Trailblazer Magazine Winter Issue 2021 by TrailBlazer Magazine

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Explore the Florida Islands the best biking Trails in central Florida the Florida Islands out on the water and a day at the Beach

WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Invite Your Friends www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kenzie Greene MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails Family of campgrounds and resorts. Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, campground profiles and product features. TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published by MHC TT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

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WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

WINTER 2021

WHAT’S INSIDE

VOL.57 • ISSUE 1

20 Central Florida’s Great Outdoors

regulars

Member Deals 54

Crossword Puzzle 60

Sudoku Puzzle 61

Preferred RV Dealer List 62

Florida Island Style

WINTER ISSUE 2021 • $2.00

Explore the Florida Islands

tips & topics Tech Topics 52 4 Paws on the Road 53 10 Monthly Maintnece Tips 56

the best biking Trails in central Florida

the Florida Islands out on the water

lifestyle 5 Message from Marguerite 8 New Year New View! 10 I Knew I was A TrailBlazer: Crazy Family Adventure 14 Florida’s Rail-Trails 28 Updates and Upgrades 30 Cinema Under the Stars 32 Virtual Tours at myMHcommunity.com! 34 Florida is for Foodies 46 Recipe: Peach Mango Salsa 48 Easy Cocktails 50 A Day on the Water and A Day at the Beach

On The Cover: Sombrero Beach in the Florida Keys WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

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MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE Happy new year! I’m sure many of you were more than ready to close the door on 2020. Last year brought with it a whole new set of challenges and learnings. On a positive note, it also brought more family time and even more reason to get outdoors. I was inspired by the number of people who came together to help each other out, even if they were perfect strangers. This is something I hope we see well into 2021 and beyond. As we start a new year, some of these unknowns still exist, though I’m confident we’ll continue to work through them together. I encourage you to look for the little things you can control and continue to enjoy. Luckily for all of our members and guests, outdoor recreation and RV travel is one of them. Throughout the pandemic, there was constant encouragement to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. The outdoors offered a great escape and fresh air, along with plenty of activities with social distancing packed in. Those in the northern states were thrilled when spring arrived and the sunshine welcomed them, especially after seeing photos from southerners as early as late March hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. Take this new year to continue to do the things you enjoy. Maybe this is the year you resolve to do them more. I’d like to encourage each and every one of you to change your view in 2021. This is a simple concept, though it’s one that we as campers can often end up taking for granted. This lifestyle allows you to wake

up, roll up your shade, and take in a beach sunrise. A couple of days later, you may roll up that same shade and look up to see towering pines and beautiful mountain views. All with the luxury of being surrounded by the familiar, your very own RV and comforting belongings. If you’re looking for inspiration or aren’t sure where to head next, I encourage you to check out the features in this issue of TrailBlazer, which highlights sunny Florida. From hiking and biking trails in central Florida, to exploring Florida’s islands (you won’t believe how many there are) and foodie scene, the sunshine state is a great place to escape the cold this winter. Plus, waking up next to palm trees and beaches is a great way to change your view in 2021! Our flexible cancellation policy and online check-in procedures allow you to book with confidence, so you can focus on enjoying the sunshine and the great outdoors. I hope you have a wonderful start to the new year, and I can’t wait to see the views you’ll take in this year.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

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WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER? Our winners for Winter Issue are... Danny and Monica Walters from Livingston, TX! They were camping at TT Orlando in FL, 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 2021 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 2021. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails campground in 2021, 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, 2021. 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.

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WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

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New Year, New View! By Annie colletti

A new year brings a chance to reflect on the prior year, set your resolutions, and put a plan together to make sure your resolution lasts longer than a month. (We’re all guilty!) In 2021, we have a resolution we’d love for you to try and we’re confident you’ll be able to stick to it! This year, resolve to change your view. Whether it’s a beachside, palm tree covered view, or one that has more of a desert feel, changing your view is a great way to ensure you’re doing what we all love: enjoying the great outdoors! 8

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View with a Hue Try out a colorful rental at Tropical Palms! Your view and photos are sure to pop with hues of green, blue, yellow, and pink, and the colorful cottages at Tropical Palms are adorable to boot. Located in Kissimmee, Tropical Palms is just four miles from Walt Disney World and is within walking distance of Old Town and Fun Spot!

Beachy Vibes If beach views and salty breeze is more your scene, consider changing your view by visiting Sunshine Key or Fiesta Key. Sunshine Key offers beautiful waterfront views for you and your RV, as well as tiny house rentals if you’re looking for a unique experience. The sunsets at Sunshine Key are truly unforgettable. Fiesta Key is a tropical oasis all its own, with expansive Gulf of Mexico views. Take in the scenery from your RV site, or give a colorful cottage a try.

Sunshine Key RV Resort

Desert Air Looking for more of a desert vibe for your first view of the new year? Head to Arizona and plan to stay at Viewpoint or Mesa Spirit. Viewpoint feels like a five star resort, with a gorgeous pool and golf course on site. Try something new and stay in one of their beautiful cottage rentals. You’ll feel right at home! Another great view option is a stay at Mesa Spirit. This hidden gem is all about location. Mesa Spirit is centrally located to the Superstition Mountains, golfing, fishing, shopping, and more. A little bit of everything Fort Myers offers visitors the opportunity to head to the beach, take in museums and history tours, shop the day away, and visit local Sanibel or Captiva Islands. If you’re looking to check a few views off of your list, a visit to Fort Myers is a must. Try a cottage at Pioneer Village or Rambler’s Rest. If you’re planning to bring the RV, check out Harbor Lakes, Gulf Air, or Sunseekers. This local offers old-time hospitality and Florida charm all in one!

Viewpoint RV Resort

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I Knew I Was a

TRAILBLAZER FEATURING

Crazy Family Adventure! This issue, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to… Craig and Bryanna Royal or, Crazy Family Adventure! This family of six plus two dogs went full-time in 2014. Five RVs and plenty of memories later, they’re in love with the lifestyle! TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began! BR: We have been full-time RVing since May 2014 with our

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four kids – almost seven years! We decided that we wanted to travel full-time with our kids and since we had two dogs at the time and our kids were young (ranging two-years-old to six-years-old), we figured that RVing was the perfect option. It meant our dogs could come with us and our kids would still have a “home.” At that time there weren’t many other families out there that had gone full-time but we did come across Currently Wandering, an RVing family of five that we followed for inspiration. Before deciding to go full-time, we

had never owned an RV before so it was definitely an interesting journey! TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails? BR: We heard about Thousand Trails through the Fulltime Families Facebook Group. We were looking to meet other families on the road and we heard that a lot of families would be at Thousand Trails Orlando (TTO) in January! We got a Thousand Trails Camping Pass and headed to TTO in

January and there were a ton of families. We talked to a few of the families there that were elite members and they convinced us it was worth it to join. And, they were right! We have gotten so much use out of our Thousand Trails membership over the years; our membership paid for itself within the first year. TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest Thousand Trails memories? BR: I can’t say we have just one! Instead, I would say the combination of a lot of different times and memories over the years. Most of these are from when we were sitting around a campfire with our family or a group of friends and sharing laughs and stories, or doing movie nights where we set up our outdoor projector and screen to watch a movie or football game outside our rig. We also love watching our kids run barefoot in the campground with their friends and having an old school neighborhood experience! Plus, the joy of opening our window and looking out at amazing views from beaches to oceans to wide open land. All that to say our fondest memory is camping itself and everything that entails. Our fondest TT memories are very similar. We love the community around

TT and how many families we meet when we stay at one. Last winter we had what we called our “TT neighborhood” with a group of families that all parked together at Thousand Trails Orlando. The kids loved it, but I think the parents may have loved it even more! The kids would run and play for hours on end from sun up to sun down (and beyond), while the parents were able to have coffee together in the morning and then happy hour around the campfire at night. It was an awesome time. We have recreated this neighborhood setup multiple times throughout the years at Thousand Trails campgrounds! TB: Any funny camping/ RVing stories?

Photos Courtesy of Crazy Family Adventure

BR: When I think of funny RVing stories, we have a lot of them that weren’t funny at the time…like when the toilet exploded in Craig’s face, or when our fridge stopped working in Mexico…so we went two months without a fridge. Looking back we can laugh at those now but at the time, not so much! 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.) BR: We have been in five rigs since being on the road for the last seven years. We started with a 39-foot diesel pusher motorhome, then went to a

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"Plus, the joy of opening our window and looking out at amazing views from beaches to oceans to wide open land."

23-foot class C, then a 21-foot travel trailer, then a 30-foot travel trailer, and now a 36-foot fifth wheel! Really, we have enjoyed each of those rigs for the time we were in them. We really enjoyed having the big motorhome when we started. Then when we downsized, we loved how easy it was to get around. Plus, when we were in a smaller rig it really forced us to live more outside which we loved. Once we outgrew that and wanted something bigger, it was nice to move into a larger rig. They all fit different seasons of full-time travel that we have had. For now we are really happy with our Keystone Montana High Country 335BH 5th wheel that we got at Camping World. We

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didn’t have to go huge. It is just 36-feet but still has one and a half bathrooms, a bunk room, a loft, and a bedroom for us, plus a residential fridge – first time we have had that and it is awesome! We also had solar installed by Future Solutions right after we got the rig. We love being able to boondock so having solar is a must for us! TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership? BR: We traveled up the whole west coast using our Thousand Trails membership and it was great. The campgrounds were nice and were in good locations.

We have also loved using our Trails Collection to be able to stay in the Florida Keys! It is one of our favorite places. TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle? BR: Our favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle is that we are outdoors so much! There is something about being outside that is so refreshing and mood lifting. We love hiking and exploring off the beaten path places, heading to the beach to swim and play in the sand, or just hanging out outside our rig at our campsite. I also love that it is showing our kids how to live an active life and how to always incorporate outdoor adventure in their everyday lives.

TB: 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… BR: I was living, traveling and working full-time in an RV with my husband and our kids. We still can’t believe this is our lifestyle and that we get to choose which location we wake up in every single day! Spending all this time together as a family is simply priceless and being able to see such amazing places and go on so many fun adventures together makes it even better!¾ Follow Craig and Bryanna Royal’s Crazy Family Adventure at CrazyFamilyAdventure.com and be sure to check out their social media channels! Facebook: facebook.com/ crazyfamilyadventure Instagram: instagram. com/crazyfamilyadventure Twitter: twitter.com/ cfadventure Pinterest: pinterest.com/ crazyfamilyadve/ You Tube: youtube.com/c/ crazyfamilyadventure

Photos Courtesy of Crazy Family Adventure

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FLORIDA’S RAILS-TRAILS Lots of Options for Two Wheels & Two Feet By Lynn & Cele Seldon Florida’s wide expanses of generally flat open space are ideal for multiuse railstrails for cyclists, walkers, and more. Back when the railstrails movement was still very much in its infancy, Rails-toTrails Conservancy (RTC) was formed in 1986 to help create and promote a nationwide network of user-friendly and traffic-free hiking and biking trails from former rail lines (and connecting corridors). There are now almost 25,000 and counting of open rails-trails across the country, including lots of possibilities in the Sunshine State, with more than 50 varied options (several of which are connected, with more connections to come). In Rails-Trails: Florida (Wilderness Press), past RTC

president, Keith Laughlin, wrote, “Since 1986, Rails-toTrails Conservancy has been the leading supporter and defender of these priceless public corridors. We are excited to bring you Rails-Trails: Florida so you, too, can enjoy some of this state’s rail-trails and multiuse trails. These hiking and biking trails are ideal ways to connect with your community, with nature, and with your friends and family.” Culled from RTC’s “Top Ten Trails in the Sunshine State” survey, the excellent book Rails-Trails: Florida, and personal experience, here are 20 varied rails-trails options across Florida to consider: Auburndale-TECO Trail (6.6 miles; Polk County), which connects with the 29-mile

General James A. Van Fleet State Trail (below) in Polk City to make for a great 35.6-mile trail (see “Central Florida’s Great Outdoors” feature on pages 20-27). Blackwater Heritage State Trail (9.6 miles; Santa Rosa County), following an old Florida and Alabama Railroad route. Boca Grande Bike Path (6 miles; Charlotte and Lee counties), which is credited as Florida’s first rail-trail. Cross Seminole Trail (22.8 miles; Seminole County), with connections to the 14-mile Seminole Wekiva Trail (see below) and the 7.5-mile Cady Way Trail.

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Photo Courtesy of Seldon Ink.

Photo Courtesy Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Cross Seminole Trail

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East Central Regional Rail Trail (47.6 miles; Brevard and Volusia counties), on railroad tracks built in 1885 to carry cargo and people from the Atlantic coastline to Central Florida. Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (106.6 miles when connected, with 90 miles currently completed; Monroe County), following the route of Henry Flagler’s early-1900s Overseas Railroad and with some on-road riding required and prevailing winds worth considering. Fort Fraser Trail (7.75 miles; Polk County), which is on the former South Florida Railroad Pemberton Ferry Branch between Lakeland and Bartow and parallels busy US 98, but does offer a 0.6-mile spur trail that leads to a 2.5mile trail out to Circle B Bar Reserve (see “Central Florida’s Outdoors” feature).

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (49.8 miles; Pinellas County), connecting with 6.3-mile North Bay Trail in downtown St. Petersburg. Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail (16.5 miles; Alachua County), which is among the “hillier” rails-trails options in Florida. General James A. Van Fleet State Trail (29 miles; Lake, Polk, and Sumter counties), which connects with the 6.6-mile Auburndale-TECO Trail in Polk City to make for a great 35.6mile trail (see “Central Florida’s Great Outdoors” feature). Lehigh Greenway Rail Trail (6.6 miles; Flagler County), along the Lehigh Canal on a one-time rail spur line running to a former Lehigh Portland Cement Company plant.

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail (14.5 miles; Duval County), including a spur trail to Camp Milton Historic Preserve, which was an important Florida Civil War site. Legacy Trail (10.7 miles; Sarasota County), with a start (or turn-around) at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot, including displays about the Seaboard Air Line Railroad and more. Palatka-to-Lake Butler Trail (30.3 miles; Bradford, Clay, and Putnam Counties), on the old Norfolk Southern Railway. Seminole Wekiva Trail (14 miles; Seminole County), on the former Orange Belt Railway.

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Withlacoochee State Trail

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Photos Courtesy Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Suncoast Trail (42 miles; Hernando, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties), which follows the Suncoast Parkway and joins the 16.5-mile Upper Tampa Bay Trail at its southern trailhead. Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail (21 miles; Leon and Wakulla Counties), following the route of Florida’s first and longestrunning railroad. Waldo Road GreenwayDepot Avenue Rail-TrailKermit Sigmon Bike Trail (6.4 miles, Alachua County), which seamlessly combines three Gainesville trails into a network and also connects with the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail (see above).

West Orange Trail (22 miles; Orange County), which is only 15 minutes northwest of downtown Orlando, but in another world. Withlacoochee State Trail (46 miles; Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties), one of the longest paved pathways in Florida. Of Florida’s great rails-trails options, Florida-based RTC Senior Strategist for External Relations, Ken Bryan, says, “It’s exciting to see all of the rails-trails being connected and forming regional systems that then form the backbone to an emerging statewide system. The value of these trails is being enhanced as these are woven together.” Ride on! ¾

IF YOU GO Head to railstotrails.org to learn everything you need to know about the Rails-toTrails Conservancy (RTC) and offerings across Florida – and across the country. Railsto-trails enthusiasts should consider joining and supporting RTC. Their signature endeavor, TrailLink.com, is America’s portal to rails-to-trails, as well as other multi-use trails. RailsTrails Florida, an “Official Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Guidebook” from Wilderness Press (as part of their great rails-to-trails guidebook series) is highly recommended.

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Circle B Bar Reserve

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Photo Courtesy of Visit Central Florida

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S GREAT OUTDOORS Mother Nature & More in the Center of the Sunshine State By Lynn & Cele Seldon

Ideally situated between the urban sprawl of Orlando and Tampa, Central Florida’s vast Polk County features Mother Nature at her finest, with thousands of acres of undeveloped wilderness, hundreds of unspoiled lakes and wetlands, and widely varied outdoors-oriented attractions for those who want to stay outside as much as possible. The fourth largest county in the Sunshine State and about the size of Rhode Island, Central Florida has lots of room to roam. Most of Polk County is south of busy Interstate 4, though some possibilities (like Polk City and Safari Wilderness Ranch) are

situated just north. The entire area has dozens of mild to wild pursuits on two feet or two wheels, on the water, in the air, and more. From north to south, Central Florida’s traditional “top five” attractions are: Safari Wilderness Ranch, about five miles northeast of Lakeland; Frank Lloyd Wright architecture on the campus of Florida Southern College in downtown Lakeland; Bok Tower Gardens, just north of Lake Wales; LEGOLAND® Florida Resort southeast of downtown Winter Haven; and Westgate River Ranch Resort in the southeastern corner of Polk County.

Safari Wilderness Ranch is simply a classic Central Florida destination. It’s most definitely not a zoo or a theme park, with no lines or crowds and the number of visitors strictly limited. With 260 acres of pristine wilderness reminiscent of an African savannah featuring herds of animals, Safari Wilderness is a family-owned and-operated working game ranch that specializes in wetland exotic species, African Watusi cattle, heritage breed Irish Dexter cattle, Austrian Haflinger horses, as well as lots of zebra, antelope, llama, and more. Tour options include: covered safari vehicles with

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Safari Wilderness Ranch

Bok Tower Gardens 22

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Photos Courtesy of Visit Central Florida

For kids and kids at heart, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is simply a place that makes visitors smile. The 150-acre destination is one of the largest LEGOLAND® Parks in the world and features a mostly-outdoors mix of 50-plus rides, shows, and attractions, including a popular water ski show and a botanical garden (the former Cypress Gardens). Of course, spectacular LEGO® models are found throughout the resort’s themed zones, including Miniland USA, LEGO® Kingdoms, DUPLO® Village, and more. The resort’s newest and largest expansion in 2019 brought The LEGO® Movie™ World, immersing LEGO fans in Bricksburg from the blockbuster film, The LEGO® Movie™. stadium seating and feeding opportunities; guided ATV tours; camel expeditions; kayak safaris; other optional feeding opportunities; and more. The 13 completed examples of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture on the campus of Florida Southern College in downtown Lakeland is the largest and most fully-articulated one-site collection of his work in the world. Dubbed “Child of the Sun” by Wright, who designed a total of 18 structures for the college, the campus collection includes 12 structures built between 1938 and 1958 under Wright’s guidance, as well as 2013’s Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, featuring the Usonian House, based on Wright’s design. Self-guided and guided tours are offered, and visitors should start by contacting the friendly

on-campus Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center to check on current availability. Long-beloved Bok Tower Gardens is also a quintessential Central Florida outdoors destination. The National Historic Landmark features a majestic 205-foot tall 60 bell carillon (the “Singing Tower”), the vast Gardens (dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in 1929), which feature great walking possibilities, the 20room Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate, Blue Palmetto Café (including outdoor seating), and unique treasures (and plants) at The Shop at Bok. Edward Bok was the former editor of The Ladies Home Journal magazine, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, a philanthropist, and a world peace advocate.

About 40 miles southeast of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Westgate River Ranch Resort is the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi. It’s rooted in the history of the nation’s first cowboys and is situated on 1,700 acres of lush Florida cattle lands. Outdoorsoriented opportunities include nature hikes, horseback riding, airboat and swamp buggy rides, zip-lining, a petting farm, swimming, golf, trap and skeet shooting, a mechanical bull, hayrides, cookouts, a full-service marina, River Ranch Saloon, and the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in the United States, which features bull riding, trick riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more in a 1,200-seat rodeo arena. From gardens to a goat farm or a former ranch to a new marina and much more, lots WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

of additional possibilities await visitors to Central Florida’s sprawling Polk County. There’s simply something for everyone who enjoys Mother Nature at her Florida finest. Situated in downtown Lakeland and overlooking picturesque Lake Mirror, Hollis Garden is a Central Florida gem. Maintained by Lakeland’s Parks & Recreation department, the 1.2-acre site was constructed as a formal neo-classical European-style garden. Through various “rooms,” Florida’s domestication story is on display, starting with the Grotto, where artesian wells brought forth water as the lifeblood of the land to Native Americans and early Florida pioneers. Other rooms surrounding the pretty Rosette Plaza and Fountain (which features 24

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Lakeland’s trademark swans) include: The Tropical Room; The Herb Room; The Vegetable Room; Trees of Americana; Patterned Flowerbeds; Butterfly Garden; and various gardens focusing on single colors (like yellow, white, and red). Just six miles to the southeast of Lakeland, Circle B Bar Reserve was once a functioning cattle ranch, which has been restored as an impressive wildlife habitat of freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps, oak hammocks, and creeks and lakes. The on-site Polk Nature Discovery Center and many trails make Circle B ideal for learning about (and seeing) Central Florida’s waterfowl, ospreys, eagles, alligators, and more.

Highly-recommended Proctor’s Goat Farm near Eagle Lake is about seven miles east of Circle B. They offer fun goat farm tours for a small fee, which includes sampling delicious goat milk products like varied cheeses, chocolates, and ice cream. The farm is an agritourism destination. Fans of fresh Central Florida food will also hunger for about a dozen “U-Pick” destinations and several famed “citrus” possibilities, including Ridge Island Groves and Lang’s Taste of Florida Café (featuring Mary Lang’s famous Grapefruit Pie) both near Haines City, Florida’s Natural Grove House Visitor Center (north of Lake Wales), and even a Citrus Label Tour.

Circle B Bar Reserve

Ridge Island Groves

Photos Courtesy of Visit Central Florida

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Streamsong® Resort Golf Course

Heading further east about 45 minutes from Proctor’s Goat Farm, Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina and RV Resort, awaits on Lake Kissimmee. Featuring an Old Florida fish camp style with modern amenities, Camp Mack features world-class fishing, airboat tours of the lakes with Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours, 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails at adjacent Lake Kissimmee State Park (see below), and more. Traditional “parks” in many forms and operated by different entities are also a big part of the great outdoors in Central Florida: the options include: three state parks (Lake Kissimmee, Colt Creek, 26

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and Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve) and a few dozen additional parks, including Lakeland Highlands Scrub (where you may catch a glimpse of a gopher tortoise along the Tortoise Trail); the Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area (part of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, near Lake Arbuckle, and a Great Florida Birding Trail site); and Se7en Wetlands, owned and operated by the City of Lakeland and comprised of 1,600-plus acres of marshes, swamps, uplands, and lakes. With more than 120 different trails covering 375-plus miles, Central Florida also has an abundance of “trails” for outdoor exploration in Polk

County. The options include several rails-trails possibilities (see the feature, “Florida’s RailsTrails,” on pages 14-19 to learn more). For those whose idea of a trail is more of a fairway, Central Florida features world-class golf, as well. Polk County offers more than 40 public access golf courses designed by many of the world’s top designers, including Donald Ross, Tom Doak, and the duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The possibilities include the three layouts at Streamsong® Resort and Spa, The Club at Eaglebrooke, and Southern Dunes, among many. Sports fans will also love the baseball found in the area, in

Photos Courtesy of Visit Central Florida

Grove Roots Brewing Company

that the Detroit Tigers have held spring training in Lakeland going on 85 years. And baseball in Central Florida doesn’t end when the Tigers head north for the regular season, as Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium also plays host to the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Florida State League’s High-A minor league team. Whether it’s a hot dog at the ballpark or fresh fish overlooking one of the area’s many lakes, visitors won’t go hungry in Central Florida. A few of the most popular restaurants to look out for include: Texas Cattle Company on Lake Mirror and beloved Mister Fish in downtown Lakeland; Winter Haven’s Harborside Restaurant on Lake Shipp and

Harry’s Old Place on Lake Ned; Cherry Pocket Steak and Seafood Shak on Lake Pierce in Lake Wales; Peebles B-B-Q in tiny Auburndale, just off the Auburndale-TECO Trail; Gary’s Oyster Bar and Seafood House in Lake Alfred; and Crazy Fish Bar and Grill in Lake Wales. Those who work up a thirst in the great outdoors will want to head to one of many Central Florida breweries, including Winter Haven’s Grove Roots Brewing Company, Lakeland’s Swan Brewing, overlooking Lake Wire (pays homage to Lakeland’s iconic swans), and the Lakeland’s unique co-op Brew Hub Brewery & Tasting Room, which typically features more than two dozen distinct craft beers from different

partner brewers. It’s a great way to say cheers to Central Florida’s great outdoors! ¾

When You Go Head to VisitCentralFlorida.org to plan an outdoors-oriented trip and, once there, stop by Visit Central Florida’s helpful Visitor Information Center at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport, (exit 55 off Interstate 4).

Visit RVontheGo.com to book your vacation cottage or RV site for your Central Florida vacation. Sunshine and fun await! WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

UPDATES AND

UPGRADES The teams have been hard at work on a number of updates and upgrades across the country. This issue, we’re highlighting a few of the biggest projects and developments!

Orlando RV Resort Clermont, FL We can’t stop talking about Thousand Trails Orlando! The work continues here to bring all of our members and guests 160+ brand new RV sites, two upgraded pools, a revamped putt putt course, brand new basketball and volleyball courts, and a brand new playground. We’ve appreciated your patience as we continue to work on this project, and hope you enjoy the bird’s-eye view!

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Availability Calendar ThousandTrails.com You asked, and we heard you! We have exciting news with an update to our website! ThousandTrails.com officially features an availability calendar, which allows you to see which dates are available for your stay. We hope this helps you plan your 2021 camping trips with us.

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Under T he Stars Outdoor movies in the sunbelt!

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We brought RVING to the movies! Throughout the summer season, a number of our locations participated in the Cinema Under the Stars series. Given the success of these events, we’ve extended this series to select locations in Florida, Arizona, and Texas. Our locations are known for their onsite activities, and we wanted to ensure a safe, socially distanced event in the great outdoors. With screens ranging from 16-to-20-feet and professional level sound systems, guests are able to enjoy the silver screen while doing what they love most: RVing! The size of these screens and the strength of the sound systems allow our onsite teams to plan a fun and socially distanced activity for all of our guests. Movie goers are encouraged to space out, leaving at least 6 feet of space between each group. Movies start after sunset for the best viewing experience. Many of our locations choose to show movies that match our theme weekend to tie everything together. Have you attended a Cinema Under the Stars event? We’d love for you to share photos of the event to our Encore RV Resorts Facebook page, and let us know what movies you’re hoping to see this season!

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It’s not about what you’re leaving behind.

Open New Doors

to a great community lifestyle.

Your new winter agenda consists of running outside, happy hours on the patio, and lounging by the pool. Trade in shoveling snow for shuffleboard and enjoy the day being right where you’re supposed to be. No snow boots required.

Take a Virtual Tour and make it yours!

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It’s about what you’re going to.

3 Ways to Explore our Quick Move-In Ready Homes VIRTUAL SHOWINGS

VIDEO TOURS

3-D TOURS

Our sales associates are ready to schedule an appointment for a private virtual showing at your convenience.

ideo walk through tours of V select home models are available online or upon request.

We invite you to enjoy a virtual walk through of our stunning model homes with our Interactive Model Home Tours.

Learn more at or Call (800) 274-7314 WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

FLORIDA IS FOR FOODIES By Joan Rykal

Florida may be known for its balmy weather, wealth of sunny days, and miles and miles of beaches, but here’s a little-known secret about the Sunshine State: it also has some great food. There are some tasty sandwiches, seafood, and sweet treats floating around Florida begging to be enjoyed.

The Cubano With a significant population of people with Cuban ancestry, it’s no surprise that there is plenty of good Cuban food to be found in Florida. One item of note is the Cuban Sandwich, or Cubano, a delicious mix of ham, pork, cheese, pickles, and mustard served on pan Cubano, or Cuban bread. With the largest population of Cubans in the state, the Miami area would be a good bet for a foodie seeking out a taste

test of this delicious sandwich. According to a ranking by purewow.com in March 2020, the best can be found at Sanguich De Miami (sanguich.com). If you’re in the Tampa area, head to the historic Ybor City neighborhood for some more Cubano sampling. Not only do they host an annual Cuban Sandwich Festival, but they have plenty of local spots to find the best Cubano in the area. Check out Columbia Restaurant to start.

Key Lime Pie Because of the name, and the need for the Key Lime, it makes sense that Key Lime Pie is said to have been invented in Key West, Florida (although there remains some dispute). The story goes that a woman known as Aunt Sally first made it in

the late 1800s, after getting the recipe from a fisherman. Regardless of the history, we can verify that a slice of Key Lime Pie is quite a treat. If you’re really into this particular pie, don’t miss the annual Key Lime Pie Festival held in Cocoa Beach each January. And, while most restaurants in the state that serve dessert most likely have an offering for Key Lime Pie, why not try it out in Key West to start. Kermit’s Original Key West Key Lime Shoppe, which has been serving up Key Lime Pie for more than 20 years, is one option while another is Pepe Café, which has been serving the pie since 1909!

Seafood From a more traditional fried grouper sandwich to the somewhat out of the ordinary WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

fried gator tail, Florida seafood offerings are some of the best in the country. Oysters, stone crabs, conch, gator bites, and fried grouper are some of the gifts of the sea you’ll find in Florida. There are plenty of recipes out there, but you’ll never quite get the Florida Fried Grouper Sandwich to taste just like it does when enjoyed in Florida. Another Florida specialty said to have originated in the Keys, a fried grouper sandwich is one tough act to imitate. A recent ranking by onlyinyourstate.com lists 10 36

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of the best which includes Frenchy’s Café in Clearwater, which has been serving up the Super Grouper sandwich for more than 30 years, and The Fish Shack in Lighthouse Pointe on the Atlantic side. Personal experience tells us that Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland has a grouper sandwich that leaves lasting memories and, of course, the Key’s location where it supposedly all began, The Pilot House in Key Largo. Another Keys favorite is the conch fritter. Made from the meat of an oversized sea snail known as a Conch (pronounced

“konk”), these tasty bites are a mix of the conch meat, spices, some chopped veggies and some “wet” ingredients, rolled in corn meal and deep fried. Since Key West is also known as the “Conch Republic” it’s no surprise some of the best fritters are found there. Check out Louie’s Backyard or the infamous Sloppy Joe’s, which hand rolls their fritters when visiting Key West. Now, on to the alligator, which can be served up in the form of alligator bites or alligator tail. In Tampa, check out Skipper’s Smokehouse or Gator Bites

Tail and Ale in Fort Myers, which specializes in four different types of gator. Make a point of noting that the American alligator is not an endangered species. Eat up, gator lovers! There are also delicious oysters in the Florida seafood experience. Oyster joints making the list according to floridatravelandlife.com include Smokin’ Oyster Brewery in Fort Myers Beach, Miami’s The River Seafood and Oyster Bar, and Frenchy’s in Clearwater, who serves up some pretty tasty oysters in addition to their conch fritters.

Don’t Forget the Bevvies Of course, no good meal is complete without something to wash it down with and Florida is known for several beverages including orange juice, which is the official beverage of Florida and mojitos, which again, thanks to the significant Cuban population, are pretty popular in the Sunshine State. Make note National Orange Juice Day is May 4 and National Mojito Day is July 11. Back in the day, Visitors Centers throughout the state would give tourists a complimentary glass of OJ, but now visitors have to be satisfied with the samples they can find at the annual Dunedin Orange Festival held in July. As for the mojito, start in Miami which is home to six of the 10 best places to celebrate Mojito Day as listed in the Sun Florida Sun Sentinel in 2019.¾ WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Amelia Island

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Florida Island Style By Joan Rykal Hold on to your sunhats when we give you this statistic because it may just blow you away. Did you know Florida has 4,510 islands? Yes, 4,510 islands ranging from Pine Island, which is the largest island, to Pelican Island which is the site of America’s first animal wildlife refuge, to Sanibel Island, known for its fabulous shelling to Key West, the good time island. And there are so many more that we may never get the opportunity to enjoy. According to visitflorida.com, wherever you are in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles from the nearest body of salt water. And if that’s the

case, it makes sense that you’re never too far from one of Florida’s islands. Come island hop with us and get to know Florida island-style! Amelia Island: Located about 30 miles from Jacksonville and a little over an hour’s drive from Flagler Beach, Amelia Island has quite a history and the best place to get to know this island is at the Amelia Island Museum of History. Originally occupied by the Timucuan Native Americans, the island was colonized around 1700 by Europeans and at different times was under rule by the French, the British, as well as

Spain and Mexico. Another bit of history on the island is Fort Clinch State Park, where visitors can see the 19th century fort that served as a seacoast defense for the U.S. starting in 1847 and was in use as a military site through World War II. Fort Clinch also has beaches and hiking trails. Fernandina Beach, which is the island’s historic downtown, has plenty of dining and shopping. A neat way to explore the downtown area is to take one of several tasting tours offered through Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tours. Anna Maria Island: Located on the Gulf side, a fun fact WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

about this island is that the buildings on the island all measure three stories or less. That is a result of strict building code enacted to ensure the island maintains the “old-time” feeling. This seven-mile long island is about 20 minutes from Bradenton and was a favorite shooting spot for Hollywood as several movies have been filmed on the island’s Holmes Beach. Sea turtles come ashore each summer to lay their eggs in the sand here so it’s a good spot for turtle watching. Check out the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum to learn about the island’s history. The museum itself is historic as it resides in an icehouse that dates back to the 1920s. Captiva Island: Another Gulf Coast gem, Captiva, like the Gulf’s Sanibel Island, is known for its wonderful shelling due to its east/west location. Just about an hour from Fort Myers, the beaches, known for shelling and sunsets, are the draw here. If you’re looking for wildlife, don’t miss Captiva Pass where the lucky ones can see manatee and dolphins swimming about. Of course, there are shops and restaurants offering tasty seafood dishes and a Farmers Market that runs every Tuesday from November through April. Key Biscayne: Visitors to Miami will want to take the scenic drive 40

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over the Rickenbacker Causeway to visit Key Biscayne. The island’s Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is well worth a visit and has plenty of opportunities for biking, hiking, fishing, paddling, and beach time. Don’t miss the historic 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse. Crandon Park is another option for enjoying the Florida sun while partaking in such activities as windsurfing, snorkeling, and canoeing. It is also a great spot for birdwatching and is part of the Florida Birding Trail. Merritt Island: As one of Florida’s largest islands, Merritt Island is a neat mix of technology and nature being home to both the NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Kennedy Space Center contains so many great exhibits including the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Rocket Garden, an outdoor installation of rockets including the Mercury-Redstone which was used in the early days of our space program. Visitors to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge can fish, bird watch, and hike. The seven-mile drive, known as the Black Point Wildlife Drive, is a great way to see the island’s wildlife. Sanibel Island: From Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes away. And like nearby Captiva Island, shelling is

Anna Maria Island

Key Biscayne Lighthouse

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Key Largo

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Sunshine Key RV Resort, Big Pine Key, Florida

a big draw here and the island has been named by Travel and Leisure magazine as the best shelling spot in North America. Another big attraction on the island is the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which covers over one third of the island. Visitors can hike, bird watch, take a leisurely 4-mile Wildlife Drive and hope to glimpse waterbirds and shorebirds, as well as raccoons, alligator, marsh rabbits and the occasional bobcat. Waterfront restaurants at sunset provide the double pleasure of great food and even more spectacular views. The Keys: The Keys are actually a stretch of islands beginning at the southeastern tip of the state and are made up of roughly 1700 islands. For our island-hopping purposes, we’ll focus on the better-known

islands of the keys, including Key West and Key Largo, which are accessible via the Overseas Highway. Key Largo: Highlights of Key Largo include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park which is home to the statue Christ of the Abyss, a nine-foot tall bronze statue that is submerged off the coast and can be viewed up close during a snorkeling tour. As the first underwater state park in the US, this is the place for snorkelers. Another fun option when visiting Key Largo is to take a glass bottom boat tour. More cruising can be had aboard the African Queen which runs daytime and dinner cruises aboard the vessel made famous in the movie of the same name. Key West: Two things that are a must here – taking a photo with the iconic buoy that marks

the “Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S.A,” and visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Bustling Duval Street, which is the main drag through town has galleries, shops, bars and restaurants, and a bevy of beautiful Victorian homes. A great way to get to know Key West is by taking the hop-on/hop-off trolley tour that makes 12 stops around town. Museum-wise, aside from the Hemingway experience, consider a visit to the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum with two floors of exhibits and artifacts related to shipwrecks in the Keys. Big Pine Key: Aside from being home to Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina and the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village, Big Pine Key is known for Bahia Honda State Park and the National Key Deer Refuge. Bahia Honda is a great place WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Port of Islamorada

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Bahia Honda State Park

for all kinds of outdoor fun from kayaking to bicycling as well as fishing, swimming, and hitting the beach. Don’t miss the photo op at the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge. The endangered Key Deer can only be found in the Lower Keys and the National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 to protect the Key Deer as well as other species found in the area. A visit to the Refuge also provides opportunities for saltwater fishing and catching some great pics. Islamorada: Immerse yourself in the rich history of The Keys with a trip to this island’s

History and Discovery Center which tells the history through exhibits and documentaries shown in a state-of-the-art theater. Exhibits include the history of pirates, shipwrecks, the indigenous people, and the development of The Keys. Marathon Key: Dolphin lovers should definitely make sure to visit Marathon Key which is home to the Dolphin Research Center where visitors can see dolphins and sea lions up close. The Center even offers a swim with the dolphins experience! The island is also home to the Turtle Hospital which provides rehabilitation to injured sea

turtles, with a goal to release them back to the sea. There are plenty of beaches on Marathon Key to enjoy including Sombrero Beach that has picnic pavilions and is a favorite for nesting turtles. So, which islands will you be visiting? You may not make it to all 4,510 islands Florida has to offer, but this list is a great start! ¾

Visit RVontheGo.com to book your site for your next Florida vacation. Sunshine and island fun await!

WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

Who is in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Peach & Mango salsa (From www.foodnetwork.com)

INGREDIENTS 2 peaches, peeled and medium diced 1 mango, peeled and medium diced 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Toss all the peaches, mango, onions, jalapeño, lime juice, oil, and cilantro together in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

2. Cook’s Note: If the fruit is under-ripe, toss with

some lime juice and 1 tablespoon sugar. Set aside to macerate for 15 minutes before adding the other ingredients and refrigerating.

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FECT R E P THE ING FOR TOPP YOUR S, OR TACO H! TE FIS I FAVOR

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EASY

Cocktails

While you’re wintering differently and enjoying the sunshine over the snow, sit back, relax, and take a sip or two of these cocktails. Each one pairs perfectly with winter in Florida, Texas, or Arizona. These recipes, along with plenty more tips and tricks, can be found in our Encore RV Resorts Activities Guide. Download yours at WinterDifferently.com.

For one Margarita, you need: • 1½ ounces tequila • 1 ounce orange liquor • 1-2 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice Combine all ingredients and enjoy!

For one Piña Colada, you need: • 1 part rum • 1/2 part coconut milk or cream • 1 1/2 parts pineapple juice • Ice Shake all ingredients together. Enjoy!

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Spiced Hot Apple Cider: • 1 part whiskey • 2 parts apple cider We like to heat this up on the camping stove and enjoy it warm. Super cozy!

For one Moscow mule, you need: • 1 ounce vodka • 1 ounce lime juice • 1/2-1 cup ginger beer • Lime wedge for garnish • Ice Pour vodka and lime juice into a cup, top with ice and ginger beer. Ideally, you also have a hammock to enjoy yours in.

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A Day Out on the Water There are plenty of ways to enjoy a day on the water! Check out these tips and tricks for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. You’ll be a pro in no time! Kayaking Kayaking is a great way to beat the heat and get some exercise. Here are some kayaking terms that you should know before your next kayaking adventure. Tracking: A term used to describe how straight a kayak glides without any steering or paddling. Kayaks that are very easy to turn often lose some tracking as a result. Stability: Refers specifically to how easily a kayak flips upside down. The more stable a kayak is, the less you will have to worry about flipping it while getting in and out or while maneuvering around sharp turns. Hatch: An enclosed storage space, usually covered with a waterproof lid. 50

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Spray Skirt (AKA Spray Deck): An accessory available with many sit-inside kayaks. It cinches around your waist, covers the cockpit of the kayak and seals around the edge of the cockpit to keep water from splashing in during use. Spray skirts are especially helpful when kayaking in cold water or on fast moving rivers. Most beginner kayakers won’t need to consider using a spray skirt until they are more experienced. Skupper Holes: Holes at the bottom of sit-on-top kayaks that allow water to pass freely through the kayak. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Stand up paddle boarding is a fun activity you can do on oceans, lakes, rivers, and bays. You can get a great workout in while experiencing the great outdoors. Here are some best practices for the next time you go paddle boarding.

Do: Always hold the paddle with one hand on the top of the handle and the other on the shaft. Don’t: Hold the paddle like a broomstick, with both hands on the shaft. Do: Keep your feet parallel, spread shoulder width apart, and your toes pointed toward the nose. Don’t: Get in a surf stance – everyone wants to, but that makes paddling on the flat water ten times harder. Plus, you will fall. Save your surf stance for the surf. Do: Make sure your grip on the paddle is shoulder width apart – short grips will give you a powerless stroke. Don’t: Only use your arms – you’ll get tired faster and not paddle efficiently. Let your big back muscles do the brunt of the work. Do: Dip the blade fully into the water and take a long stroke, letting your large back muscles do the work.

A Day at the Beach: How to Stay Sun Safe Warm sand, crashing waves, and fresh air await on your next beach trip. Don’t forget to grab the essentials and stay sun safe! Stay in the Shade: You can greatly reduce your risk of skin damage by seeking refuge under an umbrella, pavilion, or shady tree throughout the day. Sunscreen: Sunscreen is best when it is broad spectrum and has an SPF of 30+. It should also protect you from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget areas like your lips, ears, feet, hands, exposed skin on your scalp, and the back of your neck. Cover Up with Clothing: Choose clothing made of thick material or dark colors. These fabrics contain a higher SPF than lightweight, light colored cloth. Wear a hat with a wide brim and use sunglasses with UV protection.

Visit WinterDifferently.com to download the Encore RV Resorts Activities Guide. You’ll learn more tips and tricks on how to stay active throughout the winter season, fun recipes, crafts, and more!

Be Careful Near Water and Sand: Water and sand can reflect the damaging rays of the sun and increase your chance of sunburn. Watch the UV Index: The UV Index provides important information that can help you plan your Outer Banks activities to avoid getting too much of the sun’s rays. Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

TECH TOPICS RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! By Paul and Kerri Elders This month, we’ll give you some quick and easy tips for happily weathering winter wonderlands in your RV. We’ll look at some cold weather water tips, some holding tank tips, and give you a little insight into the value of an RV surge protector. Ready to roll? Let’s get going! Water in a Winter Wonderland: The trick to procuring a reliable water supply in wintry conditions is to perform a little preventive maintenance; just a few simple tips can help protect your freshwater supply from freezing conditions. First, it’s always a good idea in cold weather to keep the freshwater supply hose as short as possible. Next, you can insulate the hose itself with a length of inexpensive rubbertex insulation, which is readily available at RV Supply houses or hardware or big box stores. Electric heat tape (available at home improvement centers) is another great option. Following package directions, tape the heat tape to the freshwater hose, then cover with rubbertex as above. The electric heat tape’s thermostat will regulate its temperature, keeping the water hose appropriately warm and preventing incoming freshwater lines from freezing, in most cases. In extra-cold conditions, you can give yourself an added measure of protection by taking the time to insulate the campsite’s water supply faucet. In a pinch, you can wrap bunched-up newspaper around the faucet, then cover this completely with plastic and secure with tape to keep it dry. Dead air space is the secret of insulation. You can place an upside-down bucket over the wrapped faucet for added protection against the cold. Since water destroys the insulating value of any type of insulation, it’s important to prevent drips by assuring that all water connections are tight and drip-free. 52

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Whole RV Surge Protectors: Surge protectors are available specifically for the outside connection to your RV, to help prevent a voltage spike to the internal wiring of your RV (which could lead to a damaged microwave, TV, air conditioner, or roof fan). Prices vary; these Whole RV surge protectors can easily cost more than $300, but so can a replacement TV. This type of surge protector is used on the outside of your RV, each time you hook up to shore power. If you use 50 AMP service (which most large RVs do), be sure to buy a surge protector rated at 50 AMPs – don’t skimp here. Simply plug your RV’s master power cord into the surge protector, then plug the surge protector into the campground’s service line. The surge protector will protect your RV from power surges, electrical storm surges, and the occasional out-of-the-membershiploop campground that has its wiring reversed or is not properly grounded (yes, this happens). It’s always better to be safe than sorry. We would highly recommend this investment if your RV was not originally equipped with a surge protector (check with your dealer or your Owner’s Manual). RV surge protectors are sophisticated; many have the ability to electronically reset themselves after a surge (with the added protection of a time delay to protect your A/C compressor from short cycling). Holding Tank Tips: Depending on the design of your RV, your holding tanks may be partially exposed to colder temperatures or they may be somewhat protected in the basement area of the RV. Some RV manufacturers have ducted storage areas that “heat” the utility area, but many don’t. A low-tech solution for those without heated bays is to cover the holding tanks with fiberglass batting (insulation), enclosing the tanks and dump valves in insulation

to protect them from the effects of the cold. A higher tech solution is to install some thermostatically controlled electric heat pads designed specifically for RV holding tanks. See your local RV supplier or dealer for more information. Even while parked, it’s best to keep blackwater and graywater dump valves closed, dumping tanks only when full. If you leave your blackwater valve open while parked in cold weather, liquids will drain away slowly (possibly freezing), leaving solids behind in the holding tank that will eventually freeze and block the effective draining of the tank. Not a fun wintry nighttime project to fix! To preserve the integrity of your blackwater system, select an appropriate bathroom tissue. To avoid clogging your system, don’t overuse the tissue, and don’t use multi-ply paper. Use RV bathroom tissue, or a single-ply tissue. An RV tissue digester holding tank additive, like that offered by Thetford Corporation, is an enzyme-based chemical that will help dissolve and digest the tissue added to your system for clog-free dumping of the blackwater tank. It’s a good idea to keep your blackwater tank filled with at least 20% liquid at all times to prevent solid buildup. Upon arriving at your campsite, immediately empty your holding tank while the solids are suspended in liquid. Re-close the dump valve and replenish the 20% water in the blackwater tank by flushing your commode several times. Add your holding tank deodorant, and your task is complete. Happy trails! Check out more tips & tricks on TrailBlazerMagazine.net

4 THE ROAD PAWS ON

By Jenn La Follette Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Jennifer, As we are rolling right into cold country, I have a very hard to fit English bulldog mix, an Irish setter/ great Dane cross, and a 2-year-old Whippet/Jack Russell. Yes, they look as silly and wonderful as they sound! All three dogs are rescues and relatively cold sensitive. We live in Florida but are looking to spend some time in colder states here shortly and going into pet stores to try sizes has been a bit of a joke. Where on earth- in the USA, rather! - can I get a high-quality rain jacket and winter coat option that would actually fit my dogs’ unique size and shape? We tried Ruffwear, as all of the products from them you have recommended in the past are outstanding, but the coats didn’t fit my oddball crew well enough to justify the price. I have no problem buying a high-end coat; they just need to fit really well! And thank you - the Ruffwear USB rechargeable “Beacon Light” is a must have for any RVer, with or without a dog, as it’s so multipurposed and fantastic for hiking, biking, or identifying my kids running around in the fields at dusk for that matter. I just clip the little light on their jackets or backpacks and select the color so I know who’s who from a distance! Brilliant! Thanks, Gracie & Timothy, Ocala, FL Yes! This is a solid inquiry that applies to so many creative dog breeds out there today. Thanks for being a wonderful owner and looking to make a quality, long-term choice for warmth and weather protection. My personal two look-no-further brands for canine clothing recommendations are: Ruffwear (ruffwear.com) for off the shelf, hardworking, innovative designs. Lots of technical fabric options that embrace movability, air flow, and overall tinsel strength to take on the great outdoors and the most rambunctious canines. Ruffwear dog jackets and rain coats also have a pre-stitched loop to attach that awesome Beacon Light we mentioned above. And kudos on being so creative

with your Ruffwear light; thank you for sharing your ideas on how to make it a multi-use item in your household, a requirement for most of us RVers! Ruffwear collars, harnesses, and lifejackets are, in my opinion, the best in the business. For any dog where off-the-shelf parameters just won’t do, like my Boston Terrier, Brie, who is built more like a Frenchie/adoraBULL meteorite, Voyagers K9 Apparel (https://k9apparel.com/) has been incredible. Voyagers K9 Apparel makes semi or full custom dog clothing that cuts the frills and keeps the quality options, such as: wind and rain proof fabric, reflective seams, stretchy Polarfleece chest and neck warmers, wide belly bands with easy to use, perfectly positioned Velcro straps, ideal for when our hands are freezing cold or insulated in gloves. Be sure to check out both companies’ detailed websites for complete product information. My family and I have sensitive breed dogs which keeps us from traveling as often as we would like in the warmer months. Our schedule has changed and it looks like the summer is going to be our only time to embark on our journeys. We live in the Pacific Northwest now along the coast, so we are used to having temperate climate. We purchased a large motorhome with an excellent air conditioner three years ago and we haven’t used it much. We have two French Bulldogs and one Italian Greyhound. How do you keep the dogs contained without getting the leashes tangled up when we are outside and avoid having them go totally stir crazy when we want to explore and then sit outside in the afternoons enjoying the patio area? I guess we are feeling a little overwhelmed and stuck. Any tips to help us move over this hump?

Hello! I appreciate your need and awareness to be sure your fur babies are comfortable while you and yours try to enjoy so many of the offerings Thousand Trail provides. With your convenient location situated somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, you have many options available to you that would include shorter trips in case you needed to get home for some reason. Try Birch Bay, La Conner, and Bend-Sunriver for parks that are great for getting into town with the dogs and offer larger sites to help you all adjust to home on the road. Look into purchasing several tall X-pens (chewy.com/frisco-wire-dog-exercisepen-step/dp/125042) and connect them all together for your patio area that allow the dogs to be off leash in your campsite, yet secure. Always keep collars/harnesses on and fitted with current ID tags on your pups at all times, and their leashes nearby. Placing a small, plastic swimming pool in the pen will help give the pups a place to cool down and you can cover a portion of the X-pen to create more shade if necessary. Be sure to exercise the dogs before you depart for an outing and turn on the TV to help discourage barking or separation anxiety. You could always keep the pups in the bedroom area only while you are away and offer fresh water, fun toys, and safe chews to help occupy them in your absence. Maybe start with a short four day trip and just be patient while each one of you settles in. Lots of short walks in the park will help the dogs acclimate to new surroundings. Keeping calm and positive will help mitigate stress for all and, I hope, encourage you to keep getting out to explore all that awaits you within Thousand Trails’ amazing parks.

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

Thanks for helping us newbies! T & J Dickerson, PNW, USA WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

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10 MONTHLY MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR RVERS with Lazydays Owning an RV is a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of work. Just as you need to take care of your home and car, you need to take care of your RV. While routine RV maintenance might seem like a drag, it’s a fantastic way to learn more about your RV and helps ensure you’re getting the most out of every RV trip you take. When it comes to keeping your RV in top condition, there are several different kinds of services and checklists owners should follow throughout the year. There’s a checklist you should follow before every trip and one for the summer and winter. Besides these important checklists, there are a few key quick and easy checks that RVers can perform every month. Check out these 10 monthly maintenance tips for RVers from the RV service experts at Lazydays RV!

WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

CHECK THE WATER LEVELS OF YOUR BATTERIES Since most RVs use leadacid batteries, maintaining the optimal water level in each battery is key to their performance and longevity. Lead-acid batteries generate a charge by heating an electrolyte solution composed of sulfuric acid and water. If you’re a full-time RVer and leave the RV plugged in constantly, or use it often throughout the year, check the battery water level every month and before every trip. When a battery is underwatered, sulfation occurs where sulfate crystals form over the active charging plate. This can cause irreparable damage to the battery. Batteries can also be overwatered, resulting in reduced performance and corrosion that can damage the battery and surrounding

housing. If you’re nervous about working on your RV batteries, take your RV into a Lazydays RV dealer or service center near you and our experienced technicians will be happy to help! RUN THE GENERATOR The only thing more annoying than having your RV’s batteries die in the middle of a trip is having your generator quit working, especially during a boondocking trip. Running your generator every month is vital no matter if your RV is in storage for the winter or if you’re actively using it. The main reason to run your generator every month is to prevent the fuel from breaking down. Gasoline, on average, has a storage life of around one month. If it lies dormant for too long, the chemical components can break down and damage the internal systems of your

generator. We recommend running your generator around two hours per month at half power. If you’re in the middle of a busy travel season and are using your generator regularly, you will likely be alright. If your RV is in storage, this is a must along with running your engine (if you do not have an empty tank or some type of fuel preservative in it). If you have any questions about your RV’s generator, contact us today and check out a few RV generator maintenance tips. INSPECT THE ROOF Throughout the year, your RV’s roof goes through a lot. In the summer, it battles the hot rays of the sun and keeps you dry from the rain. In the winter, it battles snow, sleet, hail, rain, and other elements. Regularly inspecting your RV’s roof can keep maintenance costs down and prevent an unnecessary mid-trip pit stop to a service center. If you are storing your RV for the winter, we highly recommend using an RV cover, even if it is being stored inside. A cover adds a secondary, secure layer of protection between your RV and the elements. If your RV is not under a cover, give the roof a thorough inspection every month and/or before every trip. Make sure there aren’t any punctures or leaks in the roof, the AC unit is clean and unobstructed, the paint is in good condition, and any large debris is removed. This and other basic roof maintenance checks will have your RV ready for the road year-round!

WASH YOUR RV Just like your car or home, you want your RV to look shiny and brand new all year. Giving your RV’s exterior a full wash every month or after every trip is a great way to keep it in top condition. One of the key reasons why owners should regularly wash their RV is to prevent any damage to the paint. Repainting your RV can be costly and if you are looking to sell or trade-in your RV, damaged paint can bring the value down. Before washing the outside of your RV, check your owner’s manual for what types of brush and soap you should use. If you do have any paint damage, need a new coat of wax, or want a new component to match your RV’s paint scheme, Lazydays offers comprehensive RV paint repair services. CHECK YOUR RV FOR ANY LEAKS IN THE PLUMBING Include this in any routine check throughout your RV, leaks can cause any number of problems while on the road. A leak in your sink piping can lead to mold

buildup in your RV’s kitchen, while a leak in the freshwater line can drastically reduce your supply of drinking water on the road. This check is especially necessary after a road trip. Rocks and other debris can kick up into the undercarriage of your RV and spring a leak. INSPECT SEAMS AND SEALS TO MAKE SURE THEY’RE WATERPROOF Like a leak check, inspecting the seams and seals throughout your RV can be factored into a roof, plumbing, or other routine pre-trip inspection. This is especially important along your roof and windshield, which are two areas that handle a good deal of moisture. A damaged roof seal, for example, can result in mold building up in the gap between the exterior and interior of your RV, which sometimes goes unnoticed for months. If you notice any damage to your RV’s roof, window, or windshield seals that is too extensive for you to handle, Lazydays offers several windshield and roof service packages for customers to choose from. WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

DUST AND VACUUM YOUR RV’S INTERIOR How often you dust and vacuum your RV’s interior is another task that is dependent on how often you’re using your RV throughout the year. If you are storing it for the winter or a different extended period, give the inside of your RV a thorough cleaning before storing it and after taking it out. During a period of active use, at the bare minimum, dust and vacuum the interior of your RV at least once per month and/ or after every trip. Dust, dirt, spills, and other things happen over the course of an RV trip and the last thing you want to do is let them build up. Having a tiny, handheld vacuum on hand is a great way to deal with dust and other spills during the trip, as well. SANITIZE THE FRESHWATER TANK RVers should sanitize their freshwater, black water, and galley tanks at least once per month, and especially after

WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

every RV trip. Check your RV owner’s manual to determine what type of sanitation chemicals are recommended for each tank in your RV. To help your sewer tank run effectively, use biodegradable toilet paper to avoid the build-up of excess solids. Sanitizing the freshwater tank is critical after your RV has been in winter storage since antifreeze was used to keep the tank from freezing over the storage period. CHECK VOLTAGES A quick and easy item to add to your routine service checklist, use a multimeter or circuit tester to check the voltage on critical systems throughout your RV. The batteries, shore power, and generator are three high priority systems, but it doesn’t hurt to check interior lights and other electrical systems you often use during a trip. For more information on RV voltage systems, check out our handy guide featuring tips from Lazydays RV master-certified technician Mark Smith!

INSPECT ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS Finally, a quick inspection of all interior and exterior lights on your RV is a quick way to avoid any last-minute trips to the store before your next RV trip. This can be done in as little as five minutes and should be done before every trip and every month during a storage period while you’re running the generator. Make sure to not forget your awning, overhead range, and bathroom lights! To learn more about additional maintenance and services on your RV, give us a call at 866-531-6818 or schedule an appointment at a Lazydays dealership near you! Make sure to follow the Lazydays RV blog, which is your go-to source for RV service and maintenance tips, travel ideas, must-have accessory guides, and more!

Join Us! For an Online Educational Membership webinar

On Thursdays at 3pm PST & 6pm EST thousandtrails.com/membership-webinar-rsvp

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 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 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.

WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

C r o s swo r d

Across

1 Army Service Number (abbr.) 4 Move Quickly 8 Receipt 11 Game of skill 13 Commotion 14 Pulpy fruit 15 Afr. gazelle 16 Once Zambia 18 Inuit house 20 Blue-green 21 Bit 23 Price 24 Amer. Bar Assn. (abbr.) 25 Agency (abbr.) 27 Heroic 31 Binary digits 33 Peak 34 Rough 35 Help 36 Willingly 38 Malay gibbon 40 Fluidity unit 60

WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

41 Fifteenth - century helmet 43 Borden cow 46 State (Ger.) 47 Woe 49 Wet 52 102 (Roman numeral) 53 Adjective - forming (suf.) 54 Your (Ger.) 55 Branch 56 Pheasant brood 57 Three (Ital.)

Down

1 Braz. tree 2 Turf 3 Name 4 Nog (2 words) 5 Silver salmon 6 Fuss 7 Crape fern 8 Sambar deer 9 107 (Rom. numeral) 10 Afrikaans 12 Wood (pref.)

17 Live coal 19 Eye - infesting worm 21 Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work basket 22 Ancient Heb. month 23 Font 26 Cost of living index (abbr.) 28 Stretch (2 words) 29 Scientific name (suf.) 30 Certification (abbr.) 32 Band 37 Federal Aviation Admin. (abbr.) 40 Beset (2 words) 42 Millrace 43 Geological epoch 44 Den 45 Svelte 46 S. Afr. town 48 Here (Fr.) 50 Sea (Fr.) 51 Before

SUDOKU

Answers can be found on page 65.

Find The E ve r g r ee n T r ee 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.

Jan Vaitkus Montclair CA Found the tree on Page 44 of the November / December Issue.

Did you find the tree in this issue? Send your entry (postcards only) to: TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. Postmark deadline is January 25, 2021 Please include a email address on the post card to be considered

Terms and Conditions for 2021 Referral Promotion from page 2. For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2021, you will receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2021, 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 2022, not to exceed $615 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, 2022. 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, 2021 and December 31, 2021 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. WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

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

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Answers: Crossword can be found on 60.

Did you know that Thousand Trails members receive discounts on popular brands? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to visit our Member Benefits page when logged into the Member Portal and check out our exclusive partner deals!

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Answers: Sudoku can be found on 61.

Branching Out... Seeking a Safer Tomorrow

Help the Manatees, Adopt One Today!

Are you a Photographer or an aspiring Photographer? Submit your high quality photos about your stay at one of our Thousand Trails Properties for a chance to be featured in TrailBlazer and our Social Media Pages! Submit your work to tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com Please submit photos with a short description about your stay. Must be a Thousand Trails Member in order to be considered to be featured.

savethemanatee.org Photo ÂŠ Wayne Hartley

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Tell a friend and vacation together safely, with your own private cottage.

PROMO CODE: TBVIEWS VALID ON STAYS THROUGH APRIL 30, 2021

RVontheGo.com All offers must be booked by January 31, 2021 at 11:59pm CDT. Subject to availability. Reservations required. Offers valid on new reservations only. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. 30% discount valid on rental units provided that the following are excluded from this promotion: Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina. Tiny houses at Tuxbury RV Resort, Leavenworth RV Campground, Mt. Hood RV Resort, Sunshine Key RV Resort and Verde Valley RV and Camping Resort are also excluded and reservations at St. George KOA, Desert Vista Salome KOA, Grandy Creek KOA, Little Diamond KOA and Pine Island KOA. Offer valid on reservations with minimum length of stay of 2 nights and maximum length of stay of 6 nights. Offer valid for reservations between the dates of January 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021. 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 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 the Department has approved merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift or item of value as part of any promotional plan. 66 the WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER

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

LIVE

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

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

LOVE IT. ®

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1-800-679-2020

WINTER 2021| TRAILBLAZER WWW.SKYMED.COM LOVE USA67

WINTER 2021 TRAILBLAZER