TrailBlazer Magazine - July 2019

JULY 2019 ■ $2.00 JULY 2019 ■ $2.00

WHERE ARE YOU GOING THIS SUMMER? WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE QUEEN CITIES VISIT LANCASTER COUNTY

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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R U F O RIENDS Y E T I V IN

YOU receive a $50 VisaÂŽ Virtual Reward when your friend purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2019 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

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

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

Free Dues for 2020 10 Winners Selected (Up to $585 value)

Contact Us Today!

(888) 808-8925 or visit ThousandTrails.com

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

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

JULY 2019 VOL. 48 ■ ISSUE 2

WHAT’S INSIDE 22 FOUR OF A KIND Queenly Cities of America

fpo.

regulars lifestyle

34

Pics From The Parks 7

Member Deals 56

Crossword Puzzle 60

Sudoku Puzzle 61

Preferred RV Dealer List 62

Discover Lancaster County

JULY 2019 ■ $2.00 JULY 2019 ■ $2.00

tips & topics Summer Reads 48

Handy Tips for Traveling with Pets 49 WHERE ARE YOU GOING THIS SUMMER? WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE QUEEN CITIES VISIT LANCASTER COUNTY

Tech Topics 50

4 Paws On the Road 51

Ask RV Bill 52

5

Message from Marguerite

10 #100DaysofCamping Kickoff 12 Thousand Trails 50th Anniversary Time Capsule 14 I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer

– with Jason & Rae 32 Fall in Love with

a Manufactured

Home Community 42 July is National Grill Month 44 On the Road with Phil Vassar

calendars 16 Onsite Events 18 Local Events

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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On the Cover

64 Club Calendar

A shot from beautiful Door County, WI JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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ENTER TO WIN at Lazydays.com/TrailFuel

LAZYDAYS RV TECH SUPPORT HOTLINE 866.317.4012

Our RV Experts are standing by to help!

GET YOUR TRADE VALUE AT Get More for Your Trade

Lazydays.com/VALUETRADE

NATION’S TOP SELECTION OF RV BRANDS

4 JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER VISIT LAZYDAYS.COM/TRAILBLAZER

CALL 866.531.6818

Gateway to Cape Cod

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE The month of July is upon us, the time of year when we embrace picnics, farmers markets, a good barbeque, and most importantly spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors. Looking at the photos you have been sharing through our #100DaysofCamping promotion, everyone seems to be enjoying their summer vacation. Take a moment to view the images at thousandtrails.com/100DaysofCamping for travel and photo inspiration!

This month, TrailBlazer showcases some of our favorite summer travel destinations. Lancaster County is at the top of the list when it comes to providing so many perfect photo opportunities as you travel throughout the picturesque countryside of southern Pennsylvania. There is definitely something for everyone in this area.

For those wishing to learn more about the Amish lifestyle, you will want to plan a visit to one of the surrounding villages. For the historians, the cities of Harrisburg and Philadelphia offer plenty of opportunities to brush up on a quick history lesson. For the sweet tooth in the family, a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World will most definitely be your destination of choice. With so many Thousand Trails locations throughout southern Pennsylvania, planning a trip to this area of the country is easy.

As we look to the Midwest and the state of Wisconsin, a stay in a cozy cabin is always the perfect summer getaway known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World” the Wisconsin Dells has been providing family fun for over 150 years. Make Arrowhead or Yukon Trails RV Campgrounds your home base as you take in all The Dells has to offer. Thousand Trails members can add The Trails Collection to their existing membership, for an additional cost, providing access to select Wisconsin campgrounds. It’s the perfect combination when planning a visit to the Badger State.

Don’t let summer pass you by! Make vacation plans today and be sure to take in all the local offerings while visiting your favorite Thousand Trails campground. Grab that #100DaysofCamping rally towel and keep sharing your photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #100DaysofCamping or upload your favorite photos to 100DaysofCamping.com.

Enjoy your summer!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery EDITOR Annie Berman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kenzie Greene ADVERTISING SALES TBads@equitylifestyle.com MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails Family of campgrounds and resorts.

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

TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published monthly except bimonthly Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr., May/June, Sept./Oct., and Nov./Dec. by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE

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

Win $50

EACH Issue!

Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

1. Capture a photo of your trip at one of our parks.

2. Share with us at TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com.

3. Check out next month to see if you’re a winner.

Winners will receive a $50 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card.

Each issue we will select ONE “winning” photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month). The winning photo will be posted on the TrailBlazer website as well as in the magazine.

Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to:

TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to:

TrailBlazer Magazine Attn: TrailBlazer Editor Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606

Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of TrailBlazer Magazine and may be used for publication on company websites and promotional purposes.

One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received.

The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and online at trailblazermagazine.net.

PRINTED IN THE USA

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: (800) 288-7245

Canada: (228) 497-3594 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST

ThousandTrails.com ENCORE RESERVATIONS (877) 570-2267

RVontheGo.com Remember! Thousand Trails members get preferred rates at Encore RV resorts.

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Riverside RV Resort (FL): Twin boys, 6 years old, Logan and Lennon having fun fishing! – Katie Heck

WINN

ER!

▲ Lake Gaston (NC): Sunrise at Lake Gaston – Linda and Joe Fuchs

▲ Grandy Creek, (WA) Enjoying a site at Thousand Trails Grandy Creek in Concrete, WA – Mike Hill

▲ Bay Landing (TX) Waterfowl on the lake at sunset Bay Landing Campground in Bridgeport – Shirley Bell

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Suzanne & Clayton Akerley at PA Dutch Country.

Lucky winners, Suzanne and Clayton Akerley were camping at PA Dutch Country when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2019 dues on time and camp at your favorite Thousand Trails Campground.

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

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Coming soon to Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina in the Florida Keys!

Your summer plans may be tiny‌ but they will be mighty.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village s South Hampton, NH

Fiesta Key s Long Key, FL

From tiny houses to cabins and yurts to covered wagons - with Petite Retreats, your summer vacation will leave a big impression.

Visit petiteretreats.com to plan your summer getaway, today!

Yukon Trails t Lyndon Station, WI

Yosemite Lakes t Groveland, CA

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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A S p ec i al M enti o n fo r h elen anderso n

Helen Anderson, became a first-time camper at the age of 91. This picture was taken at the Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country with two of her sons and was submitted by Helen’s loving son-in-law, Wayne Kern.

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

1 Take pictures on your 2 camping trip.

Get Out and Camp!

Look for this year’s #100DaysofCamping rally towel when you visit your favorite Thousand Trails campground this Memorial Day and 4th of July Weekends!

Join in on the Fun!

your photos on 3 Share Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using

#100DaysofCamping.

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Repeat steps 1-3 every time you camp this summer!

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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LEAVE YOUR MARK ON THOUSAND TRAILS HISTORY!

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JULY2019 2019 TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER JULY

If you could tell future campers the story of Thousand Trails, what would you say?

Stay at your favorite Thousand Trails campground the weekend of July 26-28 for a special time capsule event and bring an item with you that you would like to contribute. Whether it’s a photo, a small camping necessity, or a letter to future campers, this is your chance to contribute to the next 50 years of Thousand Trails!

AT THOUSANDTRAILS.COM/50TH-ANNIVERSARY JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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I KNEW I WAS A

TRAILBLAZER JASON & RAE

TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it?

Tell us how it all began.

J&R: We started full time RVing in July 2017. We tent camped once a year together before that but neither one of us had ever RVed before.

Technically, you could say YouTube introduced us to it! We were looking at different ways to travel full time and RVing was recommended as a topic to us… that’s when our wheels really started turning! After about a year of research we knew this is what we were going to do and dove in. After we started RVing, we were so thankful for all of the resources online and knew we wanted to help others in the future as well, so we also started our YouTube channel and website, Getaway Couple.

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

J&R: We first heard about Thousand Trails when we were researching the RV lifestyle. We found a few articles written by other full time RVers that raved about the membership. After discovering there were different zones, tiers, and over 100 parks we knew the membership was going to be a great fit with our travel style.

TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories?

Thousand Trails members, Jason and Rae, made their dreams of traveling full-time into a reality in July 2017! Read on for their story about how they knew they were TrailBlazers…

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

J&R: One of our fondest camping memories has to be when we were in Humboldt County, about one month into our full-time journey.

That’s when it really hit us that we actually made our RV dreams a reality. We were surrounded by the beauty of the redwoods, trying new activities, and really excited about what our future held. We have a ton of great Thousand Trails memories but we agree the best was at the Thousand Trails Orlando Resort. We originally only booked 5 days there but when we arrived we were so taken by the fun vibe of the resort that we knew we had to extend our stay. Luckily, there was availability and we stayed 21 days in the park!

We played the giant lawn games, rode our bikes, went swimming, ate at the food trucks, had multiple campfires and even spent a few days at Disneyworld® and Universal Orlando. It sounds cliché but this resort made us feel like kids again!

WE KNEW WE WERE TRAILBLAZERS “WHEN WE MADE THE DECISION TO STOP PLAYING KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES AND LIVE OUR OWN VERSION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM.”

TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories?

J&R: Our second week on the road we forgot to put chalks down under our tires and when we unhitched the RV, it rolled back a couple feet. You should have seen us; our instinct was to grab onto the RV and hold it!

I’m sure it was a sight to see two RV newbies grabbing onto their 42-foot fifth wheel as it rolls back a few feet.

It was not funny at the time, but we can laugh now.

TB: What type of camper are you/ what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why?

J&R: We have a Grand Design Solitude and absolutely love it!

Since we were going full time, we wanted to be comfortable and this rig definitely does that for us. It has three distinct living spaces (living room, kitchen, and bedroom) so it feels more like a home to us. We also have great storage space on this floor plan which is perfect for full timers!

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

J&R: Honestly, so many places!

But the one area that sticks out is Corinth, NY. We also added The Trails Collection when it came out, so we ended up staying at Alpine Lake RV Resort in Corinth for one week. Our route changed mid-summer so we needed to find places to stay on our way to Indiana. We saw Alpine Lake and decided to stop there along the way and are so glad we did! The resort was gorgeous and has the best walking trails we’ve ever seen in an RV resort.

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

J&R: We take so much joy in exploring a new area! It’s so fun to see what’s trendy with the locals and partake in the activities. Each town is unique and it’s exciting to learn its history. Some towns are All photography courtesy of @getaway_couple

all about outdoor activities while others are more about food/drink, it’s been great getting to learn a town and participate in whatever is popular.

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

J&R: We made the decision to stop playing keeping up with the Joneses and live our own version of the American dream.

TB: If you could leave a piece of Thousand Trails history behind so that campers 50 years from now will remember what it was like to camp in 2019, what would you leave and why?

J&R: We believe this picture [Top Left]accurately depicts what it’s like to camp in 2019! Our favorite spot is by the campfire, cooking up some marshmallows. This picture was taken in Thousand Trails Mays Landing Resort. ¾

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

ON SITE EVENTS J U LY From fun up to fun down, there is so much to do at Thousand Trails campgrounds. TrailBlazer has rounded up some of the best events happening in July at Thousand Trails campgrounds across the country!

Celebrate July 4th at Thousand Trails!

Bring out your best red, white, and blue attire and decorate your golf carts for the parades! We’re celebrating Independence Day at Thousand Trails!

Fly your flag and enjoy fun crafts and activities for all at Grandy Creek (WA)! We’ll also host a Patriotic Parade on Saturday plus all our favorites like Candy Bar Bingo, wagon rides and an outdoor movie. Come out to Russian River (CA) for a jam-packed weekend featuring “Jammies & a Movie” in the Lodge, a park-wide parade on Saturday, plus crafts, a barbecue, and s’mores to celebrate! The fun starts on Thursday, July 3 at Lake of the Springs (CA), with our Craft & Variety Fair!

We’ll do patriotic tie-dying, have a barbecue, watermelon feed, and end with a spectacular fireworks display! Dust off your bell-bottomed jeans, fringe vests, and all things red, white, and blue to celebrate a “throwback to the 70s” with the folks at Leavenworth (WA), from June 30 to July 6! It’ll be a great way to celebrate 4th of July in retro style. Decorate your golf cart with a patriotic theme and join us at Indian Lakes (IN) for Independence Day Weekend! We’ll also have live entertainment and fun activities for the kids. Come see the beautiful lake lit up with fireworks and decorate your golf cart for the parade at Lake Conroe (TX) on July 6 to celebrate the holiday.

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Crafting Together Campers at Thousand Trails love to get creative and crafty so, see what you and others can make this month!

Join us at Lake Minden (CA) for our craft fair during our Explore the Galaxy Weekend, July 5-7!

We’ll also have a variety of kids’ galactic art, games, activities, and an “out-of-this-world” potluck! Sell your crafts or other sell-able items on July 6 for our Flea Market at Medina Lake (TX)!

Turn an old t-shirt into a whole new one when you join us at Diamond Caverns (KY) for a tie-dye weekend, July 12-4! We’ll also be tie-dying at Harbor View (VA) on July 13 and you can either bring your own t-shirt or pay a small fee to buy one. Learn to sew and make a pillowcase with us at Snowflower (CA) on July 20 for a day of sewing! Supplies will be provided. Join us at Pio Pico (CA) the weekend of July 12-14 for our Alien Encounters Art Camp! Or, for the weekend of July 19-21 to learn about the local wildlife from experts and rescues from our area and then use our knowledge to create a Coyote Canyon Craft!

Activities and Events – Local

Taste of Thousand Trails Whether you’re tasting a dish from across the world or enjoying your neighbors famous casserole, just bring your appetite to these delicious theme weekend events!

Join us at Chesapeake Bay (VA) for our annual Seafood Festival the weekend of July 12-14! The Trails Café will be offering a “Taste of the Bay” featuring shrimp, crab, oysters, clam strips, crab cakes, catfish nuggets, and more! Dine in or take back to your site to enjoy. Do you love chocolate?

Then the weekend of July 12-14 is a weekend you won’t want to miss at Lake & Shore (NJ). We will have a chocolate pit tug-o-war, chocolate games, Candy Bar Bingo, chocolate crafts, and more. Don’t miss our delicious Banana Split Ice Cream Social at Hidden Cove (AL) on July 13! Please join us at Yosemite Lakes (CA) on July 14 for our weekly BBQ and live music followed by s’mores by the campfire. Cool off with us at Soledad Canyon (CA) and enjoy free ice cream sundaes for National Ice Cream Day on July 17! Bring your appetites and great conversation! Leave your light decorations out for our Venetian Tour of Italy at Pine Country (IL), the weekend of July 19-21! We’ll enjoy a paint and wine party (advance sign-up required) and a barbershop quartet, plus pizza party on Saturday night. Dress up in your grass skirt or best island attire for a Hawaiian Days weekend celebration! We’ll be smoking pork all day for the BBQ, just make sure to get tickets in advance!

Western Weekend Giddy-up, campers! We’re rounding up the best western themed-weekends at Thousand Trails and we don’t want you to miss it!

Wear your cowboy hats and boots and don’t miss the pony rides on Saturday afternoon, July 6, at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA). Wear your favorite Western duds and join the fun at Chehalis (WA) the weekend of July 12-14! We’ll have water gun fights, stick horse races, and Western movies.

We’ll be serving a Chuckwagon lunch in the Country Store Saturday ($3). Chris Guenther & the Honky Tonk Drifters come to Chehalis to entertain. Western Days are here at Morgan Hill (CA), the weekend of July 12-14! Make a cowboy craft, watch a Western movie on the big screen and enjoy cowpoke s’mores by the firepit.

Our usual Friday night movie plays at the Rec Center at Cultus Lake (BC) and on Saturday, dress up in your best Western gear and come for a chili cook off cook-off at the Rec Center! Then, there will be Karaoke! We hope to see you at Cultus Lake (BC) for our western festivities the weekend of July 19-21. Yee Haw!

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Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JU LY LAKE MINDEN (CA) July 19-20

20th Annual Marysville Peach Festival The 20th Annual Marysville Peach Festival is going to be an exciting event with a wide variety of new and returning craft vendors, food vendors cooking for every taste bud, several delicious choices of peach related foods, and great entertainment for all ages!

Marysvillepeachfest.com July 21

Food Truck Mania Join us for an afternoon of food, live music, and family fun as the best gourmet food trucks from around Northern California join for this event. Corn Hole Tournament also on the schedule.

Hosted by SactoMoFo. Sactomofo.com

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

MORGAN HILL (CA) July 4

4th of July Fireworks Show Enjoy this annual free firework show on Independence Day at Gilroy High School Sports Field!

Cityofgilroy.org July 16-21

Broadway San Jose Presents: The Book of Mormon Come see the nine-time Tony Award winning musical, The Book of Mormon. This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word.

Broadwaysanjose.com

July 26-28

Gilroy Garlic Festival Gilroy Garlic Festival is known as the world’s greatest summer food festival. This year’s festival is proud to welcome headline entertainers, Colbie Caillat featuring Gone West plus culinary superstars, Top Chef judge, Tom Colicchio and MasterChef winner, Gerron Hurt.

Gilroygarlicfestival.com PIO PICO (CA) July 4 Big Bay Boom

The Big Bay Boom Fireworks show is back with another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Where to watch: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Seaport Village/South Embarcadero, or Coronado Ferry Landing.

Bigbayboom.com

Activities and Events – Local

July 18-21

Comic Con International Panels, seminars, workshops, plus previews of upcoming feature films, awards ceremonies, costume contest, the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, plus so much more for the comic book fanatics of all ages.

Comic-con.org July 26-28

Super Girl Surf Pro Witness the world’s top professional female surfers in Oceanside for the 12th Annual Super Girl Surf Pro. This weekend will be jam-packed with worldclass surfing plus the festival village loaded with inspiring vendors, activities, and amazing entertainment. Free to attend!

Supergirlpro.com/event-info SOLEDAD CANYON (CA) July 4

PBR Tour & Fireworks Show Watch a professional bull riders tour followed by a free firework display and barn dance. All ages are welcome at the Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center.

Destinationlancasterca.org July 13 Sinbad at the Canyon Actor and comedian, Sinbad, has been making audiences laugh for over three decades. See him perform live at the Canyon Club – Santa Clarita. Dinner options available.

Wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com

WILDERNESS LAKES (CA) July 5

Smokey Robinson in Concert See Smokey Robinson in concert at Pechanga Casino. Tickets start at $39.

Pechanga.com July 6

Lee Greenwood Concert See Lee Greenwood in concert at Morongo Casino. Tickets start at $29.

Morongocasinoresort.com DIAMOND CAVERNS (KY) July 11-14 Camaro Fest All ages are welcome at the nation’s largest late-model Camaro gathering, Camaro Fest at Beech Bend Raceway.

Beechbend.com

July 13

Train Robbery Learn the history of the New Haven area and participate in an exciting train adventure! Bring your camera and remember to buy tickets ahead.

Kyrail.org/tours-and-events/ train-robbery THE OAKS AT POINT SOUTH (SC) July 4

4th of July at The Sands of Port Royal The Independence Day celebration will include plenty of food and entertainment. Bring your own lawn chairs and bug spray; no coolers, golf carts, or pets allowed. Fireworks start around 9pm!

Portroyal.org

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

JU LY THE OAKS AT POINT SOUTH (SC) Independence Day at Parris Island This family-friendly event features live music and an incredible fireworks display! Plus, food and drinks and a kid’s fun zone.

Beaufort.com/category/july Salute From The Shore Join hundreds of folks in your best patriotic attire on the beaches of South Carolina for a special salute to America’s military for their bravery and commitment. Features a traditional flyover at 1pm at Myrtle Beach.

Salutefromtheshore.org July 12-21

64th Annual Beaufort Water Festival This ten-day event at Waterfront Park features music, food, crafts, the “blessing of the fleet”, plus many special events.

Bftwaterfestival.com

LAKE CONROE (TX) July 4

4th of July Red, Hot & Blue Festival Woodlands Fireworks Extravaganza This is one of the most anticipated events of the summer! Enjoy live music, food, and fun for all ages at a variety of our community parks and culminates with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Greater Houston area.

Thewoodlsandstownship-tx.gov July 14

Tex-Mex BBQ Block Party This inaugural block party is hosted by the Houston Barbecue Festival and Saint Arnold Brewing Company and will celebrate the growing influence of Tejano and Tex-Mex cooking traditions in contemporary Central Texas-style craft barbecue.

Houbbq.com LAKE WHITNEY (TX) July 12-Aug 18

Gutenberg! The Musical!

Check out this goofy musical written by Anthony King & Scott Brown at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Fortworth.com/event/ gutenberg!-the-musical!/22728

July 13

Watermelon Wine Festival The 9th Annual Watermelon Wine Festival will feature music by Gypsy Road, Mended Fences, and Rare Form. Your favorite local wineries will be attending and there will be activities like games, swimming, food vendors, and more.

Devaultvineyards.com/festivals July 28 Super Peach Sunday at Drumheller’s Orchard This annual event is held right in the middle of prime peach season!

We’ll have a variety of peaches for sampling plus homemade jams, jellies, and butters. Join us for entertainment, music, and food!

Drumhellersorchard.com WILLIAMSBURG (VA)

July 4

Fireworks in Colonial Williamsburg Celebrate the Lights of Freedom– enjoy historic, patriotic events like Thomas Jefferson’s reading of the Declaration of Independence, torch lighting procession of the CW Fifes & Drums, patriotic sing-along, and fireworks above the Governor’s Palace.

Colonialwilliamsburg.com

LYNCHBURG (VA) July 13

15th Annual Horse & Hound Wine Festival Join us at Johnson’s Orchards in the scenic Bedford, VA for the 15th Annual Horse & Hound Wine Festival!

Advanced tickets are now on sale.

BedfordWine.com

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

July 20

Elvis Genre Concert Charlie Dunn, the multi-faceted professional singer and entertainer, captures the persona of Elvis Presley for this tribute to “The King.”

Kimball.wm.edu

Activities and Events – Local

BIRCH BAY (WA)

CHEHALIS (WA)

July 8-13

July 4

Blaine Harbor Music Festival This annual festival features 7 days and 6 nights of performances from world-class, professional musicians who work with our music camp students. This festival is organized by the team from the Pacific Arts Association in Blaine, WA. Blaineharbormusicfestival.org July 20-21

Sand Sculpture Competition & Rollback Weekend Car Show Register your team for free to compete in the sand sculpture competition! Awards are handed out at 4:30pm on each day. The Car Show features classic cars, live music, and local events. Both events are free to attend.

Birchbaywa.org/birch-baysand-sculpture-competition

Summerfest The celebration begins at Fort Borst Park with a free pancake breakfast, a fun run, and a Blockhouse tour. Games, contests, and entertainment throughout the day. A parade will be downtown, followed by the destruction derby, and fireworks at the fairgrounds.

Cityofcentrailia.com July 26-28

Tenino Oregon Trail Days This historic event is fun for all ages and features the Four Square Mile Music Festival, Oregon Trail Days Parade, the Tenino Motorcycle Drill Team, plus a family fun zone, food vendors, crafts, live music, and kids trout pond.

Foursquaremilefestival.com

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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FOUR OF A QUEENLY CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

22 22 JULY JULY 2019 2019TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

KIND F

or a variety of historical reasons, the United States has several destinations with the nickname of “Queen City” or something similarly regal. Several of the royal nicknames can be traced back to monarchies in England or on mainland Europe, while other cities called Queen City, or the like have earned the moniker in a different manner.

Google and Wikipedia report that the term Queen City is also used as more of a generic term for any city that has the largest population in a state (or sometimes the county or other regions) but isn’t the capital (or county seat). In any case, a quick Google search also reveals dozens of cities and towns large and small called Queen City or something similar.

Like the four colorful queens in a deck of cards, here are four cities with queenly connections across the country: Charlotte NC, Cincinnati OH, Springfield MO, and Seattle WA. JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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NASCAR Racing

CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA: The Queen City Perhaps no other city across America has as much of queen-leaning lineage as North Carolina’s Charlotte. While Raleigh is the Tar Heel State’s pretty capital, Charlotte is the largest city in the state. It was named for Queen Sophia Charlotte of MecklenburgStrelitz, wife of King George III of England. Queen Charlotte’s homeland, northern Germany’s MecklenburgStrelitz, is also the namesake for the county – Mecklenburg.

What is now Charlotte was founded as Charlotte Town way back in 1768.

Now often referred to as Queen City, QC, or Crown Town, Charlotte is peppered with crown insignia and

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royal references throughout the city – from the street signs to street art and much of the city’s branding. City tourism officials and many destinations have embraced Charlotte’s royal roots in a big way, providing visitors with the royal treatment around every corner.

For instance, Sophia’s Lounge in Uptown on 5th Street (in The Ivey’s Hotel) is named for Queen Sophia Charlotte and features vintage décor, dark wooden tables, high-backed chairs, and creative cocktails – all reminiscent of 18th century Britain. Also, on the spirits front, Muddy River Distiller in nearby Belmont due west serves up a royal rum: Queen Charlotte’s Reserve Carolina Rum.

Blooming Trees in the Park

Sunset by the Docks

Trolly in the City Center

Other royal options on the food and drink front include: Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week (every January and July); Queen’s Landing Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises (including the Catawba Queen Dinner Cruise); Queen City Q (tasty Carolinas-style barbeque and more); Louisiana-leaning Cajun Queen; and Queen Charlotte Pimento Cheese Royale™ (four varieties of tasty pimento cheese found in many local stores and restaurants).

Visitors will also note colorful queen-themed murals throughout town – ask any local for the location of their favorites. There are also statues of Queen Charlotte on College Street (a stop on the Charlotte Liberty Walk) and out at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. History and culture buffs will want to head to The Charlotte Museum of History, the Levine Museum of the New South, Queens University of Charlotte (formerly Queens College); and the Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown (where there’s a ‘queenly’ work of modern art meets Charlotte history that’s hard to miss).

Of course, many RVers are NASCAR fans. Thus, Charlotte road trippers will want to head to the excellent NASCAR Hall of Fame to explore the history and heritage of the sport that has its origins on the backroads of North Carolina and where NASCAR stars are called “Kings of the Queen City.”

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CINCINNATI OHIO: The Queen City of the West

Neither the largest city in the Buckeye State or its capital (Columbus is both), Cincinnati earned the moniker of The Queen City of the West back in the early 19th century when Americans started migrating across the Ohio Valley and flocked to the city on the Ohio River…Westward Ho! The city was also dubbed “Queen of the West” in a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem (Catawba Wine) in 1854.

More recently, football fans may recall a fun social media challenge dubbed the “Queen City Bowl” back in 2014, when the cities of Charlotte and Cincinnati vied for top Queen City status on the field and online. Ironically, and many said appropriately, the game ended in a 37-37 tie between the Panthers and the Bengals, but both cities won when it came to recognition across the country as regal places to visit.

Often called the “Paris of America” when it came to cultural firsts and more for a city west of the Alleghenies, Cincinnati has the first purpose-built art museum west of the Alleghenies (1881’s Cincinnati Art Museum); the oldest membership library west of the Alleghenies (downtown’s Mercantile Library, opened in 1835), the West’s first the machine tool builder, John Steptoe, who arrived in Cincinnati in 1850 and jumpstarted the city’s rich steamboat history; and the oldest planetarium in the west (Wolff Planetarium in Burnett Woods, which opened a century later in 1950).

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Culture and history certainly still reign as modern Cincinnati’s crowning glory, including the Cincinnati History Museum, where visitors can board the Queen City of the West, a replica sidewheel steamboat at the once-bustling Cincinnati “Public Landing” exhibit. Cincinnati’s unique history and more can also be explored with a variety of tours from American Legacy Tours, including popular “Queen City Underground,” “Ultimate Queen City Underground,” “Queen City is Haunted,” “Ultimate Queen City is Haunted,” and many more.

On the food and drink fronts with regal connections, there’s

Photo Courtesty of Amanda Rossmann

Queen City Radio, a beer gardenstyle bar in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Queen City Exchange, a stock market-inspired bar in downtown Cincinnati, and Orchids at Palm Court, located in the historic Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel, which is Ohio’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant.

Those looking for a crowning view of the Queen City of the West will want to head to Top of the Park at The Phelps Hotel or Eden Park, a hilltop park overlooking downtown that’s home to the aforementioned Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, Krohn Conservatory, and more.

Photo Courtesty of Cincinnati USA CVB | Louis Rideout

Photo Courtesty of Liz Dufour Enquirer Media

Photo Courtesty of JM Wolf

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SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI: Queen City of the Ozarks

The first known touting of Springfield as the “Queen City of the Ozarks” evidently occurred in a speech made by Sempronius “Pony” Boyd during the celebration of the city’s centennial in 1876. Boyd was a local attorney and founder of the town of North Springfield and Springfield Wagon Works.

He was also the judge at the trial of James “Wild Bill” Hickok for murder in 1865.

Photo Courtesy of Springfield, Mo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo Courtesy of Springfield, Mo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Like Cincinnati 550 miles to the east, Springfield also served as another gateway to the west by way of the Ozark Mountains. The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway’s arrival in 1870 had sparked the continued growth that would lead to Boyd’s bragging, which would continue into the 20th century and beyond.

Though Springfield isn’t the largest city in Missouri (it ranks third behind St. Louis and Kansas City, with Jefferson City serving as the Show-Me State’s capital), the Queen City of the Ozarks is the largest metropolitan area in the sprawling geographic region encompassing southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma. Because of that, it serves as the regional hub for culture, dining, shopping, activities, and more.

Photo Courtesy of Springfield, Mo Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Photo Courtesy of Springfield, Mo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Today, many local businesses have adopted the Queen City name in some way, including Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café (their Queen City Breakfast

THE QUEEN M ARY: A Regal Floating Landmark Longer, wider, and almost twice as heavy as the Titanic, Queen Mary docked for the final time in 1967 to become a popular floating museum and so much more. Today’s “passengers” can enjoy fine dining and drinks (including the Promenade Café, Midship Marketplace, Chelsea Chowder House & Bar; Sir Winston’s Restaurant & Lounge, a Malibu Wines tasting room, and the Observation Bar, as well as the ship’s appropriatelynamed Royal Sunday Brunch), varied tours (from “The Steam and Steel Tour” to “The Glory Days,” “Their Finest Hours,” and more), attractions (like “Illusions of the Passed” and “Voyage to the Other Side”), a 4-D theater, shopping (including Portside Marketplace, Starboard Shoppe, and more), and many special events and nighttime attractions.

Sandwich comes with ham, bacon, egg, Swiss cheese, tomato, and barbeque chipotle ranch sauce), J. Parrino’s Queen City Deli, and Queen City Wine Dive. Springfield visitors will also find other businesses with Queen City in their name, including a bicycle sales and repair shop, a barber shop, and tattoo parlor, and more.

Even event names use the nickname, including the Queen City Sertoma Cajun Cookoff, the Queen City Century Ride, the Queen City Beard & Moustache Federation Competition, Queen City Goes to the Roller Derby, Queen City Pinball, Drag Bingo for Queen City Voices, and more.

Several clubs use the name, including the Queen City Sertoma Club (Sertoma is “service to mankind”), the Queen City Ukulele Club, and the Queen City Chevelle Club.

Springfield visitors will also love learning about the royal connection found at a lavish house called, “The African Queen,” which has been dubbed one of America’s most regal homes.

The secluded 3,100-square-foot house sits on six acres and was reportedly named after the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart (who won the Oscar for Best Actor, his only one) and Katharine Hepburn. Though it isn’t open to visitors, some of its unique and very un-RV-like features evidently include a glass floor looking into a creek, a copper hot tub built into a bluff, and a 550,000-piece mosaic wood floor.

Photo Courtesy of Seldon Ink.

Much like a floating city, where people live, play, eat, and sleep, Long Beach, California’s permanently docked Queen Mary cruise ship is a one-stop regal destination.

Cunard Line’s iconic Queen Mary originally set sail in 1936 and, like today, welcomed many dignitaries and celebrities, including: Sir Winston Churchill; the Duke & Duchess of Windsor (Edward VII and Wallis Simpson); Queen Elizabeth; General Dwight D. Eisenhower; Jackie Kennedy; Bob Hope; Fred Astaire; and many others.

Varied accommodations options include original Art Deco rooms with original polished wood paneling, 1930s artwork, portholes, giving lucky overnight guests a taste of what transatlantic travel was like. While there are many ghost stories shared onboard those in the know report that Stateroom B340 has had a large volume of recorded paranormal activity!

There are lots of different ticket options, including combo passes that can include the USS Iowa and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Other nearby attractions and activities include Disneyland and Disney California Adventure® Park; the legendary Laugh Factory comedy club; excursions to Catalina Island; whale watching, and more.

LEARN MORE AT VISIT QUEENMARY.COM JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Photo Courtesy of VisitSeattle.com

SEATTLE

WASHINGTON: Queen City of the Pacific Northwest Though it’s changed over the year’s Seattle’s original nickname, Queen City of the Pacific Northwest, originally developed as a slogan

by Portland, Oregon-based real estate agents back in the late-1860s who hoped to promote Seattle as a great place to work and live – and by real estate. Later, after the Klondike Gold Rush began in 1897, Seattle was promoted as “Gateway to Alaska,” and, later, thanks to trade with the East, “Gateway to the Orient.”

In 1982, after a contest, the local Convention & Visitors Bureau adopted “The Emerald City” as the city’s tourism brand. Since 2001, the city’s tourism logo has combined a stylized “eye” symbol with an @ email symbol and the capital letter “L” to create the “See-at-L” branding of “Seattle: soak it up!”

The original Queen City of the Pacific Northwest still has many regal connections in its emerald-laden crown of offerings. First and foremost, the iconic 520-foot Seattle Space Needle is still the city’s crowning glory.

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Part of bustling Seattle Center, site of the 1962 World’s Fair, the Seattle Space Needle is yet again a crown jewel for the city after a $100 million renovation. Of course, it continues to offer great views (with an all-glass floor, floor-to-ceiling glass, and glass benches) and much more, including the world’s first and only rotating glass floor, Atmos Café and Atmos Wine Bar, virtual reality bungee jumps, and super selfie spots.

Seattle Center also features the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Seattle Children’s Museum, outdoor gardens and artwork, and more than 20 restaurants, cafés, and bars. The Seattle Center Monorail, the nation’s first full-scale commercial monorail system and a city landmark, provides a great way to head to Seattle Center and the Seattle Space Needle from downtown proper.

Seattle is a city of unique neighborhoods and one popular residential community with queenly connections, Queen Anne Hill, is

actually adjacent to the Seattle Space Needle. Originally called Eden Hill and later named for the style of architecture popular in the 1880s and situated almost 500 feet above Puget Sound, the steep slopes of Queen Anne Hill made it one of the last original Seattle neighborhoods to develop.

Other highlights here might include: the landmark 1936 North Queen Anne Drive Bridge that spans Wolf Creek; the original location of the Seattle mainstay, Uptown Espresso; Stuhlbergs, a neighborhood fixture set in a Queen Anne house that features a fun selection of home accessories and baby-focused offerings; and Queen Anne Dispatch, a local favorite for women’s clothing, gifts, and accessories, where they also wrap and ship (dispatch) purchases.

Photo Courtesy of VisitSeattle.com

Photo Courtesy of VisitSeattle.com

Of course, popular Pike Place Market is a Seattle “neighborhood” in its own right. Even veteran Pike Place visitors may not know about the 2017 addition of waterfront’s Market Front, including incredible views of Elliott Bay, Mt. Rainier and more, farm and craft stalls, colorful mosaic walls of Pacific Northwest flora and fauna along the grand staircase, and Producers Hall, with a brewery (Old Stove Brewing Co.), a scratch-made biscuit café (Honest Biscuits), a bean-to-bar chocolate factory (indie chocolate), and a seafood restaurant (Little Fish) that features smoked and cured fish.

When it comes to even more food and drink further afield, visitors will find that Seattle is definitely the “Queen of Northwest Cuisine,” with a focus on seafood and Washington State wines. For a locals experience where they’re treated royally, visitors will want to head to Queen City, a neighborhood bar and restaurant in the Belltown neighborhood (originally opened in 1910 and formerly the Queen City Grill). ¾ JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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Fall In Love With A

Manufactured Home Community From beautiful locations to the camaraderie of community living, there’s so much to love about manufactured home communities. Here are the top 5 things to love!

Community Living

Many manufactured home communities have clubs and activities for all interests, providing opportunities to make new friends all the time.

Whether you meet lifelong friends from an intramural league of pickleball players or find your group of Friday night potluck dinner mates, community living means you’ll never be bored. Many communities also have clubhouses providing residents numerous opportunities to spend time with friends.

Spacious Living

Today's manufactured homes can start at a square footage of about 600 feet and can go up to over 2,000 feet. There are so many possibilities for all that space! Manufactured homeowners enjoy a yard of their own and plenty of green space throughout the community.

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Location, Location, Location!

Whether you want to wake up every day to the sights and sounds of ocean waves or live among the hustle-bustle of the country’s most exciting cities, many manufactured home communities are nestled in some of the most desirable locations throughout the country.

You’ll feel like you’re living your dream every single day when you live in a manufactured home in the location of your choice!

Minimal Maintenance

Today's manufactured homes require minimal maintenance because of their construction quality, having been built on a factory floor allows for precision craftsmanship. Plus, warranties are included with your manufactured home, which gives you peace of mind.

Pets Are Welcome

Many manufactured home communities allow pets. There are even communities with dog parks so Fido can enjoy time outside and socialize. You’ll love making new friends with other pet-lovers that live in your community and so will your pet!

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME PROMOTIONS HAPPENING NOW!

CALL TODAY! (844) 885-6719 JULY JULY 2019 2019TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

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GETTING TO KNOW

Pennsylvania’s LANCASTER COUNTY

BY JOAN RYKAL

IF

the word “bucolic” appeals to your vacation senses, then look no further than the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County. Synonyms for the word, such as pastoral, idyllic, rustic, and rural, can all be used to define this lovely little escape in southern Pennsylvania.

Lancaster County, as a tourism destination, is most widely associated with the Pennsylvania Amish settlers who came to the area to farm the lands in the early 1700s and established the largest Amish community in the country at the time. To date, it is the second largest Amish settlement in the US. The rolling countryside of Lancaster County is dotted with farms and the roads are populated with the Amish and their horse and buggy, which co-exist with standard modes of transportation as they whizz past the slow-paced buggies.

Visitors can view the simple ways of the Amish lifestyle and there are several attractions that allow a glimpse into the life, but still allow the Amish to maintain their highly-regarded privacy.

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AMISH LIFESTYLE

A great place to get to know all about the Amish way of life is a visit to The Amish Village in Ronks. With 12 acres to explore, visitors can tour an authentic 1840s Amish farmhouse, as well as a blacksmith shop and the one-room schoolhouse. Visitors can also choose to take a 90-minute “backroads” bus tour through the Amish countryside and learn about the history and culture of the Amish during the tour. For details about the Village as well as tour information, visit amishvillage.com.

In the town of Bird-in-Hand, visitors will find the Amish Country Homestead which includes the Fisher family home as well as the one-room schoolhouse, which is attached to the home and features authentic furnishings from the schoolhouse.

Don’t miss the Homestead’s theater production of Jacob’s Choice, which depicts the story of a young man struggling to choose between his Amish heritage and the modern world.

Bird-in-Hand is also home to the Plain and Fancy Farm Dining Room, which offers traditional Amish dining options.

A visit to Kitchen Kettle Village, in the village of Intercourse, will provide you the opportunity to watch Amish women making jams and jellies.

Kitchen Kettle Village also has plenty of shops, including a bake shop, pottery shop, a fudge and sweets shop and a yarn shop. For more information on what to see at Kitchen Kettle Village, visit.kitchenkettle.com.

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COVERED BRIDGES

Lancaster County is home to more than 25 covered bridges, sometimes called “kissing bridges” because the privacy gave strolling couples the opportunity to exchange a quick kiss. In fact, one of the first covered bridges in the country was built in Lancaster County. A map for five separate driving tours of the covered bridges can be found at discoverlancaster.com.

PRETZELS & CHOCOLATE

The quaint little town of Lititz holds lots of goodies – chocolate and pretzels to name a few. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery was the first commercial pretzel bakery in the US and today, visitors can tour the bakery and take a lesson on pretzel-making. For information visitjuliussturgis.com. If you’re looking for some good chocolate, look no further than the Wilbur Chocolate Company, which has been making delicious chocolates since 1884 (they previously made hard candies) and are known for the Wilbur Buds, which are specially molded to resemble a flower bud. Free samples of Wilbur Buds are available when you visit the Broad Street store in Lititz. If you’re still hungry, consider taking one of the Lancaster County Food Tours.lancofoodtours.com), which includes one called “Come Eat Lititz.”

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HERSHEYPARK

Hersheypark is a one-stop shop for fun of all kinds. The Park includes a waterpark, 70 attractions, including 14 roller coasters, and a wildlife park featuring more than 200 animals native to North America.

Created by Milton Hershey as a leisure park for the employees of the Hershey Chocolate Factory, Hersheypark has grown from the simple picnic and boating spot it was in 1907 to the hot spot it is today. The Park is estimated to have more than 3.3 million visitors annually.

Hershey’s Chocolate World will delight candy lovers of all ages where highlights include a 30-minute tour that shows how the cocoa beans transform into a candy bar and the opportunity to create your own candy bar. There are also chocolate tastings and a shop chock full of all the Hershey goodies.

New this summer at the theme park is Reese’s Cupfusion, an interactive gaming ride where the rider’s mission is to save the delicious peanut butter/ chocolate cup from villains! The 1,904seat Hershey Theater offers Broadway shows and other live entertainment including music and comedy shows.

For lineup information, visit hersheypa.com.

WHEATLAND

James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States, holds the distinction of being the only president born in Pennsylvania. Visitors can tour his home, an 1828 mansion, where costumed guides will provide history and insight to Buchanan life and politics.

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Courtesy of Larry Lefever Photography

Day Trips Lancaster County is conveniently located to several big cities and small towns that provide the perfect opportunity for a day trip.

HARRISBURG

A trip to Pennsylvania’s capital city, Harrisburg, will take you about 45 minutes and here you can see the Capitol Building, the National Civil War Museum and the Whitaker Center for Science and Arts.

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex encompasses several buildings but the gem within the complex is the Capitol building itself, which was modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, prompting President Theodore Roosevelt to call it “the most handsomest building” he’d ever seen. This Beaux-Arts design building, complete with a domed rotunda, interior sweeping marble staircase, hand-made tiles, and stained-glass windows, is worth a visit. Guided tours are offered Monday through Friday and tour times and admission cost can be found at pacapitol.com. Also, at the Complex, The Senate Library offers exhibitions and collections that

detail the history of Pennsylvania’s Senate while the Interactive Welcome Center has interesting exhibits and information about the Keystone State.

The National Civil War Museum (nationalcivilwarmusuem.org) provides a history lesson about the Civil War and uniquely tells it from both the Union and Confederate viewpoints.

This history lesson here is allencompassing with exhibits ranging from Weapons & Equipment to Civil War Music.

Artifacts on display include several items belonging to General Robert E. Lee as well as a bullet-ridden piece of the fence from the Battle of Gettysburg.

The Whitaker Center includes science-based exhibits for both adults and children at the Harsco Science Center well as an art gallery, an IMAX theater and

more. The art gallery exhibits the works of local artists while the IMAX runs feature films with science and nature-themed topics.

Great Bear Rainforest 3D will run through July 13. For more information on the museum and its exhibits and IMAX films, visit whitakercenter.org.

Fort Hunter Park (forthunter.org) sits on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna River and provides plenty of space for leisurely nature walks and bird watching.

Self-guided walking tours take you to such sites as Stone Arch Bridge, built in the 19th century, Everhart Covered Bridge, built in 1881 and Tavern House, which accommodated overnight travelers in the 1800s. A highlight here is the Fort Hunter Mansion, a Federal-style home built in 1814.

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PHILADELPHIA

As Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia offers a variety of things to do. From history lessons to food tours, and one of the oldest, and most innovative, zoos in the world, Philadelphia has something for everyone. Philadelphia is about an hour’s drive from Lancaster County.

Let’s start with the history lessons that can be found in this city that was once the capital of the United States.

The Constitutional Walking Tour is a great place to get your footing and tour the historical highlights of the city. The 90-minute tour includes stops at The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the home of famed flag maker, Betsy Ross. A longer tour, at about 2 hours, is the Founding Fathers Tour. Designed as a more intimate tour, it takes you past many of the historic sites as your tour guide provides a history of the city.

Other ways to tour the city include horse-drawn carriage rides and the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley tour.

Valley Forge National Historic Park is 3,500 acres of history and the site where the Continental Army made camp in the winter of 177778 during the Revolutionary War. The Encampment Tour, which can be done by car, takes you past historic monuments as well as scenic stops in the Park. The Park theater

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also runs an 18-minute video, entitled Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment which details the events of the winter encampment as well as a brief history of the Revolutionary War. Did you know the Philadelphia Zoo was the first chartered zoo in the US, but due to the Civil War, it was another 15 years before it officially opened in 1874 with more than 800 animals on exhibit? Today, the zoo remains as innovative as when it first opened with its Zoo360 Animal Exploration Trails and the Urban Green, an open-air food marketplace. Zoo360 is the only trail system of its type in the world and was designed to allow the animals to roam around and above the zoo’s grounds while also linking animal habitats of animals that share similar habitats, allowing them to “share” each other’s space.

If you’re a lover of selfies, or photography in general, Philadelphia is home to two of

the most iconic sites for picturetaking If you’re visiting the Philadelphia Art Museum, don’t miss the statue of Rocky Balboa, the loveable, underdog boxer made popular in the Oscarwinning film, Rocky, located at the bottom of the entrance steps to the museum. If you’re feeling up for a training session, run up the 72 steps just like Rocky did while training for his bout with Apollo Creed.

Fittingly, the City of Brotherly Love is home to sculptor Robert Indiana’s LOVE, which is in the John F. Kennedy Plaza, also known as LOVE Park.

Philly is known for its cheesesteaks, but they also make a pretty good pretzel, and something called tomato pie, their version of pizza. Sample these tasty goods on one of several food tours offered in the city.

Check out phillyfoodtours.com and see what’s on the menu. They run the gamut from Hot and Spicy Philadelphia to Ethnic Eats.

BALTIMORE

Good Morning, Baltimore! This seaport city is located approximately 84 miles from Lancaster County and is another great spot to soak up history, culture and of course, good food.

Fort McHenry, which played an integral role in the War of 1812, is a great place for a history lesson. It was the fort’s valiant efforts to defend the harbor during the war’s Battle of Baltimore that inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner. The fort and surrounding area also served as a prison during the Civil War, a hospital base during World War I and a Coast Guard base during World War II. It was made a National Monument and Historic Shrine in 1939 and in 1966 was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors can help the ranger raise and lower a replica of the “Star-Spangled Banner” flag daily. For more information visit nps/fomc.com.

Visit the city’s Inner Harbor where you will find the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium.

The Inner Harbor is also home to several historic ships, including the USS Constellation, a Civil War sailing ship, and the USS Torsk, a World War II submarine. The National Aquarium has an exhibit dedicated to the Maryland Blue Crab, which was important to the region both as a food source and to the economy.

The Inner Harbor is also a great place to catch a sightseeing tour, via boat, as well as enjoy some of the seafood the area is known for.

Take in a baseball game at Camden Yards, which is home to the major league baseball’s Baltimore Orioles and the site where Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig’s record for most consecutive games played – Gehrig held the record, playing in 2,130

games until Ripken bested that on September 6, 1995. Ripken, along with other Oriole greats including pitcher Jim Palmer and outfielder Frank Robinson, is honored with statues throughout the park. The park itself, which was completed in 1992, is important because it was one of the “newer” ballparks that were dedicated to the purpose of baseball only, taking a step away for the multi-use stadiums that sprang up in prior decades. The structure managed to incorporate state-of-the-art facilities while maintaining the “old ballpark ambiance.” Ticketed fans can enjoy all the fun of Eutaw Street, which is adjacent to the park, and has all kinds of activities and food vendors on game day.

Vist RVontheGo.com to plan your Pennsylvania getaway. ¾

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WH O’ S I N T HE K I T C HE N W IT H T R AI L B L A Z E R ?

JUICY LUCY RECIPE July is National Grilling Month! Celebrate by making the Jucy Lucy – the famous Minneapolis burger with a cheesy twist!

INGREDIENTS Minneapolis is the home of some very notable things: 10,000 lakes, the Minnesota Twins’ baseball team, the Mall of America, and a debate about an infamous cheeseburger with a major twist…

The Juicy Lucy or Juicy Lucy is a burger with a cheesy molten center. The Juicy Lucy practically has a cult following and Minnesotans have long debated on the original creator of this great burger. Whether you say it was Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club that invented it, there’s no debating that eating a Juicy Lucy is a delectable, tasty experience.

If you can’t make it to the Twin Cities this summer you can make your own Juicy Lucy’s at home!

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4 slices American cheese (or cheese slices of your choice) 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (15- 20% fat content preferred)

1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Vegetable or canola oil (for oiling the grill)

Hamburger fixings of your choice: soft buns, sliced pickles, tomatoes, lettuce…

DIRECTIONS 1. Cut each slice of cheese in half and then half again, forming 4 squares.

Stack these squares on top of each other for a little block of cheesy heaven. Set these stacks aside.

2. Place your chuck meat in a large bowl. Evenly combine salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper into meat with your hands.

3. Divide up the meat into 8 equal portions and place on a clean work surface. Using your fingertips, press 2 portions of the meat into 2 patties, roughly 1/4 inch thick and about 1 inch wider than the size of your hamburger buns.

4. Place a stack of cheese in the center of 1 of the patties.

5. Place the second patty over the first.

Now the cheese is inside! Pinch the edges to form a tight seal.

6. Cup the patty with your hands to round out the edges and press on the top to flatten it slightly, forming a thick patty.

TIPS Let your Jucy Lucy cool off before taking a bite!

This is very important – the volcanic explosion of cheese that will be as tasty as it sounds, also needs some time to cool off before you take a bite. The servers at both the 5-8 Club and Matt’s Bar are very adamant about reminding diners that you MUST let your JL cool off to avoid burns in and around your mouth.

Use slices of cheese, don’t cut from a block When the slices are cut and stacked to create the molten center, you get a much more even distribution of cheese with every burger. While testing this recipe, we tried cutting up cubes of cheese from a block but the ratio just didn’t come out as nicely as slices.

Don’t be afraid to try new combos!

7. Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining portions of meat and cheese.

Transfer these to a plate and refrigerate the uncooked patties until ready to grill.

Whether it’s the classic recipe with American cheese and ground chuck beef, or a new twist like swiss cheese inside a ground turkey based Jucy Lucy.

9. Grab the patties from the refrigerator.

Yes, the fat content in chuck meat tends to be high, but you’re not going to be eating Jucy Lucy’s every night this summer. The fat content in the meat gives the burger a great juicy flavor.

8. Heat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium high. When heated, use tongs to rub the grate with several layers of paper towels dipped in vegetable or canola oil.

10. Place the patties on the grill and cook undisturbed - DO NOT press down on the patties until the dark grill marks appear on the bottom (after about 3 to 4 minutes of grilling). Carefully flip the patties using a spatula and grill for about 3 to 4 more minutes on that side.

Use ground chuck

Recipe adopted from chow.com

11. Once you see that there are grill marks on the second side, transfer the patties from the grill to a clean plate to rest. Remember, no cheese burns! So this step is very important!

12. Place a patty on your favorite hamburger bun (soft buns are best) and add toppings of your choice.

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“It’s one thing to be an award-winning songwriter.

However, to be a hit songwriter and singer is a rarity. Phil Vassar has managed to accomplish both, with ten #1 chart toppers, 15 Top 10s, and 26 Top 40s, placing him in unique company in Nashville and the entire country music world”

ON THE ROAD

WITH PHIL VASSAR

By Cele & Lynn Seldon

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Whether you spend life on the road for pleasure or work, it’s nice to have the comforts of home as you travel the highways and byways. TRAILBLAZER checks in with folks who spend a fair amount of time on the road to see just what makes their home away from home. This month, we chatted with American country music artist, Phil Vassar.

Born in Lynchburg, Virginia (and graduate of Harrisonburg’s James Madison University, along with Cele Seldon, coauthor of this interview), Vassar began his career in the late 1990s writing songs that were recorded by a host of hot country music artists, including Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, and Jo Dee Messina.

The industry took note as several of those hits reached No. 1 on the country charts.

By 1999, Vassar had won Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for “Bye, Bye,” recorded by Jo Dee Messina.

After being signed by Arista’s Nashville label, in late-1999, Vassar produced his self-titled debut album, which led to his first No. 1 hit as a singer (“Just Another Day in Paradise”) and his first tour with Kenny Chesney. The rest, as they say, is history – with nine albums to his name, countless songs written and performed by others, and plenty of awards for his walls and trophy case.

We caught up with the Phil in Orlando in late-2018 during the tail end of his 2018 American Soul Summer tour.

How did Orlando treat you?

Good. We performed at UCF [University of Central Florida] and then I sang the national anthem before kick-off at the UCF-Pitt game.

You started out writing songs? Then you started performing.

Where do you get the most enjoyment?

I love both. Being on stage is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I do love performing.

It’s a good time. You’re singing your songs, everyone’s singing back to you. It’s just a blast. It’s sort of a culmination of all your efforts. All your writing, your recording, working at radio, trying to have a #1 song or a hit. Then you get up on stage and everyone’s singing it back to you. That’s sort of where the payoff is.

How would you best describe yourself as an artist?

Singer, songwriter, piano player.

It’s hard to categorize your music. Some people say country, pop, whatever. I have a lot of country hits, but I’m probably more like Billy Joel than George Jones.

Do you write all your own songs?

I do. We’ll throw some cover songs in the middle of the set sometimes just for fun.

Which has been your favorite song that you wrote or recorded?

That’s a toughie. It’s always the latest one. It changes from night to night. Some nights it’s “Six Pack Summer” and everyone sings along with me. Some nights, I’m missing my daughter and I’ll sing “American Child” [and] that means more than anything. It can be any song, any time – depends on the night.

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You’ve written for a lot of amazing artists.

Any favorites?

I’ve been really lucky. I never would have thought when I started doing this that it would be an option or a path I would take, but it worked out. I’ve had a lot of really good artists cut my songs and do them justice and have #1 songs with them.

Is there anyone you’d particularly like to write a song for or sing with?

I don’t know. There are so many of those too. I always said I love Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, Elton John. I’ve gotten to meet just about everyone and hang out with them. The Merle Haggards and Willie Nelsons of the world. I look back sometimes at what I’ve done and what I’ve been able to do and, oh man, I’ve lived a charmed life.

Do you follow any sports?

I like the Titans football team.

It’s fun to have a team in my town. I probably like football the most. I’m a football junkie.

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Now to talk about your bus and your life on the road. What kind of bus do you have?

My bus is a 2010 Prevost and the cool thing about my bus is that I bought it from George Jones. It’s a few years old, but that’s a cool thing. I was looking for a bus. George had passed away and his wife called and asked if we wanted one of his buses. And I’m like, “Yes, ma’am – are you kidding?” We got his bus and literally within a week or so, we were watching his memorial from the Ryman on the bus. It was pretty crazy.

Does your bus have a name?

It’s called Possum Tracks. It’s named after George. They call him the Possum. How long have you been traveling in a bus? I’ve been on a tour bus since 2000. Basically, I live on them. Do you sleep on the bus?

I sure do. I love it. I can sleep like crazy on it.

How many shows do you perform a year?

How many miles would you guess you travel on your bus a year?

We do around 120 shows. We put a lot of miles on the bus. We come close to putting 100,000 miles on a year. Especially when you go back and forth across the country. We literally just went from L.A. to Harrisonburg, Virginia [for a show at James Madison University].

Who travels on the bus with you?

Just the band. And a couple of guys from our crew. It’s usually six of us. It can sleep 12, so that’s not so bad.

Tell us about your bus

It’s got a front living room, a sink and microwave, a bunk room that can sleep 12, and my room in the back. It’s got one bath, TVs – every bunk has its own and there’s one in the front and one in the back, stereo, and I’ve got my keyboard on the bus.

What’s your favorite thing about staying on your bus versus a hotel room?

Any favorite places you like to eat on the road?

All my stuff is on it. You’ve got your clothes. It’s like your house.

like Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, Elton John, Steely Dan, The Police, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard. An eclectic mix, for sure. I love Yacht Rock [also known as adult-oriented rock].

What are your three favorite things on board?

What else do you do while you are on the bus?

Highways or scenic routes?

The stereo, the TV, and the Wi-Fi. And, I love the fact that it slides out.

Do you listen to music on the road?

I do. I listen to a lot of music.

Mostly the old stuff. I tend to stick with what’s comfortable,

Sleep a lot. You’re so tired.

Do you cook on the bus?

No. We just have a microwave.

So, no cooking. I’m afraid of what might happen. I don’t even cook when I’m home.

IHOP. That’s where I am right now. I’m also a Waffle House person.

Highways. But, every once in a while, it’s so nice to go through the mountains and take our time.

Do you ever stop to do any sightseeing?

We try to do that whenever we can but it’s rare that we have time. ¾

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Tips and Topics

Feast by Firelight: Simple Recipes for Camping, Cabins, and the Great Outdoors

by Emma Frisch

OK, so it’s not a book per se, but you will definitely find yourself immersed in the photos, recipes and tips offered in this 208 camping culinary delight.

The Yosemite

by John Muir

The title gives it away. Read John Muir’s ode to Yosemite, whether you’re planning a trip to this fabulous national park or not.

SUMMER READS FOR THE OUTDOOR

Wild: Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail

by Cheryl Strayed

Follow along on one women’s journey to find herself while hiking more than 1,000 miles of the Pacific Coast Trail.

BY JOAN RYKAL

The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries

by Karen Musser Nortman

Looking to relax and read a good book this summer while also enjoying the great outdoors?

Check out some of these books. Pick one or all and then find your favorite reading spot and turn the page…

The Time Travel Trailer

by Karen Musser Nortman

The Call of the Wild

by Jack London

This is a classic but it never gets old. Go back to the days of the 1890s Yukon Gold Rush and ride along on the adventure of Buck, the book’s canine protagonist.

Take Me With You

by Catherine Ryan Hyde

A heartwarming story of friendship and trust set in a backdrop of nature. The story details one man’s plans for a summer RV road trip with unexpected guests and of course, a faithful dog.

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A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail

by Bill Bryson

A true story of the author’s attempt to trek the Appalachian Trail. A funny read with some great history of the trail tossed into the story.

Texas

by James Michener

If you find yourself in the Lone Star State this summer while camping, you’re bound to find James Michener’s fabulous historical fiction tome a mustread. The story covers more than four centuries and provides a deeplook into the state’s roots.

A series of fiction books, who according to the author are about “a group of retires who camp together and sometimes stumble over dead bodies.”

Another series set of fiction books by the author of the abovementioned Frannie Shoemaker series, this time the stories revolve around a couple who buy a vintage travel trailer that turns out to be a time portal.

NOLS Wilderness Wisdom: Quotes for Inspirational Exploration

by John Goodkin

Containing more than 1000 quotes from environmentalists, nature writers, and even Albert Einstein, this book is said to “provide inspiration for hikers, climbers and outdoors enthusiasts looking for motivation as they meet the challenges of the wilderness (amazon.com).”

Tips and Topics

Handy Tips for Traveling with PetS

By Joan Rykal

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Before you hit the road, have your vet check over your pet so you know they’re in good health to enjoy the trip! And better safe than sorry – ask about nausea and anxiety. Just because your pet seems to enjoy short trips around the neighborhood in the car, long road trips may bring about car sickness and anxiety. Be prepared with something to alleviate these issues should they arise.

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Pack their bags too! Don’t forget to pack a bag for your pet which should include food and water as well as the bowls for each, treats, any medications, their health records, ID tags, a lease and collar, their bed and favorite toys. Don’t forget to pack plenty of waste bags. One tip is to bring as much water from home as you can – sometimes water on the road, or even at a campground, can cause upset stomachs in pets.

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In fact, get them used to longer periods in the car by doing a series of trips in varying duration. This way you can get an idea of their level of comfort, etc.

3

Just like you and your passengers, pets should be restrained while your vehicle is in motion. Depending on the size of the pet, you may use a pet carrier or pet car seats and restraints designed specifically with your pet’s size and weight in mind.

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Stick to a schedule. If your pet needs to go outside every few hours at home, road trip travel schedules should be no different. Stop as needed, let them out to do their business and stretch a bit Once settled in, stick to your regular walking schedule so they don’t get out of sorts.

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Once parked, take a long walk through the campground so your pet gets to know their new surroundings. Learn the areas that are more pet-friendly than others. Familiarize yourself with the campground’s pet rules and follow them!

If you follow #4, you should also know to pack an extra leash in case one gets wet or muddy. It happens!

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Also, following #4, not only should you have identification tags, but make sure your cell number is on the back of the tag, if it not listed already. This way, if your pet wanders, someone knows where to find you!

If you’re traveling with cats, bring a screen house so the cat can enjoy the outdoors with you while relaxing camp side.

Amazon.com offers several nifty portable cat tents.

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And lastly, never leave your pet alone in a parked or unattended vehicle.

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Tips and Topics

TECH Topics

RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn!

by Paul and Kerri Elders

This month, we’ll take a look at some tips for keeping your RV’s countertops in showroom shape and give you some helpful info about the importance of rotating tires for optimal wear and performance. Ready? Let’s get going!

ROTATE THOSE TIRES: To keep your RV’s tires in tiptop shape, it’s a good idea to follow your RV manufacturer’s recommendations for tire rotation. Rotation schedules can vary significantly, depending on your RV type. Because of their multi-wheel design, Class A motorhomes usually need tire rotation at a less-frequent interval than tow vehicles (like pickup trucks), Class C motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers.

It’s also a great practice to keep track of tire mileage and have tires rotated on your RV’s recommended schedule; see your Owner’s Manual for details. Rotating your vehicle’s or trailer’s tires on the recommended schedule will help even out tire wear that can be caused by under-inflation or undiagnosed alignment problems and can help you get the most out of your tire investment. Some manufacturers recommend including the motorhome’s spare in the rotation pattern, and some even suggest changing the direction of rotation periodically. Check your RV’s Owners’ Manual for specific instructions for your RV.

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Another thing to keep in mind is the importance of having your wheels balanced, not only after rotating them, but even after simply changing a tire.

Balancing the wheels keeps tires from wearing unevenly; out-ofbalance tires tend to cup and can wear more at their “heavy” spot. Proper balancing extends their useful life. Have your wheels balanced when new tires are mounted or rotated, after a flat has been repaired, and any time you’ve had a tire and wheel removed and replaced.

Always be sure to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure; see your Owner’s Manual for the proper pressures for your specific vehicle (or check the inside frame of the driver’s door – proper inflation pressures are often noted on a label affixed there, for quick and easy reference). It’s also a good practice to check treads periodically for uneven wear, which can indicate a possible alignment or wheel balance problem. Find a problem? Fix it!

CARING FOR RV COUNTERTOPS: RVs of all sizes and shapes are often outfitted with beautiful Corian (or other brand) solidsurface countertops. This acrylic countertop material is nonporous, which makes it ideal for kitchens, since it doesn’t harbor bacteria like wood surfaces can.

But it does require a little bit of special care.

Corian and other solid surface countertops can be scratched or nicked, so you always be sure to use a cutting board when preparing food. Countertops

can chip if you drop heavy objects onto the surface, much like granite can. Extreme heat can cause scarring, so always use a trivet when placing hot items on the countertop and always allow your cookware to cool before putting it in a solid surface sink. It’s also a very good idea (especially in an RV) to simultaneously run cold water from the faucet whenever pouring very hot cooking water into the sink and drain.

You can periodically disinfect your countertop surfaces by using about 2-1/2 tablespoons of household bleach in ½ gallon of water. And to enhance the shine on semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes, DuPont specifically recommends countertop polishes such as Countertop Magic, Hope’s Perfect Countertop or Enhance Countertop Polish.

Solid surface sinks can be cleaned using Soft Scrub cleaner and a Scotchbrite pad, rubbing the Scotchbrite pad evenly over the entire sink to blend in the finish. But they caution to NEVER use a Scotchbrite pad on the countertop surface itself, because it will definitely dull the finish.

DuPont offers some useful tips for caring for Corian; check with your particular manufacturer of solid surface countertop to see if this advice is applicable to you, too. DuPont suggests that for routine care, simply use soapy water and clean rinse water, commercially available solid surface. ¾ Check out more tips & tricks on trailblazermagazine.net

Tips and Topics

4 PAWS ON THE ROAD

by Jenn Swope Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Jen, We are looking at an 8-week summer vacation trip and bringing the two dogs along. What are a few items that you recommended in the ophthalmic department that should always be on hand? I’ve got the regular first aid kit, 25 mg of die free Benadryl, tweezers, vet wrap but I’m wondering what eye ointments I could possibly need that would be good to have in the arsenal for those just in case moments. Like you, we have 2 young French bulldogs and as we know they are prone to eye issues, so I thought I would ask. One human medication we have says Dexamethazone on the label- can we keep and use this as a back up ointment? Just trying to save money here…Thank you! We very much enjoy learning from this column and have gone grain free from the get-go with Pure Vita kibble and incorporate Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets into daily feedings as treats and they LOVE it! I see more raw foods coming into the picture in the future. Do you have a favorite Primal supplement we could add in?

Sincerely, Jordan Smith and Kathy Anderson Thank you for writing in and for the kind words. Kudos on planning ahead and making a practical first aid kit. It is always best to be

prepared! And, you’re right. Bulldogs and any breed dog that are considered “short headed” and flat faced are deemed Brachycephalic.

This means they are prone to issues because their eyes bulge out more than other breeds. Any mammal, including humans, can encounter a foreign object that could lead to a corneal abrasion or worse. When it comes to eyes, be quick to seek medical attention from a veterinarian and do not use a medication that your human doctor prescribed for your own ailment.

Eyes are too precious to risk cutting corners! I recommend that you ask your veterinarian if they could prescribe a triple antibiotic ointment specifically for use in the eyes for you to keep on hand. Be sure to ask the doctor to show you how to properly apply the medication. Some eye antibiotic ointments contain dexamethasone, a powerful steroid, and you need to understand how and when to use it.

Serious complications may occur if you add a steroid to a tiny scratch on the eye and for this reason, it is prudent to be absolutely sure to never use a steroid unless given specific directions by a doctor. Keep a sterile saline eye rinse on hand and inquire about a triple antibiotic ophthalmic ointment from your veterinarian. Using an antibiotic that is free of steroids until you can get to the vet for a checkup is not going to do any damage and could very well prevent a bigger problem.

These ointments need to be used religiously as directed. As a rule of thumb “don’t guess, seek the vet!”

However, if you are in an area where you can’t get in touch with someone, it’s great to have products on hand as long as you clearly understand proper application. Good on you for asking ahead of time and wanting to be responsible! I also love that you are using the Raw Primal Freeze Dried as a treat and a topper!

Check out adding Primal Raw Bones for interactive/nutritional supplementation and daily Primal

Bone Broth that will aid the gut in absorption and strengthen immune systems while adding in natural chondroitin for joint care.

Jen, My family and I love camping as does our Golden doodle, Griffin. One of the biggest problems we have had is trying to keep his paws clean going in and out of the camper. Getting his feet wet just adds to the mess and further clean up. With three kids, regular scrubbing isn’t practical, and it seems as though we are always picking out little thorns and burrs that his curly hair attracts.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you, Chip and Annabelle Fremont Chip & Annabelle, I understand how living in a small space with a bustling family has its challenges. Check out these photos of my friend’s dog, Lady Caroline. His clever groomer trims out the paws/ pastern area. A close trim such as this with a #10 blade is practical as it is smart to ward off wet, muddy paws and dry curly hairs that also attract foxtails, thorns, and burrs. Consider buying a medium bristle brush (similar to something that you might use to wash dishes) and keep it near the steps of your RV. When you’re outside, get Griffin used to having his paws handled and gently brush his feet off. Add a high pile chamois-style mat at the entry door to further collect dirt and stickers before they fall into your living space.¾

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

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Tips and Topics

ASK RVBILL YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

I have been in the RV industry since I graduated high school in 1972. I retired in 2010, sold my RV business and hit the road full time. I am a part-time consultant and tech writer for the RV industry.

Q

Hi Bill

We have purchased 4 New Batteries and I believe it could be an electrical problem because after purchasing the new batteries and running the generator and using the outside electrical plugin to run the RV we still do not have the inside outlets working.

Please HELP! Currently our RV is in West Park, Fl. My husband is a Mechanic but have not been able to diagnose this problem.

Mr. & Mrs Richard /Martha Bartley, Sr.

A

Hi Richard and Martha,

Thanks for your question. Hopefully I’ve gotten back to you soon enough to give you a little bit of guidance. First of all, day 52

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batteries do not have anything to do with the AC outlets inside the coach, that would be either the source which will be the generator or shore power. The problem could be somewhere down the line, a ground fault circuit interrupter or breaker to start with. You will need to start tracking the power from point A to point B to point C. Point A would be the transfer switch. If the transfer switch does not have A/C power from the generator or shore power, you will need to check both sources. Keep in mind the generator does have circuit breakers that control the output voltage, one or both could be tripped. If there is power on the input sides of the transfer switch and not on the output side of the transfer switch replace the switch.

it can’t burn clean. Do you know whether the soot is coming from the oven or from one of the stove top burners? You mentioned that the burners will no longer ignite and it sounds almost like you’re not getting any gas at all to the stove. At 19 years old, I would highly recommend that the LP gas pressure regulator be changed as they can be affected by age, this may be your whole problem. Take it to a qualified technician and have them change it and check the gas pressure at the stove. I believe this may take care of your problem. As far as the Piezo/ igniter that’s a separate issue and will wear out over a period of time. Take your RV to a shop and get the regulator replaced and the pressure set. Please let me know if you had any success or any other questions.

Q

Q

Bill,

I have a question about my gas stove. Recently, there have been a couple times where there is black soot all over the top of the stove. The burners have stopped lighting and the striker/igniter is no longer working. Do you know what the problem may be?

Thank you, Lois Easter

A

Lois,

Normally soot is caused by improper burning of gas, another way the gas air mixture would be so far off that

I saw your Q&A on suspension upgrades, do you have a recommendation for a site in Florida performing suspension testing as Henderson line up in Grant’s Pass, OR. For my class C suspension? The Motor-home seems to drift in Arizona and New Mexico in windy conditions.

Richard, south of Ocala in Lady Lake.

A

Richard,

The closest shop is Josam Alignment in Orlando, the other option

Tips and Topics

would be Americas Choice RV in Ocala. They can order the needed parts from Henderson Line Up in Grants Pass Oregon for installation. Have them call Henderson Line Up and find out exactly what you will need to solve your problem.

Q

Bill,

In the MAY/JUNE 2019, RVs IN MOTION Q&A section, a reader asked about handling issues and options for a 2019 F53 chassis Motorhome, to which you gave a great number of extensive and expensive recommendations, but completely ignored the nearly free (~$80 for Hellwig adjustable end links for front if desired), simple, extremely effective and Ford approved, movement of the factory sway bar end links from the outer sway bar end link attachment point to the inner one, which gives the factory sway bar more leverage over the coach. Ford only sends all chassis out with the softer position, because they do not know what the coach builders will install on them or what the users desired handling firmness (does not change ride quality).

There are extensive write ups on this modification on the IRV2 forum, under Cheep Handling Fix or CHF. Regards, Mike

A

Mike,

thank you for the information. Moving the end link to the inner hole will create an angle that will diminish the effectiveness and could bind, the Hellwig end link will likely be at an angle as well. Ideally the end link should be vertical and the sway bar as close to level as possible. The factory sway bar is simply to inadequate and one size fits all, 1/8 inch gain in diameter translates to 30% increase in strength. The Road-master sway bars are 1and 1/ 2” and 1 and 3/4” in diameter adding roughly 50 to 60% more strength over the factory sway bar.

Q

material can be purchased in bulk for the length you need; get extra in case of a mistake. Preparation is the key to success and finding the right adhesive for the type of material you use. Make sure that the surface is clean and use alcohol just before the adhesive is applied. Use a razor blade to carefully cut the old gasket from the door frame.

Bill,

My Norcold refrigerators door gaskets have been deteriorating for some time now, the local repair shop claims the seals are not replaceable and the entire door needs to be replaced.

I have checked the Internet to no avail, any suggestions?

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

A

Unfortunately, RV refrigerators have been using non replaceable door seals for 15 to 20 years.

You can purchase a universal door gasket kit on the Internet, the trick is measurements and thickness. A “D” seal type

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With eight Wisconsin campgrounds on RVontheGo.com offering cabin and cottage rentals throughout Southern Wisconsin, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the camping lifestyle without having to rough it. From rustic cabins with basic amenities to luxury and premier cottages and yurts with all the bells and whistles, camping at these campgrounds is as easy as checking into a hotel, but better– thanks to all of the amenities offers a campground

Wisconsin

Cabins

are Winners Cabin Options Make Badger State Getaways Easier Than Ever

By Cele & Lynn Seldon 54

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Whether you prefer to leave your RV at home or have friends and family that don’t own an RV or tent but want to join the fun, Wisconsin offers plenty of options. The more rustic park models provide sleeping accommodations in twin, double, queen, and bunk beds. Others have sleeping accommodations with some basic kitchen amenities. While the more deluxe options have full living rooms, dining rooms, fully outfitted kitchens with dishes and cookware, lofts for additional sleeping space, full bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, decks, grills, fire pits and so much.

There is truly something for everyone when it comes to campground accommodations options.

Yet, all of them feature the same wonderful hospitality that these camping resorts are known for, as well as tons of activities and amenities, including beaches and lakes, fishing, boating, swimming pools, movie theaters, hiking trails, mini-golf, shuffleboard, tennis courts, basketball, clubhouses, playgrounds, and more that make for memorable vacations and getaways.

Blackhawk RV Campground and Lakeland RV Campground are only 90 miles from Chicago and serve as the gateway to southern Wisconsin.

Blackhawk features several cabins that sleep six to eight people, with either a secluded setting on Mud Lake or waterfront options on scenic Clear Lake. Lakeland’s cabins are a short walk from fishing and boating

Kayaking in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Cottage

Photo Courtesy of Seldon Ink

Neshonoc Lakeside Camping Resort

on Lake Koshkonong, with a new pool coming Summer, 2019. Further north, Plymouth Rock RV Campground is just 15 miles west of Lake Michigan and offers more than 20 cabin options, along with boat rentals, four playgrounds, two pools, hot tub, a dance hall, and packed weekends of themed activities and fun-filled events. Tranquil Timbers RV Campground in Sturgeon Bay is the gateway to the dramatic Door Peninsula, with its five state parks and 10 lighthouses, and offers basic cabins, deluxe loft cabins,and yurts.

Heading west on the other side of Green Bay lies Fremont Jellystone Park™ along the shores of Partridge Lake. This

first-class resort features a full complement of cabin options, along with a one-bedroom cottage, and world-class fishing, with close to 1,000 acres of shallow reedy water. You might even run across Yogi Bear™, Boo Boo™, and Cindy Bear™.

Central Wisconsin summer fun can be found at Lake of the Woods Campground, with 12 fully furnished luxury cabins – eight of them waterfront – including DirectTV and large decks that sleep up to eight people. A bit further west, Arrowhead and Yukon Trails RV Campgrounds are perfect for exploring “The Water Park Capital of the World” in Wisconsin Dells. Minutes from all the action, each campground

has basic camper cabins, loft cabins and deluxe cabins, as well as pools, tennis courts and endless outdoor activities.

On the western edge of Wisconsin lies Neshonoc Lakeside Camping Resort. This premier camping destination along the shores of Neshonoc Lake features the gamut of cabin camping options, from basic log cabins to premier cottages.

Summer awaits in the Badger State. And, with these Wisconsin cabin, cottage and yurt rentals, it’s easy to take the family on a summer vacation they’ll never forget. Visit RVontheGo.com to book your stay.¾

Thousand Trails Members Always Save On Cabins & Rentals @ RVontheGo.com

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Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save On RV Sites & Rentals

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301

â–˛ Mesa Spirit (AZ)

Thousand Trails Standard Discount:

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

TT20%

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

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

Arizona Arizona

$100 OFF 3+ Month Stay

Valid at Araby Acres, Countryside, Foothills West, Golden Sun, Monte Vista and Valley Vista

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 12/31/19 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 180 nights

Promo Code : TT100 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

$125 OFF 3+ Month Stay

Valid at Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Desert Paradise, Fiesta Grande, Foothill Village, Mesa Spirit, Mesa Verde, Paradise RV, Suni Sands, ViewPoint and Voyager

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 12/31/19 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 180 nights

Promo Code : TT125 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on standard site unless otherwise specified. Stays 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee.

Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions.

Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Offers not valid at Bethpage Camp-Resort and Grey’s Point Camp.

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Member Deals ▲ Southern Comfort (TX)

Arizona South Texas

$100 OFF 3+ Month Stay

Valid at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Fun N Sun, Paradise Park, Southern Comfort, Tropic Winds, Victoria Palms

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 12/31/19 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 180 nights

Promo Code : TT100 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

$125 OFF

Florida

20% Off Weekly/Monthly Stays Valid at Sherwood Forest RV Resort, Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort, Lake Magic RV Resort, and Crystal Isles RV Resort.

Call To Book Valid on all RV sites Valid until 8/31/20. Book by 8/17/19 Min stay 14 nights, max stay 31 nights

Promo Code : FLRV20 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

3+ Month Stay

Valid at Lakewood, Paradise South and Sunshine RV

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/20. Book by 12/31/19 Min stay 90 nights, max stay 180 nights.

Promo Code : TT125 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

▲ Crystal Isles (FL)

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on standard site unless otherwise specified. Stays 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee.

Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions.

Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Offers not valid at Bethpage Camp-Resort and Grey’s Point Camp.

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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!

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations Travel Club See if a Membership Upgrade is Right for You! Which Camping Pass Upgrade is right for you?

Camping Pass

Elite Basic

Elite Connections

Booking Window

60 Days

120 Days

180 Days

Maximum Stay

14 Days

21 Days

21 Days

Thousand Trails

Access to Campgrounds in your zone(s)

Park to Park Family Access Reciprocal Network Getaway Cabins Travel Club

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

JULY JULY 2019 2019TRAILBLAZER TRAILBLAZER

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Pueblo Indian 5 Electric catfish 9 Cents (abbr.)

12 Cover meat with bacon 13 White matter of the brain 14 Lamprey 15 Migratory 16 Caliber 18 Fr. revolutionary 20 Hall (Ger.) 21 Hesitate 23 Against 24 Roof edge 25 Yangtze tributary 26 Alfonzo’s Queen 29 Botanist Gray 30 Flat fish 31 Daughters of the American revolution (abbr.)

32 Electric reluctance unit 33 Queen of the fairies 34 Beleaguerment 36 Underworld 60

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Answers can be found on page 65.

37 Synagogue officer 38 Unruly child 40 Letter of resignation 41 Rap (2 words) 43 S. Afr. Language 46 Org. of Amer. States (abbr.)

47 Fugard heroine 48 Virginia willow 49 Automatic data processing (abbr.)

50 Noble (Ger.) 51 Denomination DOWN 1 Home Box Office (abbr.)

2 Hardwood 3 Old 4 Form Thoughts 5 Detection device 6 Dismounted 7 Amer. Basketball Assn. (abbr.)

8 Fruit

10 Sesame 11 Single lens reflex 9abbr.)

17 Belonging to (surf.)

19 Thing (Lat.) 21 Lacerate 22 Affluence 23 Vehicle compartment 25 Habakkuk (abbr.)

26 Toothless 27 Assam hills 28 Son of Zeus 30 Flounder 33 “Casablanca” Character 35 Eye inflammation 36 But (Sp.) 37 Flower part 38 Bauble 39 File 40 Eat 41 Eye infesting worm 42 River or sea bottom

44 Atomic Energy Commission (abbr.)

9 Comprehensive Employment and 45 Buddist column Training Act (abbr.)

Terms and Conditions for 2019 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

Find The Evergreen Tree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue.

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

Clay Copeland of Bellevue, WA

found the tree on Page 47 of the May/June Issue.

Did you find the tree in this issue?

Send your entry (postcards only) to: TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

Postmark deadline is August 5, 2019 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2019, you will receive a $50 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2019, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2020, not to exceed $585 each.

The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.

The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2020. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates.

Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $50 Virtual Visa® Reward Card and you will not receive a $50 Virtual Visa® Reward Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored.

Employees of MHC Property Management, L.P. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes.

We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships.

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

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

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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

A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley affinityrv.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake, VA - Salem americanfamilyrv.com Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com

Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis • funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • burlingtonrv.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • camperland.net Campers Inn CT - Union FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville, Ocala IN - Clarksville SC - Myrtle Beach NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, MA - Raynham VA - Fredericksburg GA - Macon, Atlanta • campersinn.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • chesacorv.com

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

Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale, Puyallup clearcreekrvcenter.com

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

Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com

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

Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com

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

Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com

USA A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City, Sevierville alrvsales.com

Dunap Family RV TN- Knoxville, Chatanooga, Nashville KY- Bowling Green• dunlapfamilyrv.com

Colerain Family RV IN - Indianapolis OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus colerainrv.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com

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

FIFE RV Center WA-Fife • fifervcenter.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com Gerzeny’s RV World FL- Nokomis• gerzenysrvworld.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington, Burlington • haltermansrv.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com HItch RV DE - Milford NJ- Berlin• hitchrv.com Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Johnson RV OR - Sandy WA - Fife • johnsonrv.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, • lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com Lazydays RV AZ - Tucson CO - Denver CO - Loveland FL - Tampa MN - Minneapolis

TN - Knoxville lazydays.com

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com

Marjon RV CA - Moreno Valley • marjonrvs.com

CANADA

RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim, Willow rvvaluemart.com

Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca

Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com

Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com

Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com

Canadream AB - Calgary BC - Vancouver ON - Toronto NS - Halifax QC - Montreal YT - Whitehorse • canadream.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 Northside Family RV KY- Lexington • northsidervs.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com

San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com Sky River RV CA - Buellton, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach skyriverrv.com Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Stoltzfus RV’s & Marine PA - West Chester • stoltzfus-rec.com Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com

Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) roadhousecamper.com

TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com

Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com

IN - Elkhart • luxefifthwheel.com

Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Mesa, Showlow CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg WA - Buckley, Fife, Mt. Vernon rvcountry.com RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com

The RV Factory Luxe Fifth Wheel The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com Tonie’s RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Two locations in Ft. Worth • vogtrv.com Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

GO VR QC - Ange-Gardien • go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Kustom Koach RV Centre BC - Aldergrove • kustomkoachrv.com Lardner’s Trailer Sales SK - Saskatoon • lardners.com Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Leisure Days RV ON - Aylmer, Kingston, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, Sudbury QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro • leisuredays.ca Leisure Trailer Sales ON - Tecumseh • leisuretrailers.com O’Connor RV BC - Chilliwack • oconnorrv.com Ottawa Camping Trailers ON - Ottawa • ottawacamping.ca Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie vrsouliere.com JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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y l l a It’s R ! e m i T CLUB CALENDAR 2019 Bounders United (BUTTN)

BUTTN’s are members who own or have owned a Bounder motorhome and belong to Bounders United & Thousand Trails. Please make your own reservations at the RV Resort.

Member # 1 (800) 388-7788; Non-Member # 1 (877) 570-2267.

(No-Host Outing) If you are interested in attending please contact: Yvonne Codde at (209) 207-8184.

TT SINGLES Northwest

Rallies are member-generated.

Main contact: Daphne Bailey, Daphnebailey07@comcast.net.

Sept 27-29 ...................... Seaside, OR

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

RVers seeking RVers? Rally clubs

from coast to coast love to meet at our destinations. Join in on the fun!

Lewis and Clark TTN

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

July 15-19.................. La Conner, WA Aug 12-16...................... Chehalis, WA Sept 9-13......................... Seaside, OR Oct 7-11................. Whaler’s Rest, OR

TT of Texas/FMCA

Sept 6-8 ......................... Lake Conroe Nov 8-10.........................Medina Lake New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. All motorhomes, trailer owners, and 5th-wheels are welcome. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com.

Website: ttnoftexasfmca.com. Blog: ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com.

TTN Central CA

Come join us! We are weekday campers and we like LOTS, Ponderosa, & Snowflower, but are open to other locations.

Please check out our Facebook page: RV/CampersofCentralCA(TTN).

Email us at ccttnsingles@gmail.com.

TT Travelers Southern California

We usually meet on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. In the morning we have coffee, snacks, socialize and play games. In the evening we have more fun with a potluck and card games. We are looking for more new members.

Come visit us. For information, contact Cecil Schoolcraft, Wagonmaster, (619) 997-9787, or email him at cecilanddonna@aol.com.

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 60.

Branching Out...

Seeking a Safer Tomorrow

If you’ve got a great story about camping at Thousand Trails, send it to us!

Help the Manatees, Adopt One Today!

Send stories and pictures to tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com or connect with us on social media.

To send us a letter, mail to: TrailBlazer Magazine Attn: TrailBlazer Editor Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606

savethemanatee.org Photo © Wayne Hartley

JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

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

LIVE

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

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

LOVE IT. ®

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JULY 2019 TRAILBLAZER

1-800-679-2020

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WWW.SKYMED.COM

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LOVE USA