TrailBlazer Magazine - March 2016 by TrailBlazer Magazine

MARCH 2016

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$2.00

SOUTHERN BARBECUE TRAILS Get out the grill. Spring is around the corner!

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Miles ahead.™

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

VOL. 38

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WHAT’S INSIDE

ISSUE 2 /// MARCH 2016

lifestyle

7 Message from Marguerite 11 Tech Topics 20 National Park Service Centennial TrailMix: Appalachian Scenic Trail 24 I Knew I Was A TrailBlazer 48 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer?

features

50 Ask RV Bill

30 South Carolina BBQ Trail & More Southern Trails

59 4 Paws on the Road 60 On Location

calendars

Whether you spell it barbecue, barbeque, BBQ, or simply Q or ‘cue, South Carolina offers more diversity when it comes to barbecue than any other state in the nation. From the various meats and sauces to tasty restaurants and award-winning pit masters, the Palmetto State is right on ‘cue.

12 On-Site Events 16 Local Events 18 Encore Events 62 Club Calendar

spotlight

regulars

26 Roadtrek Zion Review

52 Member Deals

With the introduction of its innovative 2015 Euro-hybrid Zion model, Roadtrek looks certain to pad its lead as North America’s top-selling Class B brand.

58 Crossword Puzzle 63 Sudoku Puzzle

42 On the Road GAC’s Flippin’ RVs Justin and Anna Scribner turned a hobby of restoring travel trailers into a business and established Flyte Camp which is now featured on the Great American Country Channel’s show Flippin’ RVs.

▲ Front Cover, Jim’N Nick’s BBQ Photo courtesy of Angie Mosier MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Birds of a feather YOU receive a $25 Visa速 PrePaid Card when your referral purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

lus!

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2016 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

Free Dues for 2017 10 Winners Selected

($4,000 value)

($2,000 value)

(Up to $545 value)

(888) 808-8925

or visit THOUSANDTRAILS.COM 4

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

*Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on page 64 of this magazine.

camp together! Congratulations to our

2015 Referral Winners! GRAND PRIZE

Harry S. Mills

SECOND PRIZE

Dwight D. Sprouse

Portland, OR

Gladys, VA

THIRD PRIZE: Johnny Lee Boren - Lavon, TX

Gregory Hagerty - Friendswood, TX

Raymond Turski - Kissimmee, FL

Cindy Pierce - Milan, IN

Matthew Hintz - Kingston, NY

Herminia Gonzalez - Sun City, CA

Robert Brounty - Stanwood, WA

Jerry Biggam - Longview, TX

Kenneth Grenier - Crestview, FL

Jacqueline Baldwin - Jamul, CA

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

▼ Tulip farm in Oregon

MESSAGE from MARGUERITE With Spring in full bloom in many parts of the country, our thoughts and plans turn to camping. What favorite destination is on our “must see list” this season? What new memories will be made? Who will I be camping with this year? And possibly the most important question of all, how many more days until my first trip? Whether you consider yourself a planner or someone who is not sure where the next adventure will take you, I encourage you to make an effort to dream ahead. This will help you get the most out of this camping season, and will get you a few steps closer to checking off those items on your camping trip bucket list. Make the dream of hiking through the trails of Leavenworth a reality. Gather up your camping crew and finally check off that family outdoor reunion at Hershey. The RV lifestyle is more popular than ever before and our locations are in some of the top vacation destinations. Dreaming ahead can help you secure your spot and create lifelong outdoor memories. Plus, there are 100 days in the summer season and you owe it to yourself to take advantage of them!

I am pleased to share with you that once again this season we will be featuring our #100DaysofCamping campaign. A countdown to the summer season of fun has already begun and we are all looking forward to seeing all of your great photos. We loved the generational photos from last year, and couldn’t believe how much fun everyone was having for the full season. Believe us, we’re counting down the days to the #100DaysofCamping with you! So, start planning now to make sure you don’t miss out on a single day of the campaign. Take the time to make those camp dreams of yours a reality. We can’t wait to see you – we’re in the final countdown.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

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

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 www.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

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

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

Canada: 228-497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST September 1 to March 31 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST

VISIT WWW.THOUSANDTRAILS.COM STARS AUTOMATED RESERVATIONS

800-859-STAR (7827)

ENCORE RESERVATIONS 877-570-2267

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

▲ Forest Lake (NC): View across the lake. – Mark Mulgrew

PICS FROM THE PARKS

▲ Pacific City (OR): Overlooking the Tillmook coast. – Priscilla Robinson

▲ Lake of the Springs (CA): Upclose with a deer. – Norman Froggatt

▲ Horseshoe Lake (IN): Daughter looking over the quiet lake. – Michelle Riley MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winners,

Mr. and Mrs. Hanson from Houston, TX were camping at Colorado River, TX when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

Mr. & Mrs. Hanson with the manager, Marty Scoggins

Lucky winners,

Mr. and Mrs. Goodvin from Livingston, TX were

camping at Medina Lake, TX when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card! Mr. & Mrs. Goodvin with manager, Paty Gracia

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 Visa® Prepaid Gift Card

To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2016 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve. When you pay your annual dues for 2016 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 Visa® Prepaid gift card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2016. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2016, 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 preserve. 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, 2016. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

TECH

TOP CS

RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! by Paul and Kerri Elders Spring has sprung and RVers everywhere are chomping at the bit to hit the road to Adventure! Before you go, take a few minutes to get your rig road ready. Here are some quick tips to make it a breeze:

Vacuum and dust inside if needed, clean the windshield, inside and out. Replace your wiper blades. It’s also a great idea to take a minute or two to clean your headlight lenses. Just use a simple window cleaner and some paper towels. It’s best to spray the cleaner onto the paper towel, then wipe, to avoid chemical overspray on your paint job. Dry and polish with a clean paper towel or soft cloth; an old clean sock works great for this task.

Make sure your rig is stocked with all necessary blackwater and graywater chemicals, bathroom tissue, and paper towels. Don’t forget your dishes, glasses, cups, and silverware. Pack your freshwater drinking hose and a pair of channel lock pliers to help with any overtightened hose connections. Verify that fire extinguishers are in place and ready to go. Pack a first aid kit and tuck a written list of Emergency Contacts and phone numbers (doctor, pharmacy, kids, etc.) in your glovebox, just in case.

Include basic tools for your utility bay toolkit: an extra flashlight & batteries, a multitool or Swiss Army knife, a hammer, an adjustable wrench, pliers, a sturdy four-in-one screwdriver, a tape measure, a caulking gun with a tube of silicone caulking, duct tape, electrical tape, masking tape, tie-wraps, lubricant (such as WD-40), and some Super Glue. Less is more, so try to pick tools and accessories that can serve double duty. Be sure you have a good quality spare tire, a tire gauge, a lug wrench, and a jack on board.

Take a few minutes to thoroughly check out the outside of the rig. Visually inspect the suspension components, including shock absorbers, as well as all hoses, fuel lines, electrical wiring, and belts. Inspect your exterior grill covers and use a stiff brush to clear away bugs and debris to help improve airflow around the engine, which is especially essential for future warm weather highway travel.

Check oil and filters (fuel filter, oil filter, and air filter) and change as needed. Check all other fluid levels: this means brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and engine coolant. Top off any fluids that are low as you find them. Conventional engine coolant should be drained, flushed, and replaced every other year. Long-life coolant should be replaced about every five years, unless it has been mixed with conventional coolant. If so, it’s best to stick to the every other year routine. Remember to check the fluid level of your batteries (coach batteries and chassis batteries) and charge as needed. Inspect and run your generator. Do a checkup of your rig’s signal lights, headlights, and brake lights. Check interior 12 volt lighting, exterior lighting, and your compartment lights. Tuck a few extra bulbs and fuses of various sizes into the glove box for future emergencies. Check and replace the batteries in your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, alarm clock and other battery-operated appliances. Don’t forget to pack the right charging cords for all your electronic devices (smart phone, laptop, etc.). Check out your towbar and towing connections and remember to inspect and grease your fifth wheel hookup, if applicable.

Inspect your dump valves, making sure the slide mechanisms operate smoothly and seal completely when closed. Carefully check the propane heater vents and hot water heater vent (usually on the side of the rig) and the blackwater venting system (usually on the roof) for animal/bird nests or debris (only if you can do so safely). Check the operation of your basement storage compartments, and grease with a light oil, if necessary. After verifying that you have adequate clearance on all sides, inspect your slideout rooms for proper operation. If needed, lubricate the slideout mechanisms by carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Take the time to thoroughly inspect your tires. Look for cuts or other visible damage on your treads and sidewalls and inspect for sun damage (dry rot). Replace if needed. Inflate tires to the proper pressure. Check treads for uneven wear, which can indicate a possible alignment or wheel balance problem. It’s a good idea to have your RV’s brakes checked by a qualified technician at the beginning of the travel season. The condition of the brake linings and brake magnet should be checked annually for wear and heat damage.

Address any serious mechanical issues you may find during your inspection by letting your favorite RV mechanic or RV service center fix the problem BEFORE you hit the road. Now that you’ve properly prepped your rig, it’s time to fill the propane bottles, stock the fridge, fill your tank with fuel, and get ready to roll on down the highway. Happy trails!

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

ACTIVITIES

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

MARCH events Easter Celebrations at Thousand Trails! It’s a Hippity Hoppity Easter at our parks! Join the giant Easter egg hunt on the North Lawn at Pio Pico (CA) the weekend of March 25-27 because the Easter Bunny and Easter Bunny Jr. will be joining in on the festivities! Or have a hopping good time at San Benito (CA) the same weekend for a bike parade, egg dying, and egg hunt. It’s an Eggstro Special Weekend at Scotrun (PA) March 25-27 to decorate eggs and have an egg hunt! And at Turtle Beach (CA) bring the kids and grandkids to the Annual Egg Hunt on March 27 at 10am followed by candy bar BINGO in the lodge!

Spring Break Take a break at Thousand Trails this March! It’s no school or books the week of March 14-18 at Medina Lake (TX) where they will have crafts, games, and food to keep the kids smiling and having fun. Sign up now for the Wine and Cheese Tasting at Lake Whitney (TX) on March 12. It is Oregon Spring Break from March 19-27 at Whaler’s Rest (OR) and they will be having “out of this world” fun with loads of activities and games all week long. Or spend your Spring Break at Bay Landing (TX) where they will be playing games like frisbee golf and flag football, and will host a pet show to show your pets how special they are to us!

Family Movie Night Curl up for a movie with your family and friends. March 25 is family movie night at Wilderness Lakes (CA) plus enjoy a free snack! During Easter weekend from March 26-27, hop on over to Long Beach (CA) for some exciting Easter fun and enjoy a screening of HOP after the Easter egg hunt! It’s going to be an egg-citing weekend. The folks at Palm Springs (CA) will also be showing movies the same weekend.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Just Dance Come boogie down this spring! The week of March 13-17 is the Annual Line Dance Rally at Wilderness Lakes (CA). Register and learn some dance moves before the final dance on March 17. Wear green and join the folks at Palm Springs (CA) for some Irish songs and dancing featuring Richard & Mary on March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day weekend! Dj Sonja will make an appearance at Lake & Shore (NJ) on the weekend of March 25-27 and there will be a “Sock Hop” Dance at Orlando (FL) on March 25th. Dress up in your 50’s clothes and let’s dance ’til we drop.

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Get into the Irish spirit this St. Patrick’s Day. Get together with the folks at Three Flags (FL) on March 17 for a potluck meal. Don’t forget to wear green! Join the traditional St. Patrick’s Potluck at Peace River (FL) and remember to practice your billiards skills for Saturday’s Third Annual St. Patrick’s Billiards Tournament! Bring your appetite and wear a wee bit o’green for the St. Patrick’s Day Potluck at Turtle Beach Fish Camp (CA) and a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage will be served in the lodge. Don’t forget about the leprechaun hunt at Medina Lake (TX) on March 19 and enjoy the end of spring break “lock-in” with pizza, popcorn, movies and games all night!

Some events may require a participation fee.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – On-Site

Potlucks Join in on the delicious fun!

Friendly & Fun Competition Enjoy some good old fashioned friendly competition this Spring. It’s Family Field Day on March 12 at Medina Lake (TX)! It will be an afternoon of three legged races, sack races, egg toss games, followed by karaoke in the evening. The weekend of March 11-13 you’ll want a bit-o-the-Irish luck for the RC Boat Races at Lake Minden (CA)! It’s that time of year again and there will be a variety of green themed activities. Make sure to sign up early for Lake Minden’s famous Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. There’s no time to waste at Scotrun (PA) who encourage you to do some spring skiing the weekend of March 4-6! Also remember to come back to Scotrun (PA) for the 32nd Annual Costume Carnival Day at Shawnee Mountain where every costumed skiier gets a free lift ticket, the weekend of March 18-20.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Come purchase and grill your own steak at Medina Lake (TX) on March 5 and they will provide baked potatoes and salad. Who doesn’t love a yummy dessert potluck and fresh coffee in the afternoon? Members are invited to join us at Three Flags (FL) on March 26 and sample their neighbor’s dessert creations. Don’t forget to bring your favorite dessert to share! There will be a St. Patty’s Day Welcome Back Potluck Supper at Chesapeake Bay (VA) on the weekend of March 18 -20. Be sure to dress in green! Better yet, wear a kilt and dance a jig to music provided by our special guests, Steve Wagner and the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band!

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Special Crafts & Easter Egg Dyeing Creative activities for the whole family! Get “Craft-tastic” with the folks at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of March 16-20 Children and adults will enjoy a variety of new and exciting crafting projects as we explore repurposing old and broken jewelry keys, and other interesting small objects. Hop on down the bunny trail to La Conner (WA) for a spectacular weekend from March 26-27. There will be egg dying, crafts, an Easter egg hunt for all the kids, great food and lots more. Join us on March 26 at the community center at Carolina Landing (SC) located at the front office for arts and crafts. We will be making an Easter decoration to take home.

Easter Egg Hunts Some of these egg hunts are larger than life! The Easter festivities at Chehalis (WA) from March 26-27 include an Easter Egg Hunt 500, Party & Potluck! The Easter bunny and helpers will be hiding more than 500 eggs! Find the gold and silver eggs for a special prize. Bring your favorite dish to the potluck and Easter Ham will be provided. Lake Minden (CA) will host the very popular Annual Easter Egg Potluck Dinner Social the weekend of March 25-27, plus a bunny scavenger hunt and paddle boat races. And weather permitting, there will be a bike parade and annual Easter egg hunt at Cultus Lake (BC) the weekend of March 25.

Live Performances & Special Guests Don’t miss these super fun live performances. Make your own lei’s, play games and enjoy some Hawaii Hullabaloo fun at Peace River (FL) the weekend of March 5-6. The following week on March 12-13, the Wever/Believers will entertain us with their high energy show also at Peace River (FL)! Cowboy Jack is back at Palm Springs (CA) on March 12 for a night of vintage country tunes and stories. Enjoy a fun night of music, stories and laughter with Lou Renshaw on March 4 at Orlando (FL). Some events may require a participation fee.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

CALENDAR events

CHEHALIS (WA)

DIAMOND CAVERNS (KY)

LA CONNER (WA)

Mar. 26 SpringFling Easter Egg Hunt The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce holds their annual Easter egg hunt in downtown Chehalis. It’s fun for the whole family! chamberway.com/events-calendar/

Resumes on Mar. 26 My Old Kentucky Dinner Train’s Murder Mystery This fun filled excursion will include a two and a half hour train ride through the Kentucky countryside. A four course meal and murder mystery theatre production included in admission.All excursions begin at 5pm at the Train Depot on 602 N. Third St. This event resumes on March 26, check website for details on reservations. kydinnertrain.com

Jan. 6 - Mar. 27 La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum: A Stitch Here, A Stitch There - Crazy Quilts Come see crazy quilts, a fad started around the 1880s when American quilters were creating highly embellished quilts. laconnerquilts.org

CULTUS LAKE (BC) Mar. 4-6 Fraser Valley Women’s Expo Admission for the Fraser Valley Women’s Expo is $7 to experience over 200 exhibits plus free samples, entertainment, free makeovers, fashion shows, workshops, cooking theatre demos, wine sampling, career resources, health and wellness advice, etc…for the ultimate girl’s day out. fraservalleywomensexpo.com Mar. 19-20 Historical Arms and Antique Show The 44th Annual 2 Day show features vendors and enthusiasts of antique guns, knives, and other “militaria.” hacsbc.ca 16

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Resumes in March Kentucky Railway Museum’s Easter Eggspress The Easter Bunny will be on board the special Easter Eggspress. Adults $20, Children 2-12 $15, Children under 2 are free. kentuckytourism.com

Mar. 11 McIntyre Hall Presents: A Man’s Requiem The KIM Yong Chul SEOP Dance Company of South Korea brings both traditional and contemporary Korean dance techniques to present the thought-provoking, powerful story,“A Man’s Requiem.” The performance will be followed by audience discussion. Reserved seating is $30; boxed seating $40. mcintyrehall.org Mar. 19 La Conner Daffodil Festival 2016 Hosted by The La Conner Kiwanis Club to celebrate their 101st anniversary. There is also a photo contest and La Conner boy scouts will be selling daffodils around La Conner all month long. lovelaconner.com

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

IDYLLWILD (CA)

Mar. 17 Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: “Somewhere in Time” Toe-tapping Irish melodies along with gypsy ballads and ancient airs and inspirations make this an exciting concert. Tickets are $42 in advance, $45 at the door, $15 for students. floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com

March 16-20 Taste of Solvang Food & Wine Destination Weekend The 24th annual multi-day event will include an amplified and updated schedule of offerings geared towards both visitors and locals, encouraging attendees to embark on a culinary journey through Solvang, where wine country meets ‘dine country’. solvangusa.com

» Local Highlight Mar. 17 Downtown Leesburg BBQ, Blues & Brew The area’s best backyard BBQ competitors will dish out their favorite pork and chicken recipes for you to sample! All you can eat is open to the public and is $10 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under. leesburgdowntown.com

FOREST LAKE (NC)

SOUTH JETTY (OR) Mar. 4-6 20th Annual Florence Home & Garden Show Check out over 40 booths from local and regional vendors who will show you what’s new for sprucing up your home! From creative landscaping ideas to appliances and home improvement materials. eventcenter.org

Mar. 5 28th Annual Shamrock 5K & 10K Run and Walk The 28th Annual Shamrock Run and Walk 5K & 10K goes through the heart of Mocksville, North Carolina. Every year this event aims to help local charities and the Davie County community. This year’s run/ walk supports The Dragonfly House. shamrockrunnc.com Mar. 18 Wine-Down Friday Night w/ Stewart Coley Wine down your work week with delicious wine while listening to Stewart Coley. Bring your lawn chair and some cheese and crackers, buy one of your favorite Weathervane wines to enjoy under the stars! weathervanewinery.com

Activities and Events – Local

ORLANDO (FL)

Mar. 19 Beaufort Twilight Run 2016 Come run through Habersham, one of the southeast’s most beautiful communities, in The Lowcoutry’s annual running festival. From a kids fun run, all the way up to the half marathon challenge, there are a variety of race distances and levels to choose from. beauforttwilightrun.com

TIMOTHY LAKE (PA) Mar. 20 Costume Carnival Day Anyone who shows up in a full costume will receive a free lift ticket at Shawnee Ski Resort. Judging for prizes will be done at 1 pm. shawneemt.com/events-activities

BAY LANDING (TX) Mar. 4 Cody Jinks in Concert Check online for ticket information, doors open at 6pm. billybobstexas.com Mar. 12 Teri Clark in Concert Check online for ticket information, doors open at 6pm. billybobstexas.com

OAKS AT SOUTH POINT (SC) Mar. 17-19 St. Patrick’s Day at River Street The St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on River Street is the Savannah Waterfront Association’s largest event of the year. There will be live entertainment, games, prizes, tents and goods, plus food and drink specials of all kinds from local restaurants and bars. riverstreetsvannah.com

Some events may require a participation fee.

Mar. 26 Clay Walker in Concert Check online for ticket information, doors open at 6pm. billybobstexas.com Mar. 31 - Apr. 3 Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival The annual festival showcases local talents and other guests during a Texas sized four-day festival. fortworthfoodandwinefestival.com

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Encore Activities and Events

Don’t miss these exciting Encore concerts and events scheduled in 2016.

ARIZONA

Countryside RV Resort (Apache Junction) Mar 1, 2016...................... Brad Fitch Concert Mar 5, 2016...................... Old Time Rock & Roll Dance Mar 8, 2016...................... Gomer & Patsy Comedy and Music all in One Great Show Mar 12, 2016.................... Midnight Moon Dance Mar 15, 2016.................... Dave & Daphne Concert Mar 19, 2016.................... The Breeze Dance Mar 26, 2016.................... Rockafella Dance Paradise RV Resort (Sun City) ▲ Playing Darts at Country Sunshine RV Resort

TEXAS

Country Sunshine RV Resort(Weslaco)

Mar 5, 2016...................... Garage Sale Mar 11, 2016.................... Friendly Shuffle Mar 12, 2016.................... Anderson Brunch Mar 17, 2016.................... St. Patrick’s Day

Southern Comfort RV Resort (Weslaco) Mar 5, 2016...................... Bocci Ball Tournament Mar 8, 2016...................... Craft Show Mar 12, 2016.................... Horse Races Mar 17, 2016.................... St. Patrick’s Day Mar 19, 2016.................... Golf Party

Mar 7, 2016...................... Cory McClosky’s Love Boat Mar 8, 2016...................... Van Branham at the Gazebo Mar 9, 2016...................... Choral-aires Concert Mar 10, 2016.................... The Breeze at the Gazebo Mar 12, 2016.................... Encore’s “Farewell” Dance Mar 14, 2016.................... Chance Tinder as Elvis Mar 17, 2016.................... St. Paddy’s Community-wide celebration! Mar 18, 2016.................... Johnny Cash Tribute Concert Mar 21, 2016.................... West Valley Pops Concert for food donations Mar 24, 2016.................... Nashville Show Concert

Mesa Spirit RV Resort (Mesa)

Mar 3, 2016...................... The Broadway Concerts Show Mar 4, 2016...................... Dance with Johnny K & Kompany Mar 10, 2016.................... ABBAFab! Show

Tropic Winds RV Resort (Harlingen)

Mar 3, 2016...................... Diego Dance Mar 5, 2016...................... Denim & Diamonds Show Mar 17, 2016.................... St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance

Sunshine RV Resort (Harlingen) Mar 6, 2016...................... Laughing Bird Show Mar 10, 2016.................... Ladies’ Luncheon w/ Jason Mar 11, 2016.................... Encore – “The Tokens” Mar 14, 2016.................... Volunteer Appreciation Mar 17, 2016.................... St. Patrick’s Day Party Mar 18, 2016.................... Fish Fry w/ Claude & Rio Duo Mar 23, 2016.................... Farewell Dinner ▲ A day at the Mesa Spirit pool

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Encore Activities and Events

Visit RVontheGo.com for details.

▲ Shuffleboard court at Terra Ceia RV Resort

▲ After a bike ride in Royal Coachman

Golden Sun RV Resort (Apache Junction) Mar 17, 2016.................... St Patty’s Day Dance Mar 25, 2016.................... Last Hurrah Pool Party Mar 27, 2016.................... Easter Activities May 8, 2016..................... Mother’s Day May 28, 2016................... Memorial Day Weekend June 11, 2016................... Welcome Back! June 18, 2016................... Father’s Day

Southern Palms (Eustis) Mar 5, 2016...................... Community Yard Sale Mar 14, 2016.................... Comedy & Magic Show Mar 16, 2016.................... Egg Drop Breakfast Mar 19, 2016.................... Luau / Relay for Life Party Mar 23, 2016.................... Casino Night Mar 27, 2016.................... Easter Potluck Lunch Mar 30, 2016.................... VIP Party

Voyager RV Resort

Terra Ceia RV Resort (Palmetto)

FLORIDA

Royal Coachman (Nokomis) Mar 1, 2016...................... New England Dinner Mar 5, 2016...................... Craft Show Mar 2, 2016...................... Clubhouse Picnic with Wan-NaBes Mar 8, 2016...................... Michigan Dinner Mar 10, 2016.................... Atlantic City Boys Concert Series Mar 13, 2016.................... Pool Party with David Daviski Mar 18, 2016.................... Canada Day Picnic Mar 19, 2016.................... Car Show / RCR Concert / Craft Show Mar 22, 2016.................... Volunteer Luncheon Apr 1, 2016...................... Season’s Last Dance Apr 2, 2016...................... Craft Show Apr 5, 2016...................... Birthday/Anniversary Party

Mar 2, 2016...................... Voyager Show & Tell Mar 5, 2016...................... Tom Chestnut Dance Mar 9, 2016...................... Market Daze Craft Show/Sale Mar 10, 2016.................... Voyager Light Opera Company performing “Oklahoma” Mar 14, 2016.................... Voyager Barbershop Concert Mar 16, 2016.................... Volunteer Appreciation Picnic Mar 18, 2016.................... Season End Party Mar 23, 2016.................... Market Daze Craft Show/Sale Mar 31, 2016.................... Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Apr 1, 2016...................... Reminiscence Dance Apr 2, 2016...................... Southwest Native American Flute Festival Apr 3, 2016...................... Line Dance Party Apr 13, 2016.................... Mary’s Spaghetti Dinner

Harbor Lakes (Port Charlotte)

Mar 4-5, 2016.................. Super Variety Show Mar 12, 2016.................... St. Patrick Dinner/Dance Mar 23, 2016.................... Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Mar 27, 2016.................... Easter Potluck Apr 2, 2016...................... Block Party Apr 9, 2016...................... Pool Party with Live Music

Mar 5, 2016...................... Spud Dinner Mar 11, 2016.................... Las Vegas Dinner Show Mar 15, 2016.................... St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Mar 16, 2016.................... Resort Picnic Mar 18, 2016.................... Golf Banquet Mar 19, 2016.................... Sneeky Pete Show Mar 25, 2016.................... Going Away Dinner Mar 25, 2016.................... Kid’s Easter Party Mar 26, 2016.................... Oldie’s Dance Mar 27, 2016.................... Easter Dinner

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

TrailMix

APPALACHIAN TRAIL The Trailblazer Magazine Trailmix series is featuring a different National Historic Trail each month in 2016 to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service. This month, we explore the famous Appalachian Trail. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;ATâ&#x20AC;? (Appalachian Trail) which spans approximately 2,185 miles through 14 states and is the longest public hiking trail in the world, is also a part of the triple crown of thru hikes, the other two are the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide. by Annie Berman

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▲ Amicalola Falls, GA Photo courtesy of Mike Boening Photography MARCH TRAILBLAZER MARCH 2016 2016 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Afternoon hike on the Gooch Gap Trail, GA Photo courtesy of JRP ▲ McAfee Knob, VA Photo courtesy of Gronkca

very year, thousands of hikers attempt to hike the entirety of the AT, but only about one in four make it to the end. Bill Bryson describes the AT’s magnetic energy in his bestselling book, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail: “A significant fraction of thru-hikers reach Katahdin, then turn around and start back to Georgia. They just can’t stop walking, which kind of makes you wonder.” Day hikes are a popular way to see some of the most famous sections of the Appalachian Trail. Make sure that you always check weather conditions before heading out on the trails and be prepared to wear proper footwear, bring water, and wear layers. Your local Appalachian Trail Conservancy chapter offers group hikes for beginners to learn all about skills needed for overnight or thru hiking. This month, we will take you on just a couple of special day hikes that are frequented by AT thru-hikers and that are located a short distance from Thousand Trails campgrounds.

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Pennsylvania North Carolina Thousand Trails Green Mountain Campground is located about two hours east of the town of Hot Springs, NC. Encore’s Scenic RV Campground in Asheville, NC is only an hour from Hot Springs, NC. Some who are thru-hiking the AT don’t even realize that this section of the marked trail goes through the town of Hot Springs. Take an official one hour, historyrich tour of Hot Springs, NC to learn all about this remarkable little town. It is the first town that northbound hikers will encounter. Once you’ve learned all about Hot Springs, drive on over to explore the Max Patch Trail, a short 1.42 mile loop that offers 360 degree views across Tennessee and North Carolina at the summit. Be sure to bring warm layers including hats and gloves.

Find yourself in Pennsylvania at the Thousand Trails Gettysburg RV Campground? You are only an hour away from the popular AT trail from Pen Mar County Park to Old Forge in Maryland. This 7 mile day hike will take about 5 hours to complete and moves hikers across state lines from Pennsylvania to Maryland. Expect to feel like you’ve done a substantial workout after completing a day-hike on this trail as there is about 2200 feet of elevation change. Whether you call it a day after a couple of miles or decide to continue on to the vista you will start this trail in the same place in Pen Mar County Park. The first half-mile of this trail leads you through a wooded area that used to be an amusement park that attracted summer vacationers from Washington D.C., New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. You will also see a pavilion which is a space that still hosts dances and concerts in the summertime. Continue on this well-marked trail among the oak and maple trees, and you’ll also spot a sign marking the Mason-Dixon line.

New York

▲ PA Waterfall Photo courtesy of Steve Byrne Upon reaching the 0.5 mile mark, you will come upon the two prongs of Falls Creek. Be careful here as the wood footbridge can get extremely slippery in the rain or if wet. There is an early exit after ascending Mt. Dunlop at the 2.5 mile mark that leads you back to PA 16. You will know you are close to this first exit by the sounds of cars going by on PA 16, a very busy road, so be very careful when crossing! For many thru-hikers, a true milestone of the Appalachian Trail is the midpoint marker, which is located in the Grove Furnace State Park and is also in Pennsylvania. Some hikers say that even though day hikers have

not felt the same fatigue or exhaustion that comes with thru-hiking, there is still a special energy that surrounds this part of the trail. The day hiking trail here is referred to as the Grove Furnace State Park to Sheet Iron Road. The park is located about 40 minutes from the Thousand Trails Gettysburg RV Campground. Located within the park is the Appalachian Trail Museum, which has exhibits commemorating the thousands of hikers who have braved the AT and the Appalachian Trail builders. This is a great place to learn about the AT’s history and also honor those who are in the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame!

The New York section of the Appalachian Trail has the least amount of elevation change, which means there are a lot of family friendly and dog friendly trails to check out in the Empire State. One of the lowest elevation levels of the AT is at the Bear Mountain Zoo, which only reaches 124 ft. If you find yourself at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley RV Campground in Accord, NY, you will only be one hour from Bear Mountain. “Anthony’s Nose” is an easy 2.5 miles out and back. With an elevation of approximately 700 feet is a great introduction for New Yorkers looking to hike a portion of the AT.

▲ The Summit of Mount Katahdin, ME Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Stylos MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

I KNEW I WAS A

TrailBlazer

just recently heard about it. It seemed like the perfect fit for what we wanted to do. TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories? KH: My fondest memory is Misty catching her first fish. We were on our maiden voyage in Thor the Viking, at Wilderness Lakes TT. I knew I better catch a fish so that I could show Misty I was every bit of that great angler I talked myself into thinking I was. So, after giving me an hour or so head start, Misty steps up and catches the only fish of the day. It was incredible! MJ: My fondest memory was being trapped inside the easy up one night, while a skunk sat at the door and enjoyed a bowl of dog food I had left out. He was so close, I could have reached out and touched him. It was terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. I felt so grateful that I got to sit so close while he filled his belly. That also happened at Wilderness Lakes TT!

his month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Misty Jackson and Kirk Houser. Misty and Kirk are both military veterans who decided it was time to see their country. They purchased an RV and jumped in headfirst, becoming fulltimers in June of 2015.

TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began! MJ: We are both new to the whole camping experience. We have both been camping before, but neither one of us has ever owned an RV, so this is the first time we’ve camped on this level. We started out, full time, in June of this year. It was just something we both wanted to do. We were living a pretty sedentary lifestyle, in an apartment, in a city we didn’t care for. We started looking at our options, and decided a lifestyle of constant camping was exactly what we needed to get away

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

from what we hated so much. We chose this lifestyle because we are both pretty nomadic at heart. Plus, we are both military veterans and neither of us has seen this country! Now we have a chance to do it while we are still young enough to enjoy it all. Our friends and family called us crazy. One even asked why we would choose to be homeless. Luckily they get it now, thanks to social networking. TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? MJ: Kirk and I both have friends who are members. I’d known about Thousand Trails for years. He had

TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories? MJ: Believe it or not, it involves the same skunk, the next night, same time, same place. Let’s just say there was a screaming man and some potty mouth involved. TB: What type of camper are you/ what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why? (ex: fifth wheel, RV, tent, cabins, etc.) MJ: We started out, full time with a pop-up tent trailer and an easy up. It seems every RV salesman we talked to shared a story about starting out in them, so, it seemed like a good idea. We paid $650 for it. We called him Thor the Viking. Two adults and two dogs. Full time. It was fun while it lasted. But we have Roxy, now. She is a 25 ft travel trailer. Of course the easy up goes with us always.

▲ Tree carving at Manassas Battlefield, VA

TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership? MJ: The first three months, we stayed close to family in California while we got our feet wet. We are currently on the road doing something we would never have done without our TT membership. We are taking a tour across the US to spend Veteran’s Day in Washington D.C. We are both veterans. Kirk is a Soldier. I am a Marine. Neither one of us have seen this country, so we thought it would be pretty neat to attend some functions in D.C. TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle? MJ: Our favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle is the peace, the quiet, the scenery, the people, and knowing we can very easily change it up whenever we need something new. TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when...

▲ Kirk’s big catch in Arly, AL

“

I realized that I am finally living the American Dream. Nature is my white picket fence!

”

- Misty Jackson

KH: I knew I was a Trailblazer when I was finally able to laugh in the faces of those that called me crazy. MJ: I realized that I am finally living my idea of the American Dream. Nature is my white picket fence! ▲ Pups Wally and Carlos on the Cougar Trail MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Roadtrek Zion Review

With the introduction of its innovative 2015 Euro-hybrid Zion model, Canadian camper van specialist Roadtrek looks certain to pad its lead as North America’s top-selling Class B brand.

he new Zion is built on the Ram ProMaster platform, utilizing Chrysler V-6 power and the classic Fiat Ducato van chassis, and it marks a promising addition to the company’s popular lineup of Chevrolet and Mercedes Sprinter-based Class B motorhomes. Roadtrek (formerly Home & Park Vehicles) has pioneered the development of the camper van concept since its founding in Kitchener, Ontario in 1974 and its decades of experience are clearly evident in a number of cutting-edge design refinements to the basic Ram ProMaster. Eager to get a first-hand feel for Roadtrek’s latest creation, my partner Melinda and I arranged a test drive of a new Zion last July, putting it through its paces during a four-day trip along New Brunswick’s Acadian Coast. by Dave G. Houser

SPECS starting at $87,906 USD Seating cap.: 5 Sleeping cap.: 3 Length: 20’ 11” Height: 9’ 5” 3.6L/V6 Front Wheel Drive Engine Easily accessible hookups Abundance of interior storage Other features: • 110 V/2.8kw • 12’ retractable power awning • 5.0 cu. ft. fridge • interior shower • solar panels

First impressions are always important, and we were struck from the start by a number of Zion’s features revealed during our introduction to the vehicle at Roadtrek’s Moncton, NB dealership. Notable in particular is the ingenious state-of-the-art electrical systems and the way applications have been integrated into the design of the Zion to increase efficiency, convenience and passenger comfort. A prime example is Zion’s optional variation of Roadtrek’s E-trek package as incorporated in some of its Mercedes Sprinter models. The Zion system includes a robust 400 AMP AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery wired to a 3,000-watt inverter/charger, a 200-watt solar charging system (the panel is roofmounted), and a 3,500-watt under the hood electric engine-driven generator. What all of this tech-talk means is that this system has the ability to keep the rooftop air conditioner, refrigerator and microwave powered up without the use of an LP-gas-fired generator. Run times range from a couple of hours for the A/C and up to a week for the fridge. The generator charges the battery while the engine is running, and thereafter a solar trickle charge does the job. The result is clean, quiet, energy-saving

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power. Eco-oriented owners should find some satisfaction in this – and it bodes well for those just wanting to get away from it all for a little boondocking. Technology like this doesn’t come cheap. Combined cost of the solar system and underhood generator is $6,253. A traditional Onan MicroLight gasoline generator (110V/2.8 kw) is an available alternative, priced at $3,783. More practical than wowie are features such as the placement of several electrical outlets, USB and 12V charger ports throughout the unit from front to rear and well-positioned push-button LED lighting inside and out. Zion’s interior layout exposes another departure from the Class B norm with its wide-open, full-length center aisle designed to accommodate gear like bicycles, kayaks, surfboards and fishing rods. Rear doors are double hinged so as to fold back flush against the exterior side walls, making for easy loading. This feature seems to strike a balance between a fully equipped camper and a practical toy hauler – and it’s one that’s sure to appeal to sports oriented RVers. A number of reassuring safety features constitute another big plus for the Zion, equipped as it is with six air bags, traction control, and a sophisticated

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, including anti-lock brakes, wind and sway assist, drift compensation, trailer sway, engine drag control, rollover mitigation, and hill-start assist. Another passenger safety plus – and an industry first – are the harness-type three-point seat belts installed up front and in the rear seating area. Our initial impression of Zion’s exterior styling was mixed. Overall it is a classy looking rig. Its clean, streamlined appearance, sans any decorative graphics and enhanced by large frameless tinted glass windows and polished aluminum spoke wheels, exudes an air of refinement and quality. I’ll have to say, however, that I don’t much care for Ram’s front end styling. Melinda is fine with it, but I see the motorhome’s prodigious snout looking something like a cow-catcher. I’ve become a bit more accepting of it after learning of its practicality. The front fascia was purposely designed in three modules, allowing that only those damaged in a collision All interior photos courtesy of Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. All exterior photos courtesy of Dave G. Houser.

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need be replaced – in lieu of the entire bumper. It’s a design consideration that also positions fragile (and expensive) headlights well above contact in the event of most bumps and scrapes. Climbing aboard the Zion to begin our trip, we were appreciative of the power steps for the front cab doors (a $767 option) and the wide, comfortable captain-style seats. They’re covered with a commercial grade fabric and have several adjustments, including a swivel feature that allows them to turn rearward to mate up with an included table. The table, stowed in one of the rear doors, can be posted forward or at the aft end of the aisle where it can be set up between the sofas. Foot room up front is generous, thanks in part to the vehicle’s front-wheel-drive feature that eliminates the space-stealing driveshaft hump. There’s loads of storage space, both in a huge glove box and dash-top bin, plus more space in door bins -- also fitted with cup holders. Zion’s leather-bound telescoping 28

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steering wheel is adjustable to suit the reach of just about any driver. Dash instruments are easy to read and intuitive. Less so is the adjacent infotainment center, featuring Chrysler’s UConnect 5.0 system with its 5-inch touch screen. It’s a dream for techies but it confused us with its many options beyond the basic AM/FM/ CD/ SiriusXM functions, including integrated voice command, Bluetooth, Aux/USB media hub, GPS/NAV and back up camera. We did very much like the back up camera feature. Coupled with Zion’s large windows and big power side mirrors, the camera helped make backing and parking a breeze. Once underway, we found the Zion a pleasure to drive, with the Ram Pentastar 3.6-liter, 280-hp V-6 delivering plenty of power and torque (360 lb. ft.) to move the 9,550-pound vehicle along at a brisk pace – and very smoothly -- via a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel mileage for the trip averaged 16-mpg – quite

commendable considering we did a lot of stop-and-go driving. The Fiat Ducato chassis was designed for European roads – some 70 per cent of the continent’s RVs utilize it – and the Zion proved a surefooted handler along New Brunswick’s twisty Acadian coastal route. It stops on a proverbial dime as well, thanks to huge disc brakes on all four wheels, made by Italy’s Brembo, supplier of braking systems to Ferrari’s Formula One racing team.

“Living and camping in the Zion was easy and enjoyable once we got acquainted with the various features of the coach.” The sliding door opens w-i-d-e and there’s an included power step to aid in entering the coach. A power awning, also included in the basic package, extends and retracts with the push of a button – although dealing with the support braces required some patient sorting out on our first attempt.

We were bowled over by all the cupboards and drawers, and the roomy wardrobe. All are constructed of sturdy plywood rather than particleboard. Small, rather hard to grip, push-button latches are used – and a couple of them stuck. We didn’t need all the storage space available, so we didn’t bother trying to get them unstuck. The Zion galley features a sizeable 5.0 cu. ft. Norcold fridge/freezer, a two-burner stove and stainless steel sink with flush-mounted glass covers, and a microwave oven (a solar oven is optional for $273). Opposite the stove and sink is a compact wet bath that includes a toilet, shower with a hand-held wand, a tiny sink and waterproof light. With the shower curtain drawn, one can elect to either stand or sit on the toilet to bathe. While we’re in the head, I should point out that the messy process of dealing with sewage has been largely cleaned up, thanks the Zion’s macerator system, operated by a red button at the base of the driver’s seat. A 1-inch flex hose,

connected to the macerator pump, pulls out easily for connection to the sewer and gets pushed back into the cubby underneath the vehicle when not in use. That means no drippy sewer hose to store. There’s an outdoor shower as well – great for beach outings and muddy pets or youngsters. Moving aft, the driver’s side sofa is powered, folding out to mate with the opposite sofa to form a comfortable almost-king-size 74” x 76” bed. While snug in bed, we had a great view of the Samsung 24” flat-screen TV (an $832 option), affixed to an articulated bracket on the wall behind the galley. The rotating mount allows it to be viewed from up front as well. Our demo model didn’t include it, but an optional 70” x 33” folding mattress ($312), designed to fit across the front seats, is available, and would be vital for sleeping a third person -- or a couple of kids. Folding accordion privacy screens are affixed to all windows – and we liked being able to let the outdoors in without any bugs using an optional screen for the rear doors

that zips around the perimeter. This $559 option also includes screens for a rear window on the driver’s side and the side door. Although we rarely needed it, the included 11,000-BTU roof-mounted air conditioner cooled the coach in short order. Other standard equipment includes powered roof vents, a tankless on-demand 36,000 BTU hot water system, a 16,000 BTU propane furnace, and a 7-gallon propane tank, fitted with a handy quick-disconnect for use with an auxiliary grill. MSRP for the Zion is $86,931. Equipped with the options I’ve described above, the tab increases to $95,927 -- a figure nearly $45,000 less than Roadtrek’s top of the line Mercedes Sprinter model. No doubt about it, the Zion represents an extraordinary value. There simply aren’t many comparable Class B motorhomes out there for less than a hundred grand.

For more information: Contact Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc., (888)762-3873 • www.roadtrek.com MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

FIND GREAT 'CUE

No Matter Where You Go in the

Palmetto

State by Lynn & Cele Seldon

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

hether you spell it barbecue, barbeque, BBQ, or simply Q or ‘cue, South Carolina offers more diversity when it comes to barbecue than any other state in the nation. From the various meats and sauces to tasty restaurants and award-winning pit masters, the Palmetto State is right on ‘cue – and the South Carolina Barbecue Trail leads the way.

Known as “The Birthplace of Barbecue,” South Carolina offers the opportunity to sample practically every style of barbecue in American without travelling across the country to do it. As with most of the United States where barbecue is prepared, traditional barbecue involves three basic ingredients: meat, wood, and sauce. The meat (often pork and either whole hog, ribs, or shoulders) is cooked and smoked long and slow over wood, with sauce or sauces sometimes added during cooking and always served tableside. According to Lake E. High, Jr., president of the South Carolina Barbeque Association, barbecue (or barbeque) has a long backstory in the state. It began with Native Americans living in what was to become the Palmetto State, who cooked various meats over both high and low wood-fired heat, with plenty of smoke. The original sauce used in the state was the traditional vinegar and pepper topping used along the coastal plains by Scottish settlers. Next, way back in the 1730s and beyond,

the then-British colony of South Carolina recruited many German families to the area and they introduced mustardbased sauce to the mix. Then came South Carolina’s light tomato sauce, which is often referred to as “Carolina Red.” This was a result of tomato ketchup becoming popular as a condiment around 1900. This sauce is essentially ketchup mixed into a traditional vinegar and pepper sauce. The fourth and final piece of the tasty South Carolina sauce puzzle is a heavier tomato sauce, which grew in popularity along with the growth of backyard grilling (which is very different from barbecuing). Variations of this thick sauce have gone on to become popular across the country, but its roots are in the South. Very generally, the state can be divided into four regions where a certain style of sauce rules (restaurants may serve their versions of one, two, three, or all four). In the eastern part of the state, including the coast, traditional vinegar and pepper sauce

FYI ONLINE 32

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is the norm. In the central Midlands area, including Greater Columbia, mustard sauce marks the spot. The southwest section of South Carolina generally features the heavier tomatobased sauce that’s nowpopular across the country (think backyard grillers). Finally, the northwest Upcountry part of the state favors the aforementioned Carolina Red sauce. Barbecue restaurants typically serve pulled or chopped pork, with sauce on the side. It can come on its own, on a hamburger bun, or between two slices of bread (typically white…think Wonder®). Restaurants often take pride in the “bark” pieces mixed in the pulled or chopped pork, which are crispy and (intentionally) burnt ends. Visitors will also often find barbecued ribs, chicken, sliced pork, turkey, ham, and or other possibilities. Other southern specialties, ranging from pork chops to catfish, may also be on the menu.

Check out more about South Carolina BBQ Trails at www.scbbqtrail.com or www.discoversouthcarolina.com.

▼ Hudson’s Smokehouse Photo courtesy of Seldon Ink

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South Carolina ‘cue restaurants also take great pride in the sides they serve, which can range from varied cole slaw recipes to lots of southern-style vegetables (collard greens, green beans, ect.), pork rinds (typically, fried pig skins), and cornbread or biscuits on the side much of the time. Restaurants may offer a la carte ordering, buffet, or a combination. Barbecue restaurants are so popular across the state that the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism created an official barbecue trail page (www.scbbqtrail.com) devoted to all things ‘cue. The mouthwatering site features the Official South Carolina BBQ Trail Map, which includes: an introduction to South Carolina ‘cue; the four sauces; a numbered map; and an accompanying numbered list of more than 225 barbecue restaurants divided into Coastal, Midlands, and Mountains regions – including addresses, phone numbers, websites (when available), opening days and hours, and the sauces featured (ranging from just one to all four). Many restaurants have very limited opening days and hours and several stay open only until they run out of freshly-prepared ‘cue, so it’s best to call in advance to avoid disappointment. The “trail” isn’t really a trail in the traditional sense of the word, leading from Point A to Point B and beyond – it’s more of a guide for finding the best ‘cue wherever you are in the state. Sometimes, the decision on where to eat will be based on what’s open when you’re in town or passing through. To get you started, here’s a menu-like list and overview of iconic local BBQ Trail joints across the state, from the coast to the mountains (with many more found at www. scbbqtrail.com).

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Big D’s BBQ Trough

www.bigdsbbqtrough.com

2917 Church Street U.S. 501 Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 365-7485 This iconic hotspot near Myrtle Beach is a great place to start, thanks to the work of head cook/owner Russell Davis and his friendly staff. Davis has been perfecting his skills since 1972, when he watched his father cooking at the original Big D’s BBQ in Myrtle Beach (a beloved location lost to arson in late-2015). Like several barbecue restaurants across the state, Big D’s features an all-you-can-eat buffet (some menu items available separately), with Carolina-style pork ‘cue served up with original vinegar or sweet mustard sauces, as well as other possibilities like barbecue chicken and ribs, fried chicken, catfish, pork chops, and chicken livers and gizzards. Classic side dishes often found in other ‘cue joints can include: cole slaw; green beans; collard greens; baked beans; cooked cabbage; lima beans; sweet potato soufflé; rice (with a choice of six gravies); macaroni and cheese; chicken bog (a pilaf-like dish of rice, chicken, sausage, and spices); and biscuits and corn bread.

Scott’s Bar-B-Que

Shuler’s Bar-B-Que

www.thescottsbbq.com

419 Highway 38 West Latta, SC 2956 | (843) 752-4700

2734 Hemingway Highway Hemingway, SC 29554 | (843) 558-0134 Open Wednesday to Saturday, Rodney Scott and his Scott’s BarB-Que crew cook whole hogs and more overnight, selling the vinegar and pepper-sauced results the next day to a very loyal following. There’s the famed pulled pork plate with the half-pound sandwich, but there’s also half and whole smoked barbecued chicken, smoked barbecue ribeye steak (Saturdays only), and more – think boiled peanuts, pork rinds, locally-made cane syrup, and other local country variety store offerings. Scott is known as one of the region’s premier pit masters (see “Two South Carolina Pit Masters Dish It Out”).

Shuler’s is open for lunch and “supper” (that’s dinner to some folks) Thursday to Saturday only, but it’s well worth timing a visit. Located near Latta in a log cabin, Shuler’s features a full country-style buffet, including popular desserts, but the pulled pork and ribs are the stars. They offer two types of vinegar pepper sauces with their pork: mild and spicy.

Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q

www.jimnnicks.com

4965 Center Pointe Drive North Charleston, SC 29406 | (843) 747-3800 Though this restaurant is part of a Birmingham, Alabama-based chain, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q has taken the South Carolina barbecue world by storm. Owner and co-founder Nick Pihakis, executive chef Drew Robinson, and all staff members take serious pride in serving world-class barbecue and much more (including beloved cheese biscuits and a host of scratch-made trimmings (‘southern’ for sides)). There’s also nearby Nick’s on King Street in downtown Charleston (featuring quick counter ordering), Jim ‘N Nick’s in Bluffton (near Hilton Head Island two hours down the coast), two just across the South Carolina/North Carolina state line in Charlotte and Concord (just northeast of downtown Charlotte), and 25-plus other restaurants in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Colorado. Pihakis is also one of the founders of the Fatback Pig Project, which supports regional production of heritage breeds and ranchers who humanely raise them. This collaboration has dramatically increased access to high-quality, pastureraised, heritage breed pork for Jim ‘N Nick’s restaurants and other world-class restaurants in the region.

Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ www.hometeambbq.com 1205 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 225-7427 Owner and pit master Aaron Siegel is a Culinary Institute of America grad and he mixes tradition and creativity when it comes to Home Team BBQ’s ‘cue and more. Signature dishes here include platters that feature their award-winning barbecue, including braised and smoked salt and pepper brisket, North Carolina-style pork butts, St. Louis-style ribs, sausages, chicken, traditional and untraditional sides, and more. Siegel prefers using local red oak for his wood and, on any given day, Home Team pits are filled with about 700 pounds of pork butts, 100-plus racks of ribs, 150 half-chickens, and other meats – including wings, turkeys, and brisket, depending on the season. Most meats are cooked with Home Team BBQ’s special rub and brine. They also have a hotspot out on nearby Sullivan’s Island and plan to open in downtown Charleston later in 2016.

Fatback’s BBQ & Grill 3609 Highway 52 Coward, SC 29530 | (843) 210-7447 Fatback’s in tiny Coward is relatively new to the ‘cue scene, but they already have a very loyal following, thanks to vinegar and pepper-based barbecue and more. Locals also rave about the fried chicken, chicken bog, hash, and several uses of local sweet potatoes.

▲ Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q Photo courtesy of Angie Mosier

McCabe’s Bar-B-Q 480 North Brooks Street Manning, SC 29102 | (803) 435-2833 Little McCabe’s in Manning features big-time South Carolina vinegar and pepper ‘cue. The buffet also offers up fresh vegetables, including famed Manning tomatoes in season. And arrive early for Potato Salad Thursdays and Mac ‘N Cheese Fridays – these specialties don’t last long.

Southern Belly www.southernbellybbq.com 1332 Rosewood Drive Columbia, SC 29201 | (803) 667-9953 For something truly unique on South Carolina’s barbecue scene, head straight to Columbia’s Southern Belly. Located near the University of South Carolina just outside downtown proper, the eclectically furnished restaurant features an equally eclectic menu that’s completely focused on barbecue. The “Sauces” side of the menu provides descriptions of the scratchmade options, ranging from their Midas Carolina sweet mustard sauce to Southern Bell-y Alabama-style white sauce, South American Asada sauce, and various “Test Belly” options they add to the sauce menu. The “Sandwiches” side of the menu features their closed-pit, slowroasted, oak-smoked whole hog barbeque in a varied of ways, including Traditional on white bread, King Kahuna, Avita, Castro, and the Grilled Cheese. Other toppings can be added for just a buck each, including Applewood bacon, southern Vidalia onions, pickles, cheeses, and many more. The Wookie option is the Big Mac® of barbecue sandwiches, with double meat, three cheeses, double bacon, grilled onions, sauce, and an extra center slice of bread between the buttered French roll’s slices. Southern Belly now has a second Columbia location in the bustling 5 Points neighborhood at 819 Harden Street. 36

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Lone Star Barbecue Photo courtesy of Andoldent

Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile www.lonestarbbq.net 2212 State Park Road Santee, SC 29142 | (803) 854-2000 Santee’s Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile is made up of four 100-year old wooden buildings moved to the site to establish this popular restaurant and souvenir and antiques store. The popular buffet features pork barbecue, barbecue hash, fried chicken, cold salads, fresh country vegetables (be sure to try their signature tomato pie), desserts, regular daily specials, and more. They offer two sauces: a ketchup-based spicy sauce and a unique sweet mustard-mayo sauce.

Brown Derby Bar-B-Q 1399 Belleville Road Orangeburg, SC 29115 | (803) 539-2722 Little McCabe’s in Manning features big-time South Carolina vinegar and pepper ‘cue. The buffet also offers up fresh vegetables, including famed Manning tomatoes in season. And arrive early for Potato Salad Thursdays and Mac ‘N Cheese Fridays – these specialties don’t last long.

Q2U BBQ Pit

www.q-2-u.com

4052 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-8883 Owned and operated by barbecue competition award winners, Q2U BBQ Pit in Lake Wylie – just south of Charlotte – is open Wednesday to Saturday. They feature barbecue pork, beef brisket, chicken, ribs, Black Angus steaks and burgers, and much more, including popular sampler platters and a full service bar. Their sauce of choice is the award-winning Q2U Original sauce, which is a vinegar pepper sauce. They also have a hot vinegar pepper sauce, a thick and sweet ketchup-based sauce with molasses and honey, and a sweet mustard sauce.

BBQ Barn

www.bbqbarnna.com

10298 Atomic Road North Augusta, SC 29841 | (803) 278-7202 We’re talking authentic ‘cue and ribs hickory-smoked on two pits that can cook up to 2,300 pounds at a time. The resulting meat is smothered in your choice of five different sauces: spicy red, mild red, spicy yellow, mild yellow, and their signature Georgia Red, a vinegarbased sweet sauce. But folks come from all over for their Happy Cake, Gooey Butter Cake, and Coconut Cake for dessert as well.

TWO SOUTH CAROLINA

Pit Masters

DISH IT OUT When it comes to ‘cue in South Carolina, pit masters are the rock stars. Whether they sweat over a pit for a busy restaurant or sweat over the results – and, often, wins – at nearby and far-flung barbecue competitions, Palmetto State pit masters can really dish it out.

Rodney Scott (Scott’s Bar-B-Que) Who taught you to ‘cue? My dad taught me to ‘cue. What makes your ‘cue unique? What makes our ‘cue unique is [that] we cut our own wood, we have a mild vinegar flavor with a little kick (spice), and moist tender pork. What’s your wood of choice? My wood of choice is a blend of oak, hickory, and pecan. What’s your favorite meat to ‘cue? My favorite meat to ‘cue is a tie between rib eyes and pork. What’s your sauce style? My sauce style is vinegar pepper. What’s your favorite ‘cue side dish? My favorite cue side dish is baked beans. What’s your accompanying beverage of choice? My favorite beverage is Red Rock strawberry soda.

Jimmy Hagood (Scott’s Bar-B-Que) Who taught you to ‘cue? My insurance and business mentor, Nick Zervos. He is from Augusta, GA, and of Greek descent. He introduced me to the art of cooking southern barbecue and to the man, Tom Crowe, who built my first cooker and several after that. What makes your ‘cue unique? I call it the Symphony of Flavors: our dry rub, injection marinade, charcoal and wood smoke, and sauces...all combine to make a very pleasant experience. What’s your wood of choice? Pecan with a dash of white oak. What’s your favorite meat to ‘cue? Pork shoulder. What’s your sauce style? Sauces are like religion, politics, and college sports in the South...everyone has a stated and unbreakable opinion. Instead of being the referee, we offer the three styles as table sauce: our BlackJack BBQ Tomato, Vinegar, and Mustard Sauces. What’s your favorite ‘cue side dish? My grandmother’s cole slaw and [my wife] Anne Marie’s grandmother’s macaroni and cheese. What’s your accompanying beverage of choice? An Arnold Palmer...iced tea and lemonade.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Bucky’s Bar-B-Q

www.buckysbbq.com

1700 Roper Mountain Road Greenville, SC 29615 | (864) 329-0054 There are many great ‘cue options in and around the foodcentric city of Greenville. Bucky’s Bar-B-Q has a loyal following, thanks to plentiful pork plates and sandwiches, smoked chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, and tasty sides. The three sauces served up at Bucky’s are all vinegar-based. They have three other locations, with two more options in Greenville and one in Fountain Inn, just 20 miles southeast of downtown. Greenville History Tours (www.greenvillehistorytours.com) also offers a unique way to take a bite out of Bucky’s and also visit two other iconic ‘cue joints (currently Henry’s Smokehouse and Mike & Jeff’s BBQ, which are both beloved joints as well).

Hite’s Bar-B-Q House

Cannon’s BBQ

www.hitesbbq.com

1903 Nursey Rd. Little Mountain, SC 29075 | (803) 945-1080

240 Dreher Road W. Columbia, SC 29169 | (803) 794-4120 Founded in 1957, Hite’s Bar-B-Q House in West Columbia features the famed mustard sauce brought to South Carolina by German immigrants back in the 1700s. Like many older ‘cue joints, this place is unassuming, but does feature an outdoor seating area overlooking a pond, with the ubiquitous stack of wood piled high near the butchering and smoking pavilion. They’re only open Fridays and Saturdays, it’s take-out only, and there’s often a line for their pork, rib, or chicken plates and more – and it’s so worth it!

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Cannon’s may be relatively new by some peoples’ standards, but it’s already a classic in ‘cue circles. Situated in two white trailers that have been connected, the mustard-based sauce over the pork barbecue and ribs is renowned. So is the “hash,” which is a mixture of pork hams, beef, and their secret seasonings – all cooked in a cast iron pot over a wood fire.

Carolina Bar-B-Que 109 Main Street New Ellenton, SC 29809 | (803) 652-2919 New Ellenton’s Carolina Bar-B-Que has had a cult following since 1968 for good reason. The pit-cooked and -smoked Boston butts lure legions of fans, but so do the hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, pickles, and plenty more. They feature two sauces: a mild ketchup-based sauce and a mustard sauce called “spicy.”

FINDING GREAT 'CUE

in the

REST of AMERICA A MENU OF OPTIONS

hough South Carolina is the “The Birthplace of Barbecue,” the United States has many other styles and flavors of ‘cue found in several other states generally located across the southeastern part of the United States.

Just to the north of the Palmetto State, North Carolina is also known for world-class ‘cue. Like South Carolina’s four sauce styles, the Tar Heel State generally features two types of cooking styles and sauces (with fierce loyalists for each). The eastern part of the state typically features whole hog cooking and a sauce of vinegar and spices, while the western part of the state (starting in the western-style historic ‘cue hotspot of Lexington) features pork shoulder ‘cue and a tomato-infused vinegar sauce. To the west in Tennessee, pork ribs and barbecue sandwiches are typical at restaurants in Memphis, with general styles either being “wet” (sauced before, during, and after cooking) or “dry” (where the meat is rubbed with a spice mixture before cooking). Up in Kentucky, the town of Owensboro specializes in mutton (mature sheep) ‘cue, which is typically served with a worcestershire-infused sauce. In the Missouri ‘cue mecca of Kansas City, varied meats are on the menu, including dry rubbed and smoked pork, beef, lamb, and more. The sauce in KC is generally mustard-leaning and well spiced that is very little like commercial KC Masterpiece® sauce. St. Louis also provides another option, where pork steaks are quite prevalent along with other takes on barbecued pork and more. Alabama – where the aforementioned Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is based – is the home of a unique “white” sauce that’s mayonnaise- and vinegar-based (especially in the north). It’s often served on chicken in North Alabama and on pork in the east (along with an orange-ish sauce featuring vinegar, mustard, tomato, and more. Down in sprawling Texas, four regional styles reign: “East Texas” is the most traditional; “Central Texas” features many meats from this meat-centric state; “South Texas” features Mexican-style barbacoa cooking (often the head of a cow or goat meat wrapped in leaves for smoking and steaming underground); and “West Texas” will often be beef, goat, mutton, and more cooked directly over mesquite or other woods.

US MEAT CUTS

CHICKEN

TURKEY

PIG

COW

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Midway BBQ 811 Main Street Buffalo, SC 29321 | (864) 427-4047 Established in 1941 and still in the same location near Union, Midway BBQ features seriously tasty chopped and pulled pork ‘cue, with a choice of three sauces: Jack Odell’s original ketchup-based sauce, a mustard version, and a vinegar pepper sauce. Veterans also swear by the chicken stew and their beef hash.

Hudson’s Smokehouse & Saloon

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que

www.hudsonsmokehouse.com

www.shealysbbq.com

4952 Sunset Boulevard W. Columbia, SC 29072 (803) 356-1070

340 East Columbia Avenue Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070 | (803) 532-8125

Located just west of Columbia, the main Hudson’s location is only closed on Mondays and offers up a classic buffet that’s quite popular for good reason (as is a la carte ordering). The lunch buffet features a “Traditional Southern BBQ Buffet” and supper time brings the “BBQ & Calabash Buffet” (adding Calabashstyle fried seafood and more to the menu). There’s also the “Saturday All Day Buffet” and “BBQ & Calabash Sunday Lunch Buffet.” Check out the chalk board or ask servers about daily side selections. The meat at Hudson’s is smoked in Southern Pride smokers for 16 hours and many of their awards are posted on a huge chalk board at the entrance. There’s also a Hudson’s Smokehouse Express at 931 Old Two Notch Road in Lexington that’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays.

Also situated just west of Columbia, Shealy’s may have one of the most famous barbecuefocused buffets in all of South Carolina. Established in 1969 and generally only closed on Wednesdays and Sundays, the huge lunch and supper buffet spread (plus a unique Saturday ‘breakfast’ buffet) includes all of the standard inclusions, as well as a large salad bar, a dessert bar, soft-serve ice cream, and more. It’s still in the Shealy family and its more popular than ever – as are the three different bottled sauces (mustard-based, ketchup-based, and vinegarpepper) that are also sold out check-out. For those on the move, there’s a separate carry-out door around the corner from the front door.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

GETTING SAUCY

South Carolina’s

BASIC SAUCES Vinegar & Pepper Barbecue Sauce //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 3 c. apple cider vinegar

½ tsp. salt

¼ c. red pepper flakes

½ c. ketchup

¼ c. ground black pepper

2 tbsp. dark brown sugar

In a saucepan, stir together the vinegar, red pepper flakes, pepper and salt. Bring to a boil. Stir in the ketchup and brown sugar. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Mustard Barbecue Sauce Heat all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat and mix well. Cook until sauce just begins to thicken. Serve cool or warm. The sauce will last in the refrigerator for a long time. Makes about 6 cups.

4 c. yellow mustard (two 20-ounce bottles of French’s mustard should do the trick) 8 oz. of beer (less for thicker sauce, more for thinner sauce)

½ c. tomato puree 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp. cayenne 1 tbsp. fresh black pepper

½ c. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. salt

8 tbps. brown sugar

1 ½ tsp. garlic powder

Tomato Barbecue Sauce ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 2 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tbsp. cornstarch

Combine all ingredients in a small pot and stir until well mixed. Cook over low heat for 2 hours.

1 tbsp. dry mustard

½ tsp. allspice

1 tbsp. celery salt

4 c. tomato juice

1 tbsp. cayenne

1 ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp. pepper

1 c. white vinegar

1 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. grated onion

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Carolina Red Barbecue Sauce To diminish tartness, add additional ketchup and brown sugar to taste. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve. This sauce can be prepared as many as 2-3 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Makes about 2 cups.

1 ½ c. apple cider vinegar ½ c. ketchup 1 tbsp. packed brown sugar 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. dried crushed red pepper

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

On The Road

Flippin’ RVs HOSTS JUStIn & ANNA Whether you spend life on the road for pleasure or work, it’s nice to have the comforts of home as you travel the highways and byways. TRAILBLAZER checks in with folks who spend a fair amount of time on the road to see just what makes their home away from home. This month, we chatted with RV renovators and hosts of Flippin’ RVs, Justin & Anna Scribner. by Lynn & Cele Seldon

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

All photos courtesy of Scripps Network

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

fter careers as a contractor and a retail and website manager respectfully, Justin and Anna Scribner decided to turn a hobby of restoring travel trailers into a business and established Flyte Camp, a family-owned vintage trailer restoration and renovation shop. Clients ranging from fashion designers, to car collectors, to blue collar families looking for their own custom restorations started pouring in through word-of-mouth and online searches. Several years ago, a production company contacted Justin and Anna and asked them if they could document a vintage trailer restoration for an episode of Extreme RVs, on the Travel Channel. It was such a hit, that they recorded another episode, the following season. And before they knew it, Scripps Network decided it would make for a great stand-alone show that documents the daily activities of Flyte Camp. The idea was to follow a restoration/ renovation project from inspiration and design, to the purchasing of trailers and parts, the build-out, and, finally, the fullystaged reveal. So “Flippin’ RVs” was born and they have had huge success in their first season on the Great American Country network. And, although they typically work with travel trailers, they are also looking into restoring and renovating other vintage RVs down the road. This personal reinvention came out of a love of RVing. We caught up with Anna as she was just about to wrap up filming for Season 2 of “Flippin’ RVs”.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Tell us about your RV. We personally own several RVs. We primarily camp in our 1948 Palace Royal and our 1955 Spartan Manor. They have a completely different feel from each other, being that they are from different eras. The Palace is wood-framed, with stamped aluminum exterior panels that have been painted in the original two tone color scheme. It is a highly desirable trolley top design, which makes for excellent head room and allowed us to keep the trailer looking very original by affording enough space to ceiling mount the TV. It has a warm and cozy feel with a custom-made aged leather sectional in the front, perfect for snuggling up as a family. We also modified the trailer to fit a small toilet room and a large custom stainless tub was fabricated to fit under the rear bed. The trailer is completely self-contained, but maintains a very original look and feel. We recently acquired a 1947 Buick Convertible to pull it as seen in the original Palace brochure. I would say this is our “Rally Trailer.” The 1955 Spartan is the epitome of mid-century modern design. It’s aircraft constructed with a riveted aluminum exterior. The interior is light and bright, with the full functionality of a tiny home. It is an extremely original trailer, outfitted with all the modern amenities, such as a full self-containment system, water and electrical with solar panels, and an on-demand hot water heater. The original layout features a roomy front living area dubbed the “Observation Lounge” by Spartan Trailer Manufacturing because of the large windows. A pull-out dining table for four. A large and efficient kitchen, with restored original appliances. A full bathroom, with tub. And, finally, a rear bedroom with double twin

beds. This is our “go anywhere” trailer. If we were to take a trip across the country, this would be the trailer we’d take. Why do you love RVing? I really love escaping to a “simpler time,” so to speak. Getting away from the fastpaced society that we have become accustomed to. I think that it is good for us to get out and enjoy nature and there are so many places to see in this country alone. When you are on the road you get to see all the in-between places that you miss if you simply fly to your destination. And I love having my home with me, a place where you are truly comfortable, an atmosphere you have created.

▲ 1948 Palace Royal What are your three favorite things in your RV? Oh this is hard! [In the Palace] I love the built-in ice bucket in my kitchen island, deep enough to store large champagne bottles for making Mimosas in the morning. The custom front leather booth is so comfortable for relaxing and sleeping. And the large stainless bathtub under the bed, makes for an excellent couples retreat. [In the Spartan] The bark cloth curtains and matching chair. They are gorgeous! The rear bedroom is so comfortable with the twin beds and the kitchen is very well appointed with beautiful original appliances. What are a few favorite destinations and why?

▲ Kitchen transformation inside the 1948 Palace Royal What’s your favorite thing about staying on your RV versus a hotel room? I love the people you meet, and the time spent as a family around the dinette instead of in front of the TV. I love that outdoor activities are right outside your door and I love the coziness of it. I love hanging out under the stars and the sound of rain on the aluminum roof. You can sleep with all the windows open, smell fresh air, and hear the birds in the morning.

So many, but here are a few close to us: The Redwoods California – Justin grew up camping here and it just brings back so many great memories. The forest is awe inspiring. Oregon Coast – The smell of sand & salt and the sound of fog horns. Catching & eating buckets of crabs. Watching Sullivan run in the waves. Paradise Campground on the McKenzie pass in Oregon (a family tradition). The McKenzie River is so loud that it drowns out the noise in your head, and you MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

find yourself forgetting about the cares of the world and relaxing almost immediately. Great hiking and fishing. I’m not sure if these are really favorites or just most recent memories. What do you like to do onboard while en route? Talk. This is the most time we have as a couple and a family, alone, with no interruptions. We also love to listen to music and clean comedy on Pandora. Do you generally like to take the highway or scenic routes? Scenic routes! You never know what you will find and we love to [shop] estate sales and hit antique stores along the way.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Do you cook onboard? Yes we do! I primarily do my cooking in the kitchen. Breakfast is my favorite meal to cook on the road, but I love doing stir-frys and one pot curry meals. Justin on the other hand is an avid BBQer. The “real” cook in our family. So we bring a small Traeger which is where he does most of his cooking. What are some of your favorite transformations you like to do to vintage RVs? I love staging them with fun, period pieces and/or building a design around an inspiration piece or memory that a client presents me with. I love to redesign each trailer to fit my individual clients’ needs, but have people question if any modification has been done since it appears to be original.

As far as amenities, I love being able to hide modern A/V equipment. For example hiding a large TV on an actuator in a piece of cabinetry, or hiding surround sound for that theater or concert experience. It keeps the vintage feel, but with the advantages of modern [technology]. High quality upholstery is incredibly important to me, with detailing such as buttons and welting. High quality light fixtures are also equally important, if the original fixtures are missing or damaged beyond repair. And a good mattress – after all, for many of us, this is the whole reason we graduated from a tent to a trailer in the first place: to get off the ground and get a good nights’ sleep!

INTRODUCING OUR NEW TRAVEL CENTER

ocated in the new Lazydays RV Accessories & More store just outside of Tampa, our new Travel Center provides customers a one stop shop for all their RV travel plans.

The Accessories & More store is a must-explore destination for any RV enthusiast looking to enhance their RV lifestyle. From its oneof-a kind DIY Center to its new dĂŠcor and lifestyle collection, the store now offers the broadest selection of RV accessories in Florida. Bringing some of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top products together under one roof provides customers a convenient way to explore, learn, and shop. Our state-of-the-art Travel Center provides information on great RV destinations and exceptional travel offers at Thousand Trails and Encore RV resorts nationwide. Snap a photo in our photo booth or visit with one of our vacation specialists today.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer? Cooking with

Lesley Tennessen

Finding out just what I wanted to concentrate on in the World of BBQ was, indeed, lots of fun! You can let your taste buds wander and let experimenting take over! That is what makes cooking fun! And then you have all of your friends over and talk differences and preferences! There’s so many flavors ranging from Texas (a whole other world of BBQ), to Alabama with a white sauce, to Florida and then on up into the Carolinas. Enjoy the dishes!

BBQ Beans (12 in dutch oven, for 2-3 hours)

Ingredients • 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

• 2 tbsp. Dijon Mustard • Approx. ¼ cup pure maple syrup • 2 tbsp. molasses • 1½ tsp. salt • 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper • 1-2 tbsp. BBQ powder/chili powder

Directions 1. Clean and rinse the beans. Put the beans in a large bowl. Cover with a couple of inches of water and soak overnight. 2. Drain off the soaking water. Put the beans into a large kettle and cover with a couple inches of water. In the last ½ hour of simmering, put in chopped onion and garlic. Easy way: cook on the stove for 1 and ½ hours at slow simmer till the beans are cooked. Or you can do this directly in the dutch oven over coals. 3. Once the beans are cooked and there is a little liquid left…you may need to add in more water, add in the other ingredients and stir well. You don’t want to let the beans dry out.

Lesley Tennessen, Dutch Oven Diva www.dutchovendiva.com or visit my blog at dutchovendiva.wordpress.com

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

3. To get a 325º degree oven, use a ring of coals on the bottom and ring of coals on lid. Replace the coals as necessary (every 35-40 minutes) to keep even cooking temp. Check the liquid level when you replace the coals, and add water as necessary. You want saucy but not liquid and definitely not dry! I cooked my beans for 5 hours! You’ll need about that much time.

Southern BBQ Sandwich Dry Rub

Directions

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

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, using your fingers to break up any lumps. Pat the meat dry with paper towels, then sprinkle the rub all over, using your fingers to pat the spices into the meat. 2. Wrap the meat in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hrs.

Carolina BBQ Sauce Directions • ¼ lb. butter • ½ c. apple cider vinegar • 3 tbsp. lemon juice • 1½ tbsp. Worcestershire • 1 tbsp. honey • 2 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. black pepper

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

Spicy Slaw

Directions

• ½ c. apple cider vinegar • ½ c. distilled white vinegar • 2 tbsp. sugar • 2 tsp. hot pepper sauce • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper • 1 tsp. salt & ⅛ tsp. pepper • 1 red shredded cabbage

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegars, sugar, hot sauce, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper. Add the cabbage and toss. Let stand for 30 minutes, then toss and serve.

(12 in dutch oven, 75 coals - 27 coals 1st time, 20 2nd/3rd time, 15 4th/5th time)

Slow Roasted Pulled Pork Ingredients • 4 lb. pork butt or half butt or shoulder roast, boneless • 2-3 tbsp. of dry rub • 1 c. chicken stock

Directions 1. If pork butt is boneless and in a stretchy fiber net, remove the net. Place the butt into a bowl and apply the rub all over. Cover the meat, and place into the refrigerator overnight. 2. The next morning, uncover. Start up a chimney of about 30 coals. When the coals are ready, put a circle of 9 under the oven and 18 on lid. 3. Second session of heat: pour in 1 cup of chicken stock, close the oven. Put 8 coals under and the remainder on lid. Let it go about 45 minutes and replace the heat. 4. Low and slow is the name of the game here, so try not to open the lid! Continue with heat, 3rd, 4th and 5th sessions. You should end up cooking almost 5-6 hours! 5. When you have finished cooking, let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes. Then you can take 2 forks and pull apart the roast. When you pulled all the meat, pour over the Carolina BBQ finishing sauce. Serve up with spicy slaw on little slider rolls.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

AC Gone Haywire

Hi Bill, I have a 34’ 2014 Keystone Cougar 5th wheel. It has one Dometic rooftop AC. Model #B59516.711 with 15,000 BTU.

The weird thing that’s happening when I use it is the fan shuts off after 30 minutes and the compressor runs for 5 minutes before shutting off. After about 1215 minutes, the AC starts back up normally and repeats this process all over again with the same intervals, give or take a minute or two. The AC never reaches the inside set temperature. For example; the coach will be approximately 85 degrees inside. I set the thermostat to 70 degrees, but it never reaches the desired temperature set by the thermostat. It doesn’t matter how warm it is outside or how humid it is. It seems to have a set cycle. When it’s running, it works great! It just keeps shutting off prematurely. I don’t know if you’ve heard of this before, but your advice is always greatly appreciated. Your articles are usually always the very first I read, before I read through the rest of the Trailblazer magazine. Thank you, Joe

I am glad you appreciate my column, as I enjoy helping. The set temperature of your thermostat never reaches 70 degrees because the compressor is unable to run continuously. If the fan stops running the compressor will shut down to prevent overheating. The problem could be 2 or 3 various possibilities, the P.C, board, t-stat, or the fan motor. My suggestion would be to take the RV in to a qualified service center for Dometic for testing. Perhaps your unit is still under warranty and the cost for service will be covered. Best of luck, RV Bill

Problem with Furnace

Bill, I have a 2006 Holiday Rambler Ambassador and recently I’ve experienced a problem with the furnace not working. When I try to set the digital wall thermostat into furnace mode, that option on the furnace does not come up on the screen. The front and rear air conditioners both work fine. I’ve tried to diagnose this problem to know avail no matter which buttons I push. I can tell ya one thing, it’s really pushing MINE! Please help. Dennis

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Hi, Dennis, You did not say if you had a four button or a five button Comfort Control thermostat. I believe in ‘06 it was a four button. You will need to reset the thermostat to see if that solves the problem. This will correct the communication issues between both circuit boards in the front and rear air conditioners. Try these 5 steps: 1. Turn the thermostat on 2. Press any button one time 3. Press and hold the bottom two buttons 4. Press and release the mode button as well as the other two buttons 5. If the process works correctly the backlit light for the display will go off. This should solve the problem. Turn the thermostat back on and check for the furnace mode. If it does not appear, repeat the process one more time. 99% of the time this solves the problem. No matter what, please keep on with a great sense of humor!

Broken Cooling Unit

Hey, RV Bill! I have a question on replacing the cooling unit for my Dometic refrigerator. My refrigerator is 15 years old and I noticed that in the back of the cooling unit there’s a yellow residue all over the lower part of the unit and of course, it has now ceased to function. I found rebuilt cooling units on the Internet for a fairly reasonable price. Do you think I should try replacing the cooling unit or buy a new refrigerator? Your Friend, Bob

Replacing Ball Seal

Hi Bill, It was great meeting you at South Jetty, TT Preserve. I do have a question that perhaps you could help me with. Our toilet, a Dometic model 310 will not hold water. The ball seal has been replaced three times in the last 18 months and now it’s not holding water again. My question is: Why are the seals continuing to be compromised and fail? I don’t want to replace it again for fear of the same results. Thank you, Jim & Sallie

Bob, Thanks for this great question. The yellow powder residue you are seeing is the ammonia that is leaking from bottom of the cooling unit – a sure sign of death for any RV refrigerator. Replacing a cooling unit is not an easy task. If you do not know where the thermal Mastic is to applied to the replacement cooling unit, it probably will not function. Plain and simple, I do not recommend putting that much money and do a 15-year-old refrigerator. I know there is a warranty on the rebuild cooling unit, but that could get sketchy down the road if it fails. If the circuit board or something else goes south, the total of all

Hi, Jim and Sallie thank you for your question. I believe that I can help. Normally when the seal is compromised more than one time, the problem is in the ball that moves across a seal every time the toilet pedal is compressed. Any type of a scratch or deposit such as a hard water calcium deposit can scar the seal after multiple flushes. If you replace both the ball and the seal you should have success. As time goes by, keep an eye on the area for calcium buildup… Especially in California where it never rains the water tends

the parts you’re putting on the would come very close to the price of a new refrigerator. I strongly recommend that you replace the refrigerator with a new one. That way, you have a brand-new refrigerator with a pretty good warranty. Most new refrigerators have a three or warranty, but sometimes there is a catch. Look at your manual carefully! If the refrigerator is not inspected every year by a certified technician the warranty is voided! In such a case, you would wind up with a one-year warranty.

to be a little harder than other areas. And unrelated, when in Oregon, look out for Elk and get fly fishing!

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

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save At

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301

▲ ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort (AZ)

Thousand Trails Standard Discount:

20% Off Daily Rates

S! ALWAY l l At a ENCORE ! Resorts

Use Promo Code:

TT20%

▲ Palm Springs Oa

sis RV Resort (CA)

10% Off

Monthly Rates Use Promo Code:

TT1015 Valid at all Encore RV Resorts

RV ▲ Tall Chief

esort (WA)

& Camping R

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. *Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate. 52

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals â&#x2013;˛ Crystal Isles RV Resort (FL)

Florida Resorts

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

30% Off

Weekly Rates Valid at Barrington Hills, Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort, Topics RV Resort, Clover Leaf Forest, Tobys RV Resort,Winter Garden, Bulow RV Resort, Sunshine Holiday Daytona, Vacation Village & Southern Palms

Use Promo Code: TT30S15

Florida Resorts

30% Off

Weekly Rate Breezy Hill

Valid through 3/31/16

20% Off

Weekly Rates Valid at remaining Florida properties (not listed in above offer)

Use Promo Code: TT30BH

Use Promo Code: TT20S15

Valid through 4/30/16

Valid until through 3/31/16

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

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate. MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Sunshine RV Resort (TX)

Texas $149/Week Use Promo Code: TT149TX

$399/Month

Use Promo Code: TT449TX Valid at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Paradise Park, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine and Tropic Winds

▲ Tropic Winds RV

Resort (TX)

Offer valid through 4/30/16

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

Texas $199/Week Use Promo Code: TT199TX Valid at Victoria Palms

$599/Month

Use Promo Code: TT699TX

▲ Fun-N-Su

n RV Resort

(TX)

Valid at Victoria Palms Offer valid through 4/30/16

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate. 54

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals â&#x2013;˛ Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort (AZ)

Arizona

$699 One Month Special Valid at Araby Acres, Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort, Voyager, Monte Vista & Paradise â&#x2013;˛ Mesa S

pirit RV R

esort (AZ)

Arizona

$599 One Month Special

Use Promo Code: TT699AZ Offer valid 1 month max Offer valid through 4/30/16

$449 One Month Special

Mesa Spirit

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

Use Promo Code: TTMESAM

Use Promo Code: TT449AZ

Valid only during March 2016 Offer valid for min/max of 30 days

Offer valid through 4/30/16 Offer valid for 1 month max

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

RPI? “Our RPI membership provides us more access to camping. We currently stay close to the West Coast but our plans for next year include traveling and camping in the east. With our RPI membership that is possible.” – David & Ruth, Whittier, CA

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MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 64.

Get in

Gear!

ThousandTrailsGear.com

e and mor

• Hats • Sweatshirts • T-Shirts • Koozies

ACROSS 1 Love (Lat.) 4 Fr. -Ger. region 8 Apiece 12 Scandalous material 13 Irish sweetheart 14 Carplike fish 15 Fr. historical provinces 17 Muslim holy man 18 Door (Lat.) 19 Mulberry of India 21 Inclement weather 24 Capital of Para, Brazil 28 River in “Kubla Khan” 31 Crest 33 Honey-eater bird 34 Lively (Fr.) 35 Heart auricle 36 Lady’s title 37 Atl. Coast Conference (abbr.) 38 Bare 39 Tablespoon (abbr.) 40 Vug 42 P.I. tree

44 46 50 53 56 57 58 59 60 61

Admiral (abbr.) Live N. Caucasian language Open Israelite tribe Dodecanese island Girl Weaverbird Shak. contraction Laconian clan group

DOWN 1 Both (pref.) 2 Jap. rural community 3 Aesir god 4 Devil 5 Turk. title 6 Scot. alder tree 7 Ottoman peasant 8 Rom. official 9 Air-to-air missile (abbr.) 10 Circuit Court of Appeals (abbr.) 11 Enclose 16 Buttocks

20 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 35 39 41 43 45 47 48 49

Father: Hebrew Eight (pref.) Universe Arm Male noble Tufted plant Amalekite king Flavor _____ Rivera, CA Southern France Sleeping Public vehicle Rom. province Rockies range Fish sperm False friend Knife To or from a distance (pref.) 50 City on the Danube 51 Goddess (Lat.) 52 Vine 54 Nat’l Endowment for the Arts (abbr.) 55 Choler

paws ROAD ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals by Jenn Gehr

Q + A

Jenn, Thanks so much for your time in helping me with my dogs’ training while we were together in Sunriver at the Thousand Trails. Just to be clear, what are steps/commands I can use on a daily basis to ensure the new learned skills stay fresh and in place for years to come? You have wonderful dogs and I know Jessie and Scout benefited greatly from our many hours of socializing. Any other suggestions are always welcome. Sincerely, Lori Davis JENN Hello Sweet Lori, Jessie and Scout, Helping you all was truly my pleasure and we look forward to many years of friendship. As you continue on with your training, use the fundamentals of having the dogs “look” at you in the face when you ask for a specific command. Start each training session with this verbal/ visual command and be sure you are quick to reward! Do this by bringing your hand up close to your chin while holding a small treat. Clearly say the word, “LOOK!”. The moment they look at you, reward. Very quickly your dog will be enthusiastic to “look” at you when you say because you will be rewarding them for doing so. Once this basic command is firmly established, you can use your “look” hand to refresh the elementary commands such as sit, stay and come all without verbalization and only with hand signals. Vary the reward with positive words, treats and smiles

to keep them happy and engaged. Be sure never to scold and go slow enough that your dog doesn’t anticipate the command or get confused. Change up the order in which you ask for the commandDogs are smart and will begin training you if you’re not careful! Build on the hand signals with action words like front, up, down, off, left, right, back up, away (or “go”), quick-quick (for fast either to me or away from me) stop, go-around and slow. Be consistent in your training and use your words and with the hand signals until they are one in the same. Try to hook up with an agility trainer to work these specific commands and further your bond…or, met up with me more often! ☺ Remember to use critical non-action words for positive training such as good quiet, good stay and wait. Dogs can’t be loved on enough and even if you never step foot into a show ring, yours can be just as well trained for real life applications that are sure to impress and warm all of your hearts’. Hi, Jenn, I am an avid walker and being able to have the dogs come along with me sure makes the miles all the worthwhile. I am careful to keep the dogs on short leashes as I live in a city with sidewalks and cars. Many times I walk early in the am or after sunset and I’d love to have a way to illuminate the dogs for more safety in low light conditions. My Hubby and I also love to camp and being able to quickly identify the 4 dogs individually with a collar light would be super functional. I have tried the small, clip on style lights but they are hard to see at a glance and from a distance. Have you any better suggestions for us? Thank you, Andrea and Ted Craig Reba, Cooper, Mia and Ella

JENN Hello, Craig Family and 4 Paws! I’m excited to share with you my favorite new LED collar line up from BreakOut Gear that has solved my same “lost in the dark” problem. I used to use the small clip-on lights to help locate my dogs in the dark but most of the time, I couldn’t see the light behind their chest and shoulders. Having more than one dog really requires more than one light color and the BreakOut Collars come in 4 sizes and 6 super bright LED colorslight blue, green, yellow, orange, red and pink. All sizes are the same 1-inch width and feature 3 different LED light settings of solid, delay and flashing. They day glow collars are so bright they act like little flashlights around your dog’s neck. In the snow, the lights literally create a colored halo around your dog’s area of travel. I have used my collars for well over 50 hours and so far, the brightness level is the same as the day they were new. I love the sturdy “D” ring leash or tag clip and easy to use heavy-duty quick snap. I contacted the wonderful sellers of this dog collar and asked for a special Promo Code for our readers! They happily obliged! Search BreakOut Gear LED Dog Collars or www.breakoutgear.com/collections/ dog-collection/products/led-light-updog-collar Free shipping right now and Use “TRAILBLAZER” for a discount – Retail is $12.95. I believe this item will solve your problem and allow you and others to quickly see your beloved pets at all hours of the day! I even started using the LED collar around my ankles in the flashing mode when I’m walking or riding my bike during low light or poor weather visibility conditions. Safety is really important and this collar is a step above to help you be seen! Email Jenn your questions and share your pics at TBPets@equitylifestyle.com

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

PREFERRED RV DEALERS

Check out member specials on parts, service, and sales by visiting our preferred RV Dealer partners listed here. Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake www.freedomrvusa.com

USA A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City www.alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • www.agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley www.affinityrv.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga www.alpinhaus.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • www.alstrailers.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake www.americanfamilyrv.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • www.bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • www.bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • www.baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • www.bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • www.bladerv.com Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie; SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg • www.boatnrv.com Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis www.funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee www.brownsrvsuperstore.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • www.camperland.net 60

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Funtime RV OR - Tualalin • www.funtimervinc.com Campers Inn CT - Union; FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Ellwood City, Hatfield; MA - Raynham VA - Fredericksburg; GA - Macon, Tucker www.campersinn.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap www.canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • www.charlieobaughrv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale www.clearcreekrvcenter.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks www.conejowholesaleauto.com Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • www.couchsrvnation.com Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain, Matthews www.countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield www.crossroadstrailers.com Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft www.curtistrailercenter.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville www.economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro www.ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City www.etqualityrv.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • www.floydsrvs.com

General RV Center IL - Huntley MI - Brownstown, Mt. Clemens, Wayland, White Lake, Wixom OH - North Canton www.generalrv.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay www.gibsrvsuperstore.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • www.haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater www.haylettautoandrv.com J&M Camper & Marine ME - Augusta • www.jmcamper.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle www.keystonervcenter.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • www.lakesidervsales.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix, CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie www.lamesarv.com Lux-Liner LLC CA - Acadia • Lux-liner.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • www.mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • www.mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs www.mikethompson.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • www.opelikarv.com

CANADA Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • www.outofdoorsmart.com

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

Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • www.actionvr.ca

Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • www.pattersonrv.com

Seguin RV TX - Seguin • www.seguinrv.com

Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • www.vrjdrv.ca

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

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

VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • www.vrdepot.ca

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

VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas www.vremondplus.com

Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • www.phillipsrv.com

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

VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • www.vrprestige.com

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

Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca www.stricklandmarineandrv.com

Princesscraft RV TX - Round Rock • www.princesscraft.com

Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • www.sunbeltrv.com

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

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • www.sundownrv.com

Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood www.recreationplantationrvsales.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • www.royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • www.russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • www.rvcity.net RV General Store OK - Newcastle • www.rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • www.rvsforless.net RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim www.rvvaluemart.com Safford RV VA - Thornburg • www.saffordrv.com Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood www.scottmotorcoach.com

Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Douglasville, Temple www.superdealsrv.com TAC Trailer and RV NC - Moyock • www.tactrailerandrv.com The Trail Center SC - North Charleston www.trailcenter.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs www.traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center Wa - Vancouver • www.vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Ft. Worth • www.vogtrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • www.welcomebackrv.com

VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie www.vrsouliere.com GO VR QC - Ange Gardien • www.go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • www.horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières www.entreposagejcs.com Leasure Days RV ON - Ayr, Kingston, Pembroke, Smith Falls, Sudbry QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro www.leisuredays.ca Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • www.vrvictoriaville.com Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières www.roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu www.roulottesremillard.com

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

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

y l l a It’s R Time! Calendar

CLUB MARCH 2016 Bounders United (BUTTN)

Apr. 10-12................ Palm Springs, CA Wagonmaster will be Darlene Spalding, contact information (951) 741-3881; Bounders United/TTN are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Darlene Spalding at (951) 741-3881 or email at wrkerbees@yahoo.com.

TT SINGLES Central California Mar. 25-27.................... San Benito, CA Apr. 22-24.....Lake of The Springs, CA May 27-30.................... San Benito, CA Jun. 24-26.................. Morgan Hill, CA Jul. 22-24................... Snowflower, CA Aug. 26-28.................. Snowflower, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 986-1088 or email to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net.

TT Travelers Southern California Mar. 7-9...............Soledad Canyon, CA Apr. 4-6.................... Palm Springs, CA We meet Mon, Tues, Weds, mornings for coffee and those evenings for potluck and games. For more information, contact Wagon Master Donna Schoolcraft (619) 933-9787 or jeff@nocciola.com.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

RVers seeking RVers? Rally clubs from coast to coast love

to meet at our destinations. Join in on the fun! Northwest

TT East Trail Buddies

Lewis and Clark TTN

Mar. 20-24......Oaks at South Point, SC May 11-15....................Chesapeake,VA We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members. We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or email to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com.

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

Apr. 14-19.......................... Seaside OR May 17-21.......................Paradise, WA Jun. 16-20...............Whaler’s Rest, OR Jun. 23-26.......................... Albany, OR Jul. 18-22..................... La Conner, WA Aug. 18-22................... South Jetty, OR Roger Beausoleil: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Roger Beausoleil (503) 390-4753 or rogerabeau@msn.com

TTN So Cal Weekenders Mar. 4-6 �� Palm Springs, CA Apr. 1-3 �� Soledad Canyon, CA May 6-8 �� Oakzanita, CA Jun. 3-5 ��Pio Pico, CA Aug. 5-7 �� Idyllwild, 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@earthlink.net website: http://home.earthlink. net/~ttnweekenders.

TTWest/FMCA Mar. 10-13 ��Lake Minden, CA May 12-15 �� Ponderosa, CA Jul. 15-17 ��Snowflower, CA Sept. 8-11 �� Lake of the Springs, CA Nov. 18-20 �� San Bentio, CA Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly. Contact Manny Francis at (415) 606-7596 or email to mannyfrancis@live.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

TT of Texas/FMCA Mar. 4-6 �� Colorado River, TX May 6-8 ��Lake Texoma, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com.

Find The Evergreen Tree

An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue. Drop us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 Visa Prepaid Gift Card!

Patricia Powell of Arcadia, CA

found the tree on Page 37 of the November/December Issue. All Photos

Courtesy of

Bling Johnson

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. TB_Nov/Dec_20

15_V13.indd

NOVEMBER

/DECEMBER

2015 TRAILBLAZ

10/12/15 12:05 PM

Postmark deadline is Mar. 31, 2016

and remember –the tree could be a different color and size.

Answers can be found on page 64.

This Spring, Make Some New Friends Adopt -AManatee

Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 58

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 63.

Terms and Conditions for 2016 Referral Promotion from page 4. For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2016, you will receive a $25 Visa Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2016, 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 2017, not to exceed $545 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2017. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2016 and December 14, 2016, 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 Visa® Prepaid Card and you will not receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored. Employees of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

MARCH 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Exclusive rates for first-time visitors only! $19/night | $149/week | $299/month

Whether you want to get away for a month, a week or only a day, first-time visitors save with exclusive rates at select Florida Carefree RV Resorts through October. Carefree RV Resorts has over 35 all-age and active-adult resorts throughout Florida, located in popular vacation spots, including Tampa, Largo, Bradenton, Lakeland, Orlando, Sarasota, Naples, Daytona Beach and The Florida Keys. Call 855-422-4558 to book your reservation at a participating park today.

First time visitors only. Discounted rates are valid at select Carefree RV Resorts through October 31, 2016. Electric not included in stays over 21 days. Please call for a list of participating RV resorts. Reservations cannot be made through the parks directly. Offer is based on availability and subject to change at anyMARCH time.

2016 TRAILBLAZER

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NO ONE DOES IT BETTER

PROTECT YOUR PEACE OF MIND Thousand Trails Members Qualify For Association Discounts Attend A SkyMed Meeting For Details

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN AN EMERGENCY? SkyMed members simply call our toll-free number and speak to a caring SkyMed representative

24 SEVEN 365. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Hospital-to-Hospital Emergency Air Transport Vehicle & Vessel Return Visitor Transportation Transportation for Recuperation Nearer Home Commercial Carrier Medical Escort Flights

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Ground Ambulance Helicopter 100 Mile Waiver SkyMed Plus (Pet Return) Minor Children / Grandchildren Return Primary Driver Disability Physical Remains Return

800-679-2020

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

www.skymed.com/thousandtrails

Escort / Companion Transportation Return Transportation After Recovery Incidental Expense Allowance Organ Retrieval Organ Recipient Transportation Global Emergency Travel Services