge Started in 1982 by local residents on a dare, this annual ritual draws hundreds of participants and onlookers each year. The Polar Bear Plunge is fast becoming a destination spot for the holiday. Participants come from as far away as Germany, Tokyo, Chicago, and British Columbia to plunge in to the bay’s chilly water. There is no cost to take the plunge, but registrants receive an “I Took The Plunge” certificate and hot beverages. “I Took The Plunge” commemorative T-shirts are available for purchase at $15 each. Participant’s range from children to senior adults. There are five judging categories with prizes including Most Years Plunging; Oldest Participant; Best Individual Costume; Best Group Costume and Farthest Traveled Participant (No awards are given for length of time in the water). Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, event is held at the Waterfront by the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, less than 1 mile from the preserve. For information call (360) 371-5004.

he Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) will host the 27th Annual 2012 Florida RV SuperShow, Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 15, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida. The 2012 SuperShow will have representation from every major RV manufacturer as well as hundreds of accessory booths exhibitors. “We will have more Suppliers’ booths and every type, size and style of RV on the market,” said Marketing Director David Kelly. “With the addition of

Seminars are presented throughout the day at the SuperShow making it easy to attend the ones you want to see. National RV Writer Bob Marx will host two seminars daily; “Choosing an RV; A Logical Approach” and “Full Time & Extended RV Travel”. The Super Rally celebrates its 25th year at the SuperShow. This RV rally is opened to any and all RV clubs and the general public and includes a number of amenities including free admission to the SuperShow all five public days, meeting facilities for your club, free coffee and donuts every morning and seminars. Three nights of entertainment and refreshments are also included and will feature “The Rivoli Revue” music by Kay and Ron Rivoli, a fun evening with Rick Arnold and turning back the clock with Malt Shoppe Memories. Admission to the SuperShow is $10 for adults and that includes a second day admission for the cost of one day; children under 16 are free. SuperShow hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day with seniors receiving $1 off the cost of admission (not valid with other discounts). For more information on the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow contact the Florida RV Trade Association at (813) 741-0488 or visit their website at www.frvta.org.

La Conner Nov. 19: Thanksgiving Dinner: Join us for turkey and all the trimmings. Dec. 17: Christmas Party Weekend: Come decorate the tree, listen to carols, and get in the spirit of Christmas. Dec. 31: Bring in the New Year with all of us with lots of food and dancing.

You can also view these events on our website: www.TrailBlazerMagazine.net

haven’t seen all the new and exciting changes in today’s RVs it’s time you take another look! In addition to the education seminars and entertainment, some of Florida’s finest campgrounds and resorts will have booth exhibits to show attendees the best camping opportunities found anywhere. A free shuttle service inside the SuperShow will carry visitors from exhibit to exhibit.

new entertainment and more seminars, we’re anticipating record crowds this year. We’re also renewing the 2-day pass so the public will have two full days to see everything at the SuperShow at no additional cost.” The theme of the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow is “Take Another Look”. With more families looking into RVing as a travel option and trying to stay closer to home, “Take Another Look”, conveys the idea that if you NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

ELS Events Calendar 2011/2012 NOVEMBER 2011

Bay Indies - Venice Nov 11 Veterans Day Service Nov 12 Jerry White Orchestra Nov 15 Turkey Trot Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort Clermont Nov 11 Veterans Day Breakfast Nov 17 Welcome Back Dance Nov 24 Thanksgiving Dinner Harbor Lakes - Port Charlotte Nov 5 Fall Costume Dance Nov 24 Thanksgiving Dinner Nov 26 Regular Dance Lake Magic - Clermont Nov 24 Thanksgiving Mid-Florida Lakes - Leesburg Nov 19 Craft Show Sunshine Holiday Daytona Daytona Nov 24-27 Turkey Rod Run Terra Ceia Village - Palmetto Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day Dinner TT Orlando - Clermont Nov 24 Thanksgiving Nov 27 Gospel Sundays

DECEMBER 2011

Harbor Lakes - Port Charlotte Dec 10 P eople Who Care Charity Event Dec 24 Christmas Eve Dinner/Dance Dec 25 Christmas Day Dinner/Dance Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Dance Lake Magic - Clermont Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Dance Mid-Florida Lakes - Leesburg Dec 31 New Year’s Eve “Earth Beat Live” Terra Ceia Village - Palmetto Dec 23 Christmas Party Dec 25 Christmas Day Dinner Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Party TT Orlando - Clermont Dec 2 Git Fiddlin’ Dec 18 Gospel Sundays Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Dance

Mid Florida Lakes - Leesburg Jan 12 Concert Series “Redhead Express” Royal Coachman RV Resort Nokomis Jan 15 Bodacious Brothers Show Jan 24 Patty Waszak Show Sherwood Forest - Orlando Jan 10 Concert Series “Donna Moore” Impersonation Artist Jan 24 Concert Series “John Fraze” Local Country Talent Singing Classic Songs TT Orlando - Clermont Jan 15 Gospel Sundays Jan 29 Gospel Sundays

Windmill Manor - Sarasota Dec 31 New Year’s Dance

Windmill Manor - Sarasota Jan 28 Dance

JANUARY 2012

FEBRUARY 2012

Bay Indies - Venice Jan 12 Country BBQ Jan 13 Concert Series “Redhead Express”

Bay Indies - Venice Dec 7 Christmas Parade Dec 11 C hristmas Concert - Eric Watters

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort Clermont Jan 14-21 Hospice Week Jan 23 Golf Tournament

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort Clermont Dec 5 Golf Tournament Dec 15 Christmas Dance Dec 24 Christmas Dinner Dec 31 New Year’s Dinner/Dance

Coquina Crossing - St. Augustine Jan 15 Talent Show Jan 23 Chinese New Year Jan 27 Pro Musica Concert

Lake Magic - Clermont Jan 8 Pool Party Jan 14 Welcome Back Party Jan 22 Pool Party Jan 29 Pool Party

Harbor Lakes - Port Charlotte Jan 7 Welcome Back Party Jan 21 DJ Dance

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Bay Indies - Venice Anniversary Week Events Feb 10 Concert Series “Jimmy Travis” Feb 25 Concert Series “Night @ The 500 Club” Buccaneer Estates North Ft. Myers Feb 20-22 ELS EXPO Feb 20 Welcome Luau Feb 20 Mardi Gras Party Feb 21 Glamour Day Feb 22 Shuffleboard Tournament Feb 22 Chair Volleyball

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort Clermont Feb 1 Grannie Nannies Feb 9 Tribute to Neil Diamond Show Feb 14 Valentine’s Dance Feb 23 Sarah Getto’s Show Countrywood - Tampa Feb 24 Golf Tournament Coquina Crossing - St. Augustine Feb 25 Mardi Gras Ft. Myers - Ft. Myers Beach Feb 20-23 LifeStyle Expo Grand Island Resort - Leesburg Feb 25 6 th Annual Fishing Tournament Harbor Lakes - Port Charlotte Feb 4 Wood Carvers Exhibition Feb 6 Carol & Johnnie Show Feb 11 V alentine’s Day Dinner/ Dance Feb 18 Craft Show

Royal Coachman RV Resort Nokomis Feb 27 Diva and the Italian Guy Sherwood Forest - Orlando Feb 5 Super Bowl Feb 7 Concert Series “Jimmy Smith” Elvis Impersonator Feb12 Karaoke Feb 22 C oncert Series “The Dukes” Doo Wop Duo Silver Dollar - Odessa Feb 25 C oncert Series “Kings of Country”

Bay Lake Estates - Sarasota Mar 8 ELS EXPO - Jazz on the Green

Sunshine Holiday Daytona Daytona Feb 19-26 Daytona 500

Bulow Plantation - Daytona Mar 9-18 Bike Week

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina - Florida Keys Feb 24-26 S unshine Key Fishing Tournament

The Heritage - North Ft. Myers Feb 21-22 ELS EXPO Feb 21 Puttin’ on the Ritz Lake Fairways - North Ft. Myers Feb 22 “ ELS Got Talent” Feb 23 ELS EXPO - Casino Royale Talent Show Lake Magic - Clermont Feb 5 Pool Party Feb 12 V alentine’s Day Dinner/ Dance Feb 19 Pool Party Mid-Florida Lakes - Leesburg Feb 2 Concert Series “Atlantic City Boys” Feb 17 Lake County Swing Band Pine Lakes/Lake Fairways North Ft. Myers Feb 21 E LS EXPO - Golf Tournament Feb 21 E LS EXPO - Jazz on the Green

Tropical Palms - North Ft. Myers Feb 22 ELS EXPO - Health Fair TT Orlando - Clermont Feb 5 Gospel Sundays Feb 14 V alentine’s Day Dinner/ Dance Feb 19 Gospel Sundays Windmill Village North Ft. Myers Feb 23 E LS EXPO - Red Hat Ladies Luncheon

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Bay Indies - continued Mar 19-21 Anniversary Week Mar 19 40th Year Parade Mar 19 Pool Party Mar 20 Tuesday Mar 20 Casino Night Mar 21 Poker Fun Run Mar 21 King & Queen Dance Mar 22 Jerry White Orchestra Mar 23 Concert Series “Atlantic City Boys” Mar 24 40th Dinner

Bay Indies - Venice Mar 5-7 ELS EXPO Mar 5 Sarasota Welcome Luau Pioneer Village - North Ft. Myers Mar 6 “ELS Got Talent” Feb 22-23 ELS EXPO Talent Show Feb 22 Horseshoe Tournament Mar 7 Shuffleboard Tournament Feb 22 Chair Volleyball & BBQ Lunch Feb 23 Pickleball Tournament Mar 7 Cornhole Tournament Feb 23 Red Hat Ladies Luncheon & BBQ Lunch Feb 23 Casino Royale Mar 10 Concert Series “Bart Rocket & Rick Starr”

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort Clermont Mar 4 Variety Show Mar 8 Jimmy Travis Show Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Dance Mar 19 Golf Tournament Coquina Crossing - St. Augustine Mar 31 Go Greek Festival Apr 11 Taste of Coquina April 28 Minute to Win It Party Harbor Lakes - Port Charlotte Mar 6 ELS EXPO - Pickleball Tournament Mar 8-9 Harbor Lakes Follies Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance Apr 8 Easter Dinner Lake Magic - Clermont Mar 4 Pool Party Mar 11 Pool Party Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance Mar 25 Pool Party Mar 31 Farewell Party Manatee RV Resort - Sarasota Mar 8 Health Fair Mid Florida Lakes - Leesburg Mar 1 Concert Series “Comedy Night” Mar 22 Concert Series “Jimmy Mazz” Royal Coachman RV Resort Nokomis Mar 6 ELS EXPO - Glamour Day Mar 21 Terry Connolly Show

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Florida continued Sarasota/Bradenton Mar 5-8 LifeStyle Expo

Sherwood Forest - Orlando Mar 12 Concert Series “Steve Jeffris” Classic Country Meets Comedy Mar 27 C oncert Series “Times Squared” Sings Movie Classics Through the Years Silver Dollar - Odessa Apr 13 Golf Tournament

Sunshine Holiday Daytona Daytona Mar 9-18 Bike Week

TT Orlando - Clermont Mar 17 S t. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance

Terra Ceia Village - Palmetto Mar 9 Craft Fair

Windmill Manor - Sarasota Mar 7 E LS EXPO - Puttin’ on the Ritz

The Winds of St. Armonds N Sarasota Mar 7 ELS EXPO - Red Hat Ladies Luncheon Mar 7 ELS EXPO - Casino Royale

Winter Quarters Manatee Sarasota Mar 8 ELS EXPO - Health Fair

NOVEMBER 2011

Paradise RV Resort - Sun City Nov 7 Bluegrass Concert Nov 11 Veterans Day Memorial Nov 18 Music in the Gazebo ViewPoint RV, Golf & Tennis Resort - Mesa Nov 9 David Swanstrom/ Pam & Dave Nov 16 Jeff Stephens Band Nov 18 Jeff Stephens Band Nov 30 Double Jay Enterprise

DECEMBER 2011

Paradise RV Resort - Sun City Dec 2 Dance Dec 10 Shopper’s Paradise Dec 24 Christmas Eve Worship Service Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Dance

All Events are at Fun N Sun - San Benito NOVEMBER 2011

Nov 4, 11, 18, 25 “Texas Country Band” Nov 6 “Moonlight Trio” Nov 20 “Jim King” Nov 27 “Carlos Canas”

DECEMBER 2011

Dec 2, 9, 16, 23 “Texas Country Band” Dec 4 “Aloha in Texas” Dec 11 “Jerry Bennet” Dec 18 “Gary Crain” Dec 20 “Ralph Kuster” Dec 31 “The Casuals”

JANUARY 2012

Jan 1 “Tucker” Jan 6, 13, 20, 27 “Texas Country Band” Jan 7 “Gold Wing Express” Jan 9 “Walter Plant” Jan 15 “Rainy Mandell” Jan 17 “Lindley Creek” Jan 21 “Late Bloomers” Jan 22 “J.C. Bullock” Jan 24 “Mexican Fiesta” Jan 28 “Vance Greek & River Boys” Jan 29 “E. Buchanan” Jan 30 “Dave & Daphane”

FEBRUARY 2012

Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 “Texas Country Band” Feb 6 “Marvell”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Feb 7 Feb 11 Feb 12 Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 21 Feb 26

“Gospel Fest” “Moe Brandy” “Wes Richards” “John Sager” “Coins” “Bottomline” “Mike Bliss”

MARCH 2012

Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 “Texas Country Band” Mar 3 “Vance Greek” Mar 4 “Jeff Gordon” Mar 14 “The Agency” Mar 17 “Heart to Heart” Mar 18 “Linda Monger” Mar 25 “Jack Austin”

ViewPoint RV, Golf & Tennis Resort - Mesa Dec 7 Ricky Ricci Dec 14 Double Jay Enterprise Dec 31 Surefire

JANUARY 2012

Monte Vista - Mesa Jan 3 Tribute to Frank Sinatra Jan 17 Bill Haley’s Comets Jan 31 The Tokens Paradise RV Resort - Sun City Jan 2 Tribute to Frank Sinatra Jan 12 Music in the Gazebo Jan 14 Shopper’s Paradise Jan 16 Rock Around the Clock Jan 18 Concert Jan 27 Dance Jan 30 U ltimate Tribute to ABBA ViewPoint RV, Golf & Tennis Resort - Mesa Jan 10 Lynn Roberts Enterprise Jan 10 Uptown Angels Jan 11 Jay Ferris - Exit 40 Jan 17 The Realtones

Jan 18 D avid Swanstrom/ Pam & Dave Jan 24 Chevellon/David Young Jan 25 Jeff Stephens Band Jan 27 Chad Freeman & Redline Jan 31 Santan Swing Band/East Valley Music Inc. Voyager Resort - Tucson Jan 4 Diane & Lisa Jan 6 Jimmy Travis Jan 11 Frank Sinatra Tribute Jan 18 Open Range Jan 20 Jim Curry Jan 25 Original Comets Yuma Art Center Jan 8 Remembering The Ladies Jan 28 Rock Around The Clock

FEBRUARY 2012 Monte Vista - Mesa Feb 7 Abba Feb 28 Toni Morrell

Paradise RV Resort - Sun City Feb 4 The Lion Sleeps Tonight Feb 6 Concert Feb 8 Concert Feb 11 Shopper’s Paradise Feb 13 Remembering the Ladies Feb 22 Veteran’s Benefit Dinner Feb 24 Dance Feb 27 Country Legends Feb 29 Music in the Gazebo ViewPoint RV, Golf & Tennis Resort - Mesa Feb 1 Ricky Ricci Feb 7 Sean Mireau Feb 8 Double Jay Enterprise Feb 14 Dan Wiebe Feb 17 The Walkens Feb 21 Common Ground Blues Feb 22 Jay Ferris - Exit 40 Feb 28 North The Band Feb 29 David Swanstrom

Voyager Resort - Tucson Feb 1 Bronn Journey Feb 3 AZ Trio/Brad Zinn Feb 8 ABBA-Fab Feb 15 The Manhattan Dolls Feb 17 B arnaby/Rhythm & Rhyme Feb 29 Toni Morrell Yuma Art Center Feb 3 The Lion Sleeps Tonight Feb 17 T he Ultimate Tribute to ABBA

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Monte Vista - Mesa Mar 13 3 International Tenors Paradise RV Resort - Sun City Mar 10 Shopper’s Paradise Mar 12 Concert Mar 23 Dance Mar 24 Arts & Crafts Show Mar 26 Going Away Party Apr 4 Music in the Gazebo Apr 18 Music in the Gazebo ViewPoint RV, Golf & Tennis Resort - Mesa Mar 6 Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns Mar 7 Ricky Ricci Mar 9 Come Back Buddy Band/ Mike Randall Mar 14 Jeff Stephens Band Mar 17 Jeff Stephens Band Voyager Resort - Tucson Mar 2 These Three Tenors Mar 7 Southwest Surfers Mar 14 Robert Show Gospel Elvis Mar 16 Highway Legends Mar 21 3 International Tenors Mar 28 Bernie & Red Yuma Art Center Mar 3 3 International Tenors Mar 16 Legends of Country Music

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER 23

New Additions to the RPI Network A membership with Resort Parks International (RPI) opens the door to limitless vacation experiences that you and your family will remember for a lifetime. As a member you have access to an ever-expanding network of hundreds of RPI affiliate resorts and are connected to thousands of avid RV travelers who enjoy their favorite pastime every chance they get. RPI recently welcomed three new resorts into the RPI network – Ohio’s Grand Haven Resort and Pymatuning Valley Resort and Florida’s Holley-King Lakes. These resorts offer an array of family fun and adventures in beautiful, natural settings. Each of these resorts boasts a reputation for top-of-the-line customer service, and have attracted devoted regulars who return time and again. It’s a friendly, knowledgeable approach that embodies everything RPI stands for. Grand Haven, in Kimbolton near Cambridge, is one of the largest resorts of its kind in the country at 850

acres. It sits smack dab in the Salt Fork Lake Region, which has almost 3,000 acres of fishing water. The area has also been recognized as having the best public hunting in the midwest. This year-round vacation destination is noted for its rustic beauty and tranquil peacefulness, ideal for the perfect family outing or a romantic getaway. Over in Ashtabula County, near the Pymatuning Lake that straddles the Ohio/Pennsylvania state line, is Pymatuning Valley Resort. Perhaps the resort’s most unique feature is a twisting and turning, slipping and sliding water park, with slides sized for kiddies to adults. The overall theme is let down your hair, pull out a beverage and just relax, while the staff prepares the next of many activities for your family’s enjoyment. The area is well known for its fishing, as well, with

bountiful schools of perch and walleye. Onsite you’ll find mini-golf, a paintball arena, batting cages and a large bumper-boat pool with coin-operated spray guns. There are many full-hook-up campsites, but also primitive sites for those who like privacy.

“recharging station” after a busy day at the nearby white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. There are also plenty of golf courses in the area, as well as a variety of attractions and dining experiences found only in Florida.

The resort’s rural location, just south of Lake Erie and within an hour’s drive of Pittsburgh and Cleveland, allows visitors the choice of small town ambience along with proximity to zoos, museums, wineries, antique shops, theme parks and other entertainment joys.

With three new resorts, RPI continues the tradition, which began in 1983, to offer the best members-only reciprocal camping program in North America If you’re not a member – you’re missing out on some of the best outdoor experiences around. Call (800) 6358498 to see about adding RPI to your TT membership.

The fish of choice at Holley-King Lakes – located on a peninsula between Lake Holley and Lake King in Defuniack Springs, Florida and boasting over a thousand feet of waterfront footage – is bass. You can drop your line off the docks or dam, or rent an affordable boat to navigate the stumpy waters where the trophies lurk. The emphasis here is on quiet family time, with many guests looking at the resort as a

For more information about these resorts, visit www.resortparks.com.

Not an RPI Member? Join Now for Only $79

Call 1-800-635-84 98 for informatio n You must be a NA CO, LTR or Mid-Atlantic member to qualify for thi s offer.

Lake at Holley-King Resort 24

Holley-King Resort

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Grand Haven

Cabin at Pymatuning Resort NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Tooling Around Daytona By Dave Houser MAGINE IF YOU CAN, A VACATION DESTINATION where super speedway racing was born. Where you can take up jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, go-karting, golf and tennis. Where you can plunk down a bet on a dashing pack of greyhounds and play poker or the slots. Where you can drive, cycle or stroll along the “World’s Most Famous Beach” and spend a morning sailing or deep-sea fishing.

And while Daytona Beach, Florida, ranks among the nation’s premier playgrounds for the male gender there’s a long roster of activities and attractions here to excite, educate and entertain everyone.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

s the birthplace of NASCAR super speedway racing back in 1959, Daytona International Speedway (DIS) grabs the spotlight as the area’s main attraction. Every February some quarter-million fans, and the eyes of the entire world of auto racing, focus on its high-banked 2.5-mile tri-oval to witness the Daytona 500. Next to the Indy 500 it is the world’s best-attended sporting event. The action hardly stops there.

During a 40-day span from the end of January to mid-March, DIS plays host to a variety of stock, sports car, bike and truck racing. Key races during this 10-event Speedweeks spectacular are the Rolex 24-hour race for sports cars and American Motorcycle Association’s premier annual event for sport bikes, the Daytona 200. Both are staged on the Speedway’s infield road course, set up at 3.56 miles for sports cars and 2.95 miles for motorcycles. Another important NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stock car race, the Coke Zero 400, rolls out over the July 4th weekend. By all means try to time your visit so you can take in a race. If that doesn’t work out you must at least sign on for a tour of legendary DIS. Most popular among a trio of visitor programs is the 90-minute All Access Tour. It takes you by open-air tram behind-the-scenes -- from the Driver’s Meeting Room to the racing pits/garages to the high-banked turns

(31 degrees!) to Victory Lane for some photos and on to the towering Houston Lawing Press Box. Tours go daily on the hour and the cost is $22 for adults, $17 for kids age 6-12, and those under 5 are admitted free. The more cursory 30-minute Speedway Tour departs daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Priced at $15/$10, it’s a good choice if you’re pressed for time. For the ultimate insider’s look at DIS, there’s an exclusive 3-hour VIP tour utilizing an air-conditioned bus to more thoroughly explore the 447-acre facility. VIP tours are available by advance reservation on specific Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year, and cost $50 per person. A Daytona visit can inspire a real need for speed and you can exercise such an urge by signing up for some track time at DIS, courtesy of the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Petty programs range from a basic Ride-Along session ($135), during which you’ll ride shotgun beside a pro driver in a real stock car for three hot laps around the big tri-oval, to the comprehensive day-long Daytona Experience of a Lifetime ($2,199). This is the ultimate on-track adventure, providing a rare opportunity, following some instruction, to drive a total of 24 laps around the famous high-banked tri-oval.

Even if you don’t do a tour or take to the track, you should check out the DIS Visitor Center where you can get an upclose look at the actual car driven to victory in the most recent Daytona 500, buy racing souvenirs from a supermarket-sized shop, and enjoy a snack at the Fourth Turn Grill. A less daunting – and far less expensive – track experience can be found at Speed Park Motorsports, located across International Speedway Boulevard from DIS, Speed Park is something of a family theme park on wheels, featuring three go-kart tracks and a drag strip. That’s right, a drag strip – where you’ll be strapped into a rumbling 300hp dragster for a tire-screeching run down Nitro Alley. It looks and sounds rather frightening but is safe for one and all as dragsters are secured to a steel rail and there’s an automatic braking system to halt their charge. While you’re here on Daytona’s high-speed Westside, check out the dashing dogs at Daytona Beach Kennel Club & Poker Room. You can bet on the pups here, of course, and also on greyhound, thoroughbred and harness racing simulcast from tracks around the country. A little poker might be in order as well – just to test your mental quickness. This is a classy club that dates back to 1948 -- way before its famous auto racing neighbor arrived on the scene. A great way to enjoy DBKC: dine trackside at Clubhouse Restaurant, selecting from a

menu of delectable dishes by Culinary Institute of America grad Ron Durigg. Golf and tennis devotees will find facilities galore in Daytona Beach. We counted 19 public golf courses and nearly a dozen tennis complexes. Cutting to the chase, the area’s finest golf courses – the 18-hole/par 72 Champions and Legends courses -- flank the LPGA’s International Headquarters on LPGA Boulevard, only minutes west of the Speedway. Just across the boulevard from LPGA, Florida Tennis Center, home to the Florida section of the United States Tennis Association, features 24 immaculate clay courts, all lighted for night play.

Where to Stay: Bulow RV Resort 3345 Old Kings Road South Flagler Beach, FL Sunshine Holiday Daytona RV Resort 1701 N US Highway 1 Ormond Beach, FL Call 1-888-443-7301 or visit www.RVontheGo.com

Photos courtesy of Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 28

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We’ve been inland for quite a while now guys, so whataya say we head for the BEACH! Nothing could be easier – just drive east on International Speedway Boulevard until you come to an overhead sign at Atlantic Avenue announcing your arrival at the “World’s Most Famous Beach”. Waikiki and Miami Beach might argue the claim but Daytona is a real beauty – a broad strand with fine, white sand that packs so firmly at the high tide mark you can drive on it. In this car (and RV) crazy country, especially here at the World Center of Racing, that’s undoubtedly the key to its widespread fame. Rules and restrictions apply, of course, with access largely dependent upon the tides. You’ll be advised as to conditions and entry times, either by officers or signage, at various beach access points along Atlantic and Ocean Avenues. Beach Street in historic downtown Daytona Beach is a hub of activity both day and night. Lined with restaurants, nightclubs and dozens of retail outlets, it’s home as well to a number of cultural, historical and sporting attractions and events. A Saturday Farmers’ Market always draws big crowds as do musical and theatrical performances at the newly built News-Journal Center, which features a pair of state-of-the-art theaters. You can tour the famous Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory – and take a step back in time at Halifax Historical Museum, where the long and colorful history of the area, which dates back to pre-historic times, is well depicted in various displays and exhibits. The Timucuan Indians are believed to have been the first organized society to inhabit the Central East Coast of Florida – from about 800 to 1,400 AD.

Photo: Welcome to Daytona Beach Courtesy of Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Halifax Harbor Yacht Club is here as well, catering to the needs and interests of the nautical set, while baseball fans can help cheer on the Class AA Daytona Cubs at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, off Beach Street on Orange Avenue. The Cubs play 70 home games from April-September. Robinson, who was instrumental in helping break baseball’s color barrier, played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game here in March, 1946, lending a great deal of historical significance to Daytona’s ballpark. Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, the Main Street Pier is a longstanding Daytona Beach icon. Surrounding it, the Daytona Beach Boardwalk presents nostalgic arcades and thrill-rides, the old Coquina Clock Tower and numerous restaurants, bars and lounges sporting stupendous ocean views. Just a short stroll north, Ocean Walk Village is home to an array of shops and eateries, along with a 10-screen movie theater and a water park that promises fun for all ages. Daytona Lagoon features flume rides, a giant wave pool, fast-paced water slides and a tubing river. There’s a go-kart track, miniature golf, laser tag, an arcade, a fire-breathing thrill ride named Phoenix and more at this popular family entertainment center. Let yourself in on what often has been described as Daytona’s best-kept secret by following Atlantic Avenue south about 10 miles to Ponce Inlet. Not long ago a rustic fishing village at the mouth of the Halifax River and the Intracoastal Waterway, Ponce Inlet has evolved into a charming, upscale mostly residential community that provides visitors an interesting mix of history, culture and recreation.

Photo: Ponce Inlet Courtesy of Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Lighthouse Point Park, named for its towering 175-foot Lighthouse (Florida’s tallest), erected in 1887, boasts one of “America’s Top 10 Best Beaches,” according to noted authority Dr. Beach. A nearby boardwalk snakes through 41 acres of pristine salt marsh and hammock at Ponce Preserve, offering a glimpse of the area much as the Timucuans must have found it many centuries ago. Certainly the Timucuans settled here around Ponce Inlet, as evidenced by burial mounds and shell middens recently uncovered and now protected as the Green Mound State Archaeological Site. Next door to the Lighthouse, the Marine Science Center features turtle and sea-bird rehabilitation centers along with many informative exhibits on coastal and marine ecosystems. You also can observe aquatic life of all kinds in the Center’s aquariums. So much for the cultural and educational side of Ponce Inlet, but we’ve come here mainly for some action – fishing, watersports and some parasailing. This is definitely the place for it, with marinas along the Inlet lined with sail and fishing boats -- and geared up with all kinds of water toys. If you’ve got the urge to drop a line, join one of Critter Fleet’s 90-foot party boats for a half- or full-day of actionpacked bottom fishing. Critter crews know where the fish are and provide everything you need – rod/reel, bait and tackle complete – to haul up a nice catch of snapper and sea bass. Full-day trips are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and cost just $75 for adults, $50 for kids, 16 and younger. Half-day runs go at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., priced at $50/$40.

For jet skiing, you should hook up with Short Money Jet Ski Rentals at Lighthouse Landing. Ponce Inlet Watersports next door are the parasailing pros and they can also set you up with a kayak or send you out for a banana boat, jet boat or catamaran ride, some backwater fishing, or an eco-oriented Aqua Safari. By all means plan on lunch or dinner at either Lighthouse Landing or Inlet Harbor Restaurants. Both serve same-day-fresh seafood specials in serene waterside settings. Stock car racing’s indelible footprint on Daytona Beach -- and some of the sport’s most pertinent history – extends here to Ponce Inlet, where Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar and Grille overlooks the old beach course where stock car racing was staged from 1936 until the Speedway opened in 1956. Hard to imagine the stockers, manhandled by such immortals as Fireball Roberts, Lee Petty, Red Byron and Marshall Teague, tearing up and down the hard-packed sands of Daytona Beach, but you’ll find the history of it all lining the walls at North Turn. Booths in North Turn’s bar are dedicated to some of NASCAR’s greats, so pick your favorite, plop yourself down for a beer – and raise a toast to one great getaway here at the World Center of Racing. n Information, Please: Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitor Bureau 126 E. Orange Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 1-800-854-1234 www.daytonabeach.com.

Photo: Boardwalk Pier in Daytona Beach © Walter Arce | Dreamstime.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

to Daytona

Orlando Tampa

Clearwater

• 105 miles

St.Petersburg

VeroBeach

• 60 miles

Sarasota

ROAD

77miles •

Ft.Myers

Trip

Naples

• 120 miles

Ft.Lauderdale

f NASCAR’s Daytona 500 puts you in the mood to hit the open road, then buckle your seat belt for a 500 mile road trip through central Florida. This route, which almost makes a complete loop, showcases some of the Sunshine State’s Everglades best sights and attractions and includes six National Park “pit stops” along the way. The course begins in Tampa, travels south to Sarasota and Fort Myers, and then cuts across the state on I-75 to the Atlantic Coast. After soaking up the sun in Fort Lauderdale and Vero Beach, your last destination is Orlando, the number one tourist destination in the country.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Nearby Encore Resorts: Winter Quarters Pasco, Lutz Vacation Village, Largo Silver Dollar, Odessa Royal Coachman Terra Ceia, Palmetto Busch Gardens should be at the top of your must-do list when visiting Tampa. In May 2011, the park, which combines thrilling rides with a top-notch zoo, opened a new Nearby Encore/TT Resorts: mega attraction. It includes an eye-popping, Royal Coachmen, Nokomis high speed coaster, Cheetah Hunt, and a new Manatee, Bradenton animal exhibit area, Cheetah Run, which is Gulf View, Punta Gorda home to 14 of the agile cats who inspired the Ramblers Rest, Venice project. The new habitat features more than Peace River TT, Wauchula 11,000 square feet of grassland, natural rock formations, shaded alcoves, a waterfall and From Tampa Bay drive south along I-75 to Sarasota. a 220-foot path for the cheetahs to do what Last year, Sarasota made headlines when its Siesta they do best – run! Several times each day, Beach was named the number one beach in the 21st you can watch animal care experts conduct annual Top 10 Beach List by coastal expert Dr. Stephen sprints with the cheetahs, using a motorized Leatherman, who is director of the Florida International lure system to stimulate the cats’ natural University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. On his instinct to chase. web site (doctorbeach.com), Leatherman said, “Siesta Beach boasts the finest and whitest sand in the world, With three professional sports teams, Tampa and I cannot argue with this claim; the powdery sand is Bay gives sports fans plenty of reasons to nearly pure quartz crystal. The beautiful blue-colored cheer. There’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers water is clean and clear, making it so inviting to bathers football team, the Tampa Bay Rays baseball and swimmers.” team, and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team. In addition, six Major League Baseball teams To learn a bit about Sarasota’s history, visit the former hold spring training camps in the Tampa Bay estate of John Ringling, who made his fortune with area. the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. John Ringling contributed much to the development of If you are an art lover, you will definitely Sarasota and left behind a palatial estate which is open want to check out the newest museum that for tours. The grounds include the Ringling Art Museum, everyone is raving about – the Salvador Dali which was built to house his impressive personal Museum in St. Petersburg, where you can see collection of masterpieces, his palatial 56-room mansion the world’s most comprehensive collection and two circus museums. of Dali’s surrealist paintings. Free hour-long tours are led by well-informed docents. To see the lush tropical side of Sarasota, check out the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which is one of the oldest Along the coast, a string of barrier islands continuously operating attractions in the state. Opened invite you to explore miles of white sand to the public in December 1940, the gardens have beaches or head out on a charter fishing retained its old Florida charm. You can stroll 10 acres expedition. A few of the popular beach of lush tropical vegetation and meandering jungle trails communities include St. Pete Beach, Treasure and see entertaining, educational bird and reptile shows Island and Madeira Beach. throughout the day.

Pit Stop:

• 140 miles by Kim Wuchter

Pit Stop:

Miami

to Key West

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Pit Stop:

Nearby Encore Resorts: Ft. Myers Beach, Ft. Myers Gulf Air, Ft. Myers Beach Pine Island Resort, St. James City Pioneer Village, North Ft. Myers Continuing south on I-75, your next stop is Fort Myers, a city of swaying palms and tropical flowers that wraps along the gentle Caloosahtchee River. A favorite for visitors is the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. On the 20-acre grounds you can tour the former winter homes of the famous inventor Thomas Edison and auto maker Henry Ford and other historic buildings such as Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory where the famous inventor

perfected the light bulb, the phonograph, moving picture cameras and more. Be sure to check out the massive banyan tree outside the laboratory, which tire magnate Harvey Firestone brought back from India for Edison in 1925. It’s the world’s third largest banyan. To experience some of the natural beauty of the Fort Myers area, head over to Lovers Key State Park, where you can canoe or kayak the backbay estuaries on a naturalist-guided tour. Or take a walk along the boardwalk, which crosses over two lagoons and ends at white sand beaches. Twentythree miles from Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a haven for seashell hunters. Because the islands are positioned east to west, instead of north to south like most other islands, the islands collect lots of shells, which wash up on the shore for beachcombers.

Photo courtesy of Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau www.FortMyersSanibel.com 34

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Pit Stop: Nearby Encore Resorts: Sunshine Holiday, Fort Lauderdale Breezy Hill and Highland Woods, Pompano Beach From the Fort Myers area, turn your expedition east and head to Fort Lauderdale on the Atlantic Coast. Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its surrounding 165 miles of navigable waterways that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades. A signature event is the Winterfest Boat Parade where 100 brilliantly illuminated boats sail down the New River and up the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s said to be the most watched parade in the world.

One of the best ways to see the local sights is by taking an Intracoastal Waterway cruise. Take your pick from intimate gondola rides, kayak tours, water taxis or large tour boats such as the Jungle Queen Riverboat. Along the way, you might see stately mansions along Millionaire’s Row, the mega-yachts of the rich and famous and private islands. Just minutes from the beach, you can take a walk on the brick-lined Riverwalk, which stretches along the north and south banks of the New River. The path is lined with shops, parks, restaurants and museums so there’s a lot to see and do. Did you know that the Greater Fort Lauderdale is also the gateway to the Everglades? One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Everglades is at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. You can learn about the Seminole’s ancient culture, take an airboat ride or swamp buggy tour, see daily shows such as the snake and alligator show or Swamp Critter Show and more.

Ft. Lauderdale paddleboarder Photo courtesy of Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Pit Stop:

Nearby Encore Resort: Sunshine Travel, Vero Beach The next stop is a quiet little beach town, Vero Beach, which is roughly 129 miles north of Fort Lauderdale on I-95. Situated in Florida’s grapefruit growing region, Vero Beach has been rated the “Best Small Town in Florida and 12th in the Nation” by American’s Guide to Small Towns. It was named one of “The 100 Best Art Towns in America.” If you look closely, you’ll notice that a unique mix of vegetation grows in Vero Beach. This is because the region straddles two climatic zones. So you’ll see oak trees and pine forests that are common to the coastal Carolinas mixed with tropical palms and colorful flowers that are seen further south.

After spending a day on the beautiful beaches, take some time to see the wildlife on Indian River Lagoon. It is said to be the most environmentally diverse estuary in North America. The River Queen, located in nearby Sebastian, offers daily ecology tours of the Indian Lagoon and Sebastian River, where guests can typically see Bottle Nose dolphins, manatee, alligators, turtles, and a variety of wild birds, including eagles and osprey.

Vero Beach Shopping

Vero Beach Museum of Art

Nearby Encore/TT Resorts: Winter Garden, Winter Garden Sherwood Forest RV, Kissimmee Clerbrook, Lake Magic and TT Orlando, Clermont TT Three Flags, Wildwood Continuing north on I-95, then zigzagging your way inland (via Highway 528 to Highway 417 to Highway 408), your last pit stop is Orlando, a super-sized vacation destination. In addition to Sea World, Universal Studios, and multiple Disney World parks, Legoland Florida opened its gates on October 15, 2011. The 150acre theme park in Winter Haven caters to kids ages 6 to 12 with more than 50 “pink-knuckle” rides. Big plans are also underway at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, which will begin to unveil portions of its Fantasyland expansion in late 2012. This expansion will include major new attractions and rides, such as “Under the Sea, The Journey of the Little Mermaid” and The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Outside of the theme parks, Orlando has zip line tours, shows by Cirque de Soleil, Blue Man Group and several dinner theaters. For adults there’s downtown dance clubs, live music, comedy clubs and a number of area breweries and wineries.

Pit Stop:

Legoland Florida

o, there you have it: a Central Florida road trip with 500 unforgettable miles. But, unlike NASCAR’s Daytona 500, you don’t have to put the pedal to the medal. These 500 miles are meant to be savored and enjoyed at a slow, relaxing pace. You may not be able to do see and do everything you want, but heck, there’s always next year. n

Photos courtesy of Vero Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau www.VeroBeach.com 36

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Clerbrook Golf

& RV Resort

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

We hope you’ll find our new Member Deals section the perfect spot for one stop shopping to find special offers at our Encore resorts, as well as other retailers’ discounts available for Thousand Trails members. Watch this section each month to see what’s new as we continue to look for ways to enhance your experience and add value to your membership.

offers CAROLINAS* ㉙

Twin lakes, chocowinity, NC

$99/week NOW - January 31, 2012 50% off midweek (Sun - Thurs) NOW - January 31, 2012 ㊴

CAROLINA LANDING, FAIR PLAY, SC

$15/night midweek (Sun - Thurs)

MEMBER DEALS

MEMBER DEALS NOV/DEC 2011 Thousand Trails members receive 20% off daily rates, 30% off daily rates for stays of 7 days or more and 10% off the monthly rate at Encore RV resorts and campgrounds. In addition to these standard discounts, we invite you to take advantage of these other great offers. Call 888-443-7301 to make your reservations!

SUNSHINE KEY

thesoutheast RAMBLERS REST

SUNSHINE TRAVEL

37 LAKE MAGIC

We’ve got plenty of sunny deals to keep you smiling in the Sunshine State, from coast to coast and in between our fabulous Florida resorts meet your vacation needs.

offers THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2011*

florida ㉚ Sunshine Key, bIG pine key $299/week all other Florida RV Resorts $99/week

35 36

32 38 31 30

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

1-888-443-7301

offers VALID JAN 1, 2012 - APRIL 30, 2012*

$99/week ㉜㉝㉞㊱㊲㊳

RAMBLERS REST, VENICE VACATION VILLAGE, LARGO SUNSHINE TRAVEL, VERO BEACH TERRA CEIA, PALMETTO BULOW PLANTATION, FLAGLER BEACH PIONEER VILLAGE, NORTH FT. MYERS

LAKE MAGIC, CLERMONT $159/week ㉚ Sunshine Key, bIG pine key $399/week ㉟

all other Florida Resorts $139/week

$100 OFF 2012 SEASONAL STAY** **Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Seasonal stay must include January 1, 2012 - March 31, 2012.

WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

thepacific coast WA

thesouthwest

VIEWPOINT RV & GOLF RESORT

UT 24

offers through DECEMBER 31, 2011* 20% OFF ALL DAILY RATES

SAN FRANCISCO RV

Mt. Hood Village

8 10

Tall Chief

tahoe valley

Come discover the Pacific Coast - from the rugged beauty of Oregon and Washington to sunny California, we’ve got just the place. From desert to mountain, from oceanside to cityside, make Encore RV Resorts your home base while you explore this magnificent coast.

offers WASHINGTON* ⑥ tall chief, seattle

$119/week $1199/3 mo. seasonal stay NOW - May 24, 2012

offers OREGON*

⑦ mt. hood village, welches $15/night

offers CALIFORNIA*

⑧ pacific dunes ranch, oceano ⑨ san francisco RV, pacifica ⑩ palm springs oasis, cathedral city ⑪ tahoe valley CAMPGROUND, lake tahoe ⑫ santa cruz ranch, scotts valley 20% off daily rates 30% off daily rates of stays of 7 nights or more 10% off monthly rates for TT members

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

1-888-443-7301

$119/week $249/month

arizona all PROPERTIES* $99/week NOW - December 31, 2011 $299/month NOW - December 31, 2011 $129/week January - April 2012 $399/month January - April 2012 $999/seasonal 3 month stay *(Excludes Venture In, Casa West and Mesa Verde) *(Excludes Paradise RV February & March 2012)

texas all PROPERTIES

NOW - April 30, 2012 $119/week $299/month

utah ㉔ st. george, hurricane

WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM

southwest SPOTLIGHT Our Southwest resorts offer variety - and as you know, that is the spice of life. From Texas to Arizona, to Utah and more, there’s a lot of choices. Simply known as “The Valley”, Texas’ Rio Grande Valley is rich in history and is also known for its prime bird watching. Our Grand Canyon State resorts dial up the best in variety - from scenic Yuma to sophisticated Phoenix, and all points in between. We’ve got over 25 resorts to choose from. Or, if wide open spaces are your thing, check out St. George, Utah - less than 20 miles from Zion National Park, this is one vast vista you don’t want to miss.

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

MEMBER DEALS RETAILER DISCOUNTS Thousand Trails has partnered with a number of popular brands to provide you with exclusive members-only savings. Below you will find our latest special offers available to you. Please log into the member section of the Thousand Trails website at www.ThousandTrails.com to take advantage of these great deals! Exclusive Coleman Discount Thousand Trails members can now save 15% on tents, camping stoves and more online at www.coleman.com Exclusive Hertz Program When you rent with Hertz, you can take advantage of special year-round savings through the Hertz Membership Benefits Program. By using the Thousand Trails discount code, you can save whether you reserve online or by phone. Exclusive iDine Savings Simply register any credit or debit card and dine at a restaurant on the program. Afterwards, complete a quick dining review about your experience within 30 days. The more you dine, the higher the percentage you can earn, up to 15%! Visit www.idine.com/trailblazer for details and to enroll. Nature-Zyme Nature-Zyme is a safe, powerful, easy-to-use waste water treatment system that’s also friendly to the environment. Thousand Trails members can save 15% and get free shipping on their orders with promo code: TTFALL PetFoodDirect.com Get all your pet’s food and supplies delivered to your door with PetFoodDirect.com’s Auto Ship program. It’s the easiest way to shop for all the top brands of pet food (137 brands and counting!), flea & tick preventatives, treats, toys, cat litter, crates, collars, beds, bowls, pet meds, and so much more (16,000 top-quality pet products in all)! Thousand Trails members save 15% with promo code: TRAILS15 (Excludes vet diet, Rx, and free shipping items). NationalPetPharmacy.com Trusted by veterinarians and pet lovers alike, NationalPetPharmacy.com is fully licensed and Vet-VIPPS certified for safety as well as quality. Our FDA/EPA approved pet meds are the same ones you get from your vet – but conveniently delivered to your door. Thousand Trails members save $5 on a $20 order with promo code: TRAILS5

NEWS & NOTES FROM THE PRESERVES Bay Landing

Bay Landing is very excited about the two new Getaways that have arrived.

Colorado River

Colorado River recently installed a new grinder pump in the C-loop lift station. Now both lift stations are working property and are in good shape.

Members returning next spring will notice the new colors on the buildings at Cultus Lake – a new tan and green motif is present.

La Conner

Summer at La Connor brought new gravel to the roads and some sites, as well as a new playground structure on the ball field, beauty bark to the flower beds and borders, and a wonderful new exercise room.

Lake Conroe

Lake Conroe has added 3 new Get-Away cabins making a grand total of 9 for Get-Away members. Plus, a new pump was installed in the water well and the water tower was repaired. The pool and spa underwent a major cleaning and are scheduled to be re-plastered and tiled this winter.

Lake Minden

Lake Minden has two new Getaway cabins available in Section A - The Sparrow’s Nest in Site 26 and Coyote Den in Site 41. Make your reservations early as they will book up quickly.

Lake Tawakoni

Just a reminder - Lake Tawakoni is in Winter Mode so only A and C bathhouses will be open.

Medina Lake

Medina Lake has 3 new Getaways.

Morgan Hill

Repairs to the water system at Morgan Hill are nearing completion.

Oakzanita

Oakzanita has completed paving small sections of the front entrance and electric has been replaced in Section B-17 through B-29 with all new underground wiring, new pedestals and 50 amp available.

Pacific City

Pacific City’s new Welcome and Registration Center is complete, as is the new entrance to the resort.

Rand McNally Just in time for the holidays, we’ve teamed up with Rand McNally to offer Thousand Trails members a great deal on the TripMaker® RVND™ GPS – the first navigation device designed exclusively for RV routing. The TripMaker® RVND™ features more than 14 million points of interest, plus information on RV campgrounds, RV dealers and services, parking and rest areas, and travel centers with detailed amenities such as dump stations, propane availability and more. Through December 31, Thousand Trails members will receive a special 10% discount on the Rand McNally TripMaker® RVND™ 5510 and 7710. Simply visit the Rand McNally website at www.randmcnally.com/ELS and use promo code ELSRVND to activate this special offer.

Peace River

TCI Thousand Trails members receive discounts on Michelin tires through the Equity LifeStyle Properties Advantage program currently in place with TCI. TT members should call 1-888532-6435 and reference the Equity Advantage program to receive discounts.

Scotrun

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Cultus Lake

The Laundry Room at Peace River has been remodeled to include all new washers and dryers and the pickleball court is now sporting sturdier poles for the net.

Palm Springs

The Recreation Lodge at Palm Springs has been remodeled, plus new outside lighting has been installed, and the irrigation system on the 805 Palm trees has been updated and 50 picnic tables have been replaced. Scotrun has 2 new Getaway cottages now available for rent. Make your reservations now.

Continued on page 60

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

for: the Kids

Spotlight | Gift Guide The time has come to begin gift shopping for your friends, family and favorite travelers. Rather than re-gifting that sweater from last year (with tags in mint condition), look for something your gift recipients can truly use. From parents to green RVers to your favorite four-legged travel companion, honing in on a hobby or remembering your friend’s must-have item is key when walking the aisles of countless stores with other gift buyers. Avoid the dust collectors and make a beeline for items that are sure to be used long after the initial unwrapping.

Murbles >

The outdoor game of Murbles is an ideal game for players from 8 to 80 years old and can be played almost anywhere - just dump them out of the bag and you’re in the game. Murbles can go anywhere – from camping and boating, to family reunions or just out to the back yard. Available in 20 popular colors, Murbles can be customized to match school colors or your favorite sports team. Murbles come in a durable canvas cloth bag with game rules printed right on the bag! For more information visit www.murblegame.com.

SO, WHO ARE YOU SHOPPING FOR?

Sun LifeLight LED Light: Add a little character to your nighttime campfire stories by choosing from a shark, orca, lizard, frog or toucan flashlight. Simply press a button on your character’s back to open its mouth and shine a light. The compact, battery powered light is perfect for campers getting adjusted to the dark. www.rei.com

for: Mom & Dad Escaping life in the fast lane should be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Keep a stress free environment by gifting vital supplies that can ensure a successful trip for all members of the family!

Motorola Talkabout MJ270 2-Way Radios: Keep the family connected while on the campground with walkie talkies. Alert the kids when they need to get ready for dinner, or check on them while they’re off on the playground. These easy to pack devices have a range of up to 27 miles and a built-in flashlight to keep up the outdoor fun after the sun goes down. Personalize your radio with colored faceplates and enjoy the outdoors in style! 44

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

There are few things that excite kids more than the holidays. Constant celebrating, happiness aplenty and the icing on the cake: the prospect of new things to hold their attention. Your challenge? Finding something that can hold the aforementioned attention for longer than an hour. Capitalize on gifts that are kid friendly but also useful by recognizing a hobby.

for: the Novice Camper Rand McNally TripMaker® RVND™ ^

Heading to a new campground but large atlases and maps aren’t your thing? Look into Rand McNally technology to gift your favorite RVer with the first navigation device designed with RVers in mind. The TripMaker® offers more than 14 million points of interest and Best of the Road data, three-to-four day adventures that include interesting stops, pictures and maps. Available in both 5-inch and 7-inch high-definition screen size, this device is perfect for making any trip a memorable one.

Have a friend who is just starting to ease into the camping lifestyle? Help get them started with these easy to use camping gifts. Use your love for the outdoors as a way to harbor their newfound hobby and get them to love it as much as you do!

Coleman Instant Tent ^

Set up and take down your camping home in a minute with the Coleman Instant Tent. These tents come in sizes ready to fit 4, 6 or 8 campers and mattresses for added comfort. www.coleman.com

Campfire Cookery: In its nineteenth year of publication, Campfire Cookery provides multiple recipes for a variety of campfire chefs. From campfire recipes and reflector ovens to foil recipes and grilling ideas, this cookbook is the perfect gift for anyone who is looking to dabble in the world of outdoor cuisine. www.amazon.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

for: the Pets

Don’t forget to include your pet in on the holiday spirit! Think logically about travel accessories and toys when keeping your four-legged friend’s wish list in mind this year. This way, the trip will be easier for everyone involved. Gamma Vittles Vault TRAVEL-tainer Portable Pet Food Container: Keep traveling with your pet practical with this easy to carry, airtight pet food container. Both food and water bowls are attached for simple packing. www.petfooddirect.com

for: the Green RVer

Pet Gear Portable Cot: Don’t make your pet sacrifice comfort while you’re on the road. Your four-legged family member is sure to drool over his or her own personal bed and place to sleep during all trips! www.amazon.com

Today, traveling the country and helping the environment can come hand in hand. Don’t forget how important this may be to some of your favorite travelers, and help them dress their RVs with low energy and green items.

for: the Adventure Seeker

SnackTAXI Sandwich Sack ^

Shopping for an adventure seeker requires a different way of thinking, especially if you’re not one to jump in on the action the first chance you get. Fuel your friend’s thrilling pursuits by not being afraid to scan the aisles for gifts that may pertain to their hobbies.

Treated with non-BPA liners, SnackTAXIs are snack bags that can be used again and again. From sandwiches to slices of fruit, these reusable and environmentally friendly bags are perfect for people on the go who don’t want to clutter their trashcans with only-used-once plastic bags. www.blimegreen.com

Selk’bag 4G Lite >

Sleeping outdoors in the winter might not sound like a lot of fun, but to camping enthusiasts in cold climates, it’s a must. The 4G Lite Sleep System from Selk’bag is not only fun to wear, but will also keep you warm every night. Lighter, brighter and sleeker than the original technical sleepwear system, the 4G Lite is perfect for recreational camping, indoor wear, car travel and even tailgating. Reinforced nylon soles and ripstop and water-resistant fabric make the 4G Lite durable for outdoor and indoor use. The 4G Lite’s thermal collar and baffled construction keep the wearer warm at all angles, as well. www.selkbagusa.com CountourROAM Camera: This hands-free HD camera is ready to film any and all adventurous endeavors. It’s waterproof and turns on with an easy slide of a switch, the ContourROAM Camera captures all of life’s crazy moments. www.shop.ccs.com

Zone Camping Pass >

What better gift to give your friends and family than time spent together. Give them the gift of the Zone Camping Pass - the annual camping pass that provides a year of camping fun for one low price at Thousand Trails campgrounds. Visit www.ZoneCampingPass.com

ZONE CAMPING PASS

• Multiple Locations • Numerous Amenities • Family Fun Activities

Solar charger: Don’t waste an ounce of energy on your trip. Keep all of your gadgets charged with the power of the sun. www.espow.com

Nature-Zyme >

A perfect way to treat RV, home and boat waste water, Nature-Zyme’s variety of products are ideal for the green RVer. Plus, Thousand Trails members save 10% and receive free shipping! www.nature-zyme.net

for: Friends & Family Attack your holiday shopping this year by tuning into your loved ones’ hobbies. The result? A stress free shopping experience and memories to be made long after your gifts have been unwrapped.

www.ZoneCampingPass.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Campers Kitchen continued from page 9

More Ideas for Quick

Desserts

oast frozen waffles, add a scoop of ice cream and drizzle T with chocolate sauce or maple syrup or both. * Wash and dry firm, ripe strawberries with stems on. Melt candy coating in the microwave and dip berries. Arrange on waxed paper or parchment to cool. Serve promptly. * Use disposable clear plastic glasses to make parfaits. Stack fruit, whipped topping, nuts, granola, etc. in colorful layers. * Slice seedless watermelon ½ inch thick and use cookie cutters to make fancy shapes. * Make instant ambrosia. Put three, 15- to 20-ounce cans of fruit chunks (e.g. diced peaches or pears, fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks) in a bowl with their juices. Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut and a package of instant vanilla pudding. Let stand 5 minutes and serve. * While the coals are hot, grill fresh peach halves cut side down. Drizzle with Triple Sec or butterscotch schnapps and serve for an adult dessert. * For a finger food dessert, set out cupcake papers and fill with a colorful medley of M&M, walnut or pecan halves and dried fruit. * Slather bread with jam to make sandwiches. Cut in quarters, dip in beaten egg as for French toast and fry in butter. Serve sprinkled with powdered sugar. * Mix a can of sweetened, condensed milk into 2 ½ to 3 cups leftover, cooked rice and ½ cup raisins. Instant rice pudding! Janet Groene’s books include Living Aboard Your RV. She posts new RV recipes weekly at www. CampAndRVCook.blogspot.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

TT SINGLES Central California December 2-4: San Benito, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 467-3278 or e-mail to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or e-mail to bstaffeld@att.net. Northwest November 24-26: La Conner, WA Contact: Director Dewey Erlwein at (360) 880-7443 or e-mail to derlwein@peoplepc.com; Winnie Hoyteniuk at (604) 858-9757 or e-mail to winnie@smartt.com (British Columbia); Daphne Bailey at (503) 590-8566 or e-mail to daphnebailey07@comcast.net (Oregon); or Linda Christofferson at (360) 653-3648 (Washington). Southwest November 18-20: Palm Springs, CA December event will be member generated. Contact Babe Bohner at (909) 797-6437 FUN NITES Fun Nites are social gatherings organized by and for TTN members. Eugene/Springfield Area Round-a-Bouters group For more information call Merry Klum (541) 726-7586 or Leona Todd (541) 844-4277 Pacific City Pacific City Ramblers Ramblers meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Home Town Buffet in the Tigard Market Place, 13500 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, Oregon. Contact Charlie Buren at (503) 705-1587, Chickie Dientsel at (503) 286-8566 or Suzy Mulbey at (503) 678-2993. All Portland-area TT, NACO and LTR members welcome. TTN So Cal Weekenders November 2-4: Verde Valley, AZ December 2-4: Palm Springs, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship. E-mail: ttnweekenders@earthlink.net Website: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttnweekenders/

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Bring water to a boil and cook pasta until it’s al dente. Do not drain. Stir gelatin into hot pasta and water until it dissolves. Drain cherry juice into the gelatin mixture. Whisk in yogurt and whipped topping, then stir in cherries. Put mixture in a sprayed 8x8-inch pan. Freeze several hours or overnight. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes, then cut into 9 squares. n

CLUB CALENDAR PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 TT Travelers November 7-9: Rancho Oso, CA December 5-7: Palm Springs, CA January 2-4, 2012: Wilderness Lakes, CA We are retired residents of Southern California who are TTN members. We meet monthly at a Southern California preserve for fellowship, games and potlucks. Please call Darlene Steddum at (805) 714-9038 or e-mail to darjerste@juno.com or Sharon Straite at (562) 899-8298 or e-mail to lesstraite@verizon.net if you are interested in information about our group. TTWest/FMCA November 11-13: San Benito, CA Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly, except for the “no-host get-together” at Palm Springs Preserve immediately following the FMCA Western Area Rally in Indio, California. Contact Bob Litfin at (408) 2266529 or e-mail to clitfin@USA.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance. TT of Texas/FMCA November 4-6: Medina Lake, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or e-mail to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com Bounders United (“BUTTN”) Campouts: November 15-18: Pio Pico, CA December 9-12: Wilderness Lakes, CA January 3-6, 2012: Soledad Canyon, CA Wagonmaster for both events will be Tom & Pat Kennedy. “Bounders United/TTN” are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Thomas Kennedy at (360) 794-4903 or e-mail at BUTTNs231@gmail.com. TT East Trail Buddies We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members. We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or e-mail to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Free Product Information For product information, complete the Fast Facts card circling no more than 25 numbers, and drop in the mail. You can also visit our website www.trailblazermagazine.net for links to our advertisers’ websites. FF# Advertiser Page 144 Bates International...........................62

116 114 120 106 104 150 119 123 132 146 136 128 170 124

Answers on page 64

ACROSS 1 Compass direction 4 Love (Lat.) 7 Amer. Bar Assn. (abbr.) 10 Choler 11 Eth. title 12 Row 14 Cruising 15 Orris (2 words) 17 Bronze Roman money 18 Musical direction 19 Field 20 S. Afr. town 22 Rapid eye movement (abbr.) 24 Mating 27 Hag 31 Caen’s river 32 Sup 34 Irish nobleman 35 Fr. artist 37 Naut. instrument 39 S. Afr. hyrax 41 N.Z. island 42 Turk. title 45 Brain tissue 47 For your information (abbr.) 50 Tea box 52 S. Afr. Boer assembly 53 Offspring 54 Fr. pronoun 55 Ironwood 56 Ancient (abbr.) 57 Dance step 58 Price 50

DOWN 1 Smear 2 Benediction 3 Nat’l Endowment for the Arts (abbr.) 4 Daughter of Minos 5 Grape refuse 6 Withe 7 Africa (abbr.) 8 Biological (abbr.) 9 Agave 10 Sheep’s cry 13 Greek letter 16 Meat dish 18 Indo-Chin. people 21 Step part 23 Cat’s cry 24 Group of whales 25 One hundred square meters 26 Opening 28 Tread (2 words) 29 Raw (Fr.) 30 Pronoun contraction 33 Decare (2 words) 36 College entrance exams 38 Taradiddle 40 Organization 42 Atl. Coast Conference (abbr.) 43 Earth personified 44 Anonymous (abbr.) 46 Conrad’s “Victory” heroine 48 U.S. mountain 49 Cyprinoid fish 51 Incorporated (abbr.) 52 Royal Air Force (abbr.)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Carefree RV Resorts........................10 Carriage.............................................2 Countryside Interiors.......................62 DirectSat TV....................................61 Equity LifeStyle..........................38-41 Espar................................................48 Essex Credit.........................62, 63, 64 Garnet Technologies........................62 GEICO.............................................67 Nomad Glass...................................43 NUWA.............................................51 SkyMed............................................68 TCI Tire Centers/Michelin..............61 Winnebago.........................................8

Congrats to our Get Out and Camp Winners to date! Bernard Joyce Florida Tom Herrick Texas Martha Watts South Carolina Jim Szabo Florida David Witham Maine Joseph Trongone New Jersey Ronald Carter California

CIRCLE NO. 136 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Reader Service

Carlis Wiggington Pennsylvania Mike Stewart California

Get Out and

Ca mp

Want to Be a Lucky Winner? Then Get Out and Camp!

ELS and Thousand Trails are offering Get Out and Camp participants the opportunity to

win a $1,000

American Express Gift Card.

Answers on page 64

Any Thousand Trails member who pays their dues in full and on time will automatically be entered into the monthly drawing and becomes eligible for additional entries with each camping experience

you have at a TT preserve! There is no limit to how many entries you can earn by camping with TT (cancellations are not included). One more chance! All eligible members may submit one entry by mail to Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Mail entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2011. Mail entries must include your name, address, day and evening telephone numbers and e-mail address on a 3”x5” card. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the promotion on the Thousand Trails web site at: www.thousandtrails.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Preserve Services Directory | Nov/Dec 2011 OREGON BEND/SUNRIVER | 541-993-8494 Annual/Extended Stay - We still have some open sites available for annual use. Stop worrying about space available in beautiful Bend/Sunriver with your own site and come and enjoy all we have to offer year-round. From skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter to fishing, hiking and festivals in the summer. Please call Bobbie or Julie at the Preserve.

Short-Term Rental - Discounted short-term rentals available for two week and monthly stays. Great rates for Monday-Thursday mid-week stays. Call for our current specials. Our cabins, yurts and hostel are available all year long. Special Events - Family reunions, RV rallies, church events, weddings or business meetings. Call Barry at the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - Cabins, cottages and yurts available for rent yearround, call for quote.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage for $60 per month. Get two free months with our yearly rate of $600.

Special Events - Perfect location for your family reunions, rallies and birthday picnics. Packages are available for renting our winter lodge for that special birthday. The main lodge is available for weddings, banquets and conferences. We also welcome ski clubs and snowmobile clubs. Call Laura or send email to besh@equitylifestyle.com.

SOUTH JETTY 541-902-2024 (Preserve Office) 541-997-8333 (Rentals)

On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site storage available year-round. Call the preserve for information.

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

PACIFIC CITY 503-965-6200 (Preserve Office) 503-965-6442 (Ranger Station)

Annual/Extended Stay - No longer a need to move your RV off-site for one or more years, plus the flexibility to occupy the unit up to 210 nights without contract use restrictions and then stay longer with reservations. Decorate your preferred site or add a storage shed if desired. Order your new Cavco Cedar Cabin and custom design the interior, select your preferred campsite and schedule delivery. Financing available. Contact Ginny to make an appointment. Short-Term Rental - NEW Opportunity! Order your NEW cedar cabin or park model with optional loft direct from Pacific City and have it set up for you on a campsite located in I section. Enjoy our cul-de-sac privacy and/or ocean view. Select your floor plan, flooring, countertops and cabinets for your decorating needs. Contact the preserve to reserve your cabin or park model and campsite today. Special Events - Awesome coastal weather, beach access, clamming, crabbing, beach-combing, professional and friendly service, campsites, rental units and gazebo. We host parties, club rallies, reunions, weddings and retreats for all group outings. A group consists of 4 or more campsites/rentals or any combination thereof. Contact the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas and take advantage of our RV storage program. $50 for 4 weeks, $300 for 26 weeks or $550 for 52 weeks. Dry storage space is limited.

SEASIDE 503-738-0626 (Preserve Office) 503-738-5292 (Rentals)

Annual/Extended Stay - The Oregon Coast! Enjoy your own personal site for your RV. Home base for full-timers, improved landscape options available, 52

personalize your site – add a storage shed and/or deck. You no longer need to move your RV. OR buy one of our limited number of vacation trailers for your personal site. Call Christopher or Barry at the preserve.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Annual/Extended Stay - Extended Stay program now available. Use it any 210 days and store your rig year-round. Contact Preserve Manager for details.

Special Events - Our heavily wooded preserve is located just 55 miles west of Eugene on the beautiful Oregon coast. The Oregon Sand Dunes Recreational Park is just a few minutes from our preserve. South Jetty is a perfect place for your reunion, company picnic, rally, wedding or business meeting. Call preserve for more details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

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

CHEHALIS | 360-262-9489 Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy your own year-round private site in beautiful Chehalis. There’s no need to move your RV off-site. You can occupy your site for 210 days without reservations and then stay longer with reservations. Annual rates range from $1,980 to $3,200 per year. Contract Brenda Roza for an appointment. Short-Term Rental - We have monthly rentals for 1-4 months for $475 per month, plus utilities. We also have rental cabins and trailers offering daily and weekly rates. Special Events - Perfect venue for your family reunion, church campout, picnic, party, school event or retreat. Rental units, RV sites, picnic areas, catering, day-use activities and amenities can be all yours with our SuperHost program. Our lodge is available off-season for weddings, banquets, parties, retreats, or conferences. Call preserve or send email chba@equitylifestyle. com. On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage: $45 per month or $180 for 6 months. Call Ranger Don.

CRESCENT BAR | 509-787-4349 On-Site/Dry Storage - Limited dry storage. Call the preserve for information.

GRANDY CREEK | 360-826-3554 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site available! $2,600, please call the preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site storage available on a limited basis. Call the preserve for information.

LA CONNER | 360-466-3112

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

Annual/Extended Stay - Your very own site on our beautiful resort is waiting for you. Spend your free time on the Skagit Bay, walking on the beach, photographing the resident Bald Eagles, and relaxing in our spa. We have limited sites available so hurry and get one now for the summer season. Our Annual Program now has 210-day usage. Please call Nancy or Kelly at the preserve.

Special Events - Beautiful setting on the central Oregon coast, 18 rental units, including two new cabins and a very large garden home. Large meeting area and kitchen facilities. Parties and meetings of all sizes. Call preserve for details. SuperHost not available June 15-Sept. 15.

Short-Term Rental - Leave your RV at home and come stay in our comfortable Panabode Cedar Cabins. Full kitchen, sleeps 6. Call preserve to make reservations.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

Special Events - The perfect place for a reunion, retreat, church group, birthday party, wedding, RV rally, or corporate/business meeting or party. Great rental units, facilities and food. Call the preserve.

WASHINGTON BIRCH BAY | 360-371-7432 Annual/Extended Stay - Play by the bay longer with stays beyond your membership days and enjoy the sun, not the grays, at Birch Bay. Space may still be available for your Personal Site. Purchase a vacation home, while they last, or bring your own. Monthly stays limited and also available at just $450 month, plus utilities. Come experience the beauty of the true Northwest. Contract Chandra at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only - please call the preserve for information.

LEAVENWORTH 509-763-2020 | 800-353-1700 Annual/Extended Stay - Leavenworth still has many beautiful sites available to call your own. Please call the preserve manager for more information.

Short-Term Rental - We have monthly stays for 1-6 months at $500 a month, plus utilities. Come enjoy Leavenworth and all its beauty. Special Events - We’ve got the perfect venue for a fun-filled family reunion or a relaxing club/church retreat. Call or send e-mail to lemgr@equitylifestyle.com. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Dry Storage available for $5 per day, $30 per week or $75 per month. Call or send e-mail to lemgr@equitylifestyle.com.

LITTLE DIAMOND | 800-994-6654 Annual/Extended Stay - Stay in sunny, beautiful Eastern Washington! Annual and extended stay sites available. Call Mike at the preserve. Special Events - Granite Lodge: Two full kitchens, dining for large groups, sleeps 20+, adjacent RV and tent sites, spa and sauna, satellite TV. Contact preserve for more information.

LONG BEACH | 360-642-3091 Annual/Extended Stay - Only minutes away from the grand Pacific Ocean, surrounded by gorgeous Mother Nature and rich history of pioneers past Don’t miss out on your chance to have your own place at the beach. You can have your own personal RV site where your rig can stay year-round and you can occupy your rig for 210 days of the year. No more hassle storing your RV and just think of all the money you will save on gas and RV maintenance. Call the preserve for rates.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - NORTHWEST

NORTHWEST

Short-Term Rental - Feel at home in one of our Vacation Trailers or Thousand Trails Cabins. Start planning now! Next summer will be here before you know it and we don’t want you to miss out on all the great festivities and events here on the Long Beach Peninsula. Call the preserve for rates. Special Events - Planning a reunion, wedding, special event or a trip with a bunch of friends and family? Long Beach is the place for you! We have plenty of RV and tent sites as well as cabins and trailers available for rent. We are right off the beach and close to historic downtown Long Beach. For more information, call Kate at the Preserve Office. On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas with our dry storage sites. Available year-round at the low price of $45 a month or get two months free when you sign up for a year for only $450. Call the Preserve Office for details.

MT. VERNON | 360-724-4811 Annual/Extended Stay - Come enjoy our preserve with beautiful forest settings and views of the mountains where wildlife parade through. Relax in your own personal site now up to 210 days. Walk the trails or relax in the large swimming pool and spa. Please call Kelly King at the preserve to get your site. Special Events - Perfect site with all amenities – we do it all! For any of your SuperHost needs, all events, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, rallies, birthdays, banquets and more, with catering available. Call Cookie at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Donna at the preserve. Short term also available when you are taking a cruise.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Please call for dry storage availability. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

OCEANA | 360-289-3504

Short-Term Rental - A limited number of sites are available starting at $350 per month, plus elec. for the summer season. Call Dale Graham at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability).

PARADISE 360-985-2121 (Preserve Office) 360-985-2756 (Ranger Station)

Annual/Extended Stay - Extend your stay at Paradise for $550 per month OR BETTER YET save on fuel. Think about an annual lease, starting at $1,962. Leave rig here or take. The site you pick is yours with your personal site name posted. Call Darryl for information. Special Events - Want to have a group gathering? Doesn’t cost you any more, just easier to get your group all together! Call the Preserve Office and ask for Pat. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability).

TALL CHIEF | 425-222-0778 Annual/Extended Stay - How would you like to own your own space in the Club Med of RV Resorts? We have annual personal sites available. Just enjoy hiking in the densely wooded hills overlooking the wild Snoqualmie River, or lounging in seeming seclusion with the might Cascades rising majestically in the background. We are just 25 miles from Seattle and other Northwest attractions. Call the preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Enjoy a lodge-style cedar clubhouse and activity center, rolling lawns, a sculpted pool, and an Indoor sauna. Have your reunions or special occasions with us! We have 3 cedar cabins and 3 vacation trailers at nightly rates weekdays Sunday through Thursday or weekends Friday through Saturday. We also have tree-lined sites at daily and monthly rates.

THUNDERBIRD 360-794-4030 (Preserve Office) 360-794-8987 (Ranger Station)

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available year-round. Fenced secured area at $75 per month. Call to reserve at site.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA CULTUS LAKE | 604-858-3932 Annual/Extended Stay - During the months of November 2011 to March 2012, come stay in one of our beautiful park models. We are offering a stay of three (3) nights for the price of two (2) nights (only applies to your first three (3) nights.) Offer is not available with other discounts, rebates, coupons or any other free rental offer. 54

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Short-Term Rental - During November 2011 to March 2012, come stay in one of our beautiful park models. We are offering a stay of three (3) nights for the price of two (2) nights (only applies to your first three (3) nights.) Offer is not available with other discounts, rebates, coupons, or any other free rental offer. On-Site/Dry Storage - We offer storage in the preserve at a daily, weekly, monthly and 6-month rate. Check at the office or Ranger Station if you are interested. During the off-season we have dry on-site storage available in the preserve.

SOUTHWEST

LAKE MINDEN 530-656-2701 (Preserve Office) 530-656-2702 (Special Events) 530-656-2700 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Variety of sites available – 1-3 year leases, sewered and non-sewered sites; utilities not included. Snowbird Program: $425 per month, plus electric, includes one honeywagon dump per week. Call the preserve for more information. Special Events - Family reunions, church outings, company picnics, wedding receptions. Call Sonia at Special Events.

ARIZONA

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $460 per year/$46 per month/$2.50 daily. Call the preserve for information.

VERDE VALLEY | 928-634-8158

LAKE OF THE SPRINGS | 530-692-1852

Annual/Extended Stay - Extend by the month on a 30-amp for $350 or 50amp for $425, plus electric. Annual sites start at $2,500 per year. Pick a lease package where you can stay 365 nights-Best Deal. For more information regarding our Extended Stay and Annual Lease programs, contact Scott Woolley at the preserve.

Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy having your rig waiting for you on-site. Call us for more information on our Annual and/or Monthly Programs. Special Events - Group outings are available. Sites and/or Rental units available. Overnight or Day Use. Call Tina at the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - 29-foot trailers for $595 per month (includes electric); 30-ft. with slideout $650 per month (includes electric). Cabins $1,000-1,250 per month (includes electric). Weekly housekeeping and linens, TV/VCR, satellite. Pet and non-pet units available. Call the preserve to reserve your unit.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

Special Events - SuperHost groups welcome. Nice RV sites, catering, rentals and friendly staff. Contact Angela at the preserve.

Annual/Extended Stay - Call the preserve to get the details on the best prices in the area for full hook-up and partial hook-up sites for stays up to 210 days in a year.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available w/o electric for $50 per month or $425 per year, with electric for $90 per month or $775 per year. Call the preserve for details.

CALIFORNIA IDYLLWILD 951-659-4097 (Preserve Office) 951-659-4137 (Ranger Station) 951-659-0698 (Recreation Office)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual lease as low as $2,195 per year (not including electricity). Keep your trailer/rig or motorhome on a site for 365 days per year! Please contact Preserve Manager for more details.

MORGAN HILL 408-779-6396 (Preserve Office) 408-779-4932 (SuperHost)

Special Events - Let us help plan that special family event or company gettogether. Call SuperHost. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $85 per month and $792 per year. Call the preserve for more details.

OAKZANITA 619-445-2835 (Preserve Office) 619-445-2515 (Ranger Station)

Short-Term Rental - Stay in the preserve on a month-to-month basis for as low as $575 per month, including water and electricity. Please contact the Preserve Manager at for more information.

Annual/Extended Stay - Gas prices got you down? Hate the hassle of setting up and taking down your RV? If you like to escape the hustle and bustle of your life then we have the program for you. You can have your own personal site and you can leave your rig 365 days a year, you can occupy your rig for up to 210 days a year. We offer a limited number of annual sites and due to gas prices they fill up fast. Call Sheila or Cheryl at the preserve for more information.

Special Events - To book your next SuperHost outing at Idyllwild, please contact SuperHost Coordinator at (951) 659-4137 for further details. For the resort’s list of activities, please contact the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - We offer rental cabins you can stay for the night or by the week. Call the preserve for prices. We also have a limited number of horse corrals available by the day or week. Call the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for as little as $25 per week, $75 per month or $650 per year. Please contact the Preserve Office for more information on terms and conditions.

Special Events - If you are looking for that special place to have your family reunion, office get-together, church picnic or whatever the occasion, we do SuperHost groups. We have RV sites, tent sites, picnic areas, summertime activities and a few cabins to rent. Please call the preserve and ask Cheryl or Sheila. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage for only $450 per year, $65 per month or $40 per week. Call the Ranger Station for more information.

PALM SPRINGS | 760-345-1682 Annual/Extended Stay - Personal sites for the month or the season. Call the preserve for details. Special Events - Rally groups welcome September through November and April through May. Call the preserve for information.

PIO PICO 619-421-2213 | 800-242-6562 (Preserve Office) 619-421-9672 (Rentals)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual leases starting as low as $3,149. Please call the preserve for more information on terms and conditions. Site choice for full hook-up or water and electric only. Short-Term Rental - Rent a site on a month-to-month basis for as low as $575 per month (excluding electricity). For further details please call the Rental office. Special Events - Have your SuperHost, rally, meetings or events in southern San Diego. Call the preserve for information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Monthly and annual dry storage available. Please call the Rental office for more information on terms and conditions.

PONDEROSA | 530-642-5830 Annual/Extended Stay - Sign up for our new Annual Site program. Make a site yours for an entire year or up to 3 years! Eliminate storage costs and the hassle of moving your rig. Call Dominic at the preserve.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHWEST

Annual/Extended Stay - Walk down to the beach for some quiet time away from all the hustle and bustle. Park your RV 12 months at Oceana. Stay up to 210 days a year with ìno time outî. For the BEST PRICE on the WA coast for a full hook-up site with 50-amp power call Dale Graham at the preserve.

Special Events - Plan your next special event with us along the beautiful American River. We can help you host up to 150 guests for your wedding, family reunion, rally, or other special event function. Make your event one to remember – host it at Ponderosa Resort! Call the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Kathy at the preserve for information.

RANCHO OSO | 805-683-5686 Annual/Extended Stay - Short-term monthly FHU campsites at $600 per month, plus electric. Annual sites also available at special rates. Call the preserve or send email to romgr@equitylifestyle.com. Short-Term Rental - Check out our new reduced rates for our 29 and 30foot trailers. Special Events - Reunions, youth groups, picnics, retreats, meetings. Private Chapel/Pavilion and courtyard available for events. Stay in cozy cabins, covered wagons or our full amenity kitchenette campers. Call the preserve for details. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $75 per month or $750 per year and save $150. Call the preserve for information.

RUSSIAN RIVER 707-894-5321 (Preserve Office) 707-894-5355 (Special Events)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are still available - only a couple left. Extended Stay $400 per month, plus electric; includes one honeywagon dump per week. For more information call the preserve. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Special Events - Family gatherings and SuperHost events in Sonoma wine country. Call the Special Events number for more information.

SAN BENITO 831-389-4290 or 831-801-2029 (Preserve Office) 831-389-4477 (Ranger Station) 831-389-4473 (Special Events)

Special Events - RV sites, meeting/banquet room, kitchen available for reunions, parties, church groups, weddings, etc.

Short-Term Rental - Discounted rates Sunday-Thursday, excluding threeday holidays. Call for prices or check reservation’s web page.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available starting at $10 per week up to $300 annually.

Special Events - Call or send email to wlsh@equitylifestyle.com for your next reunion, retreat, party, seminar, and group rally. Catering available.

MAINE

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

MOODY BEACH | 207-646-4586 Annual/Extended Stay - July and August only: $850 per month, plus tax and electric.

Annual/Extended Stay - Both our Annual Site and Extended Stay Programs are available. We also have Get-A-Way cabins and other cabins and vacation trailers for the asking. Give us a call and see when we can fit you in. We also have space available for the public and we have tent sites. For any of your questions or concerns, contact the Ranger Station.

NEVADA

Short-Term Rental - Whatever your needs, contact our Ranger Station and they will put you through to someone who can accommodate you.

Annual/Extended Stay - Come HOME to your own private site in FUN City. Year-round sites available in four price ranges. Extended Stay monthly sites available from $475 per month. Call preserve for details.

MASSACHUSETTS

Short-Term Rental - Make your cabin and trailer reservations early; high demand in fall, winter and spring. Call the Rental Office for information.

Annual/Extended Stay - Full hook-up Annual Sites available for $2,200. Vacation Cottages for sale starting at $2,495, plus site fee of $2,300. Please call preserve for details.

Special Events - If you’re looking for that great place for family gatherings, youth groups, reunions, meetings, retreats, church gatherings or just your very own special event, such as birthdays or anniversaries, contact our Ranger Station and they can direct you.

LAS VEGAS 702-451-2719 (Preserve Office) 800-288-7245 (Rentals) 702-451-4647 (Storage)

On-Site/Dry Storage - We do have Dry Storage available for you. Call the Ranger Station for details.

Special Events - Let us make your special event memorable. Have your family reunion, company picnic or wedding in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. Call the preserve for more information.

SNOWFLOWER | 530-389-8241

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

Short-Term Rental - Try something new and stay in one of our cabins or yurts! Cabins sleep five and start at $100 per night, plus tax; yurts sleep 4-5 and start at $40 per night, plus tax. Cabins are only a short walk to the lake. The yurts are located near the pool and showers for your convenience. Call preserve for information.

SOLEDAD CANYON 661-269-1740 (Preserve Office) 661-269-7038 (Special Events)

Special Events - Have your rally, wedding, picnic, retreat or reunion at our beautiful preserve. Catering for up to 3,000 available. Call the preserve for information. On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site storage no longer available. Dry Storage $75 per month or $750 annual. Call the preserve for information.

TURTLE BEACH | 209-239-0991 Annual/Extended Stay - Limited number of sites available for both annual lease and monthly rental. Extended stay available. Contact Preserve Manager for pricing. Special Events - Contact Preserve Manager for information on accommodations for SuperHost groups and family gatherings. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $20 per week or $60 per month.

WILDERNESS LAKES 951-672-4831 (Preserve Office) 951-679-7804 (Special Events/SuperHost)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Fish from the back of your site! No reservations required. You can leave your RV on-site 365 days per 56

year. You may occupy the site 210 days per year. Call Brandie or Dave at the preserve for more information.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

MIDWEST/NORTHEAST INDIANA INDIAN LAKES 812-934-5496 (Preserve & Marketing Office)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at just $1,200. Please call the Marketing Office. Short-Term Rental - Monthly cabin and site rentals available. Please call the Marketing Office. Special Events - Church event, picnic, weekend retreat, youth group gatherings, meeting, reunion, birthday party, anniversary party, or wedding ~ no matter what your event, we have the facility you need. Please call Michelle at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV storage available starting at $35 per month. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual rates available. Call Michelle at the preserve.

HORSESHOE LAKES | 765-832-2487 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Lease Sites are $1,500 for lakefront and $1,075 for non-lakefront. Short-Term Rental - We have 126 sites available (122 full hook-up, and 25 50amp sites - 50-amp sites are $3 per night).

Special Events - Moody Beach Is a great getaway for your group. Rallies and Reunions. Safari Field available. Contact us to book your group or party. On-Site/Dry Storage - $20 per week, $45 per month, $375 per year, with valid insurance.

GATEWAY TO CAPE COD | 508-763-5911

Short-Term Rental - Park Model rentals available starting at $60 per night (some pet units available). Call the preserve for more information and reservations. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available $46 per month or $360 per year. Call the preserve or inquire at the Trading Post.

STURBRIDGE | 508-347-7156 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites ranging from $1,700 to $2,660. There are a variety of sites, including quiet sites and pond sites. Short-Term Rental - Nightly and weekly rates, 10 people per site. All you bring Is linen and food. Amenities are free. Special Events - We have a beautiful conference center for all occasions nestled in beautiful Sturbridge. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage: $20 per week; $45 per month; or $350 per year.

MICHIGAN BEAR CAVE | 269-695-3050

ST. CLAIR | 810-329-7129 Annual/Extended Stay - Beautiful sites, concrete pad and patio, paved road, metered 50-amp electric, water and sewer. Stay up to 180 nights and store your rig the rest of the year. $2,000 per year. Similar new sites with gravel pads and roads are only $1,500 per year. Contact Preserve Manager for details. Special Events - Enjoy family reunions, rallies, company picnics or special events through our SuperHost Program. Call preserve for more information.

NEW JERSEY CHESTNUT LAKE | 609-652-1005 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at $2,100; Monthly Sites from $500. On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage for $25 per week; $50 per month or $400 per year.

LAKE & SHORE | 609-624-1494 Annual/Extended Stay - Limited Cottages available so make the call today.

SEA PINES On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $50 per month or $400 per year.

OHIO

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - NORTHEAST

Short-Term Rental - Over 200 wineries, close to shopping, casinos, cultural events and world-class dining. 1.5 hours to the Mendocino coast. All TT cabins include one set of linens.

KENISEE LAKE | 440-576-9030 Annual/Extended Stay - Lakefront for $1,545 and non-lakefront for $1,030. Call the preserve for details. Short-Term Rental - Elite site is $475 for a month-to-month and $425 per month for a standard site. Special Events - Rustic Barn, Pool Pavilion available for Family Reunions, Superhosts, and Get-togethers. If interested, please contact Linda Roberts or Connie Higgs for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage ONLY. Fees: $35 per month; $65 per quarter (yearly) $125 per 6 months; and $235 for one year.

WILMINGTON | 937-382-5883 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites now available: $1,250-$1,750. Call Amy for more information. Special Events - SuperHost Facility Rental: Family Lodge $400; Pavilion $100. Call preserve for more information.

Annual/Extended Stay - Limited annual sites still available. Call for rates. Just 90 minutes from Chicago and only 20 minutes to Michigan’s finest beaches. Reserve now and enjoy one of the most stunningly beautiful waterfront camp reserve sites available. Located on the St. Joseph River with boat launch and docks.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $300 per year; $150 per six months, or $10 per week. Call the Ranger Station.

Short-Term Rental - 1 and 2 bedroom park model rentals for $59 and $69 per night; 2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends. Linen rental for additional fee. 2-4 person, fully-equipped tent rentals available. Call for details.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites Available! Starting at $2,350, 210 days of occupancy; space is limited.

PENNSYLVANIA CIRCLE M | 717-872-4651

Special Events - Looking for a great place for your next family outing? Look no further than Outdoor World Circle M in Lancaster. Contact Judy at to make your plans. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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

GETTYSBURG FARM | 717-292-7191

Special Events - Hidden Cove offers several planned activities and events year-round, including major holiday celebrations, crafts, bingo, football parties, horseshoe tournaments, holey-board tournaments, potluck dinners, Breakfast at the Clubhouse, campfire sing-a-longs, and more. For information, call the preserve.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available. Call Jeff at the preserve office for information. Special Events - Two pavilions are available for your reunion, company picnic, wedding or party. These creekside pavilions are a popular gathering spot for your special functions. Call Jeff or Mary at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly and $300 yearly. Call the preserve or stop by the Trading Post.

HERSHEY 717-867-1891 (Preserve Office) 717-867-3967 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available at beautiful Hershey Preserve starting at $2,550. Call Kim at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly, $200 for six months or $375 per year. Call or stop by the Country Store during regular hours.

PA DUTCH COUNTRY | 717-665-2500 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available – Standard sites $1,750; Premium sites $2,150. Vacation Cottage site fee $2,100 per year. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at the preserve. Short-Term Rental - 21 cabins available for rent. Call the preserve for details. Special Events - Don’t worry about the weather – our large building is available for rent. Building will accommodate square dance groups inside; also available for weddings and other events. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at the preserve. On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage is available for $2 per day, $50 per month, and $350 per year. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at the preserve.

SCOTRUN | 570-629-0620 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites still available at Scotrun. Scotrun has winter onsite available. Bring your RV and enjoy the winter sports at all the nearby slopes. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only. Contact preserve for details.

TIMOTHY LAKE NORTH & SOUTH | 570-588-6631 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available and vacation cottages for sale in the beautiful, scenic Pocono Mountains! Call the preserve and ask for Cathy or Nicole for pricing information.

SOUTHEAST ALABAMA HIDDEN COVE | 205-221-7042 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available - $1,650. For information, call the preserve. 58

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site RV storage available $2 per day or $150 per six months. For information, call the preserve.

FLORIDA ORLANDO 352-394-5531 (Preserve Office) 352-394-7300 (Special Events)

Annual/Extended Stay - Sites still available for extended stay and lease options. Leave your rig and not have to move every few weeks. Please call Beth-Ann McCourt for more details or ask for when you arrive at the preserve.

LAKE GASTON | 252-586-4121

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only - $45, plus tax ($48.04).

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Rates from $1,900 to $3,450. Call the preserve for details.

COLORADO RIVER | 979-732-8229

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

SOUTH CAROLINA CAROLINA LANDING | 864-972-9892 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available starting at $1,300 for current members. Short-Term Rental - Annual cabin rental $2,200 for a standard cabin. On-Site/Dry Storage - Boat and cargo storage starts at $15 per month.

THE OAKS AT POINT SOUTH | 843-726-5728

PEACE RIVER | 863-735-8888

Annual/Extended Stay - Come spend the winter where it’s warm at our beautiful spot close to Savannah, Charleston, and right next door to the historic Beaufort by the sea. Our winter price is very reasonable - $350 per month plus tax and electric. Call the preserve and book now for a great winter. Easy access to/from I-95.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for $2,200 per year, plus tax and electric. Extended seasonal sites available as well. Call Elnor at the preserve for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - We offer on-site storage at $150 per month, plus electric and taxes.

Special Events - Function hall, catering, activities and amenities are all yours with our SuperHost Program. For details, contact Beth-Ann McCourt.

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

TENNESSEE

On-Site/Dry Storage - Rates: $5 per day, $45 per month or $350 per year. Call the preserve for information.

Annual/Extended Stay - Extended Stay monthly $232 or $1,545 for the season.

KENTUCKY

CHEROKEE LANDING | 731-376-0935

Special Events - We’re the spot for your special event.

DIAMOND CAVERNS | 270-749-2891

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage only.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual lease sites available as well as Extended Stay. Call the preserve for more information.

NATCHEZ TRACE | 931-796-3212

Short-Term Rental - Call the preserve for details on short-term rentals. Special Events - Special rates available for rallies, reunions and special functions. Please call the preserve for details.

Special Events - Make your family reunion or church picnic interesting and fun for all ages. All family oriented groups welcome. Contact Marty or send email to crmgr@equitylifestyle.com. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available year-round; fenced secure area. Call the preserve or send email crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

LAKE CONROE 936-856-7888 (Preserve Office) 936-856-3751 (Rental Office)

Annual/Extended Stay - Extended agreement by month, plus metered electricity. Come stay for up to five months at a time on our Texan Program. The cost is $350 per month, plus electricity. For details contact the Ranger. We are excited about our new annual program at Lake Conroe. You may stay up to 210 days and leave your rig on-site for the entire year. Contact Preserve Office for details. Short-Term Rental - We have four cabins for rent nightly, weekly or for two weeks at a time, for $75, plus tax, per night, for our members and $85, plus tax, per night, for guests. We have nine Get-A-Way cabins for our Get-A-Way members. We also have our Hidden Cove rentals, which are owned by our members and rented by the week or the month. Check with our Preserve Office for details and prices for weekend specials and Hidden Cove Cottage rentals. All rentals are fully furnished. You just need to bring clothes and food! Special Events - SuperHost/pavilion/family center/lake area rental available most weekends for parties and special events. Contact the Ranger Station at the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - Mid-week cabin stay special - $99 Monday through Thursday. Limited Availability. Standard Cabins only.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Marina Storage: one roped-in area at the lake for just $70 per month, plus tax. Dry Storage: $55 per month, plus tax, or $605 per year, plus tax. Contact the Ranger Station. We also have short-term storage at $40 per week where you may store your RV on one of our tent sites and leave your electric plugged in while you are out of the preserve.

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

LAKE TAWAKONI | 903-598-2800

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites still available - $1,020 to $1,380.

On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site and dry storage available. Please call the preserve for rates.

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

NORTH CAROLINA

TEXAS

FOREST LAKE | 336-988-4135

BAY LANDING | 940-683-3016

Annual/Extended Stay - Stop worrying about getting a campsite reservation! Your personal site is saved for your exclusive use on an annual basis. No more having to cut the weekend short with towing and set-up time. Save time and gas – get in on this new program while site choices are best. Also available – rental cabins at great discounts. The more time you want, the less it costs – weekly, monthly AND a limited number of leases by the year. Another way to save – let us store your RV in dry storage. For more information, call Community Manager Robert Rowe at the preserve.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site leases available for part-time or full-time occupancy. Suitable for RV or park models. Also offering Summer Texan extended stays for members only, up to 5 months at $325 per month, plus metered electricity. For pricing and details about Annual sites or 55+ programs, call Marty or send email at crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHEAST

On-Site/Dry Storage - Outdoor World Circle M is not accepting any new dry storage agreements.

Annual/Extended Stay - Standard and Premium sites are available. There are electric charges on both. These sites are for 210 days of usage. Marina and dry storage are available for boats. Short-Term Rental - Two rental cabins available.

Annual/Extended Stay - Bay Landing is now your personal site for 12 months. *Annual Stay – stay up to 210 days a year with ìno time out.î * Limited spaces available. * Don’t cut your weekend short with towing and setup. Save on Gas. No pulling! Please call Lynn.

Special Events - SuperHost facilities are available for family reunions and business use for a fee. Contact the BA for assistance.

Special Events - We have excellent amenities for any of your SuperHost needs, such as family reunions, weddings, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Beautiful pavilions on Lake Bridgeport! Please call Nena.

LAKE TEXOMA 903-523-5835 (Preserve Office) 903-523-4206 (Special Events/Storage)

On-Site/Dry Storage - Monthly Dry Storage cost is $42.70.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

HARBOR VIEW | 804-224-8164

Special Events - We offer SuperHost programs church groups, family reunions, scout groups, etc. Contact Brynda.

Annual/Extended Stay - Seasonal sites: $1,030, plus tax and electric, for the season or $350, plus tax and electric, per month.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available. Please call Brynda.

Short-Term Rental - Short-term rental available May through October. Call Mike.

LAKE WHITNEY | 254-694-4269

Special Events - Plan your next outing with us! Air-conditioned Rec. Hall open from May through October. Call Mike.

Annual/Extended Stay - Our annual/personal site program allows you to camp up to 210 days a year. There are 4 different price ranges depending on the site type chosen. Call us to find out how to get your personal site at Lake Whitney. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $55 per month or $605, plus tax, for the entire year (if paid in full at start of storage). You receive the 13th month free. Don’t wait - limited space.

MEDINA LAKE 830-751-2444 (Preserve Office) 830-751-2406 (Special Events/Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Site program available. Guarantee your personal site for an entire year with sites starting at $1,650. Call preserve for details. Special Events - Family reunions, company picnics, rallies – we do them all! We have two large outdoor areas available for day use. Campsite and limited cabin rentals are also available. Call Cindy at Special Events. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage $60 per month or $540 per year, plus tax. Call Preserve Office or Storage.

VIRGINIA CHESAPEAKE BAY 804-693-9757 (Preserve Office) 804-693-9645 (Special Events) 804-693-6951 (Storage)

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only – May 1 to Oct. 12. Call Mike.

LYNCHBURG | 434-332-6672 Annual/Extended Stay - Plan to spend the season with us and enjoy all the beauty, festivals and fun that Central Virginia has to offer. Annuals sites are available for $1,200; premium sites are $1,875. Call the preserve for more details. Short-Term Rental - Spend a month or two and enjoy all the wonderful activities and attractions of the area. Our monthly rate is $300, plus electric. Call the preserve for more information and start making your plans today. Special Events - We offer the perfect place for family reunions, church or company picnics, camping rallies, weddings and receptions, and other special functions. Contact the preserve at or send email to lymgr@equitylifestyle.com and let us help you plan your special gathering today. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $40 per month; $200 for six months $200, $400 for the year.

VIRGINIA LANDING | 757-442-4853 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Call the preserve for more information. On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available year-round.

WILLIAMSBURG | 757-566-3021

Annual/Extended Stay - Members interested in an annual site for 2012 season should contact Lisa Poulos at the Storage Phone Number listed above by January 1, 2012. Prices start at $2,800 for a standard site. Short-Term Rental - We have 20 fully-furnished rental cabins that sleep 4-6. (18 are lakefront locations). Pet units also available.

Annual/Extended Stay - Your best year of camping begins at Williamsburg. Annual on-site program at our beautiful tree-sheltered campground: full hook-up, metered sites begin at $1,7000. Vacation Cottage Program offers 28 to 38-foot park models, vinyl or log-sided from $2,750 to $7,500, with a 3-year annual on-site lease. Satellite reception sites still available. Call and ask Gary about our TB Reader VCP Discount.

Special Events - On a tidal river of the Chesapeake Bay, we have 20 rental cabins, tent sites and 30- and 50-amp full hook-up sites. Perfect for group events, rallies and reunions. Indoor and outdoor facilities for meetings and

On-Site/Dry Storage - Secure and easy access storage for $385 annually with park membership. Call the preserve for more information.

News & Notes continued from page 43 Seaside

Sturbridge

The sports courts at Seaside have been upgraded and they now have four pickleball courts and a tennis, volleyball and basketball court for the guests to use. Stage 1 of the group fire pit was completed and Stage 2 will see a gazebo and windbreakers installed so the entire area can be utilized the whole summer. A new gate key pad was installed on the north side. The small wares, futons and BBQs in the rentals were upgraded and next year the plan is to upgrade mattresses and furniture in all 11 rentals.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Field storage available year-round. On-site storage available Nov. 15-May 15. Call Storage for details.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 170 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Short-Term Rental - New rates - call the preserve manager or ask at the office.

gatherings. Call Special Events.

It’s goodbye to the leaks at Sturbridge as the main building now has a new roof!

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach has been very busy with upgrades and repairs. The lodge has been spruced up with new paint, and the roof has been replaced. The side walkway along the lodge has been removed and the front deck remodeled. The wells have been upgraded for more dependable water pressure and capacity. With new gravel in sites and the trees trimmed, we are excited to welcome members “home” to Turtle Beach.

CIRCLE NO. 106 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHEAST

Annual/Extended Stay - Personal Sites available. A year with no time out. *Limited spaces available.* Save on gas, setup, pulling/towing. Please call Nic at the preserve office for information. Don’t delay - sites are rapidly filling up!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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CIRCLE NO. 144 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

CIRCLE NO. 123 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

CIRCLE NO. 120 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

WORLDWIDE RV TOURS AND RALLIES Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Overseas & USA, Rose Parade, Balloon Fiesta, Kentucky Derby & more! Free vacation guide (800) 952-8496 or www.fantasyrvtours.com

lB Trai

LEAKY ROOF? Liquid Roof® goes on like paint, cures to a sealed EPDM rubber membrane. UV & Ozone resistant — good to 300˚F. 5-year warranty. For information and brochure call 1-800-467-7135 www.AdvancedRubberCoatings.com SALES TEAMS WANTED! RV, Home & Marine Solutions is looking for active and outgoing teams or singles to represent great new products within the RV markets. Work independently or within our 100+ campgrounds. Sponsor events, mini-seminars on products that benefit all RVers. Several comp plans available with generous commission plans. Immediate needs in TX, CA & FL. Other states too. Apply today! Send qualifications to info@nature-zyme.com or call 312-279-1876.

WIN $25!

t s at ine.ne u t i Vis agaz M zer

FREE DIRECTV & RV KIT for your RV when you get DIRECTV for your home with CHOICE Package (only $29.99/mo for 12mos) & above. Limited Time! New DIRECTV customers only. Call Now for details! 1-800-257-4480

Marsh Higgins from Thermal, CA found the evergreen tree on page 9 of the September issue. Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Postmark deadline is November 30, and remember — the tree could be a different color and size.

DRV MOBILE SUITES 2012 DRV Mobile Suites 36RSSB3. $88,637.50. MSRP $110,668. True Four Season. 37’ w/ Four Slides. Frameless Dual Pane Windows, Central Vac, Disc Brakes Fireplace, 4 Dr. Refrigerator, One Touch Leveling, 43’ Units Available. Mention This Ad for 10% Discount off M.A.P.! www.rvsforless.net 1-877-960-1777

JOB OPPORTUNITY Manage a Christmas Tree lot from Thanksgiving until Christmas, in Southern California. Receive a percentage of the sales. Prefer a couple with an RV. Call Woody 503-705-2044 or email: millerwoody@hotmail.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 119 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

To Advertise in Marketplace Or To Place a Classified Ad email TBads@equitylifestyle.com Deadline for March 2012 Issue is January 6, 2012

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Get Out and

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Our September winner is Mike Stewart from Moorpark, CA

Want to be a Lucky Winner? Then Get Out and Camp! Exclusive contest for Get Out and Camp participants and the chance to win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card! See ThousandTrails.com for details.

Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to win

$25!

Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fast Facts winner is

Douglas and Karen Olinghouse of Olympia, WA

Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 50

Forest Lake Snowflower

CIRCLE NO. 119 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Trip Planner App Coming Soon!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Plan your next Thousand Trails adventure with our new Thousand Trails Trip Planner App. Be one of the first notified when the app is ready to test. To submit your info go to www.facebook.com/ThousandTrails. (Compatible with iPad, iPhone, & iPod Touch devices) NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD

As the sun sets on another year, we thought weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d take a look back at all the beautiful sunset shots sent in by our readers over the past year. We hope the day preceding each of these sunsets was spent with friends and family enjoying the great outdoors at our Thousand Trails Preserves. Looking forward to seeing you in 2012!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 132 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 | TRAILBLAZERCIRCLE NO. 128 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50