TrailBlazer Magazine - August 2018 by TrailBlazer Magazine

AUGUST 2018 â&#x2013; $2.00

MAGAZINE

THE LAKES OF

R U F O R Y IENDS E T I V IN

AUGUST 2018 VOL. 43 ■ ISSUE 6

WHAT'S INSIDE

38 Art in the Out of Doors

YOU receive a $25 Visa® Virtual Reward when your friend purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2018 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

regulars Pics From The Parks

Member Deals 52 Crossword Puzzle 60

GRAND PRIZE

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

7-Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii

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

Free Dues for 2019 10 Winners Selected

($4,000 value)

(Up to $575 value)

Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

The Lakes of North Texas: Exploring the Lone Star State’s Lake District

Sudoku Puzzle 61 Preferred RV Dealer List 62

calendars On-Site Events 16

On Location Colorful Cottages at Tropical Palms

Local Events 20 Club Calendar 64

lifestyle 5

Message from Marguerite

Tech Topics

10 Ask RV Bill 12 Tips & Tricks 14 4 Paws on the Road 24 On The Road – with Gene Watson 50 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer?

or visit ThousandTrails.com 2

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

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Thinking About Trading your RV? Get more for your trade.

Get the most for your trade at:

Lazydays.com/VALUETRADE

MESSAGE from

MARGUERITE

Largest Selection of New & Pre-Owned RVs

Trust Lazydays RV Experts

• Available in all shapes, sizes and floorplans.

• We service all makes & models

• Lazydays offers the most experienced and knowledgeable RV professionals in the industry.

• RVIA/RVDA Certified Technicians • Technicians average 14+ years of RV experience.

Nation’s Top Selection of RV Brands

FREE Sealant Inspection Promo Code: ROOF-06 Protect your RV!

Let our experts inspect your slide toppers, slide gaskets & roof and body sealant to ensure your RV is water tight.

Make your appointment today!

855.481.1955 SALES | SERVICE | ACCESSORIES | RENTALS

VISIT LAZYDAYS.COM/TRAILBLAZER

5 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU FLORIDA, ARIZONA AND COLORADO

There have been numerous articles written recently about unique vacation rental offerings that are popping up throughout the country. Among the most popular are accommodations for those looking for a more seamless way to experience nature’s solitude. Many may have camped as children and have fond memories of spending time in the outdoors, while others are searching for ways to get back to nature. Whatever the motivation, the desire to escape meetings, conference calls, traffic, or simply have a break in the day-to-day routine is evident. It’s a diverse group of customers who are now exploring options to disconnect and spend time in the outdoors with family and friends. For nearly 50 years, Thousand Trails has been providing options for those looking to find solace in a cozy cabin or picturesque yurt. It is an exciting time for us as we continue to evaluate our locations throughout the country and the range of accommodations we can offer that will allow others to enjoy an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Recent studies do indicate that spending time outdoors has been proven to reduce stress. With that in mind, a combination of a s’more (or two) underneath the stars will provide you and your family the getaway you need to reenergize your mind, body and soul. Whether you gravitate towards camping or glamping, are looking for a place to disconnect that’s not too far from the big city or one that’s off the beaten path, whatever your preference, each adventure will help you feel miles from everything, yet close to what’s important to you. Make the most of summer and Get Out and Camp today!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

CALL 866.531.6818 AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery EDITOR Annie Berman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sherry Rossetti ADVERTISING SALES TBads@equitylifestyle.com MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails Family of campgrounds and resorts. Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, campground proﬁles and product features. TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published monthly except bimonthly Sep./Oct., Nov./Dec. and Jan./Feb. and Mar./Apr. by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional ofﬁces. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526. TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE

Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com www.trailblazermagazine.net

Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

Win $50

EACH Issue!

PICS FROM THE PARKS

1. Capture a photo of your trip at one of our parks. 2. Share with us at TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com. 3. Check out next month to see if you’re a winner.

WINN

ER!

Winners will receive a $50 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card. Each issue we will select ONE “winning” photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month). The winning photo will be posted on the TrailBlazer website as well as in the magazine. Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to:

TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to: TrailBlazer Magazine Attn: TrailBlazer Editor Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of TrailBlazer Magazine and may be used for publication on company websites and promotional purposes. One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received. The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and online at trailblazermagazine.net.

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

▲ Snowflower RV Campgroud (CA): My daughter sitting in one of the Thousand Trails rental kayaks while it was on shore. – Joyce Kammersell Cole

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

VISIT WWW.THOUSANDTRAILS.COM ENCORE RESERVATIONS 877-570-2267

VISIT WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM Remember! Thousand Trails members get preferred rates at Encore RV resorts.

ON THE COVER

Lake Conroe Campground (TX)

▲ Chehalis RV Campground (WA): Log hopping. – Amie Diess

▲ Idyllwild RV Campground (CA): Top of the park! – Tom Whitmore AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winners,

Robbie and Andee Cates from Edgewood, Texas were camping at Lake Tawakoni when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

Robbie and Andee Cates with Manager Ralph Wynn (pictured middle)

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2018 dues on time and camp at your favorite Thousand Trails Campground. When you pay your annual dues for 2018 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2018. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails campground in 2018, you will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The drawings are limited to persons who are of legal age. The drawings will be held at our corporate office on the 10th day after the end of each month. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails campground. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. You may also enter the drawings by printing your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address on a 3” x 5” piece of paper and mailing it to the Sponsor in addressed, stamped envelope. You are limited to one mail-in entry which must be postmarked by December 15, 2018. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

TOP CS

RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! by Paul and Kerri Elders This month, we’ll take a look at some simple tips to help you maximize the efficiency of your RV refrigerator. We’ll also share some valuable reminders about trailer hookups and how to properly adjust outside mirrors for towing. Ready? Let’s go!

spaced so that your refrigerated items stay uniformly cool at safe storage temperatures. A small, battery-powered RV refrigerator fan (available at any RV supply store) will help evenly circulate cold air throughout the refrigerator’s interior and improve the refrigerator’s cooling efficiency.

REFRIGERATOR TIPS

Refrigerator temperature monitors keep a watchful eye on your refrigerator’s interior temperature. To ensure the safety of your food, invest in a monitor so you can keep tabs on the interior temperature without having to actually open the door. Many are equipped with an audible alarm that will alert you if temperatures are out of range. Another option is available from your local auto parts store: an inexpensive inside/outside thermometer designed for automobile use. Some offer a memory function that records the lowest and highest temperatures the unit has encountered since it was last reset. This can help alert you to possible problems; if there are large, unexplained temperature fluctuations, have your fridge checked out at the nearest RV Service Center, ASAP.

3-way RV refrigerators keep food cold while operating on either electricity, 12 volt power, or propane (LP) gas. Basic RV refrigerator care and maintenance begins with a surprisingly simple tip: keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Since cold air is heavier than warm air, each and every time you open a refrigerator door, refrigerated cold air falls out of the refrigerator interior and is replaced by warmer air from the room. The refrigerator then has to work to re-cool itself. So, it’s helpful to minimize the amount of time the door is left open, especially in hot weather. When preparing for a trip, turn the RV refrigerator on the day before you plan to pack it. Allow it to run empty overnight before loading it with food and drinks the next day. It’s also a good idea to pre-cool EVERYTHING you’re going to load into the RV refrigerator in your household refrigerator first (canned drinks, juices, mayonnaise, mustard, butter, etc.) This gives the RV refrigerator a great head start on cooling and reduces its overall heat load, allowing it to operate at its peak efficiency. When storing leftovers, allow hot food to cool before stowing it in the refrigerator. It’s also important to maintain adequate air flow around foods loaded into the fridge. You can make the most of valuable refrigerator space by using “Ziploc” bags instead of rigid food storage containers, but don’t over-pack your RV refrigerator or block interior air circulation. Keep items well-

TRAILER HOOKUPS 101 Here’s a quick and easy overview of a basic RV skill: how to connect a tow vehicle to a bumper hitch trailer. Begin by backing your tow vehicle straight back within a few feet of the trailer hitch. Get out and crank the trailer hitch up well above the tow vehicle’s ball height before attempting to fully back under it. Then, with the aid of a helper or a device like the Trailer Buddy, slowly back under the hitch so that ball and coupler are properly aligned. Have a 2" coupler on the trailer? Then you MUST use a 2" ball (not a 1-7/8" ball) on your tow vehicle or you’re courting a breakaway accident; ball size is usually clearly imprinted on the ball head for easy reference.

Next, lower the trailer onto the ball and fully raise the supporting jack. Snap the ball latch lever down, locking the ball securely in the coupler. You should be able to feel the clamp around the bottom of the ball when everything is properly seated. Attach safety chains by crossing them under the hitch in an X pattern from vehicle to trailer. Next, plug electrical wiring in securely, making sure that nothing is twisted, too tight, or dragging the ground. Finally, check that all clearance lights, backup lights, turn signals, and tail lights are working properly and that any chock blocks have been removed and stowed and you’re ready to roll!

USE YOUR MIRRORS The proper use of exterior mirrors is an absolute must when towing any trailer. If you tow a travel trailer, set your exterior mirrors so that you can see the trailer in the first inch of the mirror, with the rest of the mirror being reserved for your view backwards and to both sides. For every ten feet of combined truck/ trailer length, allow an extra inch of diameter for your outside spot mirror. In other words, a 30-foot combined length would require a 3-inch convex spot mirror. A 40-foot combined length would require a 4-inch convex spot mirror, and a fifty-foot combined length would require a 5-inch spot mirror. Remember that distances are very difficult to judge in convex mirrors; don’t rely on them to judge distance when backing. Rely on your human navigator for backing that trailer, instead. Happy trails! ¾

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Tips and Topics

TECH

Tips and Topics

RVBILL

Tips and Topics

ASK

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Hot Water Heating

Hello Bill,

We purchased a used 1997 29’ Winnebago Spirit, in 1998. Formerly a rental unit, it had 24,000 miles on it. Now we’re at 199,000. The original Atwood water heater lasted until 1999. The next one lasted until about 2003. The next one lasted until about 2008. The fourth Atwood lasted until 2015. On each of these, the pilot would not stay lit after the first heating cycle. Each of them was difficult to light, and no thermostat. We now have the fifth Atwood, Model G6A-7SPK, 6-gallon. On this one, the pilot stays lit and even after the first heating. Indeed, it stays lit while traveling. It’s easy to light and has a thermostat. Looks as if Atwood finally got it right, in our case after more than a thousand dollars worth of frustration. Just for your info...having seen an article by you recently re: Atwood. Keep on writing...your columns are helpful. Thanks heaps for them! Best wishes for The Season. John E. Moren Davis, CA

It sounds like you have had some bad luck. FYI water quality will have an effect on the inner tank during the life of your water heater and of course, maintenance is very important

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

as well. Every water heater needs to be serviced annually. Be sure to follow your heaters owners’ manual for this process. At the very least flush the inner tank to remove sediment and contaminants every year for Atwood and Suburban models. Replace the Anode rod annually in Suburban heaters

Leveling Fridges

Bill,

The very first thing that I do when I receive my copy of TrailBlazer is open to your pages of advice. I have taken and used many of your suggestions and incorporated them into the use of our TT. Your article in the Nov/Dec edition of TrailBlazer concerning the overheating of refrigerators was an eye-opener. I plan on getting the ARP unit ASAP as we live in Florida and can only guess at the temps that our unit experiences when summer arrives. One question that I have is you mention a 5-6 percent grade that could cause problems, assuming that to be back to front. Is there the same possible problem with a side-to-side out of grade? Thanks in advance for any info, Micheal Cole

Michael, Side to side level will be the same as front to rear. There may be a few degrees difference but if you use a bubble level it should always be

in the circle for best results. The problem is you don’t know how much damage occurs from running the refrigerator off level. The ARP control will prevent damage while extending the life of the cooling unit.

Electricity Issues

I read your article in the TrailBlazer first with every issue and have gotten some great tips and saved lots of money on repairs. Thank you. My coach is a 2013 Georgetown 360XL and it has an interesting problem that I haven’t been able to solve. The electric in half of my coach goes dead until I start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then everything is okay for a week or more. It will also “reset” if I run the generator for a few minutes. However, there have been times when the generator had no power to start it. This has happened while plugged into a 50-amp outlet at my home and at different campgrounds. Setting the battery switch to “connect” or “disconnect” doesn’t solve the problem. I’ve checked all of the fuses and circuit breakers, threw the circuit breakers off and on in the coach. I did the same with the circuit breakers mounted on the generator and the breakers in my home. I reset all of the GFI outlets and nothing works except running the engine for a few minutes. The 12-volt lighting, entry stairs and the 110-volt outlets go dead in my kitchen and rear

bathroom. The microwave is on the same wall and that continues to work as well as the refrigerator, lighting, and outlets on the opposite wall. Please help; I’m afraid to use the coach for fear of fire. Tony

It sounds like you are experiencing both 120 volts A/C and 12-volt failure which makes diagnosing considerable tougher. The 12-volt side sounds like a ground problem. Trace the ground by using a digital voltmeter by clipping the positive lead to a fuse or positive wire and touch ground wires until you find the problem. Of course, there could be a multitude of other possibilities of which can be solved using a digital meter. Remember, 12 volt travels in a circle from the positive to negative posts. When a wire is broken the voltage stops. The A/C problem sounds like a bad connection on a single circuit and, depending on the load, faulty connections can build up heat and become intermittent. Most manufacturers run a single wire for multiple outlets that can reach 20 feet or more. You can purchase a testing device that will plug into an outlet and use a remote unit to trace the Romex until the interruption is found. Tip: the microwave is on its own dedicated circuit.

AC Breakers

Our 98 Fleetwood Southwind started popping the ac breaker that energized the inverter. I thought it would be simple to swap it out for a similar sized unit, and then I noticed a couple of external circuit boards connected to it. I assume one charges the battery and the other? These boards are non-integrated with external resistors and what not. I now question if the inverter has gone south or one of the boards and how do I tell? I read Ask RVBill and faithfully respect your opinion. Thanks for any help you can give. J.R. & Anita Beadles

JR, I believe you are referring to the converter, not an inverter, Fleetwood did not install inverters in 1996. If the converter has an external circuit board it is not likely you would find a replacement part and you would be better of using the money for a new, more efficient model converter. You may have to modify the wiring a little bit but in the long run, you will be better off. If you are correct and this is an inverter, there must be a short somewhere within the unit, which will need to be replaced if it has been installed when your coach was new.

Replacement Windows

Hello Bill,

I always enjoy reading your column. I have a 2008 Damon Astoria and now have several windows that are fogging up. I want to know if there is a repair for this other than replacement. These are double paned windows. Thanks so much, I look forward to hearing back from you. Ray Smith

Replacement windows are very expensive and can incur a high cost of shipping. There are companies that will remove the windows, pull them apart, remove the moisture, and clean the glass before reassembly. Keep in mind that the inner glass cannot be saved leaving you with a single pane window, but at least you will be able to see out of it clearly. Unfortunately, this process will not work on frameless style windows.

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

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Tips and Topics

String lights are a budgetfriendly way to brighten up any room without taking up precious floor or countertop space with a traditional lamp. Hang them around your RV to give it a dreamy ambiance.

Tips

Tips and Topics

Give your interior a new life by adding some succulents or other small, resilient plants to your windowsills and countertops. Afraid of broken pots after you drive on a bumpy road? Anti-skid pads will help, but the safest way to have an indoor RV garden is to adhere pots to a surface or plant them in baskets suspended from above.

Ditch dark curtains and window valances and hang clean, brightly colored ones on a stylish rod to draw attention to the window. With such cute window treatments, you’ll want to watch the world from your window all of the time!

Consider painting your cabinets an off-white or eggshell which will give your kitchen space an instant aura of cleanliness and the illusion that it is a larger space. Adding handles made of dark metal or color to off-white painted cabinets provide a contrast that is pleasing to the eye.

Tricks

MAKE THE INTERIOR OF YOUR RV A DREAM! Whether you want to take small steps to make your RV seem more spacious or give it a whole new style, try some of these tips to spruce up the inside of your RV! By Ethan Seavey

Never underestimate the designing power of a floor mat or rug. Bold patterns give your space a pop of personality and a bold color can brighten a space without much effort. With a new rug, you not only bring in some color, you define the space.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

t Get ou and p cam !

fCam Dayso

#100

ping

Soledad

Canyon RV &

Camping

Resort

An easy way to add cool travel-themed décor to your space is to showcase your destinations with a corkboard and a map. After reaching each destination, update your experience with a pin on the map to show where you’ve been! You could even use a specially colored pin to designate all of the Thousand Trails campgrounds you’ve visited! Match your new rug or mat with bright accent pillows to create a cohesive theme or feeling to the room. Not only do accent pillows add to the aesthetic of the space, but they provide comfort for those long hours on the road, and are perfect for passengers trying to nap.

Hanging shoe organizers are very useful throughout your RV! Hang them over doors to store shoes, but also toys, books, and other small items. Hang one on your shower rod to secure your toiletries, or cut one to fit a kitchen cabinet for a clever way to store silverware or spices.

Clutter is easy to amass in a small space, so take the time to organize and label baskets for loose items. These baskets can be stored in cabinets or under tables and out of the way!

Add a mirror with a simple frame or one with an elaborate design to an empty wall to give the illusion that your RV is more spacious than it appears. Just be sure to hang it securely – so if your RV hits a pothole, you don’t get seven years of bad luck!

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Tips and Topics

paws ROAD

by Jen Swope-Gehr

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Email Jen your questions and share your pics to TBPets@equitylifestyle.com

out eyes and ask your veterinarian for an on-hand prescription of ophthalmic triple antibiotic ointment and that can be used in the eye, if necessary. Be certain this ointment is steroid free!

Thanks for your well-rounded column as so many of us RVers have pets with us. Recently, we have had major issues with foxtails when hiking with the dogs and many times we are nowhere near veterinary care. I know it’s been a wake-up call to yet another reason to keep the dogs leashed. We have not had any foxtails enter the eyes- heaven forbid!- but we had one lodge in the ear that became badly infected and required surgical intervention and weeks of follow up. Any suggestions for this topic would be appreciated. Happy Trails and Wagging Tails, Jim and Kathy Gibbs Oregon House, CA Hi Jim and Kathy, Indeed, these pesky weeds can wreak havoc on our pets eyes, ears, mouth, paw pads, and more. The best way to steer clear of a potential problem with foxtails is simply to avoid any area that has dried or light colored patches of the nasty weeds. After an outing, thoroughly look over your pet to be sure that they are in the clear. Brush them out and over every area of the body to be sure. Keep sterile saline on hand for flushing

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Foxtails are to be taken very seriously. They can irritate the surface of the cornea leading to ulcers which can potentially lead to blindness if left untreated. Not to mention these irritants are extremely painful! Keep foxtails out of your yard to prevent spreading and if possible, keep your pet’s hair or coat short for easy detection. Prevention is the safest course of action but sometimes accidents happen. Thanks for your encouragement and letter. And I hope that this brings awareness to other campers and their traveling companions regarding foxtails, a very real seasonal threat to dogs and cats alike. Hi, Jen, My husband and I are soon to be hitting the road for 6 1/2 weeks in the fall and we have two silly cats, Hansel and Gretel, who travel well that will be joining us. The cat condo that we have in the house just takes up too much room in our Airstream Trailer. Do you have any ideas for a comfy kitty condo that also fits a more modern motif of today’s RV’s rather than being covered in carpet material? We’re looking for something that is lightweight and portable. With Gratitude, Julie and Sam Garson Provo, UT

Hello, Julie and Sam, How exciting that you have a trip planned that includes your kitty companions. I have an excellent suggestion for you that is lightweight, portable, and modern. Check out the Katt 3 Lonely Kube by BeOneBreed. This cube is easy to assemble (no tools required!), has a windowpane on one side and a door on the other so kitty can get in and out easily. You can add a chic memory foam pillow to fit the floor of the cube. These cubes are easily customizable - you can stack and build them however you like and will be easy to include in your Airstream. Check out katt3.com for more info.

Make your vacation destination home.

Jen, I have a dog who just plain stinks. A few days after I give her a bath and she’s smelly again. It’s like as she’s aged her skin begins to smell. I don’t want to over wash her and dry out her skin and make her itchy as well. Her appetite and activity level is good and she’s fit as a fiddle and her coat is in good condition. Advice? Suggestions? Thanks, Clover Jacoby Midway, UT Hi Clover, I, too, have an aging dog who is healthy and active that has the same foul odor condition that you have described. I suggest trying a natural topical in between baths to mitigate the odor. I’m currently using Lucy Pet Products Surfin’ Jack. It smells like an island kissed coconut dream! It is a cruelty-free product made in Southern California. It features a pump spray and the product is a natural blend of vegetable, fruit and flower conditioners that smells amazing and is an excellent moisturizer for sensitive coats. My dog has not shown any teary reaction to the fragrance and there are lots of other smells in the Lucy Pet line up to choose from! Check it out online at LucyPetProducts.com.¾

YOU LOVE YOUR RV. Through all the miles logged and memories made, you likely have some favorite places you find yourself visiting over and over again. Whether you can’t get that beautiful location in the mountains out of your mind or the group of friends you made who share your love for the open road, these favorite places keep calling you back. You know you want the freedom to travel whenever you want and a home base where you can be with friends and family. Why not make your favorite vacation destination, home?

Visit myMHcommunity.com today to search more than 200 communities across 26 states.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

AUGUST events

From fun up, to fun down, there is so much to do at Thousand Trails campgrounds. TrailBlazer Magazine has rounded up some of the best events happening this month at Thousand Trails Campgrounds across the country.

Labor Day Weekend & Member Appreciation Labor Day weekend is August 31- September 3 and signals the last hurrah of the summer season! Make it count by being with your family and friends at Thousand Trails campgrounds. Look out for Member Appreciation events happening across the country too! Join us at Yosemite Lakes (CA) as summer winds down in the Sierras with music, campfires, s’mores, and movies. Join us at The Oaks at Point South (SC) for a complimentary lunch of hot dogs and drinks to celebrate TT members during our national Member Appreciation event. It may still be hot at Las Vegas (NV), but we have many ways to help you stay cool during this long holiday weekend. Oh no, where did the summer go? This weekend at Chesapeake Bay (VA) is filled to the brim with member-organized cornhole, horseshoe, and pickleball tournaments. Dance the night away to live music and join us at the Lodge for our bi-annual Member Appreciation lunch where we’ll treat you to hot dogs, fixings, and cold drinks. Join the fun before the season’s done at Virginia Landing (VA). We’ll be having Friday night dogs and s’mores by the fire, family fun with hayrides, and fun and games at the Family Lodge. Take care of that sweet tooth at the Ice Cream Social and don’t miss our final Member Appreciation gathering on Saturday! 16

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Back to School Summer is almost over, so make sure you get one last jump in the pool and say goodbye to your camp friends before school starts again! Enjoy the last days of summer break on the lake at Hidden Cove (AL), Aug 3-5, relaxing on the deck or staying cool in the pool! Kick off the new school year with the folks at Bear Cave (MI) with a final hurrah of fun activities! We will include a school supply craft, School Supply Bingo, and more, the weekend of Aug 10-12! What better way to get over the back to school blues than a great time at the lake at Carolina Landing (SC)? Fun, food, bonfires, music, and games for all the weekend of Aug 10. Bring all the kiddos to Lake Conroe (TX) on Aug 18 and let them say their goodbyes to the summer with a pizza pool party. Join the party at Circle M (PA) one more time before school starts up! We’ll be having a summer send-off the weekend of Aug 24-26. Come on down to Forest Lake (NC) the weekend of Aug 24-26 to play Back to School Bingo and win school supplies! Enjoy a back to school party with entertainment in the evening as well.

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Always Crafting at Thousand Trails

Special Performances at Thousand Trails!

Give new life to an old t-shirt with tie-dye, or turn something you found in nature into a work of art when you join us to craft at Thousand Trails!

From magic shows to talent shows, and square dancing around the campfire, there are plenty of special performances to catch this August at Thousand Trails!

Get your groove on and join us at Orlando (FL) on Aug 17 for some happening times and tie-dye fun! Bring your piece of clothing and we can help you make it groovy. Come on down to Lake Gaston (NC) Aug 3-5 and help us make this year’s craft show the best one yet! Last year’s event was a huge success and this year should be even bigger. Set up a booth at the pavilion to sell your unique artwork. This is a great time for campers to add a new decoration to your campsite or do some early Christmas shopping. Painting shells and sand dollars, plus a bonfire under the stars are just a couple things in store at Long Beach (WA) on Aug 18-19 during a special “Under the Sea & Stars” weekend! Join us in the Lodge at Snowflower (CA) on Aug 4 and help us decorate your own pine cone with all the things that we find in nature! And come back to Snowflower (CA) on Aug 18 to make hand dipped taper candles.

Wacko the Magician will be performing for us at Idyllwild (CA) the weekend of Aug 3-5! Get to this popular show early, seats fill up fast. Treats will be distributed to those donning their crafts at the Wacko show. This event is a must see for adults and children alike. Dr. Delusions Illusions Magic Show will be coming to South Jetty (OR) on Aug 11 for Abracadabra! Weekend. The show takes place on Saturday at 7pm! Can you sing? Dance? Impersonate? This is your night to show off your talents at Hershey’s Greatest Talent at Hershey (PA) the weekend of Aug 17! Join us at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) the weekend of Aug 24-26 in celebrating the classic story of Alice in Wonderland with a Mad Hatters Tea Party and a movie under the Pavilion! Don’t forget we’ll have entertainment Saturday night! Participate or just watch these dancers strut their stuff at Harbor View (VA) on Aug 25 for the Campfire Squares Square Dancers. Both young and old will enjoy this favorite pastime. Come join us at Indian Lakes (IN) for a special Labor Day Weekend celebration! On Saturday, Sept. 1, one of our favorite bands, Diamond Back, will entertain us!

Let the Games Begin Challenge your friends or see if you can challenge yourself when you enter some of these competitions at Thousand Trails this August. Whose team will take home the title this year at the 3rd Annual Family Challenge Games at Little Diamond (WA)? Challenge games like summer snowball fights, spaghetti relay races, food challenges, bingo and more. Get your family ready for the weekend of Aug 3-5. Do you love chocolate? Then Aug 3-5 is a weekend you won’t want to miss at Lake & Shore (NJ). We will have a chocolate pit tug of war, chocolate games, Candy Bar Bingo, chocolate crafts and more. Join us at Bay Landing (TX) the weekend of Aug 10-12 for a weekend that’s “too hot to handle.” We’ll all run to the water for the Triathlon – bike, run, and swim. How many “hot fries” can you take down? It’s a skill test to outdo the jalapeño eaters here – can you eat 24 or more? Aug 10-12 is the Leavenworth (WA) version of the summer games! You won’t see this kind of stuff on TV! On Aug 10-11, join us at Moody Beach (ME) for an afternoon of Field Day events such as tug of war, three-legged race, egg toss, musical chairs, dance twister, wet and wild wagon ride, and much more! Some events may require a participation fee.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – On-Site

ACTIVITIES

Activities and Events – On-Site

Remember When? Nostalgia Weekends Get groovy with Thousand Trails during these fun nostalgia weekends.

Pirate’s Life For Thousand Trails!

▲ Little Diamond (WA)

Water Sports Weekend

Yaaarrr! Join us at Thousand Trails for a swashbuckling weekend full of activities fit for pirates of all ages!

Beat the heat and spend the weekend with Thousand Trails playing water sports! Let’s beat the heat and spend a day in the water listening to music and soaking up the sun at Cherokee Landing (TN) for a pool party the weekend of Aug 10. Come enjoy the pool, spa, and fishing lake at Little Diamond (WA) the weekend of Aug 10. Bring your water guns for our water wagon rides. Get ready for a Splish Splash Weekend at PA Dutch Country (PA) the weekend of Aug 17. Tropical drinks will be served by the pool while listening to a steel drummer. Other activities will include a “how-low-can-you-go?” limbo contest; Hawaiian shirt, hula hoop, best flip flop contests; and a Hawaiian potluck. Play our new water tag game! We’ll be sure to keep you cooled off. Spend time on the beautiful lake and bring your boat and enjoy your own special water sports weekend at Carolina Landing (SC) the weekend of Aug 25-26. It’s all about pool and water games the weekend of Aug 24-25 at Pio Pico (CA)! From water volleyball to water aerobics to a water park on the Front Lawn for the little ones. Come early and join us on Friday morning for our Under the Sea Art Camp.

Pool Parties at Thousand Trails Soak up the last days of summer and join us at Thousand Trails for pool parties around the country! Share in a relaxing weekend by the pool while enjoying lemonade and snow cones; play Bingo, tie-dye socks and wear them to our pajama movie party at Long Beach (WA) Aug 4-5. Long Beach will also be celebrating Jake the Alligator Man’s 75th birthday, so there will be lots of entertainment on the peninsula! Swimming pool games with prizes followed by a watermelon eating contest is going down during a Wonderful Water Weekend at Idyllwild (CA) on Aug 10-12. Celebrate summer with a pool party and water games at Horseshoe Lakes (IN) the weekend of Aug 17-19. Music, refreshments and sunshine will make this pool party one to remember! Come down and join us at Lake Whitney (TX) on Aug 17-19 for a “backyard” party for grown-ups with card games, water volleyball, water bull riding, pool games and music or just relaxing! Plus, dive-in movies by the pool on Friday night. This will be the last Big Wet and Wild Hayride of the season at Rondout Valley (NY) the weekend of Aug 24-26. Get ready to soak all the fellow campers you can before they soak you! The famous Wet and Wild Hayride is sure to cool you off. We will also have crafts and activities for all, so get ready for a fantastic fun-filled weekend. 18

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Still got some clothes from your favorite decade? Whether it was groovy or cool, wear it to the pool the weekend of Aug 3-5 at Chestnut Lake (NJ). Music, hot dogs and root beer floats will transport you back to the past and create one groovy weekend! Compete in the bubble gum blowing contest, hula hooping contest, or get low in limbo! Relive the music and fun of the 60s with The Rondells, who will play under the stars at Chesapeake Bay (VA) the weekend of Aug 3-5. Enjoy a game or two of cornhole, play badminton with your friends, or knock around a beach ball. Bring a blanket and sit by the campfire. We’ve got all the classic beach activities for your enjoyment! Start the fun with our fourth Poker Run and Potluck at Kenisee Lake (OH) the weekend of Aug 18-20! Celebrate those hot summer nights with glow in the dark putt-putt, a glow golf cart, bike decorating contest, and enjoy 70s and 80s music as we light up the night! Join us at Lake Gaston (NC) the weekend of Aug 10-12 for an Oldies Weekend Root beer floats, hula hoop contest, bubble gum blowing contest, and the limbo. Pick your favorite decade at the DJ dance.

Argh, ye matey! Join us at Pio Pico (CA) the weekend of Aug 3-4 for treasure hunts and treasure maps. Start the weekend early and come to the Youth Center for a Pirate Island Art Camp. Join us at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) for swashbuckling fun the weekend of Aug 3-5! Will you be walking the plank or finding treasure? Dress up as your favorite pirate and find out! Plus, entertainment on Saturday night! Decorate a pirate hat, hunt for treasure, pirate games, gunny sack races, wagon rides, and Bingo at Twin Mills (IN) for Pirate Weekend on Aug 10. Join us in our search for treasures, get a tattoo, and walk the plank. It’s a pirate’s life for us at Williamsburg (VA) the weekend of Aug 17-19. Sell your booty in the Pirate Plaza on Saturday and join in the peg leg races, one-eyed egg toss or hunt for buried treasure. Come sail the high seas with us as we search for treasure at St. Clair (MI) the weekend of Aug 24-26! This will be a pirate-themed weekend with scavenger hunts, crafts, and a pirate party.

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Giving Back with Thousand Trails From school supplies drives to blood drives, Thousand Trails campers know how to give back! Join us for these charitable events in August. We’ll be having a blood drive at Forest Lake (NC) the weekend of Aug 31- Sept 3. Join us as we celebrate our members with cupcakes and entertainment on Saturday evening too. In addition to celebrating August birthdays, please bring gently used clothing items to our designated donation area during Pay It Forward weekend at Colorado River (TX) on Aug 11. The following weekend also at Colorado River (TX), bring the kids out for one last weekend of fun in the sun before they have to get back to school. Don’t forget to bring extra school supplies, which will be donated to the local schools for the less fortunate. Bring your unwanted treasures from home and enter them into the auction at Chesapeake Bay (VA) the weekend of Aug 10-12. Just pay a fee to have your items entered on the block. We do all the work, you sit back and watch your dollars roll in. Unsold items may be donated to the DAV or taken home. The weekend of Aug 24 -26, the folks at Soledad Canyon (CA) will hold a back to school supply drive. Backpacks, pens, pencils, paper, folders, erasers, and more – every donation helps the students of our community.

Some events may require a participation fee.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

Aug 31-Sept 3

YOSEMITE LAKES (CA)

ORLANDO (FL)

US Sand Sculpting and Dimensional Art Challenge

Aug 11

Aug 10-12

Yosemite Across Generations: Tuolumne Meadows Family Weekend

Lakeridge Winery 24th Annual Harvest Grape Stomp

San Diego becomes SAND Diego as Master Sand Sculptors arrive from all over the world to challenge the best in the U.S. Three hundred tons of sand will be dumped on the Pier at the Big Bay to become large scale works of art. Other attractions include a giant sandbox for kids, live entertainment, gourmet food trucks and sculpture to purchase for your garden or home. ussandsculpting.com

SOLEDAD CANYON (CA)

Aug 19

Summer Tripp 3rd Annual Desert Gathering

Eproson Park’s Annual Deep Pit BBQ in Twain Harte

evensi.us/summer-tripp-3rd-annualgathering-lancaster-california-unitedstates/262093648

Aug 17-26 Antelope Valley Fair & Alfalfa Festival Enjoy headline performers, exciting auto events, military appreciation day, plus a local tradition, the Rural Olympics. Feast on great food, and exotic Fair specialties. Enjoy the thrilling carnival rides and play carnival games to win a prize.

LAKE MINDEN (CA)

Aug 12 Cardiff Dog Days of Summer

Aug 4

Aug 2-5

Butterﬂy Daze

Yuba - Sutter Fair

Explore all things about the Monarch butterfly with the experts at Idyllwild Nature Center including how they see, feel, eat, and taste. There will be activities and crafts for all plus a Butterfly tent.

The Yuba – Sutter Fair is celebrating its 160th year with the annual four-day event providing the community a variety of recreational, agricultural and educational experiences. This year’s theme is “Timeless Traditions.”

rivcoparks.org/event/butterﬂy-days

Ysfair.com

Aug 11-12

PIO PICO (CA)

25th Annual Jazz in the Pines

Aug 5

Support Idyllwild Arts featuring over 2 dozen bands and performers. All proceeds go to the Academy. This event attracts people from all parts of the world. There are 4 different venues filled with music to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased on the website.

Chula Vista Lemon Festival

Dog Days of Summer is San Diego County’s largest dog-centric event! Watch or enter in 4 different dog contests including Cutest Puppy, Dog/Owner Look-A-Like, Best Looking Big Dog and Best Looking Small Dog. Local musical talents will be showcased; Lost Abbey beer garden too.

yosemiteconservancy.org

Aug 10-12 Come enjoy 3+ stages of music with a variety of genres. Enjoy our beautiful desert sky while listening to 30+ hours of music.

IDYLLWILD (CA)

Celebrate Yosemite with your family this summer in Tuolumne Meadows! This special summer camping weekend in the high country features plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy, such as guided walks to look for wildflowers and animals, fun excursions to check out geologic features, and more.

Avfair.com

WILDERNESS LAKES (CA)

Held at Eproson Park in conjunction with the Concert in the Pines is Eproson Park’s Annual Deep Pit BBQ. Great food, no host bar, silent auction, and raffle prizes. See website for ticket information. visittuolumne.com

Aug 26-28 The Dadgum Button Show in Columbia State Historic Park Check out the antique buttons and button jewelry at Columbia’s Dadgum Button Show, held in Angelo’s Hall from 10 am to 5 pm. Experts will be available for button appraisals. See what kinds of buttons were used during the gold rush period in Columbia as well. Visitcolumbiacalifornia.com

Aug 11 In Concert: Alice Cooper Alice Cooper in concert at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Pechanga.com

Grape stomping competitions; entertainment from local musicians; winery tours and tastings at Lakeridge Winery in Clermont, FL. Lakeridgewinery.com

DIAMOND CAVERNS (KY)

Aug 23-25 Buttermilk Days Festival

The 24th annual Buttermilk Days will feature music by bands and DJ’s all day, prizes, games, food and craft vendor booths on Friday and Saturday. See website for special event info like wine tasting, buttermilk buffet, live entertainment, beauty pageant, and the famous buttermilk buffet. buttermilkdaysfestival.com

STURBRIDGE (MA)

Aug 4-5 Redcoats and Rebels Reenactment

Experience the largest military re-enactment in New England. About 1,000 participants will portray British, Irish, Spanish, Scottish, French, and Colonial soldiers. Events include mock battles, cannon demos, and other interactive entertainment. Visit the website for more info. osv.org/event/redcoats-and-rebels

Aug 18-19 C-Mass Geofest 2018

Love geocaching? This is the fest for you! Explore Westville lake Recreational Area as you geocache all weekend with other enthusiasts. C-massgeofest.org

CHESTNUT LAKE (NJ)

cardiffdogdaysofsummer.com

Aug 18–19

Aug 10, 24

42 Annual World Bodysurﬁng Championships

Smithville Car Cruises

Lemon Festival celebrates Chula Vista’s heritage as the “Lemon Capital of the World” and will feature live entertainment, a kids’ fun zone, and lemons galore.

During the World Bodysurfing Championships, 350-400 bodysurfers from around the world compete in their respective age divisions for trophies and prizes.

marysvillepeachfest.com

worldbodysurﬁng.org

Hang out with fellow car enthusiasts at the car cruise in Historic Smithville every second and fourth Friday from May through September. historicsmithville.com/smithville-events

jazzinthepines.com

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Some events may require a participation fee.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – Local

CALENDAR events

Activities and Events – Local

Aug 30

MEDINA LAKE (TX)

Aug 25-26

Aug 11–12

In Concert: Phillip Phillips & Gavin Degraw

Aug 4

4th Annual Colonial Beach Water Fest

Living History Encampment Experience a re-enactment of the Civil War featuring a complete military and civilian camp, plus matching drills and musket-firing demonstrations. Historicsmithville.com

WILMINGTON (OH)

Aug 8-12 World Equestrian Summer Series III

World Equestrian Summer Series III at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, OH. Visit the website for a list of events, entry form, and stall reservation form. wellschamber.org

Aug 17-19 Jeep Jam Jeep Jam is a one of a kind event held in Wilmington, OH. Jeep owners and spectators are treated to a weekend of family fun along with safe and responsible offroading. There will be obstacle courses, trails, and some of the largest off-road vendors in the country. Jeepjam.net

TIMOTHY LAKE NORTH & SOUTH (PA)

Aug 3-11 Wayne County Fair

An agricultural fair building memories for 156 years. Pay one price includes parking and rides. Enjoy a huge midway with over 26 big time rides, kiddies rides, games, and fantastic fair food! Waynecountyfair.com

Aug 4-5 Sweet Corn & BBQ Festival

Nothing says summer like delicious sweet corn and finger-lickin’ BBQ! Vendors will be offering roasted or steamed sweet corn with multiple toppings. shawneemt.com

Phillip Phillips and Gavin Degraw at the Outdoor Summer Pavilion at Mount Airy Casino. mountairycasino.com

CHEROKEE LANDING (TN)

Aug 8

Bandera Cattle Company Gunﬁghters & Cowboys on Main Gunfight reenactments at Bandera Visitors Center! Expect to see and interact with a sample of the old west cowboy lifestyle on Bandera Main Street. Free admission! banderacowboycapital.com

Elvis Week St. Jude Beneﬁt Concert

Aug 7

ElvisFestival.com and Images of the King is honored to host this annual benefit concert at the New Daisy Theater. All proceeds from the event go directly to St Jude. All performers are donating their time and Sherry Management, LLC is underwriting the cost of the venue, sound and lighting. Over the past three years we’ve donated almost $44,000 through this concert and other activities. imagesoftheking.com/stjudebeneﬁt

Bandera Grand Old Opry Bandera Grand Old Opry-style entertainment hosted by Gerry and Harriet Payne. Refreshments and door prizes. Banderacowboycapital.com

LAKE TEXOMA (TX)

Aug 17 Florida Georgia Line at The Colosseum at WinStar Concert starts at 8pm with doors opening at 6pm at the WinStar Casino Colosseum.

Aug 11-18

Elvis Week 2018 Attend the biggest Elvis Week in history! Concerts, special performances, and guest appearances at Graceland’s new entertainment complex. Special guests include Lisa Marie Presley, Darlene Love, Ronnie Tutt, and many more, plus a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of the legendary ‘68 Comeback Special. See website for even more even info.

winstarworldcasino.com/events/ global-event-center

graceland.com/elvisweek/schedule

Choctawcasinos.com

COLORADO RIVER (TX)

Gretchen Wilson and The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Come on out and enjoy Gretchen Wilson and The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band play live at Choctaw Grand Theater at the Choctaw Casino.

HARBOR VIEW (VA)

Aug 30 to Sept 2

Aug 18-19

Fayette County Fair

39th Annual Rod Run to the Beach

Special live performances from Easton Corbin on Saturday; The Bellamy Brothers on Sunday.

Cars! Cars! Cars! If you love ‘em, we’ve got ‘em! Classics, muscle cars, sleek, shiny, and powerful. Young and old will love this event at Town Hill in Colonial Beach, VA.

fayettecountyfair.org

Aug 18 Bat Fest

July 7

Celebrate this “batty” event as the world’s largest urban bat colony take to the skies for their nightly flight. Enjoy live music, children activities, a costume contest and more, at the congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, TX.

colonialbeach.org/rod-run-to-the-beach

Activities and Events – Local

CHESTNUT LAKE (NJ) cont’d

The Colonial Beach Water Fest on the Boardwalk will feature vendors, amusements, water activities, and games. Fun for all ages at Colonial Beach, VA. Colonialbeach.org

LYNCHBURG (VA)

Aug 11 Riverfront Park Concert Series: Wynonna & The Big Noise Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold over 30-million albums worldwide spanning her remarkable 34-year career. academycenter.org/event/wynonna

Aug 18 Clover Hill Village Wine Festival The Appomattox County Historical Society is hosting their 9th Annual Clover Hill Village Wine Festival. There will be 10+ local Virginia wineries, 40+ various vendors will be on hand providing everything from cigars, baskets, jams and jellies, wood crafting, fragrances, clothing, accessories and exotic oils along with various food vendors! Appomattoxhistoricalsociety.org

BIRCH BAY (WA)

Aug 4-5 Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival Join in on maritime fun with a pirate theme for all ages. Learn about conservation; browse arts & crafts vendors; see the vintage steam boats and model boat display; cheer on the Prestigious George Raft Race; dress up like a pirate and win a prize; enjoy the pet show and tour the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain! blainechamber.com

Aug 13-19

Aug 26

Northwest Washington Fair

Hub City Car Show

The Northwest Washington Fair is the only annual fair hosted in Whatcom County. The fair offers a variety of music performances, vendor booths, carnival rides, and more. The Mission of the Northwest Washington Fair is to provide education regarding agriculture – past, present and future, experiences with positive competition, enjoyment of wholesome entertainment, social interactions and lasting memories. Nwwafair.com

CHEHALIS (WA) & PARADISE (WA)

Aug 14-19 Southwest Washington Fair

This year’s theme is “A Touch of Country.” The fair showcases the area’s youth, agriculture and livestock, along with booths and vendors of all kinds. Great food, great music, great time for all!

Classic cars line the streets of downtown Centralia. The day includes vendors, live music, and great shopping! Chamberway.com

LA CONNER (WA)

Aug 4 18th Annual Classic Boat & Car Show

If you are interested in showing your car or boat - please email director@laconnerchamber.com to get registration information. Lovelaconner.com

Aug 8 -11 Skagit County Fair

Live music; carnival; hypnotist; magicians; farm animals; eating contests; and much more! skagitcounty.net/fair

southwestwashingtonfair.org

roadwayevents.com

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Some events may require a participation fee.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Whether you spend life on the road for pleasure or work, it's nice to have the comforts of home as you travel the highways and byways. TrailBlazer checks in with folks who spend a fair amount of time on the road to see just what makes their home away from home.

This month, we chatted with traditional country music legend,

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

â&#x2013;˛ Gene Watson Photo courtesy of Lytle Management 24

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Thrilling audiences for more than 50 years with his powerful voice

and multi-octave range, country music legend Gene Watson still performs across the country and enjoys his life on the road in his 45' MCI Wide Tall. In fact, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Born in Palestine, Texas, Gene spent much of his youth on a bus. His family – including his parents and seven siblings – drifted from place to place as his nomadic father worked the fields with varied croppicking and logging jobs. Little did Gene know that it would be the beginning of a life living on the road. Watson’s music career kicked off in the 1960s when he performed in local clubs at night while working in a Houston auto body shop by day. After paying

his dues for several years, Capitol Records heard something they liked and released his first national album, Love in the Hot Afternoon, with the title track reaching #3 on the Billboard Magazine Hot Country Singles chart. Fast-forward fifty-plus years and Watson has released 33 studio albums, scored six number one hits, 23 top ten songs, and more than 75 charted singles. Known by his peers as “The Singer’s Singer,” Watson was inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame in 2002 and into the inaugural class of the Houston Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and is credited for staying true to pure traditional country music. And, he is still spending many nights on a bus. We recently caught up with the legend in the recording studio in Nashville. ▲ Gene’s Bus Photo courtesy of Lytle Management

How long have you been traveling in a bus? GW: I’ve been traveling in a bus since ’78 or ’79. It all started with an old GM 4104 and all the trials and tribulations that comes with that. Then I finally worked my way up to 1981 and bought a new Eagle. I wore it out and then it got into a crash that ruined it. I drove a couple of buses in between, but I now drive a 45' MCI Wide Tall. Who travels on the bus with you? GW: All of my band [5 members in total], me, and the driver. Tell us about your bus. GW: I’ve got a large lounge in the front with an 8-foot couch, a table with a booth, and a side seat. We’ve got a 42" flat-screen

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

TV up there and, of course, our electronics. We’ve got a kitchen nook where we have the coffee pot. We don’t cook much, but we do have a microwave that the guys carry to extremes sometimes. Going through the lounge and before you go into the bunk, the restroom is on the left side. It’s a 12-sleeper. We’ve got two bunks blocked out off for closet space. You go back a little further, and there is door that goes into the back room with a full-sized bed – which is where I sleep – and a chair. I’ve got two private closets back there and under-the-bed storage. What’s your favorite thing about staying on your bus versus a hotel room? GW: I’ve ridden a bus so many miles, it seems like when I go

home or take a few days off, the bed don’t shake and there’s no noise. It’s really hard to go to sleep because I’m so used to hearing the whine of that motor and it jiggling around and rocking me to sleep that I don’t feel at home anywhere else. What are your three favorite things onboard? GW: I love the engine, of course. It’s got a 60-series Detroit. And I love the transmission. I love the televisions. I’ve got brand new mattresses throughout. It rides good and it sleeps good. Do you listen to music on the road? GW: Not that much. I do a little bit. The guys and I usually discuss what we did the last show and what we’d like to do on the next

one. And, try to clean up a few things that were a little sloppy. No matter where we go, we’re always critiquing ourselves and trying to do things better. Any favorite places you like to eat on the road? GW: Yeah, we got some certain places. The bus driver would know that more than I would. If you stay out there so long, you try to separate the bad ones from the good ones. Highways or scenic routes? GW: Believe me, you don’t want the scenic routes in that bus. I definitely prefer the open road, interstates preferably. Any fourlanes you can get. There are so many drivers out there that don’t realize what it takes to get that

bus rolling and what it takes to stop it. It’s an extra wide bus – it’s the limit on what the law will allow on width. And it’s tall. You can’t go under anything low. You have to be careful. So, we prefer the interstate. You worked as a mechanic and you’ve always had a love of cars and trucks. Does your bus fill that love or do you still tinker with cars and trucks? GW: I’ve always got to be tinkering with cars, mostly pickups. I have a love for the bus because it’s my bread and butter. It’s gets me where I’m going to do the job and gets me back. So, maintenance is a must because it’s something you’ve got to depend on.

I’ve got a ’98 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up that I bought new that’s probably my all-time favorite truck of all time. I’ve got an ’83 Monte Carlo SS that doesn’t have but 20,000 miles on it that’s one of my favorites. It’d be like my kids – it’d be hard to pick a favorite. Is there anything about your bus or your life on the road that I didn’t ask that you would like to share? GW: It’s a way of life. It’s hard to explain to people. There are so many people that couldn’t do it. But, me, I don’t know if I could do without it. ¾

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

EXPLORING THE LONE STAR STATEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LAKE DISTRICT By Lynn & Cele Seldon Photography by Seldon Ink 28

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

LAKE LOVERS DON’T HAVE TO HEAD ACROSS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN to England’s Lake District to explore breathtaking countryside lakes. They just need to go to the many lakes of northern Texas, situated just above the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With expansive drives between lots of lakes (and three well-placed lake-focused Thousand Trails campgrounds), it’s easy to say, “Howdy Y’all” to the Lone Star State’s very own lake district.

I 30

S ’ T

E K I

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

E L O

With a tourism tagline of, “It’s Like a Whole Other Country,” Texas truly is like its own country in many ways, thanks to lots of varied travel regions, including Big Bend Country, the South Texas Plains, the Gulf Coast, Hill Country, the Piney Woods, and the Panhandle Plains. The North Texas lakes area is part of the huge Prairies & Lakes region of northern Texas, providing a unique Texas adventure that’s truly like visiting another country.

T O

R E H

N U O

Y R T

Generally heading in a clockwise direction in a “triangle” that connects Lake Bridgeport to the west, Lake Texoma to the north (up on the Oklahoma border, giving the lake its name), and Lake Tawakoni to the east, it’s easy to put together a multi-day or -week journey exploring the area. Along with several other lakes and many marinas, lots of rolling pastures and cattle, great golf, and many small towns with much to offer (including great only-in-Texas dining options), it makes for a great adventure that’s all wet – from the lakes to links with water hazards to the barbecue sauce.

Decatur’s pretty courthouse, the Wise County Heritage Museum in the old Decatur Baptist College, shopping at Dry Creek Boutique, and dining at Rooster’s Roadhouse and Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes. Bridgeport’s colorful downtown “Welcome to Bridgeport” wall mural, the Center for Animal Research (a 20-acre sanctuary with 40-plus exotic species), the Bridgeport Heritage Museum, the 5.8-mile looped Bridgeport Falls Paddling Trail, and the sprawling 20,000-plus acres of LBJ National Grasslands, north and northeast of Bridgeport also make great pit stops.

Heading northwest out of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex toward Lake Bridgeport, by way of Boyd and the town of Bridgeport, Texas lake country begins quickly, with Eagle Mountain Lake lying to the west. Along the way to the lake or when leaving the area, possible stops include the International Exotic Feline Sanctuary in Boyd (50-plus big cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats, and more),

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

To the east about 15 miles and also on US 82, cute Saint Jo awaits with the Stonewall Saloon Museum, Howell-Sickles Studio (featuring the art of Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee Donna HowellSickles, a great granddaughter of one of the town’s founders), the Lazy Heart Grill, Gilbert’s Fenton Art Glass and Collectibles Museum. The historic square dates back to 1873.

Four miles west of Bridgeport, Lake Bridgeport proper is an impoundment on the West Fork of the Trinity River. It’s an ideal introduction (or ending) to an exploration of North Texas lakes, thanks to the typical Texas lake pursuits, including swimming, boating, fishing, and more. The northwest corner of the Prairies & Lakes travel region is next, with the town of Nocona (about 50 miles from Lake Bridgeport) a perfect place to start. Situated southwest of Lake Nocona (an impoundment on Farmers Creek), highlights in friendly Nocona include the excellent regional Tails ‘N’ Trails Museum (look for the historic Chisholm Trail outside), huge

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Horton Classic Car Museum (with over 125 restored cars and more), and Nokona American Gloves, where they’ve been making leather baseball gloves and more for decades (including tours and a small museum). There’s also adjacent Nocona Boots and Nocona Beer and Brewery next door for some serious chillin’, Texas style.

Next, still on US 82 and just another 10 miles east, Germanleaning Muenster awaits with sprawling Fischer’s Meat Market, which is a perfect place to buy provisions (including lots of local meats, cheeses, and more), and other unique shopping opportunities (like Main Street Mercantile, Bird Nest, and Girlfriends Boutique). Featuring varied sausages, schnitzels, German potato salad and many other sides, beers, and more, Rohmer’s is a local favorite that’s been family-owned and operated since 1953, while Doc’s Bar & Grill Biergarten is another great place to meet locals over an adult beverage.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Situated south of many of the lakes in the North Texas lakes region, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is also very worthy of some big city exploration. There are an array of attractions in the major cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as in surrounding cities like Arlington, Plano, Frisco, Farmers Branch, Addison, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, Lewisville, Flower Mound, the Colony, and more.

DALLAS has grown into one of the country’s great cultural destinations, which began back in 1984 with the opening of the now-iconic Dallas Museum of Art. The Dallas Arts District now includes the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Moody Performance Hall, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and Klyde Warren Park, which connects the Dallas Arts District and downtown with the bustling Uptown area. There’s also the nearby Sixth Floor Museum, the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History, and the popular Dallas World Aquarium. FORT WORTH to the west also has several major museums, including the massive Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and Sid Richardson Museum in Sundance Square, which both feature the works of famed American West artists Charles M. Russell and Frederic Remington, among many. Known as “Cowtown,” Fort Worth also embraces its western culture, thanks to events, shopping, dining, and more in Stockyards Station and beyond, the Texas 34

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Cowboy Hall of Fame, the renovated Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum, and must-visit Billy Bob’s Texas (a classic honky-tonk). Nearby, GRAPEVINE offers trips to the Stockyards on the Grapevine Village Railroad, but there’s also lots to do in and near Grapevine. Highlights include the Grapevine Fine Art Foundry, Holder Dane Art Gallery & Studios, the Vetro Glass Blowing Studio and Gallery, and The Blacksmith Shop (all in a building just across from the railroad depot), as well as the convenient Grapevine Shuttle to nearby Legoland® Discovery Center, the Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium, and Nash Farm.

FRISCO and ARLINGTON

are next, with pro sports fans relishing the possibility of seeing the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Stars (hockey), the Frisco RoughRiders (Minor League Baseball), and others in action at various venues in the two cities. Texas Live! is also coming to life in Arlington in 2018 and beyond, with more than 200,000 square feet of entertainment, shopping, dining, and more (including the new Texas Rangers ballpark in 2020). Frisco also features the Museum of the American Railroad, the Texas Sculpture Center, the Frisco Discovery Center, the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, and the fun National Videogame Museum. Other options in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex might include: Mesquite (featuring the Mesquite Championship Rodeo from July to October); Addison’s Cavanaugh Flight Museum; Plano’s Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure; and so much more.

Gainesville is 15 miles further east, with much to see, do, and eat. The possibilities once in town include: Moss Lake, fun Frank Buck Zoo, the museum up on the mezzanine at Kinne’s Jeweler’s (also a fun place to shop), The Original Fried Pie Shop (making famed fried pies for more than 100 years), Lavender Ridge Farms, Gainesville’s Medal of Honor Park, the Horton Museum of Cooke County, and lots of historic homes on Church, Denton, and Lindsay streets, as well as a firehouse and historic churches. And, Gainesville’s Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant is the “Home of the Texas Famous Sizzling Fajitas,” which are truly sizzling, tasty, and picture-perfect. Sprawling Lake Texoma on the Texas/Oklahoma border is next. The Lake Texoma area features several interesting towns and lots of typical lake-focused watersports like boating, fishing, and jet skiing (and tasty seafood meals at Pelican’s Landing), the 14mile Cross Timbers Hiking Trail, and Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. Along with Pottsboro’s Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum and The Sherman Museum, Harber Wildlife Museum, and the oh-so-Victorian C.S. Roberts House on Heritage Row in Sherman, the Denison area provides great outings – including fascinating Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site (where President Dwight D. Eisenhower was born), pretty Eisenhower State Park, Red River Railroad Museum, and the Grayson County Frontier Village (look for the huge statue of Eisenhower’s head, which is part of the Eisenhower Veterans Monument at the entrance).

To the east and south of Denison, several other interesting towns make for great outings or stops while meandering toward Lake Tawakoni. Though it’s a bit of a diversion, Paris will likely interest many trailblazing travelers who don’t want to cross the Atlantic for some c’est la vie. Capitalizing on its name, the town features a 65-replica of the Eiffel Tower – but topped with a big red cowboy hat and with colored lights for nighttime viewing. There’s also the Lamar County Historic Museum, Plaza Gallery, which features the work of Lamar County artists, the Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site, and Lake Crook and Pat Mayse Lake. About halfway to Paris, Bonham features the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site, Sam Rayburn Library Museum, Fort Inglish Village, the Fannin County Museum of History, Bonham State Park, and Lake Bonham on Timber Creek. Whitewright might provide another possible stop on the way south, thanks to Whitewright Historical Museum & Nature

Park and, for those who dare, Skydive Spaceland Dallas. Along with Cooper Lake State Park, Commerce features the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum and the state-of-the-art Texas A&MCommerce Planetarium. Finally, Greenville is another Lake Tawakoni area option, including the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum (don’t miss the historic Ende-Gaillard House, the Hunt County War Memorial, and the Confederate Soldier Memorial), Mathews Prairie Nature Preserve, and downtown’s popular Landon Winery (in an old Kress department store building and one of three Landon Winery locations, with others in McKinney and Wiley). For tasty Texas ‘cue and more, Ernie’s Pit Barbecue, Soulman’s Barbeque (with 20 locations) and The Rib Crib (one of dozens of locations) are all good bets. Part of the Sabine River Authority, bucolic Lake Tawakoni features lots of watersports, as well as Lake Tawakoni State Park on the south shore. It provides a great base for exploring the south

east corner of this lake-focused Texas region. Heading back across the northern side of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, possible stops include Rockwall’s Lake Ray Hubbard, McKinney’s famed Hutchins BBQ, alluring Lake Lavon, Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, Chestnut Square Historic Village, Collin County Farm Museum, the Heard-Craig House, the historic courthouse square, art galleries, and – as mentioned – another bustling Landon Winery location, and even more in downtown Denton (including the excellent Courthouse on the Square Museum, the historic houses of Denton County Historical Park, and more). Given all of these options, it’s easy to see why lake lovers don’t have to head across the Atlantic Ocean for “lake district” travels. ¾ Visit RVontheGo.com to book your Texas lake vacation today.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

KEEP SHARING! #100DAYSOFCAMPING Look for this year's #100DaysofCamping rally towel when you visit your favorite Thousand Trails campground! Join in on the Fun!

#100daysofcamping 2 018

1 2

3 4

To book your next stay, call or visit our website.

(844) 289-6231 ThousandTrails.com 36

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

TrailBlazer takes a look at some major outdoor art installations as well as sculpture parks and gardens across the country.

Jaume Plensaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Echo at Olympic National Sculpture Park Photo courtesy of Seattle Art Museum. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

By Joan Rykal AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

T H E R E I S N O D O U BT T H AT T H E U.S . I S H O M E TO M A N Y FA B U LO U S A R T M U S E U M S . National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden (Washington, DC)

There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim in New York City, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and The Getty Center in Los Angeles, the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. and the Art Institute of Chicago, just to name a few. And in most cases, the structures that house these institutions’ famed artworks are themselves pieces of art. The cylindrical Guggenheim was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright while the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida features a geodesic glass bubble that protrudes from a concrete wall – a nod to Dali’s own artwork that combines the “rational with the fantastical.”

Guggenheim Museum. Photo: David M. Heald ©The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York.

Structure aside, we would consider these conventional art museums because they are similar to each other in that the art is hung on walls throughout several different galleries within the museum building. You can spend hours upon hours gazing at the collections.

The outdoor Sculpture Garden has 21 works of art including a giant typewriter eraser by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, a giant bronze spider by Louise Bourgeois, Robert Indiana’s AMOR pop art letters and Alexander Calder’s sheet metal horses, Cheval Rouge. The exhibitions are set among native American plantings with flowering trees and shrubs and a variety of perennials. The centerpiece is the garden’s fountain which in winter weather is transformed into a skating rink. Summer Sculpture Garden hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Sundays, when it opens at 11 a.m. On Fridays, weather permitting, the Garden stays open until 9 p.m. and hosts Jazz in the Garden. Best of all, this beautiful outdoor museum is free of charge. For additional information visit nga.gov/visit/ sculpture-garden. Louise Bourgeois, Spider, 1996, cast 1997, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Photo courtesy of National Gallery of Art.

Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, model 1998, fabricated 1999, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Photo courtesy of National Gallery of Art.

Art museums offer so much in the way of history and culture and when you combine those lessons with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors it makes the experience even better. Did you know there are plenty of places you can enjoy artworks outdoors? Some are associated with art museums and require an admission fee but others are just there – available for public consumption (and admiration) at no cost!

Seattle Art Museum – Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle, WA) Another opportunity to experience the arts free of charge Olympic National Sculpture Park. sits on 9 acres of Photo courtesy of Seattle Art Museum photo by Benjamin Benschneider. land and houses both permanent and visiting installations. Works include Alexander Calder’s soaring Eagle and Eye Benches and Father and Son by Louise Bourgeois. The Sculpture Park is adjacent to Myrtle Edwards Park and on the waterfront which offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The Park is open year-round and admission is free. The Sculpture Park opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset. For information visit seattleartmuseum.org. Alexander Calder, Eagle. Photo courtesy of Seattle Art Museum. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider.

Olympic Sculpture Park. Photo courtesy of Seattle Art Museum. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider.

Guests enjoy a Jazz in the Garden concert around the Sculpture Garden’s central fountain. National Gallery of Art, Washington. Photo courtesy of National Gallery of Art.

Interior Stairs at Salvador Dalí Museum. 2018 – Salvador Dalí Museum, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton, NJ)

Laumeier Sculpture Park (Sunset Hills, MO)

Located on the former site of the New Jersey State Fair, Grounds for Sculpture (GFS) is the vision of sculptor and philanthropist J. Seward Johnson who wanted to make contemporary art accessible for all people. Johnson’s vision came to fruition in the form of a 42-acre sculpture park and arboretum that welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually and features more than 270 sculptures. Pieces include The Nine Muses by Carlos Dorrien, Damascus Gate by Walter Dusenbery and Seward Johnson’s Dejeuner Déjà Vu. GFS also has indoor galleries, several places to eat on-site and offers a variety of tours, including a moonlight tour. For more information and admission prices visit groundsforsculpture.org.

Located in a suburb of St. Louis, Laumeier is one of the first and largest sculpture parks in the US. What’s neat about this sculpture park, besides the art obviously, is that it can be viewed by hiking over your choice of three separate trails, each less than a mile in length. There is the paved Central Pathway (.64 mile loop); the Art Hike Trail at .77 miles and the Western Woodland Trail, which is short ten-minute hike at .15 miles. Guided tours are also available. Free to the public and open yearround, artworks include Mix, a giant cement mixer by Brazilian artist Alexandre da Cunha, the whimsical Heritage Schooner for Debra Lakin by American artist George Greenamyer, and Dave Derington’s Virtual Laumeier, an ode to modern gaming. For more information on Laumier visit laumeiersculpturepark.org.

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum (Lincoln, MA) Set on the former estate of Julian and Lizzie de Cordova, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum features more than 60 sculptures exhibited among beautifully landscaped lawns and along the shore of Flint’s Pond. Julian de Cordova willed his estate to the town of Lincoln in 1930 with the stipulation that it become a public museum. Works by Naim June Paik, Dorothy Dehner and Antony Gormley can be found at deCordova. Don’t miss the interactive Musical Fence by American artist Paul Matisse, Paik’s Requiem for the 20th Century, which features a 1936 silverpainted Chrysler Airstream sedan or Joseph Wheelwright’s, Listening Stone, created specifically for the deCordova Sculpture Park. For hours and admission prices, visit decordova.org.

Public Park Tour. Photo courtesy of deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

George Greenamyer, Heritage Schooner for Debra Lakin, September 30, 1998, 1998. Photo by Jamie Vishwanat.

View of the South Fields, all works by Mark di Suvero. Photograph by Jerry L. Thompson. Alexandre da Cunha, Mix (Americana), 2013. Photo by Jamie Vishwanat.

Adam Aronson Fine Arts Center. Photo by Jamie Vishwanat.

Mark di Suvero Pyramidian, 1987/1998 Steel, 65' x 46' x 46' Gift of the Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, Inc. Beethoven’s Quartet, 2003 Steel, stainless steel, 24' 7" x 30' x 23' 3" Lent by the artist and Spacetime C.C., New York. Photograph by Jerry L. Thompson. Photo courtesy of Fitz & Co.

Alexander Liberman Iliad, 1974-76 Painted steel 36' x 54' 7" x 19' 7" Gift of the Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, Inc. ©The Alexander Liberman Trust. Photograph by Jerry L. Thompson. Photo courtesy of Fitz & Co.

Zhang Huan, Three Legged Buddha, 2007. Gift of Zhang Huan and Pace Gallery. ©Zhang Huan Studio, courtesy Pace Gallery. Photo by Jerry L. Thompson. Photo courtesy of Fitz & Co.

Paul Matisse, The Musical Fence, 1980, 6' 6" x 1 1/2" x 20', aluminum sounding bars, reinforced concrete, Lent by Cambridge Arts Council, MA. Photo courtesy of deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.

Dorothy Dehner, Fortissimo, 1993, 19' 4" x 4' 6" x 4' 6", fabricated aluminum painted black, Museum Purchase with funds provided by the Judith Rothschild Foundation, and Gift of the Dorothy Dehner Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Photo courtesy of deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.

Nam June Paik, Requiem for the 20th Century, 1997, 6 x 16 ½ x 6 feet, 1936 Chrysler Airstream, video, audio, monitors, speakers, Museum Purchase with funds provided by the Island Fund of the New York Community Trust. Photo courtesy of deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.

Storm King Art Center (Cornwall, NY) For more than 50 years, the Storm King Art Center has exhibited both permanent and traveling exhibition pieces of modern and contemporary art sculptures spread over 500 acres of a wooded and wildflower-filled wonderland. Divided into four areas that include Museum Hill, The North Woods, The Meadows and the South Fields, visitors can find works by Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson and Roy Lichtenstein among the more than 100 pieces displayed. Nature’s art comes in the form of the occasional wildlife sightings which can include red-tailed hawks, deer, red foxes and wild turkeys. Open April through early December, visitors can bring in their own picnic lunch or purchase something from the Storm King Café. Visit stormking.org for admission prices and more information.

Menashe Kadishman, Suspended,1977. Gift of Muriel and Philip I. Berman. ©Estate of Menashe Kadishman. Photo by AUGUST Jerry L. Thompson. Photo courtesy2018 of Fitz TRAILBLAZER & Co.

Christine Tarkowski, Working on the Failed Utopia, 2006, screen print on rice paper and laminated fiberglass attached to steel frame. Commissioned by the Art-in-Architecture Program, Capital Development Board, State of Illinois. Jerry Peart, Falling Meteor, 1975, welded aluminum. Purchased by the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, GSU Foundation with support of the NEA. Tony Tasset, Paul, 2006, steel reinforced fiberglass, painted. Commissioned by the Art-in-Architecture Program, Capital Development Board, State of Illinois.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park (University Park, IL)

Yvonne Domenge, Windwaves, 2010, steel. Gift of the Artist.

Open to the public, free of charge, 365 days a year, the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park includes exhibits such as a giant lumberjack, a geodesic dome, and a falling meteor. Situated on 100 acres of prairie, 29 large-scale masterworks will captivate visitors who are encouraged to visit often as the views surrounding the sculptures change from season to season on this Midwestern “museum-in-the-prairie.” Visit govst.edu/About/Nathan_Manilow_ Sculpture_Park/About_the_Park for more information.

Chakaia Booker, Serendipity, 1998, rubber tires, wood, steel 144' x 720' x 24' (dimensions variable). Loan courtesy of the artist.

John Henry, Illinois Landscape No. 5, painted steel. Commissioned by the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, GSU Foundation with support from the NEA. Photo by Guy Rhodes.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

San Francisco, CA Another collaboration of Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen can be found in Rincon Park, along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The artists, who are married to each other, said Cupid’s Span was inspired because the city is said to be the home port of Eros, the Greek god of love. Another piece of art along the Embarcadero, and actually the first piece installed here, is Skygate. Designed by artist Roger Barr, Skygate is a 26-foot high stainless steel arch. On display this summer (through October) at San Francisco’s Civic Center is an installation by British Trinidadian artist Zak Ove entitled Invisible Men. This installation features 40, six-and-a-half foot tall human figures designed to resemble a Kenyan statuette from Ove’s childhood. They will be arranged in four rows of ten and will face City Hall.

Bruce Nauman, House Divided, 1983, cast concrete. Commissioned by the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, GSU Foundation.

Leo Villareal,The Bay Lights. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association.

All photos on this page courtesy of Govenors State University.

Adding more than 25,000 individual white lights to the existing San Francisco Bay Bridge resulted in the art installation by artist Leo Villareal known as Bay Lights. It was initially intended as a temporary installation in 2013 but the lights were re-lit in 2016. Stretching across a 1.8 mile span of the bridge, the lights, which are computer controlled, dazzle the city each night from dusk to dawn.

Above and Left: Zak Ove, Invisible Men. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Arts Commission. Photos by Dirk Wyse.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Orlando, FL

Chicago, IL

Near Lake Eola in Orlando you will find a partially buried woman – which is actually an art installation by Kentucky artist Meg White, entitled Muse of Discovery. The muse is a 40-foot limestone and earthwork figure of a woman in a reclining position. Her open hand is large enough for an adult or child to sit in “to discover your hidden potential as she whispers to you.” Also along the shores of Lake Eola you can see a flock of “birds” ready to soar in Douwe Blumberg’s welded sculpture Take Flight. This piece is meant to “embody a spirit of freedom and transcendent joy.” Both pieces are part of the See Art Orlando which was a 2011 installation of nine contemporary art sculptures. Visit downtownorlando.com for a listing of the other pieces and their locations.

There are several major pieces of art that can be found, and viewed, easily in the city of Chicago. In the heart of Chicago’s Loop, you’ll find Pablo Picasso’s gift to the city, an untitled 50-foot steel structure. No one really knows what it depicts (Picasso never really said what it was supposed to represent). Is it a horse, a butterfly, a woman? Head to the plaza of the Richard J. Daley Center at 50 W. Washington in the city and see what you think.

Deedee Morrison, Global Convergence. Photo courtesy of Downtown Orlando.™ Photo by Joshua St. Jean.

After trying to figure out Picasso’s sculpture, head east toward the lakefront and view another iconic piece of sculpture, called The Bean by locals, but titled Cloud Gate by British artist Anish Kapoor. Kapoor was inspired by liquid mercury to create this 110-ton “cloud” that is made up

Marc Chagall, Four Seasons. Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago®. Photo by Adam Alexander Photography. Douwe Blumberg, Take Flight. Photo courtesy of Downtown Orlando.™ Photo by City of Orlando.

Wendy Ross, Astrogenesis II. Photo courtesy of Downtown Orlando.™ Photo by Niki Freeman.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Meg White, Muse of Discovery. Photo courtesy of Downtown Orlando.™ Photo by City of Orlando.

Pablo Picasso, Chicago Picasso. City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago®.

Other major art installations include Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s 101-foot Batcolumn, which can be found outside the Harold Washington Social Security Center at 600 W. Madison Street and Marc Chagall’s mosaic, The Four Seasons, which can be found outside the Chase Tower Plaza at 10 S. Dearborn. The series of mosaic panels depict the four seasons experienced in the Windy City. As for the Batcolumn, it has been a source of controversy and people actually protested on the day of its dedication in 1977 calling it “an expensive joke.” Oldenburg however said the bat represents the city’s ambition and vigor.

Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate. Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago®. Photo by Alice Achterhof.

Alexander Calder, Flamingo. Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago®. Photo by Adam Alexander Photography.

Las Vegas, NV If you’re visiting Las Vegas, you can’t miss the Spring Mountains which are the backdrop to the valley, but if you take a drive to the desert, about 30 miles outside of the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find a different kind of mountains in the form of Seven Magic Mountains, an art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Rondinone’s magic mountains are seven colorful stacks of boulders towering 30 feet above the desert landscape. The colorful towers were created by Rondinone as a “creative expression of human presence in the desert.” Originally installed in May 2016, the plan was to leave them up for two years, but at present, they will remain through 2018. The Las Vegas Welcome Sign is a representation of an architectural style

of 168 stainless steel plates which are highly polished so the structure appears seamless. The Bean is located in the city’s Millennium Park which is open to the public.

Ugo Rondinon, Seven Magic Mountains. Photo Courtesy of TravelNevada. Photo by Sydney Martinez.

known as Googie (characterized by futuristic motifs and neon lights), it is one of the most photographed sights in the USA and it is on the National Register of Historic Places…is that enough to make the iconic Las Vegas welcome sign true art? Regardless of your opinion as to whether it is art or not, it’s right out there in public view welcoming people to Sin City. The sign

itself was the concept of salesman Ted Rogich who thought the city should advertise itself in lights, while the design was done by graphic designer Betty Willis, ala Googie style. Erected in 1959, the sign became so popular as a photo op spot with tourists that the city has now designated more than 30 parking spaces near the sign so tourists can park and grab a quick pic. AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Cincinnati, OH

Philadelphia, PA

Cincinnati took the term “paint the town” pretty seriously back in 2007 when Artworks, a non-profit organization worked with local talent to paint murals on the buildings throughout the city and its neighborhoods, literally transforming the city into an outdoor art gallery. Since 2007 more than 100 murals have been painted that depicts the people, places and different cultures integral to the history of the Queen City. There are several ways to see these murals including through Artworks guided walking tours (artworkscincinnati.org) or through the ArtVenture database (downtowncincinnati.com) which provides mural information on the website and splits the murals into different self-guided tours such as Hometown Heroes, Music City and The Old Ballgame.

What is a more apt art installation in the City of Brotherly Love than that of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture? Originally installed for America’s Bicentennial in 1976, it was so “loved” that it was reinstalled permanently in1978. Thanks to the generosity of a local businessman who purchased the sign and donated it to the city, LOVE is forever in Philly. Visit the John F. Kennedy Plaza at 15th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard to feel the “love.”

Houston, TX The largest piece ever commissioned by Spanish art and sculptor Joan Miro can be found in Houston at the JP Morgan Chase Tower (also Houston’s tallest building). Soaring five stories high, Personage and Birds, a brightly painted bronze and stainless steel abstract apparently depicts a woman and three birds. Check it out at 600 Travis Street in Houston and see what you think. Take a trip through Hermann Park and enjoy contemporary art installations throughout the 445-acre park. A true delight are the bubble forms by artist Sharon Engelstein which depict a mama bubble form and her four bubble children at play. You may be

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

familiar with the Trojan Horse, but a visit to Hermann Park will introduce you to the Portable Trojan Bear, a nine foot pine and steel sculpture by artist Jim Love. The park also features the cast bronze sculpture Atropos Key by Hannah Stewart which refers to the Greek goddess of fate.

An everyday item out of context is the thought behind many of the works of both Claes Oldenburg and his wife, Coosje van Bruggen. Oldenburg’s giant clothespin, standing 45 feet high, can be seen at the city’s Centre Square Plaza (15th and Market Street) while the pair’s collaborative Split Button, can be found at the University of Pennsylvania. Of Split Button Oldenburg joked that the statue of Benjamin Franklin nearby Split Button’s installation site was missing one button.

Robert Indiana, LOVE. Photo by C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®.

Well, beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but there is plenty to see in these outdoor exhibits and whether you see a horse or a woman with three heads in a particular piece, it’s all about seeing things differently than someone else and being OK with that. As Thomas Merton says “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Now go get lost and find yourself in outdoor art! ¾

“

Don’t miss the seven glowing sculptures of kneeling figures that comprise Tolerance by Spanish artist and sculptor Jaume Plensa. The artist’s intent was to reflect Houston’s unity and diversity in the seven sculptures that represent the seven continents. The Tolerance statues can be found at Harmony Walk at Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard.

Personage and Birds, by Joan Miro, outside the JPMorgan Chase building in downtown Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Houston.

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. - Thomas Merton

”

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Who’s in the kitchen

GOLDEN CHIA PUDDING

with

TrailBlazer?

Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 8 hours 5 minutes Serves: 4

Recipes Courtesy of Rebecca Camire

Ingredients: ½ C unsweetened coconut milk

½ tsp turmeric

¼ tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ginger

1 Tbsp maple syrup Fun in the sun is the theme this month for these refreshing recipes! All of these recipes can be made simply and store nicely so you can prepare a meal quick and enjoy the warm weather. The granola is a great alternative if you are looking to avoid grains in your diet and it also tastes great with yogurt both dairy free and traditional! I love the smoothie for a refreshing treat that tastes like dessert without weighing you down like the traditional pie would. And the pudding is the perfect set it and forget meal that’s ready without any cook time. You could even add the granola on top of it if you wanted to add some calories to keep your energy up throughout the day. However you choose to enjoy this month’s treats, I hope you get outside as much as possible! It’s just as important to spend time outdoors as it is to nourish our bodies with healthy foods!

For more recipes and lifestyle tips connect with me over at: refreshednutrition.com info@refreshednutrition.com Refreshed Nutrition @Refreshed_Nutrition

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Directions: 1. In a large bowl combine all ingredients and mix until well combined

NUTTY GRANOLA Prep time: 8 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 23 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1 C crushed pecans

¼ tsp cardamom

½ C crushed walnuts

¼ C raisins

½ C crushed almonds

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 Tbsp cinnamon

2 Tbsp egg whites

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350° 2. Crush nuts in a bag (if you did not purchase them in pieces) and add to a bowl with the raisins 3. In a separate bowl add the egg whites, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined

2. Let sit in the fridge for 8+ hours

KEY LIME PIE SMOOTHIE Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 5 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 1 14 oz can coconut milk

4. Pour the egg and spice mixture on the nuts and raisins mixing until well coated

2 Tbsp lime juice

5. Transfer onto a lightly greased baking sheet, spreading evenly

3-5 ice cubes

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes

½ C unsweetened coconut ﬂakes 1/8 tsp allspice

Directions: 1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth

2. Sprinkle any additional all spice and coconut ﬂakes to garnish

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save On RV Sites & Rentals

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301

▲ Pine Country (IL)

▲ Voyager (AZ)

Thousand Trails Standard Discount:

Arizona

20% OFF

$1,049

$1,665

$1,245

Daily Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

TT20%

10% OFF

3-Month Seasonal Special

3 Month Seasonal Special

Valid Araby Acres, Mesa Spirit, Monte Vista, Paradise, ViewPoint, Voyager

Call To Book

Valid Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Countryside, Desert Paradise, Fiesta Grande, Foothill Village, Foothills West, Golden Sun, Mesa Verde, Suni Sands, Valley Vista

Call To Book

Valid at Venture In

Valid for stays 8/1/18 - 10/31/18. Book by 9/1/18.

Valid on standard RV sites. Promo code: TT1049VI

Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 10/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book By 1/30/19. Min. 90 nights, Max. 92 nights.

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Min stay 90 nights, max stay for 92 nights.

Monthly Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

TT10% Valid at Campgrounds and RV Resorts available at RVontheGo.com *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

▲ Venture In (AZ)

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 12/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book By 1/30/19. Min. 90 nights, Max. 92 nights.

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Arizona

$1,560

$2,285

4 Month Seasonal Special

Valid Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Countryside, Desert Paradise, Fiesta Grande, Foothill Village, Foothills West, Golden Sun, Mesa Verde, Suni Sands, Valley Vista

Valid Araby Acres, Mesa Spirit, Monte Vista, Paradise, ViewPoint, Voyager

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 11/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book By 1/30/19. Min. 120 nights, Max. 122 nights.

Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 11/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book By 1/30/19. Min. 120 nights Max. 122 nights.

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on standard site unless otherwise speciﬁed. Stays 30 days or less are subject to $4 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 offer 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. Offers not valid at Bethpage Camp-Resort and Grey’s Point Camp.

Call To Book

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on standard site unless otherwise speciﬁed. Stays 30 days or less are subject to $4 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 offer 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. Offers not valid at Bethpage Camp-Resort and Grey’s Point Camp.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

▲ Spring Gulch (PA)

▲ Winter Quarters Pasco (FL)

Pennsylvania

Florida Arizona

330% NightsOFF for the Price ofStay 2 Monthly

30% OFF 20%

30% $399 OFF

Monthly Stay

Valid at Appalachian, Robin Hill, Spring Gulch

Call To Book Midweek stays only. Valid until 9/27 on stays from Sunday - Thursday night. Book by 9/25.

3 night min. and max.

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Valid at Clerbrook, Gulf View, & Harbor Lakes

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites.

Promo code: TBPA342

Valid at Forest Lake Village, Pasco, & Silver Dollar

Valid 7/1/18 - 10/1/18. Book by 9/1/18. Min stay 30 nights, max stay 31 nights. Use Promo Code: TBFL20

▲ Robin Hill (PA)

One Monthly Month Stay Special

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 7/1/18 - 10/1/18. Book by 9/1/18. Min stay 30 nights, max stay 31 nights. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Florida Arizona

30% $375 OFF

$100 30% OFF OFF 3+ Month Stay

One Month Special Monthly Stay at Toby’s Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 7/1/18 - 10/1/18. Book by 9/1/18. Min stay 30 nights, max stay 31 nights. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Monthly Stay Valid at all Florida Encore

RV Resorts excluding the Keys

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid until 4/30/19. Book by 12/31/18. Min stay 90 nights, max stay 180 nights. Promo code: TTMemberSeasonal *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

▲ Victoria Palms (TX)

▲ Tropic Winds (TX)

South Texas

$1,249

$1,549

3-Month Seasonal Special

4-Month Seasonal Special

Valid at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine and Tropic Winds.

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 10/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book by 12/31/18.

Min stay 90 nights, max stay for 92 nights. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

South Texas

$1,899 3-Month Seasonal Special Valid at Victoria Palms

▲ Sunshine

(TX)

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

South Texas

$2,349 4-Month Seasonal Special Valid at Victoria Palms

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 10/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book by 12/31/18.

Min stay 90 nights, max stay for 92 nights.

Min stay 120 nights, max stay for 122 nights.

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Min stay 120 nights, max stay for 122 nights.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

inds (TX)

▲ Tropic W

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations

MAXIMIZE

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES

Travel Club See if a Membership Upgrade is Right for You! Which Camping Pass Upgrade is right for you? Camping Pass

Elite Basic

Elite Connections

Booking Window

60 Days

120 Days

180 Days

Maximum Stay

14 Days

21 Days

Thousand Trails

Access to Campgrounds in your zone(s)

Park to Park

More Freedom to Explore! Enjoying the benefits of your Thousand Trails Camping Pass? Then you’ll love what our premium upgrade options have to offer. Get nationwide access to our premier campsites and resorts, keep the fun going with longer maximum stays, plan further ahead with extended booking windows, and much more!

Call today (888) 842-8617 or visit thousandtrails.com/member-upgrade » For more information, see a membership

Family Access Reciprocal Network Getaway Cabins Travel Club

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

specialist on your next visit!

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 65.

Terms and Conditions for 2018 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

ACROSS 1 Helper 4 Hall (Ger.) 8 Berne’s river 12 Full of (suf.) 13 Eight (pref.) 14 Late 15 Fuel 16 Castle (2 words) 18 He (Lat.) 20 Queue 21 Weird 23 Sacred image 25 Blackthorn fruit 26 Impudent person 27 Confederate soldier 30 Flightless bird 31 Easy job 32 Cool 33 Sp. article 34 Concert halls 35 Poker stake 36 Mosque in Jerusalem 60

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

37 Cant 38 Bobbsey twins 40 Sling around 41 Nonchalant 44 Boor 47 Ring of light 48 Pleasant 49 Energy unit 50 Persia today 51 Mark (Lat.) 52 Sheep’s cry DOWN 1 Tooth 2 Father of Jehoshaphat 3 Fain 4 Arch. base 5 Longing 6 Condition (suf.) 7 Article (Fr.) 8 Administration (abbr.) 9 Time period 10 Wildly talk

11 Dutch commune 17 One of the seven deadly sins 19 Recline 21 Ass or donkey (Ger.) 22 Borden calf 23 Inside 24 Cocaine source 26 Queensland hemp plant 27 Tinea 28 Outer (pref.) 29 Vegetable 31 Fr. philosopher 35 One hundred square meters 36 Silk substitute 37 Hamlet (Sp.) 38 Wild pig 39 Feminine (suf.) 40 Denomination 41 Greek letter 42 Television channel 43 Uncle (Sp.) 45 Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.) 46 Food and Drug Admin. (abbr.)

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

Jodi Bowman of Lancaster, PA

found the tree on Page 32 of the July 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 August 12, 2018 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2018, you will receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2018, 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 roundtrip 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 roundtrip 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 2019, not to exceed $575 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, 2019. 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 May 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 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 $25 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.

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Lux-Liner LLC CA - Acadia • lux-liner.com

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 TN - Christiana, Johnson City, Sevierville 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 NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake, VA - Salem americanfamilyrv.com

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

B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me

Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com

Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com

Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com

Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com

Colerain RV GA - Ringgold IN - Indianapolis OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus KY - Lexington, Bowling Green TN - Lebanon, Louisville • colerainrv.com

Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • bladerv.com Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg • boatnrv.com Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis • funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • burlingtonrv.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • camperland.net

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Marjon RV CA - Moreno Valley • marjonrvs.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com

Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com

Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • bigcrv.com

Luxe Fifth Wheel The RV Factory IN - Elkhart • luxefifthwheel.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 Cunningham Campers, Inc. IN - Jeffersonville • cunninghamcampers.com Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft • curtistrailercenter.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

Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com

RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim, Willow rvvaluemart.com Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com

Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com

GO VR QC - Ange-Gardien • go-vr.com

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

Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com

Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com

Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com

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

Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com

Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com

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

Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com

Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com

General RV Center IL - Huntley MI - Brownstown, Mt. Clemens, Wayland, White Lake, Wixom OH - North Canton • generalrv.com

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

Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com

Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com

Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net

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

Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com

Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington • haltermansrv.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com Krenek RV Super Center MI - Coloma • krenekrv.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach • lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com

R.B. Taylor & Sons VA - Lynchburg • rbtaylorandsons.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) roadhousecamper.com

Stoltzfus RV’s & Marine PA - West Chester • stoltzfus-rec.com Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com

TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com Tonie's RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com

Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com

Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com

Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com

Vogt RV TX - Two locations in Ft. Worth vogtrv.com

RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less

Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden • westerntravelsales.com

RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com

Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com

See Grins RV CA - Gilroy, San Martin • seegrins.com

Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com

FIFE RV Center WA-Fife • fifervcenter.com

Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com

Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca

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

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

Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com

CANADA

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 - 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 AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

y l l a It’s R ! e m i T Calendar

CLUB August 2018

RVers seeking RVers? Rally clubs from coast to coast love to meet at our destinations. Join in on the fun!

Bounders United (BUTTN)

Rolling Thunder of Texoma

TT Travelers Southern California

Aug. 1-5 ..................Turtle Beach, CA Aug. 5-9 ....... Lake of the Springs, CA Sept. 27 ........................ Palm Springs Oct. 4 ............................ Palm Springs If you are interested in attending please contact wagonmaster Darlene Spalding at (951) 741-3881. BUTTN are members who own or have owned a Bounder motorhome and belong to the Bounders United and Thousand Trails.

We meet twice a year in the north Texas area. For more information call Dianna Huff at (405) 641-8226 or visit rollingthunderfmca.com.

We usually meet on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. In the morning we have coffee, snacks, socialize and play games. In the evening we have more fun with a potluck and card games. We are looking for more new members. Come visit us. For information, contact Cecil Schoolcraft, Wagonmaster, (619) 997-9787, or email him at cecilanddonna@aol.com.

TT SINGLES Northwest Aug. 24-26 ...........Mount Vernon, WA Sept. 28-30 ............... Cultus Lake, BC Oct. 26-28 ....................... Seaside, OR WagonMaster, Director Daphne Bailey (OR) Daphnebailey07@comcast.net, (503) 590-8566, Secretary Dorothy Michel (WA) (360) 941-3126, Djmichel48@gmail.com.

Lewis and Clark TTN Aug. 13-17 .................... Chehalis, WA Sept. 10-14 ............ Whalers Rest, OR Oct. 8-12 ......................... Seaside, OR Mike May: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Mike May (360) 581-5512 or mmay914@comcast.net. 64

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

TT of Texas/FMCA Sept. 7-9 ................Lake Whitney, TX Nov. 9-11 ................ Medina Lake, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. All motorhomes, trailer owners, and 5th-wheels are welcome. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Website: ttnoftexasfmca.com. Blog: ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com.

TT SINGLES Central California

If you are a single TTN Member looking to camp with a fun group in Central CA, please contact us at ccttnsingles@gmail.com for more information. Please visit our Facebook group: RV Seniors of Cental CA TTN.

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 60.

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 61.

Branching Out... Seeking a Safer Tomorrow

TTN So Cal Weekenders We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship. Email: ttnweekenders@gmail.com

AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

On Location

COLORFUL COTTAGES AT TROPICAL PALMS RV RESORT Located in Kissimmee, Florida, Tropical Palms RV Resort is a hidden gem of a vacation destination. From its lush landscape to special amenities like a pool, a cafe, live entertainment, social events, and much more, Tropical Palms is the perfect getaway. Not only does Tropical Palms sit on 69 beautiful sun-kissed acres of lush Florida land, Tropical Palms is close to all of the attractions Orlando has to offer! Walt Disney World® is only 4 miles away; its only 11 miles from the Orange County Convention Center and its within walking distance from Old Town Orlando and Fun Spot!

Tropical Palms’ spacious vacation cottages come in a variety of floor plans. The cottages come complete with a private deck, full kitchen, flat-screen TV, and sleeper sofa set. Pet friendly cottages are available as well! Thousand Trails members can get 20% off a 2 night minimum stay (6 night maximum) in a vacation cottage at Tropical Palms from now until Sept. 30, 2018! Call 877-570-2267 and remember to use promo code: TBTPRV20.* Book today! And to get a special look inside the Tropical Palms cottages and resort, visit RVontheGo.com.

geico.com

800-442-9253

Local Office

for your RV

To book your next stay, visit RVontheGo.com 66

*Book by September 28, 2018. Valid until September 30, 2018. Subject to availability. Reservations required. Offer valid on new reservations only. Offer valid on rentals only. Stays 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. 6 night maximum. Rates do not include taxes. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. AUGUST 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO

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

LIVE

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

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

LOVE IT. ®

18 SERVICES

1-800-679-2020

WWW.SKYMED.COM

LOVE USA