TrailBlazer Magazine - January / February 2019 by TrailBlazer Magazine

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 â&#x2013; $2.00

MAGAZINE

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

YOU receive a $25 Visa® Virtual Reward when your friend purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass! Your referral also enters YOU into our 2019 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

GRAND PRIZE

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 2020 10 Winners Selected

($4,000 value)

(Up to $585 value)

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 VOL. 46 ■ ISSUE 1

WHAT'S INSIDE 42

Who Slept Here? Presidential birthplaces and the towns that produced our leaders.

Courtesy of © Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, photo by Ian Atkins.

regulars Pics From The Parks

Member Deals 54 Crossword Puzzle 60 Sudoku Puzzle 61

Come along with us on a journey through Thousand Trails' 50 year history!

Preferred RV Dealer List 62

tips & topics Tech Topics

4 Paws on the Road 23 Ask RV Bill 24 Courtesy of Seldon Ink.

Tips & Tricks – Tips for 26 a Successful Road Trip

lifestyle 5

Message from Marguerite

20 I Knew I was a TrailBlazer – with Janice M. Dill 20 On the Road – with Joe Hawley 32 Cooking Corner 40 Lonely Planet’s New Book: The Vanlife Companion

calendars 16 On-Site Events 18 Local Events 64 Club Calendar

Driving Florida’s Gulf Coast From the Big Bend to the Everglades JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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MESSAGE from

MARGUERITE

At the start of every year, the dialogue of what we hope to accomplish in the next 365 days begins. Resolutions are made, goals are set, and the rush to plan sets in. As a whole, there’s a large focus on looking forward to all the possibilities a new year brings. This year, Thousand Trails will spend time looking forward, as well as looking back. 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of Thousand Trails, and we have quite a bit to celebrate with all of you. It’s hard to believe an idea for a unique network of campgrounds started as a conversation during a family outing, and grew into what it is today. The goal remains the same: create memorable camping experiences for nature lovers for generations to come. With so many members and camping guests, and 81 locations across the country, we’re lucky to welcome you back to our locations time and again. Throughout 2019, we’ll be celebrating 50 years of creating camping memories with all of you. From time capsule events and Thousand Trails pins to countless Facebook surprises, there will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate the past 50 years of fun. That said, we’ll also be spending time looking ahead to new opportunities to help everyone get out and camp a bit more. Packaged with this issue of TrailBlazer is the Thousand Trails 2019 calendar, which I hope will help

you and your family look ahead into 2019. Flip through to see special events planned for the year, and fun camping days, like National Go Fishing Day or Campfire Day. Schedule a few extra camping trips this year, and remind yourself why camping memories are truly the best memories. You certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance to enjoy a s’more on National S’mores Day in August, would you? This year is shaping up to be a great one, but what about the next 50 years of Thousand Trails? We’re excited to see the advancements in the camping and RV industry and can only imagine where it will go. There have been so many exciting changes in the last 50 years and the way people get out and camp has changed dramatically. All of the advancements are exciting, but sometimes, it’s the simple things that last. Rest assured, we’ll be here focusing on what matters for the next 50 years: helping all of you create memorable camping experiences.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 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 Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr., May/June, Sept./Oct., and Nov./Dec. by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional ofﬁces. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526. TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE

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

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Win $50

EACH Issue!

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

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

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

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▲ Chehalis RV Campground (WA): Landscape. – Tim Lucas

WINN

ER!

▲ Ponderosa RV Campground (CA): New members as of August and one of our favorite stays was at Ponderosa RV Resort, Thousand Trails. – Cheryl Cardoza & Pete Hernandez

▲ Verde Valley RV Campground (AZ): After the rain there was a double rainbow over Verde Valley. – Eva Searcy

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winners, Bobby and Karen Kilpatrick from Madison, AL, were camping at Natchez Trace RV Campground when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

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

What started as an idea on a family outing has evolved into a network of campgrounds across the country. Thanks to this idea, Thousand Trails now has a 50-year history of making camping memories with families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. In 1969, Milt and Lois Kuolt purchased a large parcel of land in Chehalis, Washington, to open a "well-placed, easily accessible campground" that was equipped with the comforts of home. The campground would also include amenities and outdoor activity opportunities family campers, much like themselves, were often seeking. Chehalis became the first Thousand Trails campground, and for the next 50 years, Thousand Trails provided families with memories and outdoor adventures across generations to come. Follow along to see more of Thousand Trails' storied history and see what's in store for the next 50!

*To see even more about Thousand Trailsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; history, visit ThousandTrails.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Milt Kuolt forms Pacific Rim Group, Inc., and purchases 640-acre parcel of land near Chehalis, Washington.

1971

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Opting not to sell the Chehalis property, Kuolt moves forward with the membership campground concept. He changes the name of Pacific Rim Group, Inc., to Thousand Trails, Inc., in a nod to an energetic little squirrel named Philbert.

1979 1972

Chehalis, the first preserve in the Thousand Trails network, opens to members.

Cultus Lake, La Conner and Lake of the Springs open; TT membership is at 13,000 families. A new color tabloid, TrailBlazer, replaces member newsletter.

1975

Leavenworth Preserve welcomes members.

1976

Thousand Trails purchases third preserve in Mt. Vernon, Washington.

1978

Trading Posts open at both Chehalis and Leavenworth Preserves; TT purchases Bend, Oregon, property.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

1981

Singer and cowboy actor Roy Rogers becomes TT’s first official spokesperson. Oakzanita Preserve opens.

1982

TT takes on Texas opening Colorado River, Lake Conroe, Medina Lake and Lake Whitney. Nevada comes next as TT opens the Las Vegas Preserve. TrailBlazer switches format from tabloid to magazine.

1984

TT continues to grow adding Michigan’s St. Clair Preserve, Indiana’s Horseshoe Lake, Ohio’s Kenisee Lake and Wilmington preserves, as well as Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay, North Carolina’s Forest Lake and Florida’s Orlando preserves.

1985

Palm Springs opens.

1987

Thousand Trails and NACO campgrounds are combined under common ownership; Roy Rogers, and son Dusty, are welcomed by more than 1,000 members at Soledad Canyon’s Western Hoedown.

1989

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans perform at the first Thousand Trails Rally held in Laughlin, Nevada.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

1999

The Leisure Time resorts become part of the Thousand Trails family of campgrounds.

2004

Thousand Trails and NACO campgrounds become part of the Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., network of recreational properties.

2006

Outdoor World and Mid-Atlantic become part of the Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., network of recreational properties.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

F MA SO

â&#x20AC;˘CELEB

RA TIN

2010

Thousand Trails Facebook page launches. The photo, featured right, is from Orlando (FL) and is the first photo we ever shared on Facebook.

1969

2012

Idyllwild (CA) gets an overhaul of their amenities including new upgraded RV sites, a playground, dog run, horse corrals, furniture, and fresh paint! Peace River (FL)â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool and spa upgrades stand out as the best of the year!

2013 Soledad Canyon (CA) receives an investment of over $1 million to improve the welcome center, lodges, sports courts, pool areas, restrooms, and over 65 sites!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Over 10 west coast campgrounds received new rental accommodations.

AKING

2014 IN

M EM OR IES•

ARS

9-2014

Thousand Trails’ celebrates 45 Years of making camping memories! Many happy campers showed up to Thousand Trails campgrounds to celebrate with cake, entertainment, and fun! A special event at Chehalis (WA), the first Thousand Trails campground, celebrated with almost 1,000 campers! Thousand Trails Instagram launches. The first photo posted (below) was of Chesapeake Bay (VA).

2015

#100DaysofCamping rally towels launch! One of the first camper photos with a rally towel came from Gettysburg Farm Campground (PA).

2017

The Trails Collection Reciprocal Program launches. Existing Thousand Trails members can add the Trails Collection Reciprocal Program for an extra cost providing access to over 120 additional campgrounds! Thousand Trails hosts its seventh For Pete’s Sake respite stay.

2018

Lake Conroe (TX) opens over 100 new sites! TrailBlazermagazine.net relaunches; ThousandTrails.com relaunches.

2019

Thousand Trails celebrates 50 Years! TrailBlazer Magazine celebrates 40 years!

Visit thousandtrails.com to see an interactive timeline! JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

ACTIVITIES

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 in January and February at Thousand Trails Campgrounds across the country.

Creating Crafts At Thousand Trails, we love to craft! Check out some of the best crafting days at Thousand Trails’ campgrounds this winter. We will be making popcorn crafts and watching a movie to celebrate National Popcorn Day on January 12 at Soledad Canyon (CA). Show and teach us about your hobby at Colorado River (TX) the weekend of January 19 for Hobby Day. Get ready to share at the Activity Center. Come to Lake Conroe (TX) make pasta art crafts, bingo, and a pasta potluck on January 19. The weekend of January 19-20, make beaded charms to hang on the trees when you walk Verde Valley (AZ) for “The Kindness Project,” in conjunction with Sedona Kind. Emphasis is on treat “charms” that also incorporate bird seed or just warm the heart of someone who finds one. The following weekend at Lake Conroe (TX) on January 26, we’ll be doing kid crafts and adult crafts. If you have an unusual craft or hobby, bring it along to the Recreation Lodge at Morgan Hill (CA) to share with others. Are you looking for a new hobby? Join us for an informative time the weekend of February 22!

Valentine’s Day Celebrations Whether you’ve been married for 50 years or are single and lovin’ life, there are plenty of ways to celebrate love when you stay at Thousand Trails’ in February. Come join us at Lake of the Springs (CA) to celebrate Valentine's Day! We will be having a candlelight dinner followed by a dance in the Lodge on February 9. Valentine crafts and a Valentine Dinner take place on February 9 at Lake Tawakoni (TX). Prepare yourself for some really sweet activities. Including a chocolate tasting, a Sweetheart Jewelry Class and a Valentine’s Day Potluck at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of February 8-10. Bring your hunny to the Base Camp Lodge at Yosemite Lakes (CA) to celebrate your love for each other! We've got some sweet treats for our sweet members! Come to the Lodge at Turtle Beach Fish Camp (CA) at 6:30 p.m. on February 14 to play Candy Bar Bingo! Come and enjoy our special Valentine's and Presidents' Day Celebration with a ‘60s DJ Party at Lake Texoma (TX) on February 16. Dress in your favorite ‘60s clothes to be entered into our door prize giveaways! Enjoy our chocolate fountain plus snacks and punch for a fun-filled day!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

The first weekend of February is a BIG weekend for football fans! Put on your favorite team colors and see below for the best tailgating! Wear your team colors and watch the Big Game with us at Colorado River (TX) this weekend! This weekend, it's all about football at Lake Conroe (TX)! We will be playing flag football and making football crafts. We'll kick off the “Big Game” weekend at Lake Minden (CA) on Friday Night with an indoor “tailgate” potluck social and join us Sunday for a viewing party! Let's enjoy some finger foods and watch some football together at Lake Tawakoni (TX). Join us for a chips and dips sampling at Lake Texoma (TX)! Saturday afternoon, snack on chips and dips, then sit around visiting with your friends about Sunday's Big Game! Then finish off the snacks during our Family Bingo! Come and watch your favorite teams play on the big screen TV with the folks at Wilderness Lakes (CA). Bring your most delightful finger foods to snack on. Let's cheer on our teams together in the Lounge at Peace River (FL). Come out of your campers and join us at Lake Whitney (TX)for the tailgating party and watch the game on our big screen TV with all your camping buddies. Bring a dish of gridiron grub or stadium snacks. Play lots of tailgating games and have loads of fun. Jerry Jones will finish off our weekend with a gospel concert at 7 p.m.

Friendly Competitions Win or lose, you can’t beat the nonstop fun that goes on at Thousand Trail’s campgrounds all year! Check out the friendly competition this winter! The theme of the annual Costume Bike Ride at San Benito (CA) is “what is your spirit animal?” Come dressed as your favorite animal on January 19 and join the group for a ride around San Benito. Best costume will win a prize! The Fourth Annual Ironman of Games Tournament at Peace River (FL) takes place the weekend of January 12-13. On Saturday, compete in a series of easy going games and contests to win our coveted blue ribbon. Jerry Jones will finish off our weekend with a gospel concert at 7 p.m. February 9 will be the annual horseshoe tournament at Palm Springs (CA), with players competing from near and far. Cap off the day by joining us at the Recreation Lodge for fifties and sixties music and a Sock Hop contest. Join fellow Thousand Trails pool players from around the area the weekend of February 13-17, that come to Wilderness Lakes (CA) for 9-ball, Jack and Jill, singles and doubles. The Annual Horseshoe Tournament at Wilderness Lakes (CA) returns the weekend of February 20-23. Some events may require a participation fee.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Gear Up for the Big Game!

TrailBlazer Takes You on the History Trail! 1969

Airstream has its first redesign and the exterior and structural changes represent the Airstream trailers we know and love today.

June 28, 1969

A confrontation between gay rights activists and police outside the Stonewall Inn – a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York City – escalates into a riot. Over the next four decades, the riots act as a symbolic force for the gay rights movement.

July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin land Apollo 11 on the moon. The event was broadcast on TV to a worldwide audience.

August 15-18, 1969

The Woodstock Music & Arts Festival is held on a dairy farm in the Catskill Mountains, attracting more than 400K people throughout the weekend.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

While you stay at Thousand Trails, why not explore the region around you? Check out some of the local events happening near Thousand Trails’ campgrounds this month!

IDYLLWILD (CA)

events

VERDE VALLEY (AZ)

Jan 10-13

6th Annual Winterfest This popular yearly celebration will entertain and educate attendees with a dynamic schedule of events, including an intimate salon musicale held in one of Sedona’s private homes and a culminating chamber music concert on Sunday, January 13 at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. chambermusicsedona.org

Feb 2

Shenanigans & Skullduggery Cowboy Poetry Show Enjoy Sedona author, cowboy poet and actor Michael Peach in an original performance. Peach blends original cowboy poetry with tall tales, jokes, and first-person narrative as he exposes and pokes fun at quirky incidents from Arizona politics and law. This is a tongue-in-cheek look at Arizona and local history. visitsedona.com

CULTUS LAKE (BC)

Jan 18-20

Vancouver Motorcycle Show The 2019 Vancouver Motorcycle Show at the Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre is the chance to check out all the new 2019 motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs all under one roof. Meet experts, check out gear and get revved up for your next adventure. vancouvermotorcycleshow.ca

Feb 14-17

Early Bird RV Show & Sale

Peruse over 120,000 square feet of all kinds of recreational vehicles, exhibits, resorts, accessories, customization, engines, and more at greater Vancouver’s premier spring RV show. rvshowsbc.com/earlybird

Jan 12

Star Party at the Monument View the wondrous night sky with telescopes and giant binoculars to view the planets and stars above. This free star party is put on by The Astronomical Society of the Desert. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years. desertmountains.org

Feb 23

3rd Annual Cultured Food Festival

Learn about and taste a wide range of fermented foods including kombucha and sourdough bread. Learn how to make your own fermented foods at home with interactive classes. At the Highland Springs Ranch & Inn. hsresort.com/ff

LAKE OF THE SPRINGS (CA)

Feb 18

Nevada City Mardi Gras Celebration

The 26th anniversary of Nevada City’s annual Mardi Gras Celebration is hosted by the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce and features a festive parade and street fair throughout the streets of historic downtown Nevada City. nevadacitychamber.com

MORGAN HILL (CA)

Jan 19-20

Symphony Silicon Valley

Pianist Jon Kimura and Conductor Pietro Rizzo present Brahms' Piano Concerto #2 & Dvorak's 8th Symphony. symphonysiliconvalley.org

Feb 19-24

Cats – Broadway San Jose

This record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages. Presented at the Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown San Jose. broadwaysanjose.com

PALM SPRINGS (CA)

Jan 5-6

Palm Springs Kennel Club Dog Show in Indio

Annually AKC Licensed All Breed Dog Show hosts of one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world. kennelclubpalmsprings.org 18

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Feb 15-24

Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

For more than 50 years, this week-long event celebrates the annual date harvest in the Coachella Valley. Live entertainment, camel and ostrich races, and nightly Arabian nights musical pageant. Also a wide variety of delicious food, carnival rides, and shopping. datefest.org

PIO PICO (CA)

Jan 11-12

Poway Winter Festival

Experience the magic and charm of winter in Southern California like never before! Build a snowman; sled down the snow hill; roast marshmallows; or take a spin around the synthetic skating rink! poway.org

Jan 22-24

Con-Dor Con (Mission Valley) Con-Dor is San Diego’s longest running science-fiction and fantasy convention, put together by the California Association for the Advancement of Speculative Media (C.A.A.S.M.), a non-profit organization. This year’s theme: “Through the Looking Glass; Alternate Realities.” condorcon.org

RANCHO OSO (CA)

Jan 5-7

Raw Science Film Festival This 3-day festival honors films on science and technology. Ring in the new year by learning something new. The Raw Science Film Festival comes to Santa Barbara for the first time this year. downtownsb.org/do/raw-science-film-festival

Jan 31 – Feb 10

Santa Barbara International Film Festival Over 200 films will be screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival – a two-week engagement bringing the best of independent and independent film to Santa Barbara. sbiff.org

September 26, 1969

Feb 9-11

Wine Fest

Abbey Road is issued. It is the final Beatles album to be recorded (but not the last to be released). Abbey Road spends 11 weeks at #1 on the US charts.

This 28th Annual festival features arts and crafts, complimentary winery tours, tasting and live music at the Lakeridge Winery. Food and wine will be available for purchase. Music by Lady & The Boyz, Shawline, Mike Quick Band, and others. Advance tickets are available at Eventbrite.com. lakeridgewinery.com

SOUTH JETTY (OR)

Jan 25

Winter Music Festival The Friends of the Florence Events Center present the 17th annual Winter Music Festival with headliner John McEuen + The String Wizards and featuring Chris Kokesh + LJ Booth. Listen to 11 bands in a 3-day festival! wintermusicfestival.org

Feb 14

SEACoast Nicole Henry Celebrate Valentine's Day with this generation's First Lady of Jazz. Nicole Henry has established herself as one of the jazz world's most acclaimed vocalists, possessing abilities, impeccable phrasing, and emotional resonance. Visit the website for detailed ticket information. eventcenter.org

BAY LANDING (TX)

Jan 19

Stockyards Championship Rodeo Come enjoy the authentic western cowboy experience at the Cowtown Coliseum Every Friday and Saturday night. stockyardsrodeo.com

LAKE WHITNEY (TX)

Jan 25 – Feb 3

Steel Magnolias “This beloved comedy/drama follows the lives and friendship of six unforgettable women from Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana. Supporting each other through their accomplishments and their losses, they gather at Truvy’s beauty shop to celebrate, reminisce, grieve, and antagonize. Steel Magnolias is sure to make you laugh, cry, and want to see it again!” wacocivictheatre.org

Activities and Events – Local

ORLANDO (FL)

Jan 18 – Feb 9

1970

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Congress declares the General Authorities Act of 1970, which officially clarifies the national, historic, and recreation areas of the US that encompass the National Park’s system.*

The legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, is the place to be. Enjoy exciting rodeo action, livestock, horse shows, shopping, live music, kid’s activities, and much more. fwssr.com

MEDINA LAKE (TX)

Thurs & Sat Mornings Bandera Sage Gardens Farmers Market

October 1971

Walt Disney World’s Main Street opens in Orlando, FL. Admission is $3.50

Local vendors offer a variety of cool weather produce, plus free-range eggs, baked goods, honey products, and more. banderafarmersmarket.org

Feb 7–24

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Held at the AT&T Center, this event features great entertainment with star-studded artists during all PRCA rodeo performances, plus shopping, a carnival and livestock centers. visitsanantonio.com

1972

CHEHALIS & PARADISE (WA)

Open All Year

White Pass Ski Area Hit the slopes for downhill skiing; enjoy for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; view wintering elk herds and more. skiwhitepass.com

Cruise America, the RV rental and sales company, is established in Mesa, AZ.

LA CONNER (WA)

Until Mar 3

50 Years of History at the Top of the Hill The Skagit County Historical Society was founded in 1959 and the museum opened in 1968. skagitcounty.net/museum

*Source: www.nps.gov/ parkhistory/online_books/ anps/anps_7a.htm

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

I WAS A

TrailBlazer JANICE M. DILL This month, Trailblazer introduces you to Janice Dill, a longtime camper who is currently living her “dream adventure” by traveling the western region of the US! Read more about Janice and her travels in this month’s, I Knew I Was A TrailBlazer! TB: What type of camper are you/what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why? (ex: fifth wheel, RV, tent, cabins, etc.) TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began!

JD: Although I began enjoying the great outdoors as a backpacker/ tent camper, my parents had a fifth wheel when I was 15. With that early introduction to this type of RV, I was familiar with it and my fifth wheel was a comfortable, familiar and safe choice for me as an added luxury to my camping experience!

JD: My father introduced me as a 7-year old to backpacking, fishing and tent camping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California where I was raised. I was introduced to RVing by my parents and grandmother when I was 15. TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? JD: My grandmother and parents were members of Thousand Trails when I was a teenager.

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

TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories? JD: Traveling to southern California with my grandparents, parents and children to visit Disneyland, Lego Land, Hollywood and Knotts Berry Farm. We traveled in their RVs and camped at TT. It was an unforgettable multigenerational event for our family. 20

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories? JD: One day my sanitation engineer task became a “RV” movie mishap. My neighbors good-naturedly nicknamed me “Miss Williams”!

JD: Having a Thousand Trails membership has afforded me the opportunity to travel and explore the Pacific Northwest. Without it, traveling so far north would not have been possible for me.

I KNEW I WAS A TRAILBLAZER WHEN I CHOSE A WAY OF LIFE THAT INCLUDED CAMPING EVERY DAY IN THE THOUSAND TRAILS PARKS, AND CAMPING HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY PREFERRED CHOICE EVER SINCE MY CHILDHOOD FAMILY WAS CAMPING IN THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS. TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle? JD: Although I have always thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors on so many levels...snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, bicycling...exploring the area I am visiting and finding its beauty and history is my favorite part of this lifestyle. I may never exhaust all our country has to offer. TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when... JD: I knew I was a Trailblazer when I chose a way of life that included camping every day in the Thousand Trails Parks, and camping has always been my preferred choice ever since my childhood family was camping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. TB: Feel free to share any other camping/RVing stories here. JD: So here I am, living my dream adventure, traveling the Western Region and literally loving every moment! I wintered in Southern Arizona and spent so much time bonding with my Dad, that when it was time for me to head north for the summer I was a little sad leaving him, but in moving forward and onward it is just so exciting! Then my parents decided to spend the summer caravanning with me! Spending so

1973

Patagonia clothing company is founded in Ventura, CA, providing affordable, high-quality outdoor clothing to the masses.

1976

Gore-Tex, the fabric that is breathable, waterproof, and windproof, goes on the market for commercial use. This fabric revolutionized the way camping gear was made. Also, this year: the Snow Lion Polarguard Mummy Sleeping Bag goes on the market. It is the first highperformance sleeping bag to be sold.

much time with family and friends, meeting new people along the way and making plans with ladies in my RV Group has just been an amazing experience. My parents ended up spending the summer in Washington State caravanning with me, which has been such a blessing and just so much fun! Camping with family and enjoying this beautiful Country with them, exploring all the places we visit, learning the history and what is so unique to each place we go. My partners in crime are my cat Peewee and my dog Casie. They are just amazing travel partners and my awesome Dad who helped make this new dream adventure of mine even possible! I’m sure I will run into some of you in my travels. You’ll find me either on the road, on my mountain bike or hiking on the trails. I’m just so excited I can hardly stand it. ¾

Photography on this spread courtesy of Janice M. Dill

1977

Burton Snowboards are introduced to consumers.

1979

“The Big Picture, a major annual publication in the travel industry, states that in 1979 U.S. travelers spent $126 billion on trips to places 100 miles or more from home. This is more money than is spent for clothing, automobiles, and for national defense.”* *Source: www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/ gtr_ne57/gtr_ne57_2_207.pdf

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Tips and Topics

TECH

TOP CS

RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! by Paul and Kerri Elders This month, let's take a look at a few simple maintenance tips to help prevent interior leaks and give you some food for thought about managing occasional low voltage electrical hookups. Ready? Let's get going!

SHORE POWER: When plugging your RV into the electrical hookup box at any campsite, it's important to always use a properly sized, heavy duty RV electrical cord. If the campsite shore power service is limited (for example, to 30 amp service, rather than 50 amp), you may need to think about temporarily minimizing the use of some appliances. In other words, don't plug your RV into a 30 amp outlet and try to run two air conditioners, a microwave, two televisions, and a hairdryer at the same time! If you find your RV’s electrical cord power plug is getting very warm to the touch while plugged into the campground receptacle, it’s usually a safe bet that you have either 1. Bad electrical connections or 2. Low voltage. In either case, turn off some of your appliances until the issue is resolved. So, how do you know if you have adequate power to run your appliances, air conditioners, etc.? Simple! Just purchase a small plug-in voltage meter (also called a “line voltage monitor”); they cost less than $20. Plug this little device into any of your RV’s 120-volt household outlets and you’ll have a continuous readout of the voltage running through that circuit. This very simple and inexpensive testing device can help you prevent damage to your appliances. Any reading below 110 volts is considered low voltage and anything above 130 volts are too high. If you experience abnormal voltages, it's a good idea to keep your appliance loads to a minimum and notify the campground manager. 22

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

WINDSHIELD CHECK-UP: Motorhome owners should carefully examine their front windshield every six months, inspecting the black urethane sealant for a good, tight seal. If you’ve been experiencing wind noise or water leaks, you may have a sealing problem. If you discover the source of the sealing problem during your inspection, you can temporarily patch the problem area with a high quality, clear silicone until you have the opportunity to take your unit to an appropriate repair facility. But resist the temptation to let this silicone sealer be your permanent fix; make sure you have the factory seal properly repaired ASAP. While you’re inspecting the windshield’s seal, take a good look at the integrity of the glass, checking for cracks and chips. If you find any chips, have them repaired as soon as possible, so they don’t become cracks. Fortunately, most areas now have mobile windshield repair services, so you’re usually just a phone call away from fixing a chip BEFORE it becomes a crack. And if you do find cracks, have your windshield replaced immediately; a cracked windshield is a safety hazard.

LEAK PATROL: It’s important to keep tabs on your rig’s condition at all times; as we’ve repeatedly stated, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Periodically check your RV for signs of water leakage, paying special attention to inside corners and around windows. Take a quick look under sinks in the bathroom and kitchen, checking both plumbing fixtures and the drains and p-traps for evidence of tiny leaks. Check the shower and bath area carefully. Press on the walls of the shower, feeling for any unusual "give” and occasionally take the time to take a closer look at your shower fixture.

All RVers also need to take the time to periodically inspect the windows of their RV’s, looking for damage and/or leaky seals. This is another area where a tiny bit of preventive maintenance saves you from future headaches. Leaky window seals can quickly progress to leaks in your walls, which can further progress to mold, mildew, and swollen siding. Check your interior ceiling, of course, paying particular attention to the areas under your roof’s joints and seams. Carefully and regularly take a look at slideouts, where leaky seals can progress quickly from small water leaks to advanced mildew and mold. Pay special attention to areas around roof vent fans and other roof or siding penetrations (TV antennas, satellite dishes, roof racks, roof railings, ladders, skylights, air conditioners, etc.) It's a good idea to periodically use a flashlight to carefully inspect the wall, ceiling, and floor areas of all closed spaces, staying alert for signs of water damage. Look in all closets and closed areas, always remaining alert to the tell-tale odor of mildew, which can betray a hidden leaking problem. Remember to check exterior storage bays, too. Inspect your storage bay door seals and use a flashlight to periodically check around plumbing lines in storage areas. The sooner you find a problem, the sooner you can repair it and prevent the kind of heartbreaking damage undetected water leaks can cause to your beloved home on wheels. Keep your eyes on the horizon and blaze a trail; happy travels, Trailblazers! ¾

Check out more tips & tricks on trailblazermagazine.net

Tips and Topics

paws ROAD

by Jenn Swope-Gehr

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

weeks and touch up in between with a small, lithium ion sander by Dremel that I purchased at Home Depot many years ago. The Dremel is lightweight, ergonomic, yet small enough for detail work. It is extremely quiet and I think that helps my pets feel more comfortable with the sanding process. For ear cleaning, I use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free baby wipes or a soft, cotton round that has been moistened with hydrogen peroxide. I gently wipe the ear and inspect the entire canal with natural sunlight or a flashlight to see inside the ear canal clearly. I speak softly and reward along the way with tiny bits of their favorite treats, encouraging positive behavior. Q-tips can be used to gently remove excess wax or build up from the creases and canal of the ear. Hi Jenn, Could you describe what you do for routine ear cleaning maintenance on your Bostons as well as how often you trim their nails, and what tools you use for all of the grooming. Any thoughts on how to make it all go smoothly? We are trying to save money on the road and not depend on a groomer. Your pups are so lovely and a true example of why it’s worth socialization efforts. Much obliged, Sandra Cohen Austin, TX Hi Sandra, I try to be diligent when it comes to my pet's grooming and maintenance needs. Consistency and kindness go a long way for developing desired behaviors. In fact, I have a monthly reminder set on my phone to prompt me when it’s time for grooming. Also, my pets receive a generic version of Heart Guard on a monthly basis. I trim my pets nails with clippers every two

I brush my dogs regularly with a squirrel hair brush that is designed as a face brush for horses as it is extremely soft. The equine face brush is made in Germany and I’ve had it now for nearly 25 years – a worthy investment. From time to time, I sterilize the brush, nail clippers, and toothbrush with Chlorhexidine solution. I air-dry the brush in the sun. I brush my dogs' teeth with an enzymatic, turkey-flavored toothpaste approximately five days a week. Again, the secret to creating behaved dogs during this process is to go slowly with each grooming task. Don’t be in a hurry. Nails can be clipped over a few days if need be. Be sure to only

use calm, positive reinforcement and reward with small treats. Thank you for your inquiry and compliment! Below is a heartfelt discussion and comments, graciously discussed with Thousand Trails members, Sue and Jim Haggerty. Thank you to Sue & Jim for sharing their thoughts on when is the best time to let go of a beloved pet at the end of their life. Jenn, some time ago, you were responding to a couple who were asking you how to know when to put down a dog with a terminal illness. You said it had to be when the time was right for you. My comment is about like this: My husband and I have been lifelong pet owners and have sadly had to make that horribly painful decision too many times. We feel that the primary reason for the decision to euthanize a beloved pet must be to end the suffering of the pet. We must NEVER keep a pet alive when he is suffering because we are not ready to let go. We must always do what is best for the pet who has spent his life loving us. Please encourage pet owners to show true love to their loyal and loving pets by releasing them from their pain. Unlike some people, we absolutely do believe that animals do go to heaven and will be waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Most sincerely, Sue & Jim ¾

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Tips and Topics

ASK

BILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Water Pressure Problems

Hi Bill,

I am having a water pressure problem that I just don’t understand. I have great pressure in some of my fixtures but others just drizzle. I have a 2015 5th wheel, KZ Durango. I replaced the kitchen sink faucet thinking there might be sediment clogging the spray pattern, which there is no aerator to unscrew to unclog. But the water just drizzles through the supply line so it wasn’t the actual faucet being clogged. In the half bath, the sink faucet always gets clogged with sawdust particles, I keep cleaning the aerator and the water pressure is fine. The toilet has practically no water when flushing. In the full bath, the water pressure is fine in the sink and is so powerful when flushing that toilet, sometimes it comes out of the bowl. The shower, however, is starting to lose pressure. I have used a water filter and changed them regularly ever since the camper was new and I am the only owner. So, I am sure it must be trash in the line from the factory since I do get sawdust in the half bath sink faucet. But I have no idea how to blow out the lines. There weren’t any water line diagrams in the owner’s manual

and the lines are hard to follow since they are routed behind the walls and undercarriage. I would really appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you, Will Blair

Will,

I have seen so many different water line pressure problems over the years, but this one I have not. First, drain the water heater and flush it. This will eliminate calcium particles. The sawdust may also be the culprit, with calcium mixed in. There is a fitting that will screw into the faucets where the aerator screen is. You will have to go to a plumbing store and tell them you want a fitting from aerator to a garden hose. I have had one for 40 years, hopefully, they are still available. Make sure the water is off and release pressure in the system before attaching the fitting. Drain the water heater, hook a water hose with a pressure regulator and have a helper turn the hose on while you open the cold and hot sides of the fixtures, this will blow the clogs out of the system. The hot side will blow out through the water heater if it does not have a check valve. The cold side will need to be flushed out through another fixture after you remove the aerator. The toilet will need a different fitting and you will have to remove the water line from the toilet.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Chassis Battery Charges

Hi Bill,

I bought this unit two years ago and have had very few issues. About six months ago while camping with 50 amp power my chassis battery was not keeping a charge. After checking for loose wires and eventually buying a new battery, it still loses significant power over a three day period. I now disconnect the ground cable if I camp for more than a couple of days. I’m stumped, any suggestions? Sincerely, Bill Strein

Bill,

The chassis battery will not charge from your converter while you are on shore power. The house battery system is designed to separate when the engine is off. There is a drain on the chassis battery that will need to be tracked down if you have a meter that will read amperage, hook it up to the disconnected positive cable on the start battery and you will get an amperage draw reading. Start pulling fuses until the draw is gone. This will tell you the culprit draining the battery, keep in mind the radio has a memory and will have a very small draw continuously. If you do not have a meter you can use a 12volt test light between the cable and battery post which will light up if a

Tips and Topics

draw is present. The only drawback to the test light is that it won't light up for a very small drain.

Fridge Lights

Hello Bill,

Any help you can give us with regard to the above-referenced fridge is greatly appreciated. The pilot light stays on but doesn't turn on the main burner. The valve and tube are clean. Nice blue flame. The printed circuit board was replaced in '09 with a Dinosaur. We just installed a used circuit board from an RV dealer and same symptoms. The fridge works fine when plugged into A/C current. What could the problem be why the fridge does not operate in the gas mode. Thank you so much for any info and help! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Anonymous

Great choice for the Dinosaur board, they are the best, however, gas refrigerators do not have pilot lights. The burner lights stay on until the fridge gets cold. The control board shuts the flame off until the thermister, temp sensor calls for more cold. The first test you need to perform is a pressure test for your propane system, there may be a test plug near the burner which is where you will check pressure. A minimum of 11 inches of water column is needed for

proper function, the flame might be blue but it may not have enough BTU output or heat required to cool the fridge The burner orifice needs to be cleaned, you will need a qualified technician to perform this as it can be dangerous if not done correctly. I have seen the top of the RV burned from a cleaning. Slideout Gasket Materials

A/C Issues

Twice this year I have lost one of two AC circuits in my 2005 Tiffin Phaeton, both while staying at Thousand Trails parks over 6,565 feet. In the first case, a repair shop replaced the GCFI outlet in the bathroom (the only such outlet we could find) and the problem seemed fixed. In the second instance, I drove down to Sacramento, CA to a Tiffin dealer, but, before I could get in to see them I tried (again) to rest the outlet. This time it worked and the problem has not recurred (nor have I been at high altitudes again). My son did some internet fiddling and came up with "altitude derating." According to what he found, GCFI outlets and most circuit breakers are only certified up to 2,000 meters (6,656 feet). If true, this explains why it works once in lower reaches. But no one I have spoken with since ever heard of it. Is it real? If it is, why do manufacturers not warn us of such

things? I can tell you it was most stressful, especially the first time when I was stuck with the satellite dish up! Stephen Huth Sarasota, FL

Stephen,

I have never heard of a GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupter, that did not function properly in high altitude. I personally have spent months in 10,000-foot elevation without any problems. Your air conditioner should not be connected to the bathroom GFCI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all air conditioners have their own 20 amp circuit breaker. Check with Tiffin and ask them what process they recommend to rectify this problem. Hopefully, just a simple switch of wires on the breakers will fix the problem.

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Tips and Topics

Tips for a Successful Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or heading out on the road for the very ﬁrst time, it’s always good to have some helpful tips in your back pocket for a successful road trip. Check out some of these tips for your next adventure!

Download before you go. You’re going to need entertainment while on the road, especially if you’re traveling with children (or antsy adults…) Download all of your entertainment before you leave and you’re guaranteed to have all the podcasts, songs, books, and tv shows you want while in areas that have less-than-stellar cell service.

Your GPS is great, but have a backup plan with real maps. We’ve all felt like we were in the middle of a sitcom, or maybe a horror story, when we’re driving and all of a sudden our GPS is taking us somewhere we just know we aren’t supposed to be, like a dirt road that seems to lead to nowhere or a dead end. When those moments happen, make sure you have a paper map and know how to read it!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Keep your car or RV tidy with a makeshift trashcan and a lid.

Create a natural air freshener with essential oils.

Utilize a reusable cereal container with a lid and line it with a trash bag. Voila! You have a trash can that is small enough to keep in your car, but won’t spill if accidentally knocked over by a foot or a short stop. That being said, remember to save those plastic bags from the grocery store or gas station so you always have a garbage bag.

If you’re on a long road trip, your car or rig is bound to become a bit musty. Freshen things up naturally by dabbing several drops of essential oils on a clothespin and clamping it to a vent. Air fresheners that hang from a rearview mirror are great but can be heavily scented with harsh chemicals leaving your passengers ripe for getting carsick.

Stuck in trafﬁc? Blow some bubbles…

Use a plastic shower caddy to keep meals in the car or rig tidy.

Have you ever had a magical moment while sitting in traffic? Probably not. You are sure to put smiles on the faces of disgruntled drivers while stuck on a highway when you open your window and bust out a bubble. Everyone around you will be thanking you for a bit of a whimsical pick-me-up in an otherwise undesirable traffic jam.

Eating on the go? Keep meals tidy, and the car or rig floor free from too many crumbs, by putting everything in a small shower caddy. The sides of the caddy are tall enough to hold in potential flyaway food items like french fries or carrot sticks and the caddy is large enough to hold a full meal and keep drinks upright when there are no available cup holders.

Before You Go: • • • •

Map out your route

•

Create a list of easy meals to make in your RV

• • • •

• •

Create a packing checklist Get your RV or car tuned up Download music playlists/ podcasts/books on tape for entertainment

Throw away old trash and giveaway old items that you won’t use anymore to free up space in your rig

• •

Check your toolkit – replace tools that are worn and unusable; add essentials you’re missing Consult your Theme Weekends Guide to find the best Thousand Trails’ events around the country! Double check your RV insurance

• • •

Eye mask

Sunscreen

Pack extra pet food and treats

• • •

Check for pet-friendly rest stops/campgrounds

•

If Traveling with Pets: •

Stock up on back up leashes, harnesses, or other

What to Pack When Traveling with Kids: • • • •

Supplies You’ll Be Happy You Brought:

Check your LP gas, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors If you take daily medications, refill your Rx and have your doctor and pharmacy information on hand

Pack Cards Board games Activity books and books for reading Dry erase board

Tips and Topics

Even More Tips!

Earplugs Extra chargers for phones, tablets, etc Hat Back support pillow for long stretches of driving Freshly stocked first-aid kit including any daily medications

For Staying Stress-Free: • • • • •

Stay flexible with your schedule Designate some “no phone” time Pack snacks to prevent “hanger” Download a guided meditation app for zen rest stops Get out of the car and stretch! ¾

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 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 former NFL lineman and current global wanderer (and blogger) of ManVanDogBlog,

Joe Hawley By Lynn & Cele Seldon

2018 was a game changer for Joe Hawley, former lineman with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After playing for the Bucs for three years (and playing

professional football for eight years, not to mention another eight years playing in high school and college), he suddenly found himself as a free agent in early 2018. And a chance to start his life over again. He jumped at the opportunity and hasn’t looked in the rear-view mirror as he hit the road in a tricked-out conversion van. Hawley had always had a notion of doing a cross-country road trip. And when the Buccaneers didn’t pick up his $2.5-million option for the 2018 season, the 29-year old thought this was the perfect transition opportunity before jumping into whatever was next. He was pretty footballed out with the demanding regimens of the sport. So, he saw this as a window of opportunity to hit the road and experience life with the freedom to go wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted. He donated all his possessions to charity, bought a 2007 Ford E-350 Econoline diesel cargo van, adopted a traveling companion in the form of a Boxer mix – appropriately named Freedom – and hit the road in April 2018. With no end date in mind and with a sketchy road map in hand, Hawley set off on a new adventure and a new way of life. With no obligations or material things tying him down, Hawley is living life in the moment, figuring out who he is outside of football, and sharing his experiences on his blog, ManVanDogBlog (www.manvandogblog.com). Oh, and he’s also left a quarter of his body weight behind as he’s shed almost 70 pounds thanks to following a ketogenic diet. We caught up with Hawley as he was exploring the California wine region. 28

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Photography on this page courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

How long have you been on the road? JH: When I first started, I was thinking I’d travel three or four months. Then I realized that wasn’t even long enough to get across the country. Then it turned into six months. It’s been four months and I really don’t think I’ve seen very much. There is so much to see in this country. So, it’s open ended now. I want to go at least a year and see how I feel. I don’t want to put any restrictions on it. It’s kind of a journey that’s evolving into its own thing. I’m learning so much and growing so much. I don’t stay in the van every night. I get hotels and stay with friends. I’d say it’s about 50/50.

Had you ever traveled in a van or rv before? JH: Very little. We went camping a handful of times as a kid. I rented an RV with Cruise America early in my career for a weekend trip. I had very little experience. The first RV park I went to [on this trip], I had to ask one of the RV guys how to do the hook-ups and the hoses and all that.

Tell us about your van. JH: My van is a 2007 E350 Econoline 4×4 conversion van. The conversion was done by Sportsmobile about 10 years ago. I bought it used from a guy out in California and put a few upgrades of my own on it. It has solar panels, a pop top, sink, 16-gallon fresh water tank, grey water tank, mini fridge, couch, an awning, plenty of storage, and, of

course, four-wheel drive. I added a few things myself like a new bumper with winch, bike rack, storage box, new stereo system, and a paint job. Technically, it’s a wrap, which is like wallpaper. And I put on a logo sticker of my blog. I also have a little pull-behind trailer for extra storage. It holds my weights, generator, camping gear and other miscellaneous items. I’m still learning how to live the van life, but it sure does help having a [really cool] rig.

Does it have a bedroom or bathroom? JH: There is a bunk space that comes down when I pop it up. I sleep up there. During the day, I can move it to walk around. There is a porta-john buckettype thing but I haven’t used it yet. Emergencies only. There is a small sink and an outdoor shower head hose that I can use as shower. But I haven’t used that either. I typically use bath houses.

Photography on this page courtesy of Joe Hawley.

Tell us about your traveling companion? JH: [Her name is] Freedom. She’s right here getting a little antsy. I knew I wanted to take a dog on the trip and I knew I wanted to rescue one. I’m a big “feel” guy – a big intuition guy. I went to a few different shelters and had a few play dates with different dogs. Nothing just felt right, and I walked by Freedom a couple of times and she was sulking in the corner. Most of the dogs were coming up to the fence like “pick me pick me” and she was acting all depressed in the corner. I tried a play date with her and she didn’t want to have anything to do with me. She seemed so sad and depressed. So, I thought, she’s perfect. She’ll be so grateful to get out of here. As soon as I got her home, she licked me for 30 minutes straight and now she doesn’t care for anyone but me. She is a boxer mix. She has a little [Pitbull] in her and maybe a little Rhodesian Ridgeback. She knows the van is her home. She does really well on the road. We’ve driven nine, ten hours and she’s fine.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

What’s your favorite thing about staying in your van versus a hotel? JH: It just feels right. I like being out in nature. It feels real simple. Waking up and being able to take my time. Read. Yoga. I like to cook. When I stay in hotels, it feels like traveling. When I’m in my van, it feels like home.

What are your three favorite things onboard? JH: I like having the sink. It’s really big and I like being able to wash dishes and wash my hands. Having the couch is nice. I do a lot of chilling on it. I like my bike rack for my pedal-assist bike.

What do you listen to as you travel down the road? JH: I usually listen to podcasts or baseball games. I don’t listen to a lot of music. Sometimes I’ll drive a few hours in silence. I think it’s refreshing and meditative to go down the open road with your thoughts. 30

Highways or scenic routes?

Any campground rituals?

JH: Highways. I usually plan a couple of weeks at a time. I usually have a plan on where I’m headed. This is the first time during the trip where I don’t have a plan and I just drive and stop when I see something I like. I’m just starting to experience what it’s like to be like that.

JH: I have a foam roller that I roll out. It’s a tool you can use to roll out your muscles like a self-massage. It helps me with my back and glutes after sitting for a long time.

Where have you been, and which have been your favorite destinations? JH: The best part so far has been the baseball games. Seeing all the different stadiums, meeting all the different people at the stadiums. I’m really excited to get out West. I want to see Zion and Bryce Canyon. But so far, it’s been about the baseball games. [He’s been to nine stadiums so far and counting]. Someday I’m hoping to make it up to Glacier National Park, Redwood National Park, and Niagara Falls. I just really want to see beautiful places and meet cool people.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

What do you do to pass the time? JH: I love cooking and grilling out.

What do you make? JH: I’m on the Keto diet. It’s a high fat diet so I eat a lot of eggs, avocado, bacon, fatty cuts of meat like ribeyes, vegetables with lots of butter. I drink coffee with butter three to four times per day. I’m down almost 70 pounds and I feel amazing.

Any favorite places you like to eat on the road? JH: Waffle House if I want something quick. Anywhere I can get an omelet. If I stay in a city, I try to go to a staple place.

Photography on this page courtesy of Joe Hawley.

“live with less

so you can experience more.”

1983

Tim Leatherman convinces a mail-order catalog to sell his “Sportsmen” multitool. He receives 30,000 orders for the Leatherman multi-tool in his first year. Also this year: the first commercial cell phone is sold; Michael Jackson releases Thriller in December of 1983.

1986

The Coleman Company celebrates the production of its 40 millionth lantern.*

How do you maintain your health and fitness regimen on the road? JH: I try to do yoga three to four times per week. I do my foam roller every day if I can. It really makes a huge difference after long drives and sleeping in the van. I have Power Blocks which are dumbbells that can go from five pounds to 50 pounds and use them to work out two to three times per week. I tried running because of Freedom but my knees are really bad, so I put a harness on Freedom and she pulls me around on my skateboard in order to give her exercise.

Where are you headed next? JH: A whitewater rafting trip in Colorado with a couple of buddies that are meeting me outside of Denver. I’ve whitewater rafted before but we’re going to do an overnight trip and camp on river, which I’ve never done before.

What’s the future hold for you? Do you think you will ever get back into football? JH: I think about it a lot, which is part of the reason that I wanted to do this trip. I have a lot of ideas. I want to get involved in business. Probably something with health and fitness. I want to help people have better lives and help them make better versions of themselves. I’m taking this transitional break before I get geared up for all that. I always say I’ve got coaching in my back-pocket, but I’m pretty footballed out.

Is there anything about your van or your life on the road that I didn’t ask that you would like to share? JH: My message would be: live with less so you can experience more. ¾

Photography on this page courtesy of Joe Hawley.

1987

Fictional space pilot, Lone Star, pilots a winged-Winnebago Chieftain in the Mel Brooks comedy, Spaceballs.

1989

The Camelbak Hydration Pack goes on sale. *Source: http://cdm15942. contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/ collection/p15942coll31/id/28

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CORNER

Make this decadent, fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie because it’s so easy to make, and the best part? There’s no baking required! This pie has a slice-a-bility like no other you’ve made before!

from going flat is to make sure you don’t over fold the peanut butter mixture with the heavy whipping cream. Over-folding will cause the air in the whipped cream to collapse.

Because the pie filling is thick, we recommend using a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this recipe. The key to keeping the pie

Ingredients • 1 cup Peanut butter • 8 oz cream cheese – room temperature, or else it won’t fold properly • ¼ cup white sugar • ½ cup confectioner’s (powdered) sugar • 12 oz heavy whipping cream • Chocolate sauce (optional)

Equipment • Stand Mixer or hand mixer • Whisk • 2 mixing bowls • Freezer bag & rolling pin (unless using store bought crust or graham cracker crumbs) • Spatula

Crust • 1 box Graham crackers or 1 container crumbs • 7-8 tablespoons melted butter • For a thicker crust, use 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs or 1 ¼ cups for a thinner crust • ½ teaspoon cinnamon, optional 32

Put this pie in a heart-shaped tin and top with chocolate sauce or whipped cream for that loving touch this month!

Instructions: Graham Cracker Crust

Instructions: Peanut Butter Pie Filling

*No need to follow these steps if you have a premade crust! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°. 2. Melt butter 3. Mash up 9-10 graham cracker sheets into crumbs. You can easily do this by placing the graham crackers in a large freezer bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet. 4. Mix melted butter and 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs together. If adding cinnamon, add now. 5. Press graham cracker mixture into the pie tin. Remember to reinforce the crease so that the crust doesn’t break upon slicing and serving. 6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for no more than 10 minutes. *If you prefer a chocolate crust, use the same steps above but use Oreo cookies instead of graham cracker.

1. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. *NOTE: If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes. 2. Add peanut butter and vanilla to cream cheese and sugar mixture until well incorporated. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream until there are soft peaks. These peaks should be able to stand on their own without dripping. 4. Using a spatula, fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture until just incorporated and still fluffy. Do not over-fold the mixture! Over-folding will cause the batter to collapse. 5. Pour the fluffy peanut butter mixture into the crust. 6. Freeze for at least 1 hour. This pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 days. 7. Slice and serve chilled with whipped cream!

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“Hobo Dinners” When camping started to rise in popularity in the 1960s, plenty of campers had to start getting creative when it came to preparing meals. Enter: Hobo Dinners – an assortment of foods wrapped together in foil and cooked over the campfire. It’s an all-time favorite camping food for generations! Kids love these because they can put their own dinner together and parents love them because, kids can put their own dinner together! Whether you follow along with this recipe exactly, or decide to use ingredients of your own imagination, these Hobo Dinners are sure to be camping crowd pleasers, just as they have been for decades past. Some say that the original Hobo Dinner can be found in the Boy Scouts of America Handbook. Here’s how to make ‘em:

Equipment: • aluminum foil • paper towels • long fire tongs

Ingredients (for one serving) • • • • • •

1/4 lb. hamburger meat 1 potato, diced 1 carrot, diced Ketchup or BBQ sauce 1/4 onion sliced, (optional) Salt & pepper for seasoning

Steps: 1. Create a foil wrapper for each person by sandwiching a wet paper towel between two squares of foil. This will help even the heat and prevent burning. 2. Wash, peel, and dice the vegetables. 3. Pull apart the hamburger into bits and place on foil wrapper. 4. Generously season hamburger with salt and pepper 5. Add vegetables 6. Add sauce as desired 7. Fold foil into a flat package and seal 8. Place the dinner on coals or on to grill top 9. Cook for 10 minutes; flip; cook for 10 more minutes 10. Check for doneness by opening up one of the foil wrappers. There should be no pink on the meat and vegetables should be easily pierced by a fork.

For an easy twist add all your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian option!

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DRIV

GUL Generally running about 400 or more meandering miles along the coastline from the “Big Bend” at Apalachee Bay to Everglades National Park, a road trip along Florida’s Gulf Coast provides a variety of water-focused scenery, activities, dining (think fresh seafood!), and more. From bustling or quiet beaches to lots of nature, Florida’s Gulf Coast makes for yet another great Sunshine State road trip. While it would be tempting to rush through the region on Interstate 75 and other busy highways closer to the Gulf of Mexico, varied roads (like US 19, US 41, and even smaller coast-hugging roads) right along the coastline create a much better way to explore the area. The adventure begins in the Apalachee Bay area and the town of St. Marks. Stops here can include excursions to St. Marks Lighthouse (the oldest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast), San Marcos de Apalache

Historic State Park (a Spanish colonial fort and more) and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (about 70,000-plus sprawling acres of wildlife habitat along 45 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline and inland). Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee is also just a halfhour north on Florida 363. The town of Perry, about 45 minutes due east of St. Marks on US 98, is next. Perry’s highlight is definitely the Forest Capital State Park Museum. It celebrates Florida’s forest industry, which dates to the 1800s. There’s an excellent museum, an authentic

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19th century Florida Cracker homestead, ranger-led tours, special events, and lots of fabled Florida longleaf pines. The road heading southwest inland from the Gulf of Mexico proper is a combination of US 19, 98, and ALT 27, but Gulf Coast road trippers will want to turn toward the water just south of Perry to head to idyllic coast towns like Dekle Beach, Keaton Beach, and Steinhatchee, providing the first of many excursions to roads, activities, attractions, and dining right on – and sometimes in – the water.

VING FLORIDA’S

LF COAST From the Big Bend to the Everglades

By Lynn & Cele Seldon • Photography by Seldon Ink

▲ Beach and lifeguard stand at Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Beach, Florida

Situated about a half hour or so from Perry down a heavily forested road, Dekle Beach and Keaton Beach are both quiet waterfront communities with little commercial activity. Next, after another half hour through the lush Tide Swamp Wildlife Management Area and Big Bend Wildlife Management (look for many turnoffs for the popular

Great Florida Birding Trail), the riverfront town of Steinhatchee (located near Deadman Bay) has more retail shops and seafood stops like Kathi’s Krab Seafood. After heading across the Steinhatchee River, the road (FLA 358) leads back out to US 98 at Tennille to continue the drive down the coast. This part of the drive offers many

“out-and-back” possibilities to various points of interest toward and on the Gulf Coast (including Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, Cedar Key, and more). Cross City is 15 minutes from Tennille and a meal at historic Putnam Lodge is well worth the stop. Next, Fanning Springs (and Fanning Springs State

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Visi t ing Tan t alizing Tal lah as se e, Flor ida ' s St ate Capi t al

The Sunshine State’s capital city is just an hour due north of the Florida Panhandle’s Big Bend region (Alligator Point) and is well worth a stopover of a day – or three. Highlights of any visit can include: the Capitol Complex; Florida State University’s sprawling campus; Mission San Luis; the Museum of Florida History; Tallahassee Museum; John G. Riley House & Museum; The Grove Museum; Knott House Museum; Railroad Square Art Park; Union Bank of Florida Museum; the Governor’s Mansion; the Challenger Learning Center; and a great dining scene, including casual Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack (ask for Apalachicola oysters!) and creative and upscale Cypress. For more information explore visittallahassee.com 1. Downtown Tallahassee. Photo by Glenn Hastings, courtesy of Visit Tallahassee. 2. Florida History Museum. Photo courtesy of Visit Tallahassee. 3. Tallahassee Museum Zipline Course. Photo courtesy of Visit Tallahassee, © 2010. 4. Florida Governor’s Mansion. Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink. 5. Cypress Dining. Photo courtesy of Visit Tallahassee. 6. Railroad Sq Art Park Theater. Photo by Glenn Hastings, courtesy of Visit Tallahassee.

Park) on the Suwannee River – just another 15 minutes from Cross City – provides a jumping off point to picturesque Manatee Springs State Park (manatee sightings, kayaking, and much more) and the quaint coastal town of Suwannee.

▲ Shopping at Island Trading Post, Cedar Key, Florida.

5. 6.

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From Fanning Springs, Route 24 at the US 98 town of Otter Creek leads east about 25 minutes to popular Cedar Key, the Cedar Keys, and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Other highlights here include the Cedar Key State Museum, a small beach and grassy waterfront area with benches and views, a large fishing pier, classic coastal shopping (look for Island Trading Post and Sugar Shack), and restaurants like this historic Island Hotel and Restaurant that feature fresh local seafood and more.

▲ Waterfront dining at Paradise Grill, St. Pete Beach.

Back out on US 98 and passing through huge swaths of protected public lands, the next major stop is the town of Crystal River (about 35 minutes from Otter Creek). Crystal River Preserve State Park and lots of water-based activities on the crystal-clear Crystal River like kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and more await. Homosassa Springs, 10 minutes south of Crystal River, is the next stop, with Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park among its many attractions. Next, the town of Weeki Wachee and famed Weeki Wachee Springs State Park await. The must-see attraction of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has been an “Old Florida” classic since 1947, thanks to famous mermaid shows, riverboat cruises, swimming in Buccaneer Bay, paddling on the Weeki Wachee River, and more.

entering the historical popular sponging town of Greek-leaning Tarpon Springs. Here, long-time sponge diving operations offer tours, photo ops, and everything “sponge” (along with many other retail shops). The Greek population of Tarpon Springs, also means there are great Greek restaurants, like Hellas, Mykonos, and many more. US 19 and US 19 ALT continue down the coast, west of the bustling city of Tampa and vibrant Tampa Bay, through Clearwater (Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the wide Clearwater Beach – complete with colorful lifeguard stands, and Palm Pavilion Beachside Grille & Bar are highly recommended)

and lots more beach towns all the way to St. Pete Beach, west of St. Petersburg. Here, beachloving road trippers will find the classic Don Cesar Resort & Spa (including wonderful waterfront dining), the Gulfway Walkway, lots of waterfront parking with many “Beach Access” points), and fresh seafood at many waterfront restaurants, including casual Paradise Grill. The road then turns east and inland to cross wide Tampa Bay on the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, before turning south again to head toward Gulf Coast cities like Bradenton (look for its South Florida Museum, including the Parker Manatee Aquarium and Bishop

The coastal road, which is now US 19, then leads toward a myriad of Gulf Coast towns like Hudson and Port Richey, before ▲ Don Cesar Resort & Spa, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Birdwatching along the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida.

▲ Boating at Everglades National Park, Everglades, Florida.

▲ Boat tour in the mangrove waterways at Flamingo, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Floridada.

▲ Boardwalk on the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park, Everglades, Florida. 38

▲ Alligator on the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park, Everglades, Florida.

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▲ Ibis at Eco Pond at Everglades National park, Everglades, Florida.

Florida Camping Abounds Whether it's hugging the Gulf Coast to the west, cutting across Central Florida to theme parks and so much more, or heading over to the Atlantic Ocean to the east, all the way down to the Florida Keys, a Gulf Coast road trip is just the beginning of a Sunshine State adventure. Visit ThousandTrails.com for even more camping possibilities! Look for even more Florida road trip features in TrailBlazer Magazine in 2019!

Planetarium, The Marina at Riverwalk, ArtCenter Manatee, and Motorworks Brewing) and Sarasota (featuring the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art), plus quiet Gulf of Mexico beach towns like Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and more. Along the way, it’s easy to hop on and off US 41 and I-75 for out-andback outings to attractions on or near the water. Divided by the peaceful Peace River, Port Charlotte and historic Punta Gorda are next (just 80 miles as the crow flies from the base of Sunshine Skyway Bridge). Along with great waterfront dining at popular Punta Gorda hotspots like Laishley Crab House, Punta Gorda was once known for its Punta Gorda Hotel, which hosted hosts of luminaries in its heyday – including Clarence Darrow, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Andrew Mellon, and many others. Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, soothing Sanibel Island, and more are just an hour or so from Punta Gorda. Highlights here have to include the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and several other museums and attractions, lots of watersports (parasailing is quite popular), lots of magical banyan trees, and more. Another hour south, Naples and its nearby beaches and attractions are next, after passing through Bonita Springs and other classic coastal towns.

▲ The Riverwalk, Bradenton, Florida.

Naples is known for its dramatic Gulf Coast sunsets – especially at the Naples Pier, great beaches (including nearby Marco Island), dining, and shopping. Heading south out of Naples, the “end” of the Gulf Coast drive gets quite remote quite quickly. The drive on US 41 out to Everglades City, Big Cypress National Preserve, and fabled Everglades National Park provides an introduction to the wildness of the area (including ever-popular airboat tours). Once in Everglades City proper, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center of Everglades National Park, the historic Collier County Courthouse (now City Hall), the Museum of the Everglades/ Collier County Museum (in the Old Laundry building that once housed the Everglades Women’s Club), and more await. Everglades City and nearby Chokoloskee mark the end (or beginning) of a Florida Gulf Coast drive, but the Greater Miami area and the famed Florida Keys are just a pretty two-hour drive east on US 41 through Everglades National Park. It’s a great way to extend this Florida road trip! ¾

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By Lynn & Cele Seldon

Airstream, courtesy of Eric McCutcheon and Fanny Rice

Long known as a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, Lonely Planet has provided trustworthy and inspiring information for every kind of traveler (including lots of RVers) since 1973. In the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has printed more than 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated and passionate community of travelers. The global company now features mobile, video, and – in 14 languages – nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, e-books, and more. Released in November 2018, The Vanlife Companion from Lonely Planet is turning out to be a great resource for all types of RVers and not just those choosing to travel by van. Quite simply, anyone hitting the road for a night, a weekend, months, or even years will love this practical and inspirational book. As the book states in its opening, “Travel has long been synonymous with freedom and discovery, and this is especially true of the road trip.” The first 40 pages of The Vanlife Companion are devoted to the nuts-and-bolts of vanlife, but many tips also apply to life on the road in general. From sleeping and cooking to the bathroom setup, power, storage, and much more, any RVer can benefit from vanlife advice for “living small.” 40

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The following 60-plus pages will be equally fascinating to anyone who has hit the open road. Titled “Meet the Vanlifers,” this section profiles ten unique vanlifers, situations, and vehicles, highlighting both individuals (six) and couples (four). The fascinating types of vehicles featured in the book range from a former Ford Econoline ambulance to a Mercedes Sprinter to an International 3800 school bus. However, the most interesting couple and vehicle for most traditional RVers will likely be Eric McCutcheon and Fanny Rice, with their 1975 Airstream Argosy motorhome. When Eric and Fanny purchased the Airstream, it was original to its original specifications. Eric had Airstream conversion and renovation experience and the RV met his wishlist goals, including something small enough to get around, but large enough to feel residential; a tailgate and plenty of storage; a complete kitchen and proper bathroom; and a short overall length, but large enough for a rear queen bed. Typical of the entire book, the section about Eric, Fanny, and their Airstream is filled with tips. The couple recommends letting go of your regular daily routine and focusing on the present moment, being adventurous (straying from your GPS), and not planning for every eventuality.

“Travel has long been synonymous with freedom and discovery, and this is especially true of the road trip.”

1996

Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal, was born.

2000

Precision GPS navigation is sold to the public

2001

The first Apple iPod goes on sale; putting 1,000 songs in the pockets of consumers and revolutionizing the way music is listened to.

2016

The National Park Service celebrates 100 years in August.

Photographs shown left to right clockwise: Eric McCutcheon and Fanny Rice, courtesy of Eric McCutcheon and Fanny Rice; Airstream Interior, courtesy of Eric McCutcheon and Fanny Rice; Detail of Tuscan village in Tuscany Landscape near Florence on a Foggy Morning, Italy, courtesy of Rudmer Zwerver / Shutterstock; Road to Mount Cook, courtesy of Ramiro Torrents ©2014/ Getty Images.

The final 130 pages of this great book are devoted to actual trips devised by the experts at Lonely Planet. There are a total of 20 trips, including four in the USA and another three up in Canada. With typical Lonely Planet insider information, all four USA trips are easily repeatable by trailblazing RVers: the Pacific Coastal Route; a Four Corners Cruise (Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico); Minnesota’s Highway 61; and Florida’s Scenic Highway 1 (an upcoming feature in TrailBlazer). To learn more about The Vanlife Companion and all of Lonely Planet’s various offerings, visit www.lonelyplanet.com. ¾

2017

North American Camping Report is published and reports that 75 million of US households are active campers.* *Source: www.businesswire.com/ news/home/20170315005391/en/ Camping-U.S.-Trend-ExpectedContinue-Millennials-Seek)

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Who Slept

Did you know that the State of Virginia has produced the most U.S. Presidents? Eight of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s native sons would go on to hold the highest office in the land. Ohio runs a close second with seven.

Some presidents were born in one state but came to office as government office holders to another â&#x20AC;&#x201C; namely Abraham Lincoln who was born in Kentucky but ran for President while serving as a senator from Illinois. Similarly, Barack Obama

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was born in Hawaii and also ran for President while serving as an Illinois senator. Ronald Reagan was born in Illinois but spent the majority of his political career as a resident of California.

Here?

Presidential birthplaces and the towns that produced our leaders. By Joan Rykal

In all, our nation’s 45 presidents have hailed from only 18 of our 50 states. In some cases, you can still visit a president’s childhood home and in other cases, you can visit the places they called home during their adult lives, both before and after their presidency.

In a nod to February’s President's Day holiday, we take a quick look at some presidential destinations around the U.S.

Monticello Home Exterior. Courtesy of ©Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello.

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CALIFORNIA Richard Nixon was born on a citrus ranch in Yorba Linda, California in 1913. The house still stands and the citrus ranch, which the Nixon’s moved from in 1922, is now the site of the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. Tours of the home in which he was born are available via a guided docent tour. The Presidential Museum dedicates 22 separate areas to Nixon's presidency, including the infamous Watergate scandal and Nixon’s farewell speech. There are more than 600 photographs and 11 films for visitors to view. Another highlight is the Presidential Helicopter, Army One, which was used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. This is the same helicopter from which Nixon said his final goodbye to the White House and his presidency. For information on this location commemorating the 37th president, visit nixonlibrary.gov. ILLINOIS Ulysses S. Grant Home Located in Galena, Illinois, the home where Grant lived after the Civil War and before his presidency was presented to Grant and his family by the citizens of Galena. After a celebration to fete the victorious Civil War general, the townspeople led Grant and his wife to the Federal-style home. Grant left the home in Galena when elected president in 1868 and returned only a few more times. Grant’s children gave the house to the City of Galena in 1904 and it is now a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the furniture in the home belonged to Grant and his family and the docent-guided tours provide insight into the man who served as the 18th president. Abraham Lincoln – Springfield Sites Illinois is also known as “The Land of Lincoln” and it is here that the beleaguered 16th president has

▲ Ulysses S. Grant Home, Exterior. Courtesy Galena Country Tourism.

his final resting place. Several sites around the state’s capital city of Springfield provide history and pay homage to “The Great Emancipator.” The Lincoln Home, part of the National Park Service, is a Greek Revival-style house that was home to Abraham and Mary Lincoln for 17 years, beginning in 1844. Visitors can tour many rooms in the home, which are restored to their 1860 appearance, including the parlor, kitchen, and sitting room as well as the bedrooms of both Abe and Mrs. Lincoln. The Lincoln Tomb, located in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, is the final resting place of not only Abraham but also his wife Mary and three of their four sons. Located just outside the tomb area is a bronze reproduction of Lincoln, sculpted by Gutzon Borglum, of Mount Rushmore fame. Legend has it that if you rub Lincoln’s nose, it will bring you good luck. Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, was also born in Illinois and visitors can see his humble beginnings at both the Ronald Reagan Birthplace in Tampico and the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon. MASSACHUSETTS John F. Kennedy Boyhood Home The John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site in Brookline, Massachusetts is the actual home

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in which the 35th president was born. Guided tours of the home are available Wednesday through Sunday during the location’s onseason (mid-May through October)

▲ John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, Exterior. Courtesy National Park Service, John F. Kennedy National Historic Site & Visitors Bureau.

and available Monday through Friday, off-season by appointment only by calling (617) 566-7937. The site also offers self-guided tours during scheduled Open House times. Kennedy’s mother, Rose, was actually responsible for making the house a living memorial to her son and she restored it to the way it was when the family lived there from 1914 to 1920. Visitors can tour the living room, dining room, master bedrooms, the nursery, and kitchen. The basement of the home also has some exhibits as well as a 12-minute film about President Kennedy. Many of the objects in the house were actually used by the Kennedy family. Admission is free.

▲ View of JFK Home Dinning Room. Courtesy National Park Service, John F. Kennedy National Historic Site.

▲ Rose Kennedy at the dedication of the National Historic Site. Courtesy National Park Service, John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, photographer Cecil Stoughton.

NEW YORK Sagamore Hill Teddy Roosevelt’s Summer White, Sagamore Hill served as home to the 26th president, who was largely instrumental in developing our National Park System. Fittingly for a man who so loved nature and wildlife, Sagamore Hill was surrounded by woodlands, fields, and marshes which he loved to explore. Roosevelt moved into the Queen Anne-style home he had built on the property in 1887. Roosevelt and his second wife, Edith, lived here until their deaths. Most importantly, Sagamore Hill was considered the Summer White House during the time Roosevelt served as president (1902–1908) during which time he regularly hosted foreign dignitaries. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sagamore Hill is open to the public and visitors should note that most of the furnishings are original. The home and grounds are part of the National Park Service. For information visit nps.gov/sahi.

Photograph of TR and wife Edith picnicking with their children Archie, Quentin, Ethel, and daughter-in-law Belle. Courtesy of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, National Park Service, Oyster Bay, NY.

▲ View of JFK Home Living Room. Courtesy National Park Service, John F. Kennedy National Historic Site.

▲ Theodore Roosevelt Home with bunting on July 4th. Courtesy of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, National Park Service, Oyster Bay, NY.

▲ Historic photograph of the North Room, 1914. Courtesy of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, National Park Service, Oyster Bay, NY.

▲ Photograph of TR hiking with his wife and children Archie and Quentin. Courtesy of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, National Park Service, Oyster Bay, NY.

▲ Photograph of TR with his wife Edith and children Ethel, Ted Jr., Alice, Archie, Kermit, and Quentin. Courtesy of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, National Park Service, Oyster Bay, NY. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER 45

MICHIGAN Although he was born in Nebraska, Michigan is home to two separate locations honoring Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president. Ford moved from Nebraska to Michigan as a very young child and later attended the University of Michigan. After serving in World War II, Ford returned to Michigan and began his political career, serving the House of Representatives for 25 years. In Grand Rapids, visitors will find the Gerald R. Ford Museum which houses more than 19,000 artifacts

from Ford’s life and career as well as those of his family. One whole collection revolves around Ford’s “WIN” slogan which stood for “Whip Inﬂation Now” as Ford had declared inﬂation as “public enemy number one. “Ann Arbor is the home of the Gerald R. Ford Library which includes collections of Ford’s Presidential papers as well as photos, audio, and videotapes. For more information on these locations visit FordLibraryMuseum.gov.

▲ 3202 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska. 1955. This was Gerald R. Ford's birthplace in 1913. He lived here for approximately sixteen days. Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.

▲ Gerald R. Ford, Jr. with his father Gerald R. Ford, Sr. and half-brothers Tom, Dick, and Jim Ford on the front steps of 649 Union Street, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. October 1927. Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.

▲ President Gerald R. Ford wearing a WIN (Whip Inﬂation Now) button at his second press conference in the White House Rose Garden. October 9,1974. Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.

▲ 649 Union Street, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1923. The Ford family lived here from 1923 to 1930. Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.

▲ 30 Washington Street, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1974. Residence of Gerald and Betty Ford from 1948 to 1950. Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.

"WIN" Propaganda. Courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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OHIO Two separate sights in Ohio, pay homage to James Garfield and include his home in Mentor, Ohio and his final resting place in Cleveland. The James Garfield National Historic Site offers tours of Garfield’s home where he lived with his wife and children until his death. Visitors can see the long front porch from which Garfield greeted thousands of citizens as he ran for president in 1880. They can also tour the home and on special days go “behind the scenes” and tour the basement, servants’ quarters and third floor of the home (this tour is available on the first Saturday of the month) or “behind the ropes” and inside several of the rooms that are roped off during a typical tour (this tour is available on the second Saturday of the month.)

▲ Garfield Home. Courtesy of National Park Service.

Lake View Cemetery, located in Cleveland, is where the 20th president was laid to rest at the age of 49. History buffs will recall that although Garfield was shot after only a few months in office by Charles Guiteau, he did not die immediately, but rather several months later from an infection in the wound. William Howard Taft has the distinction of being not only our 27th president but also our largest president – Taft weighed upwards of 300 pounds. Taft’s childhood home in Cincinnati is now part of the National Park Service and is open for guided tours. The 6,000 square foot home contains artifacts from Taft’s life and political career and visitors can also view a short film about Taft. In addition to holding the distinction of being our largest president, Taft is also the only U.S. President to have also served as a Supreme Court Justice. In addition to Garfield and Taft, Ohio also produced five other presidents including Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, Warren G. Harding, William Henry Harrison, and William McKinley. 48

▲ James A. Garfield. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

▲ Garfield Home at Night. Courtesy of National Park Service.

▲ William Howard Taft National Historic Marker. Courtesy of the Cincinnati USA CVB.

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▲ William Howard Taft National Historic Site. Courtesy of the Cincinnati USA CVB.

PENNSYLVANIA Wheatland James Buchanan’s Wheatland, a Federal-style mansion where Buchanan, the only bachelor president, lived for 20 years, is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Tour guides, dressed in period clothing, take you through Buchanan’s home, which also served as the Democratic headquarters during the 1856 presidential campaign. In fact, it was from his front porch at Wheatland where he announced his candidacy. Wheatland contains many original artifacts and furnishings. Of note are the Venetian blinds in the library, which are some of the first of their kind used in America. To learn more about visiting the home of our 15th president, go to discoverlancaster.com.

▲ The home of President James Buchanan for 20 years, the Wheatland mansion has been beautifully restored and opened to the public for tours that provide a glimpse into the president's life, memorabilia and artifacts. Courtesy of DiscoverLancaster.com.

TENNESSEE Hermitage, the plantation home and estate of Andrew Jackson, the country’s 7th president, is located just outside the Nashville city limits. Visitors can tour the mansion as well as the grounds and gardens. Jackson’s original Hermitage, a log farmhouse where the family lived while the mansion was completed, sits on the estate. There is also the Hermitage Church and several farm buildings used during Jackson’s time at Hermitage. A general tour includes access to the grounds and mansion, exhibit gallery and store as well as the Visitor’s Center and the farmland. Both Jackson and his beloved wife, Rachel, are buried in the garden, which was her favorite spot. Each October, Hermitage Ghost Tours are offered. Fun fact – Jackson named the Hermitage after a place of rest as one definition of the word is a private retreat or hideaway. For information visit thehermitage.com.

▲ Wheatland mansion interior. Courtesy of DiscoverLancaster.com.

▲ Hermitage exterior. Courtesy of The Hermitage.

▲ Wagon Tour of the Hermitage. Courtesy of The Hermitage.

▲ Visitors at the Hermitage tour. Courtesy of The Hermitage. ▲ Audio tour at the Hermitage. Courtesy of The Hermitage.

Photo above – Portrait of Andrew Jackson. Courtesy of the The Hermitage.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello If you drive about 100 miles southwest of Mount Vernon, you will find Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s plantation estate. Jefferson, who said “architecture is my delight”, began designing and building Monticello at the age of 26. Jefferson continued to modify and redesign throughout the years and Monticello was considered complete in 1809 with the completion of the North Pavilion. Another remarkable part of Monticello is the grounds and gardens. Jefferson’s grew more than 300 vegetable varieties and the orchards included apple and peach trees as well as grape vines, establishing two vineyards. The gardens will be part of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, scheduled for April 27-May 4, 2019. In addition to the regular Garden and Grounds Tour, this special event will include an open house at the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants. For more information on Monticello, visit monticello.org. Other Virginia presidential sites include Berkeley Plantation, the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, Montpelier, home to James Madison and his wife Dolly, James Monroe’s Birthplace Visitors Center in Colonial Beach and Sherwood Forest home to John Tyler.

All photos on this spread courtesy of the ©Thomas Foundation at Monticello. 50 Jefferson JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

TEXAS Texas was the birthplace of two of our presidents and the first of those was Dwight Eisenhower in 1890. Eisenhower’s family eventually moved to Kansas, but the home in which “Ike” was born still stands in Denison, Texas, just about an hour and a half drive from Dallas. Visitors can tour the home, see memorabilia from Eisenhower’s 1952 presidential campaign and view a short video on our 34th president. Nearby Eisenhower State Park, which was opened in 1958 and named in honor of the president, sits on the shores of Lake Texoma and offers nature trails and fabulous fishing opportunities. For information visit thc.texas.gov. Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in Stonewall, Texas and several sites around the state are dedicated to the 37th president which include the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library in Austin and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is actually the site of Johnson’s home and ranch, where he lived with his wife, Lady Bird, and their daughters.

▲ Pictures shown left to right, clockwise. Eisenhower birthplace, Ike jacket, Memorabilia, Tour. Images courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission.

▲ LBJ near Pedernales. Courtesy of Lyndon Baines Johnson Library. ▲ Texas White House. Courtesy of the National Park Service, photo by Cynthia Dorminey.

▲ Lyndon B Johnson. Courtesy of Lyndon Baines Johnson Library.

Also in Texas are locations to commemorate father and son presidents, George Bush, aka “41”, and George W. Bush. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located in College Station on the campus of Texas A&M University and the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Both have extensive collections and exhibits devoted to Bush’s legacy of serving our country. 52

▲ Texas White House. 1972. Courtesy of Lyndon Baines Johnson Library.

▲ Tour at Birthplace LBJ Ranch. Courtesy of the National Park Service.

▲ LBJ and Lady Bird. Courtesy of Lyndon Baines JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER Johnson Library.

▲ LBJ in Lincoln. Courtesy of Lyndon Baines Johnson Library.

▲ Armistice Eve 1923 after radio address – Wilson and Edith. Courtesy of the Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, DC. ▲ Wilson House. Courtesy of the Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, DC, photo by Scott Suchman.

WASHINGTON, DC ▲ Dusk view of George Washington's home, Mount Vernon, Virginia. Courtesy of Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

VIRGINIA George Washington’s Mount Vernon The nation's first president was born in Popes Creek, Virginia in 1732 but the Washington family moved from that home when George was about three, and although his birth home burned in 1779, the George Washington Birthplace National Monument is part of the National Park Service. However, it is Mt. Vernon with which George Washington is most associated with. Mount Vernon, which is located just outside of Alexandria, Virginia, was the plantation house of George and his wife Martha. While much of the rooms have been restored, visitors can tour the interior of Washington’s Palladian-style mansion and see what it looked like when George and Martha lived here in 1799. There are also four separate gardens on the 8000-acre estate and mansion outbuilding that include a working blacksmith shop, a distillery, and gristmill. Both George and Martha are buried on the grounds. For information on Mount Vernon, visit www.mountvernon.org. Of special note, on February 22, 2019, which would have been George’s 287th birthday, admission is free.

Woodrow Wilson House The 28th president, Woodrow Wilson, was born in Virginia but chose to retire after his presidency in Washington D.C. The President Woodrow Wilson House was the home in which Wilson lived until his death in 1924 and where his wife Edith, who was instrumental in continuing the presidential duties after her husband stroke in 1919, resided until her death in 1961. The home, which appears much as it did in 1924, contains artwork, furniture and personal items of both the President and Mrs. Wilson. The Wilson’s took occupancy of the home on the last day of his presidency in March of 1921. On the fifth anniversary of Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I, Wilson made a remote radio broadcast from this home to the people of the United States. If you’re planning to visit the Woodrow Wilson House, consider doing so as part of a DuPont Circle & Embassy Row walking tour which would then provide free admission to the Wilson House. For more information visit woodrowwilsonhouse.org. ¾

▲ Dining Room. Courtesy of the Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, DC.

▲ Tour at the Wilson House. Courtesy of the Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, DC, photo by Scott Suchman.

▲ Wilson House. Courtesy ▲ WCAP Radio of the Woodrow Wilson Mic. Courtesy House, Washington, DC, of the Woodrow ▲ Wilson House. Courtesy of the photo by Scott Suchman. Wilson House, Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER 53DC. Washington, DC, photo by Scott Suchman.

Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save On RV Sites & Rentals

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301

▲ Fiesta Grande (AZ)

Thousand Trails Standard Discount:

20% OFF Daily Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

TT20%

10% OFF Monthly Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

RVontheGo.com (888) 443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

TT10% Valid at Campgrounds and RV Resorts available at RVontheGo.com *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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ ViewPoint (AZ)

Arizona

$755

$545

Monthly Stay

Valid at Araby Acres, Monte Vista, Paradise, Viewpoint and Voyager

Valid at Casita Verde, Countryside, Fiesta Grande, Foothills West, Golden Sun

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 1/1/19-4/30/19. Book by 4/1/19. Min. 28 nights, max. 31 nights.

Promo code: TTMONTHLY

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

Arizona

$599

Monthly Stay Valid at Mesa Spirit ONLY

Call To Book ▲ Voyager (AZ)

Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 1/1/19-4/30/19. Book by 3/31/19. Min. 28 nights, max. 31 nights.

Mention Group: TTMS2019 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Tall Chief (WA)

Washington

30% OFF Monthly Stay

$1,999

)

▲ Country Sunshine (TX

3 Month Special Valid at Tall Chief ONLY

Call To Book Valid 1/1/19 – 5/1/19. Book by 2/1/19. Min. stay 89 nights, max 93 nights.

RVontheGo.com

Mention Group: TTTC319

(888) 443-7301

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

Call! Click! Camp!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Gulf View (FL)

Florida

$100 Off

20% Off

3+ Month Seasonal Stay Valid at All Florida RV Resorts

Call To Book Valid on all RV sites. Valid 1/1/19 - 4/30/19. Book by 2/1/19. Min 90 nights, max. 180 nights.

Monthly Stay

Valid at Gulf Air, Gulf View, Southern Palms, Rose Bay

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 1/1/19 - 4/30/19. Book by 2/28/19. Min. 28 nights, max. 60 nights.

Promo code: TTMemberSeasonal

Promo Code: TT20FLM

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

South Texas

$739

$499

1 Month Special Valid at Victoria Palms only

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 1/1/19 – 4/30/19 Book by 4/1/19. Min. 28 nights, max. 31 days.

Mention Group: TTMONTHLY *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

1 Month Special Valid at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine RV, Tropic Winds.

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites. Valid 1/1/19 – 4/30/19. Book by 4/1/19. Min. 28 nights, max. 31 days.

Mention Group: TTMONTHLY

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

MAXIMIZE

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES 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 specialist on your next visit!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations 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 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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 65.

ACROSS 1 Federal Communications Commission (abbr.) 4 Atl. Coast Conference (abbr.) 7 Bird's cry 10 Lower intestine 11 No (Scot.) 12 Cubitus 14 Chin. dynasty 15 Nipa (2 words) 17 Bygone days 18 Sound loudly 19 For your information (abbr.) 20 Flock of quail 22 Aid to Dependent Children (abbr.) 24 Rust 27 Notes in Guido's scale 31 Quickly (Lat.) 32 Siamese twin 34 Discharge 35 Roselike plant 37 Cripple 39 Adjectiveforming (suf.) 41 Containing nitrogen (pref.) 60

42 All points bulletin (abbr.) 45 Stop: naut. 47 Time (Ital.) 50 Tegular 52 Cruising 53 Praise 54 John, Gaelic 55 Outer portion of Earth 56 Recompense 57 Low pasture 58 Air-to-air missile (abbr.) DOWN 1 Wilt 2 Monk 3 Insult 4 Assay 5 Away (pref.) 6 Wild rubber 7 Receptacle 8 Viking 9 Exclusively 10 Thus (Lat.)

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

13 Male friend (Fr.) 16 Foot (suf.) 18 Brit. Virgin Islands (abbr.) 21 Ancient people of Thrace 23 Shoe gripper 24 Edible root 25 14 (Rom numeral) 26 Purpose 28 Food of the gods 29 Wire measure 30 Follower (suf.) 33 Chin. plant 36 Hall (Ger.) 38 Pose 40 58 (Rom. numeral) 42 Atlantic (abbr.) 43 Fr. singer 44 Sorrowful 46 Niger-Congo language 48 Bevel out 49 Mulberry of India 51 Gelderland city 52 King of Judah

Terms and Conditions for 2019 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

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

Diana Shaffer of Clermont, FL

found the tree on Page 49 of the November/December 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 January 31, 2019 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2019, you will receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2019, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes 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 2020, not to exceed $585 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2020. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

PREFERRED RV DEALERS

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

USA

A&L RV Sales 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 Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com

Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis • funtimecampers.com

Cunningham Campers, Inc.

Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com

Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com

Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • burlingtonrv.com

Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com

Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • camperland.net

ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.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

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

Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale, Puyallup clearcreekrvcenter.com

Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • bladerv.com

Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com

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

Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com

Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg • boatnrv.com

Colerain RV GA - Ringgold IN - Indianapolis OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus KY - Lexington, Bowling Green TN - Lebanon, Louisville • colerainrv.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

IN - Jeffersonville • cunninghamcampers.com

FIFE RV Center WA-Fife • fifervcenter.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington • 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 Johnson RV OR - Sandy WA - Fife • johnsonrv.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach • lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com

Marjon RV CA - Moreno Valley • marjonrvs.com

Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com

McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com

Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com

Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com

San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com

Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com

CANADA Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com

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

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

See Grins RV CA - Gilroy, San Martin • seegrins.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com Sky River RV CA - Buellton, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach skyriverrv.com

GO VR QC - Ange-Gardien • go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com

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

JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com

Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com

Kustom Koach RV Centre BC - Aldergrove • kustomkoachrv.com

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

Lardner's Trailer Sales SK - Saskatoon • lardners.com

Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com

Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com

Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com

R.B. Taylor & Sons VA - Lynchburg • rbtaylorandsons.com

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com

Leisure Days RV ON - Aylmer, Kingston, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, Sudbury QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro • leisuredays.ca

Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com

Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) roadhousecamper.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Mesa, Showlow CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg WA - Buckley, Fife, Mt. Vernon rvcountry.com RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim, Willow rvvaluemart.com

Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com

Leisure Trailer Sales ON - Tecumseh • leisuretrailers.com

The RV Factory Luxe Fifth Wheel IN - Elkhart • luxefifthwheel.com

O'Connor RV BC - Chilliwack • oconnorrv.com

The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com

Ottawa Camping Trailers ON - Ottawa • ottawacamping.ca

Tonie's RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Two locations in Ft. Worth vogtrv.com Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

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

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden • westerntravelsales.com

VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie vrsouliere.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

y l l a Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s R ! e m i T Calendar

CLUB Jan/Feb 2019 Bounders United (BUTTN)

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.

TT SINGLES Northwest

WagonMaster, Director Daphne Bailey (OR) Daphnebailey07@comcast.net June 28-30 ................ La Conner, WA Sept 27-29 ..................... Seaside, OR

Lewis and Clark TTN

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

RVers seeking RVers? Rally clubs from coast to coast

love to meet at our destinations. Join in on the fun! Rolling Thunder of Texoma We meet twice a year in the north Texas area. For more information call Dianna Huff at (405) 641-8226 or visit rollingthunderfmca.com.

TT of Texas/FMCA Jan 4-6 ........................ Lake Whitney Mar 28-31 ..................Colorado River May 3-5 ........................ Lake Texoma Sept 6-8 ........................ Lake Conroe Nov 8-10 ................. 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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

TTN Central CA

Come join us! We are weekday campers and we like LOTS, Ponderosa, & Snowflower, but are open to other locations. Please check out our Facebook page: RV/CampersofCentralCA(TTN). Email us at ccttnsingles@gmail.com.

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

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 60.

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 61.

Find It In Your Heart This Valentine’s Day

Adopt-A-Manatee® for Everyone Special

If you’ve got a great story about camping at Thousand Trails, send it to us! Send stories and pictures to tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com or connect with us on social media. To send us a letter, mail to: TrailBlazer Magazine Attn: TrailBlazer Editor Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

When you live in a manufactured home community,

you can have it all.

YOU LOVE YOUR RV.

It’s brought you to the places you’ve always wanted to see – from the endless hiking trails in the Appalachian Mountains to the sun and surf of California’s coast. You’ve driven through the majesty of the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and kicked up the dust in the deserts of the Southwest. With all of the adventures your RV brings, why give it up? 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 homebase where you can be with friends and family. So, why not have it all?

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING IT ALL! by Annie Berman When you move to a manufactured home community, you don’t just move into a neighborhood. You become part of a community. The lifestyle in manufactured home communities is very similar to the sense of community you find in your favorite RV parks. You can relax, have fun, and enjoy tons of great amenities at home, while still having easy access to all the road travel and exploration you crave. Your manufactured home can serve as your home base so you never have to give up your life on the road. Most manufactured home communities are located in desirable destinations across the country, giving you easy access to many of the same awesome entertainment and adventure opportunities you look for when you set out in your RV. And, many manufactured home communities offer convenient RV storage, so you can settle in at home

without worrying about your rig. Just like your RV, a manufactured home is more affordable than a traditional house. Typically, manufactured homes cost 1035% less per square foot than site-built homes. And, you don’t sacrifice personal style when you live in a manufactured home – there are many ways to customize your home, with manufacturers now offering a variety of modern appliances, spacious floor plans, and interior design options to suit your tastes. Today’s manufactured home communities are all about the unique lifestyle found within each property and among its residents. When you join a community, you can enjoy amenities like swimming pools and clubhouses, planned events and activities, and professional on-site management. Visit myMHcommunity.com to find your dream home and community today!

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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

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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. ÂŠ 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. ÂŠ 2018 GEICO