Time Together Issue 9

ISSUE 9 : 2019 / 2020

DESTINATION

Lake Tahoe Making memories at 6,255 ft!

The Arnett Family's

ENDLESS OUTDOOR

ADVENTURES

1960

WINTER OLYMPICS

A look back at Olympic History in Squaw Valley, California

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INSIDE

THE ISSUE 4

GREETINGS & BEHIND THE SCENES

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YOU SPOKE, WE ACTED

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RED WOLF LODGE AT SQUAW VALLEY

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SPOTLIGHT ON TEAM RED WOLF

Your Feedback in Action A Home Away From Home

ROCK CLIMBER FOR A DAY Lake Tahoe Via Ferrata

16 TRUCKEE TREASURES

Explore the Charming Mountain Town of Truckee, California

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RESORT SPOTLIGHT

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1960 WINTER OLYMPICS

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The VIII Olympic Winter Games Mark the Turning Point in Winter Sports and Olympic History

RELIVING THE OLYMPIC DREAM A RESORT WITH AN OLYMPIC SIZE PAST SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

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SOAR OVER TAHOE

A Year Round Vacation Destination

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TAKE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO NEW DESTINATIONS Your Exclusive GPX Membership Perks

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PINK POWER October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Causes that Matter Most to Our Owners and Associates

40 BENEFITS OVERVIEW ResorTime Benefits

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Dana Point Ocean Institute

WHAT LIES BENEATH

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A DIFFERENT KIND OF DIP

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THE PAST LOOKS BRIGHT

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NEON NEVADA

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HELPING PUT AN END TO GLOBAL POVERTY

All in the Family

YOU ASK, WE ANSWER Your Top Five GPX Questions

34 POP-UP EVENTS

Making Vacations Sweet

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WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS

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PEACE OUT PLASTIC

The Neon Museum

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AN ‘EPIC’ NIGHT

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GETTING OUR SPARKLE ON AT ARDA

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BE EPIC

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GPR’S TRUE HEROES

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GRILL & GO!

Nevada’s State Element: Neon

The 17th Annual RCI Christel House Open

Sustainability - Ditch the Plastic The Impact of Air Travel on the Environment

19th Century Merchant Ship Little Cove, Big Adventure

RCI Christel House Open Ambassadors

54 FLY THE CLEAN SKIES

THE OCEAN IS YOUR OYSTER

43 PILGRIM VOYAGE

Explore Emerald Bay Like Never Before

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38 BECAUSE DESTINATION MATTERS

Experience Lake Tahoe from a Hot Air Balloon

30 DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY OF RESORTS 32

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Olympic Village Inn

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Best of the Best Gala American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards Recognizing Heartfelt Service and Going Above and Beyond for Owners

MARK YOUR CALENDAR From the shores of Tahoe to the beach vibes of San Diego and Hawaii, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Mom-Snack-Hacks

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GREE TINGS !

With each new issue of Time Together, I am reminded of our incredible owners, our passionate associates, and of how we keep creating new ways to improve your vacation experience year after year.

As our team sifted through owner feedback for insights for this latest issue, we knew that we wanted to stay true to our core values while also giving ourselves room to venture out and discover new places and activities.

In this issue, we explore another side of Las Vegas on an off-the-beaten path adventure that’s just as fun (and family-friendly and affordable) as much of what the strip has to offer.

History has also always been fascinating and important to owners, especially since our locations are teeming with stories that led them to become what they are today. From sea to ski, we take a deep dive into the history of two very different destinations in this issue: Dana Point Harbor and Olympic Valley – an incredible piece by published author David Antonucci.

Regardless of which destinations or stories we feature, the common thread that connects us all is you – our owners and families whom we have had the privilege of serving or look forward to serving in the future. In this issue we feature the Arnett’s, a mountain-loving family that knows how to make the most of vacation ownership.

Preserving our destinations for the next generation to come and enjoy guides our deeply rooted commitment to sustainability. Whether it is collecting toiletries for recycling, raising awareness about the importance of organic sunscreen, or calling for a resort-wide migration away from single-use plastics, we are whole-heartedly devoted to keeping the beautiful places we call our home-away-from home… well, beautiful. We hope you will see us as your trusted partner as we continue to help you vacation better.

Last but certainly never least, I want to thank our team for consistently showing up and committing to providing you with the best vacation experiences possible. I am humbled and inspired by the endless dedication and heart they put forth every day.

Thank you all for being on this journey with us. I can’t wait to see where we go next.

Nigel Lobo, RRP. Chief Operating Officer Grand Pacific Resorts

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BEHIND THE

Scenes

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You Spoke, We Acted MARKING MY CALENDAR

ALL IN THE FAMILY

I really enjoyed the monthly calendar of events. It’s nice to see what’s coming up around the properties, and I try to plan my vacation accordingly. – Elaine P.

Thank you for introducing me to all the different resorts in the Grand Pacific family that I didn’t know about before and for making it easy to scope out their sites with a simple click. Now I have even more ideas for places to visit! Thank you! – Leslie O.

You and so many other owners! That’s why we doubled the section in this edition. Enjoy!

We’re glad you found that helpful. Now you can refer to our Family of Resorts Digital Guide anytime!

BRANCHING OUT I’ve wanted to learn how to use the exchange but haven’t done so yet.

I’ve been an owner at Carlsbad for about 35 years. I love the resort so much it’s hard to exchange, but I want to have some new experiences and with the information, I can now do that. – Terry K. We get it! If you’re not wanting to exchange your week, there’s also the option to rent a week with GPX. No deposit is required, and weeks start at just $399 – allowing you to enjoy the best of both familiar and new!

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VIRTUAL LOVE I’m loving all the incredible videos!

Watching people experience different places almost feels like being there yourself! – Crystal C. If you like our videos, you’ll love what we’re doing with 360 photos and virtual reality tours at our onsite owner appreciation events! We hope you’ll come see us at one!

RED WOLF LODGE STANDOUTS

CRUISE CONTROL

NEED A CLASS

I would love to see highlights of employees at Red Wolf Lodge.

– Lea A.

I would love to have a simple guide to how to take advantage of your cruise program, including essential cost info, etc. – Gloria H.

I think it would be really helpful to offer a short class on how Owners can find and book the stays they want, perhaps during the annual resort meeting. – Mary P.

Your wish is our command!

Nick, Sarah, Sofie, Gio, and Marta are amazing, and we’ve added this suggestion to the resort spotlight on page 12.

Cruises are becoming a very popular vacation option! Gloria, go to page 36 for a complete guide on how to take full advantage of our GPX CruiseExchange program.

ADVENTURES ABROAD I love exploring the different properties around the country but am feeling ready to venture overseas. What vacation opportunities do you have in Europe? – Doug F. We fully understand the Europe love! However, it is a very high demand location. When you submit your request, make sure to do so with lots of flexibility.

Another route you may want to consider is using the GPX Cruise-Exchange program to take a European river cruise.

It allows you to visit several locations without having to change locations yourself.

You’re invited to schedule time with a Grand Pacific Vacation Specialist at your annual meeting. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for pop-up owner appreciation invitations, which is another great opportunity to learn more.

PALM SPRINGS

MAP IT OUT In your last issue, I wasn’t sure exactly where Oxnard is located or how close it is to LA. Perhaps a little map of each location would help give more context. – Mike R. You’re in luck! Check out our Family of Resorts page with dot points on the map.

I love everything about Palm Springs and would love to see more information about it included in your issues. – Nikki T. Stay tuned! Our ‘behind the scenes team’ is headed out to the desert in December to produce photos and videos that will get you even more excited about this destination.

Keep an eye out for more information from GPX and ResorTime coming soon!

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RED WOLF LODGE AT SQUAW VALLEY

a Home Away From Home For the Arnett family, skiing and mountain biking – and more specifically, skiing and mountain biking in Lake Tahoe – has always been a longtime passion.

Todd Arnett has skied at Lake Tahoe every year since he was three years old. He met Anna Marie while mountain biking with mutual friends. When he started dating her over two decades ago, she picked up skiing, too.

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Married and three kids later, Todd, Anna Marie, and the whole Arnett family have been returning to Lake Tahoe to ski and mountain bike every chance they get.

“We’ve been going as a family every year since our kids were little. Tahoe is just a big part of who we are, and we hope we’ve passed this along to our kids,” Anna Marie said.

The endless amount of outdoor adventure available in Tahoe all year long is a big part of what their family loves about the area.

“We’ve been there so many times, and we still haven’t done everything,” she said.

Like what you see? Take it home!

Check the back page for an opportunity to WIN!

THE OBVIOUS CHOICE The Arnetts have owned at Red Wolf Lodge at Squaw Valley for the past four years. Being a family that is so actively involved in skiing, they were looking for a place that would make skiing throughout the winter months easier and more accessible.

The Arnetts love many of the different adventure options like river rafting, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and jumping off the granite boulders at the idyllic Sand Harbor, but their forever favorites remain skiing and mountain biking.

There really is so much outdoor fun in Tahoe to suit visitors of all ages and activity levels!

When Todd and Anna Marie began researching timeshares in the Lake Tahoe area, they came across Red Wolf Lodge. As soon as they went to go view the property, the stars aligned.

The unit was large, well-maintained, and had a full kitchen – perfect for their family of five. The icing on the cake was its ski-in, ski-out access to Squaw Valley ski resort, so the choice was practically made for them.

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“ Owning has really allowed us to

go on multiple getaways as a family throughout the year,” Anna Marie said.

“If the inspiration strikes, we can leave within an hour and be in

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Tahoe within three.

As a family of five with three busy teenage children, carving out time from the many distractions of work, school, and extracurricular activities to get away and decompress in the mountains can be challenging – yet essential.

“Sometimes we just divide and conquer. If we can’t all make it out there, we’ll round up whoever can go and just go. It’s nice even when it’s not all of us because we get to enjoy some one-on-one time with just one of our kids,” Anna Marie said.

While the Arnett family loves the resort’s spacious accommodations along with Saturday craft days and Monday pancake breakfasts, their top three favorite things about Red Wolf Lodge are:

1 THE LOCATION. The resort’s proximity to skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and the many other outdoor activities allow the Arnetts to enjoy their active lifestyle much more easily and often.

2 THE AMAZING STAFF. Anna Marie says the staff at Red Wolf Lodge has been friendly and helpful from the second the Arnetts walked through the door. Everyone on the team makes the lodge such a warm and welcoming place. It’s nice to see the same friendly faces every time, and everyone is always so kind and helpful with any questions or requests their family may have.

3 THE AMENITIES. Anna Marie laughed, saying that you don’t realize how convenient something as simple as covered parking is until you try to unload five people with ski gear during a winter storm.

The family also enjoys having open access to the clubhouse along with the rest of the grounds. This allows them to do everything they want, even before checking in or after checking out, such as take a muchneeded shower, thaw out in the hot tub or sauna, or grab a pizza to bring back and enjoy after a long day on the slopes.

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LEAP OF LOVE

MORE TAHOE, PLEASE

2020 is a leap year, so Todd and Anna Marie decided to take a leap of love… from the top of a mountain! The couple shared their first kiss on a ski lift and have been skiing together ever since.

Vacation ownership has made it so much easier for the Arnett family to get away. With a single call, they can book time close to the mountain, allowing them to escape to Tahoe for more adventures – and at ideal owner rates, too.

On February 29th of 2020, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows is celebrating the leap year by offering 50 couples the opportunity to either get married for the first time or renew their vows at High Camp – 8,200 feet up! The 50 couples will then enjoy a reception before skiing down all together in their wedding outfits!

When their daughter Julie learned of this unique opportunity, she was so excited for her parents to participate. With scenic views of Lake Tahoe, the High Camp Upper Deck is a perfect place for Todd and Anna Marie to renew their vows. And this second time around, all three of their children – Julie, Ben, and Nicholas – will be attending the ceremony!

But really, what it’s all about is getting to enjoy more quality time with the ones you love.

“Have more fun, make more memories,” said Anna Marie. “It’s so important to get out of your routines and just get out there and play.”

We couldn’t agree more!

Todd and Anna Marie have already reserved a spot to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary right back where it all started for them.

Experience It! Click Play!

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Spotlight on Some of T eam T ahoe From braving blizzards to providing rides at dawn, the Red Wolf Squaw Valley team consistently embodies our core values, constantly demonstrating all the ways this team is nothing short of exceptional!

Standing the Test of Time The Associates’ longstanding loyalty and love for the resort and its Owners is impressive!

Nick

Gio

General Manager 5 years

Sarah

Front Office Manager 4 years

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Rosario

Maintenance 3 years

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Housekeeping 16 years

Tiki

Mainteance 15 years

Martha

Housekeeping Manager 27 years!

Happy to Help What makes this team so extraordinary is how eager the staff are to help Owners and Guests – sometimes even in blizzard conditions! Sarah and Nick once helped a guest whose minivan was stuck in the driveway during a snow storm, shoveling snow and pushing the car for an hour to get it into the garage. Sarah also drove an Owner to Truckee one morning during a blizzard when the scheduled taxi didn’t show up at 6 a.m. As soon as Sarah heard the Owner was stranded, she immediately jumped out of bed and headed straight to the resort.

A few of our Favs...

Nick said his favorite part of the job is talking to Owners about the ski conditions and asking how their day was, adding that the entire team also really enjoys seeing all the returning faces and catching up with their lives.

A favorite memory that stands out was “Febu-burried” in 2019 when Squaw Valley received the most snow it ever has in one month: 46 inches in 24 hours, totaling 312 inches!

The ScooP...

Swing by the Monday morning breakfast because Martha makes the best pancakes, and you get to enjoy as much bacon as you like!

Also, if you come with a larger group or are occupying multiple rooms, don’t forget to use the spacious clubhouse for get-togethers since it offers more space.

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Experience It! Click Play!

ROCK CLIMBER FOR A DAY Take Tahoe adventure to new heights by becoming a rock climber for a few hours!

You can now explore Squaw Valley’s most iconic rock by scaling the 1,000-foot rock face on a thrilling yet completely safe adventure perfect for the entire family.

Via A-What-a? A Brief History Via Ferrata is a climbing route that means “iron road” in Italian. While it is the first of its kind in the Lake Tahoe area, the concept itself originated during WWI and WWII. Rock faces high in the Alps were retrofitted with steel cables to help soldiers traverse dangerous mountain peaks and passes.

After the wars ended, people began climbing these routes for fun while also setting up hundreds of additional “vias” around the world, and a new adventure sport was born!

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Lake Tahoe Via Ferrata The via in Squaw Valley allows non-climbers possessing no technical skills to experience the thrill of climbing a big face while taking in stunning views of the Olympic Valley and surrounding Sierras.

Safety First and Always The two designated routes are retrofitted with permanent steel anchors and cables, and participants remain securely attached to the rock during the entire climb.

Tahoe Via Ferrata Experienced American Mountain Guide Association-trained guides lead every climb while instructing participants how to navigate the rock face while teaching basic climbing techniques.

To experience the exposure and excitement of a rock climb like no other, check out Tahoe Via Ferrata for more information and to book the adventure of a lifetime!

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Truckee Treasures Not far from Lake Tahoe’s north shore lies the charming mountain town of Truckee. Historically a logging community and major railroad construction site, the community has since morphed into an artistic hub and foodie haven comprised of quaint cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

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Tahoe Oil and Spice Get your sample fix at Tahoe Oil and Spice, a tasting room and gift shop featuring a massive range of flavor-infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars along with spice rubs, honey, pasta, and jam.

Experience It! Click Play!

The store invites you to sample as much as both your heart and stomach desire while providing you with a pairing suggestion sheet to enhance your tasting experience.

It also offers a “re-use” program in which shoppers simply bring back their cleaned and dried bottles, and the store will refill them with any flavor oil they like.

Riverside Studios A unique art gallery and gift shop, Riverside Studios is completely owned and operated by five local artists and features the handiwork of other local artists.

Its mission is to enhance artistic growth in the community while focusing on creating one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods like paintings, pottery, jewelry, metal sculptures, and leather goods.

The studio has won multiple “Best of” awards and has also been featured in Sunset Magazine as well as on HGTV.

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Spotlight on Olympic Village Inn t

ucked away in the majestic mountains of Squaw Valley and steps away from all the action, Olympic Village Inn perfectly pairs stunning scenery with cozy charm.

Our property quickly transforms into your home away from home with fully furnished accommodations available in a variety of sizes and configurations packed with every creature comfort. Enjoy luxury linens, a fully stocked kitchenette, and incredible mountain views from your private balcony.

Stroll through the manicured garden, relax in a hammock, or thaw out by our one of our outdoor firepits. A heated pool, hot tubs, and fully equipped gym and sauna provide the perfect ways for you to unwind and warm up after a day of adventure.

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Have fun with the whole family with free bike rentals, a game room filled with free video arcades, a lending library with books, DVDs and board games, and planned resort events as well as arts and crafts activities.

The resort is conveniently close to endless outdoor activities like snow tubing at Donner Ski Ranch, world class skiing and snowboarding at Lake Tahoe, ice skating at NorthStar, horseback rides on trails in the High Sierra Wildness, and epic hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail.

It is also located within walking distance of dining, breweries, coffee shops, and shopping. We also provide free winter ski shuttles to Squaw Village from mid-December to mid-April.

However you choose to spend your time here at Olympic Village Inn, it’s sure to be the best time!

Experience It! Click Play!

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The

VIII Olympic Winter Games Mark the Turning Point in Winter Sports and Olympic History

By David C. Antonucci

A

fierce mid-winter snowstorm rakes the Sierra Nevada and Squaw Valley as Olympic officials fret that the storm will severely curtail their elaborate opening day celebrations. An unfazed and confident Walt Disney calls for a one-hour delay in the festivities. Then as if on cue, the sky clears, and Olympic athletes march into the arena to the rousing sound of bands as fireworks explode overhead. A rising wave of thousands of balloons escapes into the sky as massive flocks of white pigeons symbolizing the doves of peace take flight. TV cameras beam live coverage across the nation as Americans burst with pride at the first Olympic Games held in the US since 1932. Yet, all this triumph was far from assured a scant four and one-half years earlier when upstart Squaw Valley stunned the world by capturing the bid for the VIII Olympic Winter Games.

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The story of the 1960 Winter Olympics is the saga of the highly improbable that becomes wildly successful. Within it are compelling personal stories of underdogs that become unlikely champions, American ingenuity and fearlessness for team and country. This inspiring story includes a promise kept to dying loved one, brash stars that falter in the glare of a world spotlight, and risky strategies that pay off with golden results.

Squaw Valley Ski Area President Alexander Cushing’s idea of holding the Olympic Winter Games began in December 1954 as a marketing ploy with no real chance to succeed. With his perseverance and shrewd strategy reinforced by a groundswell of national support, the impossible became possible, then probable and finally, the stunningly triumphant. It is here the first Olympic Winter Games in the New West occurred and elevated the Tahoe region to international resort status.

The VIII Olympic Winter Games took place over February 18-28, 1960 at Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of

California. From 30 countries around the world, 665 athletes gathered over 11 days to engage in five recognized Olympic winter sports contested in 27 events. These sports and events included alpine skiing, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing, biathlon, figure skating, speed skating, ice hockey, and ski jumping.

Here for the first time, we see elaborate Olympic pageantry in the ceremonies and venue decorations instilled by the creative force of Pageantry Chairman Walt Disney.

The “Miracle of Squaw Valley� astonishes spectators during the opening ceremonies when the raging snowstorm abates long enough to conduct the opening ceremonies.

American women lead the way in alpine skiing, and Soviet women show their strength in speed skating and cross-country skiing.

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Photos courtesy of Robert M. Reid

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The once-dominant Austrian men struggle with team dissension and poor results in the alpine skiing competition. We witness the peak of the JernbergHakulinen Era where two Scandinavian men thoroughly dominated international cross-country skiing over 12 years, winning a combined total of 13 Olympic medals.

Lake Tahoe becomes the birthplace of Olympic biathlon, where a surprise Swedish victor emerges as its first champion. Speed skaters set new world records on the world’s first artificially chilled speed skating oval. The drama unfolds as a mostly pickup team of American ice hockey players become the “Team of Destiny.” They fight to an unbeaten record, defeat the Soviets and come from behind late in the championship game to capture their country’s first gold medal. Once again, Americans sweep the individual figure skating gold medals with flawless performances by David Jenkins and Carol Heiss, fulfilling her promise to her dying mother.

We see athletic achievements that become the stuff of sports legend, such as Finn Veikko Hakulinen’s thrilling effort to erase a 20-second deficit in the 4x10-kilometer cross-country skiing relay to win gold for his country by 0.8 seconds.

country skiing. American Penny Pitou takes two silver medals in alpine skiing and becomes the first American woman to win a medal in the downhill.

We recall the near-perfect pair figure skating performances of Canadians gold medalists Barbara Wagner and Robert Paul. The graceful ski jumping of German Helmut Recknagel captures the first ski jumping gold medal for a non-Scandinavian country.

German Georg Thoma equals his compatriot Recknagel’s accomplishment by taking gold in the Nordic combined event of ski jumping and cross-

For the only time in Olympic history, the venues and athlete residence halls are in a compact, intimate setting that encourages sportsmanship and socializing among nations. The mixing of rivals occurs for the first time when athletes of all nations live under one roof in the Olympic Village.

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Once dominant countries find themselves challenged by upstarts that write new chapters in sports history and create a new order of elite athletes. Here, we see for the first time Soviet athletes displace the once-powerful Europeans and overshadow the Winter Games by taking twice as many medals as the next closest country (United States).

Photos courtesy of Robert M. Reid

On the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, officials create a first of its kind special venue for cross-country skiing and biathlon events. Metal-plastic-wood composite alpine skis make their debut in Olympic competition and prove their effectiveness by carrying Frenchman Jean Vuarnet to gold in the downhill event. The skiing world forever changes with the introduction of innovative special grooming techniques that restore the granularity to frozen icy

snow. For the first time, electronics and emerging American computer technology play a central role in the measurement and reporting of results.

Anchored by the venerable Walter Cronkite, CBS-TV cameras train on the Olympic events for first national live coverage of any Olympics. TV broadcasts to a captivated world elevate winter sports to a new level. The Olympic Winter Games forever change the region, kick starts the Western ski industry and delivers a new winter season economy to Lake Tahoe.

International Olympic Committee President Avery Brundage declared the VIII Olympic Winter Games an unqualified success in every respect. They far exceeded expectations of even the most jaded critics. We will remember these Winter Games for their pageantry, exceptional organization, informal atmosphere, first-rate skiing terrain, and scenic backdrop of Lake Tahoe. The memories, the valor, and the compelling stories of personal triumph in these Olympic Winter Games live on in Olympic tradition.

David C. Antonucci is President of the Sierra Nevada Olympic and Winter (SNOW) Sports Museum. This article is excerpted and adapted from his award winning book, Snowball’s Chance – The Story of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games, Squaw Valley, and Lake Tahoe.

Like what you see? Take it home!

Check the back page for an opportunity to WIN!

© 2019 David C. Antonucci All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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Experience It! Click Play!

Reliving the Olympic Dream With the Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter Sports Museum Did you know the 1960 Winter Games took place in Lake Tahoe?

How about it being the 1st Games to be nationally televised?

Grand Pacific Resorts partnered with the Sierra Nevada Olympic and Winter Sports Museum (SNOW Museum) to relive the 1960 Winter Games that took place in Squaw Valley, California, and to find out from these athletes what it takes to be an Olympian.

Stop by the SNOW Museum in Tahoe City to learn more rich history of the valley.

SNOW Museum

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Alpine Skier Osvaldo Ancinas with the Olympic Torch

Starr Walton-H u Olympic Torch inrley Delivering the Valley

A resort with an

Olympic Size Past Decades before it was ever one of our cherished resorts, the aptly-named OLYMPIC VILLAGE INN in Squaw Valley housed athletes from all over the world during the 1960 WINTER OLYMPICS! So the next time you’re roaming the grounds, keep in mind you’re also walking through a piece of history.

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South Lake Tahoe SPOTLIGHT ON

Nestled high in the Sierras, mountain peaks and thick forest border a shimmering cobalt blue lake – it’s no wonder Lake Tahoe is one of the Golden State’s finest gems.

While each area of the lake offers a completely unique Tahoe experience, the unbeatable alpine skiing and snowboarding, dozens of shops and restaurants, world-class entertainment, and Nevada-style gaming makes South Tahoe the place to be!

Natural Attractions:

Despite its high energy, South Tahoe is surrounded by stunning nature and boundless recreational bliss.

Whether scaling a mountain or taking a leisurely stroll, you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes with glaciercarved granite slopes, snowmelt waterfalls, and wildflower meadows.

For serious hikers and backpackers, Desolation Wilderness boasts 64,000 acres of protected lakes, old growth forests, and granite peaks. The Tahoe Rim Trail overlaps the Pacific Crest Trail and connects the area’s surrounding mountains. Some stretches still follow the original routes trekked by the Washoe natives and early pioneers.

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Experience It! Click Play!

Snow Patrol:

Lake Tahoe transforms into a sprawling snowy playground in the winter. Whether you’re a snow sport fanatic or prefer the comfort and warmth of a lodge with après skis, every visitor can determine their ideal snow experience.

Hit the slopes at Heavenly, the biggest resort in Tahoe and home to 30 lifts, experts-only terrain, the longest run with the biggest vertical drop, and winding black diamonds. If you don’t ski or board, you can still partake in the fun with zip lines and snow-tubing or with a scenic gondola ride offering panoramic views – no skis required!

Tee Time:

For the golf enthusiast, Edgewood Tahoe is a championship course ranked among the nation’s top 100. Known for its beauty and challenges, it’s the annual host of the American Century Championship.

Heaven on Earth:

Located in the heart of South Tahoe, Heavenly Village lives up to its name by offering something for everybody, including over 40 different shops, mouth-watering restaurants, and a variety of entertainment options like mini golf, ice skating, and a movie theatre.

Right Bites:

The dining in South Lake Tahoe is as elevated as the mountain town itself. Diverse restaurants serve everything from all-American comfort food to a variety of ethnic cuisine to gourmet fare.

Night Time is the Right Time:

Night owls need not look far for some grown-up fun in South Tahoe. The city is teeming with nightlife and is home to everything from craft breweries offering local brew samples to dive bars with live music to DJs and packed dance floors.

Vegas by the Lake:

Head towards the lights! Straddling the Nevada border, South Tahoe is home to several Vegas-style casinos. Take advantage of the casino spas, restaurants, and live shows – and if you’re feeling lucky, give the roulette wheel a spin or two.

Stay Where You Play:

No need to stay anywhere other than right in the heart of all the South Tahoe action. By using our exchange program GPX, you can book your stay conveniently located exactly where you would like to be!

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Experience It! Click Play!

Soar Over Tahoe What could possibly be more beautiful than being among the thick pines by the crystal blue waters of stunning Lake Tahoe?

How about seeing it all from high above ground on a hot air balloon ride?

Lake Tahoe Balloons offers one of the most spectacular ways to experience Lake Tahoe and is the only company in the Tahoe area that offers hot air balloon rides over the lake.

Perhaps what makes the company most unique is that it is the only balloon company in the world that launches from and lands on the deck of a boat!

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Your adventure begins just after sunrise when conditions for viewing the area’s natural beauty are ideal. Once your balloon gently lifts off, you will instantly be met with breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains as you soar over the serene landscape.

You’ll see Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, and the Desolation Wilderness. Many times you can even catch glimpses of the peaks and foothills in Yosemite over 150 miles away!

The knowledgeable crew welcomes questions and talks you through the entire experience while pointing out

some of Tahoe’s most scenic highlights and sharing the best things to do during your stay.

With over two decades of experience in hot air ballooning and a spotless safety record, Lake Tahoe Balloons is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion – or just celebrate being in beautiful Lake Tahoe!

Conclude your flight with a traditional champagne toast made to your once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Lake Tahoe Balloons

What Lies Beneath:

Explore Emerald Bay Like Never Before Take exploring South Lake Tahoe to whole new heights – or in this case, depths.

With its vertical cliffs, granite boulders, and crystal waters, Emerald Bay has been a soughtafter tourist destination among vacationers for over 150 years. It even experienced a heyday during the early 20th century with the famed Emerald Bay Resort.

Historically, ships were purposely sunk once they outlived their usefulness. Now Emerald Bay’s underwater sunken ship collection is the largest and most diverse known to exist in the nation, and also serves as a

reminder of Tahoe’s recreational golden age.

And best of all: It’s now open to the public.

Last year, California State Parks and the Sierra State Parks Foundation proudly debuted The Emerald Bay Underwater Trail – the first ever of its kind in California.

The underwater trail celebrates the history of the bay and is dedicated to preserving artifacts and showcasing the historic watercraft whose resting place now lies beneath the water’s surface.

The four newly revealed dive sites along the Emerald Bay Underwater Trail range in depth from 10 to 60 feet with underwater panels that help inform divers about the ships they’re exploring. Divers also have the opportunity to discover artifacts from a bygone era and have reported finding everything from an old diving platform to a model A Ford!

Next time you visit South Lake Tahoe, be sure to put this underwater adventure unlike any other on your Tahoe must-do list.

Experience It! Click Play!

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Discover Your Family of Resorts

RED WOLF LODGE AT SQUAW VALLEY

All in the Family It’s a big world.

OLYMPIC VILLAGE INN

The Mountain a r e Ca l l s ing TAHOE RIVERPOINTE NAPA VALLEY

RED WOLF LAKESIDE LODGE

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Whether it’s building a snowman in Lake Tahoe, swimming with giant sea turtles off the coast of Kauai, or trying standup paddle boarding for the first time in San Diego, we make exploring it all completely possible.

Whenever you’re in the mood to swap your tried-and-true resort for something different and new, we’ve got you covered.

NAPA

Time to Uncork & Unwind

From the rolling hills of Napa to the sandy beaches of SoCal, there’s so much to discover.

Flip through your Family of Resorts Guide to explore our collection of resorts and see where your next adventure will take you.

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CAPISTRANO SURFSIDE INN

CHANNEL ISLAND SHORES

Click to Check Out Each Resort!

HILTON GRAND VACATIONS CLUB AT MARBRISA

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CARLSBAD INN BEACH RESORT

SAN CLEMENTE COVE

A GRAND PACIFIC PALISADES CARLSBAD SEAPOINTE RESORT & HOTEL RESORT

But ‘Dat e’, There’s M o re!

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Surfs Up! HANALEI BAY RESORT

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BEACH CLUB

INDIO

Endless Summer

MAKAI CLUB RESORT

SO CAL

KAUAI

aloha!

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WAVE CREST RESORT

VILLA L'AUBERGE

CORONADO BEACH RESORT

INDIAN PALMS VACATION CLUB

MY GRAND

Memories

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YOU ASK , WE ANSWER PENCIL US IN

I want to take more vacations but also can’t always be sure what my schedule will look like this far in advance.

Are there any flexible cancellation policies? – Nancy G.

We understand firsthand that things come up, plans change, and a little travel flexibility is necessary sometimes. By adding Flex Booking for just $29 to your Exchange, you can cancel your stay up to 45 days prior to check-in without any hidden fees. Furthermore, 100 percent of the Exchange and Upgrade Fees will be applied to your future bookings for up to one year, allowing you to book totally worry-free!

BON VOYAGE!

I want to finally take that European bucket list vacation that I’ve been dreaming about for years. Is there a way I can use my timeshare to get me there? – Andrea V.

While European timeshares sound exquisite, they tend to be extremely high in demand yet low in supply. May we suggest you consider taking your dream vacation onboard a European River cruise through our GPX Cruise-Exchange program? With several cruise options, it is ideal in that it allows you to visit several different countries without the hassle of having to constantly pack then unpack. Plus, when you exchange your week, you save $1,500!

We’d say that’s plenty of reason to set sail overseas!

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SO MUCH TO DO

KAUAI

When I get to my trip destination, I really want to get out and explore all the area has to offer. How do I go about looking into recommended activities? – Bill M.

You’re in luck! Whether it’s your tried-and-true favorite resort or a completely new hot vacation spot, check out our collection of handy Destination Guides that break down the best each location has to offer. From restaurants to relaxation and adventures to entertainment, we cover all the local tips so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Pocket Guide

GARDEN ISLE

GETAWAY Everything You Need to

“Live Aloha” on

Kauai

SHARE THE LOVE

I want to share the gift of ownership with the people I love. Is there a way my friends and family can benefit from my ownership? – Alexis C.

We definitely agree that sharing is caring, especially when it comes to vacations! Fortunately, extending the love to family and friends is easier than ever. Simply book your week through GPX and change the guest name to whomever you would like to have it. Or use ResorTime to book an extra room at your owners-only rate.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING How do I go about passing off my ownership? – Doug H.

Vacation ownership is a gift you’ve given yourself and your loved ones, enjoying good times and creating memories.

If you’re thinking of either selling or passing down your ownership, we are here to make the transition as smooth as possible. As an owner, you have full access to the professionals at Advanced Financial Company. Having an expert handle the entire process gives you the peace of mind knowing it’s been done right the first time. Call (800) 234-6222 to get the process started today.

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Experience It! Click Play!

Pop-Up Events

M A K IN G VACAT IO NS S W EE T

This year, GPX hosted onsite events at select resorts where Owners were able to learn more about their exchange, rental, and cruise benefits.

This included Virtual Reality tours of sister resorts where Owners can use their ownership benefits to vacation. They were also able to take advantage of an onsite-only discounted offer, all while sipping from a mimosa fountain as the kids snacked on treats like berries dipped in whipped cream – because booking your next vacation should be as sweet and enjoyable as the vacation itself.

Make sure you’re signed up to receive emails so you don’t miss our next Owner Appreciation Onsite Tour in 2020!

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Take Your Membership to

New Destinations Your exclusive GPX membership comes with all kinds of incredible perks yet none of the annual membership fees!

On top of being able to gift your week to friends and family, exchange your week at low rates without hassle, and request a specific resort or destination, you are invited to discover some of the other membership benefits and see how you can take your vacations even further.

A World of Options

Flex Booking

Whichever corner of this planet you wish to explore, let GPX take you there! Our network includes thousands of destinations on six continents, truly making the world your oyster.

Use GPX to enjoy popular domestic getaways like Hawaii, or venture further away to resorts in Europe, Australia, and beyond.

As quickly as the “travel bug” can bite, plans can also change. Fortunately, for just $29, you can easily cancel your exchange up to 45 days in advance, allowing you to book your trip totally worry-free! And now it’s easier than ever to cancel – rather than calling, simply go to the “My Credit Coupons” on your dashboard and apply your travel credits to future bookings.

Insider Information Sometimes the inspiration to take a trip strikes when you least expect it. Now you can vacation more for less, even when it’s a last minute decision! As a GPX insider, you’re able to book last minute Insider Exchanges for a low $69 exchange fee, which is $120 in savings! You can also discover hundreds of Insider Weeks for just $399, starting now through the next 90 days.

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Set Sail Take your travel adventures to the open seas!

GPX now offers the opportunity to exchange your timeshare week for a discounted cruise. When you exchange your week with GPX Cruise-Exchange, you can save up to $1,500 per cabin. Choose from 150,000 options on 17,000 unique worldwide cruises on top cruise lines, including Disney and Holland America, among several others.

Pink

POWER In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, GPX wanted to do something extra meaningful this year.

Through our Pinktober campaign, we encouraged our owners to donate their use week to a cancer survivor through Send Me On Vacation, a non-profit organization dedicated to gifting much-needed vacations to financially disadvantaged breast cancer survivors.

The response was overwhelming. Owners have donated a total of 22 weeks to the Revive & Thrive program, five of which came from the Pinktober campaign this year! Their gifts became extra meaningful when along with their donated weeks, owners had the opportunity to send a personal message of encouragement to the cancer survivor.

We matched the outpouring of generosity by gifting $1,000 in cash for every week donated to cover transportation, meals, and anything else the cancer survivor may need to have the most relaxing vacation possible.

As an owner, you understand firsthand the value of vacations, and we’re so proud to have owners so graciously donate a week to a family in need. If you would like to donate your week, you don’t have to wait until next October to do so. Check out the Revive & Thrive program to see how you can give back all year.

“Stay positive become a survivor.”

– Margaret “As a cancer survivor myself, I know that hope, faith, a positive attitude, and the support of your family can help you through a difficult time. Enjoy your vacation!”

– Claire “We are pleased to donate this week to such a worthy cause.

Our dear friends are survivors too.

Enjoy this week! You richly deserve it!”

– Margaret “I hope this helps your recovery.”

– Jennifer “As a survivor of 9 years I know it’s important to get away and enjoy life with family and friends!

Enjoy your week!”

– David and Kim

If you plan to keep your week and would like to make a direct financial contribution instead, visit Send Me On Vacation. No donation is too small and help cover travel costs as well as fun activities that will help make a vacation extra memorable.

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DESTINATION MATTERS Four times a year, ResorTime shares causes that matter most to our owners and associates. While each story is truly inspiring, only one cause per quarter receives a $2,500 donation based directly on your votes.

Because what matters to you…matters to us! We invite you to learn more about these community driven organizations and tell us about the charities near and dear to your family for a chance to be featured in 2020.

January – March 2019 COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER For nearly 40 years, Community Resource Center has worked to end domestic violence, hunger, and homelessness in North County San Diego by providing resources, solutions, and hope. They take a holistic approach to helping meet critical needs like food and shelter while providing support to help families move towards self-sufficiency.

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL Heifer International is an organization dedicated to erasing global poverty and hunger by providing people with animals The animals are indigenous to the areas where people live, and Heifer International teaches people how to feed them, build shelter, find water as well how to sell animal products.

CAROLINA WATERFOWL RESCUE (WINNER) Carolina Waterfowl Rescue is a non-profit wildlife rescue organization near Charlotte, NC. It’s run by federally-licensed migratory bird rehabilitators specializing in waterfowl. It takes in thousands of wildlife, exotic, and farmed animals a year, covering 40 different wild bird species. It also accepts domestic or exotic ducks and offers bird, duck, and goose rescue assistance.

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April – May 2019 SOLANA CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION Solana Center actively addresses pressing environmental issues through zero waste, composting, and water conservation programs that inspire and empower individuals to live sustainably and to become change makers. Last year alone, the organization diverted more than 477,000 pounds of waste from landfills, prevented 74 metric tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere, and educated thousands of people on environmental topics.

INCIGHT (WINNER) Incight is a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities, single parents, veterans, and welfare recipients. Its mission is to unlock people’s potential through employment, education, and independence. This year, Incight hosted a job fair where over 200 people with mental and physical barriers had the opportunity to land a job.

October – December 2019 FAITHFULLY RESTORED Faithfully Restored helps provide women with comfort and community in the midst of personal crisis by writing encouraging notes, sending care packages, and connecting with other women who have experienced similar life-altering events. They also create ways for women to give back together by partnering with other local non-profits.

SQUAW VALLEY SKI MUSEUM FOUNDATION

July – September 2019

Squaw Valley Ski Museum Foundation collects, preserves, and exhibits Western skiing heritage and celebrates the legacy of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games. The goal is to establish a center where the evolution of skiing can be researched, displayed and enjoyed in a modern facility of architectural interest to create a cultural experience that will amaze and delight all who visit.

INTEGRATED COMMUNITY SERVICES (WINNER) Integrated Community Services helps people with disabilities on their path to independence from learning critical life skills to building a career.

Integrated Community Services is launching a work training program called Community Coffee, which employs individuals with disabilities as trained baristas then helps each client find employment. Last year, 50 clients graduated from the work training programs and 95 percent found employment within three months.

FROSTED FACES FOUNDATION Frosted Faces Foundation is a non-profit organization that houses and adopts out an average of 30 senior animals each month. They place the pet with a family and always take the pet back placed with a family who cannot honor a lifelong commitment. They also cover lifelong medical expenses and never euthanize the pet for treatable health conditions or undesirable behavior.

Make the world a better place by voting for the cause you would like to see receive $2,500.

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Are You Ready to

Take More Vacations?

Your resort will always be your home away from home, but what if you want to go somewhere new or take an extra vacation? Don't miss exclusive owners-only deals in your favorite destinations!

From the charming seaside communities of SoCal to the pristine beaches of Kauai to the serene wilderness of Tahoe, and so much more, save when you vacation!

Stay in Touch and Save In addition to the exceptional rates available every day, ResorTime offers exclusive deals to our loyal guests.

Sign-up for email newsletters or stay connected through social media to receive advance access to the best resorts at the best price before they sell out.

Check out ResorTime to book nightly rentals in your favorite destinations and

SAVE 10% when you use promo code: P3BHC. Book by June 1, 2020.

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E xplore

DANA POINT

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Experience It! Click Play!

The Ocean is Your Oyster

There is perhaps no greater teacher than the ocean. With a complex and richly diverse ecosystem, exploring its depths is an infinite endeavor.

The Ocean Institute is a nonprofit, community-based organization where kids and adults alike are invited to discover the underwater world and California maritime history through fun programs and interactive family activities.

Located in Dana Point Harbor, the institute offers in-depth marine science, maritime history, and outdoor educational

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programs that help demystify the ocean, equip children with the knowledge to become future leaders in science, and deepen society’s appreciation for how the ocean impacts our lives.

Moored at the dock is a 70-foot research vessel that embarks on immersion-based trips to learn about and view marine wildlife, including whale watching during the migration season.

No matter which aspect of the ocean captures you or your family’s attention, come spark curiosity and learn from the greatest teacher of all.

Pilgrim Voyage age The Pilgrim docked at Dana Point is an exact replica of the merchant ship built in the early 19th century and immortalized by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. in the novel Two Years Before the Mast.

Experience It! Click Play!

HISTORICAL PILGRIM:

In 1834, the original Pilgrim set sail from Boston towards California carrying manufactured New England goods like shoes, food items, and ironware.

At that time, in order to travel by sea from one coast to another, a vessel had to sail all the way around the southernmost tip of South America known as Cape Horn – a grueling and dangerous year-long journey each way!

Once anchored in the San Juan Bay (Dana Point), the Pilgrim traded its New England wares in exchange for California cowhides to take back to Boston.

MODERN-DAY PILGRIM:

Today’s Pilgrim was built in 1945 for trade purposes in Denmark and converted to its present self, a brig, in Portugal three decades later. Then in 1981, the Pilgrim permanently anchored in Dana Point Harbor, and with the support of the local community, became the Ocean Institute’s largest classroom.

The Pilgrim provides educational programs to thousands of students each year, offering everything from hour-long activities to day-long excursions out at sea.

Every summer, the Pilgrim makes a goodwill voyage with a crew of volunteers up and down the coast of Southern California.

Then each September, the Pilgrim participates in the annual Tall Ships Festival—a Dana Point claim to fame!

The Pilgrim is open for public as well as private dockside tours.

PILGRIM MEASUREMENTS: Length: 98’ Mainmast height: 98’

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LAS VEGAS

Like what you see? Take it home!

Check the back page for an opportunity to WIN!

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A Different Kind of Dip

Little Cove, Big Adventure When people visit Las Vegas, they often believe the only place to take a dip is in their resort pool.

What most don’t realize is that just 45 minutes away from the glitz and glam lies a much different kind of bright light – a shimmering cove tucked away along the banks of the Colorado River that turns a brilliant shade of emerald green at certain times of the day.

And we now know exactly where it is and how to get there, thanks to Evolution Expeditions, which offers curious travelers half-day guided kayak excursions.

Should you decide to scope it out for yourself, a complimentary shuttle service will pick you up and take you to the launch site. You’ll then set out down the Colorado River, paddling past historical sites and diverse desert wildlife, before taking a refreshing dip in the river and relaxing on a scenic beach to enjoy a provided lunch.

Finally, you’ll experience the highlight of the four-mile trip and enter the Black Canyon narrows to explore the Emerald Cove, float through its shimmering waters, and wait for the magic to happen!

A FEW

FUN FACTS

About Emerald Cove A Cove with a Cave

This unique cove has a small natural cave, which is only accessible by kayak or small boat and only fits about six to eight kayaks at a time.

Science and Nature Combine The emerald hue of the water occurs as a result of the sun reflecting off the river bottom as well as the surrounding 700-foot canyon walls to create a stunning light show.

History is Close

Constructed in 1931 and hanging precariously along a vertical wall in the Black Canyon, the Willow Beach Gauging Station is considered an architectural feat in engineering.

Experience It! Click Play!

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THE PAST

Looks Br i g ht Before all the glamour of the Las Vegas strip as we know it today there existed a much different type of downtown Vegas, known as Fremont Street. It was bustling with historic casinos and hotels – and incredible signage. The city has clearly evolved since those days, but so much about its heyday remains a cherished part of its iconic history.

The Neon Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and chronicling that history through a massive display of old Las Vegas 46

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signs, with some dating as far back as the 1930s, and each telling a unique story about the city’s roots and culture.

The museum opened in 1996 as a local effort to save signs that came from old hotels and casinos that were slowly corroding from exposure to the elements. When the Sands Hotel closed down a year earlier, there was nowhere to store its massive sign, and it eventually had to be scrapped. However, the loss of the iconic sign birthed a movement to save others like it.

One of the biggest draws is the Neon Boneyard, an outdoor collection sitting on two acres with vintage signs from the Stardust, Riviera, and Desert Inn along with several other iconic Vegas pieces. The boneyard also houses old fiberglass sculptures from famous hotels like a giant skull from Treasure Island.

This lesser known – and brightly lit – part of Las Vegas is definitely one worth exploring!

Neon Museum

Experience It! Click Play!

Neon Nevada It’s official – a bill has recently passed declaring neon as Nevada’s state element.

Nevada is the first state to assign itself an element in a move supporters of the bill call appropriate given how much the state uses neon, particularly in Las Vegas.

Residents say that assigning neon to Nevada pays homage to an element that has always been an integral part of the state’s history and identity.

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Experience It! Click Play!

Helping Put an End to Global Poverty When we hosted The 17th Annual RCI Christel House Open at Shadowridge Country Club in Vista this summer, we were thrilled to announce that this year’s fundraising efforts nearly doubled over last year’s donations!

We were touched by the generous donations from over a dozen partners; Fidelity National Timeshare, Welk Resorts; and dozens of local business along with 120 golfers – all collectively helping raise $100,000 to cover meals, education, clothing, medical, and transportation costs for 28 students at Christel House Mexico City for one year!

Christel House helps breaks the cycle of poverty by giving children who otherwise would not have access to a quality education a hand-up rather than a handout. There are six learning centers located in impoverished communities around the world. By giving children access to educational opportunities, including English and technology, the entire family and community is empowered to break the cycle of poverty.

To learn more about how you can get involved with Christel House visit GrandPacificResorts.com/ChristelHouse.

The event was especially touching since three Christel House Ambassadors were there to personally share their own stories of how Christel House has impacted them. Blanca and Zairra, Christel House Academy Interns from Indiana along with Rosa, a graduate of Christel House Mexico City, spoke about the education, guidance, and life skills they received at Christel House, which helped them obtain admission to top universities.

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Rosa Morales

Blanca Benitez

WE RISE BY

L ifting Others

Although their paths were initially worlds apart, Rosa Morales from Mexico City and Blanca Benitez from Indiana University attribute Christel House with their love of learning and the many educational opportunities now available to them.

This June, we invited these two remarkable young women to serve as ambassadors at our RCI Christel House Open golf tournament. They along with our Senior Director of Marketing, Renee Wagner, shared the worldwide impact of Christel House with San Diego ABC Channel 10 News.

Rosa, the daughter of a house painter, was selected to travel from Mexico City to help create a connection between the charity and local San Diego business supporters. Now in her second

year of a six year OB/GYN medical program, Rosa is proof that Christel House is helping break the cycle of poverty.

“A couple of years ago I read a quote that said, ‘What if the cure for cancer is trapped inside the mind of someone who can’t afford an education?’, and it had a profound impact on me. It made me realize that I could be that doctor, which is why I leaned on Christel House to help me get into medical school,” Rosa said.

Blanca, a rising social media entrepreneur, was thrilled when she found out she was chosen to spend six weeks at our Carlsbad headquarters as an intern in the marketing department. Her high regard for Christel House, which she attended at the Indianapolis campus, stems from her relationship with the instructors

Rosa Morales

who never let her give up.

Blanca said, “The outstanding teacher-student relationships are built on small class sizes and exceptional teachers who care about their students: their mental health, their safety, their academics, and extra-curricular activities.”

It only takes $3,500 to provide one year of education, meals, clothes, transportation, and healthcare to a Christel House child.

Founder Christel DeHaan covers all the administrative costs in order to ensure that 100 percent of all proceeds go directly to the students.

We can’t wait to see how many more lives around the world are touched by Christel House!

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Peace out,

Plastic DIVER ON A MISSION Meet Caitlyn Webster. A few of her favorite hobbies include exploring and researching polar ecosystems – underwater. She’s traveled to all seven continents working as a marine biologist, photographer, and expedition diver. Although she loves being in any ocean, Caitlyn can never get enough of oceans located in polar zones. The expeditions are frigid, but the calling to protect the world beneath the surface sets her soul on fire.

By Caitlyn Webster Creative Development Director at Meet the Ocean and Undersea Specialist with National Geographic Expeditions

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SEA CREATURES The sea has not only launched my career, but has also become my way of life.

My job has consisted of traveling the world to study and document our oceans with my SCUBA equipment and underwater camera. It’s been a dream, a wild adventure, and a devastating awakening all in one.

Even with advances in SCUBA gear, polar diving still requires you be just a touch of crazy – it’s that cold!

But getting to explore the wildlife in these regions far outweighs every numb toe and blue lip. The bliss of diving next to an iceberg with penguins or surrounded by sea angels (sea snails with wings) is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

Yet all these creatures face uncertain and potentially tragic futures. Subzero seas are warming faster than any other region on earth while increasingly accumulating plastics, making them some of the most environmentally threatened zones on our planet.

WORLD, WE HAVE A PROBLEM It likely comes as no surprise to most that our oceans are being polluted.

But what some may not realize is that the ocean is intricately connected to all of us, functioning much like a circulatory system and regulating our entire planet right down to our weather patterns. Changes to our oceans affect everyone – whether you are on the California coast or in the middle of Milwaukee.

Even in the relatively short amount of time that I have been documenting the underwater world, I have already witnessed firsthand the alarming changes taking place.

I’ve returned to the same Arctic glacier to find it drastically vanishing just a few years later. Some of my most cherished coral reefs are experiencing 70 percent bleaching – a stress response in coral. I’ve even found plastic pollution in some of the most remote, uninhabited shores at the bottom of the world in Antarctica.

It can be soul-crushing.

THE PROBLEM WITH PLASTIC Plastic is a unique material that plays an important role in maintaining food quality and safety. Unfortunately, the same properties that make plastic so useful are also what make it incredibly hazardous.

Plastic’s durability makes it very difficult to break down in nature.

For example, a single-use plastic bottle can take over 450 years to decompose into a microplastic,

and even then, it never truly disappears – it simply becomes too small to track.

Only nine percent of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled, and the majority of marine litter is plastic-based. The University of Toronto estimated 190 tons of chemical additives have entered our oceans solely from plastic bottles, bottle caps, cutlery, wrappers, straws, and

Styrofoam containers.

Plastic debris in the ocean functions much like a sponge: It absorbs the various chemical components around it while also leaching its own chemical cocktail out into its surroundings. These chemical additives work their way into the marine food chain and eventually find their way into our bodies – but in much more concentrated form.

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SEA CHANGE It can be difficult not to get caught up in my disheartening observations or in the dismal reports emerging from research publications, yet somehow I’m still brimming with optimism.

Changes are happening, awareness is spreading, and the public is starting to realize that pollution, natural disasters, and the health of our planet are all interconnected. Governments are also starting to pass legislation that protect against plastic pollution such as banning plastic bags and straws.

However, even with the progress being made, there is still much more work to be done in order to successfully address a complicated problem.

WHAT WE CAN DO The solution to plastic pollution requires both slowing the flow of plastic at its source as well as improving management systems worldwide.

Given that the ocean covers over 71 percent of our planet, this is a global call to action rather than an invitation to point fingers, and we need all hands on deck in order to make necessary shifts happen.

Single-use plastics have become an integral part of our everyday lives, yet we can collectively prevent plastic pollution without being terribly inconvenienced. Every individual action counts, and together we can make a huge difference through minor tweaks and mindful choices in our everyday lives.

For example, making a habit of keeping reusable bags in your car for your next grocery trip, selecting perishable items without individual plastic packaging, or refilling a reusable water thermos rather than reaching for a one-time use plastic bottle, are some of the small yet significant individual choices we can make.

The most important choice of all is choosing to educate ourselves. I encourage you to research online scientific publications, talk to local representatives, or connect with an environmental nonprofit to learn more about what’s happening and what can be done about it.

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A CLEANER TOMORROW My vision for the future consists of grassroots movements that inspire positive change on a global level.

We as the public have a voice and therefore, the potential for huge impact. Prioritizing the protection of our natural habitats and supporting movements for better waste management will lead to a cleaner, greener future.

Until then, my biggest hope is that there’s a little voice in the back of your head saying “oh dear,” every time you see a single-use plastic fork, bag, or straw. Eventually, that little voice will start getting a little louder and louder until mindful choices start kicking in.

MEET THE OCEAN I have been involved with an educational nonprofit that works to bring the ocean and all its incredible adventures into the lives of people that might not have an ocean in their backyard.

Meet the Ocean creates conservation-themed podcasts and interactive learning experiences. With a team of marine educators, we visit schools and children’s hospitals internationally to share our perspective on our changing planet.

Thanks for Helping Our Owners Learn More Caitlyn!

On a corporate level, organizations are also beginning to realize there is a problem and have started determining how to implement widespread practices that will utilize less single-use plastics and more reusable containers.

We at Grand Pacific Resorts see it as our responsibility to ensure that our practices support sustainability efforts in the beautiful destinations where we honored to operate.

Our Going Green Committee has made strides by swapping out water fountains to refillable water stations and forming a partnership with Clean the World to recycle partially used toiletries. Look for more progress in 2020 as we tackle reducing single use plastics.

#SeaChange

Educating through storytelling, creative interaction, and eye-toeye virtual reality penguin encounters, Meet the Ocean spreads the joy of ocean exploration while inviting the public to engage and learn the reasons why it is so vital that we protect it.

NOTHING, ZILCH, NADA Help keep our oceans free of plastics further by shopping at San Diegobased zero waste ship and refill store Nada.

Don’t live in the area?

Not a problem.

This sustainable store offers online shopping options as well.

Like what you see? Take it home!

Check the back page for an opportunity to WIN!

We want to hear from you!

Share with us how you’ve taken a step to eliminate plastic, and you’ll be entered to win a GPR Stainless Steel Water Bottle.

We’ll also make a $25 donation in your name to Meet the Ocean!

We’re giving away 20 bottles.

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Fly the

Clean î€ kies

Skyscanner CEO Bryan Dove said the travel industry has a responsibility to lead change, stating: Global travel is a modern-day gift, bringing together cultures and communities across our planet.

As such, we have an obligation to preserve our world for future generations to explore and enjoy, but to do this we need to act now as change won’t happen overnight.

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As fun as it is to travel, it unfortunately also comes with the downside of negatively impacting the environment, especially whenever flying on an airplane.

As travelers are becoming increasingly more aware of the significant carbon emissions associated with air travel, they are also actively seeking ways to do their part to reduce those emissions.

Online travel company Skyscanner reported 10 million travelers within the last year went out of their way to select flights with the lowest CO2 emission levels, and seven out of ten travelers reported wishing travel companies would offer more sustainable options.

Airlines are helping lead the way for sustainable travel, and several airlines have implemented internal practices that help decrease their individual carbon footprint. Collectively, airlines around the world have successfully offset several million tons of carbon emissions.

However, airlines are taking emissions reduction a step further by opening up a variety of sustainable options to travelers in helping reduce their carbon footprints. Voluntary programs allow you to buy carbon offset credits based on your travel route – with a typical average of around $5 to offset a roundtrip, cross-country flight. The purchased carbon offsets help fund various environmental conservation programs and projects designed to reduce emissions.

Sustainable tourism as a whole is expected to grow by 10 percent in the next four years to become a $340 billion business. The hope is that like-minded social entrepreneurs, NGOs, policymakers – and now customers – will continue to work together and find ways to help clean our air.

To participate in an airline’s sustainability program, check directly with your airline.

Or check out www.carbonfund.org for additional ways to help offset emissions and reduce your carbon footprint.

Going Carbon Neutral

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Experience It! Click Play!

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AN ‘EPIC’ NIGHT:

G AL A They enrich lives by helping create memorable moments when you vacation with us. Our allstar experience makers deserve to be recognized and thanked for all they do, so we pulled out all the stops for them at our 20th annual BE EPIC Champions of the Year Best of the Best Gala.

The prestigious Best of the Best Gala took place at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa where we recognized and celebrated our hospitality stars along with our exceptional resorts.

Attendees were treated to an elegant evening with the leadership team and HOA board members, and every person in attendance was honored with trophies and gifts.

We were honored that our cherished annual event earned us a finalist position in the ARDA Awards for Employee Recognition Program or Event, which recognizes industry professionals for their accomplishments in enhancing vacation ownership and company culture.

We look forward to continuing to empower and reward all our BE EPIC champions!

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Getting Our Sparkle On AT ARDA

In honor of the theme ‘It’s Our Year to Sparkle,’ we tossed confetti to celebrate our winning associates at the 2019 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards held on April 10th in Orlando, Florida.

The esteemed annual event honors nominees with an awards ceremony, recognizing top industry professionals for their excellence in various categories that enhance vacation ownership.

We were especially honored to be a finalist for the Employee Recognition Program. Our finalist medals represented multiple disciplines from Housekeeping, Maintenance, Inventory, Call Center, Marketing & Communications, Activities, and Resort Management.

We are so proud of our team’s collective hard work and commitment to excellence!

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Our P urpose Enriching Lives by Creating Experiences Worth Sharing

Our Values BALANCE

ENTHUSIASM

EMPOWERMENT

PASSION

Understanding one's priorities and actively balancing them to be fulfilled.

We nurture and believe in our associates' abilities and entrust them to deliver heartfelt service.

We don't stop at "good enough".

We keep going until we get there.

We are passionate about our service culture. Providing amazing service isn't just our duty, it's our pleasure.

INTEGRITY

If we say it, we mean it. We do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.

CONSISTENCY

Our guests and owners trust us to deliver service excellence that is dependable and consistent at every interaction.

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GPR’S TRUE HEROES

House Call Arriving to a pristine unit with a clean kitchen and bathroom stocked with fresh towels and linens is the level of service we are proud to provide you so that you can soak up every moment of your vacation worry-free.

Our hardworking house attendants making it all happen behind the scenes deserve all the credit!

HOUSEKEEPING OLYMPICS We celebrated our 8th annual Housekeeping Olympics with events like speed bedmaking, creative origami towel folding, and relay race trash liner changing. The competition was fierce, and the fun was even fiercer. Participants were thrilled to enjoy an afternoon of games, music, and a delicious barbecue.

Event winners took home medals, plaques with the names of their home resorts, and plenty of bragging rights. Pair all that with our Co-President David Brown dressed as a bunny coming out of a hat to match this year’s “magic” theme, and you know we went next level.

Experience It! Click Play!

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HOUSE ATTENDANT TIP PROGRAM Earlier this year, we started placing cards with your house attendant’s name, photo, and a little bit of their backstory in rooms as an opportunity for you to get to know them over the course of your stay.

A simple hello, a high-five in the hallway, or even a gratuity is a welcome gesture of appreciation for those that we consider the heartbeat of our resorts.

HOUSEKEEPER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM A new endeavor launched this year with the goal of enhancing the lives of our valued housekeeping associates, many of whom have limited English language skills.

Our Housekeeper Enrichment Program offers house attendants courses in English, computer training, and financial literacy.

The program has already launched in Southern California, and a full rollout for all resorts is happening throughout 2020!

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MARK YOUR

CALENDAR

January NAPA

Wind your way through wine country onboard the wine train (yes, that’s a thing!) then delight your palate at Napa Valley Restaurant Week the last week of January. Savor the region’s best farm-to-table cuisine and finest wines at Michelin-rated restaurants. Then slowly emerge from your food coma on your private patio at RiverPointe Napa Valley.

February PALM SPRINGS

Thaw out in perpetually sunny Palm Springs where the weather is absolutely perfect this time of year. Play as many rounds of golf as you can handle before checking out the street fair with art displays and live entertainment at Palm Springs Villagefest. Cap off all the desert fun with a refreshing beverage by the pool at the Indian Palms Vacation Club.

March SCOTTSDALE

Nothing signals the start of baseball season quite like Spring Training! Watch your favorite MLB teams practice under the warm Arizona sun at the Cactus League Spring Training.

There are also several beautiful desert hikes and walks with flowering cacti close by. Find out how to use your GPX Benefits to get you rooting for the home team!

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April CARLSBAD

Carlsbad Seapointe Resort is just steps from all the leisurely fun this laidback beach town has to offer. Pedal a cruiser bike through the quaint downtown village filled with shops and cafes. You must also check out the nearby Flower Fields this time of year – a stunning 50-acre display of blooms in every color announcing the arrival of spring!

May OXNARD

Walk along Channel Islands State Beach, jet ski in the harbor, or take an unforgettable day trip to the spectacular Channel Island National Park. Pick up local produce and freshlycaught fish at the Oxnard Farmers Market held every Sunday then head back to Channel Island Shores to whip up something delicious in your kitchen.

June SAN CLEMENTE

From classic to exotic, check out the hundreds of cars that line Avenida Del Mar at the annual San Clemente Car Show. This family-friendly event is free and features vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment as well as activities for the kids. Take a break from the action at San Clemente Cove, just steps from the beach and San Clemente Pier!

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July DEL MAR

Head to where the surf meets the turf at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for the summer racing season. Place your bets on your favorite horses, sip a wide selection of local beers and wines, and enjoy an incredible lineup of A-list concerts. After the races are run, retreat to either Villa L’Auberge or Wave Crest Resort – always winning bets!

August LAKE TAHOE

Summers in Lake Tahoe are as much fun as the winters! In addition to the usual hiking, biking, and boating there’s also The Brews, Jazz and Funk Fest. Sip tasty beers from dozens of breweries and groove to incredible live music with all proceeds benefitting the Truckee-Tahoe Humane Society. Red Wolf Lodge at Squaw Valley is just steps away!

September PRINCEVILLE

Make your summer an endless one in the tropical paradise of Kauai! Kayak or hike to some of the most spectacular waterfalls on the island or get your adrenaline pumping by offroading or ziplining across Princeville Ranch.

Unwind from all your epic adventures on the private beaches of Hanalei Bay Resort or Makai Club Resort.

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October LAS VEGAS

Create your own Vegas lights at RiSE Festival, a live music event as well as the largest lantern release in the world. The lanterns represent individual hopes and dreams united in a spectacular sky display. All lanterns are biodegradable and are collected after the event.

Find out how you can light up the sky using your GPX Benefits!

November CORONADO

No matter the season, any time spent on Coronado Island is as idyllic as it gets.

A favorite local tradition that puts a San Diego twist on a classic winter activity is Skating by the Sea, an ice rink set up on right on the sand by the ocean! Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego. Put your feet up afterwards at Coronado Beach Resort.

December NORTH LAKE TAHOE

It’s easy to make any Christmas a white one in this winter wonderland. December in North Lake Tahoe is peak snow season with skiing, ice skating, and even snowshoeing by moonlight! Meet Santa and sing carols at the Heavenly Holidays Family Festival. Then after all the winter fun, warm up with fireside cocoa at Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge.

LEARN about our resort property destinations on their websites, then be sure to head to ResorTime to book your stay at the exclusive 20 percent off owners-only rate!

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When coming up with snack ideas while on vacation, I try to think of recipes that are healthy yet delicious and are also easy to make – kind of a tall order.

But with a little creativity, lots of fruit, and making good use of the grill at the resort, I now have a few go-to recipes that check all the boxes!

As an added bonus, your family will enjoy making these fun camping-inspired snacks almost as much as they’ll enjoy eating them!

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BBQ Apples I promise it’s not as weird as it sounds and is actually a healthy and delicious snack that’s a lot of fun to make with the kiddos!

INGREDIENTS: • 2 lbs. apples • 1 lb. granola

Experience It! Click Play!

• Ground cinnamon • Vanilla ice cream

STEPS: 1. Cut the top, including the stem, off apples and core.

2. Pour granola into the top of the cored apple.

3. Sprinkle granola with cinnamon to taste.

4. Wrap each apple in foil and grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

5. Unwrap foil and put a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Eat while warm and enjoy!

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Healthy Banana Split I realize the words “healthy” and “banana split” don’t usually go together, but this recipe tastes just like the real thing without any of the guilt!

INGREDIENTS (PER SPLIT) • Peeled banana • 2 tbsp. miniature marshmallows • 2 tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate chips • 2 tbsp. cinnamon-flavored cereal 68

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STEPS: 1. Peel banana and slice longways down the middle 2. Place mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and cinnamon cereal inside 3. Wrap banana in foil.

4. Grill on BBQ for 5-6 minutes on medium heat.

Unwrap and enjoy the gooey goodness!

Strawberry Shortcake Skewers Even though this is traditionally more of a summer snack, with BBQs at our disposal all year, it’s easy to enjoy a taste of summer no matter what season it is.

INGREDIENTS: • Strawberries • Pound cake • Wooden skewers

• Pineapple • Whipped cream

STEPS: 1. Cut strawberries, pineapple, and pound cake into similar-sized pieces.

2. Thread pieces onto wooden skewers, alternating each one.

3. Grill on medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes, or until fruit is soft and pound cake is toasted.

4. Top with whipped cream and eat up!

Experience It! Click Play!

“Campfire” Cones Ice cream isn’t the only thing that belongs inside of a waffle cone. Check out this delicious – and healthier – option that will make you feel like you’re in the great outdoors.

INGREDIENTS (PER CONE): • 1 waffle cone • ¼ cup diced bananas and strawberries • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips • ¼ cup mini marshmallows • Whipped cream

Experience It! Click Play!

STEPS: 1. Slice strawberries and bananas 2. Place fruit along with chocolate chips and marshmallows in cone 3. Wrap cone in foil.

4. Grill for 5-7 minutes until chocolate and marshmallows are melted.

5. Unwrap, add whipped cream, and enjoy your healthy cone!

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GRAND

Gi veaway Nights at Hanalei Bay Resort $500 Alaska Airlines Gift Card

• $50 Miguel's Gift Card • Snowball’s Chance Book • Beach Bag & Hello Sunshine Hat • GPX Swag • Vegas Books & Puzzle • GPR Picnic Basket & Water Bottle

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