TrailBlazer Magazine - September 2017 by TrailBlazer Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2017

SAVANNAH – VS –

CHARLESTON Savoring the Best of Two Southern Charmers

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*Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on page 45 of this magazine.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

VOL. 39

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WHAT’S INSIDE

ISSUE 8 /// SEPTEMBER 2017

lifestyle

Message from Marguerite

Tech Topics

35 4 Paws on the Road 46 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer? 48 Ask RV Bill 66 On Location Tropical Palms

features

16 Charleston vs. Savannah

calendars 10 On-Site Events

Few cities in America have as many charms as the southeastern coastal towns of Charleston and Savannah. From history and culture to world-class cuisine and the great outdoors, these two southern charmers have something for everyone.

14 Local Events

spotlight

64 Club Calendar

regulars Pics From The Parks

50 Member Deals 60 Crossword Puzzle

30 RV Podcasters/Bloggers The Puglisis

61 Sudoku Puzzle 62 Preferred RV Dealer List

What started as a love of road-tripping to iconic events and places like the New Orleans Jazz Fest has morphed into an RV career for husband-and-wife podcasting and blogging team, Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi.

36 Virginia Oyster Trail Oysters grown in Virginia and on the east coast are a species called, appropriately enough, Crassostrea Virginica. They tend to take on the flavor and salinity level of the waters in which they grow and are harvested.

36 SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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MESSAGE from MARGUERITE The month of September typically signifies a time for us to return to a routine. Students and teachers have returned to the classroom, summer hours have ended, and bedtime schedules arrive a bit earlier each night. Though the word “routine” may cause stress to some, many believe there are benefits to establishing a good daily schedule. A daily routine helps to provide structure, making us more efficient and freeing up time. Whether you are working on a project for school, work, or simply around the house, establishing and scheduling time accordingly will provide you with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. For those who workout, a daily routine provides us with the necessary momentum to enable us to complete our workout as scheduled (and earn that extra s’more). After the hustle and bustle of a heavily scheduled year, we always look forward to slowing our pace down, staying up late, and enjoying those long summer nights. But with fall in the air and our favorite fall sports right around the corner, as well as that much anticipated fall road trip, returning to a routine really isn’t that bad, especially when it involves a bit of fun. What better way to establish a routine for the remainder of the year than making sure to schedule in some time for fun and the great outdoors?

A key part of establishing a routine is checking off that to do list to make sure you still spend time doing what you love. Without time for friends, family, hobbies, and activities, a routine can become stale. With a few months left of 2017, there’s still plenty of time to make scheduling some “me time” (ie: camping time) a priority. Take a look at some of the areas of the country you’re hoping to visit and make a long weekend of it. Are you fulltiming and able to explore a bit more? Hit the road and take advantage of that freedom. As you organize yourself in September, prioritize nature, the great outdoors, and family and friend time as a part of your routine. It will make the year that much more fun and the thought of a routine even more rewarding!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery EDITOR tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mellissa Dempsey 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 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card. Each issue we will select ONE “winning” photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month). The winning photo will be posted on the TrailBlazer website as well as in the magazine. Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to:

TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to:

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

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

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

VISIT WWW.THOUSANDTRAILS.COM STARS AUTOMATED RESERVATIONS 800-859-STAR (7827)

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

▲ Seaside (OR): Cousins enjoying the swimming pool! – Joddy Krogstad

PICS FROM THE PARKS

▲ Lake and Shore (NJ): Daughter down by the lake during a beautiful sunset. –Danielle Foster

▲ Grandy Creek (WA): Cute rustic cabins. – Maggie Blair

▲ Crescent Bar (WA): Bluff overlooking the Columbia River – Steve Wilson SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winner,

Ken Allen from Brockton, MA

was camping at Gateway to Cape Cod when he was presented with a $1,000 gift card! left to right: Gateway to Cape Cod Manager, Kristina Dessert, and Ken Allen

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2017 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

When you pay your annual dues for 2017 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2017. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2017, 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, 2017. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

TECH

TOP CS

RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! by Paul and Kerri Elders This month, we’ll take a look at some simple ideas geared toward maintaining your engine’s optimal efficiency. Oil filters and air filters are quiet guardians of your engine; you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to change them! We’ll also give you some maneuvering food for thought, as you navigate your RV through the highways and byways of our beautiful country. Let’s go! Changing Oil Filters: Oil filters are a critical part of any engine’s system and should be changed every three to five thousand miles or at every oil change. Use a high-quality, brand-name filter and always inspect your oil filter for leaks after having your oil changed at any service center. In rare cases, a service technician may fail to sufficiently tighten the oil filter after an oil change, which can result in an oil leak. It’s also a good idea to check your oil level after driving about a hundred miles after any oil change. Get in the habit of taking a quick glance at the area under your engine compartment each time you fill up or take a break at a rest stop, keeping an eye out for fluid leaks. Above all, train yourself to check your oil gauge and temperature gauge regularly while driving, just as a matter of habit. Before installing any new oil filter, make sure the O-ring from the previous filter has been completely removed from the engine block. Always use a new O-Ring when installing a new filter. Lubricate the O-ring lightly with oil before installing the filter. Hand-tighten new oil filters as per the package instructions; it’s important to never over-tighten oil filters, so

don’t use a wrench. And be sure to dispose of the used filter properly. A wide variety of videos on YouTube visually demonstrate not only how to change an oil filter, but give you some useful visual advice on oil changes, too. It’s a highly recommended resource for do-it-yourselfers!

of time. Recommended inspection intervals for normal driving conditions are usually every 12 months or 30,000 miles for reusable filters and every 12 months or 12,000 miles for disposables. After inspection, clean, re-oil, or discard the filter, depending on its condition.

Air Filters: One of the most surprisingly simple causes of reduced engine performance is a dirty air filter. That’s because all automotive engines, whether gasoline or diesel, need air in order to operate. Before this combustible air enters the engine, it MUST be filtered to screen out impurities (dust, bugs, etc.). Disposable paper filters, foam filters, and reusable fiber filters are available to serve this need. An engine’s power output is directly proportional to the air available for combustion, so even a small restriction in the air induction system will cause an engine’s optimum power output to drop. Check your Owner’s Manual for your manufacturer’s air filter recommendations and always use a replacement filter that’s properly sized for your engine.

Motorhome Tailswing: If you’re an RVer with a motorhome, then you’ve no doubt learned that driving a motorhome is a bit different than just driving a REALLY BIG SUV. Proportion, height, weight distribution, and unique handling characteristics make a motorhome its own special driving experience. Motorhomes aren’t difficult to drive, but they do have a different “road feel” than a passenger car or truck.

K&N offers a popular line of reusable air filters that use pleated, oil-impregnated gauze as a filter medium. Generally speaking, pleated designs provide a large filter surface area, providing increased airflow to the engine. Many air filter options are available from Fram, Mann, Purolator, and many other companies. Changing your engine’s air filters at recommended intervals will help keep your engine performing at its peak. Change the air filter more often if you travel in dusty conditions for an extended period

Depending on the motorhome’s chassis design, some of us need to keep an eye out for a physical phenomenon called “tailswing.” If your motorhome has a long rear overhang – meaning that the rear bumper of the coach is a good distance back from the back wheels – then you need to be aware of the residual tailswing effects of that rear overhang. It’s simple physics: turn the motorhome sharply in one direction and the motorhome’s “tail” will swing out in the opposite direction. The longer the distance is between the rear axle and the rear bumper, the more dramatic this movement will be. Obstacles in the path of the tail’s swing can meet with a swipe. Just up your awareness level a notch or two. Notice your motorhome’s amount of tailswing and just adjust as you approach your turn. Watch your mirrors carefully when making turns in tight conditions. Happy trails! SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

ACTIVITIES

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

SEPTEMBER events Every weekend at Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds there are activities and fun for kids and adults of all ages. Check out what’s in store for this month and be sure to also check out your 2017-2018 Theme Weekends guide to get you going on your plans at Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds!

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Arts & Crafts/ Hobbies Show off your best work or try a DIY you’ve never tried before with us at Thousand Trails. There are plenty of arts and craft activities for kids and adults alike.

Labor Day Weekend Extend your summer by staying at Thousand Trails! We’ve got activities galore to last you until the end of summer and beyond. Live music, a dj dance and the annual Chinese Lantern Lift-Off to celebrate the last weekend of the summer at Gettysburg Farm (PA). Join the fun at Virginia Landing (VA) before the season’s done and enjoy Friday night hot dogs and s’mores by the fire plus hayrides, fun and games at the Family Lodge. Enjoy sweet blackberry pie to celebrate summer’s end at Snowflower (CA) and fly your kite with us. The inflatable bouncy ship will be docked at Sea Pines (NJ) on Saturday for a Pirate Festivities Weekend, sending off the summer with a big, “AHOY!” Decorate yourself, your pet, your bike and enter the Wacky Happy Camper’s Paradise parade during Labor Day Weekend at Russian River (CA).

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Join us at Chestnut Lake (NJ) Sept. 2-4 to make your favorite arts and crafts plus camping stories at the bonfire with hot dogs and s’mores to enjoy the last weekend of the summer season. Pirates are set to invade Ponderosa (CA) on Sept. 16 so join ‘em, don’t beat ‘em, by making your own pirate mask. Share your favorite hobby or get a few new ideas at the Hobby Lover’s Hobby Share and Coffee at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of Sept. 22-24. The same weekend is bound to be a weekend full of nature crafts, walks, campfires and stories at Timothy Lake N & S (PA). Bring your favorite wine to enjoy as the folks at Medina Lake (TX) explore the art of watercoloring on Sept. 23. Kids will make fall crafts with leaves from the area at Horseshoe Lakes (IN) the weekend of Sept. 30 for a kids weekend.

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Show off your best recipes and wow your neighbors at these cook-offs happening this month at Thousand Trails. Close out the summer at Soledad Canyon (CA) with an end-of-summer rib cook-off during Labor Day Weekend. Sign up in the office for the Third Annual Chili Cook-Off and Member Appreciation at Harbor View (VA) on Sept. 2! Also holding their Third Annual Chili Cook-Off will be Carolina Landing (SC) during the Labor Day Celebration. Join us at Oceana (WA) on Labor Day Weekend for old-fashioned fun and games and yes, a chili cooking contest plus pie -eating contests, root beer floats, sack races and more. Expect tons of activities like golf cart races, water slides, mini-golf, and more too! Submit your favorite chili recipe for prizes at Wilderness Lakes (CA) on Sept. 16. What better way to meet new friends and members than over pots of chili? At Bay Landing (TX), prizes will be awarded to the best judged chili the last weekend of the month, Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

Football Season Has Begun Show off your best recipes at these food competitions this summer! Get into the fall mood with a flag football game and enjoy the harvest of our community garden at Kenisee Lake (OH) the weekend of Sept. 8. Show your support for your favorite football team by wearing your team gear the weekend of Sept. 8-10 at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA). Who will have the most team spirit at Natchez Trace (TN) the weekend of Sept. 22? There will be a Team Spirit Campsite contest and a chili cook-off. Pack your jerseys and join us at Circle M (PA) for a chili cook-off tailgate the weekend of Sept. 29. Football season is back at Lake Texoma (TX) so join us for punch and sample all kinds of different cheese, chips, and dips on Sept. 30.

All About Pets! Bring your furry friends and family to these Thousand Trails campgrounds for lots of animal fun this September! We are all about ducks at Whaler’s Rest (WA) the weekend of Sept. 1-4. Come get your very own duck at one of our many fun-filled activities. A prize will be awarded for most ducks gathered over the weekend! Enjoy the last big weekend of the summer at Oakzanita Springs (CA) with live music and a live animal presentation! Sept. 9-10 will be the dog’s favorite weekend, when they take over the family pool at Bend-Sunriver (OR) for the Doggie Dive & Swim! Show off your furry family members at Leavenworth (WA) on Sept. 8-10. Moms, dads, kids, grandparents - they all had their weekends. It’s all of our pets’ turns at Circle M (PA) and be sure to bring along a picture to enter into the Cutest Pet contest the weekend of Sept 22-24!

Some events may require a participation fee.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – On-Site

Cooking Champs

Activities and Events – On-Site

Member Appreciation We appreciate all of the good times we spend with our members at Thousand Trails! Let us show you how much we appreciate you at these member appreciation events in September. The weekend of Sept. 2 is Member Appreciation weekend at Orlando (FL). There will also be a Wet & Wild Wagon Ride, plus cake and coffee to celebrate! Grab your partner at Mount Vernon (WA) for the Western Theatre and hayrides, bucking broncos, and a western costume contest the weekend of Sept. 2 for Member Appreciation weekend! Join us at Green Mountain (NC) for a sweet treat to celebrate our members the weekend of Sept. 1-3. Free continental breakfast, mini-golf, wagon rides, crafts, bingo, outdoor movies and more at Twin Mills (IN) the weekend of Sept. 22 for Appreciation Weekend. Join us at Birch Bay (WA) on Labor Day Weekend for a member appreciation barbecue and cake & ice cream party!

Grandparents Weekend Honor your elders and tell your grandparents how much you love them by celebrating Grandparents Weekend this September at Thousand Trails. Honor your grandparents by making them a craft at Forest Lake (NC) the weekend of Sept. 8-10. Celebrate your grandparents with an old-fashioned potluck social at Lake Minden (CA) followed by brown bag bingo or bring them to the ice cream social and creative crafter’s circle! Come to the Family Center at Lake Whitney (TX) to make something special to give to your grandparents and show them how much you appreciate them! At Moody Beach (ME) we’ll show our grandparents how special they are to us by giving them a gift we made! Plus a special pancake breakfast on Sunday morning where grandparents eat free! 12

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Live Music Dance and sing along to the sounds of live performances of your favorite bands at Thousand Trails this September! Enjoy a weekend of rummage sales and music by Riding Shotgun on Saturday evening at Plymouth Rock (WI) on Labor Day Weekend. American Made Band and Lighthouse join us at Wilmington (OH) for some entertainment on Sept. 4. Sign up and bring a beverage and a dish to share while listening to the sounds of Justified at Harbor View (VA) on Sept. 9. The Max Headroom Band joins us on Labor Day Weekend for an entertaining performance at Timothy Lake N & S (PA). Rock City Live plays to the crowd at Chehalis (WA) on Saturday Sept. 2. Summer is winding down at Hershey (PA) so let’s go out with a bang with a performance by Almost Famous (former, 2nd Chance Band) on Labor Day Weekend.

Welcome the new season with warm apple pie, cozy outdoor movies, and fall-themed crafts with Thousand Trails. Join us at Wilmington (OH) and the locals in the town of Wilmington at the Clinton County Fair Grounds to celebrate the harvest and our agricultural heritage the weekend of Sept. 8 -10. The season is ending at Tranquil Timbers (WI), where the fall season is truly beautiful, so spend the day together with a Fall Fest. We’ll enjoy an outdoor movie, wagon rides, apple cider, and apple pie the weekend of Sept. 15-17. The Festival of Fall is coming to Twin Mills (IN) the weekend of Sept. 15-17 and there will be wagon rides, pie social, leaf crafts, wheelbarrow races, plus more fun-filled fall themed activities! Sept. 22-24 is apple picking weekend at Rondout Valley (NY). There will also be a pie baking and pie eating contests after all that apple picking! We’re Falling Into Fall Weekend at Verde Valley (AZ) Sept. 16-17 features creating floral centerpieces and pine cone wreaths for your rig! We’ll provide the materials and you supply the pine cones!

Good Old Fashioned Potlucks Potlucks are practically a Thousand Trails tradition! Celebrate with friends and food at these upcoming potlucks in September. Spend the weekend with us at Cherokee Landing (TN) and enjoy a member appreciation potluck where we will provide the meat! A member appreciation celebration will follow the big BBQ dinner at Chehalis (WA) on Labor Day weekend. Come enjoy a weekend of rest and relaxation and the Annual Labor Day Picnic on Sept. 2 at Peace River (FL) Share a potluck dinner with the cast and crew of Mystery Shop, a virtual game of clue at Pine Country (IL) the weekend of Sept. 15. Do you love shrimp? Come hungry and order as many as you like at Chesapeake Bay (VA) the weekend of Sept. 29! Sides and dessert will be available as well. Bring a friend to Potluck Weekend at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) the weekend of Sept. 15. SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – On-Site

Welcome to the Fall Season

Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

CALENDAR events

MOODY BEACH (ME)

▼ Washington County Fair, TX

September 9 Travis Manion 3.5K Run 3.5K Run benefitting the Travis Manion Foundation, founded to assist nation’s veterans and families of the fallen in all stages of their personal journey. historicsmithvillenj.com

September 23-24 Pocono Puppy Palooza Bring your pooch to the first annual Pocono Puppy Palooza! Lots of activities for you and your dog a the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. shawneemt.com

September 9-10 9th Annual Summer Solstice Craft Show The best of traditional, country, and contemporary arts and crafts with 70+ juried crafters at Wells Jr. High School. 10am-4pm, rain or shine. Parking and admission are free. summersolsticecraftshows.com

September 30 Italian Festival Live music and entertainment; fine New Jersey wine tasting; food; desserts; artisan vendors; Italian Classic Cars; register for bocce ball by contacting John Demarco at Marcojohndema@us.ibm.com. historicsmithvillenj.com

LAKE GASTON (NC)

CHESTNUT LAKE (NJ)

TIMOTHY LAKE N & S (PA)

September 8 Car Cruise See cars from a time gone by or bring your vintage ride to show at the Village Greene at Historic Smithville. Free admission. historicsmithvillenj.com

September 2-3 Pocono Garlic Festival Celebrate the Hardneck Garlic harvest at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area at the Pocono Garlic Festival. shawneemt.com

Wednesdays in September Wells Farmers Market New and returning vendors in 2017 at the new location at WellsMoody Center. Every Wednesday from 1:30-5pm. wellsfarmersmarket.org

September 23 Museum Day Live! Interactive exhibit at Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Walk through multiple aviaries displaying birds from almost every continent. Museum Day Live! is a free admission museum day. smithsonianmag.com/museumday

CHEHALIS & PARADISE (WA) September 2-4 Packwood Flea Market Peruse hundreds of booths at the world’s longest swap meet. Takes place all weekend at Hwy 12 at Packwood. packwoodfleamarket.com

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

LAKE WHITNEY (TX) September 3 Free Sunday at the Mayborn Free admission at the Mayborn Museum the first Sunday of every month. This museum features “hands-on discovery roms and interactive natural science and cultural history galleries.” baylor.edu/mayborn September 13-16 Will Rogers Memorial Center Extreme Mustang Makeover Celebrate the spirit and power of mustang horses at the Extreme Mustang Makeover. Trainers have 100 days to train, break and develop a trusting relationship with the horse. fortworth.com/listings/will-rogersmemorial-center/7123

COLORADO RIVER (TX) September 15-23 Washington County Fair Attractions for families; rodeo; bbq and chuckwagon cook-offs; tournaments; pet show; greased pig contest; youth hay hauling contest; livestock & dairy judging; plus so much more! Ticket prices vary by day; see website for detailed ticket information. washingtoncofair.com

HARBOR VIEW (VA) September 2 & 3 51st Annual Boardwalk Art & Crafts Festival Booths and tents line either side of the Colonial Beach Boardwalk to display wonderful works of art and creative crafts by talented artists. colonial-beach-virginia-attractions.com

September 16-17 Stratford Hall Wine & Oyster Festival This popular event features wines from Virginia wineries and oysters from Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater oyster growers. Savor the varied tastes of oysters and a wide variety of seafood options. Advanced tickets online. See website for detailed ticket information. stratfordhall.org

VERDE VALLEY (AZ) September 9 45th Annual Fiesta De Tiaquepaque Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a day of traditional food, lively mariachis, Flamenco dancers for young and old. Admission is free. tlag.com/events September 15-16 Thunder Valley Rally 2017 Blue Oyster Cult, The Mods, and Santana play at the Thunder Valley Rally, taking place in Cottonwood, AZ at Freedom Bird Park and Old Town Cottonwood. Beer, wine and food vendors. Tickets available on the website. thundervalleyrallyaz.com September 16 Sedona Airport Family Fun Day See old military, antique, restored and modern aircrafts. Walk and talk with pilots and learn about the world of aviation; take a ride with a pilot; food and beverages supplied! sedonaairport.org

DIAMOND CAVERNS (KY) September 29 Bret Michaels in Concert See the multiplatinum superstar and philanthropist play rock n’ roll at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased on SKYPAC’s website. theskypac.com/shows

Some events may require a participation fee.

WILDERNESS LAKES (CA)

Activities and Events – Local

September 16-17, 23-24 ARTrails Open Studio Tours 150 local artists open their studios for visitors. Local galleries and other venues open extended hours. artrailsofsww.org

September 15-17 Cruisin’ Reunion Bring your classic car or walk along Euclid Avenue. This event is free to the public. Twenty-two city blocks of cars and hot rods parking and cruising for three days along the streets of downtown Ontario, CA. Route66CruisinReunion.com September 1-24 LA County Fair Concert series’; over 500 vendors; special entertainment; horse racing; historical trains; so many attractions! lacf.com

ORLANDO (FL) September 1-3 Lakeland Flying Tigers Attend a Lakeland Flying Tigers home game with your family and friends. The Flying Tigers are based in Lakeland and play at the newly renovated Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium. visitcentralflorida.org

CHEROKEE LANDING (TN) Every Friday Night in Sept Music on the Square Live bands and food on the square in downtown Bolivar. This free event boats an old town atmosphere with crafts, music, dancing, and food lasting into the evening. hardemancountytn.com

RANCHO OSO (CA) September 1 - October 9 Animals A-Z Join the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature for its newest exhibition, Animals: A-Z. The museum will showcase a diverse artistic representation of animal species, from aardvarks to zebras and everything in between. Artworks range from realistic to abstract and represent a variety of mediums. wildlingmuseum.org SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

SAVANNAH – VS –

CHARLESTON Savoring the Best of Two Southern Charmers by Lynn & Cele Seldon

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Few cities in America have as many charms as the southeastern coastal towns of Charleston and Savannah. From history and culture to worldclass cuisine and the great outdoors, these two southern charmers have something for everyone.

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Both these cities have a lot in common. Savannah, Georgia is the oldest city in Georgia, established in 1733 along the Savannah River. Likewise Charleston is the oldest and largest city in South Carolina, established in 1670 as “Charles Town”, a port town in honor of King Charles II of England.

▲ Savannah Walking Tours Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah

CITY TOURS There are few better ways to first explore a town than with a tour. Both cities have varied tours and many visitors choose to take more than one during their time there.

▲ Tour Historic Savannah in style on the trolley tours

Charleston

Savannah

Tour Charleston tourcharleston.com

Old Savannah Tours oldsavannahtours.com

This local tour is owned and operated by locals Julian and Polly Buxton, who also own Buxton Books (see “Bookstores” below). Julian is the author of the bestseller, The Ghosts of Charleston, and their company offers a variety of history- and ghost-based tours. Other city tour possibilities include: varied horse and carriage tours; Bulldog Tours; Gullah Tours; Gray Line of Charleston; Adventure Sightseeing; Totally Charleston Tours; Charms of Charleston Tours; Sites & Insights Tours; Frankly Charleston; Old Charleston Walking Tours; and Charleston Pirate Tours.

This tour offers hop on and off trolley tours that provide a great overview. The tours feature historic reenactors, so tour-goers might get to “meet” Forrest Gump, a pirate from the historic Pirates’ House, or even Georgia’s founder, James Oglethorpe. Along with other trolley tours, other tour options throughout the city include: Architectural Tours of Savannah; the Paula Deen Tour; Hearse Ghost Tours; Authentic Savannah Ghost Walks & Hidden History; Ghosts and Gravestones™ of Savannah; Haunted Savannah Tours; Savannah Hauntings Ghost Tour & Savannah Night Fright Tours (adults only); and Savannah Military Tours.

▲ Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park, Charleston

CULINARY TOURS Food has become such an integral part of travel that people are choosing destinations for restaurant bucket lists, food and beverage festivals, and other food-focused experiences, including culinary tours. What better way to immerse yourself in a culture and people than through its food.

Charleston

Savannah

Charleston Culinary Tours culinarytoursofcharleston.com

Savannah Taste Experience Food Tours savannahtasteexperience.com

Get ready to dishes up a menu of five culinary experiences, each offering a unique bite of the city. From “Downtown to Upper King Street” and “Farm-to-Table” to “Chef’s Kitchen” or “Mixology,” there’s a tour for every taste. Along with other food-oriented tours, beverage-focused tours of Charleston are also numerous, including distillery tours, brewery tours, and pub crawls (like The Original Pub & Brewery Tours of Charleston).

Savannah Taste Experience Food Tours features a “First Squares Food Tour,” which offers tastes and tours of historic downtown restaurants and eateries. It’s a perfect first-timers choice, with tours and tastings in the historic downtown district. For veteran visitors, the “Famous & Secret East Side” tour offers an exclusive off-the beaten path taste of Savannah’s quiet east side. Visitors won’t go thirsty in Savannah either, thanks to Savannah Pub Tours and other thirst-quenching touring options.

“GRANDE DAME” DINING Both cities have “Grande Dame” hotels and inns that also offer grand dining options for nonguests in the know.

Charleston Adjacent to award-winning Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 (circa1886.com) features the sublime cuisine of Chef Marc Collins, one of the founders of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival.

Savannah Overlooking Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton Restaurant (mansiononforsythpark.com) at the Mansion on Forsyth Park combines the history and opulence of Savannah with contemporary cuisine with a flair. SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Savannah, GA cityscape and the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

â&#x2013;² Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah 20

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HISTORY MUSEUMS Charleston and Savannah are both steeped in history and locals love to share it with visitors on the streets, on tours, in restaurants, and – especially – in several history museums.

▲ The Charleston Museum Photo Courtesy of CharlestonMuseum.org

▲ Savannah History Museum Photo Courtesy of CHSGeorgia.org

Charleston

Savannah

The Charleston Museum charlestonmuseum.org

Savannah History Museum chsgeorgia.org/shm

The Charleston Museum has an extensive collection that presents the history of the Lowcountry from early southern culture to decorative arts, military, and natural history. Other historic possibilities include: many historic houses and mansions; the Postal Museum; the Old Slave Mart Museum; the Confederate Museum; the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum; Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (home of the USS Yorktown and much more); and the North Charleston Fire Museum and Education Center.

The Savannah History Museum is the perfect place to head for an overview of Savannah’s fascinating history. Other options include: the Georgia State Railroad Museum; the American Prohibition Museum; Mercer House Carriage Shop & Museum; Pinpoint Heritage Museum; and the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

ART MUSEUMS Both cities feature a great mix of historic and contemporary art in varied museum settings that provide further insight into life there today and in the past.

Charleston

Savannah

Gibbes Museum of Art gibbesmuseum.org

The Telfair Museums telfair.org

The Gibbs Museum of Art focuses on the art and history of the Lowcountry through painting, miniature portraiture, sculpture, photography, and more, as well as other art and special exhibits. Other artsy Charleston possibilities include: City Hall Gallery; the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art; and the Karpeles Manuscript Museum.

The Telfair Museums comprise a trio of Savannah museums that include the Telfair Academy (the oldest public art museum in the South), Jepson Center (a worldclass contemporary art museum), and the antebellum OwensThomas house. In addition, the SCAD Museum of Art is part of the acclaimed Savannah College of Art and Design and is a major part of the thriving arts scene in the city.

▲ Jepson Center in Savannah Photo Courtesy of Telfair.org SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

GREEN SPACES

▼ Magnolia Plantation & Garden

Both cities have lots of parks and other green space to enjoy.

Charleston Adjacent to award-winning Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 (circa1886.com) features the sublime cuisine of Chef Marc Collins, one of the founders of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival.

Savannah

▲ Waterfront Park

Overlooking Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton Restaurant (mansiononforsythpark.com) at the Mansion on Forsyth Park combines the history and opulence of Savannah with contemporary cuisine with a flair.

BEACHES

▲ Savannah Ferry Riverwalk Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah

The coastal locations of Charleston and Savannah mean a pick of great beaches.

Charleston Folly Beach remains a visitor and local Charleston-area favorite, but the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island all have their fans as well.

Savannah Locals and visitors alike love everything about Savannah’s nearby Tybee Island, with other great beach options including Little Tybee Island, uninhabited Wassaw Island, and – just 30 miles along the coast toward Charleston – Hilton Head Island and nearby beaches. ▲ Forsyth Park in Savannah Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah 22

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HISTORIC HOMES & PLANTATIONS Charleston features many historic homes downtown and renowned plantations nearby, while Savannah’s historic homes overlook equally historic squares.

Charleston

Savannah

Several of Charleston’s historic homes are open for tours, including the Calhoun Mansion (calhounmansion.org). Though pretty Magnolia Plantation & Gardens (magnoliaplantation. com) is the state’s most-visited plantation, the number of plantation possibilities around Charleston can be overwhelming, including Boone Hall, Charleston Tea Plantation, Drayton Hall, McLeod Plantation Historic Site, and Middleton Place. One great option for touring plantations conveniently is to go on a plantations tour with companies like Adventure Sightseeing, Gray Line of Charleston, and Charleston Harbor Tours.

The Federal-style Davenport House Museum (davenporthousemuseum.org) was completed in 1820 and saving it in 1955 was the first such effort by the Historic Savannah Foundation. In addition to the aforementioned antebellum Owens-Thomas House, there’s also the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (she founded the Girl Scouts of America), Davenport House Museum, the Andrew Low House, and others. There’s also Wormsloe Plantation (gastateparks.org), at Wormsloe Historic Site, with its oak-lined drive and Spanish moss dripping from its trees.

OUT ON THE WATER From rivers, marshes, and more out to the Atlantic Ocean, both Charleston and Savannah offers many opportunities to get out on the water.

▲ Charleston Beach

Charleston

Savannah

Family-owned since 1961, SpiritLine Cruises & Events (spiritlinecruises.com) features a 90-minute harbor tour that departs from downtown’s Aquarium Wharf and out at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant. Other water-based options in Charleston include: Charleston Harbor Tours; Coastal Expeditions (eco-tours, boating, kayaking, and more); Ahoy! Tideline Tours; Barrier Island Eco Tours; Nature Adventures Outfitters; and Sandlapper Water Tours.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises (savannahriverboat.com) offers a wide variety of river and harbor cruises day and night, including Southern-focused lunch cruises, sunset cruises, moonlight cruises, lavish brunches, and live entertainment. Other options include: Moon River Kayak Tours, Sundial Charters (nature and fishing tours), Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours; Dolphin Magic Tours; and many more.

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SHOPPING With something for everyone, it’s easy to shop ‘til you drop in both cities.

▲ Charleston Palmetto Roses Photo Courtesy of Charleston City Market

▲ Savannah History Museum Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah

Charleston

Savannah

It’s hard to top Charleston City Market (thecharlestoncitymarket. com) when it comes to finding that perfect souvenir, thanks to more than 140 merchants in three open-air sheds and an enclosed Great Hall (look for handmade sweetgrass baskets). In addition, lots of independent shops are on or near bustling Meeting and King Streets, including The Shops of Historic Charleston Foundation, The Shops of Belmond Charleston Place, Lowcountry Olive Oil, Objective Design Shop, and, ironically, Savannah Bee Co.

Since the 1770s, City Market (savannahcitymarket.com) has been historic Savannah’s commercial and social hub. Today, the four-block area of restored warehouses and shopfronts around Ellis Square is a great place to shop, enjoy live entertainment, and dine. Other shopping hotspots in Savannah include: two Savannah Bee Co. locations; the Paula Deen Retail Store; shopSCAD; Savannah Candy Kitchen; four area Byrd Cookie Co. locations; and lots of independent shops along busy Broughton Street.

BOOKSTORES From Pat Conroy’s South of Broad to John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, book (and bookstore) lovers love Charleston and Savannah.

Charleston

Savannah

Relative newcomer Buxton Books (buxtonbooks.com) is an independent bookshop focusing on the region, with lots of events, signings, and book-based tours (the owners also operate aforementioned Tour Charleston). Other options for bookworms include beloved Blue Bicycle Books, Preservation Society of Charleston Book and Gift Shop, and Pauline Books & Media.

Savannah’s oldest bookstore, E. Shaver, Bookseller (eshaverbooks.com), is a great bet, as are The Book Lady Bookstore and Books on Bay.

▲ E. Shaver Bookstore Photo Courtesy of eshaverbooks.com 24

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▲ Buxton Bookstore Photo Courtesy of buxtonbooks.com

Painted houses in downtown Charleston.

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▼ Soho South Cafe Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah

▲ Leopold’s Ice Cream Parlor Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah

▲ The Olde Pink House Restaurant Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah

▲ Brunch at a Charleston Bed & Breakfast

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FINE DINING They’ve mastered fine dining in the South and that’s certainly true in Charleston and Savannah.

Charleston Situated inside the Belmond Charleston Place, Charleston Grill (charlestongrill.com) may be the classic fine dining restaurant in Charleston, thanks to Chef Michelle Weaver’s creative cuisine and general manager Micky Bakst’s southern hospitality. Other fine dining options in Charleston include: legendary McCrady’s Tavern (ask about Chef Sean Brock’s adjacent McCrady’s “Tasting Menu”); acclaimed Husk; Magnolias; FIG; The Grocery; The Macintosh; The Ordinary; Oak Steakhouse; Halls Chophouse; Pawpaw Restaurant; Hominy Grill; and, one of the forerunners to the booming Charleston cuisine scene, Slightly North of Broad.

Savannah Set in an historic Greyhound bus station, The Grey Restaurant (thegreyrestaurant.com) has raised the bar of Savannah cuisine to another level. Executive Chef and Partner Mashama Bailey’s creative cuisine draws new and veteran visitors, as does Founding Partner Johno Morisano’s welcoming southern charm. Other fine dining options in Savannah include: The Collins Quarter; The Olde Pink House (locals say head downstairs as well); 17Hundred90 Restaurant; Elizbeth on 37th; The Florence; Cotton & Rye; and Rocks on the River Modern Grill.

SEAFOOD Both cities are known for fresh local seafood and more – and the competition is stiff for seafood-loving visitors and locals in-theknow alike.

Charleston

Savannah

Among the dozens of restaurants “specializing” in seafood, The Ordinary from James Beard Award-winning Chef Mike Lata is truly a Charleston seafood palace. Along with aforementioned Hyman’s Seafood, other tasty options for seafood in Charleston include: Rappahannock Oyster Bar; Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar; Coast Bar & Grill; The Darling Oyster Bar; Hank’s Seafood Restaurant; Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar; Charleston Crab House; Oyster House on Market; Pearlz Oyster Bar; previously mentioned Leon’s Oyster Shop; Charleston Harbor Fish House; Blu Oceanfront Restaurant and Folly Beach Crab Shack (both out on Folly Beach); and Bowen’s Island Restaurant.

Unique and sleek Chive Sea Bar & Lounge (chivelounge.com) features Lowcountry seafood and other ingredients Other options in the area include: Savannah River House Seafood; Chart House; Tubby’s Seafood River Street; Tubby’s Tank House; Love’s Seafood Restaurant; Dockside Seafood Bar & Grill; Fiddler’s Crab House; The Shrimp Factory; Barracuda Bob’s; Aqua Star Restaurant; Pearl’s Saltwater Grille; Tybee Island Fish Camp; The Crab Shack; and The Wyld.

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH Filling breakfasts and brunches in the South are a tradition that both Charleston and Savannah proudly uphold.

Charleston

Savannah

For breakfast, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit (calliesbiscuits.com) is a great place to head for creative biscuits and more. Other tasty early-morning options include: aforementioned Kitchen 208; Virginia’s on King; Swamp Fox; and Toast. For brunch, it’s hard to beat Hominy Grill (hominygrill. com) and the setting, plus their southern brunch classics. There’s also Poogan’s Porch, Fat Hen, The Glass Onion, The Park Café, and many more that take Charleston brunch very seriously.

J. Christopher’s (jchristophers. com) is the place to head for breakfast with locals, as are Back in the Day Bakery, B. Matthew’s Eatery, Goosefeathers, and Sunnyside Up. Come brunch, aforementioned Collins Quarter (thecollinsquarter.com) is popular, as are The Funky Brunch and Huey’s.

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CAUSAL DINING Dining in the South can be casual and very hands-on (think peel-and-eat shrimp).

Charleston

Savannah

Deluged by lots of tourists and many locals alike (including the late Pat Conroy), Hyman’s Seafood (hymansseafood.com) was established in 1890 and still features casual Charleston dining – with peel-and-eat shrimp and much, much more on the menu. Other casual – but delectable – dining options in Charleston include: Blossom; Indaco; Minero; Kitchen 208; Little Jack’s Tavern; Caviar & Bananas; Rodney Scott’s BBQ; Home Team BBQ; Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ (two locations); Leon’s Oyster Shop (much more than great grilled oysters); Gaulart & Maliclet French Café (locals call it “Fast & French”); and beloved Jestine’s Kitchen.

There’s nothing in America quite like Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (mrswilkes.com), where shared tables are piled with platterfuls of fried chicken, sweet potato soufflé, black-eyed peas, cornbread dressing, biscuits, corn muffins, and more. There’s typically a line for a reason. Other casual hotspots in Savannah include: The Lady & Sons (of Paula Deen fame); Treylor Park; The Pirates’ House; B’s Cracklin’ BBQ; and fun Crystal Beer Parlor.

EVENTS Anytime is a great time to head to either city and it seems like there’s always something for everyone on the calendar.

Charleston

Savannah

The Charleston Wine + Food Festival charlestonwineandfood.com

The Savannah Book Festival savannahbookfestival.org

The Charleston Wine + Food Festival has been one of America’s top food and beverage festivals for more than a decade, drawing world-class chefs and others from around the corner and around the world. Other events of interest include: the Southeastern Wildlife Expedition; Lexus Charleston Fashion Week; the Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens; Spoleto Festival USA; Charleston Restaurant Week; Annual Fall Tour of Homes, History & Architecture; and so many other events. 28

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The Savannah Book Festival is one of America’s top literary festivals, drawing renowned authors and others. Other options include: the huge St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration; the Savannah Music Festival, the Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens, the Savannah Food & Wine Festival, and much more.

▼ The Charleston Wine + Food Festival Photo Courtesy of charlestonwineandfood.com

SOUL FOOD It’s easy to find southern soul food and lots of friendly locals in both cities.

Charleston For classic fried chicken and lots more food with Charleston soul, Martha Lou’s Kitchen is a perennial locals favorite. Other soulful options in the Charleston area include: Bertha’s Kitchen; Nana’s Seafood & Soul; Hannibal’s Kitchen; Ike’s Gullah Food; and Workmen’s Café.

Savannah Narobie’s Grits & Gravy is a Savannah soul food classic where the grits, gravy, and much more are oh-so-southern. Other soul-filled Savannah restaurants to seek out are: Sweet Potatoes; Momma’s Kitchen; Mama T’s Southern Café; and Baraka’s Homestyle Soul & Seafood Restaurant.

SCENIC DINING Thanks to so much waterfront, both cities feature lots of dining with views.

Charleston Bowen’s Island Restaurant (bowensisland.biz) is a Charleston classic for steamed oysters and more with a classic Lowcountry view. Other great views can be found at: previously mentioned Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar; Tavern & Table; and Harborview Restaurant and Lounge.

Savannah

▲ River Street in Savannah Photo Courtesy of Visit Savannah

The Wyld (thewylddockbar.com) offers creative locally-focused cuisine and stunning views of the wide and sublime creek of the Herb River. Back downtown on the Savannah River, it’s hard to beat the views at Vic’s on the River, Rocks on the Roof, and Boar’s Head Grill & Tavern. SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

On The Road

RV PODCASTERS

Jeremy & Stephanie Puglisi by Lynn & Cele Seldon

Whether you spend life on the road for pleasure or work, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 podcasters, bloggers, and authors, Jeremy & Stephanie Puglisi.

All photos courtesy of Highway One Media 30

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hat started as a love of roadtripping to iconic events and places like the New Orleans Jazz Fest and cross-country while they were dating has morphed into an RV career for husband-and-wife podcasting and blogging team, Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi. It’s now a way of life for their burgeoning family of five. After the birth of their twins, Max and Theo in 2009, the pair made a promise to each other to keep having adventures and not let parenthood slow them down. Seeing a “Go RVing” ad sealed the deal by prompting them to purchase a pop-up camper and start traveling with the kids. They were smitten on the first trip and ended up spending 25 nights on the road that year. Several years later – and with an upgrade to a Jayco White Hawk travel trailer and then a Jayco Octane Super Lite Toy Hauler, as well as the birth of another son in 2013 – the Puglisis now spend more than 75 nights on the road and have turned their love of campgrounds and RV culture into a thriving family business.

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With backgrounds in education, writing, and teaching, their venture started out with some writing for Jayco’s blog. With that success came the natural move into the creation of their own blog, RV Family Travel Atlas. Instead of teaching students about Shakespeare and Homer, they found themselves teaching their blog readers about RV and campground culture. Around the same time, the Puglisis decided to try their hand at podcasting, basically expanding their blog’s reach. The RV Family Travel Atlas podcast is a general interest radio show about all things camping and RVing and can be found on iTunes, Stitcher, or on their website (www. rvfamilytravelatlas.com). Featuring topics like favorite activities for family bonding, 32

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getaway ideas, tips for a successful escape, and even what kind of RV might be right for creating your own adventure, they have been producing a new episode every week for the past three years.

Campgrounds are “incredibly friendly places and we love meeting other travelers [which] does not happen at hotels.

“

The show has been a huge success and has become one of the top-ranked travel podcasts in the iTunes store. That success

has led the Puglisis to expand to an additional Campground of the Week podcast, as well as Stephanie’s joint venture of the Girl Camper: Going Places and Doing Things podcast with host, Janine Pettit. All three now comprise the RV Family Travel Atlas Podcast Network, with more than 1 million downloads in the iTunes store. If that isn’t enough, the Puglisis also write magazine articles and blog for many RV-oriented clients including KOA, Go RVing, Cabela’s, Progressive Insurance, Good Sam Travel and Savings Guide, and others. They have also recently become spokespeople for Go RVing, with live interviews on various news sources and publications. They are also members of the Cabela’s Pro Staff as representatives for family camping.

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IDIOT’S GUIDE

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They are also active in philanthropic RV endeavors. LE: ALSO AVAILAB Recently, they helped toTheraise t’s Complete Idio 3e Guide to RVing, $10,000 from their podcast listeners to buy a travel trailer for the Tents for Troops RV Loaner Program. The RV will be placed permanently at a campground exclusively for the use of active duty soldiers and their families. The RV they are purchasing with the funds will be the first one in the “pay it forward” program.

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We recently caught up with Jeremy after a family trip exploring the Pacific Northwest.

What’s your favorite thing about travelling in an RV versus staying in hotel?

What do you love about RVing?

Campgrounds are incredibly friendly places and we love meeting other travelers. This does not happen at hotels. We also love having our own bed, kitchen, and bath. [And] not having to sleep in beds others have slept in. Also, we love to escape into nature – which is more likely to happen at a campground.

For our family, it’s been transformative. Life gets really stressful at home – my wife works, I work, the kids have school, the kids have sports. And even when we’re home, we’re in different rooms. When we go on an RV trip together, we come closer together as a family and we spend real quality time together. We get out into nature as well, which is also great. We do a lot of hiking and kayaking.

Is RV Family Travel Atlas a full-time job for both of you? We both worked as full-time teachers for over a decade. Two years ago, we had a make or break moment when we realized the business was blossoming and we decided that Stephanie needed to quit her job and manage the business full time. She is the producer of all three podcasts and has strong managerial skills. I have continued teaching but have cut back substantially teaching AP English and film at a private school which allows us to travel a lot.

Who drives? I do the driving but only because Stephanie is a much better navigator and better at keeping the kids entertained and fed.

What are a few of your favorite things onboard? My favorite thing onboard is my elaborate world class coffee set up – a Bonavita coffee maker and Encore burr grinder. I make the best cup of coffee at the campground. Period. Stephanie loves her Instapot crockpot and now her Cabela’s outdoor kitchen for cooking outside. Wesley loves bringing his stuffed animals and the boys love bringing their books and a complete supply of baseball gear for playing at the campground.

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Any camping rituals that you and your family have or do?

What are some favorite meals that you make onboard?

Morning coffee and a quick light breakfast and then a gorgeous hike. Then back to the campground to relax in the afternoon and a campfire at night. Repeat.

Stephanie’s Chicken Caesar salad is amazing – as is her pulled pork. Weenie roasts over the campfire also works.

Any favorite restaurants on the road? Lobster shacks in Maine or Cape Cod for hot buttered lobster rolls! See our book for more.

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What’s the funniest thing that ever happened while you were RVing? Something funny happens in our RV every five minutes. Currently the boys are making up love songs for their dog Maggie. We call her Maggie the camping dog.

What are a few favorite destinations and why? We love Acadia National Park, Cape Cod, and all of New England. We also love Olympic National Park and the Pacific Northwest. We love the combination of ocean and mountains in one place.

paws ROAD

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

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Jenn, I have an Amazon gray parrot who has been in our family for over 22 years. Now that we are full-time RVer’s, the bird is coming with us. His name is Joey. We keep his wings trimmed so there’s no risk of him flying away and he does enjoy his travel in the car and his indoor and his outdoor cage. Yes, you could say he spoiled. And we cook for him each day. Sometimes, he gets a little sore on his foot and I would like to know what I could clean it with that does not contain alcohol, steroids or antibiotics. I’ve been using hydrogen peroxide but the silly boy doesn’t seem to like it when it fizzles up. What a baby… Happiness Always, Carter and June JENN Birds are wonderful pets and most certainly require special handling and care. I owned an Umbrella Cockatoo for over a decade and loved nearly every second of his antics and cleverness. The medicated cleaner that I would recommend is either the blue Nolvasan Solution or the MicrocynAC spray- both are very mild and suitable for use on birds, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits and horses. Being that you don’t want to spray any animal near his face or his eyes, make sure you apply the solution with a clean, dry Q-tip.

by Jenn Gehr

Both are safe for use in delicate areas such as the ears, nose, eyes and face, just be thoughtful in application. Hi, Jenn! My partner and I travel extensively throughout the United States for seven months out of the year. While traveling is not new to us, we have recently acquired three rescue dogs. It’s been a bit of a challenge having three pups in a small space but with all our outdoor activities we seem to manage. From time to time, we noticed that the dogs get terrible diarrhea and I wonder if it’s from the water they drink on the trail or them not being used to a different type of water as we go from campground to campground so frequently. Maybe it’s stress? They eat grain free kibble called PureVita and seem to be itch free, do well on it with good quality hair coats. Sometimes it’s difficult to get to laundry facilities as you know and we have been keeping them on and off Imodium A.D. what seems like over a month now. What do you think about this? We look forward to reading your column very much and have used many of your tips that you have shared with other readers & we love Thousand Trails. Cherish Each Day, Sally and Masha JENN Hello, Fellow Adventurers! It certainly sounds like you have your hands full but you’re making the most of it. I do understand the laundry situation and when we have a dog with a bathroom issue it can be a bit of a challenge. Stress can certainly be a factor to loose stool amongst a myriad of other possibilities. Since one dog contracted the diarrhea and now

the others have it and makes me think that you could have a bug of some sort and the matter needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. I do not recommend human drugs to be used on pets without specific instruction from a veterinarian first. Remember that if you’re continually treating some type of problem you’re only masking it with a human drug and a guessing game. You need to take in a fresh fecal sample for a local vet in the area. If you can’t get in first thing in the morning, use a baggie and some type of a tongue depressor for a disposable applicator and scoop up a grass free tablespoon size of waste- put it in the plastic bag and place it in the fridge raider until you can go to the veterinarian. If you do 3 fecals, use different baggies and label each one with the pets name and time the sample was collected. Call ahead and ask if it’s acceptable if you bring in a fresh fecal sample as they may have other specific instructions for you while some veterinarians may only help you if they are also allowed to do a complete physical exam on your pet. Tell the veterinarian how long this incident has been going on and that all three of your dogs now have the same symptoms as this will be helpful information for a proper diagnosis. As far as homeopathic treatments for loose stool, I use organic Slippery Elm powder from GMO free capsules and organic pumpkin to help firm up stools. As a rule of thumb, any diarrhea that lasts more than three days needs veterinary attention. And if your pet has any other symptoms that are abnormal such as lethargy, lack of appetite or vomiting I recommend that you take them in immediately for professional help. SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was a bold man

All photos courtesy of Seldon Ink 36

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THE VIRGINIA OYSTER TRAIL

BRINE, WINE, & DINE IN EASTERN VIRGINIA by Lynn & Cele Seldon

that first ate an oyster.”

- Jonathan Swift

umans were devouring oysters long before 18th century satirist Jonathan Swift commented on already-popular oyster eating in England and around the world. Whether enjoyed raw or cooked, oysters are definitely a unique food considered a delicacy by many. Long after Swift uttered his oft-quoted oyster observation,

scientists discovered that people were eating oysters in South Africa about 164,000 years ago. And, of course, United States explorers often found and preserved “oyster mounds” left by Native Americans, who ate them by the bushel hundreds of years before Captain John Smith first stepped ashore in what would become Virginia in 1607.

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VIRGINIA OYSTERS

▲ Oyster farming and shucking

The Old Dominion’s love affair with all things oysters grew over the centuries, with the Chesapeake Bay and its many rivers and inlets in Virginia (and up north in Maryland) providing a perfect environment until the 1960s. History shows that Virginia and Maryland were harvesting upwards of 160 million pounds of oysters at its peak at the turn of the century. That number steadily declined and leveled off to 25 to 40 million pounds until the 1970s when disaster in the form of overharvesting (mainly by bottom-damaging dredging) and disease (the MSX parasite) struck. According to Rowen Jacobsen’s excellent book, A Geography of Oysters (“The Connoisseur’s Guide to Oyster Eating in North America”), Virginia oyster production dropped from more than 25 million pounds in 1960 to about five million in the 1970s. This freefall continued to less than one million pounds and lower before oyster “farming” (often called aquaculture) in Virginia was introduced and a comeback of Chesapeake Bay oysters began in earnest. 38

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Today, oyster farming and oyster “tourism” is big business in eastern Virginia – enough so that the Virginia Oyster Trail was established in 2015 to rave reviews. Of the remarkable comeback, Jacobsen says, “When billions of oysters once more filter the entire bay every few days, it may again be as gaspingly clear as when John Smith mapped its waters in 1608.” Virginia Oysters Oysters grown in Virginia and on the east coast are a species called, appropriately enough, Crassostrea Virginica. They tend to take on the flavor (called “merroir”) and salinity level of the waters in which they grow and are harvested. This merroir is most apparent when oysters are tasted raw, with no accompaniment or with a bit of lemon juice, vinegar, cocktail sauce, or varied-ingredient oyster sauces often called a mignonette. Virginia oysters are divided into eight “flavor” regions: Region 1 (Seaside); Region 2 (Upper Bay Eastern Shore); Region 3 (Lower Bay Eastern Shore); Region 4 (Upper Bay Western Shore);

Region 5 (Middle Bay Western Shore); Region 6 Lower Bay Western Shore); Region 7 (Tidewater); and Region 8 (Tangier/Middle Chesapeake Bay). The general flavor profiles for oysters from each of these regions are outlined on the website, though oysters harvested less than a half-mile apart can have distinctly different flavors. In addition, Jacobson’s aforementioned book and his excellent follow-up, The Essential Oyster (“A Salty Appreciation of Taste and Temptation”), provide a great overview of Virginia’s varied oysters and their individual traits and tastes. For oyster lovers visiting Virginia and other oyster-rich states from Maine to Washington, the books are great companions on the road. Jacobson says Virginia oysters to look out for include: Barcat; Bogues Bay; Chesapeake; Chincoteague; James River; Lynnhaven; Olde Salt; Paramour; Rappahannock River; Stingray; and York River. Many restaurant menus now list the provenance of the oyster, including the name of the company or the farmer.

THE VIRGINIA OYSTER TRAIL ▲ Oyster production at Rappahannock Oyster Company

▲ Oyster sampler--on the half shell, fried, and Waypoint oysters--at Waypoint Seafood & Grill

▲ Mathews County Visitor & Information Center

The Virginia Oyster Trail With Virginia being the largest producer of fresh, farm-raised oysters on the East Coast, the Virginia Oyster Trail was created to increase the awareness of the benefits of Virginia oysters on the local economy, with emphasis on community development, environmental stewardship, health attributes, and the cultural integration of Virginia’s aquaculture way of life. From the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay to the York and Rappahannock Rivers of Virginia’s Middle and Northern Necks and further afield, the Virginia Oyster Trail is a self-guided experiential program that offers a glimpse into the generations-old oyster industry and how it infiltrates the varied communities with unique aqua-artisan and waterman sites, as well as hospitality, cultural, arts, culinary and outdoor points of interest. According to the founders of the trail, “There’s something for everyone on the Virginia Oyster Trail!” Trail sites on the Virginia Oyster Trail are divided into eight categories: Agri-Artisans; Tours; Restaurants; Lodging (often featuring tasty oyster dining options); Cultural; Artists; Art Venues; and Resources. Organizers of the trail were working on “itineraries” based on interests at press time, but it’s easy for oyster lovers to create their own Virginia Oyster Trail trip using the website’s categories, links, and more.

▲ Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society at Ker Place SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

AGRI-ARTISANS ▲ The Dog and Oyster Vineyard at Hope and Glory Inn

▲ Blue Crab Bay Co.

▲ York River oysters from Chessie Seafood & Aquafarm being served up at the Wine & Brine Lounge at Gabriel Archer Tavern

▲ Local artisan oyster art at Blue Crab Bay Co.

▲ Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek 40

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Scientific lesson of an oyster hatchery by Dr. Lynton Land

Agri-Artisans

▲ Oyster farming during an oysterman tour at Chessie Seafood and Aquafarms

▲ Tommy Leggett showing oyster seeds in the upweller during his oysterman tour

Also known as aqua-artisans, watermen, and oystermen, these people and businesses offer oyster farm tours, oyster boat experiences, winery tours (many pairing their wines with Virginia oysters), farmer’s markets featuring oyster vendors, and more. A great place to start is a tour with Dr. Lynton Land and Little Wicomico Oyster Company. A retired scientist and oyster reproduction hobbyist, he cultivates oyster larvae for the oyster gardener enthusiast. His knowledge on the life cycle of oysters is vast and provides a great introduction to oyster farming. From his home oyster hatchery, he then takes visitors on a tour of Little Wicomico Oyster Company to see how oysters get from the larvae stage to the plate. For a great on-water experience, oyster farming pioneer Tommy Leggett and his Chessie Seafood and Aquafarms offers tours that start on land at his property, where he first demonstrates how he farms oysters from seed that he purchases from hatcheries. He goes on to explain the farming process as he takes visitors on his boat to several of his oyster growing sites on the York River. According to Jacobson, “York River oysters have an ideal shepherd in Tommy Leggett, the scientist who helped bring oyster aquaculture to Virginia.” Leggett also started the Virginia Oyster Restoration Center and Program for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, working for CBF for 18 years until he retired in 2015 to devote full attention to his popular oysters.

Another great option is an oyster production tour with Rappahannock River Oysters. Cousins Travis and Ryan Croxton have oyster farming in their blood, in that their great-grandfather, James Arthur Croxton, started leasing Rappahannock River bottom back in 1899 (they still hold that lease today, plus many more). The Croxtons grow their oysters in elevated cages, keeping them from the bottom’s mud and the Chesapeake’s top oyster predator (stingrays). Of their oysters, Jacobson writes, “Thanks to the cages, the Croxtons are able to grow oysters that bear little resemblance to the long, skinny oysters fighting for survival amid the silt of the modern Chesapeake – but most bear great resemblance to the Rappahannock River oysters their family has been growing since 1839.” Along with their Rappahannock River oysters, the Croxton cousins also offer briny Olde Salts from Chincoteague, Stingrays from Mobjack Bay, Barcats from all over the Bay, and Rochambeaus from the York River. Now-knowledgeable Trail visitors who have had their fill of oyster education will want to head to Dog & Oyster Vineyard, where they offer winery tours along with wine and oyster pairings on the weekends. Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek over on the Eastern Shore also features oyster tours with a neighboring oyster company, as well as many fall oyster events, extravaganzas, and oyster pairings. Also over on the Eastern Shore, Blue Crab Bay Co. features oyster-focused stews, seasonings, kitchenware, and even art.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Oyster production at Ward Oyster Company

▲ Oyster farming at Big Island Aquaculture Oysters

CULTURAL

▲ Oyster exhibits at Reedville Fisherman’s Museum 42

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Angry Oysters at Tides Inn

RESTAURANTS

Dozens of other agriartisan options on the Virginia Oyster Trail include: the Northern Neck’s Big Island Aquaculture Oysters (grown in floating cages for a lighter colored shell and clean taste); Ward Oyster Company (one of few vertically integrated factories, including their own hatchery); and Fat & Happy Oyster Company; as well as the Eastern Shore’s Cherrystone Aqua-Farms/Ballard Fish & Oyster (a clam and oyster producer with a hatchery, nursery, and packing plant); Chincoteague Shellfish Farms; Willis Wharf Hatchery; and Tom’s Cove Aqua Farms. Restaurants

▲ Chesapeake Mary at Gabriel Archer Tavern

The Virginia Oyster Trail offers dozens of places to indulge on the tasty bivalve – raw, roasted, fried, brined, smoked, smothered, covered, and stewed. Williamsburg Winery at Wessex Hundred offers multiple places to sip and slurp starting with their Wine & Brine Lounge on the patio of the Gabriel Archer Tavern. With rotating oystermen on hand Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can taste some of Chesapeake Bay’s finest, along with the winery’s perfectly paired wines, all while being able to chat with the people responsible for both. Those who find themselves there on a weekday will find oysters are available on the half shell in the Tavern or served in creative ways on the stunning menu (or Chef’s Tasting Menu) in the adjacent Café Provencal in Wedmore Place. Another option is to take some oysters and a chilled bottle of Williamsburg Winery wine on a Virginia Capital Trail bike tour with Baskets & Bikes, which operates out of Wedmore Place. There’s also beloved Merroir on the waterfront at aforementioned Rappahannock River Oysters. Visitors can get their oysters on the half shell or roasted with

▲ National Historic Register buy boat docked at Reedville Fisherman’s Museum

melted butter and other tasty options. Branch out a bit with their BBQ Bourbon Chipotle Grilled oysters or go hog wild with their Angels on Horseback, which are baked with herb butter and a slice of Edwards ham, another local favorite. Another option for varied oysters and much more can be found at popular Chesapeake Restaurant at the Tides Inn. Dubbed as the “Best in the Country,” their slightly sweet, briny oysters are available on the half shell, roasted with herbed Parmesan butter and gremolada, fried with their signature breading, red pepper remoulade, and pickled watermelon rind – or their House Special Angry Oysters. These spicy Buffalo-style fried oysters are served with hot and sour cabbage, watermelon rind salsa, and pickled radish and can also be ordered as Slightly Pissed Oysters which come with a little less heat. Cultural There are dozens of cultural points of interest along the Virginia Oyster Trail that provide information and interpretive exhibits highlighting the oyster culture of the region. Historic sites, cultural centers, museums, educational institutions, and recreational and festival locations all offer a glimpse into this unique industry and way of life. The Reedville Fisherman’s Museum represents the fishing and oystering industry of the area, with exhibits in several historic buildings and houses, as well as on National Historic Register vessels including a buy boat, skipjack, and a flat bottom dead rise boat that now serves as a floating classroom. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, or VIMS, is focused more on the study of coastal ocean and estuarine sciences, with exhibits, tours, and laboratories.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society at Ker Place provides a glimpse into the 19th-century lifestyle of upper class shoremen in the area. Plus, Barrier Islands Center focuses on the culture of the Eastern Shore islanders and watermen through centuries-old photographs and artifacts donated by Hog Island natives with tours conducted by island family descendants. Historic Christ Church & Museum, completed in 1735, is one of the finest and bestpreserved parish from colonial Virginia. During a tour, visitors can see how its builders used oyster shells to create a stunning plaster ceiling, as well as how bricklayers used oyster shells for the lime mortar in the church’s remarkable brickwork. Another unique cultural site on the trail is Kilmarnock Antique Gallery, with one of the largest collections of oyster plates in the country. Used for more than 100 years, including plates used in the White House as far back as 1880, oyster plates are the consummate serving platter for the bivalve. Other cultural sites that have an oyster connection in the area include: Belle Isle, Caledon, and Westmoreland State Parks; Kinsale Museum; Menokin Foundation; Morattico Waterfront Museum; Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee; hiking trails at The Nature Conservancy’s Brownsville Farm; the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center; Bay Country Kayaking, offering kayaking tours with stops at oyster farms; and many area visitor centers and chambers of commerce. The mother lode of oyster cultural festivals can be found at the Urbanna Oyster Festival.

Artists & Art Venues The Trail is teeming with locallyowned art venues, including galleries, art centers, retail shops, gift shops, and more that highlight original artwork and designs featuring the Virginia oyster in their media. Allure Art Center features the work of local artisans who have been inspired by the bay and the nature that surrounds the region. The works include paintings of oysters, watermen, and dead rise work boats, hand forged oyster knives, handmade jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and more. Bay School Community Arts Center strives to unleash the inner artist through their gallery, art classes, outreach programs, and their Clay by the Bay potters’ guild. Oyster jewelry abounds at various jewelry stores and artisan studios throughout the area. Burkes Fine Jewelers features a stunning selection of gold and silver oyster shell jewelry, including necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and belt buckles. Karen Tweedie Jewelry Designs features oyster inspired jewelry in sterling silver and bronze with cultured pearl accents and ornamentation. Delicate kilnformed glass necklaces and oyster plates can also be found at Glass-Imaginings.

TOURS

▲ Exhibit at Virginia Institute of Marine Science

▲ Oyster jewelry at Burkes Fine Jewelers

Other places for oyster art on the Trail include: Ten Good Sheep Yarns (their Chesapeake Line are yarns and fibers inspired by the water and nature of the Bay area); oyster shell candles and jewelry at Pearl; oystering paraphernalia at Island Stop Market; and oyster artwork at many of the museums, wineries, and visitor center gift shops.

▲ Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society at Ker Place 44

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Tours

▲ Tour of the Eastern Shore’s Barrier Islands Center

▲ Kiln-formed glass oyster necklace at Glass-Imaginings at D’art Center

ARTISTS AND ART VENUES ▲ Allure Art Center

▲ Oyster plates at Kilmarnock Antique Gallery

In addition to the aforementioned oystermen and winery tours, there are several other tour options available on the Virginia Oyster Trail. During the fall, the Tides Inn offers the Virginia Oyster Academy, a half-day program that includes a short lecture on the history of Virginia’s oyster industry, oyster ecology, and tools of the harvest, followed by a onehour harvest excursion by boat with a traditional waterman and an oyster shucking lesson and oyster pairing class with the Inn’s Executive Chef, TV Flynn. Aforementioned VIMS offers varied tours that feature the opportunity to study the science of oystering. Interested visitors will see how scientists use CSI techniques to understand clam and oyster diseases in the Shellfish Pathology Lab, watch live animals in the VIMS Visitor Center, and tour the oyster hatchery to learn about the breeding and feeding of oysters. Tours are also available on Faded Glory, a 42-foot Chesapeake Bay dead rise workboat belonging to the historic Hope and Glory Inn. There are several oyster culinary tours available throughout the region. Pleasure House Oysters features boat-based tours, including the “Tasting Tour,” where participants shuck and sample oysters fresh from the water, the “Waterman Tour,” with the opportunity to pull oyster cages and crab pots right out of the water, and the “Chef’s Table Tour,” featuring a dining experience standing in waders knee-deep in the Lynnhaven River where prepared foods are served at a table at the actual oyster farm. Taste Virginia Tours also offers an “Oyster and Craft Beer” tour, “Oyster and Wine” tour, and a “Bivalves & More: Eats and Drinks on the Virginia Oyster Trail” tour.

Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

September means back to school, which means one word: BUSY! It can feel overwhelming to stay on track and eat healthy with new schedules and sports starting again but the key is keeping things consistent and simple! Pick a few 30 minute or less dinners for each night of the week and cut down prep time by pre-cutting veggies, and packing everything in containers the day before. To stay even more ahead of the game, dedicate 1-2 hours after your weekend grocery run to prepare everything for the week ahead so all you have to worry about during dinner time is the cook time! Another great tip is to cook a more time consuming meal on Sunday. Things like crockpot recipes, soups, or casseroles are all great options that are easy, and make enough for dinner and plenty of leftovers for lunch during the week.

Jambalaya Total time: 40 min Serves 6

Ingredients • 1 tbsp. olive oil • 1 package of riced cauliflower or 1 head of cauliflower, riced

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

• 1 red pepper, diced • 1 green pepper, diced • 2 stalks of celery, diced • ½ yellow onion, diced • 3 cloves garlic • ¼ tsp. paprika • 2 tsp. thyme • 1 tso. coriander • 1 package of chicken or turkey Andouille sausage • 1 cup of baby shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional) • 2 cups of chicken bone broth • 2 cups of diced tomatoes

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Directions 1. If you don’t have a package of riced cauliflower, rice your head of cauliflower in a food processor on the shredding attachment. 2. Add the olive oil to a large pan on medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and heat until they begin to sweat (about 5 min.). 3. Add the broth, peppers, celery, cauliflower and spices and bring the temperature up to high heat, simmering for about 10-15 min. until broth cooks down slightly. 4. Add the tomatoes and simmer for another 10-12 min. 5. Add the Andouille chicken sausage and shrimp and continue cooking until warmed through. 6. Grab a bowl and serve!

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Acorn Squash Total time: 1hr 10min Serves 2-4

Ingredients • 1 acorn squash cut in half lengthwise • 3 slices of bacon • 1 cup diced chicken breast • ¼ cup BBQ sauce • 1 cup spinach • 3 green onions sliced • 1½ tsp. garlic powder • 2 tsp. onion powder • pinch of salt & pepper • drizzle of Tessamae’s creamy ranch dressing

*The recipe is fastest if you cook the squash & chicken a day or two ahead of time. Then you can just follow steps 4-9.

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 425°. 2. Cut squash lengthwise & remove the seeds. Place the squash face down on a lined baking sheet & bake for 40 min., remove & let cool*. 3. On a separate tray cook chicken for about 12-15 min., remove & dice*. 4. Reduce oven heat to 375°.

6. Scoop out the inside of the cooked squash (saving the shell) & add to the skillet along with the chicken, BBQ sauce, spinach, green onions & spices let cook for about 20 min. on low/medium heat mixing occasionally. 7. While the stuffing is cooking slice bacon into small pieces & add back to the skillet mixing in until well combined. 8. Place the stuffing mixture into the squash shells & bake for 15 min. 9. Remove, drizzle with Tessamae’s creamy ranch dressing & enjoy!

5. Heat bacon in a large skillet on medium heat until slightly crispy (about 10 min.), remove & place to the side.

Pumpkin Applesauce Total time: 50 min Serves 6

Ingredients • 3 apples peeled & diced • ½ cup pumpkin puree • 2 tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice • pinch of salt

Directions 1. Place peeled & diced apples in a saucepan & fill with water to just barely cover them. Let simmer on medium heat until the apples become very soft & water evaporates (approx. 40 mins). 2. Remove from heat & let cool slightly. 3. Transfer the apples to a food processor & add in the remaining ingredients. Puree until smooth.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Trailer Axle Alignment

RV Bill, I noticed some uneven wear on the front tires of our trailer. The local dealer wasn’t very helpful when I asked them about alignment. Thanks, Tommy

Alignment on trailers seems to be kind of a lost art. There are two parts to alignment; toe in and toe out as well as camber. Normally, toe in or toe out is the leading causes for tire wear. The axles can be bent to correct the alignment and should be done so with laser alignment equipment rather than a tape measure as it is more accurate. There is a company that sells a product called Correct Track 2 that bolts on to the spring hangers allowing you to adjust the axles forward and aft up 1/8 of an inch in increments, to correct toe in or out and may solve your problem. This add-on will not correct camber and can be used in the future should the need arrive.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Polishing Airstream

Bill, I am in the process of polishing my 1965 Airstream trailer. One side came out looking very good, in fact it looks almost like a mirror. I am having trouble with the other side. No matter how much I polish it, the finish looks kind of dull. What I can do to make it shine like the other side? Jan

Jan, Airstreams are coated with a special clear coat when they are manufactured. More than likely, you have polished or buffed through what was left of the clear coat on one side. The other side may have had a fresh coat of clear or it was thicker and you just simply haven’t buffed all the way through it. You have a couple of choices; keep polishing until you get through it or use a paint stripper to remove it. The problem with paint stripper is that it will be a toxic chemical and you can’t just do the job in your driveway. I am assuming that the entire side hasn’t been replaced on your trailer because of an accident. Now that you have polished your way down to raw aluminum your trailer will tend to oxidize more rapidly in some places and others. You will either need to clear coat the entire trailer or keep waxing it continually to maintain the mirrored finish that you have produced.

Trailer Heater

Bill, my family and I are new to RVing; we bought a brand-new 2016 StarCraft trailer. I have one battery and two generators in case we need to run the air conditioner. Should I invest in a catalytic heater? Or, should I run one the generators every day to recharge the batteries after the furnace runs it down? A.J. & Laurie

Great question! My suggestion would be go with the catalytic heater. If the battery gets week during the night, the furnace will stop running and it’s going to get pretty cold for you and the kids. The catalytic runs strictly on propane and does not add a load on the battery. Running the generator to recharge the battery takes hours and your trailer is only equipped with a small charger/converter. You would have to run the generator every day four or five hours to get the battery back up to 100%. With the wear and tear and fuel, it’s not an efficient way to charge batteries. You might want to think about solar panels and better batteries (6 volt) in the future. Solar panels will keep the batteries 100% charged during storage as a added bonus…and who doesn’t like those?!

Water Pump Leak

Bill, The last camping trip I noticed that in the middle of the night about every half hour to an hour I hear the ShurFlo water pump run for a very short period of time. I have done some research. You know the Internet is always right, right?! The consensus seems to be that I have a water leak somewhere in the system. After extensive searching, it I have failed to find any kind of water leak. At this point I need a little bit of help, any suggestions? Greg

Cleaning Trailer Roof

Bill, we noticed the other day when we were washing our Montana 5th wheel trailer that the rubber roof is starting to chalk and a little bit of black is showing here and there. What is the process that I need to go through to clean it and put some type of a coating on it? We would like to keep our trailer for several more years because we love the floor plan. Tom

Greg, Over the years I have run across this situation several times, and it can be exasperating trying to track it down. One possible leak that you may not detect easily could be your toilet. The water valve in the toilet can begin to leak past the seal and into the bowl over a period of time and this is something that you would rarely notice. Another possibility is the water pump. It could be defective allowing internal pressure to bleed back from discharge to intake through the valve assembly. Another possibility could be the water

Hi, Friends! When the white material on the rubber roof begins to wear off of the EPDM rubber roof membrane it is getting dangerously close to needing to be replaced. Dicor, the company that manufactures rubber roof material offers a rubber roof re-new kit. Estimate your square footage how many gallons of this coating you will need to re-coat the entire roof. You will only need 1 quart of the primer cleaner. As always, preparation is the key to success. The first step would be to hang plastic all the way around the trailer just below the rubber

heater, leaking through a pinhole in the inner tank that is leaking slowly on the floor. Because the water heater is it generally hidden, you may not see such a leak for a long time. You did not mention what model your pump is- Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m assuming itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s either the 2088 series or The Revolution, which are the two most popular water pumps for RVs.

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

roof material; this will prevent cleaners and or material from running down the side of your coach staining the vinyl graphics. Using a medium bristle brush, scrub the rubber roof with Simple Green until all contamination is removed. Next, use the primer cleaner following the directions set forth by Dicor. Let the roof air dry thoroughly before you start applying the re-new coating. If you have to leave it overnight, be sure that it is thoroughly dry before the next process. If there is a threat of rain, do not proceed, if it does not thoroughly dry it can be washed off.

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▲ Cactus Gard

(AZ)

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

Call To Book Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 31 days. Valid on Standard RV sites only. Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/18. Book by 4/1/18. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

$299 October Monthly Special

at Venture In ▲ Venture In RV Re

sort (AZ)

Call To Book Valid 10/1/17 - 10/31/17. Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 31 days. Book by 9/30/17. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals â&#x2013;˛ Southern Palms RV Resort (FL)

Florida

50% OFF Weekly Stay

Valid at Southern Palms, Barrington Hills, and Topics

Promo Code: TT50WFL

rt (FL)

â&#x2013;˛ Topics RV Reso

Valid 9/1/17 - 11/30/17. 7 day min stay and 14 day max stay. Book by 9/30/17.

20% OFF Monthly Stay

Valid at Southern Palms, Barrington Hills, and Topics

Promo Code: TT20MFL

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

Valid 9/1/17 - 11/30/17. 31 day max stay. Book by 11/1/17. *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. Valid on new reservations only.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Forest Lake Village RV Resort (FL)

Florida

$399

Monthly Stay at Forest Lake Village ▲ Tropica

l Palms RV

(New Customer Offer)

Resort (FL

)

Call to Book Valid 9/1/17 - 5/31/18. 28 Day Min Stay and 31 Day Max Stay. Book by 11/30/17.

50% OFF Weekly Stay

Valid at all Florida RV Resorts (excluding Sunshine Key and Fiesta Key)

▲

Rest RV Ramblers

nd (FL)

Campgrou

Promo Code: TT50WFL Valid 9/1/17 - 10/1/17. 7 Day Min Stay and 14 Day Max Stay. Book by 9/30/17. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

See if a Membership Upgrade is Right for You!

MAXIMIZE

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES More Freedom to Explore! Enjoying the benefits of your Thousand Trails Camping Pass? Then you’ll love what our premium upgrade options have to offer. Get nationwide access to our premier campsites and resorts, keep the fun going with longer maximum stays, plan further ahead with extended booking windows, and much more!

Call today 888-842-8617 or visit thousandtrails.com/member-upgrade » For more information, see a membership specialist on your next visit!

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations Travel Club

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

Elite Basic

Elite Connections

Booking Window

60 Days

120 Days

180 Days

Maximum Stay

14 Days

21 Days

Thousand Trails

Access to Campgrounds in your zone(s)

Park to Park Family Access Reciprocal Network Getaway Cabins Travel Club

*Monthly payment plans available. Up to 60 months to pay. 16.99% APR. 60 payments of $134.05 assuming you purchase the Elite Basic for $5,995 and make the minimum down payment. Sales tax and any applicable fees due at time of purchase. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated, and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. The filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize or item of value as part of any promotional plan.

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 65.

ACROSS 1 Tree 5 Jar 9 Orinoco tributary 12 Wash 13 Jewish month 14 Tennis stroke 15 Chesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notes 16 Harsh breathing 17 Berneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s river 18 Able-bodied seaman (abbr.) 20 Spoken alphabet letter 22 Firm 25 Belonging to (suf.) 26 Office of Economic Development (abbr.) 27 Hindu title 29 Delay 33 Title of Athena 35 Kilowatt-hour (abbr.) 37 Wife of Vulcan 38 Destiny 40 Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.) 60

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

42 Wolframite 43 Scot. exclamation 45 Globe 47 Arabic script 50 Greek letter 51 Tumor (suf.) 52 Coptic clergyman 54 Water-filled ditch 58 Marble 59 Nipple 60 Eight (Lat.) 61 Luzon people 62 Verb-forming (suf.) 63 7th incarnation of Vishnu DOWN 1 Tender loving care (abbr.) 2 Fruiting spike 3 Birds (pref.) 4 Meat on a skewer 5 Amok 6 Diminutive (suf.) 7 Honey and wine 8 Group of seven 9 Axillary

10 11 19 21 22 23 24 28 30 31 32 34 36 39 41 44 46 47 48 49 53 55 56 57

Animal sound Work (Sp.) Bureau of Labor Statistics (abbr.) City in Judah Saturate Web Maple genus Hawaiian frigate bird Flavor Ananias Rockies peak Frenzied Spear-shaped Agate stone Braz. tree Dancer/choreographer Nature Gangrene precursor Vent P.I. food Cistern Edible root Atmosphere (abbr.) Poly. beefwood

Terms and Conditions for 2017 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

Find The Evergreen Tree

HOP ON THE

FERRY AND

EXPERIENCE

MAINE

downtown ’s LARGEST shopping and CITY dining experience. fat); and BaoBao Dumpling House The Arts District for creative dumplings possibilities. also a stand-alo of Portland is and more with lots of The locals. ne downtow is another efficientGreat Lost Bear destination. n option, with The 72 beers on there is typically first stop once draft. Of course, Portland Museumthe world-class For those who a consider shopping of Art, which traditional was designed as importan t as eating and lobster by features significanI.M. Pei and drinking, Portland dinner or a t holdings doesn’t lobster of American disappoint. , European, Lots of unique roll are must-e and contemporary shopping can ats! be art, as well works from as town, including found throughout Restaurants Maine. There’s iconic throughout the adjacent Made in Maine; : Lisa-Marie’s also Greater Portland will Children’s Museum accommodate Theatre of Maine, (apparel and Cool As A Moose & many offer and more); beloved waterfron the State Theatre, Portland Stage, Cross Jewelers (including aforemen t views (jewelry and the Institute of Contemp inspired by more Portland Lobster tioned orary the renovated Merrill Art, and the New England) coast of Maine and Co. and nearby DeMillo’s). ; Sea Bags; Maine Auditorium. Potters Market; The dining Portland’s craft options in Portland Chart Metalwor The Blue Lobster; among the are hot as the diningbeer scene is as best in Maine chart and map ks (custom nautical and Northeast. scene. Many jewelry and breweries, Of course, fresh the accessories); brewpubs, reigns supreme, seafood Something’s and more await thirsty and Shipwrec Fishy; visitors, but options range but Portland’s k & Cargo. one way to enjoy even further the scene withoutgreat Downtown The area around afield. drinking and possibilities downtown driving is through include: DeMillo’s (a Portland is The Maine also well worth Portland classic Brew good reason); exploring, including for to Drink Local”). Bus (“Driving You Eventide; Scales; the East End Gilbert’s Chowder (with Fort Allen, They offer up 12 all-inclus to East End Beach, ive tours a (featuring French House; Duckfat and more), week on their bright East Bayside, green bus througho Parkside cut Maine potatoesfries using hand(home of the the year, with Portland Sea ut cooked in duck more than 20 the West End, Dogs), producers on South Portland, their list of aforementioned and Light (in Cape Portland Head Elizabeth). TB_July_2017_

V9.indd 25

JULY 2017 TRAILBLAZ

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

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Greaves, Sr. of Rochester, NH

found the tree on Page 25 of the July Issue.

Did you find the tree in this issue? Send your entry (postcards only) to: TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree

Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

6/16/17 4:12 PM

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2017, you will receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2017, 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 2018, 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, 2018. 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, 2017 and December 31, 2017 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.

Postmark deadline is September 30, 2017 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size. SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

PREFERRED RV DEALERS

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

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

Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • camperland.net

Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com

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

Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com

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

Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com

Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com

ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com

Funtime RV OR - Tualalin • funtimervinc.com

American Family RV VA - Chesapeake • americanfamilyrv.com

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

Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com

Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale • clearcreekrvcenter.com

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

B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me

Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com

Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com

Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com

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

Grandview Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com

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

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

Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net

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

Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com

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

Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com

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

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

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

Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com

Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft • curtistrailercenter.com

Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • burlingtonrv.com

Dunlap RV KY - Bowling Green • dunlaprvcenter.com

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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

Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com Krenek RV Super Center MI - Coloma • krenekrv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com

La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach lamesarv.com Lux-Liner LLC CA - Acadia • lux-liner.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com Paul Evert’s RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff CA - Fresno; NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg; WA - Fife, Milton, Mt. Vernon rvcountry.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princesscraft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com R.B. Taylor & Sons VA - Lynchburg rbtaylorandsons.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) roadhousecamper.com

RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com

Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com

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

Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

RV Source TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden • westerntravelsales.com

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim • rvvaluemart.com Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com See Grins RV CA - Gilroy, San Martin • seegrins.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com Sky River RV CA - Buellton, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach skyriverrv.com Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC Trailer and RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com Tonies RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com

Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com

TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com

Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com

Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com

RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net

Vogt RV TX - Ft. Worth • vogtrv.com

CANADA Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie • vrsouliere.com GO VR QC - Ange Gardien • go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Leasure Days RV ON - Ayr, Kingston, Pembroke, Smith Falls, Sudbry QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro leisuredays.ca Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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

CLUB SEPTEMBER 2017

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

Bounders United (BUTTN)

Northwest

TT SINGLES Central California

Lewis and Clark TTN

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

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

TTWest/FMCA

Sept. 7-10.........Lake of the Springs, CA Nov. 9-12........................ Ponderosa, 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.

Rolling Thunder of Texoma

Sept. 25-Oct. 8...........Lake Texoma, TX We meet twice a year in the north Texas area. For more information call Dianna Huff at (405) 641-8226 or visit rollingthunderfmca.com. 64

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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.

Sept. 7-11............................ Seaside, OR Oct. 12-16..................Whalers Rest, OR Roger Beausoleil: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Roger Beausoleil (503) 390-4753 or rogerabeau@msn.com.

TT of Texas/FMCA

Sept. 8-10.................. Lake Whitney, TX Nov. 17-19...................Medina Lake, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com.

TT Travelers Southern California

Sept. 11-13........... Soledad Canyon, CA Oct. 2-4.............. Oakzanita Springs, CA Nov. 6-8......................Palm Springs, CA Dec. 4-6.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA We normally meet the first Mon, Tues, and Weds mornings of each month for coffee and those evenings for potluck and games. For more information, please contact our wagonmaster, Jim Brooks (805)320-2588 or email at willys46@sbcglobal.net.

TTN So Cal Weekenders

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

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 60.

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 61.

Wilderness Lakes’ 23rd Annual Tour Monday, January 1,2018

Keep Our Friends Safe

Take a fabulous day trip to Pasadena for the 129th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade.

Our package includes: Continental Breakfast • Grandstand Seats Round-Trip Fare on a Deluxe Charter Bus

only

$140 per person

Make your reservations now! First come, first served (53 seats available) For more information, please call: (951) 679-0863

Adopt -AManatee®

SEPTEMBER 2017 TRAILBLAZER

On Location

TROPICAL PALMS RV RESORT 2650 Holiday Trail Kissimmee, FL 34746

VISIT Colorful COTTAGES AND THE Florida SUNSHINE

ou’re bound to have an unforgettable resort experience when you stay in one of the colorful cottages at Tropical Palms RV Resort. These cottages boast Instagramworthy colors, inside and out all year round. The palm-tree lined streets of Tropical Palms RV Resort greet you around every corner and the Florida sunshine generously warms the guests of this tropical paradise in Kissimmee. There is plenty to do nearby – stroll down the bricklined streets of Old Town, where there are plenty of shops and restaurants and family friendly activities at every turn. Tropical Palms RV Resort is just a short distance from all the major theme

parks like Disney World, Universal Theme Parks, and Sea World. Though close to the heart of Orlando, Tropical Palms RV resort boasts its own special activities and features- watch a classic movie from the pool at the “dive-in movie”; learn a new dance or perfect your steps at our on-site dance classes; gather your team for the shuffleboard tournament; impress your friends with your best recipe at the potlucks; you’ll see that Tropical Palms RV Resort is the right resort for you! Make your next vacation unforgettably colorful and sunny - book a reservation at Tropical Palms RV Resort today!

To book your next stay, visit RVontheGo.com

Savings can take you to amazing sights.

geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ÂŠ 2017 GEICO

WHEREVER YOU TRAVEL THIS SUMMER STAY SAFE AND SAVE WITH A SKYMED MEMBERSHIP 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

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

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

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

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