TrailBlazer Magazine - October 2013

OCTOBER 2013 n $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

LAS VEGAS: ~ in the buff

~ Keeping Up With Vegas

B L A L Z I

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RV Tires A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble Ask RV Bill

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

VOL. 35 n ISSUE 9

OCTOBER2013 CONTENTS Message from Marguerite

Tech Topics Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer

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Photo courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau

TrailMix 12

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Activities & Events

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Updates & Upgrades

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I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer

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Spotlight: Fall Flea Markets

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A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble

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Features: Las Vegas In the Buff

Keeping Up With Vegas

LAS VEGAS IN THE BUFF

Mountains, canyons, lakes, and a soaring dam - the landscape surrounding the glittery Las Vegas Strip offers plenty of outdoor adventure.

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32 35

RV Tires 38 Gone With the Wynns

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Member Deals 44 Advertiser Index 50 Crossword Puzzle 50 Ask RV Bill 52 Winding Roads 54

Sudoku Puzzle 62 Classified Advertising

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On Location 66

KEEPING UP WITH VEGAS

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Photo courtesy of Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas

On the Market 55

Dining while suspended more than 160 feet in the air; exchanging vows in a popular breakfast establishment; or being dispensed from a giant slot machine for a thrill ride - where can you experience all this? Why Las Vegas, of course!

Cover photo courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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THOUSAND TRAILS IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE OUR

PREFERRED RV DEALER PARTNERS

Alpin Haus - Amsterdam, NY - Port Jervis, NY - Saratoga, NY - www.alpinhaus.com American Family RV - Chesapeake, VA - www.americanfamilyrv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis - Chehalis, WA - www.baydosrvs.com Big Country RV - Bend, OR - Redmond, OR - www.bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV - Mt. Vernon, WA - www.bladerv.com Browns RV - McBee, SC - www.brownsrvsuperstore.com Campers Inn - Leesburg, FL - Macon, GA - Elkhart, IN - Raynham, MA - Merrimack, NH - Kingston, NH - Mocksville, NC - www.campersinn.com Clear Creek RV - Silverdale, WA - www.clearcreekrvcenter.com Crossroads Trailers - Newfield, NJ - www.crossroadstrailers.com Curtis Trailer Center - Schoolcraft, MI - www.curtistrailercenter.com Floyd’s RV - Norman, OK - www.floydsrvs.com Funtime RV - Tualalin, OR - www.funtimervinc.com Lakeside RV Sales - Anderson, SC - www.lakesidervsales.com La Mesa - Orlando, FL - Ft. Myers, FL - West Palm, FL - Sacramento, CA - San Diego, CA - www.lamesarv.com McMahons RV - Mesa, AZ - Colton, CA - Palm Desert, CA - Westminster, CA - www.mcmahonrv.com Media Camping - Fairless Hills, PA - Hatfield, PA - Media, PA - www.mediacamping.com Patterson RV - Wichita Falls, TX - www.pattersonrv.com Paul Evert’s RV Country - Bullhead City, AZ - Coburg, OR - Fresno, CA - Laughlin, NV - www.rvcountry.com Princesscraft RV - Round Rock, TX - www.princesscraft.com Roy Robinson RV - Marysville, WA - www.royrobinsonrv.com RV Value Mart - Litiz, PA - Manheim, PA - www.rvvaluemart.com Scott Motor Coach Sales, Inc. - Lakewood, NJ - www.scottmotorcoach.com See Grins RV - Gilroy, CA - www.seegrins.com Sunbelt RV Center - Belton, TX - www.sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center - Atwater, CA - www.sundownrv.com Tacoma RV - Tacoma, WA - www.tacomarv.com Vogt RV - Ft. Worth, TX - www.vogtrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet - Athens, TX - www.welcomebackrv.com Western Travel Sales - Lyden, WA - www.westerntravelsales.com 4

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

B L A Z I L

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MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

2013

W

ho doesn’t love numbers and statistics? Here are a few figures you might find interesting.

Last year, 42.5 million Americans camped and there are more than 8 million RV-owning households in the US. Also, RV manufacturers are experiencing the highest sales volume they have seen in the past five years. Obviously, these are numbers we like.

While the RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) reports that one reason for the increase is that RVs support a balanced and healthy lifestyle, fun and relaxation are often highlighted as reasons for the increase in camping.

And as for the balanced and healthy lifestyle, as well as the fun and relaxation, I can speak to that. Each month we run several photos contests – one for our Facebook fans and one for the magazine. If I just took a “snapshot” of your outdoor experiences based on your photo submissions, I can roughly say you spent your camping days fishing, enjoying wildlife and the natural settings of our campgrounds, participating in activities at the campgrounds and spending time with friends and family. That appears to be the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, family, friends and fun.

The nice thing about camping with Thousand Trails is that we offer you that balance – you can choose a remote site to set up camp and go off grid; you can choose a preserve that’s got an activity calendar so full of fun you won’t know which activity to choose; you can choose a preserve that’s near the water or one that’s surrounded by mountains.

Our feature this month focuses on Las Vegas – a location that provides a balance between nightlife and plenty of outdoor activity. Luckily, our Las Vegas RV Resort is perfectly situated – the natural landscape of Red Rock Canyon is the perfect offset to the hustle and bustle of the famous Las Vegas Strip. You can go city and go country all in one spot.

While all of us love the lifestyle, some of you are lucky enough to full-time while some of us have that as a plan for the distant (or not too distant) future. We’d like to hear from full-timers so we can create our own tips and tricks to share with our readers. Please drop us a line or two at TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com and let us know your secrets for the perfect full-timing lifestyle.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the firefighters who battled the Rim fire near our Yosemite Lakes Preserve as well as acknowledge the efforts of our onsite teams. We also want to thank you — our members and guests — for your patience throughout this time.

So when you strive to create balance in your busy lives, and make time for fun and relaxation, remember the outdoor lifestyle you embrace is a perfect way to do that!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

Statistic Sources: www.RVIA.org and www.outdoorindustry.org OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Equity LifeStyle Properties Family of Resorts.

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

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

TrailBlazer Magazine

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

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

TTN & LTR Reservation Services (From United States and Canada) 1-800-288-7245 • 228-497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

September 1 to March 31 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Central Time 24-hr. STAR Line: 1-800-859-7827 228-497-3594 Member Services 1-800-388-7788 Resort Parks International Reservations 1-800-456-7774 ELS Reservations 1-877-362-6736 PRINTED IN THE USA

Wilderness Lakes: Our grandson, R.J., caught his first fish at Wilderness Lakes.

- Berna Lu Gibson & Harold Asher

Now Win $50 EACH Issue!

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

Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to: TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to: Equity LifeStyle Properties, Attn: TrailBlazer Photos Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of Equity LifeStyle Properties and may be used for publication on company websites and promotional purposes.

One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received.

The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and on the website.

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PICS FROM THE PARKS Horseshoe Lakes: During our recent visit to Horseshoe Lakes, we enjoyed walking the many nature trails. We thought we were alone until we spotted an Acorn Woodpecker keeping an eye on us.

- Peter & Marlene Thornton

Little Diamond: During our recent visit to Little Diamond we took some lovely photos of the lake. We are Thousand Trails members and visit Little Diamond often.

- Wayne & Helen Jenkins, Draper, UT

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER?

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

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

This month’s winner, Elvira Samuolis from Downers Grove, IL was camping at Pine Country when she was presented with her $1,000 gift card.

Will you be pictured here next month?

Elvira is pictured here with her husband Algimantas.

Get Out and

Ca mp

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

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Tech Topics

by Paul and Kerri Elders

▶ There’s

absolutely no doubt about it: your home on wheels is your castle.

This month, we’ll take a look at a few lighting tips to help make your RV safer, more secure, and even more inviting. And, we’ll review a few common sense tips for making the most of an often-ignored but essential appliance, your RV’s gas cooktop.

Light Up Your Life

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

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

To improve safety inside, get some low-voltage plug-in nightlights for the bathroom and kitchen areas. We always travel with a simple, inexpensive, battery-powered round push-on light for the bedside table. We also installed a permanent charging station “holster” for a heavy, powerful rechargeable flashlight that’s permanently mounted just inside the entry door. By mounting it lower on the wall near the stairwell, it’s always within easy reach, even from outside, which is where we usually need it for hookups, checking tires while traveling at night, etc.

As any veteran road warrior can tell you, lighted storage bays are priceless. If your RV isn’t outfitted with lighted bays, visit your local hardware store, RV supply house, or Amazon.com and get some battery powered push-on lights. They’re easily mounted with sticky tape (or even Velcro strips) so you can perfectly position them for easy reach and optimum light. Another handy light we always carry is a simple LED Microlight keychain flashlight.

Smaller than a quarter, they really come in handy during late night fuel runs.

A lighted grab bar handle at the entry door is especially

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

RV Cooktop Tips

The overwhelming majority of RV cooktops feature gas burners and for good reason: electricity in an RV is at a premium. Most RV ranges have no complicated electronics, no moving parts, and present very few maintenance problems. But, as always, a few simple tips can make cooking with a propane cooktop a little easier.

You may not have noticed, but RV cooktops are often “down-sized” slightly from home models to conserve countertop space. Smaller burners may mean more space efficiency, but you may want to think about slightly down-sizing your pots and pans to up their heating efficiency. Cook that steak in an eight inch skillet in lieu of a ten inch. And, if you’re a foodie who REALLY loves to cook in your RV, we’ve always found that it pays to invest in a few higher-quality, copper-bottomed pans to maximize heating performance.

While you’re cooking, an RV’s cooktop (and oven) is competing with your lungs for the oxygen available in your RV, so it’s always a very good idea to keep a roof vent open and a window cracked while creating your culinary masterpieces. For safety’s sake, never wear loose-fitting clothing while cooking with a gas cooktop.

Avoid flowing robes with long, wide sleeves; you’re just ASKING for trouble. And under NO circumstances should the propane cooktop or oven be used as a heating unit.

Continued on page 62 OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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WHO’S IN THE KITCHEN

with TrailBlazer?

THE AMERICAN

Gourmet

COLLECTION Cookbook

by Paul and Kerri Elders

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e wrote The American Gourmet Collection Cookbook for very simple reasons: we love to eat and we love to cook. And we could never find a cookbook that satisfied us. Too many cookbooks contained beautiful pictures and terrible recipes; or eight or ten fantastic recipes buried among a hundred not-sogreat ones. So we wrote a cookbook we could use, love, and share. Our 420-recipe cookbook was published in 1996 and we STILL use it all the time.

We believe America’s unique diversity is one of its greatest strengths. As a nation, we’ve successfully blended an ethnic heritage from the “Old World” with the adventurous spirit of the New. And it shows in our food. We wanted a cookbook that combined a variety of American comfort food classics with some ethnic specialties (German, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, etc.).

We also wanted a cookbook filled with everything from party-worthy appetizers to stunning desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions so that even a beginner could confidently cook anything the first time.

When we couldn’t FIND that book, we wrote it.

Here are a few samples for you. Enjoy!

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Vegetable Sandwiches Ingredients: Sandwich-size Croissants Mayonnaise Endive Red Onion Slices Avocado Slices Tomato Slices Directions: 1. Use one croissant for each sandwich. Heat the croissants in a 425° oven for 3-5 minutes.

Cool slightly. Split in half horizontally.

Lightly spread mayonnaise on the cut side of each croissant half.

2. On the bottom half of the croissant, arrange endive, then red onion slices, avocado, and tomato slices. Top with top half of croissant, and cut in half, if desired.

Delicious plain, but can be seasoned with garlic salt, salt and pepper, or a dab of Ranch dressing.

Exquisite Stuffed Pork Chops Ingredients: 6 pork chops, 1-1/2 inches thick 3 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon minced onion 1/4 cup finely sliced fresh mushrooms 1/2 cup crumbled Blue Cheese 3/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs Dash salt Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325°.

2. Carefully slit a pocket in the side of pork chops with a very sharp knife.

3.

Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet. Saute onion and mushrooms for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Stir in blue cheese, bread crumbs, and salt.

5. Stuff each pork chop with dressing, and secure with toothpicks. Place stuffed pork chops in a baking pan on their edges, so that the cut sides are vertical.

6. Bake at 325° for one hour, or until pork chops are done.

Serves 6.

Summer Squash Casserole Ingredients: 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese 2 cups butter-type cracker crumbs (like Ritz®) 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 cup melted butter 2 cups grated raw yellow squash 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 beaten eggs 1 cup milk Salt to taste Pepper to taste

meatsrootsandleaves.com

Cherry Icebox Pie Ingredients: 8-ounces cream cheese 1 cup confectioners sugar 1/2 pint whipping cream, whipped and seasoned to taste 1 cup chopped muts Baked Graham Cracker crust 1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling Directions: 1.

Cream together cream cheese and confectioners sugar. Fold in whipping cream and chopped nuts.

2. Pour into baked graham cracker crust. Top with cherry pie filling and chill. Serves 6.

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cheese and cracker crumbs. Set aside.

3.

In a separate mixing bowl, blend together remaining ingredients (but NOT the cracker-cheese mixture), mixing well.

4. Add half the cracker-cheese mixture to the squash mixture, mixing well.

5.

Turn into a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cracker/cheese mixture on top.

6. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Serves 6.

The American Gourmet Collection Cookbook by Paul and Kerri Elders is available exclusively at Amazon.com. More recipes and info about the book can be found online at AmericanGourmetCollection.com.

pictureprairieplaces.weebly.com

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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TrailMix

What do our preserves have cooking up in their cauldrons of fun? Check out some of the events listed here. And that’s not all the fun we’ve have planned - check out our Activities and Events calendar, beginning on Page 14, to see what your favorite preserve has planned for some fright nights of fun.

Bay Landing, TX

The list of Halloween events scheduled for Bay Landing the weekend of October 25-27 is longer than even the scariest witch’s broom. On the schedule is pumpkin carving, haunted hayride, kids’ costume party with games, apple-bobbing and trick or treating. On Saturday night, it’s the adults turn for some scary fun as the preserve hosts its adult costume party in the clubhouse – complete with dancing and prizes.

Wilmington,, OH

Halloween comes a bit early to our Wilmington preserve when they host their Halloween Spook-Tacular on October 12. Come haunt your way through the preserve during trick or treating, pumpkin carving and spooky Halloween games.

Hershey, PA

The Haunted Trail at Hershey Preserve is so popular that they had to schedule three weekends to frighten all those who dare to enter.

Visit Hershey October 11-13, October 18-20 and October 23-27 to see what the Haunted Trail is all about. In addition to the Haunted Trail, the preserve will also have trick or treating and costume contests to celebrate Halloween.

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Carolina Landing,, SC

The Haunting at Carolina Landing is an event not to be missed! Take a haunted hayride that leads straight to the Carolina Chamber of Horrors. If you’re not too scared afterwards, enjoy a hot dog roast and some live music. The event, scheduled for October 25-26, is open to the public and costs just $5 for a scary good time.

Lake of the Springs,, CA

Ghosts and goblins of all ages are invited to the Halloween Celebration at Lake of the Springs, scheduled for October 26. Events include a kids’ fishing derby, pumpkin carving and site decorating contests. Plus, there’s a Haunted House and a Monster Mash Dance and Costume Contest to round out the ghoulish fun planned.

Wilderness Lakes,, CA

If you’re looking for a great Haunted House, then look no further than Wilderness Lakes. During the weekend of October 25-26, the preserve will host not only their famous Haunted House, but also plenty of other Halloween activities including Candy Bar Bingo, pumpkin decorating, costume contests for all ages, trick or treating and karaoke (which can always be a bit scary!) Don’t miss out on all this fun!

La Conner,, WA

In addition to their Haunted House, which is billed as “the most famous Haunted House in the Northwest.”, La Conner will have have pumpkin carving contests and site decorating.

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Calendar - October 2013 ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

CALIFORNIA Idyllwild October 12 Art Walk & Wine Tasting Event features gallery art, artists at work, live music, local dancers and fine wines. Event is sponsored by the Idyllwild Art Alliance and Middle Ridge Winery. Event is just four miles from the preserve.

October 31 Idyllwild Great Pumpkin Parade The town of Idyllwild celebrates Halloween with a parade, carnival from 5 to 8 p.m. and downtown businesses handing out candy. Dress up in costumes! Event is held on North Circle Drive, just four miles from the preserve.

Lake Minden October is all about Monsters & Demons & Zombies: OH MY! October 4-6: Crafters Holiday/Radio Control Boat Races: The theme for the Friday Night Potluck is Fall Casseroles; remember to sign up in the Adult Lodge and bring your recipe if you can. Join us for a Crafters Holiday; we’ll have stations set up for various projects including seasonal jewelry, greeting cards, scrapbooking and an “It’s never too early to start” Christmas Crafting Ornament. Don’t forget Friday night Brown Bag Bingo or Saturday Candy Bar Bingo and the Ice Cream Social. RC Boats will be racing in B Section on Friday and Saturday. October 11-13: Getting Ready for Ghouls: Join us for the Friday Night “Souper” Potluck Social. Bring a pot of your favorite soup and a copy of the recipe and we’ll have a bread, cracker and soup potluck. Bring a fall or Halloween themed prize and stay for Brown Bag Bingo. Fall/Halloween is the theme for Crafts, Cards and Scrapbooking this week. Don’t get spooked in a Ghost and Goblin Scavenger Hunt on Saturday. October 18-20: Hydroplane Races: Join us for the always exhilarating Hydroplane Boat Races. These races are a Lake Minden favorite for heart pounding excitement. Take a break from the races for Candy Bar Bingo and the Ice Cream Social. Don’t forget to join us Saturday night for a good old-fashioned Barn Dance. (Swim Beaches will be closed during the boat races). October 25, 27 and 31: Mysterious Monsters: This will be a weekend of Ghoulish Halloween Fun. Don’t be chilled to the bone. Bring your favorite addition for chili for a Chili Potluck Social. Up for some fun? Dress for dinner in your deadliest costume and you may win a prize. Also Saturday is tailgate Trick or Treat. On Thursday the 31st we’ll have our traditional hayride Trick or Treating.

October 31 6th Annual Scarysville Halloween Festival in Historic Downtown Marysville Join us for four blocks of family fun including games, costume contests for the kids and your pets, carved pumpkin contest, The Haunted Bakery and The Haunted Mansion, and, of course, Trick or Treating!! The Downtown Marysville Merchants provide a safe, fun environment for the whole family to enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween!! Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Marysville Business Improvement District, event is less than 20 miles from the preserve.

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

(Events may be subject to change)

Lake of the Springs Throughout October: Breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday, and dinner is served every Saturday. Also, every Saturday, John Carter performs at the Family Campfire Sing-along and Marshmallow Roast. October 5: Family Dance with DJ Ana Maria. October 12: DJ Mike Allen at the Family Dance.

October 19: DJ Mike Allen at the Family Dance. October 26: Halloween Celebration: Ghosts and goblins of all ages will not want to miss our Halloween Bash - it will be a fun-filled day. We will start with a Kids’ Fishing Derby, followed by pumpkin carving and site decorating contests. The kids can roast weenies at the campfire before going Trick or Treating. Come on in if you dare; the Haunted House is waiting for you. Then, everyone will have a goblin good time at the Monster Mash Dance and Costume Contest.

Palm Springs October 25-26: Welcome Back Weekend. Summer has ended and we are ready to start a brand new season with a fun-filled weekend. On Friday we will have a scrapbook class so you can display your summer pictures, and Friday night there will be an outdoor movie. We will have Halloween themed activities for little ghosts and goblins on Saturday. We end the day with our Welcome Back Pool Party. There will be an All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner and a contest of decorated Halloween Hats! Don’t miss out on the FUN! October 11-13 International Chili Society World’s Championship Chili Cook-Off This is the 47th Annual World’s Championship Chili Cook-off featuring champions from Sweden, England and most of the United States. Categories will include Home Style, Last Chance, People’s Choice, Salsa and Chili Verde. Event is held at the Spa Resort Casino, 401 East Amado Road in Palm Springs, just 10 miles from the preserve. For information call (760) 320-5272.

October 25-27 American Heat Motorcycle Weekend You will find stunt shows, live entertainment and retail vendors galore at this event, which is just 10 miles from the preserve.

Open to all motorcycles - event is held on Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. For information call (775) 329-7469.

Pio Pico October 4-5: Blues, Brews & BBQ! Rock out at Pio Pico and enjoy our delicious BBQ with classic cars and blues music. October 11-12: Art in the Park: Enjoy making crafts all day while relaxing on the lawn. October 18-19: Nature Weekend: Project Wildlife brings fun and excitement to Pio Pico with their animals and information. October 25-26: Halloween ‘Spook’tacular. Come to Pio Pico for Trick or Treating in the park and be scared beyond belief!

October 4-6 Oktoberfest Annual Village of La Mesa Oktoberfest, just 19 miles from the preserve. For information call (619) 277-5363.

Pio Pico

Ponderosa October 11-13 Coloma Gold Rush Live Experience life as it was during the 1850 California Gold Rush era. Enjoy live music, live history tent encampments, carriage rides, historic trade demonstrations, and a merchants market.

There is gold panning for kids and adults, as well as sawmill demonstrations and historic reenactments. You will feel like you are rubbing shoulders with the adventurers and historical figures that helped create the worldwide rush to California. Event is held at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, just a mile from the preserve. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. For information visit www.marshallgold.org or call (530) 295-2170.

Rancho Oso Throughout October: Every Saturday from 11 a.m to noon come on down to the arena to watch the stock dogs herding sheep and cattle and stay for the bucking bull demo. Get up close and personal with our young bulls as we prepare them for a future in the rodeo! A definite photo op. Each weekend join in the fun and hop on board the famous Rancho Oso hay wagon to take a tour of our beautiful resort. Wagon will drop off passengers at the barn for the stock dog and bucking bull demo and barn tour. Don’t forget to call the stables at (805) 683-5110 and book your unforgettable horseback ride for ages 8 and over. Of course, your little buckaroos can get their first ride on a big horse, led by one of our friendly wranglers. This is a great photo op for your scrapbook. The early fall weather is perfect for hiking, swimming, riding, photography or wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, only a scenic half hour drive away. Don’t want to drive? You can easily arrange a guided winery tour with a local tour company. Later on Saturday, join us for the Ice Cream Social to make your favorite sundae or hot chocolate. Keep the weekend sweet with Candy Bar Bingo. Check out our breakfast Friday through Sunday and dinners Friday and Saturday at the Stone Lodge Kitchen. Our chuck wagon is open and serving lunch on Saturdays offer great burgers. October 26: Halloween Fun with pumpkin painting, costume contest and Trick or Treat!

October 30-31 Halloween Haunted House - Solvang Festival Theater Haunted Holidays! Annual Haunted House created by Solvang Parks & Recreation Department at the Solvang Festival Theater.

Hours are 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with a kid-friendly version from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

October 5-6 Julian Apple Days festival Fall Festival held in downtown Julian, just 46 miles from the preserve. For information call (760) 765-4758.

p.m. Party from 8 to 10 p.m. includes haunted walk, rig decorating contest, Pure Country Gold Band in the Ballroom, adult and kids’ costume contest, prizes and treats.

MAINE Moody Beach October 12: Leaf Peeper Weekend includes a guided hike to Mt. Agamenticus, the highest point in southern Maine. We will host a complimentary picnic at the top! Columbus Day Weekend includes our annual Halloween themed hayrides, Trick or Treat, burgers and hot dogs and a Pancake Sunday Breakfast.

MASSACHUSETTS Gateway to Cape Cod May through October Tours at Nauset Lighthouse Nauset Light Preservation Society volunteers lead tours of the lighthouse and provide historic information. Tours are free, donations accepted and some parking fees may apply. Check website for dates and times. For information call (508) 240-2612 or visit www.nausetlight.org.

OREGON Pacific City October 5: D River Annual Fall Kite Festival in Lincoln City. Join us to decorate the family lodge for autumn and Halloween. Snacks provided. October 26: Halloween festivities!

Whalers Rest October 5, 12, 19, & 26: Join in the crazy fun with our very own Super Candy Bar Bingo fun at 1 p.m. in the South Clubhouse. Then hang around for our Ice Cream Social at 2 p.m. in the South Clubhouse. We serve up some yummy cones, sundaes, and floats. October 31: Whalers Halloween Festival Party!

Come join the fun in our South Clubhouse Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. We’ll have fun games, costume contest and pumpkin carving contest! Be sure to watch out for the friendly spooks!

PENNSYLVANIA Scotrun October 12-13: Columbus Day Weekend: Marathon Crafting Spectacular!

Enjoy the Oktoberfests, corn maze and pumpkin picking but leave some time for our Holiday Craft-athon. All holidays included. October 26: Halloween Celebration: Trick or Treat, pumpkin decorating, costume parade, Monster Mash DJ party, and site decorating. A full day of Halloween fun!

Weekends through October 20 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival Multiple event going on from the downtown train station to the steps of the Opera House. Free music in four outside venues, plus headline shows at the Opera House. Great food, must-see architecture and more. This area is call the Switzerland of the US. Held in Jim Thorpe, PA, less than an hour’s drive from the preserve. For information visit www. JimThorpe.org/events.

FLORIDA Orlando October 26: Halloween Party: Trick or Treat around the preserve begins at 2 OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Weekends through November 2 Hotel of Horror The Hotel of Horror Haunted House, Altered Nightmares Haunted House and the Exhibition of Macabre Museum are all housed in the Lakeview House Hotel in Saylorsburg, just 25 minutes from the preserve. Attractions are indoors, rain or shine. Parking is free.

Event hours are Fridays, 7 to 11 p.m., Saturdays, 6 to 11 p.m. and Sundays, 7 to 10 p.m. For information call (570) 992-3278.

Timothy Lake North & South October 4-6: End of Summer Party Weekend: Stargazer & Science Weekend: What better time of year to look at the sky on a crisp fall evening!

Kids will be making their own stargazers and we will be discussing the different constellations. Halloween On-Site Begins for Site Decorators. October 11-13: Autumn Timber Festival: Shawnee Mountain Annual Timber Festival is back and you can buy your discounted tickets at Timothy Lake South. For more info, check out shawneemt.com. October 18-20: Little Camp of Horrors: Join us for the first of our Spooktacular Weekends! Activities such as face painting, pumpkin painting, arts & crafts, ghost hunt, site decorating contest, pumpkin patch and trick or treating only just touches what we will be offering for a weekend of family fun. Fantasy Karaoke will be rounding out our Masquerade Ball at North. Plus, Timothy Lake’s Haunted House at the Old Welcome Center at North. October 25-27: Things That Go Bump in the Night: If you missed them, or just could not get enough of it, this weekend is a repeat of the activities listed above but with our Frightful Fantasy Karaoke at North for our Masquerade Ball and our Haunted House at the Old Welcome Center at North.

TENNESSEE Natchez Trace October 4-6: Wild West Weekend: Event starts out with a Friday night hayride at dark. Saturday is full of fun with kids’ crafts and a donut and coffee social (manager will be present.) We will have a showdown at the Old Red Barn followed by a decorated golf cart parade. Best decorated cart wins a prize. At 5 p.m. we will have a cook-out at the Old Red Barn, followed by a boot-scootin’ good time as the band Raw Country performs. Plus Bingo on Sunday. October 11-13: Oktober Heritage Fest Weekend: Folks come from all over to attend the Lewis County Oktober Heritage Fest. Streets are filled with food vendors, live music, and there are yard sales for miles. At the preserve, we will have a Friday night movie, Saturday morning breakfast buffet at the Town Hall, a cornhole tournament Saturday night and indoor baseball for the kids. Plus Bingo on Sunday.

October 10-13 Lewis County Oktober Heritage Fest Vendors, live music and more along Highway 20 from Hohenwald to Summertown. All just 10 miles from the preserve. Event runs dusk to dawn all days.

TEXAS Bay Landing October 11-13: Columbus Day Celebration: Who sailed the ocean blue?

Christopher Columbus, of course! It will be an educational time with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Crafts, coloring contest of the ships and many more activities. Come join the fun. October 25-27: Halloween Costume Party: On Saturday, all ghosts and goblins should come to the kids’ party in the

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afternoon and don’t forget the adult costume party at night. This is our last big hoopla for the season and we always do it up right. There will be lots of treats and goodies for all. Our haunted hayride just gets better and better and this year we will have another big surprise for you! Come and see!

Lake Conroe October 5: Family Feud Weekend: Bring the family and enter our Family Feud game and see if your family is smarter than the other families. October 12: Columbus Day Weekend: Let’s take this weekend and celebrate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the new world. Come join us for a parade and a lot of exciting games. October 19: Hobo Weekend: Come join us for a Brown Bag Bingo and a Hobo Dress Up contest. October 26: Halloween Weekend: We will be having a carnival with popcorn, caramel apples, sausage on a stick and games. Our Annual Trick or Treat and Haunted Trail will be better than ever. So come and enjoy.

Lake Whitney October 12: The CASA Chili Cook-Off folks will be here! October 19: Homecoming! Visit with new and old Thousand Trails family members.

October 26: Halloween - it’s a surprise.

Medina Lake October 5: Bingo Weekend: Let’s start the day with kids’ crafts, then on to Ice Cream Bingo (winners will receive a free bowl of ice cream during the Ice Cream Social.) We will also play Candy Bar Bingo and end the evening with Mystery Bingo. Ice Cream and Cake in the afternoon to celebrate October Birthdays and Anniversaries. Top of the Trail will be closed. October 12: Oktoberfest: Craft sale starts off the morning followed by kids’ crafts, root beer chugging and sauerkraut and sausage eating contest. Plus, we’ll have an Ice Cream Social, Candy Game and Top of the Trail will have German dinner in the evening followed by waltz and polka contest. October 19: Relaxation Weekend: Kick back and enjoy the day. October 26: Halloween Celebration!

Start the day off with a craft sale. Then, let’s carve some pumpkins into Jacko-lanterns. We’ll have pinatas and apple bobbing on the pavilion. Wear your best attire for the Halloween Costume Contest. Well do some Trick or Treating.

If you are not too afraid, come to the Haunted Mini-carnival in the evening.

Saturdays in October Cowboys on Main The town of Bandera, Cowboy Capital of the World, will feature Western displays and strolling musicians taking you back in time to the good old days. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. For information call (830) 796-3864. Just 22 miles from the preserve.

Throughout October Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch is designed to entertain and educate children, while at the same time, offering hayrides, scarecrow building, pumpkin painting, pony rides, games and photo opportunities. There is also a petting zoo, apple orchard tours, cider making and processing apples on the apple line.

Children also get to make a puppet, enjoy a puppet show, storytelling and playing instruments in the Great Hill Country Symphony. For information visit www.lovecreekorchards.com.

Love Creek Orchards is just 30 miles from the preserve. Events run every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through October and also the first weekend in November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

VIRGINIA each day.

Lynchburg October 26: Halloween weekend with Trick or Treating and a spooky and thrilling haunted trail! All ghouls welcome!

WASHINGTON Birch Bay October 13: Holiday Potluck (member generated) at 5 p.m.

October 5-6 Model Railroad Show/Circus Builders Show and Swap Meet 2013 This show is enjoyed by thousands each year and is one of the largest shows on the west coast. There are running modules in all gauges of model trains and circus displays. There will also be memorabilia, a swap meet, dealer tables, and workshops. Enjoy over 50,000 square feet of open space for model train layouts and vendor displays. Held at Northwest Washington Fairgrounds/ Henry Jansen Ag. Barn, 1775 Front Street, Lynden, just 13 miles from the preserve. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors, $4 children ages 6-12, and $20 for families.

Admission for children six and under is free. Proceeds benefit the Lions Club Community Projects.

October 17-19 Fall Craft & Antique Show Shop for handcrafted gifts, home decor, vintage treasures and gourmet delights. Show is held at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds/Expo Building, 1775 Front Street, Lynden, just 13 miles from the preserve. Admission is $5 (with return privileges) and children 12 and under are free. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Free parking.

Chehalis October 26: We will be hosting our 4th Annual Halloween Bash. Join us for campsite Trick or Treat, followed by a hot supper of Witches Brew Stew and ghostly games, crafts and other ghoulish fun.

October 5 Onalaska Apple Harvest Festival Held in downtown Onalaska, just 10 miles from the preserve.

For event details, call (360) 978-4018.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Month Long Festivities Throughout the Area Lynchburg offers numerous wine festivals, foliage tours, musicals, symposiums, lectures, candlelight tours, exhibitions, scare mazes and more. Check out www.discoverlynchburg.org to find all the interesting events for you. Call (800) 732-5821 for information. Most events are within a 25 mile drive from the preserve.

Chehalis

La Conner October 12: Canadian Thanksgiving: Potluck Turkey Dinner and we supply the turkey, stuffing, gravy and potatoes. We ask that you bring a veggie and dessert. October 26-27: Halloween at La Conner: We will have a haunted house, Trick or Treat for kids, site decorating and pumpkin carving contests and tons of fun for kids and adults alike.

Through October 15 Quilt Walk in La Conner There will be many different styles of quilts to view including 3-D, traditional applique. Quilt maps available at participating shops.

Visit www.laconnerquilts.com for more information.

Mount Vernon October 5-6 Festival of Family Farms Various farms open their doors for tours, samples and hands-on events. Festival runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maps can be found at Skagit Farm Supply stores. For information call (360) 428-4270.

19th Annual Tour

Wed,January 1, 2014

Take a fabulous day trip to Pasadena for the 125th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade.

Our package includes: Continental Breakfast • Grandstand Seats Round-Trip Fare on a Deluxe Charter Bus only

$140 per person

Make your reservations now!

First come, first served (53 seats available) For more information, please call: (951) 672-7804 OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Destination | T T Las Vegas Thanks to an average of 320 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 66 degrees, a vacation destination of Las Vegas makes sense any time of year.

Did you know that Las Vegas welcomed over 39.7 million visitors in 2013? And you know what they found? Something for everyone! In addition to the casinos, shows and restaurants, Las Vegas also offers prime hiking amidst colorful rock formations, fishing and boating on nearby Lake Mead, and the magnificent Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel. There’s also plenty more to see and do – check out our feature beginning on page 32.

Thousand Trails Las Vegas RV Resort offers the perfect spot to settle while you explore the gem that is Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. Shade trees create a cozy country setting and yet the resort is just six miles from the bustle of the Strip.

Onsite amenities include a swimming pool, family center, horseshoe pits and a Trading Post. With 209 full hookup sites and a variety of rentals, including vacation trailers and cabins, you can choose to stay your way at Las Vegas RV Resort.

Everyone’s a winner when you visit Thousand Trails Las Vegas Resort!

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

LAKE & SHORE, NJ

The new rental units delivered this past summer to Lake & Shore are proving to be a hit with members.

“Our new rental units have been very popular since arriving in May and becoming active in June,” said Lake and Shore Manager Jeff Curtain. “Our members have been very receptive and have commented on how modern and beautiful they are with plenty of sleeping space and full-sized appliances.”

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CHEHALIS, WA •C ompleted the renovations to their pools

BAY LANDING, TX • I nstalled new park benches around the playground •R epaired the rock fence at the entrance gate •A dded new chairs in the clubhouse

IDYLLWILD, CA •C ompleted the deck and patio repairs • I nstalled a change machine in the Lodge along with some trinket machines for kids •C ompleted the 11 new sewer sites in the 200s near the Lodge

LAKE CONROE, TX • The Activity Center painting is underway • A new playground set is in process

LAKE WHITNEY, TX •A dded a treadmill to the Exercise Room • I nstalled a new AC unit in the A-loop bathroom

MOODY BEACH, ME •C ompleted the installation of cable television access and installed a new kiosk in the Country Store to handle cable package purchases

Complete

O

VER 1,000 50-AMP SITE UPGRADES ARE IN THE WORKS AT THOUSAND TRAILS!

Bay Landing - 10 Indian Lakes - 45 Lake Texoma (partial) - 21 Morgan Hill (partial) - 49 Soledad Canyon - 69 Timothy Lake North (partial) - 4

335 Sites Underway Hershey - 139 Lake Texoma (partial) - 49 Las Vegas - 93 Morgan Hill (partial) - 33 Timothy Lake North (partial) - 21

542 Sites Scheduled Green Mountain - 70 Lake Gaston - 15 Pio Pico -106 San Benito - 52 Verde Valley - 46 Wilderness Lakes - 180 Yosemite Lakes - 73 OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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The Real Meaning of RPI Country

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n a 2012 article “10 Exceptional US Fall Color Spots”, Steve Nix of About.com provides information, pictures, routes, and best times to visit for enjoying what he considers the Best Color Forest in North America. Of course fall is color season, usually mid October through mid November. Depending on your winter plans, some of these great color spots could be visited on the way south for the winter but there may be one close to home too. Since most RV travelers don’t head further north in the color season, we can concentrate on the nine best destinations this side of the Canadian border. For those of us who more or less stay put in winter, many of these forests may be close enough for a one or two day get-a-way.

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Kancamagus Scenic Byway, New Hampshire -Village of the Loon, Lincoln, NH Chautauqua & Allegheny County, Pennsylvania & New York – Allegany Mountain Resort, East Otto, NY & Roaring Run Resort, Champion, PA

Independence Pass & Leadville, Colorado - Blue Mesa Ranch, Gunnison, CO

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Here’s the beauty of RPI, in all nine of these exceptional US fall color spots you can make your base of operations at a mix of RPI, Enjoy America! and Encore Resorts.

When you finish reading here and visit Steve’s great article at www.forestry.about.com/od/ fallcolor/ss/best_fall_spots.htm, simply give our reservation agents at RPI a call at 1-800-456-7774 and we will get you and your camera headed in the right direction. Here are the nine top color spots Steve talks about along with a sample of the great resorts you have to choose from with RPI, Enjoy America! and our Encore discount program:

Green Mountains, Vermont - Lake Dunmore Kamperville, Salisbury, VT Ottawa & Hiawatha National Forests, Upper Michigan Woodlands on the Lake, White Cloud, MI

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Lost Maples Forest, Texas -Hill Country State Natural Area - Medina Lake Resort, Lakehills, TX

The words, “This is RPI Country” really mean something when you can visit anywhere in America and know you are staying with family, The Resort Parks International family that is. If you’re not part of the RPI family, now is the time to join. Join RPI Plus now for just $89 and take advantage of our great locations of both membership and non-membership campgrounds. Call before October 31, 2013 and we’ll give you the balance of 2013 free when you pay for 2014, that’s three months free! Just mention coupon code “EXTRA3” to receive your additional three months.*

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Green Mountain Resort, Lenoir, NC Mark Twain National Park, Missouri - Lost Valley Lake Resort, Owensville, MO

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Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Mt. Hood Village, Welches, OR

Not an RPI Member?

Add RPI Basic for Only $79 or RPI Plus for $89

Call 1-800-635-8498 for information You must be a NACO, LTR or Mid-Atlantic memb er to qualify for this offer.

* This offer only applies to eligible Thousand Trails members who currently do not have a membership with Resort Parks International. RPI Plus is a reciprocal program and therefore eligibility rules apply.

Please consult RPI for details.

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Diane with the deer at Medina Lake

Molly, David and Diane at a pumpkin patch

I Knew I Was a

A

TrailBlazer

bout 23 months ago, my husband David, younger daughter Molly (11), and I gave up our home in Southern California, settled our older daughter Megan (19) in college, moved into a 35-foot Class A motorhome, with a small car in tow, and headed east!

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

DG: My family never camped, neither in a tent or motorhome. In fact before we bought our RV, I had only tent camped one night during high school with a church group and one night as an adult for a Girl Scout event at Knott’s Berry Farm...and had never stayed in a motorhome. David’s family tent camped once in a while until he was in elementary school. At that point his family purchased a pop-up camper, which they used two to three times each summer.

About a year before we set out full-time, David went on a short trip with some coworkers in RVs and witnessed the lifestyle first-hand. He then joined Molly and me in Florida where we were vacationing, and proposed we buy a motorhome to travel in full-time. I was sitting by a pool, so I was pretty agreeable to anything and not really thinking about all the ins and outs or pros and cons.

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We began our search for the perfect rig, then for the perfect toad, and then for resources on how other families make this work. We joined a fantastic group called Fulltime Families (http://fulltimefamilies.com) and “met” a bunch of people dreaming of this lifestyle, living this lifestyle, and wishing they were still living this lifestyle. And within four months we were ready to buy our new “home!” It was only eight months later that we took off full-time!

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

DG: David’s classmate’s family originally owned the Horseshoe Lakes campground until Thousand Trails purchased it from them. So, when we decided to fulltime, David looked into the program, discussed the positives with other families on the road, and decided to purchase an Elite membership.

TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories?

How about one of your fondest TT memories?

DG: Our fondest memories are when we renewed our wedding vows in 2012 at Thousand Trails Idyllwild.

David had surprised me with a stay in a rented cabin in Idyllwild when I was pregnant with my younger daughter, and we had returned several times to the quaint town over the years with family and friends.

Once we purchased our RV we were excited to visit the Thousand Trails preserve in that area and fell in love with the park! So when it came time to choose a location for our vow renewal, there was no question it would be Idyllwild.

The staff was amazing! They helped us arrange a cabin for my parents and older daughter to stay in, they repainted the stage and cleared away some extra materials, the café staff accommodated us for lunch after the ceremony, the horseback riding company arranged for my younger daughter and I to take a trail ride, and the pool was wonderfully refreshing in the afternoon. We were surrounded by family and friends in a locale that was so beautiful and so special for us! It was just perfect!

TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories?

DG: We’ve had several funny experiences, but one of the more recent fun times took place during our stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake in Texas. We had been told we would encounter some deer and we could feed them if we wanted.

So we visited the local feed store and purchased some food.

We had no idea just how many deer there would actually be and how hungry they would be…it was a bit overwhelming.

We first scattered some feed at our site, but that attracted almost too many. So we opted to drive around the park and feed the deer where we saw them. It was lots of fun to be so close to wildlife!

Our wedding at Idyllwild

TB: What type of camper are you/what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why? (ex: fifth wheel, RV, tent, cabins, etc.)

DG: We live in a 35-foot Class A Itasca Sunova with bunks and two slides, powered by gasoline. We affectionately call it the “Knight Bus” in reference to Harry Potter, as we are huge fans.

We checked out all types of motorhomes, but settled on a Class A primarily for the comfort during the drives. Also, we liked the bunk area, so when the doors are shut to the living room and back bedroom, Molly has her own “room.”

We raised the upper bunk to about a foot from the ceiling and use it just for storage, and that way she can sit all the way upright on the lower bed. Molly painted the bunk walls, put up collages and posters, chose colorful bedding, and personalized it as any tween would do in a stick-n-brick home.

Our RV (aka the Knight Bus)

We initially altered the front area into an “office” for David, who works as a software engineer on the road, by replacing the sofa with a desk, some drawers, and a chair. And just recently we removed the desk furniture and put a jack knife sofa back in.

My mom made custom slipcovers for the dining benches and valances in the front of the rig. And she sewed a new curtain for the bunk bed window and to close off the bottom bunk.

We also have hung one of my father’s paintings and several photographs, and placed chochkes around to personalize the rig.

Continued on page 56

Molly at a pumpkin patch in Indiana OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Spotlight | Fall Flea Markets

S

ince the summer holiday sales have come and gone, it’s time to start searching for some unique items for your home, RV or various collections.

Where’s the best place to do so? The flea market, of course! Rather than a quick run through the local mall, take some time with your friends and family to explore local flea markets. You’re sure to take a trip down memory lane and may even find some items for your home or the perfect gift for a dear friend.

With the crisp air settling in, visiting a local flea market is a great way to stay outdoors with the change of season. Even the media has started to notice, from Flea Market Flip and Antique Road Show to Market Warriors and Pawn Stars, America has climbed aboard the flea market train and everyone wants more. Luckily, there are numerous heavy hitters in the flea market realm that are located near Thousand Trails campgrounds and Encore RV Resorts. Between property events or before an evening s’more, head out and see what you can find – you may be pleasantly surprised.

Travel + Leisure recently put together a list of America’s best flea markets; check them out (along with a few others) below.

First Monday Trade Days - Canton, TX

Near: Lake Tawakoni, Point, TX For over 150 years, the First Monday Trade Days have been a time of excitement in the Canton area. From its early beginnings in the local square, starting as an event to allow individuals passing through the town to trade and stock up on necessary food items, to the four day event that sprawls across six acres it has become today, the First Monday Trade Days are a dream come true for all flea market goers. To those looking to avoid the crowds, it is best to head over on Thursday. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes; there’s a lot of great material to look at during your visit!

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Rose Bowl Flea Market - Pasadena, CA

Near: Soledad Canyon, Acton, CA and Wilderness Lakes, Menifee, CA Come one, come all to the popular flea market right outside of the Rose Bowl, featuring over 2,500 vendors and known as “the shopping place of the stars.” Popular among the locals, travelers and nearby interior designers, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has celebrated success in Pasadena for 45 years. Stroll

through the aisles of arts and crafts, antiques, and vintage items, as well as new merchandise available for a broad range of price points. Entry tickets run $8 per person and children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Spingfield Antique Show and Flea Market Springfield, OH

Near: Wilmington, Wilmington, OH With admission for just $3, the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market has been pleasing collectors and antiquing enthusiasts for 25 years. The show is full of jewelry, fine art, period piece furniture and all sorts of funky gifts for yourself or for a close friend.

As is true of all flea market jaunts, be sure to don your walking shoes as you stroll by the booths of over 2,500 vendors. The show speaks proudly of its food vendor options, as well, so come hungry and ready to find treasures from years past.

Shipshewana Flea Market and Auction Shipshewana, IN

Near: Twin Mills Encore RV Resort, Howe, IN On every Tuesday and Wednesday, May through October, the Shipshewana Flea Market and Auction is an antique lover’s paradise. Vendors travel from far and wide to marvel shoppers with items from fresh fruit and beautiful plants in the farmers’ market portion to handmade furniture and antique decor. Not sure if you want to take the time to stroll through the aisles of the flea market? Grab a seat and enjoy the auction portion of Shipshewana, where you’ll find two auction barns, three weekly auctions and numerous specialty auctions.

Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market Brimfield, MA

Near: Sturbridge, Sturbridge, MA While this show runs May through September, it is certainly worth noting for the list of flea market greats.

Brimfield is a charming town that is home to 3,000 residents. The show brings individuals from across the country to make the town’s population grow to 250,000 people during show week. Based on that number alone, the Brimfield Antique Show certainly proves itself to be a mega event, but it is perfect for both experienced collectors as well as those who are visiting a flea market for the first time. Something to note for visitors – due to the high enthusiasm for the Brimfield Antique Show, traffic on the main access road during peak show times can be bumper to bumper. Be sure to plan ahead and hit the road early to accommodate for possible traffic.

Portland Expo Antique and Collectible Show Portland, OR

Near: Mt. Hood Village Encore RV Resort, Welches, OR and two hours from Pacific City, Cloverdale, OR The Portand Antique and Collectible Show claims to create a one of a kind journey into the past for all visitors. Think the antique shows are just for those with a knack for interior design? The 2013 October show (26 and 27) will feature the comic collection of Billy Galaxy, which spans the history of modern comic books from the 1930s to the 1980s. This particular booth will be staffed with costumed characters from the Alter Egos Society, a superhero and villain performance group that is known for its work with local charities.

Portland’s Antique and Collectible Show is one that cannot be missed and promises a day of fun for all ages. ■

by Annie Colletti OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Thousand Trails Excursions is

Setting Sail

Thousand Trails Excursions is heading to the Bahamas and we’d love for you and your fellow Thousand Trails members to come along!

Come sail away with us on December 20, 2013 aboard the Norwegian Sky to the sunny beaches and clear waters of the Bahamas. Itʼs the perfect pre-holiday getaway! Book by October 15 and enjoy a fabulous funfilled, 3-day weekend. This cruise is open to all Thousand Trails members as well as their friends and family.

Join your TT friends and enjoy exciting activities, incredible entertainment and fine dining. Choose from a variety of accommodations starting at just $209 per person (inside cabins start at $209 per person, based on double occupancy.)*

FREESTYLE CRUISING® ABOARD NORWEGIAN SKY OFFERS: • Broadway-style shows, live music, bars and lounges of all kinds, pools, hot tubs, kidsʼ center, teen disco and more.

• Unique and delicious menus every night at the complimentary dining venues or a world of culinary pleasures at optional speciality restauarants.

• Excursion to Great Stirrup Cay, the only eco-friendly private island destination in the Caribbean.

DREAM IT. BOOK IT. CALL NOW. For more information call Thousand Trails Excursions at

1-800-281-4977 or email cruises@preferred-access.com *Prices are per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom, in U.S. dollars, applicable to the sailing listed above and subject to change. Government taxes, fees, and gratuities are additional. Offers are based on availability and space is limited. Other restrictions may apply. RPI is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Cancellation fees may apply therefore RPI strongly recommends the purchase of Travel Protection on all bookings.

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GLOBAL NOBLE

H

aving spent some time on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, Dean and Noble decided to move into the more adventuresome, as well as remote, parts of South Africa and headed about 250 miles northeast of Durban to the Ndumo Game Reserve. In this area, roughly 25,000 acres of land, more than 430 species of birds have been identified.

“An ornithological paradise,” said Noble. “And, where we would venture into dense, bush country, land of the hippo and crocodiles, for the first time.”

Venturing in to land, Noble recalls the Jeep got a chance to prove itself. “We were on super narrow roads built for small land rovers, not for a five ton Jeep, at seven feet in width,” he said. “This gave the Jeep the opportunity to become a real Jeep and take us through hostile natural territory.”

They were in KwaZulu-Natal, in an area known as Maputaland, where the Pongola River meets the Usutu River. “We saw our first hippos here. This is an animal you do not want to meet face to face,” said Noble. “It can outrun the fastest man on earth. It can hold its breath underwater for 10 minutes, and even though it is a vegetarian, hippos, as well as crocs, kill more natives than any other animal in Africa.”

“The Ndumo Game Reserve is near the tropics, so it is hot and wet and the vegetation is thick. Upon one occasion, it was so thick that we could not pass in the Jeep so we walked to our destination to view the animals,” said Noble. “We were happy to have had this experience to experience Ndumo under the guidance of our ranger, Ken Tinley, who knew his territory and appreciated our interest and enthusiasm to get there on foot if need be.”

From there they headed to the capital city of Mozambique, Lourenco Marques, where they were introduced to the local newspaper, “Noticias,” and interviewed. Since the newspaper had no

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photographer available, Noble supplied them with the postal cards he had made that depicted the Jeep.

Retracing their steps and heading back a few miles, they re-entered South Africa to take in one of the great game parks in the world, Kruger National Park. “Kruger is one of the world’s greatest parks,” said Noble. “At 7,500 square miles, it is almost as big as Kern County, California. This is where we found the ‘Big Five’ for the first time – the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.” Noble recalls the roads were not good, but they were in no hurry.

“We both wanted to see the scenery. Dean and his birds; and I wanted to see our first lions, elephants and leopards. There were also plenty of water buffalos, impalas, gazelles, zebras, bushbucks, baboons and monkeys,” said Noble. “And since they live in a protective sanctuary, most did not run away as we approached.”

As always, the Roadrunner was a magnet for the curious and there in Kruger National Park, it was no different. “We met a number of interesting people, mainly because they wanted to know what we were doing in our one of a kind, five ton Jeep,” said Noble.

“They wanted to know where we were going and what our mission was.”

Residents of Pretoria, Dr. Arne and Mrs. Cilliers invited Dean and Noble to their home in Pretoria for dinner and the pair accepted. “We dined in their home, along with Mr. Cilliers’ mother, a woman who was a published author in the field of astrology. She was insistent on showing us how good she was in her field. Asking for only the day, month and year of our birth, as well as the location and exact time of birth, she promised to

D

id you know that the Rhodes Scholarships are named for Cecil John Rhodes, a young Englishman who came to South Africa in 1870 at the age of 17 for his health, with only $3,000 borrowed from his favorite aunt? His plan was to go into business with his brother and together they travelled all over the country. They farmed and became miners, buying control of property from a family named DeBeers. On that property they discovered diamonds and gold and became quite famous, not to mention wealthy. Cecil eventually became Governor of the Cape Province. He died in 1902, having not yet reached the age of 49. In 1903, the Rhodes Scholarships were established in his name to recognize academic achievement and strength of character. In 1921, Noble’s father, Brad Trenham was Arizona’s first Rhodes Scholar.

“My father and mother took me to Oxford University the summer between my sophomore and junior year at USC,” said Noble. “That summer was a most memorable time for me in England and my first visit to the continent. Before I leave the remarkable story of Cecil John Rhodes, I want our readers to know that only two men in all of recent world history have had countries named for them. Simon Bolivar has Bolivia and Rhodes had Rhodesia, both north and south, named for him. Rhodes is buried in the Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, in Matobo National Park, which we visited during our adventure.”

send our forecasts to us as a Christmas present, in care of the American Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.”

We know their future holds more adventure, so don’t miss the next issue of TrailBlazer to continue the journey with Noble and Dean as they head to Southern Rhodesia and Bechuanaland. ■

Two Xhoza (Xhosa) ladies outside of Kruger National Park, South Africa

Large eared elephant out of Kruger National Park, Transvaal, South Africa

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 31 31

las vegas in the buff

B L A Z I L

RTORAD IP

E R

T R A

by Kim Wuchter

2013

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Photo courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau

W

hen you are ready for a break from the concrete and neon lights of downtown Vegas and the Strip, a day trip into the surrounding mountains, canyons and Mojave Desert is sure to recharge your batteries. On the west side of Vegas, Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston are popular hiking destinations. On the east side of Vegas, you can cruise the waters of Lake Mead, take a guided tour of Hoover Dam and learn how the Valley of Fire State Park got its name.

Day Trip: Mount Charleston

Rising above the desert valley of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston is a cool retreat for heat-weary tourists. Averaging about 20 degrees cooler than Vegas, Mount Charleston is the highest peak in the Spring Mountain range. The scenery changes

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dramatically on a drive up the mountain (via either Hwy 156 to Lee Canyon or Hwy 157 to Kyle Canyon) as the terrain transitions from desert to a forested oasis. Be sure to stop at one of the overlooks along the drive for sweeping views of Vegas. The view is best at night when the city is aglow with neon lights. The surrounding Spring Mountain Recreation Area offers year-round hiking, picnicking, and great opportunities for wildlife viewing. A good place to start your visit is the visitor center on Hwy 157 in Kyle Canyon where you can pick up a trail map and check on the times for ranger led interpretive programs, junior ranger programs and guided night hikes that are typically offered in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, the mountain becomes a haven for sledding, snowshoeing and building snowmen. Plus, there’s skiing at the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, which is tucked in Lee Canyon.

Day Trip: Red Rock Canyon

Towering rock formations and dramatic red sandstone cliffs make Red Rock Canyon a must-see for tourists. Located only 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip off Hwy 159, the Red Rock National Conservation Area encompasses almost 200,000 acres within the Mojave Desert. The Red Rock Canyon Conservation website describes the park as a “maze of canyons and peaks, ledges and chimneys, chutes and gullies leading to surprises around every wall.” The park attracts hikers, rock climbers, rock hounds and families who hope to see some of the wildlife, such as the wild burrows, mule deer, or big horn sheep. A total of 19 marked trails wind through the park, ranging from easy family strolls to tough rock scrambles. A one-way, 13-mile scenic drive starts at the visitor center and includes a couple of scenic overlooks. A favorite hike for families is the Lost Creek Trail. This easy self-guided interpretive trail takes only an hour and introduces all ages to the desert by sharing petroglyphs, lessons of desert life, towering views, and a hidden waterfall in a canyon.

Day Trip: Lake Mead

If you go to Vegas, you can’t miss a chance to explore Lake Mead, especially those who enjoy boating…and fishing… and sight-seeing… and swimming and sunbathing. Located 30 minutes east of the city, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States when at maximum water capacity.

Numerous coves, inlets, islands, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches are sprinkled throughout the lake, which has 820 miles of shoreline. There are five marinas on the lake, and boat rentals and sight-seeing cruises are readily available.

Lake Mead Cruises operates a three-story, Mississippi-style paddle-wheeled boat that churns the water daily. You can choose from dinner cruises, brunch cruises and sight-seeing cruises. The most affordable is the mid-day cruise at $26 per adult and $13 per child. Lake Mead Cruises can even

arrange your transportation from the Strip to their marina. (www.lakemeadcruises.com) A must-see at Lake Mead is the mighty Hoover Dam. For a small fee, you can take a guided tour of one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. The Visitors Center stands more than 700 feet above the base of the dam, and from inside or out, you can enjoy stunning vistas of the dam, Lake Mead and the Colorado River. Theatre displays and exhibits tell the story of how, during the Depression, thousands of men and their families came to Black Canyon to tame the Colorado River, and took less than five years to build what was once the world’s largest electric power generating station. Today, close to one million visitors annually take the tour and millions more drive across the dam.

Photos above: Mt. Charleston, Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort. Photo courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau Desert Princess. ©Lake Mead Cruises. Photo by Andrew Cattoir Hoover Dam. Photo courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Day Trip: Valley of Fire

On Lake Mead’s north end, 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas, sits the Valley of Fire State Park. It’s the oldest and largest state park, dedicated in 1935 and is best known for its strange landscape of unique fiery red sandstone. When sunrays glisten against the rocks, the surface is said to look like it’s on fire, hence the park’s name. The unusual rock formations formed during the age of the dinosaurs from great shifting sand dunes. Treasured features in the park include 1,500 year-old rock art left by the Ancient Pueblo Peoples and areas of petrified wood. An interpretive trail describes many of the best designs and shapes in the park.

Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking and photography.

The park offers a full-scale visitor center with extensive interpretive displays. A two-mile scenic loop has views of some of the most interesting rock formations, including Arch Rock and Piano Rock. ■

34 OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 34

vegas

keeping up with by kim wuchter

T

he fabulous thing about Vegas is it’s always changing. If you haven’t visited in six months, you’re sure to discover something new on your next visit. As a city that likes to “wow” tourists, developers and mega hotels are always pushing the envelope in their creative endeavors, competing fiercely for the attention of tourists – both gamblers and nongamblers.

To help point you in the right direction, Trailblazer has wrapped up a list of some of the best and newest attractions, from the world’s biggest observation wheel to the first-of-itskind, high-speed zipline. These attractions have either recently opened or are scheduled to open in the coming months.

A New Hub for Entertainment

The Linq will be a new entertainment area to open in Las Vegas. With phase one set to open in December, the Linq will

be an open-air entertainment venue located at the heart of the Strip between the Quad and the Flamingo. This promenade will feature retail shops, trendy restaurants and entertainment venues. The star attraction will be SkyVue, a 550-foot observation wheel, which is scheduled to open sometime in spring 2014. It will be the tallest observation wheel in the world -- nine feet taller than the Singapore Flyer and 107 feet taller than the London Eye. Rides will last a half hour and the observation wheel will have 28 transparent pods holding 40 passengers each. The Linq will also feature Brooklyn Bowl, a 2,000-seat music venue with nightly concerts, plus eateries, 32 bowling lanes, a section to watch sports, and a nightclub area. (www.caesars.com/thelinq)

Taking the Plunge

If you want to keep the whole family happy, plan a visit to the new multimillion dollar Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas, which opened in May. With more than 25 slides and attractions, it’s the largest water park in the state! The bold and brave will be lured by steep and twisting rides such as the Rattler, the first slide of its kind in North America, and the Constrictor, voted a Top 5 water slide by the Travel Channel’s Extreme Water Parks program. Families will enjoy playing at Splash Island, an interactive children’s area with kid friendly slides and a giant dumping bucket; the Colorado Cooler, a 1,000-foot lazy river; and the Red Rock Bay wave pool. There are also plenty of shaded areas, private cabanas to rent and misting systems to keep you cool. (www. wetnwildlasvegas.com)

Fine Dining on a Wire

Hang on to your napkin for a one-of-a-kind dinner experience! Expected to open this fall, Dinner in the Sky Las Vegas will serve guests from a table that’s dangling 160 to 180 feet in the air. This high-flying meal treats guests to gourmet cuisine, fine spirits and Four Star-quality service. Two tables, each with 22 seats, will be suspended from 200-foot permanent steel towers, and offer OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

35

bananas and bacon with fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Weddings can be as simple or as elaborate as a couple wants. Packages start at $95 and include the diner’s signature “Pancake Puppies” wedding cake, a bride and groom “just married” t-shirts, and a bottle of champagne (this does not include minister’s fees, however). For additional wedding information and booking, contact the Denny’s on Fremont team at (702) 4710056.

An Offer You Can’t Refuse

unparalleled 360 degree views of the city, from the glittering Strip to the majestic Red Rock Canyon. Packages will start at $290 per person and will include a three-course meal with wine pairings and a souvenir photo. To make sure everyone stays safely in their seat, diners are strapped in by six-point harnesses. The Dinner in the Sky venue will also be home to many other types of events such as “Wedding in the Sky,” “Team-Building in the Sky,” “Meeting in the Sky,” and “Party in the Sky.” Down on the ground, the complex will include a spacious reception area to host large-scale events. (dinnerintheskylv.com)

Wedding Vows Over Easy

If fine dining is not your style, you may want to check out the new flagship Denny’s in downtown’s Neonopolis area. In true Vegas fashion, it features an in-house wedding chapel located in the heart of the restaurant.

There are also special menu items and a photo booth where guests and newlyweds can take photos with quintessential Vegas props and post them instantly to Facebook or Twitter.

You can order a bacon flavored martini coined the “Bakontini” and an Elvis-inspired “King Stack” featuring peanut butter, 36

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

A couple blocks from the new Denny’s on Fremont, you can visit The Mob Museum, which opened on February 14, 2012 – the 83rd anniversary of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, one of the most infamous days in Mob history in which seven men from the Bugs Moran gang were murdered in Chicago by Al Capone’s South Side gang.

The date is also significant given that the Museum has acquired the brick wall from the Massacre – one of the Mob’s most iconic artifacts. The Mob Museum, also known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, presents an exciting and authentic view of the mob’s impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on America and the world. With tales so intriguing they need no embellishment, The Mob Museum reveals an insider’s look at the events and people on both sides of this continuing battle between organized crime and law enforcement. The Mob Museum puts the visitor in the middle of the action through hightech theater presentations, iconic one-ofa-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments. Admission is $19.95 for adults ages 18 and over; $13.95 for children

ages 5 to 17 and students ages 18 to 23; $15.95 for seniors, military, law enforcement and teachers; and $10 for Nevada residents of all ages. (themobmuseum.org)

Who’s Bad?

One of the biggest new shows in town that has been receiving a lot of buzz is Michael Jackson One, which made its debut this summer at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Evoking the music and the spirit of the late King of Pop, this entirely new show was developed between Cirque du Soleil and The Estate of Michael Jackson. This is the second creative project to be developed between Cirque du Soleil and The Estate of Michael Jackson after the top grossing Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour. The tribute features a mix of acrobatics, dance and visuals that takes the audience on a journey through the songs of Michael Jackson. The state-ofthe-art surround-sound environment includes 5,800 speakers installed in the theater, with at least three in every seat. The show will run through December 31. Tickets prices range from $69 to $180. Children under five are not permitted to attend and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. (www.cirquedusoleil. com/en/shows/ michael-jackson-one)

A Chance to Fly Like Superman

Called the world’s largest slot machine, the 11-million Slotzilla will make its grand appearance this fall. This 12-story tower will resemble a giant neon slot machine, but instead of dispensing tokens, this slot machine will dispense people on a thrilling zipline, sailing just under the huge video screens of the Fremont Street Experience. Riders will have a choice between two adventures. The most daring will be the upper level zipline, where riders will soar 110 feet above the ground for 1,700 feet in a super-hero position. Using a firstof-its-kind power launch system, riders will be launched at 35 mph! (If it all sounds a bit too crazy to be true, remember this is Vegas!) If you want a tamer ride, the lower zipline course will travel 75 feet above the ground for a shorter distance of 850 feet. It will allow riders to travel in a sitting position without the express launch. Tickets will cost $30 per person for the upper level and $20 for the lower level. ■

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

37

RV

Tires

by Dave G. Houser

ost of us who own motorhomes or trailers have experienced a flat tire now and then. Flats are a downright inconvenience, of course -- usually requiring a service call. But then we can thank our lucky stars when a flat originates from a slow leak during a layover as opposed to a blowout.

M

The sudden loss of air pressure due to a tire failure can put even the best and most seasoned driver to the test – and when handled improperly, a blowout can be catastrophic. We’ll discuss how to best handle blowouts in this article but more importantly let’s look first at ways to prevent them -- and other tire problems – before they occur.

Tires may well be the most critical and least understood component of a motorhome or trailer. We tend to take them for granted – and there’s disturbing evidence that we don’t take very good care of them.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), tire problems are behind nearly half of all calls for assistance.

Another alarming statistic may shed light on why this is the case. Dan Zielinski, spokesman for the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), points out that “ongoing studies indicate fewer than two out of ten of drivers properly check their tire pressures on a regular basis.”

So there you have it -- a case well made for stepping up tire inspections and maintenance. For RV owners in particular, there’s nothing more important in terms of insuring tire safety than performing a careful pre-trip inspection and pressure check. This is not as simple and easy as it may sound – especially for owners of large rigs with multiple axles, wheels and tires.

Owing to its importance, we’re going to break down the pretrip inspection process into five steps that pinpoint what you should do to insure that your tires are ready for the road.

• Inspect tires for uneven tread wear, cracks, bulges and sidewall cuts or abrasions. Only a small percentage of tire failures can be traced to manufacturing defects. Improper maintenance and damage from road hazards are usually the culprits.

• Remove any bits of glass, gravel or other foreign objects wedged in the tire treads.

• Check to be sure all lug nuts are tightened to the correct torque value and insure all tire valves have valve stem caps.

38 OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 38

• Weigh your fully loaded RV or trailer using individual wheel scales or on a commercial platform scale – to be found at your nearest truck stop, grain elevator or rental yard. If you’re overloaded, reduce weight as necessary. Keep in mind, too, if you’re towing a dinghy vehicle or trailer, some of that weight transfers to the towing vehicle and must be factored in.

• Set inflation pressures based on the weight of your fully loaded RV or trailer. Always refer to the chassis weight/ tire inflation ratings listed on the data plate of the vehicle or trailer rather that the pressure indicated on the tire, which is the maximum allowable pressure.

As suggested earlier, this process is not always so simple and easy – so if it seems daunting or impossible – especially if you don’t have access to the requisite tools such as an air compressor, torque wrench or a wheel scale – by all means consult with your dealer or an RV tire center to carry out this all-important pre-trip tire inspection and service. The same advice applies when it comes time to rotate or replace tires.

That costly call to replace comes to the fore when tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (4 to 6/32 if you drive in rain or snow) – or when tires show evidence of uneven tread wear, cuts, cracks or serious sidewall abrasions. Tire age is a factor as well. Most experts agree that the safe lifetime of any tire is 10 years – often less than that if an RV or trailer has spent most of its time in storage.

You can extend the life of your tires by protecting them from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Cover them whenever you store or park your rig for long periods outdoors and routinely apply a non-silicone tire dressing containing a UV protectant.

When it does come time to select replacement booties, it only seems logical to first consider the same brand, type and size of tires that came on your rig – provided they’ve served you well for a good number of miles. We won’t get into the brand preference battle here, except to note that you’ll probably be fine with such top-selling name brands as Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone and Continental – when properly matched to your motorhome or trailer and your typical driving patterns.

Avoid cheap “no-name” tires made in China.

So now let’s get back to that unlikely but always present possibility of a blowout. Your chances of safely reigning in your vehicle in the event of a tire failure can be greatly enhanced by observing some essential actions you’ll need to take should you hear that dreaded POP! -- and feel a tenacious tug, right or left, on the steering wheel.

Here are some proven techniques for handling a blowout – addressed once again in five basic steps: • Stay alert behind the wheel. Your attention level and physical readiness to deal with a blowout are predictive of your reaction time and hence your chances of maintaining control and avoiding an accident.

• Remain calm. You must overcome the instinctive urge to hit the brakes or jerk the steering wheel when a tire failure strikes.

• Accelerate gently and do your best – with both hands firmly on the steering wheel – to keep the vehicle going straight.

• Decelerate by slowly easing off on the accelerator. When you’re sure you’ve gained control, let the vehicle coast for a bit and then gently apply the brakes.

• Apply the right turn signal and guide your vehicle as far as possible off the right side of the roadway.

Perhaps I should have added a sixth step: Breathe easy. And to sum things up here, you should breathe easier the next time you hit the road -- by knowing what to do in case of a tire failure -- and by carefully maintaining your tires so as to greatly reduce the likelihood of such a failure. ■

A one-time engineering writer turned travel journalist, Dave G. Houser is an active RVer and a regular contributor to TrailBlazer.

When buying new tires, regardless of the brand, be sure to check the sidewall for the code indicating the tire’s production date. You’ll find it following the DOT number. The first two digits are the week the tire was made and the last two are the year. For example: 4308 – which reveals that the tire was made in the 43rd week of 2008. The message here is that you don’t want to buy a tire that’s more than a couple of years old.

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 39 39

W

+

and Plenty of Great Choices!

e often get questions from our readers about the affiliation between Thousand Trails, Encore and Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS) and what that means for you. We want to take this opportunity to share with you all who we are and all that we offer.

The Equity LifeStyle Properties family of companies own and operate over 375 quality properties in 32 states and British Columbia. These properties include a mix of over 90 Encore RV Resorts and Campgrounds, more than 80 Thousand Trails preserves and over 200+ manufactured home communities.

Within each of these business segments, our customers are provided with numerous product choices to select from to further experience all that we offer. From the fulltime RVer who may have taken advantage of one of our upgrade programs to obtain added travel benefits to the newbie camper who may be staying with us for the first time with our Zone Camping Pass, our camping options cover all bases. Perhaps you are considering retirement living in Florida or Arizona and want a little more space than your RV provides; a manufactured home within one of our communities could provide you with just what you are looking for. And, best of all, the common theme that can be found throughout our properties is the LifeStyle!

Following are a few of the most frequently asked questions, and the answers to those questions. We hope this helps to clarify what we offer and what that means to you as a Thousand Trails member.

Q: If I am a TT member what benefits do I receive at the Encore RV Resorts?

A: As a Thousand Trails member you benefit from special discounts on resort stays at participating Encore RV Resorts in your own RV or a rental accomodation. The best thing about this great benefit is that you get to choose the stay that suits you best. Stay a day, a week, a month or for the season – flexibility is the great benefit here! These great deals are highlighted each month in our TrailBlazer magazine and online at www.thousandtrails.com. And remember, our standard member offer is 20% off daily rates and 10% off monthly rates.

Q: As a member, what is the easiest way for me to take advantage of the discounts I receive at the Encore properties?

A: Please call 888-443-7301 or visit www.RVontheGo. com to make a reservation at an Encore property.

Q: Am I a member of the Encore properties?

A: No, you are only a member of the preserves included in the membership you purchased. The Encore properties are not considered membership properties. However, a limited number of Encore properties have recently been included in select product options. As a member, you do benefit from special discounts and offers at participating Encore Resorts.

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MAINE MONTANA

NORTH DAKOTA

VERMONT MINNESOTA NEW HAMPSHIRE MASSACHUSETTS

WISCONSIN

IDAHO

SOUTH DAKOTA NEW YORK WYOMING

NEBRASKA

IOWA

NEW JERSEY ILLINOIS

DELAWARE

UTAH COLORADO

MARYLAND

WEST VIRGINIA KANSAS

RHODE ISLAND CONNECTICUT

MISSOURI

KENTUCKY NORTH CAROLINA

NEW MEXICO

OKLAHOMA ARKANSAS

ALABAMA

TEXAS

GEORGIA

MISSISSIPPI

ELS Manufactured Home Communities

LOUISIANA

Q: What is the relationship between Encore and TT? A: The Encore RV Resorts and the Thousand Trails preserves are both part of a family of companies owned

by Equity LifeStyle Properties.

Q: What is a manufactured home and does ELS own manufactured home communities across the country?

A: A manufactured home is constructed in a factory and then shipped to its location either within a community or on private land. These homes are similar to a park model and typically range in size from 700 square feet to over 2,500 square feet. The ELS manufactured home communities are highlighted on the map pictured. For more information visit, www.equitylifestyle.com.

Q: Can I rent or purchase a home in one of the ELS manufactured home communities?

A: Yes, ELS does offer homes for sale or for rental on an annual basis at these communities. For information visit www.equitylifestyle.com.

Q: I am a Zone Camping Pass holder and wanted to get more information on enhanced benefits that may be available to me through other products. Who can I call?

A: For information on other membership products that we offer please contact our member services team at 800388-7788.

Q: I purchased a membership that provides me access to select Encore properties. Do I still need to visit RVontheGo to make a reservation at the Encore properties?

A: If your membership contract provides access to specific Encore properties you can call Member Services at 800-388-7788 or visit the member section of the Thousand Trails website at thousandtrails.com to make your reservation. You will need to set up your member login online prior to accessing the member section of the website.

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Meet the Wynns an adventure seeking, RV-loving couple who have a serious case of travel-itis. You may have seen them enjoying the Thousand Trails and Encore RV Resorts as it seems like our locations have provided the perfect prescription for their wanderlust!

Q A

: Tell us a bit about yourselves.

:We are Jason and Nikki Wynn, a 30-something couple, full time travelers, RVers and modern day documentarians. We call ourselves Gone With The Wynns, and started a website/blog under the same name. It’s the home of our story, videos and photos, all depicting the unscripted tale of the quirky couple who traded in everyday life to satisfy their wear-outyour-shoes sense of adventure.

Q

: What’s your camping background? Has this been something you’ve enjoyed doing since childhood? What was your introduction to the outdoor lifestyle?

A

: We both grew up tent camping in the summers.

Jason was a city boy living in Dallas while I (Nikki) grew up in a tiny town in the Panhandle of West Texas. I spent many nights with nothing but a blanket out in my own front yard. We have both always had a love and appreciation for the outdoors.

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

So for us, RVing is what we like to call boutique camping.

Q

: A few years ago you both decided to make a rather big change in your lifestyle. Explain your decision to do that. What inspired you?

A

: In 2010 at 28 years old, we sold it all, packed up our two cats, bought an RV, and hit the road!

We were in search of an epic adventure, a new place to call home, and to define our own meaning to the term American Dream. Because the typical…boy meets girl, boy marries girl, couple gets mortgage payment, 60 hour work weeks, 2 ½ kids, two weeks of vacation a year and if you survive, retire at 60… wasn’t our American Dream.

Sure, we enjoyed our artsy careers (Jason, a photographer and Nikki, a makeup artist) and urban life in Dallas; however, as outdoor enthusiasts we felt the need for more of a “back to nature” adventure.

Amongst discussions of cross country travel and

living outdoors, came the idea of purchasing an eco-friendly and fuel-efficient RV. We loved the idea of having all of the comforts of home while traveling and we hate the hassle of having to book flights and hotels. Plus, there is just no better way to explore North America than by RV. It’s a road trip on steroids!

With our newfound excitement, we made the big decision to close the doors to our studio (4,000 square feet) and say adios to our clients (big ones too like Susan G. Komen, ExxonMobil and the CW Network, just to name a few) to travel the country.

Some thought we were crazy, others called us genius… the debate is still going.

Q A

: And, again, you made a decision to make that change more permanent - what prompted that?

: At first, our intention was to spend a year, maybe two, traveling the country. After our first year on the road we had traveled some 20,000 miles and had more human experiences than anyone could ever hope to have, and we were at a loss. Words can’t describe how time passes faster every day and how there isn’t enough paper or digital space to hold the stories we’ve heard, the

ones we could tell and the ones we have yet to experience.

We knew we weren’t doing anything revolutionary, or something that someone else hasn’t done before us, but we knew there was no going back to a “normal” life. We had to continue, see where life could take us next. Some call it wanderlust…we call it sedentary lifeaphobia.

Q

: Can you name some of your standout experiences while experiencing the TT/Encore lifestyle?

A

: First one that comes to mind is Yosemite this year. We visited before the crowds in midspring so we had a good portion of the National park all to ourselves.

The second great location that comes to mind is visiting Idyllwild in California. We’ve visited the Palm Springs area a dozen times in the past several years for work and pleasure. If it wasn’t for that little dot on the TT map that showed Idyllwild as a campground location we would have never found this amazing little artist town on top of the mountain. What a great experience we had at both the campground and the town.

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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THOUSAND TRAILS MEMBER DEALS AT ENCORE RV RESORTS OCTOBER 2013

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

Portland

WA

ME

OR

MN WI

SD

WY

ID

CA

ND

MT

Boise

Milwaukee

NV UT

CO

San Francisco

AZ Los Angeles San Diego

IA

NE

Salt Lake City

MI

Indianapolis

NM OK

Phoenix

Philadelphia

OH

IN

KS

WV

Louisville

LA

ENCORE RV RESORTS

Charlotte

TN MS

TX

VA

KY

MO AR

NH

PA

Chicago

IL

Denver

NY

NC

SC

AL

GA FL Tampa

Miami

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

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CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

SOUTHERN PALMS EUSTIS, FL

SUNSHINE KEY RV RESORT AND MARINA, BIG PINE KEY, FL CLERBROOK GOLF & RV RESORT CLERMONT, FL

SUNSHINE TRAVEL VERO BEACH, FL

ARABY ACRES YUMA, AZ

VIEWPOINT MESA, AZ

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

45

FLORIDA 50% OFF A WEEK (Valid 12/16/13-4/30/14)

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

40% OFF A WEEK ALL REMAINING FLORIDA PROPERTIES

BARRINGTON HILLS HUDSON, FL

ROYAL COACHMAN NOKOMIS, FL

(Valid 12/16/13-4/30/14)

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

20% OFF A WEEK (Valid 12/16/13-4/30/14)

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

$1500/3-MONTH STAY (Valid 1/1/14-4/1/14)

SOUTHERN PALMS, EUSTIS, FL TOBY’S RV RESORT, ARCADIA, FL

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

46

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PINE ISLAND ST. JAMES CITY, FL

BULOW PLANTATION FLAGLER BEACH, FL HIGHLAND WOODS POMPANO BEACH, FL

TERRA CEIA PALMETTO, FL

www.RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301 CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

47

SOUTHWEST ARIZONA & TEXAS $199 A WEEK/ $699 A MONTH (Valid 10/1/13-4/30/14)

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

VICTORIA PALMS DONNA, TX

$149 A WEEK/ $449 A MONTH ALL OTHER ARIZONA & TEXAS PROPERTIES (Valid 10/1/13-4/30/14)

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

$1549/ 3-MONTH SEASONAL (Valid 10/1/13-4/30/14)

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

$1049/ 3-MONTH SEASONAL ALL OTHER ARIZONA & TEXAS PROPERTIES (Valid 10/1/13-4/30/14)

(EXCLUDES APOLLO VILLAGE, CENTRAL PARK VILLAGE, DESERT VISTA, SUNRISE HEIGHTS, WHISPERING PALMS) 48

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

VOYAGER TUCSON, AZ

VIEWPOINT MESA, AZ PARADISE RV SUN CITY, AZ

MONTE VISTA MESA, AZ

ARABY ACRES YUMA, AZ

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

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

49

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Tibetan priest 5 More than enough 8 Ancient Heb. month 12 Son of Samuel 13 Television channel 14 Before (Lat.) 15 Dissertation 17 Two-horse chariot 18 A (Ger.) 19 Braid linen tape 21 Male cat 22 Card game 23 Balto-Slav 25 Rain tree 28 Iron Lung 31 Smile 32 Hours (abbr.)

33 Insect 34 Active 36 Nutlike drupe 37 Diagonal (abbr.)

38 River into the North Sea 39 Health resort 41 Chronicles (abbr.)

43 Affirmative 46 Senior (Fr.) 48 Sloe (2 words) 50 Caliph 51 Pointed (pref.)

52 Aweto 53 Cella 54 Favorable vote 55 Eight (pref.)

Answers on page 64

Reader Service

Free Product Information

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

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111 The Bradford Exchange/Black Beauty necklace ........................ 57 116 Carefree RV Resorts ���������������������������������������������������������������61 106 DirectSat TV ���������������������������������������������������������������������������64 101 Dream Giveaway ��������������������������������������������������������������������19 104 Equity LifeStyle ���������������������������������������������������������������� 44-49 159 FirstStreet/Jitterbug ����������������������������������������������������������������23 160 FirstStreet/Walk-In Tub ����������������������������������������������������������29 132 GEICO ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������67 128 SkyMed �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������68 109 STEADYfast ���������������������������������������������������������������������������63 138 Thousand Trails Excursions ���������������������������������������������������28 124 Winnebago ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������2 50

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

DOWN 1 Dead 2 Shelter (Fr.) 3 Air 4 Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.)

5 Arawakan language 6 City on the Irtysh 7 Eye of an insect 8 All points bulletin (abbr.)

9 Fr. historical provinces 10 Foe of Othello 11 Ray 16 Noun-forming (suf.)

20 Always 22 Haw. porch 24 Clemenceau’s nickname 25 Signed (abbr.)

26 Adjective-forming (suf.)

27 Phil. island 28 Civil Rights Commission (abbr.)

29 “Casablanca” character 30 As written in music 32 Pike 35 Son of (Scot.)

36 Look after 38 Evil intent, in law 39 Cross oneself 40 SW US cotton 42 “Dream Girl” playwright 43 Fish sauce 44 Mongol tent 45 Blood disease (suf.)

47 Ger. spa 49 Indo-Chin. language

RETAILER DISCOUNTS

T

housand Trails has partnered with a number of popular brands to provide you with exclusive members-only savings.

Below you will find our latest special offers available to you. Please log into the member section of the Thousand Trails website at www.ThousandTrails.com to take advantage of these great deals!

MEMBER DEALS

Coach Supply Direct - 5% off at Coach Supply Direct! We are your premier source of RV, Marine and Utility Vehicle Furniture and Accessories at the lowest prices. Everything we offer is priced as close to wholesale as we can get it! Now we are offering a savings of 5% more to Thousand Trail Members, RV On The Go and Encore Parks Customers! We would be happy to serve you with all your interior needs. Please go to: www.coachsupplydirect.com to see everything that we offer! If you have any questions, you can call us at 1-800-589-7251 or email us at info@ coachsupplydirect.com. We look forward to serving you! Mention TRAILBLAZER5 for your exclusive discount!

Exclusive Hertz Program - Visit the member section of the Thousand Trails website for special deal.

Exclusive iDine Savings - Simply register any credit or debit card and dine at a restaurant on the program.

Afterwards, complete a quick dining review about your experience within 30 days. The more you dine, the higher the percentage you can earn, up to 15%! Visit: www.idine.com/trailblazer for details and to enroll.

NationalPetPharmacy.com - Trusted by veterinarians and pet lovers alike, NationalPetPharmacy.com is fully licensed and Vet-VIPPS certified for safety as well as quality. Our FDA/EPA approved pet meds are the same ones you get from your vet – but conveniently delivered to your door. Thousand Trails members save $5 on a $20 order with Discount Code: BLAZER5 PetFoodDirect.com - 15% off your order of $49 or more. Get all your pet’s food and supplies delivered to your door with PetFoodDirect.com’s Auto Ship program. This coupon is valid on everything in our store, except: vet diet foods, prescription and free shipping items, and gift certificates. One time use per customer. Only one promotion code can be applied per order. Not for use with any loyalty or other reward websites. Discount Code: BLAZER15 Rand McNally Visit www.randmcnally.com/ELS for special GPS discount for TT members.

Terms and Conditions for 2013 Referral Promotion Terms and Conditions: For each Eligible Referral (as defined), you will receive a $50 American Express gift card through October 31, 2013.

In addition, for each Eligible Referral, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and hotel/cruise accommodations for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and hotel accommodations for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2014, not to exceed $525 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses.

The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on January 7, 2014. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning the drawing depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Park Pass from us between January 1, 2013 and December 14, 2013, and (ii) lists you as the referring member.

This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, residents of AZ, FL, NV, NY, PA and TN are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, NV, PA or TN. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored. Employees of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.

Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600.00 for one year.

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

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

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

51

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS, ANSWERED!

Q:

“

„

WE ARE HAVING A BIT OF A BALANCE ISSUE WITH ...

... our 1989 Tioga Class-C Motorhome as it is tilting badly to one side when we are driving, as well as when we are parked. I assume that the issue is related to the suspension and not a problem with the chassis or the frame? Any solid direction you can steer me towards in resolving this matter would be great…especially one that is not going to cost an arm and a leg?!

Thanks, Jesse and Ann Green Lehi, UT

A: Jesse and Ann, There are two solutions to help resolve the imbalance of your Tioga Motorhome. One option is to have the leaf spring assemblies removed and re-built while adding one or two extra leaves to the low side that will balance out and support the extra weight. A less expensive option would be to add a set of air-helper springs (air-bags) to the rear suspension and adjust the air pressure accordingly.

For instance, you may have 45 psi on one side and need 80 psi in the air bags on the low side in order to level out the motorhome. This sounds as though it is the best option to help “restore the balance” and will last for many years to come.

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Q:

“

„

HI BILL, I HAVE A 2004 TRAILER WITH ONE ...

... air conditioner and I would like to add a second A/C in the bedroom. The problem is I only have a 30-amp electric service. A local RV service shop gave an estimate that is way beyond what we want to spend. The reason for the high cost was converting to 50-amp service. Is there a way to add a second power cord without the need of the 50-amp service?

Thank you, John Anderson Newbury Park, CA

A: Yes, John, there is a very effective option for adding the power you need without having to convert your trailer from 30 to 50-amp service. Relatively new to the market, the JTB Power Solution is designed to add 20 amps to any RV, whether you currently have an existing 30 or a 50-amp service.

My wife and I have installed the JTB in our own fifth wheel, even though we already have 50-amp service, as we are oftentimes plugged into a 30amp service at the majority of RV parks we stay at. The system works remarkably well and is much cheaper than adding a new 50-amp service. See www.jtbmfg.com for more information. Thanks for your question!

Q:

“

BILL, I HAVE TWO SIMPLE QUESTIONS FOR YOU ...

„

... or at least I hope they will be simple! Before this winter rolls around, I was thinking of putting in an electric fireplace for added warmth. My wife loves the way they look, but if the new addition will not actually heat, I don’t want to remove needed storage space just for an expensive new add-on.

Also, if I want to change out the microwave to a convection oven, can I just buy it at a Lowes or Home Depot or do I need to order a RV specific model from my RV dealer?

Thanks for the help, Tanner and Brie Jameson Almont, CO

A: Well done on thinking about the hows and whys and where form meets function. Your questions are practical and I’m happy to help advise. Electric fireplaces have become a very popular option in the past few years as they really do meet the functional and aesthetic qualities we all seem to be looking for. Matter of fact, I too was a bit skeptical on just how well they actually heat as I had never owned/operated one on a long term basis before. Two years ago when we purchased our Carriage Cameo, it had a built in unit when we bought it and like you, I was hoping to have the extra storage space. To our pleasant surprise, the fireplace truly performs so well that many nights, it alone will heat our 37-foot fifth wheel. Now, I wouldn’t be without one.

As for switching to a convection oven, the RV specific microwaves tend to be built into a cabinet where as a home-style microwave/convection are usually mounted via a bracket mounted on the sidewall. You will need to measure the cut out and search online to find a model that will closely match your available space. More than likely, you will need to change the wall-mounting bracket at the time of installation. Good luck!

Q:

“

„

I HAVE A 2002 TAHOE LITE CAMPING ...

... trailer and the water pump has started to squeal when I turn on the water faucet. Does this mean I need to replace the water pump or is there a fix for this problem?

Thanks, Doug Buller

A: Thanks for your question, Doug. From your description, I believe that a bearing in the motor shaft is failing. Yes, you can purchase just the motor, but the only drawback is that it’s nearly the same price as an entirely new pump.

If something inside the old pump head were to fail, then you will have spend more money altogether than just replacing the entire pump itself. Most problems with water pump failures originate in the pump head, so there are a lot of used motors out there. That being said, I suggest upgrading to SHURflo’s new, Revolution pump, as it is quieter to run, has a built in variable speed motor and a higher water pressure output. ■

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

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

53

Letters to the Editor

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

WINNER WINNER TRI-TIP DINNER!

The winner of our July Grill Master contest is Todd F. for his recipe for Santa Maria Style Tri-tip. Congratulations to Todd and thanks to all for entering.

Caption Correction In our August issue “I Knew I was a TrailBlazer” interview, we incorrectly captioned the photo of John Wolf and his granddaughter. Our apologies – depicted is John and his granddaughter at Crescent Bar.

Sudoku Oops Our Sudoku lovers were quick to find that we inadvertently listed the incorrect answers to the September puzzle in the last issue. We apologize for the error. The correct answers are listed here.

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Readers: Hooray – we’ve already heard back from a few of our readers about their favorite places to go while visiting our preserves.

Please keep sending us this information so that we can begin creating an online directory that would point our preserve guests in the right direction. Please let us know your favorite local spots when visiting our preserves.

Is there a great shopping area? A not-to-be-missed pizza place? Where’s the best burger? What’s the best local attraction? Send your comments to TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com.

â–ź

MaxxAir MaxxFan delivers a breath of fresh air

Musty odors can accumulate when recreational vehicles are closed up. The MaxxFan Standard model ventilation fans from MaxxAir Ventilation Solutions, with reversible fan option, efficiently draw in fresh air and also remove hot, stale air. MaxxFan Standard fans are available in remote control or manual lid opening models. Sturdy and durable twin lid-lifting arms ensure smooth and safe operation with no lid fluttering during high winds or when the RV is traveling. An easy-to-clean ceiling keypad lets users choose any one of 10 fan speeds, as well as control thermostat, air intake and exhaust functions.

Contact MaxxAir at 316-832-3400 or www.maxxair.com

Thousand Trails Members Exclusive Offer

Receive 15% OFF W

hy are STRONGBACK Chairs the best camping chair? All STRONGBACK Chairs are made for comfort, health, and quality. Whether you are watching the kids play sports, enjoying a festival, tailgating, or simply communing with nature, STRONGBACK Chairs will finally allow you to enjoy your outdoor experience in long-lasting ergonomic seated comfort.

No more squirming around in your chair, standing around, sitting on the ground, or waking up with a sore back the next morning after using standard travel chairs. The STRONGBACK Chair provides the best back support and comfort available in a travel chair - we guarantee it or your money back.

Check out www.strongbackchair.com and find out which chair is best for you!

Use promo code: TTmember Offer valid through 10/31/13

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

55

I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer continued from page 25

I was amazed at how much we could do to really create a “home” in such a small space!

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

DG: We might have been able to go, but certainly would not have been able to spend six months on the east coast without our Thousand Trails membership.

For example, we were able to stay almost two months at Horseshoe Lakes in Indiana to visit family and we were able to stay for two long stays at Orlando in Florida to have a “home base” over the winter holidays and attend a large rally of other full-timing families.

state testing. This meant we had to alter travel plans to be back in town by specific dates. We did finish out the school year, but opted to file as a private school in California for the last two years and give ourselves the freedom to travel.

Just like when living in a stick-n-brick home, homeschooling can be individualized for the child and the family. If you take a peek into a zillion homes on wheels, you’ll likely see a zillion different methods of homeschooling. We have met families on the road who follow a very structured curriculum and put a sign on the door saying “school in session” to keep other kids out; families who only formally school if they stay put for a length of time, perhaps with an online course or workbooks; and families like ours who use no curriculum, just “learn” through living.

TB: How many states have you visited since you’ve become full-timers?

DG: At the time of publication, we will have crossed the United States six times and visited 27 states! We have plans for another six month cross-country trip next spring, and hope to hit up the remaining states, other than Alaska and Hawaii. And, so far we’ve stayed at 13 Thousand Trails parks in seven states!

TB: Tell us about homeschooling your daughter, this is great info to have for families who are interested but haven’t taken the leap! Also, what is your favorite part about full-timing with a family? What’s proven to be the most difficult?

DG: Homeschooling on the road, affectionately referred to as “roadschooling,” was a bit tough for the first seven months. We were still with a charter school, and thus required to meet face-to-face with our Education Specialist to turn in a Learning Record every twenty days and Molly was required to participate in 56

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One of the best things about travelling full-time and what we really LOVE about roadschooling is being able to “touch” history! Our recent six month adventure to the east coast accidentally took on a Civil Rights, Civil War, and Lincoln theme. We visited Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace in Atlanta, Georgia, explored Lincoln’s boyhood home in Evansville, Ind., saw a mantle from an inn where Lincoln stayed when he was a travelling lawyer in Illinois, walked and drove all over Gettysburg, Pa., toured the White House, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Ford Theatre, the National Archives, and saw Lincoln’s hat at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. during election week, visited the Museum of Confederacy and White House and the State Capitol (Lincoln was partially filmed here) in Richmond, Va., enjoyed a re-creation of “Christmas in the late 1800s” at a small plantation in North Carolina, and wrapped up our “unit study” by seeing the movie Lincoln!

The biggest challenge for our family is the fact we only have my younger daughter with us, while the majority of other families we meet travel with three or more children, and she is very often alone. To help out with potential loneliness, we provide ways for her to stay in touch with old friends (email, cell phone calls and text, Skype, online gaming, snail mail), find

a multitude of activities and making new friends. And then we attended a week-long Rally hosted by Fulltime Families in northern Florida, which had more than 200 participants, over half of those being children.

This really helped raise our spirits and motivated us to keep going. In fact just a few weeks before we arrived back in California and thought we’d settle into a house again, Molly asked her dad if we could go on at least one more big trip - “after all, I’ll only be 12 years old next year and that isn’t too old to travel.”

What I would recommend to other families considering this lifestyle is to (1) check the homeschool laws in their state of residence (some are more flexible than others); and (2) join Fulltime Families (http://fulltimefamilies. com/). They have multiple resources on their website, offer a hard copy book and eBook called “How to Hit The Road,” publish a monthly digital magazine, host 1-2 rallies each year, and moderate a Facebook group, which we have found vital to learning about the lifestyle and connecting with others on the road.

TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when...

DG: I no longer knew the day of the week by using the calendar, but by our location. “Oh, we are in Georgia … must be Wednesday!”

local activities (caring for horses at a local rescue in Georgia) and interesting locations to visit (a week in NYC with just mom), enjoy family time inside (movies, games, puzzles, Xbox) and outside the RV (fishing, biking, geocaching), and search out other families, primarily through the Fulltime Families Facebook group. Last winter we were thrilled to spend two months in Florida with over fifteen full-timing families and at least forty children of all ages, participating in

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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

Limited Time, Double the Fun Double Your Reward!

Receive a $25 $50 American Express Gift Card when your referral purchases a Zone Camping Pass!

Your referral also enters you into our 2013 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes.

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

Second Prize Third Prize 4 Nights in either Las FREE DUES for 2014 (10 winners selected) Vegas, San Francisco (up to $525 value) or Orlando (a $2,000 value)

Contact Us Today!

1-888-808-8925

www.zonecampingpass.com/referthezone

Camping is Better with Friends!

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

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

59

CLUB CALENDAR OCTOBER 2013 TT SINGLES Central California October 25-27: Lake of the Springs, CA December 6-8: San Benito, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 467-3278 or email to janedjd@ pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net.

Northwest October 25-27: Mt. Vernon, WA November 22-24: La Conner, WA Contact: Director Marybeth Turner at (206) 255-9363 or email to Marybeth.Turner@seattle.gov; Winnie Hoyteniuk at (604) 858-9757 or email to winnie@smartt.com (British Columbia); Daphne Bailey at (503) 590-8566 or email to daphnebailey07@comcast.net (Oregon); or Linda Christofferson at (360) 653-3648 (Washington).

Southwest Contact Babe Bohner at (909) 797-6437.

FUN NITES Fun Nites are social gatherings organized by and for TTN members.

Eugene/Springfield Area Round-a-Bouters group For more information call Merry Klum (541) 726-7586 or Leona Todd (541) 844-4277.

Pacific City Pacific City Ramblers Ramblers meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Home Town Buffet in the Tigard Market Place, 13500 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, Oregon. Contact Charlie Buren at (503) 705-1587, Chickie Dientsel at (503) 286-8566 or Suzy Mulbey at (503) 678-2993. All Portland-area TT, NACO and LTR members welcome.

TTN So Cal Weekenders October 4-6: Oakzanita, CA November 1-3: Wilderness Lakes, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS

fellowship. email: ttnweekenders@earthlink.net website: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttnweekenders/ TT Travelers We are retired residents of Southern California who are TTN members. We meet monthly at a Southern California preserve for fellowship, games and potlucks.

Please call Darlene Steddum at (805) 714-9038 or email to darjerste@juno.com or Sharon Straite at (562) 899-8298 or email to lesstraite@verizon.net if you are interested in information about our group.

TTWest/FMCA November 8-10: 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) 226-6529 or email to clitfin@ USA.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

TT of Texas/FMCA September 6-8: Lake Whitney, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com.

Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com Bounders United (BUTTN) October 23-26: Soledad Canyon, CA Wagonmaster will be Tom & Pat Kennedy. Bounders United/TTN are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Thomas Kennedy at (360) 794-4903 or email at BUTTNs231@gmail.com.

TT East Trail Buddies We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members.

We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or email to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com.

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Tech Topics continued from page 9

If you find that your gas cooktop is not burning as it should, you can clean clogged burner ports yourself. First, turn all burners OFF. Clean the ports carefully with a straight pin. Don’t use a brush to clean the ports; you risk leaving pieces of loose bristles inside the ports that can contribute to further clogging problems.

And never use a toothpick; wooden bits can easily break off inside the burner ports, causing even more clogging problems.

RV gas cooktop flames should always be predominantly blue in color (LP gas may exhibit just a bit of a yellow tip); if the burner flame is yellow beyond the tips, have the unit inspected by a qualified service technician. Usually, this problem indicates an improper air/gas mixture, and should be addressed by a qualified repairperson.

Happy, healthy, and adventure-filled travels to all; blaze a trail! ■ Paul and Kerri Elders are freelance writers; visit their list of RV Industry Links at RVLinker.com. Their cookbook, The American Gourmet Collection Cookbook, is also available at Amazon.com.

Follow Paul & Kerri on Twitter @rvlinker.

Q

: What opportunities has your TT/Encore travels afforded you that you never expected would happen in your “old life?”

A

: The sense of community and relationships built with fellow full timers is an unexpected bonus. We love running into the same families at different campgrounds and creating new friendships while experiencing new places together. Some of the campgrounds have lead us to towns and people we would have otherwise never known existed. We love getting to know the back roads and byways of small town America. Sometimes just the journey from one campground to the next can be an adventure in discovery. I swear we have found places that would make Lewis and Clark proud.

Q

: What are you looking forward to during the next year in regard to the outdoor lifestyle? Do you have a “bucket list” for this lifestyle?

A

: We don’t really keep a bucket list and we don’t do a lot of planning. We just look at the map, see what looks interesting and go. We’re currently exploring the Pacific Northwest and having a blast finding all these great little towns and even better breweries! Who knows where the road will lead us but one thing’s for sure. We’d like to start 2014 on our own private island….well, it won’t be our private island but Sunshine Key is looking like the perfect place to celebrate the new year in style…I just hope they serve Piña Coladas on the beach!

Q A

: What advice would you offer to someone who is looking to broaden their camping lifestyle?

: The Zone Camping Pass is a no brainer for any explorer; you’ll always have a place to park it and relax. Mix the Encore/TT resort luxury with a little BLM (boondocking), national forest, and national park camping and it’s like the perfect recipe for a great camping year. Also, try and stay for at least a week in each location. Don’t just rush to the tourist sites. We like to travel like locals. Take the time to soak up each location, meet a few locals and experience a town as if it were your own. ■

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Omnia Stove Top Baking Oven Want to bake when RVing or camping. Get the affordable portable Omnia. Works on any stove top heat source.

(858)653-0401 www.lunatecgear.com JOB OPPORTUNITY Manage a Christmas Tree Lot in California. Palm Springs area.

Thanksgiving until Christmas. Earn percentage of sales. For more information, call Woody Miller 503-705-2044, or email millerwoody@hotmail.com

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CIRCLE NO. 109 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

SCRUBR Odor-Free Dishcloths & TREKR Self-Cleaning Washcloths Perfect for RVing and camping. They dry fast, rinse clean, and don’t get smelly. (858)653-0401 www.lunatecgear.com

To advertise in Marketplace or to place a Classified Ad email TBads@equitylifestyle.com OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

63

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

Joanne & Rick Marcus

CIRCLE NO. 106 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

from Huntington Beach, CA found the evergreen tree on page 9 of the August issue. Did you find the tree in this issue? Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

Postmark deadline is October 31, and remember — the tree could be a different color and size.

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OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to

win a $25 American Express Gift Card!

This month’s Fast Facts winner is

David Ledford of Casco, MI

Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 62

OCTOBER 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Missing: 1. Far left “P” is missing from RIP, 2. Far left stripe is missing from the stage, 3. Red eye missing from inflatable brown tree, 4. Line is missing from inflatable Happy Halloween grave, 5. Patch missing from big inflatable ghost, 6. Child’s cuff on sweater changed color, 7. Nose missing from big inflatable pumpkin, 8. Far right sign under table is missing, 9. Far right small pumpkin carving is gone, 10. Bottom right mark on the ground is gone.

There are 10 differences in the pictures of the Halloween fun at La Conner. Can you find them all?

—

Chilliwack & Fraser River.

Photo courtesy Tourism Chilliwack

Lower Fraser River White Sturgeon.

Photo courtesy BC Sport Fishing

S

Photo courtesy Tourism Chilliwack

Cultus Lake RV Resort B.C. Canada

almon are running in the Vedder River, which is located just 20 minutes from Cultus Lake Preserve in Lindell Beach, BC., and will continue until late October. Also, the

nearby Fraser River, a world-famous spot for fishing, offers charters during the fishing season which runs through the winter season. Plan a stay at this great resort and take in the fall fishing.

Visit www.RVontheGo.com to make your reservations for a fall adventure.

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