TrailBlazer Magazine - June 2018

JUNE 2018 ■ $2.00

MAGAZINE

THE KING OF ROADS: OREGON’S HISTORIC COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY

PLUS: A TALE OF TWO PORTLANDS TAKE STOCK OF SUMMER’S OUTDOOR THEATER

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

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

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

GRAND PRIZE

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

7-Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii

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

Free Dues for 2019 10 Winners Selected

($4,000 value)

(Up to $575 value)

Contact Us Today!

(888) 808-8925 or visit ThousandTrails.com 2

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

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

JUNE 2018 VOL. 41 ■ ISSUE 4

WHAT'S INSIDE

18 The King of Roads Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway

Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

regulars Pics From The Parks

7

Member Deals 52 Crossword Puzzle 60 Photo courtesy of Maine Foodie Tours

32

A Tale of Two Portlands

42

Taking Stock of Summer’s Outdoor Theater

America’s Coolest Corner Cities

They say all the world’s a stage...

Sudoku Puzzle 61 Preferred RV Dealer List 62

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

lifestyle 5

Message from Marguerite

9

Tech Topics

24 On The Road – with Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons 30 4 Paws on the Road 40 National Camping Month Recipes 48 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer?

50 Ask RV Bill

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

3

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MESSAGE from

MARGUERITE

June is here and we’re in the full swing of camping season! If you haven’t already, be sure to pick up your 2018 #100DaysofCamping rally towel from your favorite Thousand Trails campground. Once you have your rally towel, follow three easy steps: 1) Get Out and Camp 2) Take pictures with your towel while camping 3) Share your photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #100DaysofCamping. Repeat these steps every time you camp this summer and enjoy the memories. From fun around the campfire to a number of camping firsts – first s’more, first fish – I am sure good times will be shared from coast to coast. And to think, we’re just getting started for the summer season!

Looking to June, the celebration of the great outdoors continues. Not only is June National Outdoors Month, but it’s also National Camping Month. While this may be something we celebrate year round at Thousand Trails, June is a great time to truly celebrate the lifestyle we all know and love. The staff at our northern locations is excited to welcome back their favorite campers, and meet a few new ones, too. As you look to plan and finalize your summer trips, I encourage you to take advantage of all of the benefits your membership offers you.

If you’re looking to truly explore this summer, like our feature A Tale of Two Portlands likely motivates you to do, I’d encourage you to check out The Trails Collection.

The Trails Collection provides our members with access

to a network of 100+ camping destinations nationwide for an additional annual cost. With the Trails Collection, you can visit both Portland, OR, and Portland, ME, and stay at locations that are outside of our traditional membership products. While these cities may be on opposing sides of the country, both are famous for their focus on the green lifestyle, being an artists’ community, and embracing all things hip. Check out the feature on page 32 to help you plan this trip.

As we embrace National Camping Month, I’d encourage you to focus on a way to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re traveling coast to coast, attending a summer music festival, or spending time at your favorite Thousand Trails preserve, take time to embrace the outdoors and celebrate the lifestyle. Consider visiting new locations with The Trails Collection and take in areas you have yet to explore. However you choose to celebrate National Camping Month and National Outdoors Month, we’ll be right there with you.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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

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

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

Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE

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

Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

Win $50

EACH Issue!

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.

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

PRINTED IN THE USA

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: 800-288-7245

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

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

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

ON THE COVER

Columbia River Gorge Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

▲ Lake Tawakoni (TX): Beautiful Sunset. – Rick Priest

PICS FROM THE PARKS

WINN

ER!

▲ Pacific City (OR): Pacific City view.

– Jessica Romero

▲ Colorado River (TX): Spring Beauty.

– Carol Commet

▲ Wilderness Lakes (CA): My grandson catching his first fish!

– Sherry Mellot

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winner,

Janet Sotelo from Gilroy, CA

was camping at Morgan Hill when she was presented with a $1,000 gift card! left to right: Diane, Kate, Janet Sotelo (Winner), Mikele and Crystal

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

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

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

TECH

TOP CS

TIPS N’ TRICKS

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

by Paul and Kerri Elders This month, we’ll take a quick look at some super simple tips for maintaining your RV’s battery bank and fire extinguishers, and learn a bit about turbochargers. Ready?

Let’s go!

TURBOCHARGERS Some diesel motorhomes and RV tow vehicles are equipped with a turbocharger, a device that boosts an engine’s power. A turbocharger is basically a permanently installed, exhaust-driven blower that improves the efficiency of the engine’s combustion process by forcing additional air into the engine’s intake manifold. Turbochargers are usually added to increase an engine’s performance and horsepower while leaving fuel efficiency either unchanged or slightly improved.

An aftermarket turbocharger can be added to an existing diesel engine to help improve pulling performance.

If you’re considering adding an aftermarket turbocharger to your vehicle, check with your vehicle’s manufacturer first. Some engines and drivetrains can’t accommodate the additional torque a turbochargerenhanced engine produces.

If you decide to install an aftermarket turbocharger, you usually must also increase the size of your vehicle’s exhaust system to adequately evacuate the additional exhaust gases a turbocharged engine produces. If you travel extensively at higher altitude, it pays to have your turbocharger’s boost pressure adjusted for maximum performance (and then re-adjusted when you return to normal altitude).

extinguishers and that you know how to use them in an emergency. Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly, and, according to some fire prevention experts, your RV should have 5 of them – one by the front door; one in the galley (kitchen); one in the bedroom; one outside in an unlocked compartment; and the fifth one in your tow vehicle (or the cab of your motorhome).

Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible, even in the dark; make sure you know exactly where yours are located. If your RV is equipped with dry powder/dry chemical extinguishers, the bumps and jarring caused by driving down the road can cause the powder to pack over time.

Once a month, it’s a good idea to invert and shake the fire extinguisher canisters to loosen the powder and place them back in their storage racks so they’ll be ready to use.

Most experts recommend that you extinguish a fire by pointing the extinguisher at a forty-five-degree angle to the flame, spraying side to side, aiming at the base of the flame to deprive the fire of oxygen as quickly as possible. It’s a great idea to practice using a fire extinguisher outside before you really need to use one in an emergency situation. We’d recommend simply drawing a chalk circle on concrete, rather than starting an actual fire for your practice session. As soon as you’ve practiced with your extinguisher, be sure to either replace it or have it recharged, because a partially discharged fire extinguisher may not function properly when you actually need it. Plan ahead, for safety’s sake!

BASIC BATTERY MAINTENANCE Where batteries are concerned, good

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Nobody likes the idea of having a fire emergency in their RV, but it can and does happen. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so be sure your RV is equipped with working fire

connections are the secret to reliable power. A little battery maintenance goes a long way and it’s easy to do yourself. Examine the cable connections to the battery terminals periodically and if you notice any corrosion, they’re very easy to clean.

Simply loosen the cable connections from the terminals. Clean the battery terminals and cable connections with a baking soda paste and a wire brush and carefully clean up afterward, wiping away the remaining corrosion/baking soda paste with water and a paper towel after wire brushing. Once the terminals and cable connections are clean, apply a thin coating of Vaseline, grease, or battery terminal protector to the battery terminals to help prevent future corrosion. Reconnect cables to the terminals and tighten securely.

Sealed or gel-type batteries require no maintenance other than charging.

If your gel or Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries won’t hold a charge (and you’ve verified you have good connections), it’s simply time to replace them. If your batteries are unsealed lead-acid batteries, it’s important to periodically check the water level in all battery cells and top off with distilled water. Never use regular tap water for topping off batteries: it contains minerals that interfere with the battery’s charge/ discharge cycle, increasing selfdischarge and shortening battery life.

Distilled water is very inexpensive and is available at most grocery stores; it’s a great idea to stow a gallon or two in your RV’s storage bay so it’s there when you need it.

After you’ve serviced the battery and tightened the cable connectors, use a trickle charger to bring the battery back to a full charge. Charge leadacid batteries in a well-ventilated area, away from any ignition sources.

If your charger doesn’t have a “trickle” setting, a regular charging cycle will also do the job. To prevent any possible disconnect sparking while charging, always unplug the charger first, and then disconnect the charging cables you’ve connected to the battery terminals. Happy trails, trailblazers! ¾ JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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JUNE events AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

ACTIVITIES

Here at Thousand Trails, we can’t wait to hang out with you all season long! 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 May. Be sure to check out the brand new 2018-2019 Theme Weekends booklet that came with this issue of Trailblazer Magazine!

Tournaments & Sports of All Sorts!

We love a little bit of friendly competition at Thousand Trails!

Check out some of these tournaments happening in June…

National Trails Day

Thousand Trails invites you to participate by getting outside with us for National Trails Day®! National Trails Day® is on June 2, 2018.

Let’s get outdoors and explore at Three Flags (FL).This will be a fun and educational weekend. Celebrate with us at Las Vegas (NV) by visiting the many amazing trails including Lake Mead, Red Rock National Park,The Valley of Fire, and more. Explore our miles of nature trails throughout the weekend and walk off those unwanted pounds at Colorado River (TX). Come join us at Bay Landing (TX) as we get outdoors and explore. Spend the day with us and do some fishing, canoeing, and more.Whether it’s a water trail or footpath, just get out and enjoy nature! We will be celebrating American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® at Chesapeake Bay (VA)! Bike around the grounds or kayak on the Piankatank River. After exploring the great outdoors for National Trails Day®, we will have a campfire marshmallow roast and night scavenger hunt at Diamond Caverns (KY). Do not forget to bring a flashlight!

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JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Wear your wacky clothes, play some wacky games and try some wacky foods for a Wacky Weekend at Williamsburg (VA), June 22-24.

Summer Has Arrived at Sea Pines (NJ) and whether it’s basketball, volleyball, or football, we will have a ball this weekend with our very own version of those famous summer games the weekend of June 22-24.

Fishing, golf, and sports – what more could a dad ask for? The folks of Lake & Shore (NJ) at will have fishing and mini-golf tournaments too the weekend of June 15-17. Come enjoy a few friendly games of wiffle ball, capture the flag and “I Spy” nature walk or take a scenic hayride through the park at Pine Country (IL) the weekend of June 29-July 1.The week of June 25-July 5, get ready for a whole week of Horseshoe tournaments at Bend/Sunriver (OR)! Prizes, potlucks, breakfasts, snacks, and tournament awards, too!

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Celebrate Fathers & Grandfathers!

Boogie with Thousand Trails!

June 17 is Father’s Day! Come to Thousand Trails campgrounds to show Dad and Granddad a good time!

Boogie the night away or dress up your costume with a fun twist during these themed activities!

Today we say “Thank You” to dad for all he does at Lake Texoma (TX). Kids will be making dad & grandad something special with kids crafts on Saturday.We will have cookies and punch, plus each dad and grandad attending will be entered into our door prize drawings! Dad can enjoy a free french toast breakfast at Rancho Oso (CA).

There will be so much Western fun at Lake of the Springs (CA), you may have someone put in jail! We’ll be celebrating Dads during our Western Weekend! Featuring a haystack search, chili cook-off, and Western movie night.

Join us as we honor dad and have a great time having root beer floats at Carolina Landing (SC). Spend the day with dear old dad while fishing and enjoying nature at Cherokee Landing (TN). Dads ease into your weekend on Friday at the beer, nachos and poker night at Chesapeake Bay (VA)! You BYOB and we will provide the snacks. Kids, make your dad a special gift at arts and crafts, or treat dad to a fried chicken dinner on Saturday.

It was such a success last year, we’re doing it again!

Join us for a Jungle Party at Bend/Sunriver (OR) on June 23. There will also be an obstacle course, jungle pinata, and jungle snacks! Come dressed in your best attire from the ‘70s and ‘80s and show off your favorite dance moves whether it is the Cabbage Patch, the Running Man, the Hustle or even the Funky Chicken at Green Mountain (NC), the weekend of June 8-10. Just be careful not to rip a seam in that leisure suit. Let’s take } a trip back to the ‘50s at Hershey (PA) the weekend of June 22-24 for a Sock Hop Weekend! Poodle skirts, rolled up jeans, greasy hair…it’s all here! Join us for the hand jive, stroll and much more. We’ll be kickin’ up malted milkshakes, french fries, burgers and dogs! Come join us on June 23 at the beach at Lake Conroe (TX) for our beach luau. We will have a limbo contest and a Best Hawaiian Costume contest. We will also have exciting Polynesian entertainment.

Cook-Offs

Do you have what it takes to be the top chef of your campground? Find out at these cooking competitions at Thousand Trails campgrounds!

Bring your favorite pot of homemade chili; chicken or beef, hot or mild to Bend/ Sunriver (OR) on June 9! Meet new camping friends over a pot of chili before we get the hot weather.There will be a“Kids Kookie Korner”for cookie decorating, too!

Become our first DC Chef or DC Chef, Jr., by bringing a homemade dish of any kind to be judged at Diamond Caverns (KY) the weekend of June 22-24 for Chef and Chef, Jr.Weekend! It’s Dad’s special day! Kids make a special gift for dad. Have a famous chili recipe? Enter our Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, June 16 and celebrate father’s day during the weekend at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA).We have a jam-packed weekend of fun with pool parties, games, crafts and more at Lake & Shore (NJ) during our Fun in the Sun Weekend, June 22-24 ! Sign up for our Sixth Annual Campground Chopped competition! Come on out and compete in this crazy grilling event that has become known for its crazy taste combinations.The teens will even have a chance to compete in the dessert round!

Some events may require a participation fee.

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – On-Site

Yee Haw! Western Days at Thousand Trails!

Movies Under the Stars Bring your blankets and your lawn chairs! We’re snuggling up to some outdoor movies at Thousand Trails this June!

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a movie outside under the stars at Chesapeake Bay (VA) the weekend of June 29! Take dad out on a hike or head to the Clubhouse to make him a special Father’s Day craft with us at Idyllwild (CA) during Father’s Day Weekend. Dad gets a complimentary scoop at our Ice Cream Social, which is followed by Candy Bar Bingo.

Saturday evening, let Dad relax and enjoy a movie under the stars at our outdoor amphitheater. Dive-in Movies by the pool on Friday nights at Lake Whitney (TX) are a great way to stay cool and have fun this summer! Check ‘em out during their Star Spangled Fourth of July weekend, June 29-July 1!

Join us at Lynchburg (VA) Saturday night, June 9 for a dive-in style movie at the pool. More movies through the weekend for all ages, just take your pick from our selection.

The Great Outdoors

Whether it’s tending to a garden or heading out for a big hike, there’s even more to explore when it comes to the Great Outdoors at Thousand Trails!

The weekend of June 23-24 is all about the true camping experience at Birch Bay (WA)! Come for a campfire sing along plus other outdoorsy experiences. Let’s get back to nature at Thunderbird (WA), June 8-9 for a Wild & Wacky Wilderness Weekend ! We will be doing Club Blazer crafts, hiking, music, and more all weekend and it will all be kicked off with our Friday night “wacky movie.” Come explore South Jetty (OR) the weekend of June 9-10! We have horseshoe pits, volleyball, a pickleball court, a basketball half court and the pool! Then join us for s’mores at the community fire ring.

Experience the “wild side” of Pio Pico (CA) the weekend of June 22-23.

Learn all about the local wildlife living on and near our preserve through local wildlife experts and rescues. Ponderosa (CA) is just a mile away from where gold was first discovered that touched off the California gold rush.

The weekend of June 9, why not take that short trip to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park? While you’re out, check out some of the delectable local wineries. Back at camp, get in the gold rush spirit with panning lessons at our riverfront beach.

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JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Giddy up for one of our most popular themed weekends, Western Days! Grab your cowboy boots and hats, and your partners for a wild western time!

Grab your cowboy hats and boots and get ready for a yeehaw of a good time at Williamsburg (VA) during Father’s Day Weekend! Dust off that favorite chili recipe for our Chili Cook-Off, get busy eating with our cow pie eating contest and pan for some golden treasures. In honor of our dads we will have a pool tournament and card night and then dance the night away with some live entertainment. Sunday morning dad can come up for a free pancake breakfast! Time to saddle up for the activities at Bay Landing (TX) the weekend of June 8 -10.

Cow Chip Toss, learn to rope and shoot at our Little Buck-a-Roo Buck Out. Start the weekend off at Indian Lakes (IN) with Friday night at the movies. Then, on Saturday y’all come on out to the pavilion to make windchimes and play some country games like seed spitting and much more. Great fun for all the weekend of June 22-24! Come enjoy the Old West at Little Diamond (KY) during Wild West Days, June 22-24.

Wagon rides, calf roping, and a snake in the hole contest. We’ll make cowboy cupcakes at crafts.

Bonfire s’mores and more!

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Independence Day Weekend, June 29-July 4 America’s Independence Day may fall on a Wednesday this year, but that won’t stop Thousand Trails members from celebrating! See where to catch all the barbecues and patriotic revelry at the end of this month!

Out with the Old, In with the New Think your old stuff is trash? Think again! It could be someone else’s treasures. Why not find out at these campground yard sales!

Now is the time to clean out the items you no longer need. Make room for those new summer purchases during the Campground Yard Sale Weekend at Chestnut Lake (NJ), the weekend of June 8-10! Don’t forget to pack any items that you would like to sell at Circle M’s (PA) annual Campground Yard Sale the weekend of June 22-24. Bring along a white t-shirts for red/white/blue tie-dye! Out with the old and in with the new! Someone else’s treasures might be just what you are looking for during our Yard Sale Weekend at Lake Gaston (NC), June 22-24.What a great way of meeting new folks and making new friends. Saturday is the day to get rid of all of your unwanted stuff and make room for all the treasures you may find around the campground at Moody Beach (ME) on June 9! Begin your summer clean up with a campground-wide yard sale at Natchez Trace (TN) the weekend of June 8.

This weekend will also feature our first grill-out of the season and a bonfire.

Some events may require a participation fee.

The folks at Whalers Rest (OR) will be having a family s’mores campfire on Friday, June 29 in the evening and on Saturday, will be having a site decorating contest with prizes for the winners. Join us at Verde Valley (AZ) as we “precelebrate” the Fourth with snow cones by the pool. Be sure to grab a flyer listing all the Fourth of July happenings in the Verde Valley area! Lots of activities at Twin Mills (IN) to celebrate the Fourth with a bike decorating contest, site decorating contest, golf cart decorating contest, golf cart parade, DJ/dance, horseshoe tournament, face painting, bingo, crafts, and Twin Mills 500! It’s a Red,White and Blue Weekend at Long Beach (WA)!

Decorate your rig for the Most Patriotic Site Competition and then come out for a parade on Saturday evening. Join us for a special oldfashioned fair to celebrate America on Sunday. Plus much, much more you won’t want to miss.Then enjoy the 4th in Long Beach, complete with fireworks on the beach.

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

OF

CALENDAR events

ORLANDO (FL)

June 9 Food Truck N Flick Night with Classic Car Cruise In

June 8

Kenny Loggins

In Concert: Third Eye Blind

Kenny Loggins is coming to Choctaw Grand Theater! Come on out and listen to some great music!

Gourmet food trucks and classic cars line the streets; live music and a cash bar in Towne Square. See a special presentation on our 24" inflatable screen in front of city hall.

choctawcasinos.com

leesburgpartnership.com

Heart of the Islands

June 15 Interpretive Hike at Ferndale Preserve Join staff on this educational hike which explores the habitats and species which consider Ferndale Preserve their home.

Reservations required. lakecountyfl.gov/parks

LAKE TEXOMA (TX)

June 16 In Concert: Brett Eldredge Calling all Country Music Lovers!

Brett Eldredge is coming to Winstar World Casino. Come on out and enjoy amongst others and have a good time. winstarworldcasino.com/event/ brett-eldredge/ 14

June 23

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

BIRCH BAY (WA)

See them at Mount Airy Casino.

See 1990s rock sensation, Third Eye Blind and sing along to their hits like “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Jumper,” and “How’s It Going to Be?” mountairycasino.com

June 9

CHEHALIS (WA) & PARADISE (WA)

Island-style vendors, Ono Hawaiian food, cultural demonstrations, music, and keiki activities from 10am to 6pm at Pioneer Park Community Center. Attend a luau for extra charge. heartoftheislands.webs.com

TIMOTHY LAKE (PA)

June 15-17 Winlock Egg Days Home of the World’s Largest Egg, Winlock hosts its festival all weekend, with the queen crowning, great shopping, eats, games, crafts, and live music all weekend long! facebook.com/winlockeggdays

June 3

June 23

Pocono 400

Pocono Raceway will host the Pocono 400 on Sunday, June 3 with events leading up to the race all weekend.

Billetproof Car Show

June 22-24

A car show unlike any other, including a cruise downtown for participants, vendors, live music, and swap meet at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Centralia.

Milford Music Festival

billetproof.com

poconoraceway.com

Since 2010, the milford music festival has been a borough-wide sidewalk event with music, shopping, dining, and fun all over town. milfordpa.us

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

June 2 History & Wine on the Santa Clara Trail

Enjoy handcrafted, fine wines in beautiful historical settings along the Redwood Retreat Road, and at the Villa Mira Monte of Morgan Hill.

Must be 21. $129 per person, includes transportation, wine tastings, water and snacks.

GilroyWelcomeCenter.org

June 16 South Bay VegFair 2018

Join us for our Annual Vegan Fair.

Fill up on the best vegan food around and shop from over 100 vegan vendors at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose.

June 9 Flagstaff Blues & Brews Festival

In addition to 7 bands, there will be 8 featured microbreweries, 6 wineries as well as arts and craft vendors, a variety of food vendors, and a kid’s area. Robert Randolph and the Family Band to headline. flagstaffblues.com

June 28-July 4 131st Annual Prescott Frontier Days & World’s Oldest Rodeo

Arizona’s largest rodeo parade at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds; feat.

8 rodeo performances, arts & crafts show, and food. dancesworldsoldestrodeo.com

WILDERNESS LAKES (CA)

SCOTRUN (PA)

SummerVeg.com

June 9

June 1-3

June 17

Pechanga 10th Annual Microbrew, Craft Beer & Chili Cook-Off

Pocono 400 Pocono Raceway will host the Pocono 400 - Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race with events leading up to the race all weekend. Recognized as one of NASCAR’s most competitive raceways, Pocono’s unique, 2.5-mile track features three turns, each with its own degree of banking. poconoraceway.com

June 16 Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival Spend the morning and early afternoon listening to live bands in downtown Honesdale, PA. Free concert in Central Park featuring nationally known acts, plus craft and food vendors. Free parking throughout town all day. honesdalerootsandrhythm.com

Father’s Day BBQ Bring Dad for a day of fun at Gilroy Gardens and enjoy a full BBQ for Father’s Day! GilroyGardens.org

COLORADO RIVER (TX)

June 23 Space City Food Truck Party 2018 Space City Food Truck Party is Houston’s first, and only, hip hop and R&B food truck festival. The party puts local and national recording artists in the spotlight to showcase Houston’s hip hop and R&B scene, bringing art and culture to the local level. everfest.com/e/space-city-food-truckparty-houston-tx

VERDE VALLEY (AZ)

HARBOR VIEW (VA)

June 2

June 8-10

Summer Starlight at Verde Canyon Railroad

67th Annual Potomac River Festival This weekend long festival is fun for the whole family. The gentle river breezes and warm sunshine make for a great time as you take in all the fun-filled events, sights, and sounds of this annual event. colonial-beach-virginia-attractions.com/ potomac-river-festival.html

Sandwiched between two protected national forests and adjacent to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Verde Canyon Railroad brings its passengers into a untamed and unspoiled terrain, the exceedingly rare ribbon where high desert meets the river. verdecanyonrr.com

Activities and Events – Local

MORGAN HILL (CA)

Chili samplings from the Chefs of Pechanga. 30+ types of beer and a souvenir 2 oz. glass for sampling.

Live entertainment and silent auction. pechanga.com

June 23 In Concert: Michael Carbonaro Michael Carbonaro live in concert at the Pechanga Casino & Resort. pechanga.com

RANCHO OSO (CA)

June 22-24 Summer Solstice Celebration CThe Summer Solstice Parade is an annual tradition in Santa Barbara.

Thousands of spectators come to see the creative display of original floats, giant puppets, whimsical costumes, and masks with over 1,000 parade participants. solsticeparade.com

YOSEMITE LAKES (CA)

June 9 Groveland Trailheads Groveland Grind Join the Groveland Trail Heads mountain biking club for a fundraising cycling event on mixed terrain. 3 routes; food, drinks, vendors, and raffle prizes! Be sure to check website for event details.

Grovelandtrailheads.org

Some events may require a participation fee.

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Activities and Events – Local

YOSEMITE LAKES (CA) cont’d

June 15-17 Father’s Day Fly In Two days of family friendly events at the Columbia Airport including plane demonstrations, static displays, races, and the opportunity to climb aboard a historical plane!

Fathersdayflyin.org

PINE COUNTRY (IL)

June 22-24 Heritage Days Weekend Vintage Car Show, parade, bbq showdown, and much more at the Boone County Fairgrounds. ci.belvidere.il.us/news-and-events/ heritage-days

PIO PICO (CA)

June 1-July 4 San Diego County Fair San Diego’s annual county fair is the largest fair in California, offering a variety of food, entertainment, exhibits, rides & games throughout the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the oceanfront village of Del Mar. Sdfair.com

June 9 Julian Backcountry Dance and BBQ This family friendly event at Menghini Winery in beautiful Julian, CA features live bands, dancing, BBQ, and a special activity area just for kids. Sponsored by the Julian Chamber of Commerce. juliandance.org

June 11-14 Surfing America 2018 USA Surfing Championships Surfing America is selects the official USA Surf Team to compete Nationally. This competition includes Adaptive, Longboard, SUP and Junior Teams at Oceanside Harbor North Jetty. Free for spectators! surfingamerica.org

June 15-17

June 24

San Diego Int’l Beer Festival

National Beach Cleanup Tour 2018

Taste specialty craft brews from 200 breweries representing from around the world alongside local favorites at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Vendors & educational demos too.

June 23

Join the Ocean Blue Project’s National Beach Cleanup Tour at Heceta Beach.

The Ocean Blue Project focuses on cleaning the ocean and creating awareness to reduce the use of plastic.

Join the effort and “do it for the beaches!”

Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off

oceanblueproject.org/ florencebeachcleanups.html

sandiegobeerfestival.com

Join more than 70K visitors for an oceanfront chili cook-off, 5 stages of continuous live music and entertainment, community mural project, Artists Alley, carnival rides and games, food and vendor booths, a beachside beer garden and more.

See website for ticket details.

Oceanbeachsandiego.com

SOUTH JETTY (OR)

June 9

LONG BEACH (WA)

June 9 Waikiki Beach Concert The Waikiki Beach Concert Series continues through the summer season at Cape Disappointment State Park. Regional musicians present a variety of music in 90-minute performances. funbeach.com/events/main-events

Family Fishing in Florence Bring your family to Cleawox Lake to fish.New anglers learn from ODFW staff and volunteers how to rig their line, cast a rod, land a fish and identify their catch.

Licenses not available for purchase at the event. Ages 12-17 will need a youth license; ages 11 & under can fish for free.

June 16-17 Northwest Garlic Festival Celebrate this exalted bulb with the faithful throngs who make the annual pilgrimage to the NW Garlic Festival in Ocean Park.

Nwgarlicfestival.org

myodfw.com/workshops-and-events/ family-fishing-florence

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All events, times and dates are subject to change.

June 8-9 Banana Split Festival

Enjoy free concerts, continuous entertainment, a cruise-in of classic cars, crafts and collectibles, games, rides, unique food, and of course, Banana Splits! bananasplitfestival.com

June 16-17 10th Annual Summer Solstice Lavender Festival Experience the overwhelming beauty of fields of lavender in full bloom.

Enjoy a weekend of craft workshops, Gong meditation sessions, picking lavender from the field, vendors, and a special surprise in celebration of our 10th year. peacefulacreslavenderfarm.com

MOODY BEACH (ME)

June 13-17 LAUNCH! Maritime Festival Fresh local seafood, nautical history, and an array of events at locations throughout Kennebunk. which finishes at Marine Park.

Launchfestme.com

LYNCHBURG (VA)

June 16 Evergreen Lavender Festival Come out for a relaxing afternoon at this lavender festival and listen to music, sip lavender lemonade, peruse craft vendors, and eat delicious food!

Cut your own lavender bunch or join the lavender wand or flower crown workshops. evergreenlavender.com

June 23 Virginia Summer Solstice Wine Festival

Join the Ogunquit Playhouse for the beloved classic Oklahoma! Celebrating its 75th Anniversary since first opening on Broadway.

Kick off the start of summer at the Virginia Summer Solstice Wine Festival at Lazy Days Winery.

Celebrate great wines from local Virginia wineries, live music on two stages, great festival foods, craft vendors, belly dancers, a petting zoo and more.

ogunquitplayhouse.org

summersolsticefestival.com

June 13-July 7 OKLAHOMA!

PONDEROSA (CA)

Activities and Events – Local

WILMINGTON (OH)

June 14-17 El Dorado County Fair The El Dorado County Fair returns this year with the theme: There is Magic in the Air! Enjoy the lights, vendors, rides, food, music, attractions, and of course, the animals, at this year’s fair. eldoradocountyfair.org

LAKE MINDEN (CA)

June 16 Yuba City Downtown Summer Stroll The third Saturday in June means lots of family fun and excitement on Plumas St. in beautiful Downtown Yuba City. Friends and family gather at the annual Summer Stroll to catch up with each other and enjoy music, shopping, food, and much more. yubacitydowntown.com

CHEROKEE LANDING (TN)

June 6-10 Tupelo Elvis Festival The 20th anniversary of the Tupelo Elvis Festival will celebrate the music of Elvis Presley plus, a Gracelandcertified Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, a 5K run, a pet parade, downtown activities and much more. tupeloelvisfestival.com

NATCHEZ TRACE (TN)

June 24 Sunset Concert at Carnton Plantation Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets, drinks and enjoy a night of music. Food and drink vendors are available. Pets, tents and grills are not allowed. boft.org/sunset-concert

LAKE GASTON (NC)

June 20 10th Annual Wine & Art Festival The biggest event of the year at Rosemont Winery features over 30 fine artists and exhibitors displaying art of all mediums including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and more. rosemontofvirginia.com/event/artfestival

Some events may require a participation fee.

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THE KING OF ROADS

OREGON’S HISTORIC COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY

by Lynn & Cele Seldon

W

hen it comes to the country’s scenic highways and byways, Oregon just may be the king of states for scenic driving. The Beaver State has more than two dozen scenic drives classified as National Scenic Byways, All-American Roads, State Scenic Byways, and more. And, Oregon’s classic Historic Columbia River Highway is welldeserving of its nickname, “The King of Roads.”

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A LITTLE HIGHWAY HISTORY Celebrating the centennial of its opening back in 2016, the Historic Columbia River Highway No. 100 (still marked as Route 30 in some spots) was classified as a National Scenic Byway All-American Road decades ago. It was the nation’s first planned scenic highway, but the road has a fascinating history that stretches back more than 100 years. Plus, the highway is situated in a deep gorge that was carved out of the stunning Oregon landscape along the Columbia River by the massive Missoula floods more than 19,000 years ago. Also designated a National Historic Landmark due

to its historical significance and known as one of the “7 Wonders of Oregon,” the area was once home to Native Americans and was later visited by Lewis & Clark’s Corps of Discovery in 1805 and 1806. Then, hearty pioneers heading west used the Columbia River for transportation and more (the falls below, The Dalles – rhymes with “The Gals” – provided one of the most dangerous parts of the famed Oregon Trail).

Built from 1913 until completion in 1922, the 73-mile Columbia River Highway is a technological and civic achievement where

of Roads” that remain have been refurbished – providing a great way to take the slow road through one of Oregon’s many natural wonders.

RVers desiring to drive their rig should know that some sections of the road may not be welcoming to larger RVs. Visitors might also want to call ahead or go online to check on the further reopening of certain stretches of highway, waterfall access, trails and trailheads, and more after the devastating Eagle Creek Fire of 2017. Most of this should have been accomplished by summer, 2018, but it’s always best to check.

▲ Columbia River Gorge Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

planning, engineering, and creative road building created a tourism attraction, unlike any other destination. Employing cliffface road building techniques, the road was designed and executed by two forward-thinking men: Samuel Hill, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and promoter of tourism and roads, and Samuel C. Lancaster, a landscape architect, and engineer.

Charismatic Hill and practical Lancaster successfully attempted to keep the Columbia River Gorge scenery as intact as possible, while still allowing trailblazing travelers to travel through the area in vehicles (as they still

do today). Landscape features utilized and still seen today included many masonry walls, huge guard rocks, and many bridges, viaducts, and tunnels still in use today.

Today, the drive from Troutdale (just 17 miles east of downtown Portland) to The Dalles is 70 or so miles, depending on routing.

About 55 miles of the original highway exists, with nearly 40 miles of it drivable and some of the remaining roadway available for non-motorized exploration.

Though bypassed by much faster I-84 (officially the Columbia River Highway #2) and once in disrepair, the portions of the original “King

TROUTDALE TO THE WATERFALLS The town of Troutdale serves as the jumping-off point for driving the Historic Columbia River Highway. Situated right on the historic highway, the Troutdale Historical Society is a great place to start, thanks to the excellent exhibit, “The King of Roads – Byway of the People,” which is housed in the volunteer-built-andrun Barn Exhibit Hall and includes restored photographs, artifacts, and more, outlining the story of the road.

Other options in Troutdale include artsy Caswell Gallery, the Rail Depot & Caboose Museum, the throw-back Troutdale General Store, Calcagno Cellars (great for tasting wines), and the historic McMenamins Edgefield, which is just outside of town and provides a great place to stop for a meal (at Black Rabbit Restaurant & Bar and more) before heading down the highway. Once a county poor farm, McMenamins Edgefield resort destination now includes a 100-room hotel, golf course, spa, handcrafted wines, spirits, beers, ciders, coffee, and other beverages, glass-blowing artisans at Gorge Glashaus, a movie theater, concerts, and many other possibilities.

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CHEERS TO OREGON’S WILLAMETTE VALLEY WINES – AND VIEWS Also located a short drive from downtown Portland, Oregon’s Willamette Valley means world-class wines, friendly wineries, and more scenic driving – just be sure to have a designated driver when not going on a tasty tour with one of many great tour companies.

According to the Willamette Valley Visitors Association (see oregonwinecountry. org), the Willamette Valley is about 150 miles long and 60 miles wide, making it Oregon’s largest American Viticultural Area. There are around 20,000 acres of wine grapes planted, with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Blanc the predominant varietals.

There are six appellations within the Willamette Valley, including Chehalem Mountains; Dundee Hills; Eola-Amity Hills; McMinnville; Ribbon Ridge; and Yamhill-Carlton.

With more than 500 varied wineries to visit in the Willamette (as well as the scenery), it’s hard to pick just a few. Though there are obviously many more options, the friendly folks at the Willamette Valley Visitors Association developed a tour called, “Seven Beautiful Vineyards,” which highlights seven wineries with exceptionally gorgeous vistas.

Here are seven beautiful Willamette Valley vineyards – and wines: Sarver Winery (sarverwinery. com); Tyee Winery (tyeewine.com); Marks Ridge Winery (marksridge. com); Willamette Valley Vineyards (wvv.com); Cherry Hill Winery (cherryhillwinery.com); Winter’s Hill Vineyard (wintershillwine.com); and Quailhurst Vineyard Estates (quailhurstwines.com).

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▲ Troutdale, Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink (The King of the Road – cont’d)

The fully-restored 74-acre Edgefield Manor property is part of the quirky Oregon-based McMenamins company, which owns and operates a variety of regional hotels, restaurants, bars, theaters, and more.

The road east parallels the Sandy River upstream through the town of Corbett and up to the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint and the first of many dramatic views of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Columbia starts in Canada’s Rocky Mountains as snowmelt before making its way to the Pacific Ocean over 1,200plus miles away. It’s said that this view inspired Sam Hill and Samuel Lancaster to pursue the highway.

The next stop is equally dramatic Crown Point and its Vista House, which features several displays about the construction of the highway. Crown Point provides yet another great view of the river, the gorge, and the dramatically curving road down to the river.

Following this stop, the highway’s many famed waterfalls await. The road passes by or near the bases of many waterfalls, including five that are well worth stops for varied explorations (and pictures). The most famous is Multnomah (the second tallest in the country), but Bridal Veil, Latourell, Shepperd’s Dell, and Wahkeena are all popular.

Horsetail Falls Trailhead is another great stop for hikers, in that it leads past five other waterfalls.

Back on the interstate (on one of the stretches where the original highway isn’t available to motorized vehicles), a pretty portion of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail awaits.

This pedestrian and cycling trail offers a great way to step back in time and truly immerse oneself in the history of the fabled highway.

BONNEVILLE LOCK AND DAM TO HOOD RIVER Situated off I-84 at Exit 40, Bonneville Lock and Dam makes for a unique Columbia River stop.

▲ Multnomah Falls The multi-story Visitors Center includes lots of exhibits about the history and function of the dam, the workings of a modern hydro power plant, as well as an underwater window that provides views of fish making their way up a “fish ladder” (in spawning season) to get around the huge turbines.

On the way back to the interstate, make a stop at Bonneville Fish Hatchery for a fascinating lesson on the lifecycle of salmon and the biology of fish in the area. The self-guided tours go from the egg incubation rooms to sturgeon, trout, and salmon viewing area, along with an opportunity to feed the fish.

There’s also the Sturgeon Viewing Center at the nearby Fish Hatchery, including “Herman the Sturgeon,” who (as of this writing), at more than 75 years old and counting, is 10-plus feet long and weighs about 500 pounds. There is also a gift shop for all kinds of fishy souvenirs.

Next, along the river, trailblazers will want to look for the original

▲ Hood River Photo courtesy of Nate Wilson / Northwest Rafting Co.

(cont’d on pg. 23)

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THE MT. HOOD SCENIC BYWAY

The steep descent through Zigzag (don’t miss the kitschy and delicious roadhouse-style BBQ joint, Skyway Bar & Grill) and other towns down to Sandy was dreaded by Oregon Trail trailblazers in wagons, but it’s an easy walk – and drive – in the woods today. Wildwood Recreation Center is a perfect place to stop along the way for hiking and more along the Salmon River (ask about the Cascade Streamwatch window).

▲ Mt. Hood Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink The Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood are two of the most iconic images in all of Oregon.

In fact, they are two of the “7 Wonders of Oregon” (the other five are Crater Lake, Painted Hills, the Oregon Coast, Smith Rock, and the Wallowas).

It thus seems appropriate that the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (see mthoodterritory.com) is an easy driving add-on to the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Hood River marks the start of this 105-mile drive to Mt. Hood and beyond, with the drive ending (or starting) in Troutdale (the start of the Historic Columbia River Highway) and nearby Wood Village. Just south of town, there’s a short diversion called the Hood River County Fruit Loop. With an emphasis on the agriculture of the area, the loop leads past lots of fruitgrowing farms – and farm stands, in season. Stop by The Gorge White House, a 1908 historic home and working farm, for a great introduction to the area and a glass of cider. Back on Route 35, Parkdale features

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& Museum. The pretty drive up to Mt. Hood proper leads to the ski area and historic Timberline Lodge, a classic Works Progress Administration (WPA) building.

one end of the Mount Hood Railroad, which offers scenic train trips between Parkdale and Hood River.

Route 35 then begins the steady climb toward Mt. Hood, passing through Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort and offering great views of Mt. Hood when the weather cooperates. Barlow Pass marks the spot where the Oregon Trail passed through the Cascades on the way west, with wagon wheel ruts still visible today.

Make a quick detour to Trillium Lake, two miles south of Route 35, for one of the most dramatic photo opportunities in all of Oregon.

Formed by a dam at the headwaters of Mud Creek, a tributary to the Salmon River, the lake offers fishing and camping, but the stunning views and reflections of Mt. Hood are its calling card.

Next, the town of Government Camp serves as the Mt. Hood region’s commercial, cultural, and adventure hub year-round. The region’s history is easily explored at the Mt. Hood Cultural Center

The town of Sandy features lots of mild to wild adventure opportunities, including possible great Mt. Hood views at Jonsrud Viewpoint, just north of town.

The drive draws to a close in the Portland metropolitan area, fittingly near the Columbia River – heading through Gresham and Troutdale to Wood Village.

Plan your stay at Mt. Hood Village RV Resort on RVontheGo.com

▲ Mt. Hood Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

(The King of the Road – cont’d)

Cascade Locks, which were built for boats to navigate the treacherous rapids of “The Great Chute” until the dam opened.

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crosses the river at historic Bridge of the Gods in this very pretty area along the river. The town of Cascade Locks is the only incorporated city on the trail and both the town and the Bridge of the Gods were featured in the hit film and book, Wild, which mostly took place on the trail.

After a quick stop to admire the 190-foot two-tiered Starvation Creek waterfall tucked behind a rest area off I-84, head to the fun town of Hood River. This outdoorfocused town is famed for its kiteboarding and windsurfing, thanks to consistent winds that blow through the area. Wine is also a big draw in Hood River with six tasting rooms in town, including a former fruit cannery that now serves wines on tap at Springhouse Cellar Winery.

Nearby, Mt. Hood Winery sits amongst luscious vineyards and was named 2016 Oregon Winery of the Year. The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway also begins (or ends) in Hood River.

HOOD RIVER TO THE DALLES Further scenic driving on more original sections of the highway awaits east of Hood River. First, however, Twin Tunnels Trail provides another section of the Historic Columbia Highway State Trail for pedestrians and peddlers (easily accessed from the Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead).

Situated at Exit 69, the town of Mosier marks the eastern end of the aforementioned Historic Columbia Highway State Trail and the start of more of the original highway. This is also where the Columbia River Gorge starts transitioning from the western area’s typical Western

▲ Clocktower Ales

▲ Sunshine Mill Winery

▲ Granada Theatre Cascades fir forests to the ponderosa and oak savannah surroundings in the semi-arid eastern plateau area. It’s equally beautiful but in a different way Highlights in this section have to include the pretty views at Rowena Crest and the photogenic snaking highway driving and descents that are dubbed the “Rowena Loops.” There’s also hiking and more in Tom McCall Preserve, where the Rowena Crest Viewpoint is located. The area is located about 10 miles east of Mosier and 15 miles west of The Dalles, which marks the end of the drive.

The Dalles is a bustling river city that features many downtown murals that document the city’s history. Along the main streets of The Dalles downtown, you’ll

find treasures including Oregon’s oldest bookstore, Klindt’s Booksellers, the classic Granada Theatre, wine tastings at Sunshine Mill Winery, and cool brews at Clocktower Ales. There’s also the excellent Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, with exhibits and more (including Native American and pioneer history, geology, and a new raptor exhibit that all provide a fitting end to the drive through the Columbia River Gorge.

Of course, the Columbia River divides Oregon and Washington. Several bridges cross over the river into The Evergreen State, where even more natural beauty, history, and some world-class Washington wines await. ¾

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by Lynn & Cele Seldon Photography by Seldon Ink

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.

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This month, we interviewed Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons, co founders of Tiny House Expedition.

Christian Parsons and Alexis Stephens are on a mission to “inspire and empower others to redefine home and rethink housing as means to provide sustainable options, more meaningful lifestyles, and more connected communities.” According to their great website, tinyhouseexpedition.com, their purpose is to document the tiny house movement across North America and to host and participate in thought-provoking educational events. Thus far, they’ve traveled more than 45,000 miles in their DIY tiny home!

Please give us any specs and history about your tiny house.

Does it have a name?

Our DIY tiny house on wheels is 130 square feet, and it took us nine months to build it. It doesn’t have a name, but we call ourselves Tiny House Expedition.

The general footprint and size of our tiny house is based off of Tumbleweed’s Elm model plans, but after framing, we went in a completely custom direction.

We used many salvaged and reclaimed materials – from an old farmhouse, Habitat ReStore, and trees fallen in a tornado.

Processing these materials was labor intensive and timeconsuming, but in the end, we saved quite a bit of money and added much charm and character to our tiny house. Everything in

our home has a story behind it.

Just about everything is multifunctional, and every inch is maximized. For instance, a closet is also a staircase, bench seat, and bookshelf. Like every house, we have a kitchen, bathroom, and living room. We also have two sleeping lofts. The “master suite” has a queen bed, and loft for Alexis’s son Garrett (a part-time resident) has a folding foam bed, fold-down desk, a toy box, and a special basket on a pulley system – perfect for bringing toys up and down.

We have now traveled with our tiny house for two and half years, over 45,000 miles across the United States and Canada. To date, we’ve stayed in 36 states, one Canadian province, and 12 national parks.

“Just about everything is multi-functional, and every inch is maximized. For instance, a closet is also a staircase, bench seat, and bookshelf. Like every house, we have a kitchen, bathroom, and living room.”

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What’s your favorite thing about traveling with your tiny house versus staying in a hotel?

Tiny living of all kinds, encourages stronger connection to your surroundings, which opens the door to more experiences. For us, our traveling home is both our comfy ticket to adventure and a delightful way to meet new people. We frequently get hosted by people we meet along the way and end up staying in their driveways or backyards.

Having your house with you at all times means you always have everything you need and your own comfy bed. We love waking up in our bed wherever we are and sometimes we even forget where we are!

What are the differences between tiny houses and more traditional camper trailers?

It boils down to this: a tiny house is built like a traditional house, which means it is suitable for year-round living. It’s wellinsulated, sturdy, customizable, and feels like a house.

Tiny houses on wheels originally came about as means to get around restrictive codes. But they quickly became attractive to

“Tiny living of all kinds, encourages stronger connection to your surroundings, which opens the door to more experiences.” many as a mobile asset. Whatever life changes arise, you can take your tiny home investment with you. A common misconception about moveable tiny houses is that they’re intended for frequent travel. Most “tiny housers” only move their home one to two times. We traveling tiny housers are part of very small subset of theoverall movement.

What are a few favorite things onboard?

One our favorite items includes the fold-down bathroom shelf, over the toilet facing our fulllength mirror, creating instant counter space/vanity space!

This is a simple thing, but we love our shoe storage. Twenty pairs of shoes are neatly stored in a 1'x6' shelf system. It feels so good to have a specific spot for everything in the house, especially things that easily get messy, like shoes.

What are a few favorite destinations and why?

Our opinion of a place is always skewed by whether we have a good time there. Off the top our heads, a few favorites are Bend (Oregon), Ojai (California), and Burning Man in Nevada. Bend has all our favorite things: good beer, diverse nature, and fun people. After meeting our friends Cody and Randi of “The Best Little House” in Texas in Dallas, a year later we met up in Bend, their new home base. They gave us the grand tour of this small city, jam-packed with culture and brimming with nearby hiking, biking, soaking (hot springs), and snowboarding opportunities.

When we visited Ojai in the Spring, the vast orange groves were in bloom. The entire town smelled like orange blossoms, which was completely intoxicating and added a magical quality to everyday activities. It’s an east/west mountain valley that attracts creative types. You never know who’ll meet. As a cherry on top, it’s only 15 minutes from the Pacific coast.

And, last but certainly not least, Burning Man is a once-in-lifetime experience, though once is never enough. What happens when tens of thousands of dreamers create a pop-up city in the middle of the Black Rock Desert? Magic.

At Burning Man, everyone says, “Welcome home.” We soon realized in a community valuing radical self-expression and radical inclusion, you absolutely feel at home. Even with all the amazing art, our tiny home was still very much a conversation starter.

We even got parking offers! One of our favorite things about our Burning Man experience was truly being in the moment, savoring every moment. After a week in the desert, we took our tiny house to the car wash for a much-needed cleaning.

“Burning Man is a once-in-lifetime experience, though once is never enough. What happens when tens of thousands of dreamers create a pop-up city in the middle of the Black Rock Desert? Magic.”

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What are some favorite meals onboard (or restaurants) on the road?

We have a very kitchen-centric tiny house. It includes a beautiful butcher block countertop, large pantry space, and an apartment range. This all makes for a comfortable set-up for all the home-cooked meals we cook. We mostly cook at home, a great way to save money and eat healthy.

Though, we always make a point to sample local specialties and biscuits. Coming from the South, we love biscuits, but good biscuits are hard to find in other parts of the country.

Do you have any funny stories from the road you can share?

As we travel from point A to B, we’ve spent many a night in Walmart parking lots. At one particular location in Kansas, we woke up to a crowd of people standing around our tiny house.

Not just a few folks making

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comments as they passed but over a dozen lingering all around the house. As we got dressed and brushed our teeth, we got a real hoot listening to people guess how much it cost and weighed and laughing about how ridiculous or cute it was.

Our house shook as few got up on the porch to snap a few pics.

Eventually, we did go outside to say hello, and probably scared the hell out of a few folks.

“Almost everywhere we go, we have the pleasure of connecting with new people.”

What didn’t we ask you about life on the road that you’d like to share?

As we travel, we enjoy exploring new cities and the great outdoors, on foot or by bike, and saying yes to spontaneous invites from folks we meet on the road, like attending a rural bluegrass festival, or an invite-only corporate meeting with Cirque du Soleil entertainment (believe me, it was amazing).

The original purpose behind our extensive tiny house travels is to inspire others to rethink housing and redefine home. Tiny House Expedition is our documentary and community outreach project.

Now, we have fully embraced the nomadic lifestyle.

Our life feels like an adventure, and no adventure is complete without a misadventure or two.

Like the time we got a flat tire on the way to Burning Man or the time our wheels seized up and we had to limp it to a repair shop. What’s remarkable about both experiences is the kindness of strangers we experienced. A stranger offered us help to fix the tire and the repair shop let us park overnight and plug-in our tiny house.

conversations around the fire, goofy shenanigans, and potluck meals. Our expansive travels have given us an incredibly intimate and rich community experience.

We are weaving a community network across North America – not defined by geographic boundaries but made strong through shared experiences, personal connections, open hearts, and open minds. ¾

Almost everywhere we go, we have the pleasure of connecting with new people. Sometimes, we even form a temporary tiny home community with other tiny dwellers (RVs, van conversions, or tiny houses on wheels). This often means heart to heart

For those interested in a Tiny Vacation visit

PetiteRetreats.com and plan your tiny getaway today!

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4

paws ROAD

by Jenn Swope-Gehr

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Email Jenn your questions and share your pics to TBPets@equitylifestyle.com where every ingredient is sourced from along with the product Safety Testing results. For more information about Open Farm, visit openfarmpet.com.

I’m in search for a new dog kibble/raw and Open Farm from Canada is looking mighty fine. Wondering do you know if they individually outsource every single batch of food made of freeze-dried raw before it hits the market to be sure that it is free of pathogen’s etc.?

JENN Open Farm is an incredible brand whose food quality control and selected ingredients. I love that they are a company that is open to sharing where their ingredients are sourced from. This is a that I believe will continue to drive the pet food industry for discerning owners. I felt like it was best to reach out to Open Farm regarding this specific question: “All our batches are tested by third party accredited labs for nutritional profile, pathogens, heavy metals and other contaminants, to ensure they meet our strict nutritional and food safety standards. We take great pride in sourcing only the highest quality ingredients and maintaining significant control and traceability throughout our supply chain, and in ensuring that the foods we make are not only extremely healthy, but also safe. We would never send a batch of food our that was not healthy and safe for our pets to consume!”

On the Open Farm website, one can easily type in each bag’s lot code to see

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Hi, Jen, could you tell me a little bit more about your understanding of what auto immune disease is in dogs? What can I do to help keep my pets healthier? I have recently been diagnosed with this disorder and I’m seeing that great benefits begin with small, consistent changes. In feeling better and seeing how easy it is to make better food and lifestyle changes we hope to be back on the RV path and visiting so many of the wonderful Thousand Trails all over Oregon and WA this summer!

With A Grateful Heart, Britt and Able F. JENN Thank you for your question and heartfelt kindness to share with us your journey to better health. Canine autoimmune disease occurs when one or more components of the dog’s immune system become overactive. The result is the inability to distinguish between what is one’s “self” and what is “foreign.”

Simply put, the dog’s system cannot tell whether or not a certain protein is part of the dog’s body tissue or organ, or whether they are from the outside and a threat. As a result, the immune system produces antibodies that attack and destroy the body’s cells and organs instead of producing antibodies to defend it against foreign proteins such as bacteria and viruses. Autoimmune disease may be restricted to a single organ or region or the whole animal.

It is critical to work with a boardcertified internal medicine veterinarian to help achieve a proper diagnosis and to quickly get on board with a treatment plan that is as homeopathic as possible.

By feeding single source proteins and rotating between just a few different meat ingredients in itself can help ward off the potential of autoimmune disease.

Some examples of autoimmune disease in dogs resulting from an overactive immune system are: • Autoimmune diseases of the endocrine such as thyroid, Addison’s and diabetes • Autoimmune diseases of the skin such as pemphigus vulgaris and systemic lupus • Diseases of the blood show up as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), leukocyte • Diseases of the eye as in dry eye, or uveitis • Diseases in the digestive system such as inflammatory bowel disease • Arthritis as a hypersensitive immune system and various joint diseases There are many different ways in which the body may respond to an autoimmune disease. It is important that we look beyond what might appear to be itchy, dry flaky skin, an irritation to fleas, or middle-aged weakness. The little signs our pets give up are valuable warning signals to always take note of.

Be aware of your dog’s’ breed and their inherent predisposed conditions as well as the consideration of any noticeable changes in the coat condition as it is often the first warning sign that something greater is lurking in the body.

Switching to a diet that is free of unprocessed foods that do not contain chemicals, hormones or steroids can greatly strengthen a dog’s immune system. Just like with humans, the use of organic supplementation with ingredients that help as a natural anti-inflammatory is a must. Look for turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger as well as Omega-3 and 6’s, Vitamin E, C, and Selenium. Probiotics and bone broth are a staple in my house for canine, feline and human alike. I applaud your diligence to educate yourself and be committed to a better quality of living.

Each of us has a unique path in life, but without question, we were made to thrive and encourage one another!

Hoping you make some incredible upcoming camping plans in the Thousand Trails System and to see you on the open road! ¾

Make your vacation destination home.

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

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

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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America’s Coolest Corner Cities

by Lynn & Cele Seldon

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E v e n t h o u g h they are located on

opposite sides of the country, there are lots of similarities between Portland, Maine, and Portland, Oregon. Both are known for their eco-friendly outdoors, coffee and beer scenes, thriving art (and artisan) community, uber-cool vibe, and, of course, the ever-changing weather.

This is a tale of two Portlands.

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CITY TOURS

Tours are a great way to get introduced to any city.

PORTLAND, ME: With water being such an important part of Portland’s history, Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours (portlanddiscovery.com) provides a great introduction to the city. Combine a Harbor Lights and Sights, Lighthouse Lovers, or Sunset Lighthouse cruise with one of their trolley tours to double-duty your Portland exploration. Other city tour possibilities include: ghostly walks with Wicked Walking Tours or exploring Maine’s breweries, distilleries, and wineries on the Maine Brew Bus. PORTLAND, OR: Walking is the best way to explore the “Rose City” and Portland Walking Tours (portlandwalkingtours.com) offer lots of tour options, including art and architecture on the “Best of Portland,” the scandalous and sinister in “Underground Portland,” the tasty side with “Epicurean Excursion,” the urban adult beverage world in “We Get Tipsy in Portland,” and many more. Other tour options include exploring Portland by bike with Pedal Bike Tours or waterfall, whitewater, and Willamette Valley tours (and more!) with Evergreen Escapes.

▲ Portland, Maine waterfront

CULINARY TOURS

Both Portlands have become synonymous with their food scenes. Seafood and lobster in New England, and farm-to-table and an exploding food cart scene in the Pacific Northwest. Not to mention the coffee culture, craft beer, sweets and desserts, and tasty foodie events popping up in both destinations.

▲ Maine lobster

▲ Honey Lavender Ice Cream Sandwich at Ruby Jewel Scoop Shop 34

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PORTLAND, ME: Maine Foodie Tours (mainefoodietours.com) serves up a cornucopia of tours, including culinary walking tours, happy hour tours, lunch and aquaculture cruises, progressive dinners, and lobster crawls – all designed to introduce you to the history of the foods from Portland’s farms and harbors. If wine is more to your liking, take a Wine (and Food) Walk or Wine Sails & Harbor Cruise with Wine Wise. More than just drinking wine, Wine Wise combines wine education, wine tastings, and food pairings into an enriching culinary experience.

PORTLAND, OR: Forktown Food Tours (forktownfoodtoursportland.com) features four different tours in some of the hottest culinary areas of the city, including downtown, the Farmers Market, North Mississippi Avenue, and Division Street. The tours also include personal stories and insights into Portland’s flourishing culinary scene from neighborhood chefs and artisan food makers. Other food-oriented tours include brewery tours with Brewvana and the artisan coffee scene with Third Wave Coffee Tours.

ART MUSEUMS

The Portland Museum of Art

Both Portlands have garnered a reputation for an eclectic and noteworthy art scene.

PORTLAND, ME: The Portland Museum of Art (portlandmuseum.org) is the largest and oldest art institution in the state of Maine and houses significant American, European, and contemporary art, as well as local works highlighting the rich tradition of Maine’s landscape and artist community. Be sure to schedule a tour of the Winslow Homer Studio. Another artsy option is First Friday Art Walk, Maine’s largest year-round (and free!) monthly cultural event celebrating Portland’s artistic awareness, education, and creative culture.

PORTLAND, OR: The Portland Art Museum (portlandartmuseum.org) is the seventh oldest museum in the United States and the oldest on the West Coast. It is internationally recognized for its permanent collection, as well as their ambitious special exhibitions from its holdings, and houses some of the world’s finest public and private collections. For something a bit trendier, head to PDX Contemporary Art in the Pearl District. with Evergreen Escapes.

▲ The Portland Art Museum

GARDENS AND G R E E N S PA C E S

Both cities feature stunning parks and other green spaces to enjoy nature and natural surroundings.

▲ Deering Oaks Duck House

▲ Strolling Pond Garden Photo courtesy of Michael Drewry

PORTLAND, ME: Deering Oaks Park (deeringoaks.org) is an urban oasis located just west of downtown. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Developed and designed in the late 1800s in part by Frederick Law Olmstead (of Central Park fame), the park features a rose garden, a pond, playgrounds, and is home to the weekly Portland Farmer’s Market. For other natural endeavors, visit the Tate House and Colonial Herb Garden or the garden at the Wadsworth-Longfellow House.

PORTLAND, OR: The Portland Japanese Garden (japanesegarden.org) is proclaimed to be the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan and is quintessential Portland. Situated in scenic Washington Park, there are eight garden spaces, including the Strolling Pond Garden, Sand and Stone Garden, Tea Garden, and more, along with changing exhibitions, cafés, and a gift shop. Also found in Washington Park is the International Rose Test Garden. Another option nearby is the adjacent 5,200-acre Forest Park and its’ 70 miles of hiking trails. Or head to Chinatown and the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

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BOOKSTORES

For shopping, a relaxing Saturday of reading and browsing, or getting a feel for a community, bookstores are city melting pots.

PORTLAND, ME: With a tagline of “a fiercely independent community bookstore,” Longfellow Books (longfellowbooks.com) knows a thing or two about books and the current must-reads. And with book clubs, weekly community nights to discuss local policies, and lots of visiting author discussions and signings, they have become a literary fixture in the heart of downtown.

If your literary tastes lean more towards food and drink, Rabelais has one of the largest selections of rare, out-ofprint cookbooks in the country, along with manuscripts, menus, product cookbooks, prints, and photographs from the culinary world.

▲ Longfellow Books

PORTLAND, OR: Powell’s City of Books (powells.com) is quite simply the motherlode of independent bookstores. Considered the largest independent and used bookstore in the world, their flagship store in the Pearl District stocks more than one million books across nine rooms on three floors in its 68,000 square foot city block building. It has become one of Portland’s most popular tourist destinations, even if you don’t like to read. They also host more than 500 author events per year. Powell’s has four other Portland locations. ▲ Powell’s City of Books

SHOPPING

With a dedicated approach to “local” in terms of makers and artisans, shopping in both Portlands is a study of community creativity.

▲ Stonewall Kitchen

▲ MadeHere PDX

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PORTLAND, ME: The tastiest shopping in Portland is Stonewall Kitchen (stonewallkitchen.com) in the quaint Old Port on Middle Street. What started in 1991 with jars of jam being sold at the local farmers market – as an ode to a grandmother’s blueberry pie – has morphed into a specialty food giant selling jams, chutneys, jellies, sauces, cooking oils, mustards, home and kitchen accessories, and more. They often host cooking classes and always have jars open for tastings. Other shopping adventures can be found at Reny’s (“A Maine Adventure”), Edgecomb Potters, and Browne Trading Company.

PORTLAND, OR: Dedicated to showcasing the Portland artisan mentality and community, MadeHere PDX (madeherepdx.com) pools the talents of designers, artists, and makers into one location. Or, in this case, three locations throughout the city selling art, apparel, accessories, food, jewelry, pet items, and home décor.

Other local specialties can be found at Tender Loving Empire and Portland Made.

C O F F E E C U LT U R E

The coffee culture – and resulting java junkies – in both Portlands is undeniable (blame it on the weather). So much so that coffee shops and roasters are part of the daily fabric of each city.

PORTLAND, ME: With two locations in Portland, Tandem (tandemcoffee.com) has brought the roasting process to the people at their roastery and café. Enjoy a hot and fresh cup o’ joe while you watch sample roasting and cupping of new coffees. Or settle in at the gas stationturned-laundromat-turned-Tandem Coffee + Bakery to sip coffee and eat delicious scratch-made baked goods.

Other roasters and coffee shops brewing it up include Coffee by Design, Bard, and Speckled Ax.

Tandem Coffee + Bakery Photo courtesy of Tandem Coffee + Bakery

PORTLAND, OR: Open daily 363 days a year, Sterling Coffee Roasters (sterling.coffee) serves up the classic cast of coffee characters, along with tasty pastries and sandwiches. For those who prefer to brew at home, they sell their world’s finest micro-and-batch-craft-roasted beans and grounds, as well custom flavors for special occasions. Other joltin’ joes include the “snob-free” coffee at Deadstock Coffee and farm-to-cup coffee at two locations from the folks at Nossa Familia Coffee.

CRAFT BEER

Another undeniable similarity between the two Portlands is the craft beer culture. Some might even call it a cult.

PORTLAND, ME: Bissell Brothers was one of the earliest craft brewers to arrive on the scene. What was once a one-room taproom is now the largest in all of Maine.

Serving up five- and 10-ounce pours of their rotating beers in the taproom, Bissell Brothers can also be found in bars and restaurants throughout Portland. Honorable mentions go to Rising Tide, Foundation, and Allagash Brewing Companies.

▲ Allagash Brewing Brewmaster Jason Perkins Photo courtesy of Allagash Brewing Company

Tasting at Hair of the Dog Photo courtesy of Jeff Alworth

PORTLAND, OR: Boasting more craft breweries than any other city in the world (75 at last count), Bridgeport Brewing Co. (bridgeportbrew.com) is Portland’s oldest craft brewery and appropriately located in a century-old brick and timber building. One of the top specialty brewers in the state – and one of the oldest in the country, the brewpub features brewery-fresh ales, pilsners, and IPAs, as well as a mezzanine bar and cocktail lounge, a tasty menu of pub grub favorites, outdoor seating, private event rooms, and free brewery tours. Other brewtopia options include Hair of the Dog and Gigantic Brewing Company.

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DINING ‘HOODS

Exceptional dining can be found throughout both cities. But some neighborhoods reign supreme.

PORTLAND, ME: The Old Port district along Portland’s historic waterfront was originally known for its cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, and fishing piers. Today, it’s more known for its dining (and nightlife) with everything from fine dining to pub grub, seafood specialties to ethnic destinations, and coffee to breweries filling every nook and cranny. Honorable mentions go to Washington Avenue in the city’s East End, the Arts District, and along Congress Street.

Dining in Portland, Maine

PORTLAND, OR: With the West Coast Portland being about ten times larger, there are that many more neighborhoods to find a good meal. The 50-odd blocks of Division Street, however, has so much dining and nightlife going on that they even have their own website (divisionstreetportland.com). Other notable places where food and beverages rule are the West End and East Burnside.

FYI

For the east coast Portland, head to www.visitportland.com.

For the west coast Portland, visit www.travelportland.com.

Pearl District Portland, Oregon

FOOD CARTS/TRUCKS

Food trucks have become ubiquitous in many cities across the country and that’s certainly the case in both Portlands.

PORTLAND, ME: Featuring “Mexican Food from the Heart,” El Corazon (elcorazonportland.com) serves up traditional Mexican using authentic local ingredients for dishes like tacos, taquitos, and burritos (not to mention the Sonoran Hot Dog, the house specialty) from Mexican Chef Joseph Urtuzuastegui. Other tasty food trucks include the lobster rolls at Bite Into Maine, Japanese street food at Mami, and bite-sized gourmet donuts at Urban Sugar.

Food Trucks Portland, Oregon

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PORTLAND, OR: Originally created as an economic development project and incubator for Latino businesses, Portland Mercado (portlandmercado.org) has become a hub for Latino culture. The outdoor plaza features nine rotating food carts representing the diverse flavors of Latin America, while the market contains various food and beverage shops and entrepreneurial kitchens. Other food truck options include more than 30 food carts under the big tent at Cartopia Food Cart Pod and the one dish wonder at Nong’s Khao Man Gai.

SWEET SPOT

You can tell a lot about a city by the sweets they serve.

PORTLAND, ME: Taking advantage of a raw ingredient popular in Maine, Holy Donuts (theholydonut.com) has created and perfected the potato donut. With mashed Maine potatoes giving the donuts a moist texture that melts in your mouth, the donuts come in a rotating selection of 20 flavors – as well as vegan, gluten-free, and sweet potato options – each of the three locations close when the last one is sold. Other sweet confections can be found at Gelato Fiasco and chocolates and more at Dean’s Sweets.

PORTLAND, OR: Although serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, it’s the dessert case at Papa Haydn (papahaydn. com) that locals and visitors flock to. From the layers of meringue, fresh fruit, and whipped cream of the Boccone Dolce to the oh-so-decadent Chocolate Cube, there are over 30 cakes, pies, tortes, crisps, ice creams, and brûlées to please anyone’s sweet tooth. Plus, try the options at Salt & Straw, Petunia’s Pies, and Pastries, or the original Voodoo Doughnut.

Voodoo Donuts

Holy Donuts

Voodoo Donuts

EVENTS

Anytime is a great time to head to either city and it seems like there’s a special event on the calendar every month.

PORTLAND, ME: Harvest on the Harbor (harvestontheharbor.com) is the motherlode of Portland events. The city’s annual food and drink festival highlight the local culinary and beverage scene with sustainable suppers, Flavors of Maine tasting events, happy hours, pub crawls, lobster competitions, and Market on the Harbor sampling and tasting tents. Other harbor events include Portland Schoonerfest and Old Port Festival.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Francis

PORTLAND, OR: It’s not surprising that one of the biggest parties of the year is the Portland Rose Festival (rosefestival.org). For more than a century, Portland has celebrated its diverse culture and heritage with more than 60 events, including parades, fairs, entertainment, great food, and more, starting in late-May and ending with the Rose Cup Races the second weekend in June. Other events that highlight the area’s bounty include the Portland Craft Beer Festival, the Oregon Brewers Festival, and Feast Portland, one of the country’s top food festivals. ¾ JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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When you get out and camp this season at Thousand Trails, bring a delicious campfire recipe with you! These campfire recipes will surely WOW your fellow campers and fill you up for even more camping adventures!

The Walking Taco “The Walking Taco” is a kid-friendly favorite because it’s eaten right out of a chip bag! Just open, assemble, and eat. Bring this recipe to your campfire when you go camping this season. The key to this one is prepping everything at home first, so you can just assemble fireside, later.

INGREDIENTS 2.5-3.5 oz bags of corn chips (try bringing some extra for second servings!)

If you prefer to make your own taco seasoning, mix these spices together:

1 lb ground beef

2 Tbsp. chili powder

Taco seasoning

2 tsp. ground cumin

Shredded lettuce

1 ½ tsp. garlic powder

Shredded cheese

½ tsp. onion powder

Diced onions

1 tsp. dried oregano

Diced tomatoes

¼ tsp. paprika

Salsa of your choice

1 tsp. sea salt

Other taco toppings great for this recipe: sour cream, cilantro, avocado

¼-½ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Forks, spoons, or sporks

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INSTRUCTIONS 1. Dice onions and tomatoes; shred lettuce and cheese.

Store these ingredients in lightweight tupperware for when you’re ready to eat!

2. Prep the ground beef by adding it to a skillet over a medium-high heat. If your beef is lean or you are not able to use a non-stick skillet, add 1 – 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan before adding the beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula and move it around the pan to get all the pieces browned. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes for every one pound of meat.

3. Add taco seasoning to ground beef and stir. Once the meat is browned and taco seasoning is added, turn off the heat. Drain the meat. Store in tupperware to bring to your campsite and heat it up when ready to eat. Or, if cooking at campsite, let the beef cool slightly and get ready to assemble.

4. Open up a bag of corn chips.

Add ground beef straight into the bag with the rest of desired taco toppings. Mix and enjoy!

Leavenworth, WA Photo courtesy of Bill McGrath

Banana Boat Delights

S’mores a bore? Try this twist on a banana boat sundae! This sweet treat looks just as fun to eat as it is to put together! Stuff these bananas with whatever toppings you like.

INGREDIENTS 1 Ripe banana per person Chocolate Chips Mini marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Light your campfire (if it’s not already going, that is!)

2. Slit your bananas lengthwise 3. Stuff them with any combo of toppings that you like best! Here are a few combinations to try: Peanut butter or almond butter with milk chocolate chips Dark chocolate chips with shredded coconut on top Mini marshmallows with dark chocolate and chocolate sprinkles

4. Set a camping grate over a low fire and place bananas on top to melt the toppings and soften the banana. If you don’t have a camping grate, you can use a grill lined with tin foil, or, push a long stick through the bottom to hold them over the fire like you would with roasting marshmallows.

5. Once all toppings are melted, eat with a spoon!

Marshmallows, chocolate, graham cracker crumbs or crushed graham crackers Dark chocolate with cayenne pepper sprinkled on top Marshmallows with caramel sauce

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by Joan Rykal

â–² Courtesy of The Old Globe Photo by J.T. MacMillan 42

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They say all the world’s a stage...and aren’t we lucky that some of the theaters that provide the venue for one of the oldest forms of entertainment was designed to be experienced al fresco!

T

he origins of theater date back to 6th century B.C. in Greece when Thespis of Icaria first appeared on stage portraying a character. Greeks and Romans built massive outdoor theaters and performed during theater festivals. To solve lighting and sound problems many theaters were built outdoors.

After a time, traveling theaters took hold and performers traveled around the countryside playing on improvised outdoor stages using the surrounding landscape as scenery.

Fast forward a couple thousand years and outdoor theaters began to pop up around the United States. The Muny in St. Louis is considered America’s oldest outdoor theater.

It opened in 1914 when performances were held on a grassy area between two oak trees in Forest Park, the city’s 1,371-acre public park. Another famous outdoor theater, LA’s Greek Theatre, was designed to mimic the ancient outdoor theaters of Greece. Its debut season was in 1931 and today hosts mostly musical concerts.

Whether you’re an avid Shakespearean fan, or just looking for a way to enjoy some theater under a star-filled summer sky, we’ve found some outdoor summer theaters near our campgrounds for you to check out. For a listing of theaters by state, check out outdoor-theatre.org.

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The Old Globe, San Diego, CA

Built in 1935 and modeled after Shakespeare’s Old Globe Theatre in London, San Diego’s version of The Old Globe produces 15 productions annually. Situated in the city’s Balboa Park, it has received a Tony Award for “Best Regional Theater.” This year’s 2018 Summer Shakespeare Festival will feature productions of The Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing. For information visit theoldglobe.org. The Old Globe is located about a 40-minute drive from the Pio Pico RV Campground.

Shakespeare and Company Lenox, MA

Nestled in the Berkshires, the Roman Garden Theater of Shakespeare & Company is an intimate space with bench and chair seating from which to enjoy productions of some of Shakespeare’s best. This summer’s production will be Love’s Labor Lost and will run from August 9 through September 2. Shakespeare & Company was founded in 1978 by classically trained English actress, Tina Packer. For information about this production, as well as the indoor productions scheduled this summer, visit shakespeare.org. The Roman Garden Theater of Shakespeare & Company is about an hour and a half drive from the Sturbridge RV Campground in Sturbridge, MA.

The Old Globe

▲ The cast of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax at The Old Vic, 2015. Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax runs July 2 – August 12, 2018 at The Old Globe.

Photo courtesy of Manuel Harlan

▲ The cast of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax at The Old Vic, 2015. Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax runs July 2 – August 12, 2018 at The Old Globe.

Photo courtesy of Manuel Harlan

▲ Grantham Coleman in the title role of Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, directed by Barry Edelstein, ran August 6 – September 10, 2017.

Photo courtesy of Jim Cox

Cape Rep Theatre, Brewster, MA

As part of a theater compound housing several theatrical venues, the Outdoor Theater at Cape Rep is the only outdoor theater on Cape Cod and has tackled a variety of shows from Shakespeare to children’s theater. This summer’s productions in the Outdoor Theater include daytime stagings

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▲ (from left) Veronica J. Kuehn as Miss Adelaide and Audrey Cardwell as Sarah Brown. Guys and Dolls, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes, ran July 2 – August 13, 2017 at The Old Globe.

Photo courtesy of Jim Cox

▲ Daniel Reece as Robin Hood in the Globe-commissioned world premiere of Ken Ludwig’s Robin Hood!, ran July 22 – August 27, 2017 at The Old Globe.

Photo courtesy of Jim Cox

of How I Became a Pirate and Pitter Patter Puppets. Visit caperep.org for more information. The Cape Rep Theatre is about a 20-minute drive from Old Chatham Road RV Campground.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Indian Village, NV

Settle back and enjoy the mountain views on the shores of Lake Tahoe at the Warren Edward Trepp Stage, a beautiful outdoor theater in Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Shakespeare’s Kitchen and Bar offers pre-show eats and drinks, while the BardWare shop offers souvenirs. This summer’s Shakespeare production will be Macbeth and the festival will also feature Beehive: The 60s Musical billed as a “jukebox celebration of the women musicians who made the 60s truly memorable.”

The season runs from July 6 until August 26. Additionally, there will be musical events on

Monday evenings which will include performances by the Reno Philharmonic. Also, the Sierra Nevada Ballet will perform Shakespeare’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For event dates, times, and ticket information visit laketahoeshakespeare.com. Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is under an hour’s drive from Tahoe Valley Campground or Snowflower RV Campground.

Super Summer Theater, Blue Diamond, NV

The outdoor amphitheater at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park offers something for everyone this summer with a schedule that includes the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, Pirates of Penzance, performed by the Sin City Opera; a production of the Tony awardwinning romantic comedy, She Loves Me; as well as a musical adaptation of the children’s classic, Peter Pan. Adjacent to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, theater-goers

can do a pre-theater hike and then spread out their blankets and enjoy a picnic during the show. Super Summer Theater productions run every May through September. Showtimes and ticket information can be found at supersummertheater.org.

Super Summer Theater is about 40-minutes to an hour drive from the Las Vegas RV Campground.

Theater in the Park, Bend, OR

Bend’s Theater in the Park presents the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, this summer on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 25 at 7pm. The productions are held at Drake Park in Bend, Oregon.

Jesus Christ Superstar was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first musical and is considered a “timeless rock opera.” For information visit theaterbend.org. Bend’s Theater in the Park in Drake Park is about 25 to 30-minutes from the Bend-Sunriver RV Campground.

Theater in the Park

Photos courtesy of Lay It Out Events

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The Point Theater, Ingram, TX On the banks of the Guadalupe River, in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, sits the Smith-Ritch Point Theater, a 722-seat outdoor theater that is home to the longest-running outdoor theater in the state. Founded in 1959, the summer season features a musical and two comedy/ drama productions. This year’s productions will include Back to the 80’s, billed as an “awesome musical” and a female version of Neil Simon’s classic, The Odd Couple.

While you’re waiting for the performance to begin, take a look at Stonehenge II, which is located on the theater grounds as well. In addition to the replica of Stonehenge, there are also two replica Easter Island statues. For information visit hcaf.com. The Point Theater is about an hour and a half drive from the Medina Lake RV Campground in Lakehills, TX.

Mabel K. Whiteside Greek Theater, Lynchburg, VA Named for Randolph College Professor Mabel K. Whiteside, who began a tradition in 1909 of producing a Greek play annually until her retirement in 1954, this outdoor theater will stage As You Like It this summer from July 5-8 and from July 11-15. The “theater in the dell” was originally built in 1939 and designed to reflect the spaces where Greek dramas were originally performed.

Visit endstationtheatre.org for times and ticket information.

The Mabel K. Whiteside Greek Theater at Randolph College is under a 40-minute drive from the Lynchburg RV Campground.

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Leavenworth Summer Theater, Leavenworth, WA

The hills of Leavenworth will be “alive with the sound of music” this summer as the story of the Von Trapp family comes to life in the Leavenworth Summer Theater performances of this classic.

The Leavenworth Summer Theater began in 1994 and despite a series of setbacks has become the largest theater between Seattle and Spokane. The Sound of Music is the theater’s mainstay event and has been produced every summer since 1995. The theater also runs a

Peninsula Players Theater

▲ Peninsula Players Theatre in a Garden Photo courtesy of Audra Baakari Boyle

▲ Alabama Story, 2016 Photo courtesy of Len Villano

second production each summer.

Past productions have included Broadway favorites such as Oklahoma, Brigadoon, Annie Get Your Gun, and Godspell. Summer 2018 will also feature productions of Little Women and My Fair Lady.

The Leavenworth Summer Theater is located at the Leavenworth Ski Hill Amphitheater and performances run from July 6 through September 2 on select evenings beginning at 8pm. For information visit leavenworthsummertheater. org. The Leavenworth Ski Hill Amphitheater is about a 30-minute drive from Leavenworth RV Campground.

▲ The Touchstone Theatre. Photo courtesy of Kelsi Wermuth

▲ The Touchstone Theatre Photo courtesy of Mike McDermott

▲ Photo courtesy of Kelsi Wermuth

▲ Photo courtesy of Kelsi Wermuth

American Players Theater, Spring Green, WI

The setting is hilly woods, meadows, and two theaters in which to enjoy productions in the great Wisconsin prairie.

Founded in 1977, the American Players Theater draws over 100,000 visitors each year to see productions that include classics

by Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, and Noel Coward.

The Hill Theater serves as the 1,089-seat outdoor theater while indoor productions are housed at the Touchstone Theater, newly opened in 2009. Nine productions are scheduled for the 2018 season and include Shakespeare’s comedy, As You Like It, and Garson Kanin’s, Born Yesterday.

Picnicking is strongly encouraged before the show and you can bring in your own or purchase from your choice of three concession

▲ A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2017 Photo courtesy of Torey Byrne

stands on site. There is also a gift shop in case you want a trinket to remember your theater under the stars experience. For more information visit americanplayers. org. The American Players Theater is about an hour drive from the Yukon Trails RV Campground in Lyndon Station.

Peninsula Players Theater, Fish Creek, WI

What was once the Wildwood Boys Camp is now home to one of Door County’s most famous summer attractions, the Peninsula Players Theater. The original theater troupe actually predates the theater location, which was officially formed in 1925, while the transformation of the 16-acre camp came about in 1937.

Situated in a cedar forest near the waters of Green Bay, theater-goers enjoy an unparalleled experience of “theater in the woods.” The Peninsula Players Theatre has the distinction of being America’s

oldest resident summer theater.

In addition to the productions, they host several, free-of-charge, pre-show seminars on a variety of topics before select shows.

This year’s productions include Now and Then, billed as a magical comedy-drama; Miss Holmes, a murder mystery a la Sherlock Holmes, a jazz age musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, and three plays with romance and comedy, Almost, Maine, Living on Love, and Salvage.

The 83rd season begins with Now and Then on June 12 and ends with Salvage, which runs September 5 to October 14. For information visit peninsulaplayers.com.

The Peninsula Players Theater is located about a 45-minute drive from Tranquil Timbers RV Campground in Sturgeon Bay. ¾

Visit RVontheGo.com to make your reservations near this summer’s finest outdoor theaters.

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

47

Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Recipes Courtesy of Rebecca Camire

Summertime is when many people reach for foods that are light and fresh. No more thick stews and heavy roasts until autumn! When thinking of a dish to bring to summer BBQs, think fresh fruits, tons of vegetables, and lighter on the heavy things like breads, and starchy vegetables.

And, don’t forget to hydrate!

The charcoal lemonade in this month’s issue provides tons of electrolytes and detoxification properties to keep you feeling your best after those outdoor activities and late nights!

Strawberry Field Salad Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes

• 1 C Shredded chicken

Ingredients

• ¼ C sliced almonds

• 1 bag Spinach and arugula salad mix

• 2 Tbsp Olive oil

• 10 Sliced strawberries

• 2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar

• ¼ C crumbled Blue cheese

Directions 1. Place the greens, strawberries, almonds, blue cheese and chicken in a large bowl and mix until combined.

2. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil and vinegar 3. Scoop salad onto plate and top with the oil and vinegar and enjoy!

Charcoal Lemonade Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients • 1 ½ C coconut water • 2 lemons, juiced • 1 tsp activated charcoal powder (can omit if you don’t have any) • 1 tsp ginger juice • 2 tsp coconut sugar

Directions 1. Place all ingredients into the blender, liquids first, and blend until well combined!

48

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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rished. No So matter whetherhow youyou already own an or are Thousand Trails campers know that embrace theRV, outdoors,

urchase, browse moreshould than 200,000 new &So used RVs you already own an RV, or are each moment be cherished. whether you enjoy everytomile of your journey. looking make first RV purchase, browse more than 200,000 new & used RVs on RV Trader to be sure that you enjoy every mile of your journey.

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der.com/sell-rvs, selectmonth, the Basic andbe enter dream RV each andpackage, yours could the perfect match. List your RV for free started. today! Visit https://www.rvtrader.com/sell-rvs, select the Basic package, and enter the code TRAILSFREE to get started.

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

49

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

More Power

Q

I have a 2001 F350 7.3 liter Ford. We have just upgraded to a much bigger, better and heavier trailer. I am thinking I might need some more power for pulling grades. Friends have suggested chipping the engine. I am not sure how good an idea it is on an older truck. If it is a good idea what should I be looking for in a chip.

Thanks, Ty

A

Ty, Congrats on your new rig! The Fords 7.3-liter diesel engine was very durable but lacked the torque and horsepower that today’s modern diesel engines offer. A tuner (chip) would help you and will be the easiest and cheapest way to add power. I recommend the Bully Dog GT Diesel Tuner as it will plug into the OBD2 port for an easy installation. The great thing about this tuner is the capability to change tunes while driving for more torque during hill climbs or better mileage driving on freeways. Be careful when using the highest setting as this could cause the trucks computer to show a DTC (data trouble code). Make sure you keep the EGT (exhaust temp gauge) on the tuners screen so you can monitor the temps that will rise fast under full power. Temperatures can exceed Fords maximum limit quickly when climbing steep grades causing damage or failure to the turbocharger.

50

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

More Mileage

Q

As our Guru of Recreation vehicles, I would like your advice on how best to improve Motorhome mileage. I have a 2003, 24 foot Bigfoot, E450, with a Ford Triton 10 cylinder gas engine with lots of power, and presently get 9 mile/gallon at 80% highway drives [58 mph]. My choices to improve this mileage are 1-install a flow thru exhaust muffler and resonator, 2-change diff gears from 4.15 to 3.85, 3-increase the tire diameter maybe 10%, 4-install a secondary overdrive transmission.

I would like about a 3-year payback on the R&R costs if driving 10,000 miles per year. Some of these changes would require odometer corrections. What are your thoughts, pros, and cons of these choices? Or is there a computer chip changeover available?

Thanks, Jackson

A

Jackson, the Ford V10 is a great engine, however, it is not noted for good mileage.

First off, I don’t recommend the engine tuner in this case as the mileage gain would be minuscule and could throw the onboard computer off. It is a toss-up between the second transmission and the rear differential gear change both would give you the best mileage gain. The trans would be the most expensive but give you the option to have the lower gear for hill climbing. The rear differential change would be significantly cheaper and might be

sluggish on steep climbs depending on the severity of the grade. The mileage from changing the exhaust would be very slight unless you installed the Gale Banks Engineering Headers and Full Flow Exhaust System with a Banks Air Cleaner System.

Tire Safety

Q

We recently bought a brand new 35’ trailer and have become a little concerned with what we have heard about re. the tires that come standard on new RVs. Different knowledgeable RV folks have said they are so cheap as to not be safe!? Is this true? If so, what type of tires should we replace them with?

Thanks, Sandi Kushnir

A

Sandi, I hate to admit it but yes, as a way to save money, most of the trailers being shipped showroom ready are in fact equipped with inferior tires that I recommend changing immediately. My first choice is Maxxis ST (special trailer) in the same size and weight rating as your original tires. The Goodyear Endurance tires and Sailun brand tires come in second. The drawback for Maxxis is that they don’t offer a load range “G” tire.

Tire problems can ruin your vacation in a hurry and damage your trailer after a blowout. And don’t forget to swap out that spare!

Heavy Bed Solution

Q

I am writing this email for my wife who had a stroke almost a year ago. We have a Shamrock 21SS Hybrid travel trailer with fold out beds. Each bed can support 1100 pounds. The beds are supported by cables which are attached on the inside and come down when the bed platforms are opened. The problem is that my wife can no longer help me close the beds as the platforms are too heavy for one person to push back up to be closed. Is there a way to devise a pulley system or some other solution so that one person could close the bed platforms?

They are just too heavy for one person to close.

Thanks, Joel and Kathy

A

Joel and Kathy, I believe an electric system could be installed with a little ingenuity. Winnebago uses one in their motorhomes on the front bunk bed and toy haulers frequently use electric beds in the rear of the trailer to raise them above the equipment they haul. I have no doubt something can be adapted to fit your trailer.

Side To Side Leveling

Q

The first thing that I do when I receive my copy of TrailBlazer is open to your pages of advice. I have taken and used many of your suggestions and incorporated them into the use of our TT.

Your article in the Nov/Dec edition of TB concerning the overheating of refrigerators was an eye-opener.

I plan on getting the ARP unit asap as we live in Florida and can only guess at the temps that our unit experiences when summer arrives.

One question that I have is you mention a 5-6 o/o grade that could cause problems, assuming that to be back to front. Is there the same possible problem with a side-to-side out of grade?

We experienced this problem for the first time at TT, Orlando. Had to use all of our leveling blocks to get level just to be safe. TT/OC has great sites but some heavy equipment left some serious ruts for us to back through.

Michael Cole

A

Yes, side to side is almost as sensitive as back to front leveling. Think of this like the old glass coffee percolators, if they are tilted too far at any angle the percolation stops. The major difference is the damage that occurs to the cooling unit on absorption type refrigerators. The ARP Control prevents any damage and leaves a record of how many times the unit has shut down and you will know when it is in shut down mode as the frig will be off.

Keep in mind the ARP Control will shut off 5 times at 20-minute intervals before there is a permanent shut down which will happen if the cooling unit fails. Be sure to get the model with the cooling fans that will help mitigate shut down in hot weather. The ARP Control solves parking temporally

for lunch or a pit stop that presents leveling challenges. www.arprv.com Thank you, Hugo, this reply below is regarding the slide-out problem from a previous question from Dan. I hope this will help our readers as there are many slide-outs on the market with the Schwintek mechanism. “Sounds like he has a Schwintek system made by Lippert. We have two on our 2014 Jayco Pinnacle and Jayco/Lippert has replaced it 3 times and the latest is wearing out the same way. With us, it is the aluminum track being eaten by the misaligned steel pinion. A couple times, we did have problems with the computer not wanting to do the right thing, so I built a simple controller to use instead of the computer. It consists of a DPDT toggle switch to reverse the polarity of the 12vdc power and then a couple SPDT momentary toggle switches, one to control each motor. First, select the direction with the DPDT switch, then activate the other two and if one end gets ahead of the other, just let up on that momentary switch till the other end catches up. When the slide outs get all in or all out, you can ease home the end that is not in its proper place.

The little plugs in the exposed Schwintek wiring can be bought at a good electronics store so you can make up a harness and not cut any wires in the rig.� - Hugo Budzien

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

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

51

Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save On RV Sites & Rentals

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301

▲ Lake George Escape (NY)

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.

**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.

52

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Venture In (AZ)

Arizona

Arizona

$649

$1,049

3-Month Fall Special Valid at Araby Acres, Cactus Gardens, Capri, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Mesa Verde & Suni Sands

Call To Book

3-Month Seasonal Special Valid at Venture In

Call To Book Valid for stays 6/1/18 - 10/31/18. Book by 8/1/18.

Min stay 90 nights, max stay for 92 nights.

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 10/1/18 - 12/31/18. Book by 9/1/18.

Valid on standard RV sites. Promo code: TT1049VI

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

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

Arizona

Arizona

$949

$845

3-Month Fall Special

4-Month Fall Special

Valid at Paradise

Valid at Mesa Spirit

Call To Book

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 10/1/18 - 12/31/18. Book by 9/1/18.

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 9/1/18 - 12/31/18. Book by 9/1/18.

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

*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.

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

53

Member Deals

▲ Gulf View (FL)

Florida Arizona

$100 30% OFF OFF Monthly 3+ MonthStay Stay

Valid at all Florida Encore RV Resorts

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid until 4/30/19. Book by 12/31/18.

Min stay 90 nights, max stay 180 nights.

▲ Silver Dollar (F

L)

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

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

e Village

Lak ▲ Forest

(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.

54

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Harbor Lakes (FL)

Florida Arizona

Florida Arizona

30% OFF 20%

30% $399 OFF

Monthly Stay

One Monthly Month Stay Special

Valid at Forest Lake Village, Pasco, & Silver Dollar

Valid at Clerbrook, Gulf View, & Harbor Lakes

Call To Book

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 6/1/18 - 10/1/18. Book by 9/1/18.

Min stay 30 nights, max stay 31 nights.

Use Promo Code: TBFL20 *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 6/1/18 - 10/1/18. Book by 9/1/18.

Min stay 30 nights, max stay 31 nights. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Florida Arizona

30% $375 OFF One Month Special Monthly Stay at Toby’s Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 6/1/18 - 10/1/18. Book by 9/1/18.

Min stay 30 nights, max stay 31 nights.

▲ Pasco (FL)

*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.

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

55

Member Deals

▲ Victoria Palms (TX)

South Texas

South Texas

$1,249

$1,549

3-Month Seasonal Special

4-Month Seasonal Special

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

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

Call To Book

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 10/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book by 12/31/18.

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 10/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book by 12/31/18.

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

Min stay 120 nights, max stay for 122 nights. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

South Texas

South Texas

$1,899

$2,349

3-Month Seasonal Special

4-Month Seasonal Special

Valid at Victoria Palms

Valid at Victoria Palms

Call To Book

Call To Book

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 10/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book by 12/31/18.

Valid on standard RV sites.

Valid 10/1/18 - 4/30/19. Book by 12/31/18.

Min stay 90 nights, max stay for 92 nights.

Min stay 120 nights, max stay for 122 nights.

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

*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.

56

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

▲ Tropic Winds (TX)

South Texas

$314

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

Call To Book Valid 6/1/18 - 10/31/18.

Valid on standard RV sites. Book By 9/1/18.

Min stay 30 nights, max stay for 31 nights.

lms (TX)

▲ Alamo Pa

Use Promo Code: TB314

$699 One Month Cottage Rental Valid at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine, Tropic Winds and Victoria Palms.

Call To Book

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

Valid 6/1/18 - 10/31/18. Book By 9/1/18.

Min stay 30 nights, max stay for 31 nights.

Use Promo Code: TB699 *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.

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

57

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!

58

JUNE 2018 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.

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

59

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 65.

ACROSS 1 Military assistant 4 Television channel 7 Anglo-Saxon letter 10 Son of Ruth 11 Cheer 12 Christmas 14 Mast (2 words) 16 Middle Eastern abbess 17 Musical instrument (string) 18 Indian brass pot 20 Belonging to (suf.)

21 Saint (Sp.) 22 Russian news agency 24 Actor 27 Odeon 30 Venezuelan copper center 31 Papal court 32 Venetian resort 33 Proportionally assess 35 Musical direction 36 From (Scot.)

37 Profession

60

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

38 Summer (Fr.) 40 Make amends 42 Edible root 45 Ore deposit 47 Ploy 49 Monsignor (abbr.)

50 Adjective-forming (suf.)

51 Slavic Nurse 52 Partlet 53 Nat’l Security Agency (abbr.)

54 Flightless bird DOWN 1 Father: Arabic 2 Late 3 Central daylight time (abbr.)

4 Sing softly 5 Esth 6 Put into a scabbard 7 Last Queen of Spain 8 Maid 9 Blood (pref.)

10 Selling price equivocation

13 15 19 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 34 35 37 38 39 41 42 43 44 46 48

Swed. county Frisk Have (Scot.)

One of the Beatles Muslim prayer Father Arrival (abbr.)

Eaves (2 words) Part of golf course Gelderland city Sheep disease Hat Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.)

Weight allowance Squash Bug Tree Nonsense Giant killed by Apollo Irish writing Phil. island Candlenut tree Sea eagle Presidential nickname

Terms and Conditions for 2018 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

Dry Rub

• 3 tbsp. ground dry mustard • 3 tbsp. kosher salt • 1½ tbsp. brown • 2 tsp. pepper sugar • 2 tsp. paprika • ¼ tsp. cayenne

Carolina BBQ

Find The Evergreen Tree

Sauce

• ¼ lb. butter • ½ c. apple cider • 3 tbsp. lemon vinegar juice • 1½ tbsp.

Worcestershire • 1 tbsp. honey • 2 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. black pepper

Spicy Slaw

Directions

1. Mix all the bowl, using ingredients in a your up any lumps. fingers to break Pat the meat with paper dry towels, then the rub all sprinkle over, using your fingers to pat the spices into the meat.

2. Wrap the meat in plastic and refrigera wrap te for up to 24 hrs.

Directions

1. Once the butter is melted a sauce pan, in vinegar and stir in all but the bring to a simmer for boil. about 3 minutes Let Remove the . pan from the stir in the vinegar, allow heat, sauce to the cool.

Direct

• ½ c. apple ions cider vinegar • ½ c. distilled 1. In a medium white vinegar bowl, whisk together the • 2 tbsp. sugar vinegars, sauce, crushed sugar, • 2 tsp. hot pepper sauce red pepper, hot and pepper. salt • 1 tsp. crushed Add the cabbage and toss. red pepper • 1 tsp. salt Let &⅛ minutes, then stand for 30 • 1 red shredde tsp. pepper toss and serve. d cabbage

Celebrate National Barbecue Month with Trailblaz er!

Whether

it’s love or succ the sauce you meat, there ulent slow-cooked about barbe is so much to love we’re cook cue. This month, in’ up some recipes for favorite the ‘cue that definitely crowd pleas are ers.

BBQ Beans (12 in dutch

oven, for

Ingredients

2 – 3 hours)

• 1 c. dry pinto beans • 1 c. dry small red beans • 1 c. dry navy/white beans • 1 c. finely chopped onion • 3 cloves finely chopped garlic

Directions

• 2 tbsp. Dijon Mustard • Approx. ¼ cup pure maple syrup • 2 tbsp. molasse s • 1½ tsp. salt • 1 tsp. pepper fresh ground black • 1 – 2 tbsp.

BBQ powder/ powder chili

1. Clean and Cover with rinse the beans. Put a couple the beans of inches of water and in a large bowl.

2. Drain off the soaking soak overnigh and cover t. with a couple water. Put the beans simmering, into inches of put in chopped water. In the a large kettle on the stove last onion and for 1 and garlic. Easy ½ hour of are cooked. ½ hours at way: cook slow Or you can over coals. do this directly simmer till the beans in the dutch oven 3. Once the beans are you may need cooked and there is a and stir well. to add in more water, little liquid left, You don’t want to let add in the other ingredie 4. To get the beans nts a 325º degree dry out. and ring of oven, use coals a ring of coals 35 – 40 minutes on lid. Replace on the the coals ) to keep as necessa bottom level when ry (every you replace even cooking temp.

You want Check the the coals, saucy but and add water liquid not liquid beans about as necessa and definitely 5 hours to ry. not dry! Give cook. these

MAY 2018

TRAILBLAZER

An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue.

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

Amy Muller

of Waynesboro, PA found the tree on Page 49 of the May 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 June 14, 2018 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

49

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2018, you will receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2018, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2019, not to exceed $575 each.

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

The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2019. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between May 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card and you will not receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored.

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

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

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

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

JUNE 2018 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.

USA

A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City, Sevierville alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley affinityrv.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake, VA - Salem americanfamilyrv.com

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

Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com

Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale, Puyallup clearcreekrvcenter.com

B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me

Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com

Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com

Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com

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

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

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

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JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com Cunningham Campers, Inc. IN - Jeffersonville • cunninghamcampers.com Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft • curtistrailercenter.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com

Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com 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 General RV Center IL - Huntley MI - Brownstown, Mt. Clemens, Wayland, White Lake, Wixom OH - North Canton • generalrv.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington • haltermansrv.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com Krenek RV Super Center MI - Coloma • krenekrv.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach • lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com

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

Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com

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

Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com

Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com

San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com

Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com Paul Evert’s RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg WA - Fife, Milton, Mt. Vernon rvcountry.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com R.B. Taylor & Sons VA - Lynchburg • rbtaylorandsons.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) roadhousecamper.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net

Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com See Grins RV CA - Gilroy, San Martin • seegrins.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com Sky River RV CA - Buellton, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach skyriverrv.com Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.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

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

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com

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

Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com Tonie's RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Two locations in Ft. Worth vogtrv.com

Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

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

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

Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com

RV’s For Less

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com

Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com

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

Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com

RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com

Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca

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

RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net

CANADA

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden • westerntravelsales.com Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

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

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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y l l a It’s R ! e m i T Calendar

CLUB JUNE 2018

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

Bounders United (BUTTN)

Lewis and Clark TTN

TT Travelers Southern California

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

Jun. 14-18 ................ South Jetty, OR Jul. 16-20 ..................... Paradise, WA Mike May: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Mike May (360) 581-5512 or mmay914@comcast.net.

June 4-6 ................. Rancho Oso, CA July 9-11 .......................Pio Pico, CA We usually meet on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. In the morning we have coffee, snacks, socialize and play games. In the evening we have more fun with a potluck and card games. We are looking for more new members.

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

TT SINGLES Northwest June 22-24 ................... Paradise, WA July 27-29 ................ Pacific City, OR Aug. 24-26 ...........Mount Vernon, WA Sept. 28-30 ............... Cultus Lake, BC Oct. 26-28 ....................... Seaside, OR WagonMaster, Director Daphne Bailey (OR) Daphnebailey07@comcast.net, (503) 590-8566, Secretary Dorothy Michel (WA) (360) 941-3126, Djmichel48@gmail.com.

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JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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

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

TTN So Cal Weekenders Jun. 1-3 ..........................Pio Pico, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship. Email: ttnweekenders@gmail.com

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 60.

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 61.

Spring Sweet Spring Time to Adopt-A-Manatee

®

savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte

JUNE 2018 TRAILBLAZER

65

Look for this year's #100DaysofCamping rally towel when you visit your favorite Thousand Trails campground!

Join in on the Fun!

#100daysofcamping 2 018

SUMMER IS

HERE!

1 2 3 4

Get Out and Camp!

Take pictures on your camping trip.

Share your photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #100DaysofCamping.

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

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

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JUNE 2018 66

(844) 289-6231 ThousandTrails.com

TRAILBLAZER All events, times, and dates are subject to change. • Some events may require a participation fee.

geico.com

800-442-9253

Local Office

for your RV

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

GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2018 GEICO

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

LIVE

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

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

LOVE IT. ®

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WWW.SKYMED.COM

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