TrailBlazer Magazine - Jan/Feb 2018 by TrailBlazer Magazine

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 ■ $2.00

IF YOU BUILD IT A quick tour of some of America’s Best Known (or little known) Architecture

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

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

VOL. 40

■

ISSUE 1 /// JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

WHAT’S INSIDE

lifestyle

Message from Marguerite

Tech Topics

45 On The Road – Tim Bauerschmidt & Ramie Liddle 45 4 Paws on the Road 50 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer?

features

52 Ask RV Bill

36 If You Build It Nowadays, the landscape of American architecture is as varied as the cultures that make up this country. From the famous settlements of early Native Americans, to Colonial style homes that reflect the changing diversity of the country over the centuries.

66 On Location – Unique Accommodations

calendars 10 On-Site Events 14 Local Events 64 Club Calendar

spotlight

regulars

18 The Overseas Highway

As the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 that’s often called the “Highway that Goes to Sea,” it remains a modern travel wonder and one of America’s classic drives.

Pics From The Parks

54 Member Deals 60 Crossword Puzzle 61 Sudoku Puzzle

40 Eating Up Spring Training in Arizona

62 Preferred RV Dealer List

Ballpark food is better than ever come Springtime in the Cactus League.

40 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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MESSAGE from MARGUERITE As we turn the page on another year and look forward to what lies ahead for 2018, many of us are most likely setting goals and making resolutions. These goals and resolutions will help us to stay focused on what is ultimately most important to us, whether that be in our personal or professional lives. From learning a new skill to focusing on a past one that may have been forgotten, a resolution is truly what you make of it. With enough dedication and focus, it’s amazing how quickly a resolution can become a newfound habit or something you can check off the list. In 2017, the RV industry experienced double-digit growth in shipments of new RVs. This extreme growth was fueled by new customers embracing the RV lifestyle we all know and love. These new RVers include a large number of millennials who are opting to spend more time in the great outdoors. A number of these new customers are purchasing smaller towable units for their outdoor adventures and first experiences with the RV lifestyle. Introducing customers to the RV lifestyle earlier bodes well for the industry, since over time many RV customers will likely make multiple purchases as their lifestyle and needs change. As their families grow and friends and family begin joining them on trips, they may opt to trade up for a larger RV. As this same customer ages and looks to retire, the RV lifestyle continues to be attractive as they have more time and flexibility to travel across the country. This is a cycle I’m sure a number of you are familiar with!

With the growing RV industry in mind, we can begin to set our own 2018 resolutions. As we look at our RV resorts and campgrounds across the country, our goal is to continue to meet the needs of both new and longterm customers. Our teams are dedicated to evolving with the changing RV lifestyle, meeting the needs and requests of our members and customers. In the spirit of making resolutions, we’re resolving to keep a pulse on RV travel trends and adapting appropriately. From adding unique accommodation options to ramping up our activity calendars, we’re resolving to follow the outdoor travel trends and we'll meet you there. I hope one of your resolutions involves spending more time with us and making the most of your Thousand Trails experiences. The time is now to check off the trip you’ve been meaning to take, or to plan that family reunion. The secret to succeeding in these resolutions is simply getting started.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

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

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com www.trailblazermagazine.net NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Visit www.trailblazermagazine.net and click on the ‘Subscribe’ tab to easily subscribe online today! PRINTED IN THE USA

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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:

Equity LifeStyle Properties Attn: TrailBlazer Photos Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606

Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of Equity LifeStyle Properties and may be used for publication on company websites and promotional purposes. One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received. The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and on www.trailblazermagazine.net.

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▲ Snowflower (CA): Late afternoon at the lake. – Jerry Spivey

PICS FROM THE PARKS

▲ Natchez Trace (TN): Early morning walk with my dog, Bella. She loves the water and scenery! – Jason Woelfel

▲ South Jetty (OR): Enjoying the water at sunset. – Pam and Dan Sisneroz

▲ Cultas Lake (BC): Raccoon Family in a tree! – Ray Brown JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winners,

Jose and Graciela Silva from Plant City, FL

were camping at Orlando when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card! left to right: Graciela Silva, Manager Silvia Sotomayor, and Jose Silva

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2018 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Campground.

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

TECH

TOP CS

RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! by Paul and Kerri Elders This month, we’ll take a look at RV backup camera systems, LP gas monitors, and offer a few useful tips about the importance of properly maintaining your RV’s drivetrain. Ready? Let’s go! Backup Cameras: If you’ve ever needed just a little extra help backing your RV, a backup camera system might be the perfect solution. Backup cameras and their cabin-mounted monitoring screens have been standard equipment in luxury motorhomes for many years. Thanks to technological advances, they’re also now a workable option for fifth wheel and travel trailer owners. In the “good ol’ days,” the only backup cameras available were hard-wired and needed to be installed by a professional (usually either the motorhome manufacturer or an RV dealer). Now a wide variety of wireless camera options are available, making it possible to have a truly portable backup camera system for your RV that you can set up and use all by yourself. Backup cameras offer a viewing screen mounted within easy sight of the driver; some models we’ve seen even offer a screen that doubles as a rearview mirror. Some backup camera systems are equipped with audio so that the driver can both see and hear what’s going on behind him. Many models are paired with backup buzzers/alarms to help keep bystanders safely out of your way as you back. Some cameras offer a remote control that swivels the camera to adjust the viewing angle. Backup cameras can double as a handy security system for your RV and they give you an easy way to monitor your toad in transit. Browse Amazon.com and you’ll even find some wired models that are

cleverly and discreetly concealed inside a license plate frame. LP Gas Detectors: RVs feature a wide range of liquified petroleum gas (LP gas) powered appliances: everything from ranges and stoves to 3-way refrigerators and LP gas heaters. Liquified petroleum gas is a clean and convenient fuel source, but there are some special considerations to take into account when using it. LP gas is a mixture of propane, butane, and an “odor marker” (that familiar, offensive, garlicky “gas” smell that is added for easier leak detection) and sometimes, other hydrocarbons. When pressure is released, LP gas typically expands to about 250 times the volume it occupied in its liquefied state. Since it’s heavier than air, LP gas tends to collect in low spots. Although an extremely rare occurrence, a substantial leak in an LP gas system has the potential to ignite. But, fortunately, most accidents can usually be prevented with a little foresight. Never overfill your RV’s LP gas tanks beyond the recommended 80-85% fill point. Periodically inspect your LP gas tank and its hoses and fittings to be sure that all connections are tight and that all hoses are in good working condition. Verify that your RV is equipped with an LP gas alarm and test it from time to time to be sure it’s in good working order (manufacturers usually recommend replacing them every five years). Operating much like a smoke detector, this alarm will warn you with a loud audible alarm if LP gas is present in your living area. Many RVs are delivered from the factory pre-equipped with an LP gas detector; if your RV doesn’t have one, you can easily install one yourself in just a few minutes. Be sure to install it at floor level, not at eye level, to take

advantage of LP gas’s “heavier than air” nature. If you suspect a leak, or if your LP gas detector goes off, immediately turn off all LP gas bottles and have your system inspected and repaired. Drivetrain Maintenance: Few of us ever give any thought at all to our RV’s drivetrain, but it’s a virtually invisible workhorse that helps keep you happily cruising down the highway of life. All the stress and strain that’s put on your RV’s engine is directly transferred to the drivetrain of your RV (or tow vehicle). The drivetrain includes your transmission, driveline/shaft, and drive axle. All of these components should be maintained with the same enthusiasm you offer your engine. Overheated automatic transmissions are often caused by simple factors: low transmission fluid, a transmission cooler (located in the grille) that is clogged with debris, or by attempting to pull too much weight. Likewise, the solutions to these problems are equally simple. Keep your transmission fluid at the proper level and diligently watch for leaks. Be sure to clean the transmission cooler when you clean your radiator. And, most importantly, NEVER exceed your manufacturer’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Driveline universal joints must always be kept properly lubricated. Have your service technician regularly examine these for wear. Don’t overlook the differential gear’s oil level, because this tiny bit of neglect can cause some serious damage, resulting in burned-out axle bearings and unnecessary wear on the gears. Generally speaking, this universal joint lubrication work is typically best done by your favorite trusted RV Service Center. Happy trails!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

ACTIVITIES

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

JAN/FEB events Every weekend at Thousand Trails campgrounds, there are activities and fun for kids and adults of all ages. Check out what’s happening in the months of January and February and also be sure to download your copy of the Theme Weekends guide for a complete listing of activities across the country.

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Valentine’s Day Spend Valentine’s Day with your sweeties at Thousand Trails!

Potluck with Thousand Trails Share the love and share your food at Thousand Trails this winter! Bring your favorite pot of homemade soup to share and join us for one of Lake Minden’s (CA) favorite Friday Night Potlucks the weekend of Jan 5! It’s out with the old and in with the new at Lake Conroe (TX) on Jan 6 for a night of old and new games with a side of a casserole potluck! The folks at Lake Whitney (TX) and Colorado River (TX) also have potlucks on Jan 6. Don’t miss the Potato Topper n’ Beer Potluck at Peace River (FL) the weekend of Jan 20. Come back to Lake Conroe (TX) for a Dinner Potluck on Feb 17 or, on Feb 24 for Soup Day Weekend! Bring your favorite soup whether it’s chicken noodle, minestrone, split pea or something else!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Prepare yourself for some sweet activities at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of Feb 9. There will be a sweetheart jewelry class, a valentine’s day potluck, brown bag sweetheart bingo, and more! There will be a dinner and dance for all the lovebirds at Lake Conroe (TX) on Feb 10. Start your day with all-you-can-eat pancakes with the folks at San Benito (CA) for a Valentine’s Day Pancake breakfast. Whether you’re introducing your new beau to your friends or joining up for a double date with a fellow couple, you’ll have a great time meeting new friends and mingling with old ones at the Valentine’s Day Potluck at Three Flags (FL) on Feb 14! Enjoy a belated Valentine’s Day on Feb 17 at Colorado River (TX) and we will also be celebrating February birthdays. Enjoy a chocolate fountain and other sweets with your valentine at the Valentine’s Day celebration at Lake Texoma (TX).

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Football Season is Here Football season is in full swing and we can’t wait to watch the big game with you at Thousand trails! Wear your team colors and watch the Big Game with the folks at Colorado River (TX) on Feb 3. We will be playing flag football, making football themed crafts and watching the Big Game finale of the season at Lake Conroe (TX) on Feb 4! Come out of your campers and watch the big game (and the commercials) on our big screen TV with your camping buddies at Lake Whitney (TX). Let’s cheer on the teams during the Big Game in the lounge at Peace River (FL) on Feb 4! Snacks, friends, and football at Wilderness Lakes (CA) so come join us and watch the game on the big screen for Big Football Sunday on Feb 4! We’ll be kicking off a big football weekend the weekend of Feb 2 at Lake Minden (CA). There will be an indoor “Tailgate” potluck social a viewing party for the Big Game on Sunday!

Fun with Food Whether you’re trying a new recipe or playing with your food, see where to have fun with food at Thousand Trails this winter! Plug up your crock pots, dust off your recipes, and show everyone who has the best chili at Palm Springs (CA) on Jan 20! Their annual Chili Cook-Off takes place at the Recreation lodge. Beat those winter time blues and bring your favorite homemade cookies and recipes and we’ll share cookies, coffee, tea and great conversation at the Cookie & Coffee Social at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of Jan 26. Turn your spaghetti into a work of art and make pasta arts and craft at Lake Conroe (TX) on Jan 20 for the Experience Pasta Project Weekend! Who doesn’t love chocolate? Join in on the fun and enjoy fondue, an Ice Cream Social and more to get your chocolate fix on Feb 24 at Three Flags (FL). Celebrate the winter in Florida with the folks at Peace River (FL) with lots of citrus for a Sunshine & Citrus weekend, Feb 24.

Some events may require a participation fee.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – On-Site

Special Themes Dress up in your favorite costumes or enjoy music with a special theme! No matter what you do, you’ll have fun at Thousand Trails! Start the new year with a celebration at Three Flags (FL) with tacos, beverages, and a piñata! On Jan 20, the folks at Palm Springs (CA) will be welcoming Cowboy Jack back to entertain us with vintage country tunes and stories. On Jan 20 there will be a country-themed day of crafts and games at Peace River (FL), come check it out! And the following weekend at Peace River (FL) there will be a celebration of music through the ages with crafts, games, and live entertainment for a Decades of Music weekend! “Flip Flop Weekend” will be the weekend of Feb 17 at Lake Conroe (TX). It’s everything Elvis all weekend during “The Man from Memphis” weekend, Feb 16 at Peace River (FL).

Getting Crafty Show off your artsy side at these craft fairs and artist meetups this winter at Thousand Trails! The Jewelry Maker’s meetup at Lake Minden (CA) is the weekend of Jan 19 folks will be sharing jewelry making ideas, tutorials, patterns, trade beads, and other findings. Come to Colorado River (TX) on Jan 20 for Hobby Day where you can show, teach, and tell us all about your hobbies. Bring the info to share at the Activity Center. Make pasta arts and crafts with the folks at Lake Conroe (TX) and enjoy a spaghetti dinner afterwards on Jan 20! Come out to Wilderness Lakes (CA) the weekend of Feb 17 for a President’s Day craft and family movie night! Meet with other artists the weekend of Feb 23 for a workshop at the Pencil, Pen & Palate at Lake Minden (CA) to show off your artwork, share a technique, or discuss your favorite artist. Artists of all levels are invited and please bring your own supplies!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – On-Site

Tournaments Folks travel from near and far to play in Thousand Trails tournaments. Join us today!

Friendly Company The song goes like this...make new friends, but keep the old! Celebrate your friendships, old and new, this winter at Thousand Trails. Misery sure loves company and brunch at Chesapeake Bay (VA) on Jan 1! Bring a breakfast dish to the dining hall to share with your fellow campers and we’ll have lots of coffee ready! Bring your best three resolutions and we’ll combine them to make a resolution sheet for everyone at Colorado River (TX) on Jan 6! Make new friends and keep the old at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of Jan 12, where all the activities are all about friendships – keeping in touch with old friends and making new ones. Plus, what better way to make new friends than over hot fudge sundaes? Be sure to try them at the Ice Cream Social. Weather permitting, we’ll be stargazing at Medina Lake (TX) on Jan 20. Enjoy an Italian dinner at Lake Whitney (TX) on Jan 27!

Compete in a series of easy-going games and contests to win the coveted blue ribbon at Peace River (FL) the weekend of Jan 13! Not only is it Valentine’s weekend on Feb 10, but it’s also the annual horseshoe tournament at Palm Springs (CA)! Join horseshoe players that travel from near and far to participate in this tournament. Come play in the annual pool tournament at Wilderness Lakes (CA) the weekend of Feb 7! Pool sharks from all around the area come for 9-ball, Jack and Jill, singles and doubles games! And the following weekend, enjoy relay games and candy bar BINGO the weekend of Feb 17 at Wilderness Lakes (CA)! Come to activity center at Colorado River (TX) on Jan 13 to play new games or two to enjoy with friends!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

CALENDAR events

WILDERNESS LAKES (CA) Jan 13 The Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Pechanga Casino, Temecula, CA

“The Best Beatles Show in the World” - LA Times pechanga.com

Jan 26 Kearth Totally 80’s Live

Pechanga Casino, Temecula, CA

Performances from Salt & Pepa, Dramarama, Boy George, and more favorites from the 80s. hondacenter.com

Feb 16 Tiffany Haddish

Pechanga Casino, Temecula, CA

See the breakout star of the hit movie,“Girls Trip,” slay her best jokes on the big stage. pechanga.com

Feb 23 Frankie Valli with The Four Seasons

Seasons perform their classic songs, “Big Girls Don’t Cry,”“Walk Like A Man,”“Rag Doll” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” palacasino.com

Jan 26 Fraser Valley Distillery Festival Chilliwack Cultural Centre, Chilliwack, BC

Jan 12-Feb 19 Epcot® International Festival of the Arts

Taste spirits from some of the best craft & micro distilleries in British Columbia. All distilleries are BC owned and operated and make small batch spirits from locally sourced ingredients. rollercoasteryardsale.com

Celebration of food and art from all different cultures at this famous theme park. disneyworld.disney.go.com

Feb 9-11 Fraser Valley Home & Garden Expo

ORLANDO (FL)

Walt Disney World®, Orlando, FL

CULTUS LAKE (BC) Jan 19-21 The Vancouver Motorcycle Show Tradex Abbotsford, Abbotsford, BC

See new 2018 motorcycles plus scooters, ATVs, and side-by-sides. Expert talks, newest apparel and gear; get ready for your next cycle adventure. vancouvermotorcycleshow.ca

Pala Casino Spa & Resort

Tradex Abbotsford, Abbotsford, BC

Get inspired to decorate or renovate your home at this annual home and garden expo. exposureeventsltd.com

Feb 15-18 Earlybird RV Show

Tradex Abbotsford, Abbotsford, BC

Over 120K sq ft. of display of new RVs on show and for sale. 50+ booth exhibitors. Private sales of RVs by the public. rvshowsbc.com

See Frankie Valli with the Four

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Jan 20 Gold Discovery Day

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma CA

Interactive period trade demos, music, Gold Rush symposium featuring noted authors and scholars on gold rush history. parks.ca.gov

LA CONNER (WA) La Conner (WA) In the Valley of Mystic Light Skagit County Historical Museum, La Conner, WA

Based on the book “In the Valley of the Mystic Light” by Rita Hupy and Claire Swedberg. skagitcounty.net/museum

FOREST LAKE (NC) Wine About Winter

Downtown Salisbury, Salisbury, NC

Tour the wines of Rowan County during this 5th annual wine tasting crawl. Tickets include souvenir wine glass, souvenir, map & wristband. Downtownsalisburync.com

MORGAN HILL (CA) Jan 4-7 Silicon Valley Auto Show

San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA

From electric cars to exotic cars, concepts to classics, new luxury model to the lavish cars of celebrities you can see, touch, even test drive the leading edge of automotive technology. Svautoshow.com

Jan 15-28 #sanjoseeats

Various San Jose Restaurants, San Jose, CA

Celebrate San Joe’s incredible diversity of culinary genius during #SanJoseEATS, part of of California Restaurant Month. Sip premier wines, imbibe craft cocktails and savor uniquely delicious dishes throughout California’s third largest city. sanjose.org/sanjoseeats

Feb 14 Hearts, Wine and Chocolate

Feb 12 2018 Cameron Carpenter at the Granada

Solis Winery, Gilroy CA

Granada Theater, Santa Barbara, CA

Solis Winery, located in the valley, will have a special afternoon program of Hearts, Wine & Chocolate. There will be samples for you to try, and you can buy some to take with you too. Soliswinery.com

This superstar organist returns to Santa Barbara with his monumental, self-designed electric organ. This spectacle leaves the audience as bedazzled as his Swarovskistudded shoes. ticketing.granadasb.org

Every Saturday in February Morgan Hill Farmer’s Market

LAKE TEXOMA (TX)

Caltrain Station, Morgan Hill, CA

At the Train Depot Station parking lot, the Morgan Hill Certified Farmers’ Market brings together farmers, food, producers and consumers from Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Hollister every Saturday. cafarmersmkts.com/morgan-hillfarmers-market

RANCHO OSO (CA) Jan 1 SB Airbus Trip to the 2018 Rose Parade Leaving Santa Barbara for Pasadena, CA to see the Parade. Grandstand Seats, Breakfast, stop at Farmers Market. sbairbus.com Jan 20 SB Audubon’s Winter Bird Count 4 Kids Lake Los Carneros Park, Goleta, CA

Global Event Center

Come out and listen to Rascal Flatts Back to Us Tour! winstarworldcasino.com/events/ global-event-center/

LAKE WHITNEY (TX) Jan 12-Feb 3 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX

A fun-filled extravaganza rich in Western tradition; enjoy exciting rodeo action, livestock, horse shows, shopping, All Western Parade, etc. fwssr.com

Jan 12-14 Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Symphonic Series: Nights in the Garden of Spain Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX

Guided nature walk and bird watching for kids. santabarbaraaudubon.org/events

Jan 31- Feb 10 2018 Santa Barbara International Film Festival Numerous Times 1528 Chapala St. Santa Barbara, CA

Feb 16 Rascal Flatts in Concert

This 11 day event has been held in Santa Barbara since 1986. Numerous films and star appearances. See website for schedule and ticket information.

FWSO Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya leads the orchestra in a program celebrating the music of Spain. Beginning with Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain with pianist Joaquin Achucarro, the concert will whisk you on a journey that includes Albeniz’s Rhapsodia Española as arranged by Halfter, Granados’s Intermezzo from Goyescas, and Debussy’s Ibéria from Images. fwsymphony.org

Sbiff.org

Some events may require a participation fee.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – Local

PONDEROSA (CA)

Activities and Events – Local

Jan 23 A Night with Janis Joplin

Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX

Share an evening with the musical influences of Janis Joplin, the queen of rock’n’roll and an artist that was taken away from this earth too quickly. basshall.com

Every Mon-Sat Magnolia Market at the Silos Get inspired, shop for housewares, and indulge in tasty food truck dishes at the market created and curated by Joanna and Chip Gaines. Market is open every day, except Sundays, from 9AM - 6PM. magnoliamarket.com/silos

VERDE VALLEY (AZ) Jan 14 Sedona Winter Music Festival

Sedona Performing Arts Center, Sedona, AZ

The Fifth Annual Sedona Winter Music Festival will showcase some of the world’s most talented musicians in a celebration of chamber music and the performing arts. After nearly a week of special events, including a gala held at a private home and masterclasses for students, the festival will culminate with a concert at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. chambermusicsedona.org

Jan 20-21 Sedona Vegfest

Sedona Performing Arts Center, Sedona, AZ

This two-day celebration of the joys of whole food plant-based eating. Interaction with experts, access to delicious food options, cooking demos, etc. healthyworldsedona.com/sedonavegfest-2017

Feb 3 Sedona Marathon Event

45 Sunset Avenue, Sedona, AZ

The marathon course takes participants through the Coconino National Forest District and on the 16

streets of Sedona. Event expo for spectators, supporters and participants featuring local artists and live performers. sedonamarathon.com

Feb 8-11 Sedona Yoga Festival

Varying locations in Sedona, AZ

With an impressing list of presenters and instructors from around the globe, the Sedona Yoga Festival showcases workshops, lectures, films, music, and healing therapy for everyone! This is a celebrated event that is unforgettable, enlightening, and inspiring that promotes a healthy body and mind! sedonayogafestival.com

Feb 24-Mar 8 Sedona International Film Festival

Varying locations in Sedona, AZ

This multi-day film experience celebrates independent cinematic works and boasts over 160 films. Genres include drama, documentary, short film, animated, and more. Workshops, special screenings, and guest appearances also on the agenda. sedonafilmfestival.org

TIMOTHY LAKE N & S Jan 13 Sherman Winter Craftfest

Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg, PA

The Sherman Theater is bringing back the Second Annual Sherman Winter Craftfest in the warm and spacious Sherman Theater. The theater will be flat floored with over 70+ vendors and available to the general public with FREE admission. Shermantheater.com

Jan 13 Jim Breuer

Mount Airy Casino, Mt. Pocono, PA

After his renowned four year run on Saturday Night Live and starring in cult classics, he is now touring sharing his stand up show with all. mountairycasino.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Feb 25 Shawnee Winter Carnival

Shawnee Mountain, East Stroudsburg, PA

Demonstrations, ice sculptors, vendors, product sampling, giveaways, outdoor BBQ, entertainment and apres ski party are scheduled. shawneemt.com/events/shawneewinter-carnival

Feb 16-25 Romeo & Juliet

Shawnee Playhouse

Feature show presented by Rebel Stages Shakespeare’s heart-breaking tale of two “star-crossed lovers,” the tribal war that infects both their families and their society at large, and the love that threatens to tear it all apart. theshawneeplayhouse.com

Feb 3 Bob Saget

Mount Airy Casino, Mt. Pocono, PA

Bob Saget has starred in many successful television shows, including two of the most familyfriendly shows network TV has ever produced but he’s also an out of his mind standup comedian. mountairycasino.com

SOUTH JETTY (OR) Jan 1 Polar Bear Plunge

Sunset Bay State Park, Charleston, OR

Join this 29 year tradition with our local Polar Bears for a New Year’s dive into the ocean. The only rule is that you must completely immerse yourself. Spend 1-5 minutes in our waters and you’re sure to start your new year off right! Everyone is welcome. Starts at 9:00am sharp. Sunset Bay State Park. And in case you’re wondering… Yes it’s cold… see for yourself! oregonstateparks.org

Jan 12-14 Winter Music Festival

Florence Events Center, Florence, OR

Enjoy two days of music, arts, crafts, pie sales and concert performances held at the Florence Events Center and at venues around the

Jan 25-28 Farmers Insurance Open 2017

Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla, CA

The annual PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open men’s golf tournament is played at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the 2008 U.S. Open. Tickets start at $25. Kids 12 and under FREE. farmersinsuranceopen.com

community at the 2018 Winter Music Festival. wintermusicfestival.org

Feb 2 Downtown Coos Bay Wine Walk 50 Central Ave, Coos Bay, OR

Visit various downtown businesses to wine taste and shop. Wine glasses and maps provided with a $10 donation to benefit local non-profit organizations each month. Starts at the Coos Bay Visitor Information Center. facebook.com/CoosBayWineWalk

Feb 11 The Jazz Kings

Florence Events Center, Florence, OR

Begin the New Year with The Jazz Kings’“A Pocketful of Dreams,” which celebrates the career of Bing Crosby. Please join us! Tickets are $25. Eventcenter.org

BIRCH BAY (WA) Jan 1 Polar Bear Plunge This annual ritual draws hundreds of participants and thousands of onlookers each year and has

Feb 1-28 San Diego Museum Month Presented by Macy’s, this popular event allows participants to enjoy half-off entry fees at 40+ San Diego Museum Council membership museums, encouraging locals and visitors explore a variety of arts, culture and science-oriented destinations. From Oceanside Museum of Art down to the Tijuana Estuary, there are ample opportunities for edutainment, creating memories and fun for the whole family. Sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

become a destination spot for New Years Day! Participants come from all over the area, and as far away as Spain, Tokyo, and Dubai to plunge in to the bay’s chilly water. No cost to plunge, but registration is encouraged. birchbaychamber.com/polar-bearplunge.html

PIO PICO (CA) Jan 12-13 Poway Winter Festival

Feb 17-18 San Diego Pet Festival

Poway Community Park, Poway, CA

There’s something for everyone at this Winter Festival to celebrate the magic and charm of winter. Build a snowman, sled down the snow hill, roast marshmallows, make silly faces in the photo booth, and take a spin around the synthetic skate rink. poway.org/891/Winter-Festival

Jan 19-21 Con-Dor Con

Handlery Hotel, Mission Valley, San Diego

Con-Dor is San Diego’s newest science-fiction and fantasy convention, put together by the California Association for the Advancement of Speculative Media

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA

The San Diego Pet Expo is a woofing, chirping and meowing good time for the whole family. Four-legged friends can receive “spa treatments” from local groomers, sample delicious treats and try on the latest in furry fashions; their humans will enjoy interacting with top trainers and learning pet-care tips from animal welfare organizations. sandiegopetcon.com

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Activities and Events – Local

(C.A.A.S.M.), a non-profit organization. This year’s theme: “The Gateway To Forever: Traveling the Past, Present, and Future.” Condorcon.org

There simply may be no better single road trip in the United States than the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys.

s the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 that’s often called the “Highway that Goes to Sea,” it remains a modern travel wonder and one of America’s classic drives. The magic carpet ride highway follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 when railroad baron Henry Flagler completed the extension of his Florida East Coast Railroad from Miami to Key West. The railway ceased operation after severe damage to its infrastructure in a 1935 hurricane and economic decline caused by the Depression era. Completed in 1938, the highway’s foundation incorporated some of the original railway spans, as well as the coral bedrock of individual keys and specially constructed columns. The Overseas Highway represents a remarkable engineering feat: 113 miles of roadway and 42 bridges leapfrogging across the water from key to key in a series of giant arches of concrete and steel. The Atlantic Ocean lies on one side of the highway, with Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on the other – providing drivers breathtaking vistas of open sea and sky. In 1982, 37 of the original bridges were replaced with wider spans, including the renowned Seven Mile Bridge (actually 6.79 miles long) at Marathon. In September 2011, after nearly seven years of construction, a rebuilt, safer $330 million road 18

connecting the South Florida mainland with the Florida Keys was completed. The modernized “18-Mile Stretch,” a segment of U.S. Highway 1 between Florida City and Key Largo, features numerous safety, environmental, and aesthetic enhancements for those heading to the Overseas Highway and the Florida Keys. The project’s most iconic

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element, the 1.25-mile, 65-foothigh Jewfish Creek Bridge, was completed in May 2008 and has created an even more impressive, expansive visual driving approach to the Florida Keys. In 2009, the roadway was named an All-American Road, the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program established by the United States

s a e s r e ov THE

H I G H WAY

A Classic Florida Keys Road Trip By Lynn & Cele Seldon

Congress. Today, drivers can leave Miami and travel the full length of the Overseas Highway, through all the Keys to Key West, in about four hours. However, trailblazing travelers should allow time to experience the natural beauty of the ever-changing land and sea bordering and framing the roadway, as well as sunrises and sunsets that can be viewed from the road.

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â&#x2013;˛ Overseas Heritage Trail

â&#x2013;˛ The Spiegel Grove

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Mile Marker (MM) by iconic Mile Marker, the highway also is the foundation of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, which is currently being created. The trail is a multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail that is to extend 106 miles from Key Largo to Key West, as a recreational greenway for hiking, running, bicycling, inline skating, fishing, kayaking, and more. Florida State Parks officials project that 90 linear miles are to be completed by December 2018.

UPDATE Fiesta Key and Sunshine Key are Encore's premier Florida Keys RV resorts. Fiesta Key, located in Long Key, expects to be fully operational in January. The resort has been reopening in phases since Hurricane Irma. Sunshine Key RV Resort, located in Big Pine Key, continues to work to restore areas of the resort that were impacted by the storm. The resort is expected to reopen in phases beginning early 2018. Look for the latest updates on Fiesta Key and Sunshine Key RV resorts at RVontheGo.com

▲ Diver poses with “Christ of the Abyss”

The underwater life of the Florida Keys attracts snorkelers, divers, and other water sports enthusiasts. Following Hurricane Irma divers and dive operators off Key Largo quickly reported that long-favorite dive and snorkel sites located three to four miles offshore remained very much intact, despite some topographic changes and a displacement of sand from deeper waters into shallow areas of the reefs – which tidal cycles and ocean currents typically correct over time.

Beloved dive and snorkel sites like Molasses Reef, “Christ of the Abyss” (a nine-foot-tall, 4,000-pound statue overlooking a still-thriving coral reef dominated by a giant brain coral), and world-renowned wrecks like the Duane, the Spiegel Grove, and The Benwood, all remain open for business. In fact, Key Largo dive operators – many of them Blue Star companies promoting marine conservation – have excitedly noted that the experience on some wreck dives is like seeing

them for the first time. This provides yet another reason to hit the Overseas Highway. “Wherever you travel along the Overseas Highway when you journey to the Keys, you can expect a welcome as warm as our year-round subtropical climate,” says Stacey Mitchell, director of marketing for the Florida Keys and Key West. That welcome begins as you head from South Florida down the Overseas Highway toward Key Largo.

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▲ The original vessel from classic 1951 film “African Queen”

▲ Sunset fishing in Key Largo

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▲ Wildlife at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Key Largo

▲Kayakers at Pennekamp State Park

John Pennekamp Would Be Proud

he jumping-off point to the Florida Keys is Key Largo, about 50 miles south-southeast of Miami and beginning at MM 107, running to 90). The longest island of the Keys chain, Key Largo is the site where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall battled both actor Edward G. Robinson and a hurricane in the 1948 feature film of the same name, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Portions of the movie were filmed at the Caribbean Club (MM 104) in Key Largo and Bogie’s Key Largo connection can be experienced aboard the historic steamboat, African Queen – the actual boat that Bogart skippered in the movie of the same name. (It’s docked at the Holiday Inn complex at MM 100 and its operators run great trips).

outdoor recreation. Keys underwater conservation was underway in 1960, with the dedication of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park off Key Largo (MM 102.5), named for a late Miami newspaper editor who championed local environmental preservation. It opened in 1963. As the first such underwater preserve in the United States, this refuge offers 50-plus varieties of delicate corals and more than 600 different species of fish for the viewing pleasure of divers and snorkelers. Pennekamp and the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary cover about 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps. The land-based part of the park also features excellent hiking and camping. Operators inside the park offer scuba diving, snorkeling, and varied boating, to reopen in early 2018, and other

Key Largo’s Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) opened a new interpretive center and campus improvement project adjacent to its existing headquarters at MM 98 in December 2017. REEF is dedicated to conserving marine ecosystems worldwide and the new center highlights the marine world through selfguided exhibits and engages visitors through firsthand discovery and displays. Exhibits highlight Keys ecology; fish, invertebrates, and plants in marine habitats; biodiversity; invasive and endangered species; conservation actions; water quality; and climate change. The expanded REEF campus includes a walking trail with native plants, picnic tables, and outdoor educational signs.

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Islamorada

▲ Marlin in Action Photo Courtesy of Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Pretty in Purple

slamorada (stretching from MM 89 to MM 66) is the centerpiece of a group of islands known as the “purple isles"– the islands feature a heavy concentration of the stunning violet sea snail and “morada” is Spanish for purple. Also known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada is heralded for its angling diversity and features the Keys’ largest fleet of offshore charter boats and shallow water backcountry boats. According to the International Game Fish Association, the Florida Keys boast more sportfishing world records than any other destination on the planet. Here, anglers can find sailfish, marlin, dolphin (the fish, not the mammal), kingfish, snapper, barracuda, grouper, and more in the ocean. Tarpon, bonefish, 24

permit, redfish, and other species thrive in the shallow coastal waters as well. Numerous highprofile figures, including past presidents and British royalty, have visited Islamorada to fish or compete in acclaimed fund-raising fishing tournaments. Marked by a giant lobster named Betsy out front, The Rain Barrel Village (“A Village of Artists,” MM 86.7) is a perfect place to go for Keys souvenir shopping. Other noteworthy sightseeing in the Key Largo area includes the fascinating Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center at MM 92. Further west, vistas of the Keys are dominated by emerald-green lagoons, deep-blue seas, nodding palms, rustling pines, and olivegreen mangroves. White herons, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, seagulls, ospreys and other

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creatures share this paradise with visitors. For fishing, shopping, tasty food, and a Keys-y vibe, it’s hard to beat world-renowned, Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada (MM 77.5). The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant at Robbie’s is a great place to try fresh tuna sashimi salad, local lobster, grouper, classic key lime pie, and more. Islamorada is also known for Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5), the second oldest marine mammal facility in the world, and the appropriately located and fascinating History of Diving Museum (MM 83). There’s also the bustling Morada Way Arts & Cultural District (MM 82) for unique gallery shopping and more.

Marathon

The Middle of it All

arathon, stretching from MM 65 to 45, is the heart of the Florida Keys and is home to Crane Point, a 63.5-acre attraction (MM 55) that is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys. The area contains evidence of pre-Columbian and prehistoric Bahamian artifacts and was once the site of an entire Indian Village. There is a tropical palm forest and a freshwater pond, attracting neo-tropical migratory bird species. There are also six hiking trails, the Marathon Wild Bird Center, the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, and the Adderley House. While it is discouraged to feed marine life in the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, visitors can swim with and feed the fish at busy Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters (MM 53.1). There’s also The Turtle Hospital (MM 48.5), a veterinary center dedicated to the “rescue, rehab, and release” of sea turtles – and open for public tours. It’s the only one of its kind in the world and the first licensed veterinary hospital dedicated to treatment and release of injured sea turtles. The Marathon area is also the home of Dolphin Research Center (MM 59), a non-profit mammal research and educational facility that houses a family of dolphins in natural saltwater lagoons. Here, dolphins of all ages share their lives with visitors and people who have dedicated themselves to maintaining the best possible environment for them and all dolphins. A wide variety of programs includes interactive dolphin experiences.

Those hungering for Keys seafood and atmosphere will want to head to Keys Fisheries (MM 50). This famed restaurant and market are known for its giant lobster Reuben sandwich, but there’s much more on the menu, including stone crab when inseason (October 15 to May 15) and lots of fresh local seafood. A drive across the Seven Mile Bridge passes the five-acre Pigeon Key, a small island accessible only by ferry from the Faro Blanco Lighthouse at the Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club in Marathon. The island once housed 400 workers who built Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea railroad in the early 1900s. It was also a supply depot, a dormitory with commissary and a passenger train stop.

▲ Lobster sandwich from Keys Fisheries

▲ Pigeon Key and the Seven Mile Bridge

▲ Dolphin Research Center Photo Courtesy of Tinsley Advertising

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Lower Keys

High Expectations outhwest of Marathon, the Lower Keys stretch from MM 45 to MM 4. The sheer sweep of the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico is readily seen from Bahia Honda Bridge (MM 38). Bahia Honda State Park, like Pennekamp and Long Key state parks, also features day use activities that include hiking, snorkeling, and a scenic Calusa Beach, adjacent to Bahia Honda Bridge, for sunbathing. Big Pine Key (MM 30) is noted for Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary located about six miles offshore, and serves as home to the 9,200-acre National Key Deer Refuge, protecting the endangered miniature Key deer, living only in the Keys. Popular nature tours by kayak or larger boats offer unforgettable opportunities to view the unique fauna and flora of the Keys. Bill Keough offers backcountry paddling adventures through his company, Big Pine Kayak Adventures (MM 30).

▲ Endangered miniature Key Deer

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▲ Kayaking in Big Pine Key

Oveseas Highway

MILE MARKERS

MILE

Travelers along the Overseas Highway will see mile markers, also called mileposts, on road shoulders. These green markers bear white numbers and descend in order from 127.5 at Florida City to 0 at the corner of Fleming and Whitehead streets in Key West. Awareness of these markers is useful, since Keys residents refer to them regularly when giving addresses. Visitors asking for directions shouldn’t be surprised to hear that the spot they’re seeking is located at, just before or just beyond a specific mile marker number.

The Character–and Characters–of

ew U.S. cities can rival Florida’s Key West for its character...make that characters. This colorful, quirky island – the southernmost point in the continental United States – has been home, sweet home to a passel of colorful, quirky characters who call themselves conchs after the colorful, hardy mollusks that thrive in the waters here. Ernest Hemingway, for example, left such a mark on Key West that exploring his old stomping

t s e W y Ke

grounds is reason enough to visit the island. “Papa” moved to Key West in 1931 with his second wife, Pauline. The couple was gifted the house at 907 Whitehead Street. by Pauline’s wealthy Uncle Gus. Standing at the typewriter – he had a bad back – Hemingway created parts or all of To Have and Have Not, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Green Hills of Africa, A Farewell to Arms, and Death in the Afternoon. Hemingway is one of the world’s most famous authors and a Key West icon. The Ernest

Hemingway House & Museum, now a registered national historic landmark, was built in the Spanish Colonial style of native rock hewn from the area. The Hemingways furnished the house with rugs, tiles, chandeliers, and furniture collected from all over the world. In 1961, Hemingway killed himself in Idaho. Today, the Key West house and its furnishings remain intact, as if Hemingway were about to return from an afternoon of fishing or drinking. Besides his simple study, left as he liked it for writing, two other

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things demonstrate that the home and Key West still belong to Papa. One is the shrubbery that the nature-loving writer planted and the other is the multitude of six-toed cats roaming the place – descendants of Hemingway’s own cats and a living link between the man and the island.

▲ Sunset Street Performer

▲ Southernmost Point Mile Marker (MM)–only 90 miles from Cuba!

▲ Blue Heaven Photo courtesy of Andy Newman/ Florida Keys News Bureau 28

A visit to the Hemingway house is obligatory for tourists. But, those who want to meet live Key West characters head for Mallory Square. If there is a single Key West attraction that sums up the entire island experience, it’s the nightly “Sunset Celebration.” Every evening, as the glowing orange sun sinks beneath the horizon, Key West’s colorful characters turn out to celebrate the colorful event. Legend has it that playwright Tennessee Williams started the tradition – gin and tonic in hand – when he lived in Key West. But Key West’s spectacular sunsets have been drawing gasps of admiration for centuries. A Key West sunset is much more than a natural phenomenon. It has its own nonprofit organization, the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, and a cast full of quirky characters who give it...character. On any given evening, visitors meet up with arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers, food sellers, and even psychics. It’s a multicultural mélange that has to be experienced to be believed. Artist and naturalist John James Audubon wrote glowingly of Key West’s spectacular sunsets when he arrived in 1832. After studying and drawing birds and plants in their Keys natural habitats, Audubon stayed at the 205 Whitehead Street home of Captain John H. Geiger, a salvager and harbor pilot. Each day, Audubon explored the mangroves in search of native birds and plants, sometimes starting at 3 a.m. and working into the following night.

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The house and gardens have been completely restored and now comprise a public museum called the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens. The majestic home features original hinges, hardware, and wood, as well as period furnishings and numerous engravings by Audubon, including many from his famous “Birds of America” folio. It is believed that Audubon sighted and drew 19 new species while visiting the Keys and the Dry Tortugas. The Key West Cemetery, with a monument to the U.S.S. Maine, is also filled with island characters. Situated on 19 prime acres in the heart of the historic district, the cemetery boasts tombstones inscribed with all sorts of odd, if witty, comments like: “I Told You I was Sick.” Key West conchs also seem to have a penchant for nicknames. Sharp-eyed cemetery snoops will find tombstones bearing monikers such as Bunny, Shorty, and The Tailor. Visitors will also uncover some colorful tales at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Typical of Key West characters, the late Mel Fisher was the stuff of tall tales, a fortune hunter who prowled the world in search of treasures buried under the waves. The museum displays many of his finds, including part of more than $400 million in gold and silver from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a 17th-century Spanish galleon that sank just 35 miles west of Key West. The Key West Attractions Association, one of Key West’s oldest business associations, celebrated its 35th anniversary in late-2017 by unveiling its new 2018 Vacation Pass, with more than $1,000 in savings and value-added enhancements. The association’s 75-plus members include Key West attractions, tours, water activities companies, charters, resorts, restaurants

▲ Hemingway House

▲ Harry S. Truman Little White House

▲ Dry Tortugas and bars, and other businesses. Member Key West Aquarium, one of the region’s oldest attractions, opened in 1935 and promotes itself as the first aquarium to use an open-air concept in its design (today, the aquarium’s interior is air-conditioned). In addition, the new complimentary hop-on, hop-off Duval Loop bus service makes it easy to travel around the island’s Historic Seaport and downtown Duval Street without a car. Launched as part of Car-Free Key West and designed to promote healthier, eco-friendly alternatives to driving, the route on colorful pink and blue buses includes 16 stops and is designed to reduce traffic and parking challenges. Further afield, 70 miles west of Key West, Fort Jefferson National

Monument in the 100-square-mile Dry Tortugas National Park offers one of America’s most unique outdoors outings. This former 19th-century fort, 30 years in the making from 1846 to 1875, was never finished nor fully armed. Reached only by boat or seaplane, the fortress is part of a protected national park that features great birdwatching, diving, snorkeling, camping, and even more Florida Keys nature in abundance. After all that exploring near and far, Blue Heaven is a classic Key West bar and restaurant for meeting local characters. Key West’s close connection with Cuba and its characters (including Hemingway) can also be explored (and tasted) at El Meson de Pepe at Mallory Square.

With so much going for Key West, it’s not surprising that the island has captured the hearts of many who have visited, including President Harry Truman. The 2.27-acre presidential winter estate, a former U.S. Navy commander’s home, has come to be called the Harry S. Truman Little White House. After discovering Key West in 1946, Truman became so enamored of the island that he returned every few months during his presidency. In a letter to his wife, Bess, Truman wrote: “I’ve a notion to move the capital to Key West and just stay.” Key West as the capital of the United States? Ah, what a wonderful country that would be! █

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On The Road

Bestselling authors tim bauerschmidt & ramie liddle by Lynn & Cele Seldon

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 the authors of the bestselling RV road trip book, Driving Miss Norma–Tim Bauerschmidt & Ramie Liddle.

All photos courtesy of Ramie Liddle 30

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hen Norma Bauerschmidt was diagnosed with uterine cancer at the age of 90, shortly after the death of her husband of nearly seven decades, she was advised to undergo surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. But instead of confining herself to a hospital bed for what could be her last stay, Norma rose to her full height of five feet and told her doctor, “I’m ninety years old. I’m hitting the road.” Packing only what she needed, Miss Norma took off on an unforgettable cross-country journey with three professional nomads – her retired son, Tim, his wife, Ramie, and their Standard Poodle, Ringo – in a 36-foot RV. As detailed in Tim and Ramie’s poignantly touching book, Driving Miss Norma, this once-timid woman says “yes” to living in the face of death. She tries regional foods for the first time, zip-lines through a former stranger’s yard, and even reaches for the clouds in a hot air balloon.

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With each passing mile (and one educational visit to a cannabis dispensary), Miss Norma’s health improved and conversations that had once been taboo began to unfold. Norma, Tim, and Ramie bonded in ways they had never expected, and their definitions of home, family, and friendship expanded. Stop by stop, state by state, they met countless people from all walks of life – strangers who became fast friends and welcomed them with kindness and open hearts. Driving Miss Norma is the charming and infectiously joyous chronicle of their experiences on the road – a transformative journey of living life on your own terms that shows us that it is never too late to begin an adventure, inspire hope or become a trailblazer.

Tell us about your current RV. Tim: Our current RV is a 2011 Fleetwood Southwind 36D with a four-door Jeep Wrangler with 32

paddle boards, kayaks, and mountain bikes attached in tow. Ramie and I have been diehard Airstream owners until now. We bought this rig specifically to provide Mom with a quality end-of-life experience. This model has a full drivers-side slide, a wide walkway to the back with plenty of room for a walker or wheelchair to maneuver, and room for two sleeping areas. The half-bath in the center and full bath in the back allowed for extra privacy. The comfortable Euro-chair and a washer/dryer were mandatory for our mobile assisted-living facility.

Tell us about why and how your trip happened. Ramie: Tim and I have been RVing since 2003 and went “fulltime” in our 19’ Airstream Bambi in 2011. Our annual pilgrimage to northern Michigan to check in with Tim’s elderly parents in 2015 presented us with the inevitable. Tim’s dad, Leo, was

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dying. Two days after he died his mom, Norma, received a cancer diagnosis. She was very clear that at 90-years-old she didn’t want any medical intervention. She also knew that she could no longer care for herself at home. We offered two options that are typical of most adult children with elderly parents: Either move into a long-term care facility or move in with us. She was aware that our house had wheels. Within two minutes of being asked she declared, “I think I’d like to come along.

Tell us about the resulting book, Driving Miss Norma. Tim: When we began this trip, Mom was very sick and bereft. We were not sure she would make it very long before her health declined significantly. Ramie created the Facebook page, “Driving Miss Norma,” so her mother and a few of our friends could follow along. About six months into the trip,

with Norma’s health seemingly improving, the page went viral and suddenly the whole world was watching what Miss Norma was doing from day to day. We traveled to 15 national parks, 32 states, and 13,000 miles on this epic trip. The book is about our travels, yes, but it is also about the emotional journey of tremendous joy, grief, kindness, love, and inspiration that we shared. I had the opportunity to get to know my mom on a level I could have never dreamed of otherwise. Our greatest hope is that our book will support families to have the difficult conversation about end-oflife wishes before it is too late.

What’s your favorite thing about traveling in your RV versus staying in a hotel? Tim: We are always home. We don’t have to pack and unpack. We have our favorite things with us and most importantly, Ringo, our Standard Poodle, is with us all the time. Ramie: We are also often much closer to the action. Frequently, when RVing, you can catch a hiking trail straight from your site and into the wilderness. We haven’t found that to be the case very often with hotel travel.

What are a few of your favorite things onboard? Ramie: There is no question that my favorite thing is my camera. RV travel is a photographer’s dream. Tim: We love to spoil ourselves and travel with an ice cream maker now that we have a large enough freezer. When we traveled with Mom, we found that her wheelchair was the ticket to freedom. She just loved it. Once we arrived at a new campground, the first thing we did was to get her wheelchair out so she [could] push her chair like a walker and explorer while Ramie and I hooked up the utilities.

away with their hospitality. And New England food can’t be beat. When Norma was asked this question she would answer, “Where I am right now.” A wise woman she was.

book is about “ourThetravels, yes, but

it is also about the emotional journey of tremendous joy, grief, kindness, love, and inspiration that we shared.

From a Native American ceremony in New Mexico to wild horses in North Dakota and a hot air balloon ride in Florida, living in the present moment has been our most profound lesson in our travels.

“

What about favorite rivers reached by RV?

What are a few favorite destinations and why? Ramie: We have traveled to every state but Alaska and are hard-pressed to pick a favorite destination. We love the American West and you cannot go wrong by visiting our stunning national and state parks. We had a spot in the California redwoods so close to a river that we were awoken [by] the sound of spawning salmon swimming upstream. It is also pretty great when you are in the French Quarter slurping oysters with your 90-year-old mother-in-law and listening to brass bands march by. The beautiful people of South Carolina and Georgia blew us

Tim: It is funny that you ask about rivers as we are about to embark on a journey around America’s Great Loop. The first stretch follows the rivers from Chicago, Illinois, to Mobile, Alabama. Ask us this question in a few months and we will no doubt have more to say. We love our rivers. The Green in Utah, the Rio Grande in New Mexico, and the Colorado just below the Hoover Dam are all great for kayaking to hot springs! Parked next to the mighty Mississippi in Vidalia, Louisiana we watched a hot air balloon flirt with a tugboat from the front window of our rig. But when it comes to rivers, I have a favorite memory of Mom sitting along the banks of the Big Thompson River in Loveland, Colorado, sipping tea, watching squirrels play, and reading her

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Clive Cussler novel, hoping that someday she could learn how to fly fish.

What are some favorite meals that you make onboard? Ramie: I’d like to answer this one because I am married to an incredible chef! Tim is amazing in the kitchen and I eat very well every day, so we rarely dine out. When we welcomed Miss Norma aboard, we did go out more because we wanted her to experience local food and 34

regional delicacies. That included pasties in northern Michigan, green chile in New Mexico, raw oysters in New Orleans, key lime pie in Florida, and lobster rolls in Maine. We regularly said “Yes, please,” to all the local delicacies.

Do you have any funny stories from the road you can share? Ramie: Tim and I love to paddle board and have carried our boards for thousands of miles, always hoping to spend some time in the water. However,

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Norma’s needs and our desire to enjoy our time with her eclipsed our paddling adventures on this trip. For a few days in early December, we were camped at Ochlockonee River State Park in North Florida and decided to paddle the river. We set Norma up in her wheelchair on a small strip of sand with her Sudoku puzzle book and knitting at hand. Tim and I took off on our boards for about an hour. When we returned Norma was waving to us like she was having a nice time.

As we got closer to her little beach we noticed that the front wheels of her chair were in the water. It was only at that moment that we realized that the inland river was tidal and the tide was rising. Oops. Worried that she was nervous about sinking into the river we paddled faster to save her from impending doom when she simply looked up at us and asked, “Do you think I should take my shoes and socks off?” She did.

What didn’t we ask you about your unique experience that you’d like to share? Tim: My mom’s last year of life could have been spent in a nursing home, with infrequent visits by me and Ramie. Traveling in the RV together made us engage with each other daily, and we included her in all of our decisions. It provided me with the opportunity to really get to know my mom, and for that, I am truly grateful. She died peacefully in the motorhome under the care of a wonderful hospice team on San Juan Island in Washington State. Would we do it again? Absolutely! We had a blast and have no regrets. █

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▲ Driving Miss Norma, available online and in stores now.

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IF YOU BUILD IT

A quick tour of some of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Known (or little known) Architecture By Joan Rykal

owadays, the landscape of American architecture is as varied as the cultures that make up this country. From the famous settlements of early Native Americans, to Colonial style homes that reflect the changing diversity of the country over the centuries. Masterpieces designed by Canadian Frank Gehry populate our major cities along with those designed by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and American Charles Luckman. Frank Lloyd Wright, father of the Prairie School style of architecture, has both residential and public buildings throughout America.

Coit Tower in San Francisco

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here is so much history behind these structures – from big cities to small towns across America, you’ll find incredible works designed for specific reasons, created in homage or simply just because. ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA As the oldest continually occupied city in the U.S., St. Augustine is bound to have a structure or two that startles architecture buffs. Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who was Florida’s first governor, the original city was burned to the ground by English forces in 1702. At that time, Spanish inhabitants decided to rebuild the city and surround it with a wall hoping to avoid any future attacks. The Cubo Line was constructed – an earthen wall that was reinforced and rebuilt many times over the next 100 or so years. Today, visitors can see reconstructed parts of the wall plus what remains of the Old City Gate. The City Gate was constructed in 1808 during a reconstruction period of the Cubo Line. Today what remains of the City Gate welcomes visitors to Old Town St. Augustine. In 1887, industrialist Henry Flagler, who was instrumental in the development of Florida’s Atlantic coast, commissioned a hotel to be built in St. Augustine.

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▲ Willis Tower in Chicago, IL

▲ The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, FL

The result was a Spanish Renaissance Revival-style masterpiece, inspired by the royal palace in Seville, Spain, complete with towers, spires, and a red tiled roof. The hotel opened on Christmas Day 1888 and ceased operating in 1932. In its heyday, guests could enjoy a steam room, sulfur baths, the largest indoor swimming pool in the world at the time, a gymnasium, and a threestory ballroom. Today it houses The Lightner Museum.

tallest load-bearing brick building ever constructed and the use of aluminum in the decorative interior stairways marked the first use of the material in building construction. Added to the National Register of Historic Places, the building still stands and houses offices, retail shops, and restaurants.

There are many ways to see the rich architectural history of America’s oldest city, including trolley tours and walking tours. One to consider is the Homes & Buildings Tour of St. Augustine. For more information visit staugustinehistorictours.com.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Chicago architecture is an amazing mix of old and new. Take the Monadnock Building, when completed in 1893, it was the world’s largest office building. Designed by the architectural firm, Burnham & Root, it was a wonder in many ways – it was the

Just down the street from the Monadnock Building is its 20th-century architectural counterpart, the Willis Tower, originally known as the Sears Tower. Standing at 110-stories, at the time of its completion in 1973, it was the tallest building in the world. While it is still the tallest building in Chicago, it now ranks as the 17th tallest building in the world. The tower has approximately 16,000 windows and has more than 25,000 daily visitors who enjoy restaurants, retail, and amazing views of the city from the Skydeck and the Ledge. The works of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, can be found in and around the Chicago area. The majority of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work in

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Chicago are in the form of homes in the city and nearby suburbs. You can tour his own home and studio in nearby Oak Park too. Visit flwright.org for information. From a van der Rohe standpoint, the main campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology is a mustsee. Additionally, apartment buildings designed by him dot the city’s famed Lakeshore Drive. Visit miessociety.org for more information. To learn more about Chicago’s skyscrapers and structures and take a boat tour sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, visit cruisechicago.com.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA If you think of architecture in San Francisco, most likely the city’s famous Painted Ladies come to mind. This is the name given to the rows of delightfully painted Victorian homes. By definition, a Painted Lady must have three or more paint colors adorning the exterior. One of the most iconic locations for these colorful beauties is Alamo Square’s

“postcard row” on Hayes and Steiner streets.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Because she wanted to “beautify the city,” Lillie Hitchcock Coit left one-third of her estate for the purpose of civic beautification. The city’s historic Coit Tower, built in 1933, was the result of her bequest. This 210-foot, Art Deco-style tower stands atop San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill and offers spectacular views of the city.

Philadelphia is credited with creating America’s first row houses – mainly because they were affordable and easy to build on the city’s narrow lots. Row houses were home to the city’s rich and poor and the housing concept became “an example of egalitarian housing for all.” Today, more than 50% of the city’s housing is still row houses.

Amid San Francisco’s skyline stands the Transamerica Pyramid, soaring 48 stories up, making it the city’s second tallest skyscraper. But it’s not the building’s height that makes it unique – rather, it’s the unique pyramid shape. At the time of completion in 1972, it was the tallest skyscraper west of Chicago. If you’ve seen a photo or a movie depicting San Francisco at night – the red beacon that is shown sits atop the Transamerica Pyramid.

Philadelphia’s City Hall is the largest all-masonry, load-bearing structure without a steel frame in the world! Construction began in 1871 and completed in 1901. Its exterior is comprised of limestone, granite, and marble. At the time, it was designed to be the world’s tallest building.

The city offers plenty of tours to see the beautiful homes and buildings of the City by The Bay. Visit artchitectours.us/citiestours/san-francisco-architecturetours for details.

At one time, there was a gentleman’s agreement in the city to not building a structure taller than the statue of William Penn that sat atop City Hall. That all changed in the 1980s with the construction of Liberty Place, a skyscraper complex designed by architect Helmut Jahn. Two skyscrapers, one 945 feet high, the other 848 feet, comprise this mixed-use property. This addition to Philadelphia’s skyline has made it one of the most appealing in the country.

▲ “Painted Ladies” in San Francisco, CA

For a listing of Philadelphia’s architecture tours, visit philadelphiacfa.org/architecturetour. █

These are just some of the standouts in our America architectural history. For more information and lists of cities to tour, visit artchitectours.us.

▲ Brownstone Row Houses in Philadelphia, PA

▲ Liberty Place in Philadelphia, PA JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

NG U I T P EA

Spring Training IN A R I Z O NA

by Lynn & Cele Seldon

The food offerings at Major League Baseball ballparks (and at many Minor League Baseball stadiums as well) are better than ever and that has carried over to the menus at spring training ballparks during Arizona’s famed Cactus League spring training season that runs from late-February to early-April each year. Thankfully, it’s so much more than peanuts and Cracker Jack® at the old ball game!

▲ Camelback Ranch in Glendale

Ballpark food is better than ever come Springtime in the Cactus League. Around March every year, lots of baseball fans head to Arizona for baseball’s annual rite of spring – Cactus League spring training. Since the late-1940s, when the Cleveland Indians and New York Giants first went west to the warm desert sun, attending ballgames in the Cactus League has been a popular pastime – including many fans in RVs. Today, with 15 teams playing in 10 unique stadiums in central Arizona, the Cactus League is better than ever. What we now call “spring training” started around 1870, the year the Cincinnati Red Stockings and Chicago White Stockings held their spring camps in New Orleans. Organized spring training went even further south to Florida in 1888, when the Washington Senators trained and played in Jacksonville for a short period. By 1914, several teams had made Florida their spring training home and more teams soon followed suit. Arizona came to the plate decades later, but the state has quickly developed into a spring training hub. Minor League Baseball teams played preseason exhibition games in the state as early as the early-1900s, but it wasn’t until Cleveland Indians owner Bill Veeck brought his team to Arizona in 1946 that Major League teams (and their fans) started their love affair with the Arizona sun. 15 Major League teams currently holding spring training in each state at more than 20 varied ballparks.

Spring training lasts about 50 days, with actual games (about 300 of them in the Cactus League) taking place from late-February to early-April, right up to Opening Day. Though certain games are more popular than others, it’s easy to get a ticket to most games, just be sure to check in advance. Game days in the Cactus League can be quite different from regular season games. Though some games do sell out, spring training generally means easier RV-friendly parking, smaller crowds, lower parking, ticket, and concessions prices, more player interaction, and a more intimate experience than Major League games in the likes of Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, and other big league ballparks. Most stadium complexes also feature adjacent practice fields, where die-hard fans can often catch veterans and future stars taking batting and infield practice or participating in organized games. These practice fields remain a secret to most visitors and a smattering of night games offers those in the know the chance to pursue a day-night Cactus League doubleheader. Many Cactus League stadiums are also used for Minor League Baseball and Arizona Fall League games, so even those visiting the area after spring training has ended can enjoy these worldclass facilities. Both Minor League and Fall League games offer chances to see rising stars before they make it to the majors.

▲ Belltown Brewpub at Peoria Sports Complex

▲ Opening Day at Surprise Stadium

▲ Berry Kabobs from Surprise Stadium

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Cactus League History & Basics

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▲HoHoKam Stadium in Mesa Taking a Big Bite Out of the Cactus League Not too many years ago, ballpark fare at Cactus League games was pretty basic with hot dogs and cold beer. Just as it has at Major League Baseball stadiums – as well as many Minor League Baseball diamonds – that’s changed at a big way in the Cactus League. Here’s an overview of Arizona’s ten stadiums, what to expect on the food front, and more:

( Maryvale Baseball Park, Phoenix (Milwaukee Brewers) One of the oldest ballparks in the Cactus League, Maryvale Baseball Park, is situated in a neighborhood where Brewers fans, brats, and beer are a spring staple. Intimate seating and a lush outfield berm mean there’s not a bad seat in the house. The shaded concourse is the perfect place to head for a brat and brew and other regional items from their “Taste From Up North” menu. Milwaukee-based Klement’s

serves up varied sausages (look for the Klement’s Racing Sausage Sampler), while Beer City’s Miller Brewing beverages are the beer of choice. Many microbrews are also available for beer-loving Brewers fans. Available every game day is the Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry, as well as ubiquitous fried cheese curds and the Bratcho (kettle chips topped with melted cheese and bratwurst slices).

Devoted fans enjoy a choice of Dodger Dogs or Vienna Beef Chicago Dogs, but other tasty choices include steamed tamales, Three Amigos margaritas, and macaroni and cheese with creative toppings. Those attending practice in the morning will want to check out two specific practice fields, which feature the exact dimensions of Dodger Stadium and U.S. Cellular Field.

(

Camelback Ranch, Glendale (Chicago White Sox & Los Angeles Dodgers)

Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria (San Diego Padres & Seattle Mariners)

Sprawling Camelback Ranch is situated just off Loop 101 from Glendale’s popular Westgate Entertainment District. Opened in 2009, the two-team Sonoran Desert-inspired facility features 12 full practice fields and three half-fields, an orange grove, water features, a river, and a fullystocked lake between the White Sox and Dodgers facilities. All baseball fans will love the lifesized Tommy Lasorda bobblehead doll and a mini-version of the iconic DodgerVision scoreboard.

The groundbreaking Peoria Sports Complex was the first two-team spring training facility more than 20 years ago and several phases of improvements over the years have ushered in a new era at this long-time favorite spring training destination. Additional seating, a new team shop, a new patio area and pavilion, and more have led to record-setting attendance years, while improved food and craft beer offerings led to an increase in concessions sales. Craft beers

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are a big focus, including Ballast Point, Coronado, and Stone from Southern California and Elysian, Widmer, and Pyramid from the Pacific Northwest – as well as local Southwest favorites. Craft beer fans visiting Belltown Brewpub and other outlets will be glad to know ballpark officials price all beer flavors the same, allowing them to choose by their tastes and not their wallets. Several food- and drink-focused upgrade experiences are available at Padres and Mariners Cactus League games, including Chef’s a La carte (tailor-made pregame meals paired with sides, dessert, and a beer or cocktail), All You Can Eat (pulled pork, smoked chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and themed international cuisine days), and the Craft Beer Courtyard (craft beers, whiskies, and more).

( Surprise Stadium, Surprise (Kansas City Royals & Texas Rangers) Located less than 30 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix, Surprise Stadium was one of the modern Cactus League complexes to usher in a new era of ballparks in the early 21st century. Loyal Royals and Rangers fans love the open nature of the entire ballpark, including great site lines from any seat and a wide concourse – where great-smelling barbeque options are obviously popular choice for both sets of fans. Berrie Kabobs are new to Surprise Stadium, with the three skewered options featuring strawberries and bananas, strawberries and brownie bites, and New York-style cheesecake.

▲ Goodyear Ballpark

(

( Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale (San Francisco Giants) Located in the heart of downtown, the current Scottsdale Stadium and earlier city ballparks have been the spring home of the San Francisco Giants since 1982. Along with free downtown parking (lots fill up quickly), free trolley and shuttle service make catching a Giants game easy. Pungent garlic fries and smoked meat dishes are a specialty here, including a brisket, pork shoulder, tacos, and even a smoked salad. Many Cactus League ballparks now offer varied all-inclusive allyou-can-eat and – drink tickets, with Scottsdale Stadium’s version at always-busy Charro Lodge overlooking right field remaining one of the best – featuring more than two dozen beers and a smoker cranking out pulled pork and brisket sandwiches. Look for San Francisco’s own Anchor Steam beer. The stadium is also the home of the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame and the Scottsdale Sports Hall of Fame.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale (Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies) One of the Cactus League’s newest and largest complexes, attendance record-setting Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the only spring training destination situated on Native American land and features some of the most spectacular mountain backdrops in all of baseball. Game day highlights on hot days might include quaffing one of 30-plus craft beers from Arizona and Colorado (among a selection of more than 65 unique brands of beer, ciders, and more). Among many freshly prepared food possibilities, the stadium’s unique Sonoran Dog stands out – a bacon-wrapped quarterpound hot dog topped with pico de gallo, pinto ranch beans, and mayonnaise. There are also several signature burgers and the Sonoran BBQ concept (beef brisket, pulled pork sliders, baked beans, green chile mac-n-cheese, and locally-inspired sauces), as well as the more recent Talking

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▲ Peoria Sports Complex

▲ Dodgers Fans at Camelback Ranch Stick Mega Dog (a half-pound hot dog with green chile macn-cheese, BBQ pulled pork, and prickly pear BBQ sauce.

( Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex, Tempe (Los Angeles Angels) Set in the shadows of the Arizona mountains, but just blocks from two major freeways and also reached by shuttle from Tempe’s downtown, Tempe Diablo Stadium was built in 1968 and underwent extensive renovations in 2005. The complex features varied practice fields and the main stadium, which was named Gene Autry Field after the former Angels owner passed away in 1999. Tasty highlights of game days here can include: piled-high nachos served in a mini Angels batting helmet; microbrews in the Tempe Tap Room; and Angelo’s Italian Ice.

▲ Sloan Park in Mesa

(

Sloan Park, Mesa (Chicago Cubs)

HoHoKam Stadium, Mesa (Oakland Athletics)

The Chicago Cubs opened Sloan Park in 2014 to rave reviews, thanks to its Wrigley Field feel with modern amenities. Ballpark food at “Taste of Chicago” concession stands and elsewhere is a tasty highlight here, thanks to Chicago-style deep dish pizza (Giordano’s), varied Chicago dogs, food trucks, and more. It’s all washed down with Chicago’s own Goose Island or Old Style beer or local faves like Four Peaks. There’s also huge party deck and a sprawling outfield berm, as well as the new Jim Beam Bourbon Bar. After the game, Mesa Riverview Park and an adjacent shopping and dining complex await fans.

Built back in 1997 in the heart of Mesa, but having undergone major renovations for the arrival of the A’s, HoHoKam Stadium now features the largest HD scoreboard display in the Cactus League, plus all new seats and seating areas – including a berm. Oakland was HoHoKam’s original team, before the Cubs moved into the ballpark for many years, with the A’s returning for the 2015 spring training season and beyond. It’s still a classic spring training venue, but with modern amenities and food – like Ike’s Place sandwiches (an Oakland-area favorite), Mustache Pretzels, and local Spinato’s Pizzeria pizza. █

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paws ROAD

Email Jenn your questions and share your pics at TBPets@equitylifestyle.com

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

My husband and I are having a big debate getting our barking dog to quiet down. “Brass” is a 3 1/2 year-old mix Terrier who, I think, needs to be nurtured asap. We have tried the citronella spray collar as well as tethering the dog up on a running line in the backyard to keep it from bouncing back-and-forth on the perimeter fence barking at the neighbors dogs. We both work and can’t be home all the time. If we keep the dog in the house, he will destroy the furniture. My husband wants to use a shock collar for the barking so he can stay outside. What if the shock collar goes off when the neighbors dogs are barking? The citronella collar worked so-so for about four days. This increase in poor behavior is making it difficult to go to Campgrounds and keep him quiet. We are newish to the dog world and I’m thinking we are in over our heads. JENN Situations like yours are stressful for all members of the family including your dog. You are wise to be reaching out and have touched on some of the reasons why people end up relinquishing their dogs to a shelter. I am confident that with some work and professional help, those irritations can be managed positively. First, have the dog neutered! Make an appointment with your vet and look for a trainer who can help you make a game plan for Brass as soon as he is home from the procedure. Getting the testosterone out

by Jenn Gehr

of Brass’ system will help to calm him and set the stage for retraining. Dedication and diligence on the part of you and your husband will be needed to see results! In no time at all, everyone will benefit! In my experience, static and bark collars are effective when used as a last result and will not be activated by another dog’s bark. I recommend training with these when working with a stubborn barking dog. The timing of correction is critical and you can’t be home when Brass is barking to properly correct him so the collar is an ideal training aid when you aren’t home. Unfortunately, the majority of RV parks will not allow dogs to be tethered outside and if found to be a nuisance, you could very easily be asked to leave. Having our dogs join us when traveling is a highlight of all of our days. I hope you will be able to experience this pleasure for yourself sooner rather than later. Could you explain the popularity with the use of goat milk for dogs and cats? It seems everywhere I go, the pet food stores are promoting both the Primal and the Answers Goat Milk. Do you use this product and what are the health benefits? Cheers, Rita JENN Every morning my dogs each receive two ounces of Primal Pet Food’s Inc. raw goat milk based on their weight after their breakfast. I always feed breakfast to our dogs after our morning walk or hike to ensure that the food settles in their stomachs. This ensures that maximum absorption takes place without the risk of vomiting. Ginger and Brie look forward to their Primal Raw Goat Milk almost as much as chasing squirrels. They love goats milk and I love the nutritional qualities they get from it. I greatly appreciate the added

organic supplementation found in the Primal brand which includes turmeric, ginger, and probiotics. Turmeric is a world-renowned natural antiinflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifier, and a proven anti-cancer herb. Ginger is a digestive aid and a natural antioxidant. Cinnamon assists with arthritis and lowers muscular inflammation and is also antibacterial and antifungal. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic that helps increase immune resistance against harmful fungi and bacteria. Anytime you can naturally aid your pet in a stronger immune system, you are certainly on the right track. Fermented/ organic is the best way to go! Lactobacillus lactis is a key component which helps synthesize two B vitamins: folate and riboflavin. These help in the production of lactic acid and treatment of irritable bowel disease. Enterococcus francium offers additional support for pets experiencing other forms of diarrheal diseases. The bouts of off-and-on diarrheal issues that my dogs were experiencing at one point have completely disappeared since adding daily Primal Goats Milk. They love it right out of the refrigerator into their bowls or as a special snack when I freeze the milk into the ice cube trays. The goat’s milk should be stored in the freezer and defrosted in the fridge for 24 hours before using. Remember to shake it well prior to feeding because the milk tends to settle. Once thawed out, the milk lasts ten days in the fridge. Both cats and dogs benefit from having the nutritional supplement of goat’s milk and helps them to obtain their daily moisture needs. All batches of Primal Raw Goat’s milk are tested to be free of pathogens prior to release for sale and are appropriate for all cats and dogs in every stage of life. I personally love that Primal sources their milk from freerange goats that are raised without added hormones or antibiotics. Always transition your pet slowly when introducing new foods. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

I KNEW I WAS A

TrailBlazer

▲ Red Rocks, CO Photo courtesy of Gabriela Gjurekovec

Marc and Julie Bennett are full-time RVers that have been living, working and traveling full-time in their motorhome since 2014 and have visited all 50 USA States, Canada, Mexico and Australia. They share their travels, adventures and campground reviews at their blog RVLove.com and YouTube channel RVLoveTV. They also created RV Success School, with online courses to help others learn how to hit the road successfully and choose the right RV for them. You can follow them at RVLove.com and RVSuccessSchool.com TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began! Marc: I grew up camping. My dad was a geologist and our family would all go on rockhounding trips, in Colorado mostly, but also Oklahoma and Utah. We had a travel trailer but as we got older, my brother Mike and I would sleep in tents. Julie didn’t do much camping while growing up. Being Australian, her family had a caravan (travel trailer) which was permanently based in a coastal

campground by the beach. We had been together for 4 years but had never camped or RVed together before deciding to embrace the full time RV lifestyle in 2014. We jumped in boots and all, sold our home and bought our first RV, so It was definitely a leap of faith but one that has led to some amazing adventures on our travels to all 50 states. TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? Julie: We met a Floridian couple at a table beside us at a pizza restaurant in Colorado Springs.

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They were in their 50s, fun, friendly and clearly having the time of their lives. We were fascinated to learn about their full-time RV lifestyle, which planted the first seed of this idea, back in the summer of 2011 – that was 3 years before we actually went full-time ourselves. Then, during our research, planning and budgeting process, as we learned more about RV life, we stumbled across some videos and blog posts about Thousand Trails. It seemed like a really affordable way to camp and we figured if we spent less on campgrounds, we

would have more money to spend on experiences, like flying over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, which we did back in 2015! It was awesome! To be honest, we initially thought the Thousand Trails membership savings seemed almost too good to be true, but so far our Thousand Trails membership has saved us literally thousands of dollars in camping fees. We started out with a Zone Pass but after 4-5 months we upgraded to an Elite membership and that’s been working out really well for us as we can stay longer and move directly to another park without any time out of the TT system. It helped slow down our travel pace which is more relaxing and allows us to explore local areas more. TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories? M: In our first few months as full-time RVers, we stayed at several TT parks along the Oregon and Washington coast. Being from Colorado, our dog Coda hadn’t ever seen or experienced the ocean before we hit the road. So some of our fondest memories is of watching

her absolute joy on the beautiful Oregon coast beaches like the ones across the road from Whaler’s Rest and Pacific City. Coda loved racing up and down the sand chasing her tennis ball and also being towed behind our tandem bike in her ‘chariot’ when we were staying at Long Beach, WA. Sadly, our Coda passed away later that year, but those first 5 months on the road together – watching her have so much fun and sniffing out new places, smells, hikes, bike rides and beach runs – was the best time of her life and these will always be favorite, fond memories for us. TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories? J: It’s definitely fun to keep running into the same people over and over again as we travel the USA. America is such a big country and yet it often feels like a small world when we keep reconnecting with our fellow full-time RVing friends. We met one couple – Erik and Kala, also working age RVers – at TT Moody Beach in Maine where we developed a friendship, we met up again in Rondout Valley, NY, then while staying at TT Orlando, FL, then in New Orleans, at the

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and in Quartzite, AZ for a big RV boondocking rally in the desert. We’ve made a lot of great friends through Thousand Trails which has been an unexpected benefit to our membership. And it’s always funny when we’re arriving at a campground, getting set up and someone comes over that recognizes us from our blog and YouTube videos. They know who we are but we usually don’t know them, so that can get pretty funny at times. 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.) M: We drive a 36’ Class A motorhome, a 2012 Tiffin Allegro

▲ With Coda at Mt. Rainier National Park

▲ The view at Crater Lake, OR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

“It amazes a lot of people as they begin to realize just how possible it is to travel and explore more, if you make it a priority in your life.”

▲ Starry night at Thousand Trails Orlando, FL

Open Road. Our RV was 2 years old when we bought it and we specifically sought out the bunkhouse model (35QBA) so we could convert the bunk area into a dedicated office. When we started out, I had a full-time, 8-5, 40 hour a week job for a company in Texas, which I was able to do remotely. Work-life balance is extremely important to me, so I wanted a work space that could be closed off from the living area so I didn’t have to look at my computer after hours! Julie set up her office space in the front passenger area where she writes articles for our RVLove.com blog and creates videos for our YouTube channel RVLoveTV. She gets the executive view with that big front windshield that often looks out to some pretty spectacular sights. It’s one of the things we really love about our 48

Class A motorhome as it allows us to really take in those vast, elevated views as we drive around the country. TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership? J: Everywhere! In our first 2 years and 2 months on the road, we managed to visit all of the lower 48 states of the USA, while still working full-time! That is definitely something we couldn’t have done in our ‘regular life’ and it amazes a lot of people as they begin to realize just how possible it is to travel and explore more, if you make it a priority in your life. The freedom and flexibility of our RV lifestyle allows us to drive on weekends or weekdays and avoid peak traffic times. We’re almost always staying somewhere cool

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- Julie Bennett so we can go exploring every weekend or even after work, if we choose. And of course, our Thousand Trails membership gives us access to over 80 campgrounds nationally, so we try to stay at those as often as possible. Many of those campgrounds are in locations we may never have known about or thought to visit otherwise so we keep discovering hidden gems, like Rancho Oso near Santa Barbara, CA and Rondout Valley in Accord, NY – places that are a little of out the way of the more popular, touristy areas. We find these to be a much more peaceful way to enjoy the lifestyle. We’ve even been up to Canada, staying at Cultus Lake, BC and because we were so close to Vancouver,

▲ Alaska

▲ Lighthouse in Maine

more time to enjoy the outdoors year round. We love being able to explore new areas, go for hikes and discover new bike trails, beaches, national parks and state parks everywhere we go. Staying fit and healthy is important to us and RVing allows us to naturally stay more active day to day.

▲ With friends at Thousand Trails Palm Springs, CA

J: And we both love road trips! Driving is so much fun for us, not only in the RV but also with our MINI Cooper convertible which we tow behind our motorhome. Whenever we’re parked at a campground for a while, we go out exploring with the top down, smelling the fresh air and really feeling like we’re a part of the local area. We get to drive some of the most beautiful, scenic roads in the country – and even the world – all as part of our everyday life. That’s pretty hard to beat.

▲ Red Rocks, CO Photo courtesy of Gabriela Gjurekovec

we even took a last minute cheap cruise to Alaska, completing our 50 states, which was an incredible milestone. We recently added the Trails Collection to our membership and that has expanded the campgrounds available to us immensely! We’ve had the opportunity to stay at beautiful locations like Mt Hood in Oregon, Fall City in Washington and even right by the ocean in San Francisco, where we were able to watch whales from the cliff right by our RV. That was pretty cool.

TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle? M: Because we follow the weather, we’re almost always enjoying ideal temperatures and weather conditions to maximize our outdoor time and activities. As much as we loved living in Colorado and SOME snow, we also spent many evenings and weekends bundled up at home in the winter. It’s rare we do that now that we live in our RV. Like most full-time RVers, we head north in the summer and south in the winter, which gives us a lot

TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when... M: …we closed and locked the door on our Colorado home for the very last time, jumped into our RV and literally drove off into the sunset to begin our new life as full-time RVers and digital nomads. We definitely see this life as an exciting and adventurous way to inspire others to explore a different way to live and blaze their own trail of freedom, travel and fun.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

With the holidays winding down in January, you may want to ramp up working towards your goals of a living a healthier lifestyle. My number one tip is to start small! Building on small changes can lead to long-term success and by choosing recipes that take less time to prepare and are filled with yummy, healthy ingredients, you’ll find your healthy living goals much easier to achieve! Plus, it can be easy to dive into your new healthy eating with enthusiasm when you have fun, new recipes! This month, I am sharing three of my favorite recipes that are easy to make and you can always add additional veggies. Try adding beets to the kale and chicken apple rice bowl or serving the eggplant over sautéed spinach. You can even serve the collards and beef with a slice of avocado. By keeping nutritional variety in your meals, leftovers will never be the same!

Eggplant Mozzarella Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 35 min Total time: 45 min Serves: 4

Ingredients • 4 eggs, whisked • 2 Tbsp oregano • ½ tsp garlic powder • 1 ⅓ C almond flour

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

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into medallions • 1 package of mozzarella • 1 jar of no sugar added marinara sauce

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375°. 2. Slice eggplant into medallions.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

3. Whisk eggs in a bowl and set aside. 4. In a separate bowl add almond flour and spices mixing until well combined. 5. Dip the medallions of eggplant on both sides into the eggs first. Then dip the egg coated eggplant medallions in the almond flour and spice mixture. 6. Spread out the dipped eggplant onto a sprayed or lined baking sheet. 7. Bake in the oven for 7 minutes. Turn medallions over and bake for an additional 6 minutes. 8. Remove eggplant from the sheet and into a large glass baking dish. Lay a layer of eggplant, sauce then cheese, and repeat until all the eggplant slices have been used. 9. Bake for 20 minutes, remove and enjoy!

Kale + Chicken Sausage Rice Bowl Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 25 min Total time: 35 min

3. While sausage and rice are cooking, add 2 Tbsp of grass fed butter or ghee to a large pan on medium heat.

• 3-4 Tbsp grass fed butter or ghee • Sea salt and pepper to taste

Serves: 6

Directions

Ingredients

1. Cook rice according to instructions on the bag.

• 1 bunch kale • 1 package apple chicken sausage, casing removed • 1 ½ C white jasmine or basmati rice

2. While rice is cooking, cut the casing off the sausage and place in a pan on medium heat, stirring occasionally and breaking it up into smaller pieces.

4. Remove kale leaves from the stem and place in the pan with the butter/ ghee. Stir occasionally until softened but not burnt (you may have to reduce the heat halfway through). 5. Add rice, sausage, and kale to a bowl. Add another Tbsp. of butter or ghee and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Spicy Collards + Beef • ½ yellow onion, diced • 1 tsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves) • 2 C chopped collard greens • 1 Tbsp oregano Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 20 min Total time: 25 min

• ½ tsp paprika • ¼ tsp turmeric • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients

Directions

• 1 Tbsp ghee • 1 lb grass fed ground beef

3. Add the ground beef and mix well. Once the beef is slightly browned after about 2-4 minutes, add the collard greens. 4. Cook until collards begin to sweat and are softened, and beef is cooked through.

• 1 tsp ground chipotle chili pepper

Serves: 4

2. Add the spices and combine until aroma forms.

4. Serve! This recipe tastes great with sliced avocado on top!

1. Melt ghee on medium heat and add onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Mail Forwarding

Hello Bill, I know you are the expert in tech stuff but hoping you might be able to direct me to someone who has experience regarding the best mail services available to those of us who travel. We live in Oregon but are planning to travel to California and Arizona in September and come back in March. There appears to be many options – but of course they all ‘sound good’ on their websites. Are you familiar or can you direct us to someone who might suggest the service to use? Thanks in advance for your attention to our question – enjoy the summer! Just Livin’ the Dream, Bill and Kathy

Hi Bill and Kathy. If you haven’t already made a decision on your mail forwarding service, my recommendation is the Escapees organization. You will need to join the Escapees to utilize their mail forwarding service, which can be an advantage as they have a lot to offer (escapees.com/support/ mail-service). We personally use their mail forwarding service and they are always prompt and willing to send it to any address. The Escapees even offer a digital

service where you can view pictures of incoming mail. If you so choose, this mailbox can actually be used as a Texas domicile address.

Trailer Weight

Bill, We saw a question and answer in a Thousand Trails magazine about trailer weight and towing. We are not clear on the answer. We have a 2008 Tundra 5.7 liter with all the towing package bells and whistles. The book indicates we can tow 10,000 lbs. We weighed the truck and trailer and the total weight was 12,000 lbs. Are we in trouble? The trailer GVWR is 6000 lbs. Kevin and Laurine Buck

Kevin and Laurine, I do not think you are in trouble, the most important weight measurement that you need to know is GCWR. This would be the gross combined weight rating which includes the truck and the trailer fully loaded, as it would be on the highway. The GCWR rating will take into account the amount of weight in the truck and the trailer above and beyond the dry weights. In other words, total weight will be different for each and every owner as we all have different

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

needs when packing our RVs for outings. I suggest that you weigh the truck and trailer while fully loaded, hooked together and individually to accurately determine where your weight ratings are currently before making adjustments.

Shower Crack Check

Hi Bill, I enjoy your column and appreciated your response (“Shower Crack”) to Tom in this March issue of Trailblazer. You wrote, “Make sure that you drill a hole on either end of the crack to prevent it from creeping out from under the repair kit.” I might need to do this at some point, so can you explain that sentence a bit more? What is “it” and how does drilling holes at each end of the crack prevent the “it” from creeping? Thanks, Don

Don, Any type of stress crack in plastic or fiberglass over a period of time will just simply continue on its path in either direction. The patch kit simply sits on the surface of the plastic, which could allow “it”, aka, the crack, to continue in either direction. By drilling a small hole at the end of

the crack you will stop the crack from extending any further. Make sure that you drill a hole large enough to extend slightly beyond the end of the crack.

just leave them out. What is your opinion on this? A steak dinner is on the line.

Slide-Outs

Sue, The answer to this question could go either way so that steak dinner might need to resolve at a truce. Yes, slide-out rooms can be left out for long periods of time. You did not mention which RV you have so

Bill: We finally made the decision to park our trailer on a seasonal site. My husband and I are at odds regarding the slide-outs. I think they should retract when we leave, and he would rather

Greased Hubs

Bill, I have a 1991 Komfort Sunchaser. I use my trailer a lot. Sometimes taking 3000 -4000-mile trips. How often should I have the wheel hubs greased? Can I put Grease Buddies on the hubs? Thanks, Mary

Hi Mary, I am assuming that your question is whether or not to grease the wheel bearings and

Thanks, Sue

not the hubs? Wheel bearings can deteriorate over periods of time and will need to be serviced within a maximum of every two years or 12,000 miles. The advantage of servicing the wheel bearings includes checking brakes, magnets, and springs that could come loose or break and cause catastrophic failure. Do not use Bearing Buddies, as they are designed for boat trailers that are constantly submerged in water. The problem with using Bearing Buddies is that when the hubs are full of grease when you add more the excess will leak out through the grease seals and

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give you a few options. Pulling the slide-outs in can reduce fatigue on the mechanism and protect the rubber roof from the elements. The drawback would be repeated in an out will wear the slide-out mechanism parts faster because of the repeated stress. If you do decide to leave the rooms in an out position, support them with slide out supports, Stromberg Carlson model JB-20 or Ultra Fab models 19â&#x20AC;&#x201C;96001 to 96003.

contaminate the brake shoes and drum surface. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

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RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301

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

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ood Village

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

▲ Southern Palms RV Resort (FL)

Florida

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Valid at Bulow, Crystal Isles, Gulf View, Southern Palms, Space Coast, Toby's and Winter Quarters Manatee.

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s Resort (FL

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**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 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 offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate. Valid on new reservations only.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

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Valid at Cactus Gardens, Capri, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Mesa Verde, and Suni Sands.

Call Call To To Book Book Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 31 days. Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 31 days. Valid on Standard RV sites only. Valid on Standard RV sites only. Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/18. Book by 4/1/18. Valid 1/1/18 - 4/30/18. Book by 4/1/18.

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

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ValidValid on Standard sites only. 1/1/18 - RV 4/30/18. Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/18. Book by 4/1/18. Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 60 days. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and areRV listed at bottom of this page. Valid on Standard sites only. Book by 4/1/18. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

See if a Membership Upgrade is Right for You!

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 2018 TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations Travel Club

Upgrade Now for as low as $134.05 / Month* Which Camping Pass Upgrade is right for you? Camping Pass

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Park to Park Family Access Reciprocal Network Getaway Cabins Travel Club

*Monthly payment plans available. Up to 60 months to pay. 16.99% APR. 60 payments of $134.05 assuming you purchase the Elite Basic for $5,995 and make the minimum down payment. Sales tax and any applicable fees due at time of purchase. 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 JANUARY/FEBRUARY2018 2018 TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 65.

40 Sword ACROSS 1 Credit score company 43 Mosesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spy in Canaan 5 Ceylonese langur 44 Sleeveless Arab cloak 9 Hebrew letter 45 Adjective-forming (suf.) 12 Bacchanalian cry 47 Quod____ demonstrandum 13 Culture medium 50 This one (Lat.) 14 Presidential nickname 51 Hindu stringed instrument 15 University officer 52 Flower holder 16 Sayings (suf.) 53 Hardwood 17 Citation (abbr.) 54 Part of QED 18 Horn 55 Noun-forming (suf.) 20 Backwards (Lat.) DOWN 22 Nose 1 Nourish 25 Fellow 2 Pronoun contraction 26 Oral 3 Dalmation (2 words) 28 Love (Lat.) 4 Wife ofParis 31 Old times 5 City on the Rhine 32 Anger 6 Hamitic Language 33 Sugarcane byproduct 7 Chin. dynasty 36 Amer. Standard Code for Information Interchange (abbr.) 8 Landing place of Noah 38 Fluidity unity 9 Diplomacy 39 Lustrous fabric 10 Indian red powder 60

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

11 Prohibit 19 Lance of King Arthur 21 Dutch commune 22 Mop 23 Mountain summit (Ital.) 24 Limited (abbr.) 26 Rubber tree 27 Hull of rice (2 words) 28 New York canal 29 Your (Ger.) 31 Compass direction 34 Land measure 35 Absolve sins 36 Mulberry of India 37 Loading spar 39 Muslim prayer 40 Hamite people of Eth. 41 Son of Samuel 42 Stern 43 Galilee town 46 Circuit (abbr.) 48 Atl. Coast Conference (abbr.) 49 Golf ball holder

Terms and Conditions for 2018 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 postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card.

Andrew Edge of Xenia, OH

found the tree on Page 42 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.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2018, you will receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2018, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2019, not to exceed $545 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2019. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018and (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 Visa® Prepaid Card and you will not receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid 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 Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600 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.

Postmark deadline is February 28, 2018 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

PREFERRED RV DEALERS

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

USA Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • camperland.net

Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft • curtistrailercenter.com Dunlap RV KY - Bowling Green • dunlaprvcenter.com

Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com

Campers Inn CT - Union FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville, Ocala SC - Myrtle Beach NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, MA - Raynham SC - Myrtle Beach VA - Fredericksburg GA - Macon, Atlanta • campersinn.com

Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com

Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap canopycountry.com

American Family RV VA - Chesapeake VA - Salem • americanfamilyrv.com

Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com

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 All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com

Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com

Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com

Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • chesacorv.com

B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me

Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale • clearcreekrvcenter.com

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

Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com

Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com

Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com

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

Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com

Grandview Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com

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

Colerain RV OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus IN - Indianapolis KY - Lexington • colerainrv.com

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

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

Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com

Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com

Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com

Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington • haltermansrv.com

Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com

Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com

Cunningham Campers, Inc. IN - Jeffersonville • cunninghamcampers.com

Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com

Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com

Vogt RV TX - Ft. Worth • vogtrv.com

Krenek RV Super Center MI - Coloma • krenekrv.com

RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net

Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com

Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com

RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com

Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach • lamesarv.com

RV’s For Less TX - Bryan • rvsource.com

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden • westerntravelsales.com

RV Source TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com

CANADA

Lux-Liner LLC CA - Acadia • lux-liner.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com

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

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

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

Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com

Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com Paul Evert’s RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg WA - Fife, Milton, Mt. Vernon • rvcountry.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princesscraft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com R.B. Taylor & Sons VA - Lynchburg • rbtaylorandsons.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) roadhousecamper.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com

Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca

Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com

Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com

Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com

Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca

VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com

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

VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie • vrsouliere. com

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

GO VR QC - Ange Gardien • go-vr.com

Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com

Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs. com

TAC Trailer and RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com

Leasure Days RV ON - Ayr, Kingston, Pembroke, Smith Falls, Sudbry QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro leisuredays.ca

The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com

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

Tonies RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com

Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com

Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com

Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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

CLUB JAN/FEB 2018 Bounders United (BUTTN)

If you are interested in attending please contact wagonmaster Yvonne Codde at (209) 207-8184. BUTTN are members who own or have owned a Bounder motorhome and belong to the Bounders United and Thousand Trails NACO.

TT SINGLES Central California

Contact Jane Davis at (209) 986-1088 or email janedjd@pacbell.net or Judy Rogers at (775) 772-1872 or email fifthwheeler61@yahoo.com.

Northwest

We also have new contact people and email, phone numbers: WagonMaster Daphne Bailey (Oregon) (503) 590-8566, daphnebailey07@comcast.net. Secretary Dottie Michel (Washington) (360) 941-3126, ttnw_sec@yahoo.com.

Lewis and Clark TTN

Apr. 16-20........................... Seaside, OR May 14-18..................Crescent Bar, WA Jun. 11-15..................... South Jetty, OR Jul. 16-20..........................Paradise, WA Aug. 13-17........................Chehalis, WA

RVers seeking RVers? Rally clubs from coast to coast love to meet at our destinations. Join in on the fun! Roger Beausoleil: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Roger Beausoleil (503) 390-4753 or rogerabeau@msn.com.

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. 5-7....................... Lake Conroe, TX Feb. 11-24..................Tropic Winds, TX Mar. 2-4...................Colorado River, TX May 4-6...................... Lake Texoma, TX Sept. 7-9.................... Lake Whitney, TX Nov. 9-11.....................Medina Lake, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com.

TT Travelers Southern California

Jan. 8-10............................ Pio Pico, CA Feb. 5-7.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Mar. 5-7................ Soledad Canyon, CA Apr. 9-11....................Palm Springs, CA We normally meet the first Mon, Tues, and Weds mornings of each month for coffee and those evenings for potluck and games. For more information, please contact our wagonmaster, Jim Brooks (805)320-2588 or email at willys46@sbcglobal.net.

TTN So Cal Weekenders

Feb. 2-4.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA Mar. 2-4......................Palm Springs, CA Apr. 6-8................ Soledad Canyon, CA May 4-6............. Oakzanita Springs, CA Jun. 1-3.............................. Pio Pico, CA Aug. 3-5 ............................ Idyllwild, CA Sept. 7-9............................. Pio Pico, CA Oct. 5-7.............. Oakzanita Springs, CA Nov. 2-4.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA Dec. 7-9......................Palm Springs, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship. Email: ttnweekenders@gmail.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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

On Location

Unique Accommodations by Annie Berman

hink youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cut out for a vacation in 200 square feet? Book a tiny house! Each one has its own personality, quirks, and style, and are set in beautiful locations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth; nestled among the trees in the majestic Mt. Hood forest outside of Portland, Oregon; near the shores of the Atlantic; and in the desert of the Southwest. All the tiny houses are outfitted with amenities that will make you feel right at home. Kitchens, full bathrooms, and some tiny houses can sleep up to 5 people means that you can bring the whole family!

When traditional camping meets lodging amenities, yurt in for a treat! Yurts are circular tents built with canvas, a sturdy material that provides warmth in the winter and a cool atmosphere in the summer. Yurts provide outdoorsy charm without the need for tentpoles and camping gear and are the perfect way to experience a new way of camping. Infuse more color into your vacations when you stay in a colorful cottage. Staying in these cozy cottages, with locations on each coast, will have you reaching for your camera for many photos to remember a vacation filled with color and charm.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Whether you drive through the prairies of the midwest to reach rustic cabins in the woods or up the mountains to reach the ranches of wine country in California, there is a cabin waiting for you. Cozy up in these comfy cabins located all around the country. Hoping to vacation adventurously? Give a rustic accommodation like teepees, tents, and covered wagons a try! For more information about unique accommodations, visit petiteretreats.com

18 Emergency Travel Services

When traveling in the USA, Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, Bermuda or the Bahamas The Premier Emergency Air Transportation Membership Service

Don’t get stuck with a $47,000 Air Ambulance Bill view the story here

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Members have placed their trust in SkyMed No Copays • No Deductibles • No Claim Forms

800-679-2020 • www.skymed.com/thousandtrails

For all your travel needs... We are here for you.

Savings can take you to amazing sights.

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