TrailBlazer Spring Issue 2021 by TrailBlazer Magazine

SPRING ISSUE 2021 • $2.00

Spring in Wisconsin and North Carolina Visit Historic Wilmington, North Carolina Wisconsin Food and Drink Trails • Treasures of Topsail Island

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

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Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, campground profiles and product features. TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published by MHC TT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526. TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com

Our winner for the Spring Issue is...Marsha Elleston from Santa Barbara, CA! She was camping at Rancho Oso, when she was given the news!

TrailBlazermagazine.net NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Visit www.trailblazermagazine.net and click on the ‘Subscribe’ tab to easily subscribe online today! PRINTED IN THE USA

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: (800) 288-7245 Canada: (228) 497-3594 Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST ThousandTrails.com Remember! Thousand Trails members get preferred rates at RVontheGo.com (877) 570-2267 RVontheGo.com

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Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a $1,000 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. Gift Card When you pay your annual dues for 2021 in full, you will be entered into our quarterly drawing for a $1,000 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. There will be one drawing/one winner each quarter from January through December 2021. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails campground in 2021, 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 quarter. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails campground. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting awards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each recipient and to the IRS when the total cash payments and value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600.00 for one year. 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, 2021. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. The Virtual Visa® Reward will be sent via email to the email address provided. The Virtual Visa® Reward will come from reward@virtualrewardcenter.com. The Virtual Visa® Reward can be used to buy what you want, when you want it. Because it is so flexible and convenient, the Virtual Visa® Reward makes it easy to treat yourself to something special or to help cover your everyday expenses. The decision is yours. The virtual reward is issued by Sutton Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and can be used wherever Visa® Debit cards are accepted. Terms and conditions apply. Your Virtual Visa® Reward may not be used outside of the U.S. and District of Columbia, nor may it be used with merchants located outside of the U.S. and District of Columbia for online, mail or telephone orders. Any purchases made with the Virtual Visa® Reward must only be in U.S. currency.

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WHAT’S INSIDE

VOL.58 • ISSUE 2

20 Wisconsin Food & Beverage Trail

regulars

Member Deals 54

Crossword Puzzle 60

Sudoku Puzzle 61

Preferred RV Dealer List 62

Exploring Wilmington

SPRING ISSUE 2021 • $2.00

Spring in Wisconsin and North Carolina

tips & topics Tech Topics 52 4 Paws on the Road 53

Visit Historic Wilmington, North Carolina Wisconsin Food and Drink Trails • Treasures of Topsail Island

lifestyle 5 Message from Marguerite 7 Referral Winners 10 I Knew I was A TrailBlazer: Meg Harrel 14 Johnson Outdoors 28 Updates and Upgrades 30 #100DaysofCamping 32 Open New Doors at myMHcommunity.com! 34 Treasures of Topsail Island 46 Recipe: BBQ Chicken 48 On the Road with Lindsay McCormick 56 Introducing Loggerhead Marinelife Center

On The Cover: Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

THE NATION’S TOP SELECTION OF RV BRANDS VISIT LAZYDAYS.COM OR CALL 866.531.6818

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SALES • SERVICE • PARTS & ACCESSORIES

Whispering Pines, NC

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE As we enter spring, I look forward to the warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and most importantly, the opening of our northern Thousand Trails locations for the season. The welcoming of the spring season also marks a year of our new normal, making phrases like social distancing and remote working much more commonplace. Throughout the year, it has been wonderful to see so many comments about the camping memories our members and guests were able to make, with many highlighting the relaxing environment of the outdoors and nature being refreshing for the soul. Looking to this season, our teams are hard at work getting ready to welcome you back, and to kick off the #100DaysofCamping. As always, I’m looking forward to seeing the photos you share to social media so I can follow along on your camping adventures from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. From family reunions and beautiful views, to a child catching her first fish or figuring out how to ride a bike, it’s clear just how many memories are made while camping. In this issue of the magazine, TrailBlazer invites you to explore the flavors of Wisconsin through their unique food and beverage trails. From cranberry beds to the famed cheese curd, this midwestern state has a little something for everyone. If history is more your scene, I encourage you to check out the article on historic

Wilmington, located in North Carolina. Battleships, historic architecture, and breathtaking gardens await. Is a beach vacation what you’re looking for? Take a look at the article on Topsail Island, and how you can experience all this beach town has to offer. Additionally, in this Spring issue, we introduce you to our partnership with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), which has paved the way for sea turtle conservation with cutting-edge research, initiatives, and programs. I hope this issue of the magazine inspires you to plan a trip with us and explore the great outdoors this spring and summer. The warm weather is ideal for grilling (we celebrate National BBQ month in May), s’mores, and hiking. For many, spring brings a feeling of renewal and a fresh start. I love the sentiment of starting the new season with a sense of rejuvenation. Start readying your RVs with spring cleaning and prepare to hit the road. Our teams will be waiting for you when you arrive!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

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Invite Your Friends YOU receive a $25 Visa® Virtual Reward when your friend purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass! Your referral also enters YOU into our 2021 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

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

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

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

Free Dues for 2022 10 Winners Selected (Up to $615 value)

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

2020

REFERRAL WINNERS Congratulations to our Winners Grand Prize: Tony Drew | South Lake Tahoe, CA

Second Prize: Gary Oliver | Woodland, WA

Your vacation plans may be tiny… but they will be mighty. From tiny houses and cabins to yurts or covered wagons, your next vacation will leave a big impression.

Arrowhead s WI

Visit petiteretreats.com to plan your getaway today!

COMING SOON!

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Natchez Trace Tiny House Village, located about an hour outside of Nashville, TN. These six tiny houses can’t wait for you to visit. Blackhawk s WI 8

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Tuxbury Tiny House Village s NH

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Natchez Trace s TN SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

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I Knew I Was a

TRAILBLAZER FEATURING

Meg Harrel This issue, Trailblazer would like to introduce you to Meg Harrel, a registered nurse, RVer, travel blogger, wife, and mom to two kids! She believes there is always adventure to be had, and we think she’s onto something. TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began! MH: I have been camping for about 10 years and RVing for two years!

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? MH: I heard about the Thousand Trails membership from a friend who RVs full-time! It was such a great investment! TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest Thousand Trails memories? MH: One of my fondest camping memories was teaching my daughter to ride her bike in the campground. We tried all afternoon and it

Photos Courtesy of megforit.com.

seemed that she wasn’t going to get it. She was so confident and happy when she finally got it. I’ll never forget the look on her face! Campgrounds breed memories and push you to be outside in nature. I will never forget seeing her ride on her own for the first time. TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories? MH: One time my husband and I forgot to check the propane and we ended up in our PJs, in the dark, switching out a

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propane tank in the middle of the night because it was 20 degrees outside! Another time a frog jumped on my face in the middle of the night! We still have no idea how it got into the RV!

MH: The Great Smoky Mountains! We parked at Green Mountain in Lenoir, North Carolina, and we never would have found that treasure of a spot if we didn’t have a Thousand Trails membership!

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.)

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

MH: We really enjoy our 5th wheel RV because there’s enough room to spread out but it’s easy to hook up and move. It feels like a whole house! TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership?

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MH: I love the outdoor lifestyle! I love the fresh air and beautiful natural landscapes. These are the perfect ingredients for family adventure. TB: We want to know when you knew you were the consummate camper, a true TrailBlazer. Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when… MH: I knew I was a TrailBlazer when…I was sitting on my

deck by the fire, surrounded by mountains, next to my RV, holding my husband’s hand and I realized that we had the freedom to pick up and go anywhere. This freedom bred a huge sense of adventure inside of us. We decided to try every trail that we literally and figuratively would stumble upon in life. Since that moment, we have traveled to 20 U.S. states and six countries. I believe that no matter where you are, there is an adventure to be had! So, get out there!

Check out megforit.com to follow more of her TrailBlazing adventures!

Photos Courtesy of megforit.com.

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Photos Courtesy of Johnson Outdoors.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS A Wisconsin-Based Outdoor Adventures Innovator BY LYNN & CELE SELDON

ased in Racine, Wisconsin, but offering outdoors products found and recognized around the world, Johnson Outdoors is a 50-plus-year-old leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire people to experience Mother Nature at its finest in a wide variety of ways. Through a diverse range of iconic brands, Johnson Outdoors designs, manufactures, and markets a portfolio of award-winning consumer-preferred brands in four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Camping, and Diving. From world-class

kayaks out on the water to catching the big one to camping and even heading underwater, Johnson Outdoors has something for any outdoor enthusiast. Founded in 1970 and having celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, Johnson Outdoors has a long history and culture of innovation, and a love of the outdoors. The company was founded by Sam Johnson, who had a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to serving team members, customers, the environment, and communities where Johnson Outdoors did business. His innovation-driven business

philosophy, which still exists today, was: “New products, new geographies, and every few years a new brand or technology.” Johnson Outdoors has been led by one of Sam’s daughters, Chairman and CEO Helen Johnson-Leipold, for more than 20 years. An avid paddler, angler, camper, and diver, the Racine native shares her father’s passion for outdoor recreation, and was named Chairman, Johnson Outdoors, in 1999, and Chairman of both Johnson Financial Group and The Johnson Foundation in 2004, succeeding her father in all three roles. SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

“

We inspire people to get out there to experience and value the awe of

the great outdoors for generations to come. We aim to give people the best outdoor experiences possible, from the moment someone thinks about heading outdoors to researching, shopping, and purchasing, [and] to actually using the product or technology.

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”

Photos Courtesy of Johnson Outdoors.

canoes, Old Town now features the Predator PDL pedal-powered fishing kayak machine, and they launched their first Sportsman Line of kayaks in 2020 to rave reviews and skyrocketing demand. The Watercraft Recreation division also includes Ocean Kayak™. They’re renowned for their sit-on-top kayaks, like the Malibu Pedal and the Prowler Big Game II Angler, as well as stand up paddle boards and more.

Johnson-Leipold also serves as a director of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., her family’s consumer household products company (including brands like Windex®, Ziploc®, Glade®, and Pledge®). She and her husband, Craig, owner of the NHL Minnesota Wild franchise, reside in Racine and are the parents of five adult sons and grandparents of four.

The Fishing category includes Minn Kota®, Cannon®, and Humminbird®. Minn Kota focuses on fishing trolling motors, including freshwater and saltwater trolling motors, plus electric outboards, as well as anchors, and more. Cannon is renowned for downriggers that help you get the bait where the fish are (along with rod holders and other fishing accessories), while Humminbird is known for advanced marine electronics and charts, including fish finders, mapping, accessories, and apparel. The Camping division of Johnson Outdoors features another truly iconic outdoor brand: Eureka!® camping and hiking equipment. From the still-beloved bright green Timberline® series of tents to many other tents, lots of camp cooking options, furniture, and more, Eureka!

When asked about the company’s continued purpose, Johnson-Leipold says, “We inspire people to get out there to experience and value the awe of the great outdoors for generations to come. We aim to give people the best outdoor experiences possible, from the moment someone thinks about heading outdoors to researching, shopping, and purchasing, [and] to actually using the product or technology.” Under Johnson-Leipold’s leadership, today’s Johnson Outdoors features a diverse range of iconic and innovative products. For instance, their Watercraft Recreation category includes legendary Old Town® canoes and kayaks. Founded in 1898 on the banks of the Penobscot River in Old Town, Maine, Old Town is quite simply synonymous with paddling, including canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and more. Always innovating beyond their first legendary SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

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Photos Courtesy of Johnson Outdoors.

remains a camper favorite around the world. There’s also Jetboil®, whose renowned and innovative stoves have proven very popular with RVers when they’re “roughing it” outside their RV. Finally, famed SCUBAPRO® dive equipment makes up the Diving category of Johnson Outdoors. Quite simply, scuba divers love and trust everything SCUBAPRO offers, including technical gear, fins, masks, snorkels, and accessories.

Given all of these options, it’s easy to see why this Wisconsinbased global company is so loved and respected by those who love and respect the great outdoors. JohnsonLeipold says, “We’re focused on working hard to keep pace with demand and leveraging our market-leading brands and innovation to maximize the heightened interest in outdoor recreation.”¾

GET OUTSIDE Visit johnsonoutdoors.com for information about their watercraft, fishing, camping, diving, and other innovative outdoors-oriented offerings. Long-time TrailBlazer contributors Lynn and Cele Seldon started camping together almost 30 years ago in an iconic bright green Eureka!

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Photo Courtesy of Travel Wisconsin

WISCONSIN FOOD & BEVERAGE TRAILS

A Tasty Way to Take a Bite out of America’s Dairyland By Lynn & Cele Seldon

n a state that leads the nation in dairy farms (nearly 7,000), cheese plants (125plus), and cheese production (home to half of the nation’s specialty cheese, with artisan cheesemakers producing more than 600 different types, styles, and varieties of cheese), it’s no surprise that Wisconsin would have several cheese trails. But the Badger State is known for a lot more than its cheese, and a cornucopia of food and beverage trails exist for a delicious way to take a bite out of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Cheese Tour Curated by the folks at Travel Wisconsin, this trail is a cheese lover’s paradise. They have created two itineraries – a Southwestern route and an Eastern route – to get a true taste. The Southwestern itinerary includes stops in Madison, like the Dane County Farmers Market, the largest producers-only farmers market in the country with over 250 vendors (including plenty of cheese), and Fromagination, one of the state’s premier cheese shops (offering hundreds of rotating cheeses, primarily from Wisconsin); Green County, including Swiss-owned Emmi Roth Käse

and Baumgartner’s Cheese, Wisconsin’s oldest cheese store; the Carr Valley Cheese Store and Cooking School in Sauk City; and many breweries, restaurants, and inns that all have Wisconsin cheese on the menu. The Eastern itinerary focuses on Milwaukee (don’t miss the world’s largest selection of Wisconsin cheese at the Wisconsin Cheese Mart); twohour or two-day cheesemaking classes at The Cheesemaker in Mequon; 100-year-old Lamers Dairy in Appleton or Union Star Cheese Factory in Fremont, for cheese from the source; and other retailers, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and inns that all pay homage to the beloved fromage. Learn more about these trails here: travelwisconsin.com/article/things-to-do/anepicurean-getaway-the-wisconsin-cheese-tour

Cheese Curd Trail You can’t come to Wisconsin without trying the ubiquitous cheese curds. Basically, cheese curds are pieces that are separated from the whey during the cheesemaking process, and instead of being molded into a cheese wheel, they are cut and bagged to be sold as “fresh” cheese, versus SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

the typical aged cheddar. They have a mild flavor and a rubbery texture that gives them that classic “squeak,” and they make for a tasty snack. They’re everywhere in Wisconsin, including the self-guided DIY Cheese Curd Trail put together by the folks at Madison Eats Food Tours. With a variety of stops in and around Madison, sample cheddar, muenster, and goat cheese curds. Have them battered and fried with perfectly melted results. Or, try them bacon wrapped or fried in a gluten free pancake batter. And don’t even get us started on the many dipping sauces like classic ranch, roasted Hatch green chili crema, or truffled fish sauce. It’s truly a Wisconsin tradition. Start planning your trip here: madisoneatsfoodtours.com/ best-places-for-fried-cheese-curdsin-madison-wi

Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway When it comes to cranberries, Wisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of the tart superfood. To celebrate the ruby red fruit, it’s easy 22

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to embark on a self-guided tour along the Cranberry Highway in the Wisconsin Rapids region. Stretching almost 50 miles from Wisconsin Rapids to Warrens, the decades-old cranberry beds explode with color in the fall, and the area is filled with creative ways to experience the Wisconsin specialty. Cranberry trailblazers can learn all about the cranberry industry and history at the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center in Warrens, tour a cranberry marsh at Glacial Lake Cranberries or Splash of Red Cranberry Tour, and shop for all things cranberry at Rubi Reds, a family-owned and -operated retail shop in Wisconsin Rapids run by berry growers. It’s also possible to enjoy cranberries in a cocktail, in cranberry bread, or in chicken salad at the many cafes, restaurants, and supper clubs that create sumptuous dishes using the local fruit. There’s even the annual summer Cranberry Blossom Festival. Head to visitwisrapids.com/cranberryhighway to learn more.

Wisconsin Coastal Food Trail Best known as a dairy county, the fertile soils and humid climate of Manitowoc County which produce award-winning cows and dairy products, also contribute to other robust agricultural crop production. The Wisconsin Coastal Food Trail in Manitowoc and Two Rivers shines the spotlight on this culinary bounty with authentic Wisconsin tastes of wine, cheese, beer, butter, smoked fish, ice cream, chocolate, maple syrup, and so much more. With more than a dozen potential stops, visitors can taste their way through the county, including: scratchmade breads and bakery items at Bakery on State; old-fashioned ice cream parlor treats at Beerntsens; wines and wine tastings at Cold Country Wines & Vines; craft beers at Courthouse Pub, PetSkull Brewing or Sabbatical Brewing; smoked fish at Susie-Q Fish Company; specialty olive oils and aged vinegars at The Hearty Olive; pure maple syrup at Inthewoods Sugarbush; cheeses at Pine River Dairy; sausages at Newton Meats; fresh produce and u-pick strawberries at Wilfert Farms; and more. Make a weekend of it and visit them all! Check out wisconsincoastalfoodtrail.com to get started.

Wisconsin Food Trails Wisconsin Food Trails is the brainchild of the marketing department at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater University Center as a way get out and explore the areas surrounding UW-W, from Madison to Milwaukee. With three trails on their blog – an Ice Cream Trail (Wisconsin is the country’s leading dairy producer, after all), a Taco Trail, and, of course, a Cheese Curds Trail – they all start from UW-W

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produced predominately with grapes from their three local vineyards at Villa Bellezza Winery. Seven Hawks Vineyards – one of the largest vineyards in the Upper Midwest – serves up their 100% estate grown wines in an historical tasting room in downtown Fountain City. Elmaro Vineyard welcomes guests on their outdoor patio to enjoy extensive wines and picnic offerings. While DnA Vintners focuses on wines made from Wisconsin cranberries. Start sipping here: greatriverroadwinetrail.org/

Photo Courtesy of 2021 Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

and make a loop back to campus. Depending upon where you are, you can pick up and pursue any section. The Ice Cream Trail includes some of Wisconsin’s best old school ice cream parlors, frozen custard spots, drive-ins, and more. The Taco Trail hits up a half dozen of some of the region’s muy caliente tacos, burritos, fajitas, and more. And, the Cheese Curds Trail focuses on restaurants, burger joints, cheese shops, and even a hotel that are serving up this squeaky Wisconsin specialty. Study up and get started here: blogs.uww.edu/ucinfo/2020/07/29/ wisconsin-food-trails/

Great River Road Wine Trail

Door County Wine Trail

Following the upper Mississippi River, the Great River Road Wine Trail features a collection of 10 wineries across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa that take advantage of the winter hardy grape varietals that have been growing in the Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area for centuries. Five Wisconsin wineries can be found in a compact 90-mile stretch of Route 35 on the north bank of the river from Stockholm to La Crosse.

On the other side of the state, situated between Lake Michigan and Green Bay (literally the Bay, versus the city), lies the popular peninsula of Door County and the Door County Wine Trail. Known for its fruit wines – especially cherry and apple – the Door County region has developed more cold-hardy vineyards and are now producing many estate-grown grape wines, as well.

At Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery, visitors can taste their collection of hard ciders and wine produced with local apples and other fruits. Or, explore the classical Mediterranean-style winery while you sip dry reds and whites

Photo Courtesy of Mike Roemer

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Featured wineries include von Stiehl Vineyard & Winery (Wisconsin’s oldest licensed winery dating to 1967); Red Oak Vineyard (producing French-style reds, German-style whites, and sweet fruit wines); Door 44 Winery (which lies at 44˚ North latitude, the same as the

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Pho to

C ou

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l Wisconsin

renowned grape growing and wine producing regions of Bordeaux and Tuscany); Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery (with wine making facility tours and live music); Door Peninsula Winery (Door County’s largest winery); Harbor Ridge Winery (featuring irreverently named sweet, semisweet, and dry barrel-aged wines); Stone’s Throw Winery (combining premium California grapes with traditional wine making techniques); and Lautenbach’s Orchard Country (specializing in fruit wines grown on the property, along with gourmet food products). Begin planning your wine tasting experience here: doorcountywinetrail.com/

Wisconsin Brewery Trail When many people think of Wisconsin, they think of beer. With more than 200 breweries in the state, it is consistently in the top 15 of beer producing states in the nation. Naturally, there are several beer trails throughout the state. But if you want to get off the beaten path and go to some breweries that you may or may not have heard of in a concentrated area, head to the central part of the state for the Wisconsin Brewery Trail. Photo Courtesy of Stevens Point Area CVB 26

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Photo Courtesy of Kayla Sue Collections

Within about 185 miles, you can sample pints, growlers, bottles, flights, and more at nine different breweries including Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona; Ale Asylum, and Karben 4 in Madison; Knuth Brewing Company in Ripon, Fox River Brewing and Bare Bones Brewery in Oshkosh; Appleton Beer Factory in Appleton; Central Waters Brewing in Amherst; and O’so Brewing in Plover. Featuring craft beers and microbrews, unique taprooms, and outdoor spaces and recreation, the Wisconsin Brewery Trail is a “brew-tiful” way to taste Wisconsin. Cheers: onlyinyourstate.com/ wisconsin/wi-brewery-trail/

Central Wisconsin Craft Collective For a real thirst quencher, head to the center of the state and the Stevens Point area for a sip of the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective. Nine craft beer, wine, and spirit makers have partnered in this craft Mecca to help promote their artisan beverages, as well as travel to the region.

operating breweries in the nation; Central Waters Brewing Co., utilizing solar heat and water conservation methods to craft their environmentally sustainable brews; O’so Brewing Company, Wisconsin’s premier sour brewery; handcrafted vodka, gin, whiskey and more from Great Northern Distilling; the dry reds, crisp whites, and sweet fruit wines of Sunset Point Winery; District 1 Brewing, featuring smallbatch microbrews, shandies, to-go cans, and even gluten-free options; lots of tasty brews and outdoor concerts and activities at Backcountry Brewing Co.; Kozy Yak Brewery & Winery, serving up nano brews and wines; and the only female-owned craft beverage maker on the trail, McZ’s Brew Pub. Learn more about the Craft Collective experience here: cwcraftcollective.com.¾ While experiencing the sights, sounds, and most importantly, flavors of Wisconsin, be sure to check out all nine Wisconsin locations on RVontheGo.com!

Members of the collective include: Stevens Point Brewery, one of the oldest continuously SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

UPDATES AND

UPGRADES The teams have been hard at work on a number of updates and upgrades across the country. This issue, we’re highlighting a few of the biggest projects and developments!

Yosemite Lakes RV Campground There’s a lot happening at Yosemite Lakes and we can’t wait for you to see it! With bathhouses being remodeled, lodge renovations, updated sports courts, rental unit refurbishment, welcome center upgrades, a new playground and more, we’re sure you’re going to love it. Please pardon our dust as we work to make these exciting updates at Yosemite Lakes!

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Moody Beach RV Campground Looking for a place to call yours during the summer months? Enjoy a stunning new vacation home located on the southeast coast of Maine just minutes from the shores of Ogunquit Beach! With amenity upgrades and some of the most picturesque areas of the country, Moody Beach is a great place to make your home away from home.

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#100DaysofCamping Each year, we celebrate the 100 summer days in between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the official #100DaysofCamping. We’ve made a few changes to make #100DaysofCamping more accessible wherever you are. All submitted #100DaysofCamping photos will be entered into a photo contest with a prize! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: GET OUT AND CAMP! Take a photo while camping or during a makeshift camping adventure. CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO AS AN ENTRY: Upload your photo to Instagram using #100DaysofCamping in your post caption. UPLOAD YOUR PHOTO TO 100DAYSOFCAMPING.COM. Repeat to keep celebrating #100DaysofCamping! WE CAME UP WITH A FEW OTHER IDEAS TO SHARE YOUR LOVE OF CAMPING: • Use our #100DaysofCamping story sticker in your Instagram stories. • Take a photo with our printable #100DaysofCamping 2021 graphic, or hang it proudly in your RV!

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It’s not about what you’re leaving behind.

Open New Doors

to new family memories.

The most exciting doors in life are the unfamiliar ones, the doors that are full of possibilities. The doors that make you feel like a kid again. And sometimes, when you open new doors, it means you finally feel at home.

Take a Virtual Tour and make it yours! 32

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It’s about what you’re going to.

3 Ways to Explore our Quick Move-In Ready Homes VIRTUAL SHOWINGS

VIDEO TOURS

3-D TOURS

Our sales associates are ready to schedule an appointment for a private virtual showing at your convenience.

ideo walk through tours of V select home models are available online or upon request.

We invite you to enjoy a virtual walk through of our stunning model homes with our Interactive Model Home Tours.

Learn more at or Call (800) 274-7314 SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

The Treasures of Topsail Island

By Joan Rykal

f you’re visiting the southern coast of North Carolina, don’t make the mistake of asking where Topsail Island can be found. Certainly, you want to find this 26-mile barrier island nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, but to locals it’s pronounced “Top-sul.” Topsail is one of several islands in a chain of barrier islands – a different set of barrier islands than those that make up the Outer Banks, which are located farther north. Legend has it that the island got its name from the pirate trade in the early 1700s. Pirates that lay in wait for wealthy merchant ships to rob would hide their ships behind the island and only the tops of their ships’ sails were visible. More pirate lore has it that some of Blackbeard’s treasure may be buried here. Whether you believe the pirate lore or not, Topsail Island does indeed offer many treasures, including its pristine beaches and fun beach towns. Three beach towns to be exact can be found on Topsail Island and each offers something different. 34

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North Topsail Beach North Topsail Beach is more residential (read: less bustling) than the other two towns on the island, but still offers plenty of water sport and beach opportunities. It is a favorite spot for kayakers. For those looking to take advantage of the water sport opportunities, check out North Topsail Surf and Paddle for rentals and lessons. For those looking for the wild side of North Topsail Beach, Fat Turtle Tiki Bar & Market may scratch that itch. Here you can find live music, sand volleyball, good food, and island-style drinks! Surf City Despite possibly being considered the more commercial of the three towns, Surf City is still a quaint and quiet little beach town. The beach, the pier, and the turtles are the draw here. Let’s talk about the turtles first. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle comes ashore to nest on the island about four times per year and it is the mission of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center to preserve and protect the nests, the turtle moms,

Photos Courtesy of VisitNC.com

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Book a stay at White Oak Shores or Whispering Pines while you explore the beauty and fun of Topsail Island. Learn more about these North Carolina locations at RVontheGo.com!

Loggerhead Turtle on the beach

and the hatchlings. From May through August, you will see volunteers from the Center walking the beach to track the turtles and ensure their safety. Due to COVID-19, the Center is currently closed to public tours but check the website at seaturtlehospital.org when visiting to see if anything has changed. The Pier was the first on the island and built in 1948. And this past off-season, the Pier and its facilities received a fresh update. The Pier has fishing opportunities, a tackle and bait shop, a souvenir shop, and an ice cream shop. It is open 24/7 and offers some great ocean views. Tiki Tours offer several water cruises including a nature and history tour and a private charter shelling tour that takes you to a nearby island for some great shelling! The Tiki Queen offers a spectacular sunset cruise aboard a paddlewheel. To see tours, times, and prices, visit tikitoursnc.com. 36

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Tiki Bar on the Pier

Topsail Beach Spend the day at Topsail Beach and stay for the beautiful sunset. In addition to the beach, the town of Topsail Beach offers shopping at souvenir and surf shops and has plenty of eateries. The unique Missiles and More Museum (check their website for COVID-19 regulations) details the top-secret missile operation, aka Operation Bumblebee, that was conducted on Topsail Island during World War II. The museum also has several more exhibits including one that details the area’s pirate history and several more about the history of the WWII operations that happened here. When visiting, check the website at missilesandmore.org as closures and hours may change. Topsail Beach even offers some non-beachy fun in the way of roller skating at the Topsail Beach Skating Rink and putt-putt golf at Patio Playground.¾

Photos Courtesy of VisitNC.com

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Exploring Wilmington, North Carolina From Battleships to Beaches and Beyond By Joan Rykal

ilmington, North Carolina, can boast several accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live (by livability.com in 2020); earning the nickname “Hollywood East” thanks to the many movies and television shows that have filmed there; making the list of the Top 5 Beeriest Beach Towns (according to craftbeer.com); and being named one of a dozen Distinctive Tourist Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. That’s quite the list and there are actually many more, all of which which provide plenty of reasons to visit this southern charmer.

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The history of this port city that sits on the southern North Carolina coastline dates back to the 16th century. Way back in the early 1500s, France sent an expedition, headed by Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano (who also explored much of the Atlantic Coast), to explore the Cape Fear River. In 1724, a permanent settlement was established and the area quickly became a major port city due to its proximity to the Cape Fear River. The area, and the River, also played major roles in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. During World War II, it was an important site for shipbuilding where more than 200 ships were built for

the Maritime Commission and the U.S. Navy at the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company. The bustling port city had many names dating from the early settlement days, including the initial Brunswick Town, as well as New Liverpool, New Carthage and Newton. Then in 1739, the city was incorporated and named for the Earl of Wilmington. The city today has much of its downtown listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Thalian Hall, the city’s performing arts center is one such place. Built in the late 1850s and designed by one

Photos Courtesy of VisitNC.com

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Wilmington’s Riverwalk

Airlie Gardens

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of the foremost architects of the time, John Montague Trimble, it originally served as the city’s library, city hall, and opera house. Thalian Hall continues to serve as a performing arts center today and remains as popular for touring productions and concerts as it was when originally built. Wilmington is a wonderful mix of past and present where historic and modern-day attractions combine to make Wilmington a perfect vacation destination. Walking tours are a great way to get to know a city and Wilmington has several, many of which are self-guided and available by downloading an app to your smartphone (for a small fee). The Wilmington tours app offers five different tours including Civil War Wilmington, African-American History, and Pub Crawl Wilmington (check out wilmingtonhistory.com/apptours for more information). There are also foodie tours (tastecarolina.net), ghost walks (hauntedwilmington.com), and several sight-seeing walks offered through gpsmycity.com. Walk your way through Wilmington any way you please and get to know this lovely city. One of the many jewels of Wilmington is the Riverwalk, which runs 1.75 miles along the Cape Fear River and offers shops, galleries, and eateries with outdoor dining options, as well as historic sites for visitors and townsfolk alike to enjoy. Fishing from the Riverwalk is even a possibility at the Conlon Pier portion of this awardwinning walkway. The Riverwalk is also home to art installations and plenty of outdoor entertainment and is a delight to explore day or night. Photos Courtesy of VisitNC.com

Speaking of art, there are a few must-sees for the art lovers visiting Wilmington. The Cameron Art Museum is home to both indoor and outdoor works as well as nature trails on the 9.3-acre museum campus. Another art option is Acme Art Studios, which is an artist community with working studios as well as an indoor gallery. The studio hosts events including open houses, exhibitions and a holiday show and sale. Art in the form of architecture is on display in Wilmington through its historic pre-war mansions. The Bellamy Mansion, built between 1859 and 1861, mixes the architectural styles of Greek Revival and Italianate, and is open for both self-guided and guided tours daily. It was built as a home for Dr. John Bellamy and his large family and was actually occupied by Union troops during the Civil War. Today visitors can tour the entire house as well as the grounds and gardens of the mansion. Pre-dating the Bellamy Mansion is the BurgwinWright House which was built in 1770 on the site of the city’s former jail. It is the only Colonial-era home in Wilmington open to the public. Visitors can see rooms furnished in the style of the 18th century as well as the beautiful gardens that consist of seven distinct areas. Another breathtaking site is the city’s Airlie Gardens, which come springtime, are full of blooming color with the spring buds of tulips and azaleas. Set on 67 acres, the Airlie Gardens features seasonal southern blooms, art installations, walking trails, and is considered a great birding site as more than 200 species of our feathered friends have been spotted here. Don’t miss the Airlie Oak, SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Airlie Gardens

a 500-year-old southern live oak that makes its home at the Gardens. The Gardens also hosts annual events including the Azalea Festival held each April, a series of summer concerts, and Enchanted Airlie, a holiday event featuring festive lights and sounds of the season, that runs for several weeks beginning in late November each year. If we’re talking festivals, then you might want to consider a visit to Wilmington when they host their annual Riverfest, which is held each year during the first full weekend of October. Held in the historic downtown, it’s everything you’d expect from a street festival and more, including fireworks, an arts and crafts exhibit, live entertainment, food vendors, and even the crowning of Miss Riverfest! For details on the 2021 event, visit wilmingtonriverfest.com. Fans of Marvel’s Iron Man franchise will be interested to know that the scene in Iron Man 3 where Tony’s Stark’s mountainside home falls into the Pacific Ocean was actually filmed in its entirety in the EUE/Screen Gems Studios 42

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in Wilmington. Since 1985, more than 350 films and television shows have been made here. While tours are currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, information is available by calling (910) 343-3500. You can certainly walk or drive to other filming spots that might look familiar to you if you’re a fan of television’s One Tree Hill or Dawson’s Creek or movies including the afore-mentioned Iron Man 3, as well as Nicholas Sparks’ book-to-movie tear-jerkers such as the Longest Ride and Safe Haven. Visit wilmingtonandbeaches.com/things-to-do/toursand-cruises to find locations and downloadable guides to see these Hollywood East spots! And, if Wilmington is one of the best places to live, it should most definitely be one of the best places to visit for some of the same reasons it received the nod in the first place. The mild weather played into that decision and hand in hand with good weather goes the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Combine a history lesson with an outdoor adventure by visiting the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum, which was the site of the largest land-sea battle of Photos Courtesy of VisitNC.com

USS North Carolina Cannons on Ship

EUE/Screen Gems Studios SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Wa lkin g to urs

in Wi lmingt on

Wrightsville Beach 44

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Wrightsville Beach

the Civil War. Walk the scenic outdoor trail and learn the history through the interpretive exhibit panels. More maritime history can be explored on the decks of the USS North Carolina which is moored near downtown Wilmington. Through photographs and other mementos, visitors can learn about what life was like serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Halyburton Memorial Park has a 1.3-mile birding and walking trail while Blue Clay Bike Park is great for cyclists, thanks to the eight-mile offroad trail found here. There are plenty of golf courses, both public and private, for all levels of golfers and the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve, found on the University of North Carolina’s Wilmington campus, provides lovely hiking opportunities among a wooded and wildflower trail. Learn the history and the importance of the Cape Fear River on a variety of cruises offered through Cape Fear Riverboats which include both sightseeing and sunset cruises. Photos Courtesy of VisitNC.com

The beeriest beach town nod came in part due to Wilmington’s proximity to one of North Carolina’s best beaches, Wrightsville Beach, which is also the name of the cool little beach town where the beach can be found. Considered an East Coast surfing capital, Wrightsville Beach has plenty of surfing opportunities as well as stand-up paddling, kayaking, and swimming. Wrightsville Beach is about six miles from Wilmington, so daily trips to the beach can be a part of your travel itinerary. In addition to the beach, there’s the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, the Wrightsville Beach Brewery, and the WB Surf Camp, which offers day and overnight camps and lessons to all ages for anyone itching to try to hang 10!¾

Explore North Carolina and book your next stay at RVontheGo.com!

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Who is in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Barbecued Chicken on the Grill (From simplyrecipes.com)

INGREDIENTS 4 pounds of your favorite chicken parts (legs, thighs, wings, breasts), skin-on Salt Extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil 1 cup barbecue sauce, store-bought or homemade

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Oil and salt chicken pieces 2. Coat the chicken pieces with olive oil and sprinkle salt over them on all sides.

3. Prepare grill: Prepare one side of your

grill for high, direct heat. If you are using charcoal or wood, make sure there is a cool side to the grill where there are few to no coals. Sear chicken on hot side of grill, move to cool side. Lay the chicken pieces skin side down on the hottest side of the grill in order to sear the skin side well. Grill uncovered for 5-10 minutes, depending on how hot the grill is (you do not want the chicken to burn). Once you have a good sear on one side, turn the chicken pieces over and move them to the cooler side of the grill. If you are using a gas grill, maintain the flame on only one side of the grill, and move the chicken pieces to the cooler side, not directly over the flame. Reduce the temp to low or medium low (between 250°F and 275°F, no more than 300°F). Cover the grill and cook undisturbed for 20-30 minutes.

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4. Turn over and baste with barbecue sauce:

Turn the chicken pieces over and baste them with your favorite barbecue sauce. Cover the grill again and allow to cook for another 15-20 minutes. Repeat, turning the chicken pieces over, basting them with sauce, covering, and cooking for another 10-30 minutes. The timing will depend on your grill set-up, the size of your chicken pieces, and how cold your chicken pieces are to start with! If you’re grilling smaller pieces of chicken on a charcoal grill, they may be done much earlier. The goal is to maintain a low enough grill temp so that the chicken cooks “low and slow.”

5. Finish with a sear or remove from heat

when done: The chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken pieces are 160°F for breasts and 170°F for thighs, when tested with a meat thermometer. Or if you insert the tip of a knife into the middle of the thickest piece and the juices run clear, the chicken is done. If the chicken isn’t done, turn the pieces over and continue to cook at a low temperature. If you want, you can finish with a sear on the hot side of the grill. To do this, put the pieces, skin side down, on the hot side of the grill. Allow them to sear and blacken slightly for a minute or two.

6. To serve: Use a clean brush to paint the

cooked chicken with more barbecue sauce and serve.

ECT

F PER THE

THE OR F DISH MAY! F O H ) MONT ONTH ONAL (NATI

BBQ M

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O n t h e R oa d W i th L I ND SAY M cCO R M I C K

By Lynn and Cele Seldon

hether you spend life on the road for pleasure or work, it’s nice to have the comforts of home as you travel the highways and byways. TRAILBLAZER checks in with folks who spend a fair amount of time on the road to see just what makes their home away from home. This month, we chatted with trailblazing Bite toothpaste tablet entrepreneur… LINDSAY McCORMICK.

Hitting the Road with Trailblazing Toothpaste & More

Lindsay McCormick is the co-founder and CEO of Bite, allnatural, zero-waste, tube-free, 100% vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free toothpaste tablets and accessories on a mission to become the world’s most sustainable personal care company. That mission includes hitting the road in a converted Mercedes Sprinter to spread the Bite gospel. Please tell us about Bite. At Bite we make plastic-free personal care products that are better for our planet and our bodies. It started with our toothpaste tablets which are little dry tablets you bite down on, crush with your teeth and then start brushing with a wet toothbrush. They foam up just like commercial toothpaste but without any of the harsh chemicals or artificial flavors. They come in glass bottles with aluminum lids that you keep and refill with our compostable refill pouches. We now have a whole range of products, from mouthwash tablets to bamboo toothbrushes and more coming out this year, as well! 48

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Photos Courtesy of Asher Hunt

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What’s Bite doing to eliminate the 50 Empire State Buildings worth of toothpaste tubes that end up in oceans and landfills, each year, and much more? All of our products are plastic-free, and our toothpaste and mouthwash tablets come in glass jars that can be refilled with our compostable refill pouches. This means we don’t need to use plastic tubes or bottles and our product is zerowaste (as in, everything can be easily recycled or composted). It’s perfect for camping, travel, and van life because you’ll never have to worry about a tube or bottle leaking in your pack and because they are highly concentrated, they will save you a ton of space. The ingredients are also safe for wildlife, so you don’t have to worry about needing to spit it out on the ground when you’re brushing your teeth or contaminating your grey water tank. What about your previous work with the Travel Channel? Didn’t traveling with them lead to your Bite epiphany? While working as a TV producer, I was on a plane every other week. Because we were only 50

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in locations for a few days, we flew carry on only meaning I was taking those little toothpaste tubes with me and going through them so fast! It felt really wasteful and I wanted to find an alternative. Everything was packaged in plastic, so I decided to start making my own tablets and kept them in glass jars. That’s how it all started! You also had an experience with Shark Tank, right? Shark Tank was such an amazing experience. Anybody who’s starting a business can learn a lot just by prepping like you’re going to go on the show because you’re going to be doing these sorts of pitches for investors and other sorts of business endeavors. Ultimately, we turned down Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary, but were just so excited to be on the show. You hit the road in your Sprinter to promote Bite, didn’t you? What were some of your favorite destinations and experiences? We stayed on Bureau of Land Managementmanaged land outside the Grand Canyon and it was incredible. There was hardly anyone around,

which is crazy for such a popular national park, and we could see so many stars at night. We also stayed on the cliffs in Big Sur. It was surreal to wake up to waves pounding hundreds of feet below and be surrounded by redwoods. Tell us about your Mercedes Sprinter. It was a major remodeling job, right? We bought a brand new 2017 Mercedes Sprinter 170 Extended and totally gutted it. The conversion took six months and I’d equate it to making a tiny home that needs to be constructed in a way to survive a never-ending earthquake, because when you’re driving over bumps and all over the U.S., that is basically what it is! What do you like about traveling in your Sprinter versus staying in a hotel? I love that everything we need is right there. We don’t need to unpack, there is no “oh, I forgot something at home.” We have everything we

need right with us at all times and we can stay in amazing places that wouldn’t be possible without our Sprinter. What are your three favorite things in the Sprinter? 1. I love our queen size bed. At first, I thought it was not necessary, but my boyfriend is tall and our pup sleeps in bed with us so it’s great to have the room. 2. Our storage situation is on point. We put a lot of thought into where things would go and how to optimize the space and I feel like it worked out really well. 3. I love our windows. Our van has windows everywhere which is something that was really important to me. What it lacks in weather-proofing, it makes up for in sweeping views and feeling like you are in nature. Windows can be seen as a liability in vanlife/RV circles, but I wouldn’t change ours for the world. What’s next? More trips! We’re planning on doing the Southwest circuit this year. We haven’t spent much time in the desert and I’m really excited for some sand-soaked sunrises. We also have some really fun products coming out this year at Bite that are super travelfriendly and perfect for the road, so I’m excited to put those to the real-world test, as well.¾

Like what you just read? Check out more On the road features at trailblazermagazine.net

Photos Courtesy of Asher Hunt

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TECH TOPICS RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! By Paul and Kerri Elders Let’s take a quick look at some leveling ideas, learn a bit about 12 volt water pumps, and see how easy it is to keep the fun in RVing just by staying flexible. Ready? Let’s get going! Level Best: It’s important to level your RV once you’re cozied into your campsite. Basically, you can manually level a trailer this way: just place one or more blocks or 2x6inch boards in front of the trailer’s tires on the low side, and then pull forward onto them until you think your rig is level. This simple, tried and true old school method helps level the trailer from side to side. Here are a few detailed tips to make the job a little easier. When using leveling blocks and chocks to level your rig, always be sure to properly position the leveling blocks under your tires; this is especially important if your rig is equipped with radials. It’s important that your leveling blocks are large enough to support the full load of your RV and that the load placed on each tire is evenly distributed on the block. If you use a block that’s too small or if you position it unevenly under the tire, you can overstress the steel cables in the sidewall of radial tires, which could potentially lead to premature fatigue of the sidewall. Does your trailer have dual wheels? If so, always make sure the load is evenly distributed on blocks fully supporting both tires. Blocks should be wider than the tread and longer than the tire’s footprint (where the tire meets the ground). Always use the right size blocks for the job! Remember to chock the wheels before unhitching your trailer to prevent rolling. After leveling side

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to side, chocking, and unhitching, use the tongue jack to level the trailer from front to back. If your rig is equipped with stabilizing jacks, lower them onto a 2x6 board until they’re snug. Don’t overextend the stabilizing jacks; they aren’t intended to lift the trailer, they’re just designed to stabilize it. When using a manual method for leveling a motorhome, remember to chock the wheels, then place the transmission in the park position. And, always set the parking brake to prevent roll-offs. Practice makes perfect: you’ll quickly acquire the experience to accurately judge how many boards or blocks are required to level your rig in varying conditions. When you think you’ve successfully leveled your rig, verify by using a level bubble on your kitchen countertop to quickly see just how level your rig is; when you’re there, you’re done! Water Pumps 101: When turned on, your RV’s onboard 12 volt water pump works to keep pressure on all your water lines, drawing its water from your freshwater holding tank and sending it throughout your RV. A demand-type device, an RV water pump runs only as needed to deliver water at a constant pressure. This pump is controlled by a simple pressure switch; when the pressure in the water lines builds up, the pump cuts off. When you open a faucet, the line pressure lowers and the pump comes on. If you turn the water pump on and leave a faucet open, the water pump will continue to run until all water from the freshwater tank is drained. If you find your RV’s water pump is kicking on and off (short-cycling), you may have a water leak or a problem with the pump itself.

Investigate this; don’t ignore it. The leak could be in the plumbing lines, faucets, the toilet, your showerhead, or possibly in a water line in the basement of your RV. If your water pump short cycles, you may find it’s well worth a quick trip to your favorite RV Service Center for a quick repair. Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible: One often-overlooked key to reducing travel stress is a sublimely simple solution called scheduling. Timing is everything; time your trip so that, when venturing through a large city, you don’t arrive in the center of the action in the middle of rush hour. What could have been a quick and easy 20 minute trip through town can turn into two hours of agonizing frustration compounded by the very unwelcome combination of overheated tempers and an overheated engine. Why not simply slow down, take your time, and think about the general timing of your route before you find yourself knee-deep in five o’clock Big City rush hour traffic? Just a tiny bit of forethought can go a long way toward making your life easier, happier, and stress-free. One of the greatest gifts of RVing is freedom: make the most of it! Always remember that your living space is traveling right along with you, so you have a wide range of options regarding when and where you stop and go. Too much traffic? Take a break and have a sandwich. It’s a time-tested recipe for happy travels down the highway of life! Keep your eyes on the horizon and blaze a trail! Check out more tips & tricks on TrailBlazerMagazine.net

4 THE ROAD PAWS ON

By Jenn La Follette Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Hello, I’m wondering about what I can use as an inexpensive pet shampoo that is non-drying for my small dogs. It seems I need to wash the pups two to three times per month and the pet store shampoo is very costly. I am sensitive to their dander, so I need to wash more often (especially in close quarters like the RV!) and it appears from their flakey skin that I might be drying out their coats. They are on monthly flea medication, so I know they are “flea free.” Any other suggestions would be super. Thanks! Bella & Paige S. La Pine, OR Bella, I understand just what you are describing and appreciate your practical based need. Good for you for addressing a possible flea issue, as that would have been on my suggestion list. I have a pet with delicate skin that I recently switched to using bar soap. The sensitive formula of Dove is non-scented and my dog is doing so much better. I’ve also increased her daily intake of Alaska Natural’s Wild Alaskan Fish Oil (dose is based on weight). If you have not used this magic elixir before, be sure to add it to your pet’s food very slowly over a week or two to help the body adapt to the change in supplementation. Salmon oil is high in omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids that help support a healthy skin and coat, in addition to immune health, heart health, anti-inflammatory properties, and cognitive function. Regular brushing with a soft bristled brush also helps stimulate natural oils and shed dander. I use a small, high quality round brush made of 100% horse hair, manufactured by Leistner-

Buersten in Germany that I’ve owned now for over 20 years. Jenn, We added a family member over the last few months and just completed puppy training. Odis is a 10-month-old Lab mix as well as a rescue and a little on the fearful/ cautious side but is good with new places and people once he grows accustomed. Here is the concern: our last dog was horrible at the vet and the entire ordeal of going in for vaccinations completely stresses me out as much as the dog. I know I’m only contributing to the issues overall. We want to enjoy our Thousand Trails membership as much as possible this summer and I am looking for a way to overcome this impending problem while on the road. I’m feeling the dark clouds rolling in over my head just writing this to you. Thanks, we have loved learning from your column all these years and I am excited to get to write in now. Also, for summer adventures with a sensitive dog, which two Oregon and Washington Thousand Trails locations do you suggest we do not miss? Thanks! Sincerely, Anna & Victor S. Moscow, ID It is wise that you are thinking “big picture” on how to tackle an issue before it gets out of hand. Might I compliment you for taking responsibility of your feelings/anxiety in it all as you understand how this only exacerbates the problem. You are the pack leader and this dog knows nothing of what your prior experiences were. Take on each day as though it’s a clean slate, ready to be written the very

best way possible. Many locations on VCAhospitals.com participate in a program called “systematic desensitization.” Creating opportunities at various vet clinics for your pup throughout your summer adventures to have “happy visits,” associated with rewards, games, and nothing else, can help ease both Odis’ nerves, as well as your own. Staff is trained to help those in your exact position to overcome these stresses and make everyone’s lives easier. Call ahead to different clinics when you are in an area to make an appointment before stopping in for this short visit. Learning to be calm and consistent for each visit will train you both for better success. Just go slow, and stay calm and relaxed in your tone of voice as well as in your body language. Dogs are always tuned in to us like radar! As for Oregon or Washington Thousand Trails locations you would enjoy with your dog, I would suggest Bend/Sunriver, as well as any of the coastal parks. Whalers Rest or Seaside in Oregon might be a better choice than Pacific City for the first time camping with your dog, only because there are many rabbits at Pacific City that might over stimulate. I love all the Thousand Trails parks and suggest you explore each one, even for the day, when in the area. Long Beach and Birch Bay in Washington are quiet and have miles of beach to explore. And Leavenworth…don’t miss central Washington, either!

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

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I n t r o d uc i n g…

his spring, Thousand Trails and Encore RV Resorts will announce a partnership with Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC). Comprising innovators, explorers, and discoverers, LMC has paved the way for sea turtle conservation with cutting-edge research, initiatives, and programs. Recognized as one of the world’s most unique cultural destinations, the Center’s close proximity to the biodiverse Gulf Stream affords its researchers, educators, and conservationists access to untapped data and experiences. With data at its fingertips, LMC is able to network with organizations across the world to design effective marine debris prevention programs and sea turtle-saving procedures. Through its four core pillars of rehabilitation, research, education, and conservation, the Center serves as a conservation hub with international reach. Last year, the Center celebrated several accomplishments including: • Reaching 20 countries with its mission • Releasing 48 treated sea turtles back into the wild • Documenting and protecting more than 16,500 sea turtle nests • Removing 99,967 pieces of marine debris during underwater and coastal cleanups • Releasing 802 sea turtle hatchlings back into the wild 56

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As a worldwide agent of ocean conservation, LMC has developed and implemented comprehensive solutions to man-made threats impacting sea turtles. Designed to reduce common injuries seen in sea turtle patients, LMC’s conservation efforts focus on providing individuals and industry partners with actionable solutions. Thousand Trails and Encore RV Resorts will collaborate with LMC to encourage environmentalism and sea turtle research, including on-premise conservation solutions and awareness campaigns to share marine education programs at every touchpoint. While many members and guests have a clear interest in the great outdoors, the LMC recommends a few attainable conservation practices for campers and RVers, such as:

• Properly recycling monofilament lines at fishing sites to prevent derelict marine debris. It could easily drift elsewhere and entangle or strangulate marine life as well as nearby wildlife. • Being cognizant of single-use plastics at restaurants or while camping. Plastics eventually break down into nano plastics and trickle into the food and water we consume. • Supporting local beaches during sea turtle nesting season. Best practices involve turning off artificial lights at night, knocking over sandcastles and filling in holes, collecting beach chairs, and so on.

unwavering support of many, LMC is able to obtain innovative medicine, technologies, and procedures that will be groundbreaking for the habitats we heavily depend on. Thanks to the partnership with Thousand Trails and Encore RV Resorts, LMC can share its mission and educate more people on the Center’s four core pillars. For more adventures to be had, and places to explore, it’s critical that we protect our greatest environmental assets now. Learn more about the Loggerhead Marinelife Center by visiting marinelife.org.¾

It’s a common mantra at LMC that “the sea turtles tell us the health of the ocean and the ocean tells us the health of our planet.” Through the SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

NEW MEMBERSHIP OFFERING LIMITED TIME | LIMITED QUANTITY

NEW UPGRADE

NEW RECIPROCAL PROGRAM

Your Adventure Starts Here Introducing a new upgrade for you to choose from!

Choose the

Adventure

upgrade and expand your options!

Most Flexible

Best Reciprocal Program

Only Available to Adventure Members!

100+ Campgrounds and Resorts

90 Day Advance Booking Window

21 Day Stays

Park-to-Park Access

ThousandTrails.com/member-upgrade 58

SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Newest Reciprocal Program Only Available to Adventure Members! Incredible Getaway Benefits! Adventure Includes 10 Free Weeks in a Getaway Cabin and discount rental rates.

Get More Locations

Travel Club & Reciprocal Program

Stay Longer

Explore New Accommodations

Plan Further Ahead

Family Benefits

Upgrade to Adventure Today! Check out our newest Reciprocal Program Only Available to Adventure Members • 100+ Campgrounds and Resorts 90 Day Advance Booking Window • 21 Day Stays • Park-to-Park Access Ask how you can camp all year long with our Thousand Trails Camping Pass! Our Thousand Trails Camping Pass is offered by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. This is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington as required by Washington Law. Value, quality or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. The filing does not mean the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift or item of value as part of any promotional plan. The Trails Collection Plus is a reciprocal use program operated by Encore Royalty Club, L.L.C. (“Encore”) that allows participating Thousand Trails Adventure members to use campsites and other facilities at the RV resorts affiliated with the program. Encore is an independent company and does not own any of the resorts affiliated with the program. Encore provides access to these resorts through agreement(s) between Encore and the owners of the resorts.

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C r o s swo r d

Across

1 Span 5 Family member 8 Loom 12 S. Afr. 13 Selling price 14 City in Judah 15 Monster 16 Nothing 17 Ancient people of Gaul 18 Alarm 20 Trot 22 Pronoun 23 Have (Scot.) 24 Porch 27 Variety pf columbite 31 Asbestos (abbr.) 32 Bled 33 Rough 34 Ten - sided figure 37 Self- contained underwater breathing apparatus 39 Low (Fr.) 60

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40 Drone 41 Riot (Fr.) 44 Dormant 48 Distribute 49 Tablespoon (abbr.) 51 Broad structural Basin 52 Tenth part 53 Jap. fish 54 Danube tributary 55 Tibeto - Burmese people 56 Belonging to (suf.) 57 Recent (suf.)

Down

1 Pandnag 2 Shak. villain 3 Grape refuse 4 Urfa, today 5 Eng. poet 6 Mother of Hezekia 7 Dorada 8 Become solid 9 Arabian Sea gulf 10 Hotternot

11 Cricket 19 N.Z fish 21 Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.) 24 Fellow 25 Ibsen character 26 Television channel 27 Israelite tribe 28 Promise to pay 29 Flap 30 Equal Rights Amendment (abbr.) 32 Rose - shaped ornament 35 Loss of will power 36 Gun: slang) 37 His (Fr.) 38 Gaelic 40 Shallow vessel 41 Heroic song of Iceland 42 Docile 43 Apiece 45 Affluence 46 Vivacity 47 Reduce 50 Sheep’s cry

SUDOKU

F i n d Answers T hcanebe found on page 65. Ev e r g r e e n T r e e An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue. Send us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card.

Nancy Lanham Lakeland, FL Found the tree on Page 42 of the Winter Issue 2021.

Did you find the tree in this issue? Send your entry (postcards only) to: TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Postmark deadline is May 5, 2021 Please include an email address on the post card to be considered. The Virtual Visa® Reward will be sent via email to the email address provided. The Virtual Visa® Reward will come from reward@virtualrewardcenter.com. The Virtual Visa® Reward can be used to buy what you want, when you want it. Because it is so flexible and convenient, the Virtual Visa® Reward makes it easy to treat yourself to something special or to help cover your everyday expenses. The decision is yours. The virtual reward is issued by Sutton Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and can be used wherever Visa Debit cards are accepted. Terms and conditions apply. Your Virtual Visa®Reward may not be used outside of the U.S. and District of Columbia, nor may it be used with merchants located outside of the U.S. and District of Columbia for online, mail or telephone orders. Any purchases made with the Virtual Visa® Reward must only be in U.S. currency.

Terms and Conditions for 2021 Referral Promotion from page 6. For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2021, you will receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2021, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2022, not to exceed $615 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2022. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card and you will not receive a $125 Virtual Visa® Reward Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored. Employees of MHC Property Management, L.P. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

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

USA A&L RV Sales GA - Lake Park TN - Christiana TN - Johnson City TN - Seveirville TN - Columbia VA - Richmond alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley affinityrv.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com Alpin Haus NJ - Oak Ridge NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake, Salem americanfamilyrv.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • bladerv.com Blue Dog RV CA - Redding ID - Coeur D’Alene ID - Post Falls NV - Las Vegas OR - Bend OR - Gresham OR - Medford OR - Redmond WA - Fife WA - Kennewick WA - Pasco WA - Spokane Valley bluedogrv.com Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis • funtimecampers.com

SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe CT - Union FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville, Ocala FL - Saint Augustine IN - Clarksville SC - Myrtle Beach NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, MA - Raynham VA - Fredericksburg GA - Macon, Atlanta camperland.net Campers Inn Al - Madison ND - Bismark ND - Minot FL - North Jacksonville FL - Jacksonville GA - Acworth GA- Richmond Hill KY - Louisville IL- Naperville MA - Tyngsboro SC - Conway SC - Charleston campersinn.com Candy’s Family RV TN - Murfreesboro KY - Scottsville candyscampers.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • chesacorv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Sequim WA - Silverdale, Puyallup clearcreekrvcenter.com Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com Colerain Family RV

IN - Albany, Indianapolis OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus colerainrv.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com Dunlap Family RV TN - Knoxville, Chatanooga, Nashville KY - Bowling Green dunlapfamilyrv.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com Gerzeny’s RV World FL - Bradenton FL - Nokomis gerzenysrvworld.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington, Burlington • haltermansrv.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Hitch RV DE - Milford NJ - Berlin SC - Cloumbia PA - Boyertown hitchrv.com Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Johnson RV OR - Sandy WA - Fife • johnsonrv.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix

CANADA CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com Lazydays RV AZ - Tucson CO - Denver CO - Loveland FL - Tampa FL - Ocala IN - Elkhart MN - Minneapolis TN - Knoxville lazydays.com Marjon RV CA - Moreno Valley • marjonrvs.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Mount Comfort RV IN - Greenfield • mountcomfortrv.com Northside Family RV KY - Lexington northsidervs.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel, Scranton roadhousecamper.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Mesa, Showlow CA - Fresno

NV - Laughlin NV - Sparks OR - Coburg WA - Buckley, Fife, Mt. Vernon, Bonney Lake RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • rvforless.net RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim, Willow rvvaluemart.com San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com Scenic View RV Superstore VA - West Point • scenicviewrv.net See Grins RV CA - Gilroy • seegrinsrv.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Sky River RV CA - Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Atascadero skyriverrv.com Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Stoltzfus RV’s & Marine PA - West Chester • stoltzfus-rec.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The RV Factory Luxe Fifth Wheel IN - Elkhart • luxefifthwheel.com Tonie’s RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Airstream of Dallas Fourth Worth Two other D.F.W Vogt locations vogtrv.com Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com Wisconsin RV World WI - DeForest • wisconsinrvworld.com Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com Canadream AB - Calgary BC - Vancouver ON - Toronto NS - Halifax QC - Montreal YT - Whitehorse canadream.com GO VR QC - Ange-Gardien • go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Kustom Koach RV Centre BC - Aldergrove • kustomkoachrv.com Lardner’s Trailer Sales SK - Saskatoon • lardners.com Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Leisure Days RV ON - Aylmer, Kingston, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, Sudbury QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro leisuredays.ca Leisure Trailer Sales ON - Tecumseh • leisuretrailers.com O’Connor RV BC - Chilliwack • oconnorrv.com Ottawa Camping Trailers ON - Ottawa • ottawacamping.ca Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Marieville QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie vrsouliere.com

SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Answers: Crossword can be found on 60.

Did you know that Thousand Trails members receive discounts on popular brands? Visit our Member Benefits page and check out our exclusive partner deals!

SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Answers: Sudoku can be found on 61.

Branching Out... Seeking a Safer Tomorrow

Help the Manatees, Adopt One Today!

Are you a Photographer or an aspiring Photographer? Submit your high quality photos about your stay at one of our Thousand Trails Properties for a chance to be featured in TrailBlazer and our Social Media Pages! Submit your work to tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com Please submit photos with a short description about your stay. Must be a Thousand Trails Member in order to be considered to be featured.

SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

TIPS FOR BEING

• Consider planting more trees, shrubs, and ground covers, which usually demand less water than grass.

Take shorter showers – 5 minutes.

Wash full loads of laundry and dishes.

• Shrubs and ground covers provide greenery for much of the year and use native plants in flower beds that have adapted to rainfall conditions. • When mowing your lawn, set the mower blades to 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil improving moisture retention. • Only water the lawn when necessary. Water in the morning or late in the evening and avoid watering on windy and hot days to minimize evaporation.

Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth and shave.

Let us know immediately if you see any leaks on our property.

• Ensure your irrigation system is properly installed, programmed for the appropriate amount and rate of water, and has rain shutoff capability. • Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation. • Use a broom to clean walkways, driveways, decks, and porches, rather than hosing off these areas.

We are All in this Together RVontheGo.com/WaterWise 66

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W e ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r wa r d to a n ot h e r s e as o n o f f u n !

W e ’ r e p l a n n i n g a n umbe r of T heme W ee k e n d s th i s y e a r a n d c a n ’ t wa i t to m a k e mo r e memo r i es w i th you . S tay tu n e d o n T housa n dT r a i l s . com fo r the off i c i a l sche d u l e of e v e n ts . S ee yo u t here !

ThousandTrails.com SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Wherever the road takes you, We’re there for you!

800-679-2020

SPRING 2021 TRAILBLAZER

TrailBlazer Spring Issue 2021

Articles inside

Sudoku Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle

Introducing Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Treasures of Topsail Island

On the Road with Lindsay McCormick

Tech Topics

100DaysofCamping

Updates and Upgrades

Recipe: BBQ Chicken

Johnson Outdoors

I Knew I was A TrailBlazer: Meg Harrel