TrailBlazer Magazine - Summer 2022 by TrailBlazer Magazine

TrailBlazer Summer 2022

Magazine

NEW ENGLAND SUMMER

BECOME A

BBQ AND GRILL MASTER ON THE ROAD WITH

HELIO CASTRONEVES

2022

TRAVEL TREND: THE GREATEST OF ALL TRIPS

Contents

TrailBlazer Magazine | SUMMER 2022

CAMPING

TRAILBLAZERS

TRAVEL

IN THE KITCHEN

26 5 FABULOUS FOUNTAINS Cool off this summer with a visit to these famous fountains

OOEY, GOOEY S’MORES Campfire S’mores

I KNEW I WAS A TRAILBLAZER The Peña Family

OOEY, GOOEY S’MORES The history of the s’more

A NEW ENGLAND SUMMER Places to explore in New England this summer

I KNEW I WAS A TRAILBLAZER The Peña Family 2

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

GRILLING & BBQ BOOTCAMPS Grilling and BBQ Boot Camps & More with the Culinary Institute of America

5 FABULOUS FOUNTAINS Cool off this summer with a visit to these famous fountains

48 PAPRIKA POPCORN The perfect campfire snack

HARVEST HOSTS Enjoying a Harvest Hosts Membership

PLAY BALL Wooden bat baseball leagues

IN PURSUIT OF THE G.O.A.T. Biggest travel trends of 2022

PAPRIKA POPCORN The perfect campfire snack

ON THE ROAD Up close and personal with Helio Castroneves

TECH TOPICS

50 ON THE ROAD Helio Castroneves

trailblazer.thousandtrails.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Villadolid MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails Family of campgrounds and resorts. Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, campground profiles and product features. TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) April 2022 Vol. 60, Issue #2 is published quarterly by MHC TT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526. TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com trailblazer.thousandtrails.com PRINTED IN THE USA

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: (800) 288-7245 Canada: (228) 497-3594 Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST ThousandTrails.com

Photo by American Coach.

Remember! Thousand Trails members get preferred rates at RVontheGo.com (877) 570-2267

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SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

THE

ROAD LEFT UNTRAVELED

is yours to explore

FIND

THE BEST RV FOR YOU WITH HELP FROM OUR RV EXPERTS

VISIT LAZYDAYS.COM OR CALL 866.531.6818 4

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS & ACCESSORIES

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

ummer is here and so is the #100DaysofCamping season! Our campgrounds and RV resorts are up and running and hosting a number of activities and events with one goal in mind: to create fun memories for all of our members and guests. We’ve all been waiting for the summer season and I’m just as excited as you are that it’s here and we’re able to enjoy the great outdoors together. The features in this issue of Trailblazer epitomize summer. The crack of a bat, the smell of burgers on the grill, the sound of laughter when someone’s marshmallow catches on fire for just a second too long…. These are the moments and sounds that come together to make summer so much more than just a season. Wooden bat leagues are in full swing and are the perfect activity for a summer afternoon. In this issue, we highlight a few fan favorites from across the country. After the game, pull up a chair at the campfire and treat yourself to a s’more. You can learn all about the history of this classic campside treat inside! The northeastern part of the country has officially warmed up and there are a handful of day trips waiting to be taken. Our Summer in New England feature highlights some gems in the region and I’m confident you’ll want to visit a few after learning about them. And last but certainly not least, we rounded up a few famous fountains across the country to help you cool off when the temperatures start to creep up as the summer season goes on.

The summer season is busy for us simply by welcoming members and guests and providing a positive experience, but members of our team have also been busy on a new membership product: The Thousand Trails Cabin Pass. The Cabin Pass includes a number of unique accommodations across the country and is perfect for those who consider themselves to be glampers instead of campers. From cabins and cottages to yurts and tiny houses, the Cabin Pass offers locations in beautiful vacation destinations. You can learn more at ThousandTrails.com. While you’re off exploring, don’t forget to share your photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #100DaysofCamping. So many members of our team love to see what everyone is up to and just how great your campsite set ups are. This is the eighth year of the 100 Days of Camping and I continue to be inspired by all of your photos and memories. It’s truly a wonderful time of year! Keep exploring and blazing new trails this summer. You have 100 days of the summer season; be sure to make them count!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Ponderosa RV Resort in Lotus (CA) Aerial shot of the riverfront campsite. – Nathan Hawthorne

Win $50 each Issue!

Winners will receive a $50 Virtual Visa® Reward 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 winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and online at trailblazer.thousandtrails.com. Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, email address, city and state and sent to:

Wilderness Lakes RV Resort (CA): Bird watching – Giancarlo Damiani

TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to: TrailBlazer Magazine Attn: TrailBlazer Editor Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of TrailBlazer Magazine and may be used for publication on company websites and promotional purposes. One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received. The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and online at trailblazer.thousandtrails.com. Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

Lake Gaston (NC): View of the sunset. – Courtney Mayle

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

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.

Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch (CO): Enjoying an evening campfire with the silhouette of the all encompassing mountains at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch. – Brandon Dill SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

Ooey, goo y S’M RES The history of the s’more By Cele & Lynn Seldon

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

CAMPING S’MORES

othing goes better with a summer full of camping and barbecuing than finishing it off with America’s favorite campfire treat: s’mores. The ooey, gooey confection combining roasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers is best enjoyed around the campfire with friends and family. Although the exact origin of this taste treat is often disputed, ‘Some Mores’ were first mentioned in a 1927 Girl Scouts guidebook called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. With basic instructions to “toast two marshmallows over coals to a crisp gooey state and then put them inside a graham cracker and chocolate bar sandwich,” the delectable craze was born. The contraction of ‘s’mores’ is credited to William Henry Gibson in his 1938 guide, Recreational Programs for Summer Camps. And the rest, as they say, is history. There is much discussion on the proper way to make a s’more, starting with the stick. Some say that a straight stick long enough to reach the fire without

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

burning your hands and found around the campsite is the legit way to go. Others insist that unbending a wire coat hanger to use as a roasting spit is the only way to go. And, still others, swear by the modern roasting sticks designed specifically for the purpose that can be found on the internet.

forward thinkers have gotten creative with white chocolate, dark chocolate, flavored chocolates, like Ghirardelli’s® raspberry or caramel squares, or even Reese’s® Cups. Similarly, traditional graham crackers are typically the cookie of choice, but who’s to say that an Oreo® or Biscotti isn’t a delicious option.

The consensus on marshmallows is much less contentious. Made mostly of corn syrup, sugar, water, starch, and gelatin, Americans buy more than 90 million pounds of marshmallows annually and 50 percent of them are toasted over a fire, according to the National Confectioners Association. The big debate with marshmallows is how to toast them. There’s the rotate frequently until it’s lightly golden on all sides camp. Then there’s the hover over the flame and let the sugars caramelize and char slightly. And then, of course, there are the firebrands who set their puff on fire and blow out the flame once its fully burnt. Whichever method you subscribe to, it takes practice and finesse to get it exactly right.

S’mores are big business today. Google it and you’ll find all kinds of s’mores accoutrement for sale, including s’mores kits with everything you need for hosting a proper s’mores bar, roasting sticks, tabletop s’mores makers (for those times when a campfire isn’t possible), s’mores caddies, and so much more. Restaurants, dessert shops, snack manufacturers and breweries have even joined the party with s’mores desserts, cookies, cupcakes, cereals, ice creams, cocktails, and beers gracing their menus. And, there is even a National S’mores Day come the dog days of summer (August 10, 2022) to pay homage and celebrate this family treat.

The straightforward Hershey chocolate bar is often the typical candy chosen, but

So, this summer, go camping, light a campfire and toast to this tasty Americana confection! ■

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

NEW ENGLAND These New England day trips are sure to become favorites By Joan Rykal

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

here are plenty of beautiful places to camp in New England and an added benefit is that a day trip to another state is a reality. New England is made up of six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The largest state is Maine, which ranks 39th in terms of U.S. state size and the smallest is Rhode Island, which is also the smallest state in the U.S. at just over 1,200 square miles. For perspective, you can fit 425 Rhode Islands into the state of Alaska! In total, all six of the New England states combined are just under 72,000 square miles. More figures for perspective – the entire state of California is almost 164,000 square miles and even the Midwest’s favorite mitten, Michigan, is bigger than all the New England states at roughly 96,000 square miles.

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

So, you can see why it is easy to roam the New England countryside traveling through several states in the course of as many hours. If you plan to stay with us at our New England resorts, check out these great day trip options. MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT A charming coastal village whose beginnings as an important shipbuilding location go back as far as the mid-1600s. The Mystic Seaport Museum, which is the largest maritime museum in the U.S., is a great place to start to get to know all about the importance of the Mystic Seaport. Here, visitors can see the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship in the world, which was launched in 1841. The Mystic Aquarium is the only place in New England where you can see Beluga whales and only

one of two places in the U.S. to have Steller sea lions. Other aquarium exhibits include touching pools for several species of sharks as well as stingrays. Charming downtown Mystic is home to over 80 shops and many eateries including Mystic Pizza, made famous in the 1988 movie of the same name starring Julia Roberts. There are also several opportunities to explore the waterways here from paddleboarding and kayak excursions to a variety of river cruises. THE BERKSHIRES, MASSACHUSETTS The Berkshires, located in Western Massachusetts, is a perfect mix of outdoor activities, the arts, history, and nature. Toss in the charm of the postcard-perfect towns in the area and a

SUMMER IN NEW ENGLAND

trip to The Berkshires is a must-do when camping in New England. Fans of artist Norman Rockwell will enjoy a visit to the town of Stockbridge, which is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum and Studio. Stockbridge is also home to the Berkshire Botanical Garden, Chesterwood, the historic home and sculpture garden of Daniel Chester French, who created the Lincoln Memorial, as well as several of the state’s best hiking trails. For lovers of all things Gilded Age, a stop in Lenox is a must-do to visit Ventfort Hall Mansion and the Gilded Age Museum. Another historic home in Lenox is that of author Edith Wharton. The Mount is open for both guided and self-guided tours, including a spooky Ghost Tour. From an outdoor adventure perspective, the Berkshires are great for ziplining, white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking.

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND Newport is considered America’s first resort location. Nowadays, resort style getaways include locations across the country from California to Florida and several verdant locations in between. But, if it was the late-1800s, the place to be was Newport, Rhode Island. The Vanderbilts summered here as did the Astors, getting away from the heat of their New York City homes to their coastal “cottages.” These cottages, which are actually mansions, are one of the big draws if you’re planning a visit to Newport this summer. For a listing of mansions open to the public, visit newportmansions.org. The Breakers, which was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, gives a great glimpse into the Gilded Age lifestyle. Other highlights of Newport include the gorgeous scenery

of the 10-mile Ocean Drive, a winding coastal drive dotted with stunning views and several points of interest. Another wonderful way to enjoy the coastal views is the Cliff Walk, a 3.5 scenic hike that is a mix of paved-trails and rocky walkways. Other fun day trips can include a drive from Portland, Maine, to Salem, Massachusetts, the site of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, or a drive from any of the Cape Cod campgrounds to Providence, Rhode Island, to take in the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Saturday Farm Fresh Providence Farmers Market, and to enjoy a walking food tour! Visit RVontheGo.com to plan your NEw England Stay. ■

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

I knew I was a

TrailBlazer

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

I KNEW I WAS A TRAILBLAZER

camp near Yosemite. Julio called around to campgrounds and without knowing he called the Yosemite Thousand Trails campground. When we booked our stay, the individual on the phone told us that if we signed up for the Annual Camping Pass, it would be roughly the same cost of two reservations. It made sense and we were sold. Since then we’ve upgraded our membership and it’s made our journey much more memorable and affordable. TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories? his issue, Trailblazer would like you introduce you to the Peña family, or as they’re known on Instagram: @thatcutelittlervfamily! From fishing lessons at Peace River (very successful lessons, might we add) to exploring the Pacific Northwest, the Peña family is making the best of their Thousand Trails membership and have fully embraced the RV lifestyle. TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began! SP: We’ve been RV camping for 4.5 years. RVing kind of just happened to us. We were already running an online jewelry shop on Etsy and homeschooling our children. The rise in the cost of living in the Silicon Valley (our home) plus the fact that we really enjoyed adventuring and spending time with our kids made the decision to buy an RV and travel an easy one. We heard about RVing from YouTube. I first searched for tiny living options that then led me to another video featuring a family of 9 living in

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

an RV. It was very intriguing and after presenting the idea to Julio and a little bit of convincing, he finally was on board. I think what really convinced him was when I mentioned that we could go fishing all over the country. TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? SP: We first heard about Thousand Trails while we were dry camping at Grand Canyon National Park from a family that was at the visitor center. Our kids were talking then the parents introduced themselves. Since we were all enjoying each other they asked where we were staying and we were confused and said “here at the Canyon, of course,” assuming everyone did that who RV camped while visiting the Grand Canyon. They proceeded to tell us about Thousand Trails, since that’s where they were RV camping. We had already been on the road for five months and this was the first time we had heard about it. We didn’t think about joining until the next month when we were making reservations to RV

SP: We were staying at a Thousand Trails campground at Peace River, Florida, when several other families asked my husband if he could show them how to fish. Many of the kids saw us catching fish so they wanted in. My husband was eager to share one of his passions and off they went. They ended up catching 21 fish in one very productive, exciting day so they all decided to host a fish fry cook out! Julio showed them the process from the beginning, setting up the rod with bait, to end, cleaning the fish and getting it prepared for my friends and I to start cooking. It turned out to be an incredible, memorable potluck with hush puppies (that we’ve never tried before - I know, unacceptable!), cocktails, other goodies, and about 130 fish tacos! What a delicious night! TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories? SP: We were in a small town called Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and the kids and I went to their downtown looking for shops and things to do. I noticed that there was an art studio that said that a homeschool group was meeting and that all were welcome. Me being me, I opened

the door hoping we could join. We were warmly greeted by parents and invited in. I informed them that we were traveling, and they insisted we stay and mingle. It ended up being such a fun group of homeschooling families. But what was really funny and cool was when one of the families said that they had already seen us the week prior, which was impossible because we had just arrived in that town. I assured them that it wasn’t us but then they described my husband saying that he had a dark beard, which he does so I thought it was strange but thought nothing else of it. It wasn’t until several hundred miles later that we realized what they were talking about…or more like who they were talking about. We pulled into a campground and then less than an hour later a family pulls in next to us. The husband and Julio started chatting and quickly Julio realized that the family

from the town in New Mexico was talking about was them. They had visited the same exact town the week before us! And he (the husband) really did look like Julio, beard and all! At the time, both of our families did not have a Thousand Trails membership. Since then, we’ve both become members and have upgraded our memberships. It’s been awesome meeting up with them at different Thousand Trails campgrounds through the country. TB: What type of camper are you/what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why? (ex: fifth wheel, RV, tent, cabins, etc.) SP: We are in a class C Jayco Greyhawk RV. It’s a 32 foot. We find it’s a great fit for our family as it’s easy to drive and the perfect size for hard and tight locations. We love being able to freely adventure and pack up quickly.

TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership? SP: Without our Thousand Trails membership we probably would have never visited Vancouver, Canada. TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle? SP: Our favorite part of the outdoor lifestyle is giving our children the biggest backyard they have explored. TB: This is the question we will be finishing the feature with in every issue. We want to know when you knew you were the consummate camper, a true TrailBlazer. Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when... SP: I knew I was a TrailBlazer when I looked at the map and got excited about all of the new destinations to be explored. ■

Our favorite part of the outdoor lifestyle is giving our children the biggest backyard they have explored. SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Thrill The

of the

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

GRILL Grilling and BBQ Boot Camps & More with the Culinary Institute of America By Lynn & Cele Seldon

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

THRILL OF THE GRILL

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

There’s nothing like the thrill (and smell) of the grill come summer. But grilling and barbequing when camping or at home in your backyard can sometimes mean overcooked chicken, bloody steaks, or burnt vegetables. That’s definitely not the case for those who attend one of the Culinary Institute of America’s popular two-day “Grilling and BBQ Boot Camps” across the country. Founded back in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is recognized as the world’s premier culinary college, with more than 50,000 talented alumni situated across the country and around the world. The long list of CIA graduates includes the late Anthony Bourdain, Cat Cora, Michael Symon, Charlie Palmer, Sara Moulton, Bryan Voltaggio, Anne Burrell, Richard Blais, Roy Choi, Maneet Chauhan, Grant Achatz, Geoffrey Zakarian, and many more. However, many people may not know that the CIA also offers a wide variety of cooking classes and more through their popular “CIA Foodies” culinary enthusiasts program at their iconic Hyde Park, New York, campus, as well as campuses in San Antonio, Texas, and Napa (Copia) and St. Helena (Greystone), California. According to Chef David Bruno, a professor at the CIA who has been heavily involved for many years with offerings to culinary enthusiasts through their CIA Foodies program, there are many possibilities in-person and at home for the CIA to help RVers cook better anywhere.

Photo by: Seldon Ink

Along with their Grilling and BBQ Boot Camp, which is offered at CIA’s Hyde Park, San Antonio, and Napa campuses, there are many other multi-day two- to fiveday boot camps, including: “Culinary Boot Camp” (our first CIA experience); “The Best of Boot Camp;” “Mediterranean Boot Camp;” “Asian Cuisine Boot Camp;” “Bistro Boot Camp,” “Baking Boot Camp;” “Pastry Boot Camp;” “Farm to Table Boot Camp;” “A Taste of the Hudson Valley Boot Camp” (at the CIA’s Hyde Park Campus in the Hudson Valley); “Wine Country Cuisine Boot Camp” (a new offering at their Napa campus); and many more. SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Photo by: Culinary Institute of America

THRILL OF THE GRILL

IF YOU GO

Head to the Culinary Institute of America’s website for consumers at www.ciafoodies.com for information about the Grilling and BBQ Boot Camps, other boot camps and classes, tours, campus restaurants, shopping and many other offerings at their campuses in Hyde Park, New York; San Antonio, Texas; and Napa and St. Helena, California.

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

Photo by: Seldon Ink

The CIA offers many single-day classes, including hands-on cooking classes, wine and beverage classes, familyfriendly offerings, and holiday-specific classes. Those who want just a taste of better grilling techniques should ask about the one-day hands-on CIA offerings called “Everyday Grilling” and “Grilling Like a Pro.” But the two-day “Grilling and BBQ Boot Camp” provides a more in-depth immersion into the thrill of the grill. As their course description promises, after spending two days in the CIA’s condensed, yet comprehensive “Grilling and BBQ Boot Camp,” you’ll not only be able to grill the perfect steak, but you’ll also be able to hot smoke, barbecue (low and slow cooking), and smoke-roast everything from seafood, meat, and poultry to vegetables, side dishes, and desserts. You’ll also discuss the fundamentals of food and grilling safety, equipment needs (and wants), as well as brines, rubs, marinades, and sauces. Your campsite (and backyard) will be better (and tastier) than ever. This two-day boot camp includes about five hours of hands-on learning each day, with the end of the class reserved for final recipe review and a delicious meal produced during the class. Many participants choose to return to campus and enjoy dinner at a studentstaffed CIA restaurant, as well.

Farm to table There’s nothing like the thrill (and smell) of

the grill come summer.

CIA students are required to read the CIA’s bible-like book, The Professional Chef, and it’s also a great purchase for RVers to use at home and when camping. Chef Bruno reports that it’s like an intense CIA Boot Camp between two covers. Those looking to improve their grilling game even further will also enjoy Mark Bittman’s How to Grill Everything, Bobby Flay’s Grill It, CIA grad Michael Symon’s Playing with Fire, and many more. Long-time TrailBlazer contributors Cele and Lynn Seldon are professed foodies at home and on the road. They are huge fans of the Culinary Institute of America and have visited all four campuses, including participating in boot camps and other classes, tasty shopping, and have enjoyed many meals in their varied restaurants. ■ SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

FABULOUS FOUNTAINS Cool off this summer with a visit to these famous fountains By Joan Rykal

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

5 FABULOUS FOUNTAINS ountains originally served the purpose of providing fresh water for drinking, cooking, and bathing to ancient towns. These rudimentary fountains were connected to nearby springs or aqueducts and brought water to the town. The ancient Romans

are credited with creating the first fountains purely for decorative use somewhere around 6 B.C. Rome’s famed Trevi Fountain dates to the 18th century and the first fountain in the U.S. can be traced to Philadelphia in the early 1800s. Modern day fountains are more for commemorative purposes

or entertainment and the U.S. is home to some of the best. And, before you throw a penny for luck into any of these fountains, check for restrictions. However, it is good to note that most fountains that allow visitors to toss a coin or two donate the monies collected to charity.

Bellagio (Las Vegas, NV): Las Vegas is known for its bright lights and entertaining shows at the many venues along the Strip. One show which does not require a ticket is the amazing show put on by the Bellagio Fountains each night. Fun fact: this amazing fountain is not just one fountain but a series of 1200 individual fountains. The show uses more than 4500 lights, and the fountains shoot as high as 460 feet! The show’s accompanying music ranges from Broadway showtunes to pop to opera. Crown Fountain/ Buckingham Fountain (Chicago, IL): The Crown Fountain, which resides in Chicago’s Millennium Park, is designed to appear as if the faces depicted on the fountain’s glass towers are actually spitting water. The faces represent a crosssection of the demographics of the city’s population. A 10-minute walk to the south will put visitors in range of Chicago’s other famous fountain, Buckingham Fountain. A Chicago landmark, and one of the largest fountains of its type in the world, the fountain first wowed Chicago in 1927.

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

World War II Memorial (Washington DC): The National World War II Memorial was built to commemorate the commitment and sacrifice of all Americans during World War II. The Rainbow Pool contains the fountains while the surrounding monument contains two arches, which represent the Pacific and Atlantic warfronts, granite columns representing the U.S. states and territories during wartime, and 4048 gold stars, each of which represents 100 military casualties.

International Fountain (Seattle, WA): Built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the design reflects space exploration, which was all the rage in the early 1960s. The fountain can be found in Seattle Center near the iconic Space Needle, and it produces five different water shows synchronized to music from classical to the sounds of some of Seattle’s famous musical personalities. Redesigned in 1995, the fountain presents a very approachable way to cool off when visiting Seattle in the summer!

Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA): Pennsylvania’s Longwood Gardens isn’t famous for any one fountain, but instead for the multiple fountains found here. Fountains include the Main Fountain Garden and the Italian Water Garden. All kinds of events are designed around the fountains and a schedule can be found at longwoodgardens.org. Longwood’s founder, Pierre du Pont, had been fascinated by fountains since he was a young boy and incorporated them into this beautiful botanic garden set over 1000 acres, which opened in 1921. ■

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

HARVEST HOSTS A TWIST ON A ‘QUICK STOP’

30 TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

ometimes RV trip planning is quite simple and straightforward: your close-to-home adventure involves a short drive to a nearby campground, and you’re booked in one campsite for several nights to enjoy all of the campground’s on-site amenities and local attractions. But, if you’re an RVer who likes to road trip throughout a larger region or enjoys planning multi-week, cross country itineraries, you know it can sometimes be difficult to piece together campgrounds just the perfect distance from one another for ideal driving days with adequate rest time along the way. That’s where a Harvest Hosts membership comes in handy. Harvest Hosts has more than 3,000 host locations throughout the United States and Canada, giving you access to an array of entertaining overnight locations, where you can rest and regroup in a scenic spot on your way to your next campsite. HERE’S HOW HARVEST HOSTS WORKS Harvest Hosts locations include wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, museums, churches, golf courses, and other attractions and nonprofit organizations that allow RVers to park on their property overnight. In exchange, you agree to buy a product, book a tour, or give a donation to that Host. Purchases could be anything from a bottle of wine to farm-fresh eggs to a gift-shop souvenir. Harvest Hosts Members can book overnights ahead of time via an online “request a stay” system, so you can

plan your RVing itinerary ahead of time. Each Host’s page on the Harvest Hosts website details the size of RV they can accommodate, how many spaces they have, and any entertaining offerings, which might range from onsite fishing ponds to playgrounds for the kids. Hosts that offer up-close-and-personal encounters with animals, such as alpaca farms, are big hits among families; in fact, most wineries and breweries also welcome children, and many properties are pet-friendly, as well. HARVEST HOSTS PROVIDES COMFORTABLE STOPS ALONG THE WAY Harvest Hosts overnights are just that one night only - so Members don’t “set up shop” for several days at a winery. Instead, Harvest Hosts locations are rural or urban locations that are an alternative to overnighting in a Walmart or Cracker Barrel parking lot or pulling over for the evening at a highway rest area. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a Walmart overnight for a quick night’s sleep (they sure can be conveniently located), Harvest Hosts was created to present a different type of “quick stop” – one that’s usually much more scenic and often quieter. (Though you may wake to the sound of mooing cows or baaing sheep if you book a farm stay!) To boot, Harvest Hosts locations allow for meeting people - not only friendly Hosts who sign up to provide an overnight parking space for RV members but also for getting to know other avid RVers. Most locations offer more than one space for a rig, so

chances are, especially if you’re traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada in the warm-weather months, it’s likely you’ll be side-by-side with other folks who enjoy the same type of lifestyle you do on the road. You might get to know fellow campers while enjoying a wine tasting, playing cornhole in the backyard of a brewpub, or touring a museum together. HARVEST HOSTS OFFERS A MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE Give Harvest Hosts a whirl on your next RV trip. You can choose to purchase a standard membership (over 3,000 Host locations) or add on access to overnighting at golf courses (for the full array of 3,500 Host locations). If you decide this mode of travel isn’t for you, simply ask for a refund within three months. Chances are, you’ll enjoy being able to choose from pretty vineyards, family farms, and historic museums, adding a bit of off-the-beaten path fun to your RV adventures. Looking to start your next adventure? Scan QR code and head over to harvesthosts. com. Use the code ThousandTrails to get your special discount! ■

Learn More

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER 31

P lay Ball ! Summertime Wooden Bat Leagues Across the Country By Lynn & Cele Seldon

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

PLAY BALL

EVERY SUMMER, baseball fans across the country are drawn to a phenomenon generally referred to as “wooden bat leagues.” With more than 40 leagues, the teams generally consist of college players (including many Major League prospects) who use wooden bats like they do in the pros, rather than aluminum bats used in college baseball.

“The popularity of many college baseball summer leagues is through the roof,” says Lou Pavlovich, Editor at Collegiate Baseball. “College baseball summer bat leagues are the heartbeat of America.” Here’s our lineup of nine geographically diverse wooden bat leagues, with many other pinch hitter possibilities awaiting baseball fans in search of the crack of the bat come summer.

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

1. Alaska Baseball League www.alaskabaseballleague.org

“One of my favorite summer wooden bat leagues is the Alaska [Baseball] League,” says Pavlovich of our leadoff league. “There have been tales about players who have been chased by bears.”

2. California Collegiate League www.calsummerball.com

Canvassing California from Orange County to the Napa Valley.

3. Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League www.calripkenleague.org

League players aspire to be the next “Iron Man” of baseball.

8. Prospect League www.prospectleague.com

From Pennsylvania to Illinois, this league features lots of Major League prospects, as promised.

9. Texas Collegiate League www.texascollegiateleague.com

Featuring premier summer baseball, Lone Star State-style, this league is known for great players.

Frequent TrailBlazer contributor Lynn Seldon was the head groundskeeper for Virginia’s Winchester Royals in the historic wooden bat Valley League for three seasons, when the Royals won the championship all three years. He and fellow TrailBlazer contributor Cele have attended more than 500 baseball games in the last 30 years. ■

4. Cape Cod League www.capecodbaseball.org

Founded back in 1885, Pavlovich says nothing beats this league for elite baseball competition, with numerous high-profile college players who are expected to be top future MLB drafts.

5. Coastal Plain League www.coastalplain.com

Pavlovich reports the historic league’s Savannah Bananas have to be seen to be believed, including legendary player walk-up introductions, player and umpire dance routines, and much more.

6. Florida Collegiate Summer League www.floridaleague.com

Situated in Central Florida with six teams, the Sunshine State features great baseball beyond spring training and two Major League teams.

7. Northwoods League www.northwoodsleague.com

Pavlovich says this league, with 20 teams in the upper Midwest, attracts the largest crowds annually, with attendance at nearly one million fans last year.

IF YOU GO

For a great summer wooden bat leagues resource, head to Collegiate Baseball’s www.baseballnews.com/summer-collegiate-leagues

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

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TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

ursuit the

.A.T.

The search for the Greatest of All Trips By Joan Rykal

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

PURSUIT OF THE G.O.A.T.

he travel trend for 2022 is G.O.A.T. Typically the acronym G.O.A.T. stands for Greatest of All Time and can be applied to anything from sports heroes to entertainers (think Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, and Meryl Streep). The hottest new travel trend of 2022 switches it up a bit and has G.O.A.T. instead standing for Greatest of All Trips. According to Expedia’s 2022 Travel Trends Report, travelers are going all out this year with the ultimate G.O.A.T. goal to have the greatest travel of all time. While we believe every trip you take should be the greatest of all time (until next time), the pandemic most surely played a part in this new trend. After having the world change almost overnight, from lockdowns to not seeing loved ones and to realizing just how precious life is, people are ready to embrace the “live for the moment” mentality. Don’t call it a bucket list – instead, to paraphrase

Joshua Tree National Park

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

Let’s take a look at how you can combine the G.O.A.T. of all camping adventure with the G.O.A.T. mindset for travel.

disconnected from everyday stressors which means turning off electronics and letting the day take you where it will. We take this as heading to a place where you don’t feel the need to do anything except just be a part of nature. Don’t seek out those Instagram-worthy spots so you’re not snapping pics instead of relishing the scenery. Don’t head to a destination where there is so much to see and do your head spins. With this trip style, you’re not going to find the top 10 tourist attractions. Instead, you’re going to focus on things like grounding or earthing, creating hygge in your camping digs, and finding the things in nature that heal or soothe you, in both body and spirit.

A SENSE OF WELL-BEING AND CONTENTMENT To achieve this, the effort must be made not only to be present at all times but to be appreciative of your surroundings. Embrace just being! In essence,

Some of the top spots for spiritual or energy seekers include Joshua Tree National Park (near Palm Springs RV Resort); Sedona, Arizona (near Verde Valley RV Resort); the California town of Ojai (near Rancho Oso in Santa Barbara), Maine’s Acadia National Park (near our

the famous line from Shawshank Redemption, get busy living. To follow the G.O.A.T philosophy, a G.O.A.T. trip can incorporate one of the following. In some cases, the right planning can be a G.O.A.T. triple threat! 1.

A sense of well-being and contentment

Seeking out excitement and exhilaration

Immerse to discover

Cadillac Mountain - Acadia National Park

Sedona, Arizona

three Bar Harbor resorts) and America’s Oldest City, St. Augustine, Florida (near Bulow RV Resort). Grounding works best on sand, grass, stone, or dirt. Camp near the beach, a lush meadow, or granite mountains. We’ve got plenty of locations where your feet can land to accomplish this. Add hygge to your camping experience by adding comfort. The right lighting, comfy camp bedding, and soft music add to the

experience. Or, enjoy a tiny house, cozy cabin, or yurt accommodation, or check out the glamping tents at Marina Dunes near Monterey, California. SENSATION-SEEKING The point here is to do something that provides a sense of exhilaration and possibly trying high adrenaline activities. Dive to deep ocean depths or experience tree-top heights with a

zipline adventure. Tackle whitewater rapids, climb mountains, or hike a trail above your current comfort level. Scuba dive in the Keys or take on a storyworthy deep sea fishing expedition (near Sunshine Key RV Resort or Fiesta Key RV Resort); climb the peaks of Cadillac Mountain in Maine’s Acadia National Park or try the Gondola Run up Heavenly Mountain in California’s South Lake Tahoe (near Tahoe Valley RV

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

PURSUIT OF THE G.O.A.T.

Lake Tahoe, California

Resort). Hike part of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park (near Lynchburg RV Resort) or the Half Dome Day Hike in Yosemite National Park (near Yosemite Lakes RV Campground). White water rafting adventures can be found on the Deschutes River (near Bend-Sunriver Campground) or in the Adirondacks region of upstate New York (near our Lake George resorts). Put yourself out there, scream a little, and see if you have what it takes to be one of the G.O.A.T.s when it comes to adventure sports! IMMERSE TO DISCOVER This one involves trying something different or learning about a different culture or something new. There are all kinds of ways you can do this without having to travel to other countries. Learn all about the wines of America by taking a camping trip near some of

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

the best grape-growing regions around the country. You’ll be surprised to know they aren’t just located in California and Oregon. Of course, California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys are good places to start. Use Russian River Campground as your home base and spend as much time as you want immersing yourself in the wine culture here. Another California option is a stay at Pacific Dunes in Oceano and exploring the nearby wine area known as Paso Robles. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is another major wine producer and you can choose to stay at Pacific City or Portland Fairview to be in proximity to the wineries here. Texas Hill Country produces wines as does Michigan and camping stays could include Medina Lake and Bear Cave, respectively. Immerse yourself in the culture of other countries by visiting some of the best ethnic neighborhoods in our country like San Francisco’s Chinatown; Boston’s North End (Italian); Solvang, California (Danish);

Leavenworth, Washington (Bavarian); or Poulsbo, Washington (Norwegian). Learn something new - Enroll in a Boot Camp at one of the Culinary Institute of America’s locations near a campground. These are 2-5-day intense courses on subjects like BBQ and grilling, farmto-table, or plant-powered cooking. Russian River is near the Napa location and Medina Lake is near the San Antonio location. Go to Surf Camp in San Diego (sandiegosurfingschool.com) and stay at Pio Pico while you learn to hang ten; learn to flyfish in Washington’s Puget Sound (flyfishsteelhead.com) and camp at Tall Chief; or learn about lobstering in Maine during a cruise with Lucky Catch cruises (luckycatch.com) while camping at nearby Moody Beach. So, there’s the mission, should you decide to accept it. Go after the G.O.A.T. with all the gusto you can muster and see if you can say “yep, that surely was a G.O.A.T.!” ■

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or Call (800) 274-7314 SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

IN THE KITCHEN

Who is in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer 48

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

Grilled Smoked Paprika Popcorn 2/3 cup organic popcorn kernels

1 teaspoon red chili flakes

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons nutritional yeast 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Good pinch of salt & pepper or coconut oil

COOK TIME: 15 minutes 1.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and popcorn kernels over a mid- hot fire in a pot that is large enough for kernels to be in a single layer. Cover pot with a lid (or use aluminum foil as we did to create a “bubble” for popcorn to pop)!

Once kernels begin to pop, gently shake the pot by moving it back and forth until the popping slows to about 5 seconds between pops.

Remove from fire and drizzle popcorn with remaining olive oil and toss with nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and spices.

4. Enjoy on the beach, in a camper, or pop into a tupperware or bag for tomorrow’s hike! Recipe from freshoffthegrid.com.

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Photo by Meyer Shank Racing.

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

Whether you spend life on the road for pleasure or work, it’s nice to have the comforts of home as you travel the highways and byways. Trailblazer checks in with folks who spend a fair amount of time on the road to see just what makes their home away from home.

oad ON THE

This month, we chatted with four-time Indy 500 winner, Helio Castroneves.

By Cele & Lynn Seldon

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Photos by American Coach.

ON THE ROAD

ith a run at being the greatest of all time this summer at the Indianapolis 500, Helio Castroneves is obviously excited about the possibilities. With four wins already under his belt, the São Paulo, Brazil, native and now-Florida resident is tied with four other racers as the winningest driver in IndyCar history. And a win at the race over Memorial Day weekend would catapult him into history. “It would be amazing,” he told us recently by phone. “Nobody on the planet has done this. Records are made to be broken and I know lots of people who would love to see history in the making. For me, it would be outstanding.” These are understandable words coming from a man who started racing go karts in 1987 at the tender age of 12 and progressed to car racing at 16, with his first Indy win in 2001. And, to top it off, he’s also a Dancing with the Stars mirror ball trophy winner for his performance with professional dancer, Julianne Hough, in the fifth season of the long-running show. That’s what we call a true renaissance man. We caught up with Castroneves a month before his attempt at his fifth IndyCar win to talk about his career and his new American Coach RV. You are going for your fifth Indy win next month. How are you feeling about that? I’m feeling fantastic. I’ve got an incredible team. I’m surrounded by great people. We’re going to fight for it. I cannot guarantee the end result because that’s out of my control. I can only give my 100 percent best. Did you ever imagine that when you first started go-karting when you were a boy that anyone would ask you a question like that? Yes I did. I still have that passion about this sport. This is all I’ve been doing my entire life. I just love it. Weekends off for me-it’s just not right. I’ve got to be right there with the smell of the oil, the noise of the car. Those are the things that I enjoy.

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

And how about your win on Dancing with the Stars? What was that like? That was great! It was very hard work. I have to say that people underestimate those dancers. They are incredible athletes. I knew how hard it would be, but not that much. I discovered muscles in my feet that I never knew existed. I had an amazing time. I understand speedskater and Dancing with the Stars winner Apolo Ohno encouraged you to participate. Had you been a dancer previously? In ten minutes, he described how Dancing with the Stars changed his life. He had won so many Olympic medals and people recognized him afterwards because of Dancing with the Stars. In those ten minutes, I decided that I would try it, knowing I’d be eliminated first. I thought, I’m just going to go for it and

have a good time. And it happened just like he said it would. I had won two Indy 500s and people didn’t even realize that I was a race driver. They thought I was a dancer that could drive a car, not a race driver that could dance. How did you first get into RVing? It was in 2014. I’ve been racing way longer than that-since 1998-and I’ve seen teammates and other drivers being on the RV side. I didn’t think I was ready. It was just me and I wanted the hotels and to leave the track. In 2014, my daughter and my wife started coming to the races and it was becoming more of a hassle. They needed a place to stay, and it was absolutely awesome. You just finish the race, and you are right there. When did you get your first RV? I got my first RV in March 2016.

What do you enjoy doing in the RV? Most of the time I’m on the phone or doing email. When the family is together, we watch a movie. It’s very comfortable.

When you aren’t racing (or dancing), what do you enjoy doing? I’ve sort of retired from dancing. I usually spend time with the family.

Do you cook onboard? It’s pretty simple. Sandwiches. We sleep in it, too, usually at racetracks. But we’ve also stayed at rest areas.

I also own a dealership with Jeff Penske, my former boss - I raced with Penske for over 20 years, and his nephew in New Holland, Pennsylvania. We have seven brands including Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Isuzu. I travel to Brazil. I now have a place in Columbia. I go to recharge, and I come back energized. ■

Do you drive it from place to place or do you have a driver? I have a driver.

What are you diving now? I’m now in a 2018 45-foot customized American Eagle from American Coach. [Author’s Note: Although Castroneves didn’t mention it in detail, his American Eagle features enviable amenities like white cabinetry in the kitchen; modern, teak-style cabinetry elsewhere; custom bunk beds, each with its own TV and an electric shade that can be lowered for privacy; massaging captain’s chairs in the cab; heated tile flooring throughout; a full-size stainless steel refrigerator; dishwasher; quartz countertops; his-and-her vanities in the master bath; a walk-in waterfall shower; and a stacked washer and dryer.]

Have you ever driven it? I did. It was very scary. It’s too big for me. I’m more used to the small cars. It’s too close to the other cars. I’m sweating too much. I prefer to be a passenger. The ride is amazing! It’s better than your ordinary car—it’s so smooth.

Editor’s note: Castroneves was interviewed for this article ahead of the Memorial Day weekend Indianapolis 500. Castroneves finished 7th in the 2022 Indy 500. With four total Indy wins in his lifetime, he’s considered one of the best.

What’s your favorite thing about staying in your RV versus a hotel room? The convenience of it being right there. You’re saving so much on travel time. If you just want to zone out, if there is a lot going on, you can have time for yourself. It’s a great reset button, especially at the racetrack. What are your three favorite things onboard? The bunk beds for my daughter, especially the electronic curtain that hides the bunk beds. My daughter is a bit of a mess, and no one can see. I like the double sink in the master bathroom. Nothing is shared. Not that I mind sharing. But sometimes women have a tendency to migrate. And the color of the wood. It’s a caramel color. It’s so modern. But it’s cozy modern versus cold modern.

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

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Upgrade to Adventure Today! Check out our newest Reciprocal Program Only Available to Adventure Members • 100+ Campgrounds and Resorts 90 Day Advance Booking Window • 21 Day Stays • Park-to-Park Access Ask how you can camp all year long with our Thousand Trails Camping Pass! Our Thousand Trails Camping Pass is offered by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. This 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 the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift or item of value as part of any promotional plan. The Trails Collection Plus is a reciprocal use program operated by Encore Royalty Club, L.L.C. (“Encore”) that allows participating Thousand Trails Adventure members to use campsites and other facilities at the RV resorts affiliated with the program. Encore is an independent company and does not own any of the resorts affiliated with the program. Encore provides access to these resorts through agreement(s) between Encore and the owners of the resorts.

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

TECH L

et’s take a look at some “neverthought-of-that” driving tips and explore a super simple way to help keep your RV as cool as a cucumber this summer. Let’s go!

QUICK AND EASY AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE TIP: Your RV’s air conditioner will operate more efficiently if you perform just one simple maintenance procedure: keep the return air filter clean. RV rooftop air conditioners usually have a small return air filter that is found at the base of the unit, inside the RV. It’s typically a small foam filter (usually black or gray) that can be easily removed by gently opening the grille covering the filter. Check your Owner’s Manual for detailed instructions. Generally speaking, you simply need to open the grille to remove this filter. Wash the filter gently with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with fresh clear water, pat dry, then allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling. It’s also a good idea to gently wipe the grille with a soft dry cloth before reinstalling the filter. Use your best judgment when determining when to clean the return air filter. Cooking residue, dusty conditions, smoke, animal hair, etc., all contribute to dirty return air filters. Check filters often, and clean as necessary. And remember: it’s never a good idea to run an air conditioner without the return air filter in place. It serves the important purpose of protecting the air conditioner’s evaporator coil from dust and dirt. HOW’S THE WEATHER UP THERE? Driving an RV adds a whole new dimension to the driving experience: height. Most RVs are significantly taller than passenger vehicles, so you’ll need to train yourself to become a little more aware of things you take for granted when driving a passenger car. Learn to

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

OPICS RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! by Paul and Kerri Elders

pay more attention to bridge heights, service station canopies, low-hanging tree branches, and more. Keep in mind that your maximum road height needs to take any added accessories into account. In addition to the height of the RV, don’t forget that you also may have a roofmounted air conditioner, fan covers, a TV antenna, and perhaps a satellite dish, storage pod, or stowed sports gear that may increase your rig’s overall height. Check your Owner’s Manual, or contact a local RV dealer or the manufacturer to get the exact road height. Write this number down & keep it handy. Some RVers write this important number on a small label and attach it to the inside of the glove box door for quick reference by your navigator while driving. It’s usually not an issue on major highways, but older bridges in rural areas can occasionally breach the limit. And, in this kind of engagement, the bridge always wins! NEWBIES ALSO QUICKLY LEARN ANOTHER IMPORTANT RVING 101 LESSON THAT VETERANS NEVER FORGET: The additional weight and size of an RV makes it less maneuverable than a typical car. It’s important to be intimately familiar with your rig’s specific handling characteristics and to remember to make lane changes slowly and deliberately. Since RVs are significantly heavier than typical passenger vehicles, they obviously require some different driving strategies. Stopping distances for RVs are much greater than for their four-wheeler cousins, so you must always allow more time and distance for the vehicle to slow or come to a complete stop. It also takes more time to accelerate. If you’re driving a large motorhome or towing a trailer or fifth wheel, be aware of a phenomenon called “brake fade.” Brake fade occurs when brakes become

overheated from prolonged continuous use, like on long, winding downgrades in the Rocky Mountains. When using your brakes in mountainous terrain, don’t hold the brake pedal down all the time; excessive friction can overheat your brakes, leading to a reduction in braking response if brakes glaze over. Although the brake pedal may still feel firm and respond normally, little or no reduction in the vehicle’s speed occurs. This can be an uncomfortable situation, especially when traveling in mountainous areas. To help avoid brake fade on downgrades, simply “pump” your brakes on long downgrades (gently applying then releasing the brakes intermittently). Make good use of your engine’s lower gears to help slow the vehicle, and if your rig is equipped with a Pac Brake or Jake Brake, use it. MOTORHOME TAILSWING: RVers who drive motorhomes need to keep an eye out for a physical effect called “tailswing.” If your motorhome has a long rear overhang (meaning the rear bumper of the coach is a good distance back from the back wheels), you need to be on the lookout for the residual results of that long rear overhang. You might be surprised to learn that as you turn the motorhome sharply in one direction, your motorhome’s tail can swing out dramatically in the opposite direction. And, naturally, if there are any obstacles in the way of the tail’s swing, you can imagine the results. Make it a habit to watch your mirrors carefully when making turns, and always allow adequate room for your motorhome’s tail end! HAPPY TRAILS, TRAILBLAZERS! ■

Check out more tips & tricks on trailblazer.thousandtrails.com

ROA D ON THE

By Jennifer La Follette

n regard to our Spring 2022 inquiry about elevated food bowls, I made it a personal mission to track down and use the very best feeding system I could find that would also be RV compatible. From time to time, I come across a product that is simply too good not to share with our TraiBlazer readers and after much comparison, I am excited to share with you the critically acclaimed and rave reviewed, “Fluff Trough.” Without question, the reason is clear as to how this ingenious feeding system earned the coveted “2021 Industry Recognition Award” by Pet Business. Recommended for all breeds of dogs and cats, Fluff Trough’s ergonomic design feeder has a unique open front design that helps promote more comfort to your pet, aids in digestion, and encourages a

proper posture which helps the pet relax while eating and greatly reduces mess. Too good to be true? Nope! I noticed the posture improvement immediately in my Boston Bulldog, Brie, and how much easier she was able to use her face and jaw to pick up food when compared to her low elevated, no name brand food and water station. The kibble could be scooped up from the smooth, silicone curved surfaces and not a trace of the meal was left behind or dribbled on the floor! I was so impressed, I loaned the feeder to a neighbor to try out for a few weeks with their cat just to see it they noticed any obvious changes. And sure enough, their 8-year-old indoor cat much preferred the style and height provided by the Fluff Trough over eating kibble and wet food from the ground level. The additional height also solved the recurring issue of the cat from pawing at her food, oftentimes spilling the meal all over the floor and the cat walking away from it for good. The neighbors ordered a turquoise bling bling Fluff Trough for their cat before I was “allowed to have mine returned for further testing.” Cat and dog approved, ideal for large dogs to seniors with disability issues and flat faced/ brachycephalic breeds, you too will see an incredible difference in the way your pet eats from the Fluff Trough. I greatly appreciate the sturdy, dishwasher safe, FDA approved silicone or stainless steel inserts that help reduce bacteria and that only the highest quality materials were chosen to make up this outstanding design feeder. My Boston is a particularly messy eater and without a raised, curved

bowl, she licks her food right over the edge in her attempts to scoop it up. The ergonomic and open front design trough has helped her eat with much more relaxation and less tension over her back and shoulders, which has also contributed to eliminating her air intake and occasional vomiting episodes. The Fluff Trough feeder helps our pets’ spinal health as they utilize their face and jaw to eat in a more natural manner than off the ground or in a regular style round bowl. I love a company who thinks of personal options that cater to both the pet and their keepers! Fluff Trough is available in 2 sizes: a small to medium breed dog/cat size and an XL Fluff Trough that is recommended for large breed dogs or those with extra large faces/ heads. Hello, bulldogs! Maybe you have a big Great Dane who needs a trough elevated higher than 6 1/2 inches? No problem! Helpful accessories such as nonslip stackable lifts for the sturdy base feet allow you to customize the height of your feeder to create an ideal dining experience for your favorite four-legged friend. And folks, I’m seeing that my special needs cross-beak chicken is able to feed herself with ease from this raised feeder and soft silicone trough. Everyone wins! Make it your own. Add your pet’s name in chosen font, a pic of their sweet face or a little bling to your Fluff Trough, all additional options to create one incredible serving tray. Flexible, durable, and dishwasher safe, the FDA silicone inserts for feeder troughs or stainless steel water hole feeders match your needs with your personal preferences for optimal longevity. Classy, functional designs with superior customer service and unique options make choosing the Fluff Trough for your pet’s ultimate feeding or watering station an absolute yes from me and the neighbors, as well! Perfect size and stability for the RV, the Basic Fluff Trough with silicone insert is currently $44.99 MSRP, with the XL size running $49.99. Customizable add-ons range from $14.99 to $69.99 for all out bling bling which, I must say, is mighty impressive! Check it out for yourself at www.flufftrough.com and order direct using the $5 discount code “rvpet” just for our readers through 9/30/22. ■ SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

INVITE YOUR

FRIENDS

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

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2022 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

GRAND PRIZE SECOND PRIZE

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

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

THIRD PRIZE Free Dues for 2023 10 Winners Selected (Up to $630 value)

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

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER?

Our winner for the Summer Issue is... Avery and Wanda Smith from Granite Falls, NC. The Smiths were camping at Green Mountain Park when they were given the news! Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a $1,000 Virtual Visa® Reward Card Gift Card. When you pay your annual dues for 2022 in full, you will be entered into our quarterly drawing for a $1,000 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. There will be one drawing/one winner each quarter from January through December 2022. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails campground in 2022, 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 quarter. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails campground. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting awards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each recipient and to the IRS when the total cash payments and value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600.00 for one year. 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, 2022. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. The Virtual Visa® Reward will be sent via email to the email address provided. The Virtual Visa® Reward will come from reward@virtualrewardcenter.com. The Virtual Visa® Reward can be used to buy what you want, when you want it. Because it is so flexible and convenient, the Virtual Visa® Reward makes it easy to treat yourself to something special or to help cover your everyday expenses. The decision is yours. The virtual reward is issued by Sutton Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and can be used wherever Visa® Debit cards are accepted. Terms and conditions apply. Your Virtual Visa® Reward may not be used outside of the U.S. and District of Columbia, nor may it be used with merchants located outside of the U.S. and District of Columbia for online, mail or telephone orders. Any purchases made with the Virtual Visa® Reward must only be in U.S. currency.

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

C r o sswo rd

Across

1 Span 5 Family member 8 Loom 12 S. Afr. assembly 13 Selling price equivocation 14 City in Judah 15 Monster 16 Nothing 17 Ancient people of Gaul 18 Alarm 20 Trot 22 Pronoun 23 Have (Scot.) 24 Porch 27 Variety of columbite 31 Asbestos (abbr.) 32 Bled 33 Rower 34 Ten-sided figure 37 Self-contained underwater breathing 39 Low (Fr.) 40 Drone

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

41 Four (pref.) 44 Dormant 48 Distribute 49 Tablespoon (abbr.) 51 Broad structural basin 52 Tenth part 53 Jap. fish 54 Danube tributary 55 Tibeto-Burmese people 56 Belonging to (suf.) 59 Recent (suf.)

Down

1 Padnag 2 Shak. villain 3 Grape refuse 4 Urfa, today 5 Eng. poet 6 Mother of Hezekia 7 Dorado 8 Became solid 9 RArabian Sea gulf 10 Hottentot 11 Cricket

19 N.Z. fish 21 Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.) 24 Fellow 25 Ibsen character 26 Television channel 27 Israelite tribe 28 Promise to pay 29 Flap 30 Equal Rights Amendment (abbr.) 32 Rose-shaped ornament 35 Loss of will power 36 Gun: slang 37 His (Fr.) 38 Gaelic 40 Shallow vessel 41 Heroic song of Iceland 42 Docile 43 Apiece 45 Affluence 46 Vivacity 47 Reduce 50 Sheep’s cry

S U D O KU

Answers can be found on page 67.

Find The E v er g ree n T ree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue. Send us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card.

Abigail Johnson Humble, TX Found the tree on Page 10 of the Spring Issue 2022.

Did you find the tree in this issue? Send your entry (postcards only) to: TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Postmark deadline is August 31st, 2022 Please include an email address on the post card to be considered. The Virtual Visa® Reward Card will be sent via email to the email address provided. The Virtual Visa® Reward Card will come from reward@virtualrewardcenter.com. The Virtual Visa® Reward Card can be used to buy what you want, when you want it. Because it is so flexible and convenient, the Virtual Visa® Reward makes it easy to treat yourself to something special or to help cover your everyday expenses. The decision is yours. The virtual reward is issued by Sutton Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and can be used wherever Visa Debit cards are accepted. Terms and conditions apply. Your Virtual Visa® Reward Card may not be used outside of the U.S. and District of Columbia, nor may it be used with merchants located outside of the U.S. and District of Columbia for online, mail or telephone orders. Any purchases made with the Virtual Visa® Reward Card must only be in U.S. currency.

Terms and Conditions for 2022 Referral Promotion from page 58. For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2022, you will receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2022, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2023, not to exceed $630 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, 2023. 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, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card and you will not receive a $125 Virtual Visa® Reward Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored. Employees of MHC Property Management, L.P. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Join the

#100DaysofCamping Movement

As a guest at one of our campgrounds, you can enter our #100DaysofCamping photo contest. All submitted photos will be entered into a contest with monthly prizes and a grand prize package. Help us celebrate by using #100DaysofCamping on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok this summer.

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

#100DAYSOFCAMPING IS HERE ALL SUMMER LONG! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: GET OUT AND CAMP! Take a photo while camping or during a makeshift camping adventure. All submitted #100DaysofCamping photos will be entered into a photo contest with several prize packages! CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO AS AN ENTRY: Upload your photo to Instagram using #100DaysofCamping in your post caption. UPLOAD YOUR PHOTO TO 100DAYSOFCAMPING.COM. Repeat to keep celebrating #100DaysofCamping! WE CAME UP WITH A FEW OTHER IDEAS TO SHARE YOUR LOVE OF CAMPING: • Use our #100DaysofCamping story stickers in your Instagram stories or on TikTok. • Take a photo with our printable #100DaysofCamping 2022 graphic, or hang it proudly in your RV! • Share your #100DaysofCamping badges to your social media pages all summer long!

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

PREFERRED RV DEALERS US A A&L RV Sales GA - Lake Park TN - Christiana, Columbia, Johnson City, Seveirville VA - Richmond 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 Alpin Haus NJ - Oak Ridge NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake, Salem americanfamilyrv.com Bama RV AL - Dothan bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond bigcrv.com Bill Eads RV CA - Rocklin Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon bladerv.com Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee brownsrvsuperstore.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe camperland.net Campers Inn AL - Madison CT - Union

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

FL - Jacksonville, Leesburg, Jacksonville, Ocala, North Jacksonville, Saint Augustine GA - Acworth, Atlanta, Macon, Richmond Hill IA - Davenport Campers Inn continued IL - Naperville KY - Louisville MA - Raynham, Tyngsboro NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh ND - Bismark, Minot NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, SC - Charleston, Conway, Myrtle Beach VA - Fredericksburg campersinn.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Union Gap canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton charlieobaughrv.com Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville chesacorv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Sequim, Silverdale, Puyallup clearcreekrvcenter.com Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com Foundation RV TX - Wichita Falls • foundationrv.com

Check out member specials on parts, service, and sales by visiting our preferred RV Dealer partners listed here. Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com Gerzeny’s RV World FL - Bradenton, Nokomis gerzenysrvworld.com Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington, Burlington haltermansrv.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Hitch RV DE - Milford NJ - Berlin SC - Cloumbia PA - Boyertown hitchrv.com Humphrey RV CO - Grand Junction CO - Montrose Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Johnson RV CA - Gilroy OR - Sandy WA - Fife • johnsonrv.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com Lazydays RV AZ - Mesa, Tucson CO - Denver, Loveland FL - Tampa, Ocala IN - Chicagoland, Elkhart MN - Minneapolis NV - Reno OK - Tulsa

OR - Portland TN - Airstream of Knoxville, Knoxville, Nashville WA - Vancouver WI - Milwaukee • lazydays.com Lee’s Country RV IN - Batesville Marjon RV CA - Moreno Valley • marjonrvs.com Mericle RV CO - Fort Lupton Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe SPRINGs mikethompson.com Mount Comfort RV IN - Greenfield • mountcomfortrv.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Rec Van CA - Fremont www.recvan.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel, Scranton roadhousecamper.com Rodeo City RV WA - Ellensburg Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net RV Country AZ - Flagstaff, Lakeside, Mesa, Showlow CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin NV - Sparks OR - Coburg WA - Buckley, Fife, Mt. Vernon, Bonney Lake RV Retailer RVRetailer.net AZ - Flagstaff, Lakeside, Mesa, Showlow RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com RV Value Mart PA - Bath, Lititz, Manheim, Willow Street rvvaluemart.com San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com Scenic View RV Superstore VA - West Point • scenicviewrv.net Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Sky River RV CA - Paso Robles, Pismo Beach,Atascadero skyriverrv.com Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Stoltzfus RV’s & Marine PA - West Chester • stoltzfus-rec.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com Tonie’s RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Airstream of Dallas Fourth Worth Two other D.F.W. Vogt locations vogtrv.com Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com Wisconsin RV World WI - DeForest • wisconsinrvworld.com Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

CA NA DA Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com Canadream

AB - Calgary BC - Vancouver ON - Toronto NS - Halifax QC - Montreal YT - Whitehorse canadream.com GO VR QC - Ange-Gardien • go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Kustom Koach RV Centre BC - Aldergrove • kustomkoachrv.com Lardner’s Trailer Sales SK - Saskatoon • lardners.com Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Leisure Days RV ON - Aylmer, Kingston, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, Sudbury QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro leisuredays.ca Leisure Trailer Sales ON - Tecumseh • leisuretrailers.com O’Connor RV BC - Chilliwack • oconnorrv.com Ottawa Camping Trailers ON - Ottawa • ottawacamping.ca Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Marieville, 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

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

C r o sswo r d A n sw e r s S U DOK U A n sw e r s

Sudoku can be found on 61.

Crossword can be found on 60.

Did you know that Thousand Trails members receive discounts on popular brands? Visit our Member Benefits page and check out our exclusive partner deals!

TRAILBLAZER SUMMER 2022

BrANCHING OUT... Seeking a Safer Tomorrow Help the manatees, Adopt one Today!

savethemanatee.org

Are you a photographer or videographer, or aspiring to be? Submit your high quality photos and videos about your stay at one of our Thousand Trails campgrounds for a chance to be featured in TrailBlazer or on our social media pages! Submit your work to tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com Please submit photos or videos with a short description about your stay, and the name of the campground you visited. Must be a Thousand Trails Member in order to be considered to be featured.

SUMMER 2022 TRAILBLAZER

SkyMed is with you all the way. 800-475-9633 www.skymed.com