TrailBlazer Magazine - July 2011

JULY 2011 n $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

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BeachTowns PORTABLE GRILLS: WHAT’S HOT Dolly Towing

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 114 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

VOL. 33 n ISSUE 6

JULY2011 CONTENTS

BeachTowns 22 ■

Siesta Key - Beach Angel Photo courtesy of www.sarasotafl.org

Message from Tom

The Camper’s Kitchen

5

Tech Topics

11

Activities & Events

12

Spotlight: Stress-Free Vacation

18

Features 14 Top Beach Towns

22

Portable Grills: What’s Hot

34

Dolly Towing

38

Member Deals

40

Club Calendar

47

On the Market

48

Advertiser Index

50

Crossword Puzzle

50

Preserve Services Directory

52

Marketplace

62

Classified Advertising

63

Sudoku Puzzle

64

Postcard from the Road

66

9

GRILLING 36

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It’s no wonder Siesta Key’s beach is considered a real gem - a Harvard study found the beach’s sugary sand was 99 percent quartz! Read our Best Beach Towns feature and see what other gems are out there for you to discover!

In the summer, the average American grill owner spends 4.4 hours barbecuing each week. Check out our grill feature so you’ll know how to get your best grill on! (Source: fastcompany.com)

Cover photo: Falmouth, MA Photo courtesy of Falmouth Chamber of Commerce/Amy Rader

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Get in the Zone

Reward Your Friends, Reward Yourself!

When your referral activates their Zone Camping Pass, you are entered into our 2011 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes.

Grand Prize 7 Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii (a $4,000 value)

Third Prize FREE DUES

Second Prize 4 Nights in either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando

for

2012

(10 winners selected)

PLUS receive a

$25 American Express Gift Card

when your referral purchases a Zone Camping Pass

Contact Us Today!

1-888-808-8925

www.ZoneCampingPass.com/referthezone Or see your Resort Manager or Camp Host for more details!

Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on our web site at www.zonecampingpass.com/referthezone JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

MESSAGE FROM TOM

I

f you’re familiar with Peter Drucker, you’ll be familiar with his theory that a company’s primary responsibility is to its customers. Simply put, if the customer is provided good value, all else falls into place. The key to that is being able to enhance your customers’ experience by continuing to add value.

Adding value can be done in a number of ways.

It can be done monetarily by providing discounts and deals or socially by creating a sense of community and a connection.

We look to enhance your experience and add value in many ways. From a physical standpoint, we strive to ensure that our properties are well maintained and provide quality amenities. From renovated pools, expanded recreational facilities and member lounges to fitness center updates and common area improvements – there’s always something in the works.

From a pure dollars and cents standpoint, we strive to ensure that we offer the best deal for your dollars spent. We do that by offering a variety of choices, including the Zone Camping Pass, plenty of rental options including park models, cabins, RV trailers, yurts and even resort homes. There’s also the multitude of discounts and deals throughout our network of properties, and various reciprocal programs to further expand your travel options.

From a community and connection, we’ve become a part of one of the largest social networks providing you a forum for sharing experiences, giving feedback and posting your camping photos. Visit our TT Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ThousandTrails and join in the fun. Plus, our monthly e-newsletters and of course, TrailBlazer, keep you informed on what’s going on!

That’s all fine and good. But then we got to thinking… what else can we do to enhance the overall relationship? So, we created, and will continue to create, partnerships with companies that provide products and services that will complement your overall lifestyle. We look at the trends and stay in step so the experience continues to change with the times and your desires.

In addition to the discount deals with Encore, NatureZyme, Coleman and Hertz, we are also happy to announce a partnership with iDine, a program that allows members to earn a percentage back from their dining bills at thousands of participating restaurants, bars and clubs nationwide. Membership is free for TT members so why not join today!

When you’re on the road and need to stop for a bite – choose an iDine participating restaurant and reap the rewards. Also, check out our new Member Deals section in TrailBlazer where we’ve conveniently combined all the current discounts you can enjoy – it’s one stop shopping!

I want to encourage each of you to take advantage of these deals since more participation will allow us to attract even more benefits!

In the end, the goal is to be more than just your choice for camping and RVing accommodations. We want to provide opportunities to our members that add value to their investment. You’ve come to expect a certain standard from us and we want to exceed those expectations!

Thought Of the Month “Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it. It is what the client or customer gets out of it.” ~ Peter Drucker

TOM HENEGHAN Pr esident and CEO JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Mission Statement TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Equity LifeStyle Properties Family of Resorts.

Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, resort profiles and product features. www.trailblazermagazine.net

EDITOR Joan DeAno Rykal TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Heather Anderson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Paul and Kerri Elders Janet Groene Kim Wuchter ADVERTISING SALES Pamela Nunley 312-914-7064 pam_nunley@equitylifestyle.com TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published monthly except bimonthly Nov./Dec. and Jan./ Feb. by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

Trailblazer Magazine

Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 www.trailblazermagazine.net New Subscriptions 1-877-252-9320 TTN & LTR Reservation Services (From United States and Canada) 1-800-288-7245 • 228-497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

September 1 to March 31 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Central Time 24-hr. STAR Line: 1-800-859-7827 228-497-3594 Member Services 1-800-388-7788 Resort Parks International Reservations 1-800-456-7774 ELS Reservations 1-877-362-6736 PRINTED IN THE USA

Lake Whitney: Our dachshund, Stubbs, in the spring bluebonnets near the entrance to Lake Whitney.

Richard Smith Round Rock, TX Pics from the Parks Photo Submissions Do you have a winning photo from your visits to our preserves and resorts? We’d love for you to share it with us and what’s more, your submission will now be entered into our quarterly photo contest. Winners will receive $50. Every quarter we will select one “winning” photo from the submissions received during the previous three months (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the quarter.) Winning photos will be posted on the TrailBlazer web site as well as in the magazine.

Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to: TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to: Equity LifeStyle Properties, Attn: TrailBlazer Photos Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 E-mailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of Equity LifeStyle Properties and may be used for publication on company web site and promotional purposes.

Submission Deadline/Winner Notification Information: July-September: Submissions must be received by midnight on September 30. The winner will be announced in our Nov/Dec issue and on the web site October 15.

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

PICS FROM THE PARKS

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Medina Lake: I would awake every morning to all these deer. They would help me eat breakfast and read the paper. It was beautiful and I will never forget it.

Jerry Turcotte Summerfield, FL

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Lake Texoma: My daughter welcoming everyone to Lake Texoma Preserve. We were out for a family bike ride enjoying the beautiful scenery!

Sandy Kostelecky Decatur, TX

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 159 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

The Camper’s Kitchen | The Wonders of Watermelon

W

by Janet Groene

hoopee! It’s watermelon season from Florida to the Yukon. Few camp cooking ingredients are more versatile, easier to carry and serve, or more popular with every member of the crew. Chill a super-sized melon in a tub of ice and cut it to feed 20 or more.

Small, seedless watermelons are a good choice for the small family or a small RV fridge.

Watermelon adds festive color to a frumpy dish, adds sweetness without sugar, add moistness, without fat, to sandwiches and desserts. Whether you choose the traditional big, red, seedy melon or one of the exotic colors or types, here are ways to use the vitamin-packed watermelon in your traveling cuisine.

Melonicious Summer Salad

This refreshing salad makes a handsome luncheon plate or a light supper on a hot night. Make it with imitation crab, canned salmon or tuna, or your favorite fish, poached to perfection and chilled. Asparagus tips can be served raw or lightly steamed.

For each plate you’ll need: Lettuce leaf or shredded lettuce (optional) 1 portion (4 to 6 ounces) seafood or cold, poached fish 5 to 6 asparagus tips 6 to 8 seedless watermelon balls 2 tablespoons bottled citrus vinaigrette Lemon wedges Start with a plain plate or one lined with lettuce. Compose a plate with a portion of seafood and asparagus. Drizzle with vinaigrette and surround with watermelon balls.

Garnish with lemon wedges. Complete the menu with crackers or rolls.

Some Like It Hot Salsa

You control the heat of this salsa by adding only as much jalapeno as the family enjoys.

3 cups chopped, seedless red watermelon ½ of a medium green sweet pepper, chopped ½ of a medium red sweet pepper, chopped 1 small sweet onion (e.g. Vidalia), chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice Small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (optional) Combine all ingredients and add salt, pepper and more lemon or lime to taste. Chill at least 1 hour. Makes 3 cups salsa to serve with meat from the grill.

Watermelon and Granola, see tips on page 51

Watermelon Sliders

8 small, soft dinner rolls (white, rye, whole wheat, pumpernickel) Honey mustard 8 slices smoked Gouda cheese, cut in quarters 8 thin slices hard salami (optional) 8 slices, 1/4 inch thick, seedless watermelon

Slice rolls and “butter” cut sides with mustard. Make sandwiches by layering cheese, salami and watermelon.

Serves 4.

Continued on page 51 JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Tech Topics | Summertime RVing Adventures

by Paul and Kerri Elders

T

his month, we offer a few tried and true hints to help you make the most of your summertime RVing adventures.

Handling a Blowout

Good tires are the foundation of a good trip. No, they’re not the prettiest part of an RV, but they are vitally important to your overall safety. As they say, tires really are “where the rubber hits the road.” Inspect them regularly to make sure they’re free of debris, have suitable tread depth, are free of dry rot, and are properly inflated.

What do you do if you experience a blowout while driving your motorhome on the freeway? Your first “panic” reaction will probably be to slam on the brakes, but that is absolutely the wrong thing to do. Keep your cool. Keep a firm grasp on the steering wheel and briefly accelerate to maintain your speed, then gently decelerate to keep your momentum controlled, keeping the motorhome traveling in the same lane as it was before the blowout. As you ease off the accelerator, gradually make your way to the far right lane while signaling your intentions.

Next, turn on your hazard lights so that the traffic around you is well aware that something is wrong.

Allow the RV to lose its momentum (without applying the brakes) while you’re in the far right lane, until your speed is reduced to about 10 miles per hour. Then, carefully move off the roadway (preferably onto a paved shoulder), gently brake, and call for help.

Headlight Halos

While all drivers seem to like to boast the brightest of headlights on their vehicles (and halogens certainly fill that bill), brighter isn’t always better. While you may be able to see the road clearly, your ultra-bright headlights could be blinding to oncoming traffic. If you’ve ever driven your RV behind an 18-wheeler at night, finally successfully passed him, and then wondered why that truck driver blew his horn and flipped his bright lights in your rear view mirror, here’s your answer: you probably had your headlights set too high and blinded him from behind.

© Joseph Mercier | Dreamstime.com

If you don’t take good care of your tires, you may eventually have to deal with every RVers nightmare: a blowout. Although blowouts can occur because of a puncture, they’re most often the result of progressive damage to a tire, usually caused by abuse such as overinflation, overloading, or excessive aging or wear on a tire.

Headlights that are properly set when a vehicle is unloaded can change dramatically when a heavy load is added to the rear. Ideally, your headlights should be set after you’ve loaded your vehicle, especially if you drive a pickup truck and are towing a trailer or fifth wheel. Connecting a loaded fifth wheel or trailer to the back of your pickup truck actually changes the headlight angle of your tow vehicle.

And this misalignment can put you and your RV in some dangerous situations, especially on winding, two-lane roads, where maladjusted headlights can temporarily blind oncoming traffic. You may even find it difficult to clearly see the road ahead of yourself at night, since your headlights are actually projecting upward, off the road surface directly ahead of you. This is an even greater hazard for you in a rainstorm or snowstorm, where your too-high headlights will actually work against you, blinding you in the driving rain or heavy snow.

Continued on page 51 JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Calendar - July 2011 ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

CALIFORNIA Idyllwild

July 1-4: Come and celebrate the 4th of July – we have several activities planned including pool games, Frisbee-golf, and nature hikes with Pat Boss.

Horseback rides will be available. The Pine Cone Café will have dinner on Friday and Saturday nights and Sandii Castleberry will entertain Saturday night at the amphitheater. July 15-17: Bluegrass Festival will include a campfire jam session and on Saturday night we will have bluegrass entertainment at the amphitheater. George Finkle will also have a harmonica workshop during the weekend – you can buy one or bring your own to learn and play. July 23: We will celebrate Christmas in July – this is our annual activity to raise money for our Christmas for Kids program. We will have an auction followed by a special Christmas dinner. Santa will be making special visit. We finish off the evening with entertainment by Remember When in the amphitheater.

July 15-17 Lemon Lily Festival Held in downtown Idyllwild and sponsored by the Friends of San Jacinto Mountain County Parks, this is a festival for education, celebration and restoration. There are activities at the local nature center, the Gazebo downtown, and festivities at local businesses.

For more information visit www.lemonlilyfestival.com.

Lake Minden July 1-4: 4th of July Celebration: Bring your favorite covered dish and come celebrate Independence Day at a Lake Minden Community Picnic. Join a parkwide scavenger hunt (smaller scavenger hunt for kids), play Candy Bar Bingo, or enter a paddleboat race, then cool off at the Ice Cream Social. Fireworks Monday! July 8-10: Crafters’ Holiday: Join us for a weekend of crafting. We’ll have tables set up for jewelry making (various projects), beaded ornaments, and a variety of craft projects. Sign up early for specific projects. Don’t forget the Friday Night Potluck Social, Brown Bag and Candy Bar Bingo. July 1517: Sandtastic Beach Party: Join us Friday night for Hoagie Sandwich Potluck Social. Then grab a bucket and enter a sandcastle building competition. Enter a Popsicle Lickoff Contest, hula-hoop or play a lively game of volleyball. July 22-24: “Stay for a Spell”: Hunt for witches, wizards, muggles and more in a Harry Potter Scavenger contest. Test your wizardry skills with a Harry Potter Trivia Contest. Take a Potion class or do a mystical craft. Enjoy a Harry Potter Movie marathon and try a bit of Butter beer at the Ice Cream Social. July 2931: Bubble Blast Weekend: Who doesn’t love bubbles? Be careful that your root beer doesn’t bubble over at the Ice Cream Social. We’ll be painting with bright colored bubbles, blowing gigantic bubbles and having a bubble gum blowing contest. We’ll even stir up a few bubbles on the lake with paddleboat races.

July 15-16 Marysville Peach Fest 2011 The 11th annual event promises to be an exciting one with a variety of new and returning craft vendors, food vendors cooking 12

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

for every tastebud, several delicious choices of peach related food, and great entertainment for all ages. Free Admission – No Parking Charges. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. For information visit www.marysvillepeachfest.com.

Lake of the Springs Saturdays in July: Enjoy our Family Campfire with John Carter. July 1-4: Adult Money Bingo on Friday. Saturday is Kids’ Fishing Derby, Patriot Tie-Dye, Family Hayrides, and Family Dance with DJ Eric. Sunday will be a BBQ in the Park, Watermelon Feed, 4th of July Family parade followed by fireworks. July 9: Family Dance with Diamondback Band. July 16: Family Dance with Jim Hunter Band. July 23: Family Dance with Heading Sue West. July 30: Family Dance with The James Slacks Band.

Pio Pico July 2-4: Saturday marketplace, craft classes, Candy Bingo, softball game, family games, dance with Coyote Country DJ. July 9: Animal Weekend with animal craft classes, animal seminars, dress up your pet for our pet shows, plus animal charades game. July 16: 60s Weekend: Dress up in your favorite 60s outfit for our 60s contest, plus Family Dance. July 23: Family Games Weekend includes relay races, tug of war, and obstacle course so start practicing! July 30: Dinomania Weekend: Dinosaur crafts, plus “How well do you know your dinosaurs” quiz, and Jurassic Park film festival.

July 15-17 Festival of the Bells Each year in mid-July, parishioners, volunteers, and visitors all gather for one weekend to celebrate the beginning of Christianity in the western U.S. with food, entertainment, dance and traditional activities such as the blessing of the bells and the blessing of the animals at the Mission San Diego De Alcala. All five Mission bells are rung during the weekend festival including the original bell dating back to 1802. Great family events and great opportunity to learn more about this historic landmark. Just 30 miles from the preserve. For information call (858) 337-5857.

Ponderosa July 2 Annual Family Blast at El Dorado Fairgrounds Bring your coolers, propane BBQs and your dancing shoes, but please leave your pets, charcoal BBQs and glass containers at home. There will be kids activities, food & beverage available for purchase, live music by Harlee & The Sugar Daddies (6:00 - 10:00 p.m.), hay mazes, arts & crafts, pony rides, free kids’ contests & games, FIREWORKS-once dark and more! Held at the El Dorado Fairground in Placerville, just 12 miles from the preserve. For information, call (530) 621-5860.

Saturdays throughout July from 11 a.m. to noon – come on down to the arena to watch the stock dogs herding sheep and cattle and stay for the bucking bull demo! Get up close and personal with our “baby” bulls as we prepare them for the future in rodeo. A definite photo op. And each weekend join the fun and hop aboard the famous Rancho Oso hay wagon to tour the resort. Or, call the stables and book your unforgettable horseback ride for ages 8 and over. Join us wine tasting at the Adult Lodge or visit the Stone Lodge for ice cream and make your favorite sundae. Plus, Candy Bar Bingo.

Throughout July Solvang Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., market features farm fresh produce, fruit, flowers, and local homemade items. Just 22 miles from the preserve, on Mission Drive between First Street and Copenhagen in Solvang.

San Benito Regular Friday Night Spaghetti Feed now includes rice and fish on menu.

Serving begins at 6 p.m. at Reba’s Cafe in the Family Lodge. Every Saturday and Sunday, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., we have breakfast with a full menu. The first and third Saturday is our Manager’s Meeting at 11 a.m. at the Family Lodge followed by Skipbo Tournaments. Second and fourth Saturday, we have 9-Ball tournaments for teens and adults, crafts and ice cream socials.

Also, non-denominational Sunday services. July 2-3: Our annual 4th of July carnival will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Reba’s Café will be serving up carnival foods! Leo the Magician performs on Sunday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 9: Great day for swimming and sun bathing at the pools. Join us in the Family Lodge at 6 p.m. for a potluck. July 16: Come on down to the Family Lodge for a BBQ Tri-Tip dinner and afterwards relax to the sounds of Kim & Aimee. July 23: Bring out those poodle skirts and bobby socks – The Corvairs will be here playing that good old rock and roll from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 30: Dinner and an outdoor movie – what more could you ask for?

BBQ Chicken Dinner at 6 p.m. and outdoor movie at the Pavillion with free popcorn at 7:30 p.m.

July 16 25th Annual Downtown Street Festival and Car Show Downtown Hollister hosts this event. For more information call (831) 636-8406 or visit www.downtownhollister.org.

Snowflower July 2: Wild Things Animal Show for all ages at 11 a.m. July 23: Wild Things Animal Show for all ages at 11 a.m.

and KidZone activities for children. Held in historic downtown Truckee on Donner Pass Road, just 25 miles from the preserve. For information call (530) 587-2757.

MAINE

Moody Beach July 1-4: Come celebrate our country’s Independence Day in all its glory. We will have evening entertainment with DJs, an incredible Beach Show and family fun Game Show. Fireworks from three nearby towns can be enjoyed from the beautiful local beaches. July 9-10: It’s Prom Weekend here at Moody Beach so get out your puffy gowns and tuxes to relive that magical night, complete with musical entertainment. Take time to visit the Summer Solstice Craft Show – this is a can’t miss fair. July 15: Christmas in July includes visit

by Santa and maybe a surprise for those on the naughty list! July 23: Find your poodle skirts and slick back your hair because the time machine will take you back to the 50s! Dick Geneva will be here playing your old favorites. July 30: It’s National Clown Weekend and time to clown around with us. Lots of fun activities and a special performance by Jumbo the Clown - you gotta see it!

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Rancho Oso

MASSACHUSETTS Gateway to Cape Cod

July 16: Prom Night Weekend: Relive that special night. Dress to Impress! Tiedye in the afternoon, plus evening entertainment. July 23: Christmas in July Weekend: Contest for site decorations with cool prizes. Make an ornament at Arts & Crafts. Evening entertainment. July 30: Western Weekend: Gather your Western gear and enjoy pony rides, clowns and face painters, plus evening entertainment.

July 9 The Heritage Auto Show Held at Parade Field at Heritage Museum and Gardens, this is an all-inclusive auto event that highlights antique and classic automobiles and a special display of motorcycles. Registered vehicles will compete for awards. For information call (508) 8883300.

NEW JERSEY Lake & Shore

Every Saturday, beginning June 24, we’ll have a Pool Party and evening entertainment. July 1-4: Independence Day Weekend. July 8-10: Extreme Sports Weekend. July 15-17: “You Know You’re a Redneck If…” Weekend.

July 22-24: Christmas in July: Decorate a Christmas Tree, sit on Santa’s lap and enjoy Christmas activities.

Throughout July Truckee Thursdays

NORTH CAROLINA

Every Thursday, beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy a street festival with live entertainment, beer garden, local artists, unique gifts

July 1-3: Blood Drive and Independence Day: Begin this Independence Weekend by giving the gift of life, blood. Make this year’s blood drive the

Lake Gaston

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

best yet! Next, get in the red, white, and blue spirit. There are lots of activities planned all weekend including the holiday cornhole tournament. Arts, crafts, site decorating, bike/golf cart parade, decorations and TWO nights of entertainment. July 29-31: Annual Miss Lake Gaston Pageant: Guys gather your beauty supplies and best outfits. Make this the best year yet, the more participants the more fun. Throughout the day, we will have pre-pageant activities. Pageant will take place at the evening dance. Bring a friend and prepare to have a most enjoyable time.

July 2 Lake Gaston Fireworks Celebration Held at Eaton’s Ferry Bridge (Highway 903, Littleton), event offers beautiful fireworks, viewed by boat or by car, reflecting off the beautiful waters of Lake Gaston.

OHIO

Kenisee Lake July 1-4: Independence Day Weekend features decorated golf cart and bike parade, plus golf cart races and our famous Kenisee Lake Steak Fry Dinner.

July 9-11: 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament. July 15-17: Everything Chocolate Weekend. July 22-24: Christmas in July. July 29-31: Beach Party weekend features water-balloon toss, hula-hoop contest and water volleyball.

July 23-24 Ashtabula County Fair Located at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds, just 3 miles from the preserve, event includes a Cowboy Mounted Shooting by Lake Erie Mounted Vaqueros – a Celebration of the Cowboy and the Old West. For information call (440) 474-9801.

Wilmington July 2-4: We will be having water games, slip ‘n slide, water balloon fights, crafts and decorating our golf carts and bikes and awards for the best one. The Six Pac Band will be playing all of your favorites. On Sunday enjoy a pancake breakfast. July 9-10: Try your hand at Ohio trivia – so get out the books and start studying. July 16-17: Flashback to the 60s – remember bellbottom pants, rock and roll - who could forget those days. We will have a Best Dressed 60s outfit, Beatles trivia, and a 60s movie out on the big screen. July 30-31: Why should Christmas only come once a year? Brig your Christmas lights up from the basement for Christmas in July! Best-decorated camper wins a prize.

July 9-17 Clinton County Fair Held at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, just 5 miles from the preserve, event includes fair food, quilts, and fun activities.

OREGON

Bend/Sunriver July 16-22: Pickleball Mania: Fun and friendly competitions, singles or doubles!

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July 9 Sisters’ Outdoor Quilt Show Held in Downtown Sisters, this is the largest outdoor quilt show in America. The 36th annual event will feature 1,000 quilts on display, plus classes, textile demonstrations, art, quilting exhibit, music and food. Event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information call (541) 549-0989

Pacific City July 2: Carney & Grillin’ By the Sea, plus carnival booths & Scott Davis balloon artist and BBQ. July 9: Fiesta Fun includes Mexi-salsa burgers, piñata burst and salsa, bean dip, cheese dip and chili cookoff contest. July 16: Polynesian Daze includes pineapple pancakes, teriyaki pineapple burgers, hunt for hidden pineapples, lei craft and pin the parrot in the palm tree. Enjoy Ernie Kropf family singing and karaoke. July 22-24: Calling all TT singles...Rally at Pacific City. July 23: Harry Potter Events includes find all the characters from the movies, mystery clues, make a wand craft and costume contest.

July 30: Cupcake Craze Daze includes scavenger hunt for hidden cupcakes, cupcake bakeoff contest, cupcake bingo, plus Rodeo Burgers at BBQ lunch.

Put your cowboy boots on and boot scoot boogie with The Rafters evening entertainment. Garibaldi Museum wine and cheese social.

Whalers Rest July 1-3: It’s Red, White and Blue Weekend at Whalers. Sunday we’ll have our 4th of July parade at noon. We will host an American Bingo Fun Night in our North Clubhouse with free prizes at 7 p.m. July 8-10: Rollin’ with the Tide will be bringing lots of fun. You can join in on the Beach and Park Cleanup.

Keep your eyes open for a jolly fellow in a red suit as we will be celebrating Christmas this weekend too! On Saturday we will be serving up Christmas Dinner at 5 p.m. in our North Clubhouse. Then stay for the Secret Santa Bingo at 7 p.m. July 15-17: Let your hair down this weekend at Whalers with the Hair’s the Thing Weekend. Saturday at 11 a.m. we’ll have a hair coloring station available for everyone. Then enjoy an Ice Cream Social at 2 p.m. along with the hair and mustache contest in our South Clubhouse. End your evening with great musical entertainment by Hal Weiner in our South Clubhouse. July 22-24: Whalers is Hoisting the Sail this weekend – join in the raft racing on Saturday at 2 p.m. Then join us for dinner at 5 p.m. in the North Clubhouse. After dinner, head on over to the South Clubhouse for great entertainment with Nehemiah Brown. July 29-30: Stone Age Weekend has us traveling back in time. Our famous Caveman Party is Saturday night at 7 p.m. in our South Clubhouse. We will be having lots of crazy games and prizes for all ages. Grab your club and join us for yabadaba great time.

July 2 Newport Clambake and Seafood BBQ This family event includes food, horse drawn wagon rides, art, activities, arts, crafts and live music. Held at Nye Beach Turnaround, just 10 minutes from the preserve, event has free admission. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PENNSYLVANIA PA Dutch

Colorado River July 15-17 Easyriders Rodeo Tour Major annual motorcycle event includes racing and show bikes, plus vendors, food booths and live entertainment. Held at the Colorado County Fairgrounds, just 4 miles from the preserve. For information call (800) 962-9857.

Scotrun July 16: Saturday evening we will have our Tarot Card Reader to tell your fortune from 8 to 11 p.m. See what the cards have in store! Plus, DJ Dance Party in the Rec. Hall. July 23: It’s our Pajama Party so wear your jammies and watch the hypnotist put some guests in the spotlight. Lots of fun and laughs – 9 p.m. in the Rec. Hall. July 30: Splish Splash: From 5 to 9 p.m. we will have a poolside DJ. At 6 p.m. watch for our Hula Dancer. Show her your moves as she goes around the pools.

July 16-17 Poconos Wurst Festival Polish and German cultures are celebrated with delicious foods, beverages, live music with Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra.

Located at Shawnee Mountain, just 15 miles from the preserve.

For information or tickets call (570) 421-7231. Hours are Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 6 p.m.

TENNESSEE Natchez Trace

July 2: Events include Kids’ Crafts at 10 a.m., Patriotic golf cart parade and hayride at 12 p.m., Gates open for the Independence Day celebration at 3 p.m. which includes a carnival on the beach, novelty items, food concessions, rides and live music at the Red Barn and Beach area. Spectacular fireworks display at dusk. July 9: Volleyball at the Beach at 6:30 p.m. followed by Casino Night at 7 p.m. July 16: Wild West Show at the Amphitheatre, 7 p.m. July 23: Christmas in July weekend includes Christmas Dinner served from 4-6 p.m. and Christmas Party at the Town Hall at 7 p.m. July 30: Crazy Camper Weekend includes breakfast at the Trading Post at 8 a.m., Kids’ Crafts at the Town Hall at 10 a.m., Member Coffee Social at 11 a.m., Crazy Camper Games at 2 p.m., Supper at Town Hall served from 4 to 6 p.m. and more Crazy Camper Games at 7 p.m.

TEXAS

Bay Landing July 1-4: It’s patriotic time again at Bay Landing! Decorate your bike, tricycle, golf carts, strollers, etc. We supply the red, white and blue! All the games will leave you soaked, yoked, and smelling like a banana! The FANTASTIC

Lake Conroe

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Wednesdays in July: Dance Lessons with Joan. July 1-4: Happy Birthday America Weekend includes Friday night Bingo in the Barn, Saturday crafts, and a July 4th Bike/Stroller Parade, plus slip ‘n slide, twilight wagon ride.

Sunday Pool Party with DJ Steve and adult swim only from 7 to 9 p.m. July 8-10: Chili Cookoff Weekend includes Friday night Bingo in the Barn, Saturday crafts, wagon ride and our 3rd annual Chili Cookoff. July 15-17: NASCAR weekend includes Friday night Bingo in the Barn, Saturday crafts, wagon ride, NASCAR Box Car Parade and NASCAR trivia. July 22-24: Christmas in July includes Friday night Bingo in the Barn, Saturday crafts, site decorating contest, wagon ride, Meet Santa, Christmas Potluck Dinner (we provide the turkey, you provides the sides). July 29-31: Chinese New Year Weekend includes Friday night Bingo in the Barn, Hyssongs group in the Activity Center, plus Saturday crafts, wagon ride and fortune telling.

FIREWORKS will be at Beachview and dancing under the stars with T-Bone Road until midnight. Be ready to have a FUN weekend. July 22-24: Beach Bum Days/Regatta: It’s Cardboard Boat Regatta Time! Get ready to get the sand between your toes while you’re building your sandcastles. Launch your man-sized boat, weather permitting, at BV or in the pool. Gotta have a volleyball game for those who are ready to get under the water! Lots of fun and games!

July 2: Independence Day Weekend/Happy July Birthdays: Show off your patriotic pride in our patriotic golf cart and bike parade. We’ll have a family softball game and play volleyball at the lake, plus balloon animals and face painting for the kids, a dunking booth for dunking the Manager, and a Smash-It vehicle for showing off those muscles. Don’t forget birthday cake to celebrate July birthdays. July 9: Shop at your Site (aka Garage Sale) Weekend: Bring those items you don’t need any longer and plan to sell them at your site on Saturday. We’ll play White Elephant Bingo (conceal your items in bags) in the AC, and later play Card Bingo. July 16: Family Feud Weekend: Sign up your family up in the AC to play in our annual Family Feud game. Golf Cart games will be held this week so come for some good family fun. July 23: Christmas in July Weekend: Don’t forget to be nice...not naughty! The kids will work on a snowman craft and later sno-cones and banana splits will be available for cooling off. July 30: Summer’s in Full Swing Weekend: Enjoy a pool party complete with hot dogs and cool, tropical (non-alcoholic) drinks.

We’ll also have sno-cones in every flavor – so come join us!

Lake Tawakoni July 2-4: Breakfast served in the Armadillo Café and activities at the Family Center on Saturday. Sunday is breakfast in the Armadillo Café, Fish Fry and Trey Houston entertains. Monday events include activities in the Family Center.

July 1-4 First Monday Trade Days Held at the Canton, Texas Fairgrounds, just 3 miles from the preserve this event is one of the world’s largest trade days.

Lake Texoma July 2-4: Celebrate America with a patriotic parade, an obstacle course for family, fireworks galore and entertainment by Tony Garcia on Friday and Sean Franks on Saturday. July 9-10: Pets are on Parade as they “strut” their stuff with owners in tow. They will exhibit their agility and win prizes at pet bingo.

Laughter and fun abounds during the pet/owner relay races. July 16-17: All Sports Day will test your skills through “bait casting”, basketball free throws, pickleball games and pool races. July 23-24: Let’s get it on in our annual JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Staff vs. Members competitions. Get warmed up and ready to score the most points in kickball, 8-ball pool, ladder golf, pickleball challenges games. Don’t forget the crowd-pleasing golf cart obstacle race.

Bailey’s Berry Patch Pick your own blueberries and blackberries. Blueberries are as big as marbles and blackberries are big too! Located at 905 Crawford Road, near Sadler, off FM 901, about 11 miles from the preserve.

For information call (903) 564-6228.

Lake Whitney July 2: Independence Day Celebration: Start the day with breakfast, plus outdoor activities, and a fireworks show at dusk. July 9: Outside Fun Weekend: July 16: Reno Weekend. July 23: Golf Cart Weekend. July 30: Indian Pow Wow.

SOUTH CAROLINA Carolina Landing

July 1: Bluegrass and Barbeque Festival, featuring Cane Creek on Friday night. Come enjoy some of the best slow-cooked pork in the south while enjoying the sounds of Cane Creek, one of the area’s top bluegrass bands.

July 2: Annual fireworks and laser show over Lake Hartwell. Enjoy the fireworks and music from your boat or the shore. Special effects and laser lights are sure to be a crowd pleaser!

VIRGINIA Harbor View

Throughout July: Potluck/Hobo Stew every other Saturday at 5 p.m.

July 30: Last Saturday of the Month Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Throughout July Caledon Natural Area-Eagle Tours Seasonal and natural area for wildlife enthusiasts at Oak Grove, just 12 miles from the preserve. For information call (540) 6633861.

WASHINGTON Birch Bay

July 16: A PIXAR group evening beginning at 7 p.m.

July 12-16 Blaine Jazz Festival Six exciting days of rehearsals, combos, improv, composition, and other great classes for teens with an internationally recognized faculty culminating in a jazz concert featuring student big bands, combos, and vocal groups, plus multiple performances by visiting jazz artists. Sponsored by the Pacific Arts Association. Event will also feature works of local artists and artisans with free jazz concerts all afternoon. For more information call the Visitors Center at (360) 332-6484.

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Chehalis July 1-4: Salute America! Family craft includes Red, White and Blue tie-dying event. Bring your bikes and decorate them to enter our Best Dressed Bike contest – winners will lead our annual 4th of July parade led by the Lewis County Fire Department. Decorate your campsite for our 2nd annual Most Patriotic Campsite contest. Norm Lynn will provide evening entertainment on Saturday and on Sunday we have fun & interactive entertainment with Music by Kathy. July 8-10: Bicycle Weekend (STP Weekend) as we again host some 10,000 riders of the annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Ride. Bring your bikes for racing, relays all weekend and our own RTP bicycle run (that’s “round the park”). Join us for a delicious spaghetti feed Saturday night and pancake breakfast on Sunday. Space for riders still available so make your reservations now – call (360) 262-9489. July 15-17: It’s a tropical paradise at Chehalis or “Comonawanaplae” at our luau. Make leis and grass skirts, enjoy a Polynesian-style potluck and our mixed (non-alcoholic) drinks made by our own Medicine Man. Stick around for a wild evening of games like Blind Limbo and Hula competitions and a wacky costume contest. July 22-24: Medieval Weekend: Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies - come one, come all and join us on Saturday night as Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth and Peter return to entertain young and old alike. Also Shire of the Fire Mountain Keep will be here in full period costume regaling us with Bardic-style music, a duel tournament and more. July 29-31: Pet Weekend features Lewis County Animal Shelter as our guests. They will have companion animals available for adoption. Family craft time is time to make something in honor of your best friend. Don’t forget to enter your pet in our 5th annual Pet Show and Parade with categories that include Best Friend, Best Kisser, Moose & Mouse and Dumbest Trick.

Grandy Creek July 1-3: Stars and Stripes/4th of July Weekend: Get ready to celebrate the 4th of July at Grandy Creek as we will be outside soaking up the sun with lots of fun games, music, tie-dye, and a campground potluck. We will be having a blast until the sun goes down. But it won’t stop there – we will finish it off with a movie on the lawn. Don’t forget your sunscreen. July 15-17: Under the Big Top Circus Weekend: Come clown around during our carnival games, face painting, and clown look-alike contest. Make your own circus pretzel.

The dogs in the park can show off their tricks at our dog circus. Join us on the lawn to watch “A Bugs Life”. July 22-24: Go Green Eco-Friendly Weekend: Help us save our planet one camper at a time. Have fun with eco-friendly crafts and activities. Take a hike and enjoy nature and what make the Earth such an amazing place. We want to make our planet beautiful – we could use your help. July 29-31: Blast to the Past Weekend: Take a journey back in time at Grandy Creek. Dress up in the style of the past and come to our Disco Party. We will test how well you know your decades with a trivia game. Come out to the lawn and watch “Grease” and bring your favorite snacks. Don’t miss this rewind in time!

June 30-July 4 Loggerrodeo Sponsored by the Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, event features parade, woodcarving competition, bands, food, rodeo and fireworks. Just 15 miles from the preserve.

Paradise

July 1: Amy Hindman performs at the Friday Night Hayride and Campfire.

July 2: Dance the night away with our favorite DJ, Charlie Moore. July 15: Amy Hindman performs at the Friday Night Hayride and Campfire. July 16: Come play Monopoly or your favorite board game with Pam and Sarah in the Family Center. July 21-Aug. 1: Canoe Journeys will be happening in La Conner and the Reservation. Watch the races, enjoy the storytellers and taste all the great food. July 29: Amy Hindman performs at the Friday Night Hayride and Campfire July 30: Mike’s Aliens Invade La Conner! We are having an extra-terrestrial weekend with outside movies, best alien costumes and lots more.

July 2-3: Saturday Breakfast ($). Decorate you Rig/Tent. “Carnival Celebration” with Sack races, horse races, kiddies fishing pool, more games, face painting, Cotton Candy, Snow Cones, Hot dogs & Hamburgers, Raffle for a ?. Must be present. Evening entertainment will be “The Hired Hands” best country music around. How many instruments will they play? Ya’ll come and shake a leg. Sunday Breakfast ($). Kids Activities with Heather. Lunch is on the grill ($). Hay rides, Ice cream Social with Manager’s Special ice cream.

Monday is Breakfast ($), Activity Time, Bingo, and hayrides. July 8-10: Friday Breakfast ($). 1:00 p.m. movie on the big screen, “HOOK” with popcorn & juice. Hay ride, keep your eyes open, Mate, for today’s furry creature. Saturday is Breakfast ($). Join Heather for a pirates hunt. Lunch is on the grill ($).

Pirates hat served with your ice cream. Limited ($). Evening entertainment with our own “Paradise DJ” Great music! Sunday is Breakfast ($), plus kids activities, hayrides, July 15-17: Friday Breakfast ($), plus Paddleboat Races around Honey Moon Island. “Splash Time” with Heather and Team Pictionary!

Saturday Breakfast ($), plus Bean Bag Baseball, Crafter’s Sale, Lunch on the Grill ($), and Dinner which includes Pork Loin, Potatoes, Veggies, Home Baked Bread & Dessert for $7. Horse Racing at night with “Cascade Sams” for adults.

Kids Movie night on the Big Screen with popcorn & Juice. Breakfast ($), plus kids activities with Heather and hayrides. July 22-24: Friday Breakfast ($), plus kids activities, Bingo, and hayrides. Saturday Breakfast ($), plus Hobo Search, Crafter’s Sale, Lunch on the grill ($), Ice Cream served in a engineer’s hat & a whistle ($) Limited, hayrides, and dinner of Hobo Stew, Home Baked Bread & Dessert for $5. Campfire Sing-a-long with Marcia in the evening.

Sunday includes Breakfast ($), plus Activity Time, and hayrides. July 29-31: Friday Breakfast ($), plus Activity time, Bingo, hayrides. Saturday Breakfast & Lunch ($), Crafter’s Sale, hayrides and Adults “Casino Night!” Come win prizes.

Kids Movie Night on the big screen, with popcorn and juice. Sunday Breakfast ($), Activity Time, and hayrides.

July 3-4 La Conner 4th of July Events Events include parade on Sunday, beginning at 12:30 followed by community picnic and games for kids in Pioneer Park from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Fireworks over the Swinomish Channel start at 10 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day with the whole family.

Little Diamond July 8-9: Civil War Weekend is Back! Enjoy the cavalry, infantry, hospital and artillery corps who will take you back in time with songs, stories, and demonstrations. Wander through the tents and see real life period camps of the Blue and Grey before the battle between the states. July 16: “Kick up your Heels” with the Jacks and Jennys Square Dance Club at the Family Lodge at 7 p.m. They’ll show you how to swing your partner will all the latest moves.

Refreshments will be served.

Long Beach July 2-4 4th of July Celebration Double the Independence Day celebrating with not one, but two, fireworks shows. It all starts on July 2 when fireworks light up the sky over the Ilwaco Marina. Experience an old-fashioned 4th of July Grand Parade at nearby Ocean Park. Then an even larger fireworks display lights up the sky over the ocean at Long Beach.

Sponsored by the City of Long Beach and City of Ocean Park. Both events are less than 15 miles from the preserve.

Mount Vernon July 1-4: Friday is Canada Day and TGIF Seafood Dinner. Saturday is Pirate’s Day with theme dinner. Sunday and Monday are Red, White and Blue Days with lots of games and crafts, plus dinner. July 9: Build a racecar, race and win prizes in the OASIS, plus dinner. July 16: Reptile Man performs, plus dinner. July 23: Sock Hop with Norm Lynn, plus dinner. July 30: Sports Party with Rowdy Referees, plus theme dinner.

Oceana July 3-4: Sunday events include RV Decorating Contest with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, plus Kids’ Bicycle Decorating Contest, plus BBQ Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Chips. Monday includes Fire O’er the Water Show, which can be seen from the preserve.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

La Conner

July 2-3 Fourth of July Weekend Free Wine Tasting At Wells Winery, just 10 miles from the preserve, featuring natural fruit and berry wine without added sulfites. Bring coupon from the preserve and receive 10 percent off. For information call (360) 978-6254.

Thunderbird July 2-4: Luau Weekend features festive games, BBQ, karaoke, exotic bird display, scavenger hunt and Monday breakfast. July 9-10: 50s Weekend with games, crafts and BBQ. July 16-17: Kids’ Carnival Weekend features carnival games and prizes, plus Kimmy’s Kloset famous clown on Saturday at 4:30. July 23-24: Christmas in July Weekend includes Saturday snowflake craft and Decorate your RV contest with prizes. Regular events throughout the month include Thursday Candy Bar Bingo and Water Balloon Toss, Friday X-Box games, root beer floats, Chat Card game and decorate your cupcake, Saturday breakfasts, Meet the Manager event, coloring contest and Candy Bar Bingo and Sunday is Sweet Rolls and Coffee, coloring contest, tie-dye class and Candy Bar Bingo.

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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© Paulburns | Dreamstime.com

Spotlight | Stress-Free Vacation

Vacation – noun (vey-key-shuhn): a period of suspension from work, study or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation or travel.

V

acations allow us to enjoy ourselves, step away from work and tell the stressors of everyday life to hold off for a bit. However, traveling with more than just yourself adds another element to the work-free week you’ve been daydreaming about for the past month: another opinion to consider, another person’s vacation on the line. What happens when you add children to the mix? Between telling your text messaging teen to drop the phone and trying to keep the 5-year-old’s attention for more than 15 minutes, it’s no wonder you come home feeling more exhausted than you did before you left.

Believe it or not, there are multiple ways to ensure a stressfree vacation for all members of the family. Consider the steps below and you may be surprised at how refreshed you and your entire family feel when you return to your daily routine.

Do your research – Prior to heading out the door,

be sure to research possible happenings in or around your destination. Many Chambers of Commerce keep a regularly updated schedule of events online and may have things you missed from a quick Google search session. Additionally, contact the preserve, property or location at which you

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

plan on staying to make sure you don’t miss out on any conveniently located happenings. Look up the property’s amenities and decide which things you’ll take advantage of during your stay.

Don’t over-plan – You may be on cloud nine after discovering everything that’s going on during your trip, but don’t forget taking time to breathe may be more important than booking that second museum tour. Try scheduling a couple of things per day, deciding if both events will fit as you go along. If everyone is having a great time at your first stop, hold off on the second planned event. Relax by the pool for the second half of the day or go for a family hike. Flexibility is key and bogging everyone down by overplanning can leave vacationers feeling exhausted by the third day of the trip.

Remember that this is a vacation for everyone – While you may have zero interest in

the College Football Hall of Fame, your 15-year-old son may be giddy with excitement about the possibility of visiting during your trip. Making sure you’re catering to everyone’s interests is vital to the trip’s success, particularly when it comes to certain family members who believe they’re too cool for a family vacation. Sit everyone down and find out what they’re most excited about doing while you’re away.

Some may surprise you by having similar answers, making you realize this trip may have more harmony than you initially thought. Make sure everyone going has a day or an event they’re excited about and breathe a sigh of relief.

Get everyone involved – After asking each traveler what he or she wants to do while on the trip, don’t let their involvement stop there. Younger children love to feel grown up by mimicking their parents, grandparents and other adults. Help them feel involved by letting them pack their own backpacks with things to keep them entertained during travel or down time. Books, toys, games, movies and other parts of their daily routine can help make a road trip more bearable for our less than patient travelers. Also, if you’re traveling with a larger group or multiple families, have each family bring a favorite recipe and assign a night for them to make dinner for the group. All family members can be involved in the process and everyone benefits from a great meal.

Utilize local resources – For many travelers, over-packing is an issue that comes up each time a trip is planned. In addition to all of the tips to help you fit nearly everything into your suitcase, stop and take a moment to think about items you can pick up once you’ve reached your destination. Food and drinks tend to be the easiest things to grab when you’ve arrived and it saves plenty of car space, giving you a chance to use coolers and other containers for different items. If you’re heading to a beach, save space by putting beach towels and deflated water toys into coolers. Traveling with an infant or young child? Look into baby equipment delivery services to save room and eliminate the stress of packing strollers, cribs or high chairs. Also, while you might have discovered this during your initial research, don’t forget to check out local bike rental shops if you’re hoping to go for a ride, so you can leave your wheels at home.

Decide how much of a vacation this vacation is really going to be – It’s 2011

and nearly all of us are wired in some way or another. We get it! Whether it be through an iPad, a Blackberry or a standard computer, Internet World Stats tells us that 77.3 percent of Americans use the Internet, keeping us connected to our jobs, friends and family wherever we have Internet access. While this presents us with numerous benefits every day, having a Facebook-crazed son, daughter or spouse may infringe upon valuable family time. Decide before you go which devices

will be welcome on the trip, and for how long. The same goes for work. If you’re completely separating yourself from technology, let your co-workers know so they know not to expect a response while you’re away. At the same time, if you plan on checking in here and there, make sure you follow through. Determining how many things you’re vacating during your trip before you actually leave can remove unnecessary stress, before and after the trip.

Enjoy yourself

– Getting caught up in the preparatory work for a trip isn’t hard to do. From looking up local restaurants, stores and activities to simply picking a destination, stressing out about your supposedly relaxing and fun-filled week can easily put a dark cloud over your head.

Don’t let it. If the wait is too long at a restaurant, take a deep breath and move on to the next one. Going into a family trip under the assumption that everything will flow seamlessly will only add stress when, and if, some of your plans change.

Enter the trip with the mindset that you’re going to enjoy yourself, and allow yourself to do so.

Keep these things in mind as you travel with your family and focus on the big picture: you’re all hoping to get away for a bit and come back with plenty of positive stories and memories. By delegating a healthy, not obsessive, amount of time and effort towards planning and organizing the trip, while keeping flexibility as the underlying factor, your entire family is sure to have a memorable vacation, regardless of whether a few family hiccups find a way to sneak in. ■

by Annie Colletti JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Exploring the Oregon Coast With RPI

“On the beach, you can live in bliss.” So said Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. While that famed musical group made harmonic delights about the fabled strands of Southern California, there are other beach areas celebrated for their rapturous qualities, as well. Several of these great beach towns are featured in this issue. One such locale is the Oregon Coast.

To carry the quotation theme a little further, author Anne Morrow Lindbergh once had this to say: “One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach; one can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.” That’s an apt way to describe one of the benefits of an RPI membership.

For RVers, the most beautiful “shells” along that Oregon Coast, and up into Washington State, are the RPI-related resorts that dot the region. But with RPI, whether it’s the beach, the mountains or the desert, your selection and variety of great places to hook up and relax is phenomenal.

Look at the opportunities that RPI membership provides you on the Oregon Coast, an areas that’s often called the “American Riviera.”

• • • • • •

Seaside - Seaside Resort Rockaway Beach - Paradise Cove & Marina Neskowin - Neskowin Creek Resort Lincoln City - Chinook Bend Resort Newport South Beach - Whalers Rest Resort Florence - South Jetty Resort

And if you continue driving over the Columbia River to Long Beach, Washington – home to the world’s longest white sand beach – there are several more RPI parks, such as Eagles Nest and Pacific Holiday.

But back to the Oregon Coast. This pristine stretch of beauty along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (US Highway 101) is rife with rugged cliffs and smooth sand dunes.

Those spectacular beaches are full of great fishing, crabbing and clamming. There is practically every kind of water sport, along with golfing, wildlife refuges and bird watching, and hiking and biking through old-growth forests that provide breathtaking views of the ocean. You can ride horses or charter boats. Even more, there are the aquariums, art galleries, theaters and festivals that give this region its unique appeal and feel. Not to mention the fascinating lighthouses up and down the highway, as well as hundreds of parks.

And don’t forget the wine! The Oregon Coast makes for a great “theme” vacation with its array of charming wineries. Local wineries – picturesque and mostly family-owned like Shallon Winery, Nehalem Bay and The Flying Dutchman – line Highway 101, and produce and bottle their products but do not feature vineyards, since grapes can’t grow in the coastal climate.

Speaking of that climate … summer temperatures along the Coast are in the comfortable 60-70s during the day and high-50s at night.

The RPI resorts here are perfectly situated for optimal experience.

Take Neskowin Creek RV Resort, a short walk from the beautiful coastline. It has its own catch and release fishing in the Creek that runs through the property and features large, full-service, pull-thru sites with cable TV, a log-cabin-style clubhouse, sizable indoor swimming pool, tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes and playground.

A short drive north finds Nestucca Bay, excellent for non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. Nearby is the Cascade Head Trail that

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

America!

ENJOY

“America’s Finest Discount Camping”

takes you through wonderful stands of spruce and views of the ocean.

Golf is also popular in Neskowin – the village has two enjoyable nine-hole courses. The dazzling ocean coastline provides the backdrop for fairways, which are set among marshlands and verdant pastures. Several other 18-hole courses are located north and south of Neskowin.

Then there’s Chinook Bend Resort and Marina in Lincoln City. Nestled on the banks of the Siletz River, it’s famous for remarkable salmon and steelhead fishing. Chinook Bend also features its own nine-hole pitch and chip golf course. The nearby town is a hotbed of summer fun, as well.

Lincoln City beaches are usually canopied by colorful kites at this time of year, since it’s known as the Kite Capital of the World. Plus, there are great restaurants – with an emphasis on fantastic fresh fish – and the large casino that attracts an array of first-class entertainers.

Rio RV Park Brownsville, Texas

Located at the tropical tip of Texas, Rio RV Park, in Brownsville, enjoys comfortable weather yearround. Join the fun of seasonal activities in a friendly environment. Guests at the resort can enjoy free Mexico daytrips that include shopping and dining, plus beach parties, bingo, dancing, and seasonal professional entertainment. Other amenities include heated swimming pool and spa, cable TV, laundry, game room, gym, and activity center.

Proximity to the Rio Grande Valley, South Padre Island and the fabulous Texas Gulf Coast make Rio RV Park the perfect spot to check in while you enjoy the surrounding areas. “Don’t miss” highlights include historic Brownsville, Gladys Porter Zoo, and Santa Ana Wildlife National Refuge.

For more information on this great resort, visit www. riorvpark.com

Again, if you want to experience the beauty, the fun and splendor of “The Beach”, it’s all there as a member of RPI. That’s also true at most of the other wonderful, captivating places in America. RPI will give you a comfortable home base anywhere you want to go.

Not an RPI Member?

Join Now for Only $79

Call 1-800-635-8498 for information You must be a NACO, LTR or Mid-Atlantic member to qualify for this offer.

© Tom Dowd | Dreamstime.com

If you haven’t joined yet, call (800) 456-7774.

Rio RV Park offers day trips to enjoy shopping in Mexico.

Not an rica!

Enjoy Ame e Memb r? for Only Join Now $39.95 -6569 1-888-643

America!

Y ENJO

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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14

great beach towns

Life’s a Beach — and More — at These 14 Top Beach Towns

by Lynn & Cele Seldon Way back when well our master plan Was havin’ fun fun fun as America’s band Well we came out rockin’ with Rhonda and Barbara Ann Singin’ of surf and sand

The Beach Boys, “Summer in Paradise”

T

here’s simply something about beaches that makes them feel like a bit of paradise on earth.

The surf, the sand, the shells, and the sun are all soothing to the soul. The same could be said for top beach towns, where the paradise-like beach vibe continues with friendly people, super shopping (for shells, beach bric-a-brac, and more), fresh seafood, and much more await.

From the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico and out to the Pacific Ocean, great beach communities abound in America, making it easy to sing their praises—even if it’s not in perfect harmony like The Beach Boys. Of course, top beach towns have to have a beautiful beach nearby.

“This past year’s winner [Cooper Beach] is a great example of the idyllic connection between a beach and a beach town [Southampton],” says Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a. “Dr. Beach”), whose “America’s Best Beaches” work and more has chronicled the best Atlantic, Gulf Coast, and Pacific beaches for 20 years (he’s adding Great Lakes beaches this summer). “It’s great when you can walk or bike from a great beach to a great beach town.”

Dr. Leatherman uses 50 criteria when it comes to ranking top beaches, including beach width, sand quality, water temperature, sunny days, swimming conditions, wildlife, bugs, cleanliness, lifeguards, and many more.

With so much United States coastline (we saved some great Canadian and Mexican beach towns for later), choosing a dozen top beach towns is a difficult task.

We went for geographical and sheer vibe variety and realize that many top beach towns couldn’t be included.

Here’s our top 14, plus a few more we couldn’t help mentioning: 22

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Popular waterfront restaurants in Bar Harbor © Natalia Bratslavsky | Dreamstime.com

Downtown Bar Harbor shops, Bar Harbor, Maine Photo courtesy of the Maine Office of Tourism

Bar Harbor, Maine

1

Located on Mount Desert Island (Maine’s largest) off the rocky coastline, Bar Harbor on Frenchman Bay became famous decades ago as a Down East “summer colony” for artists and other visitors.

It’s still famous thanks to a cute town that welcomes tourists with only-in-Maine shopping, dining (including local “lobstah” in-season), and history along Main Street, Mount Desert Street, and more. Bar Harbor Whale Museum is a big indoors draw, while nearby Acadia National Park is an outdoors lure (including miles of old carriage trails now ideal for biking and hiking). The island’s carbonate Sand Beach (broken up shells and sea creatures) features rock walls on each side and a stunning southern sun exposure—warming the frigid seas at least a little bit.

Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine Photo courtesy of the Maine Office of Tourism JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Cape Cod, Massachusetts

2

Generally referred to as “The Cape” and located in the far eastern part of Massachusetts and reaching far out into the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod features a number of classic northeast U.S. beach towns— and beaches. Part of the first-reached Upper Cape, famed Falmouth is known as the home of researchdriven Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and actually has many villages, including Woods Hole, East Falmouth, Falmouth Village, and more. The location of beloved Kalmus Beach in Hyannis, the Mid-Cape area is home to beautiful beaches all along Nantucket Sound, as well as world-class windsurfing. The Lower Cape includes sprawling Cape Cod National Seashore and perhaps some of America’s most famous beaches—like Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach—and many nearby oh-so-Cape Cod beach towns. Situated in Nantucket Sound, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket remain classic Cape Cod islands.

Chatham Light Beach, Chatham, MA Photo by William DeSousa-Mauk

Southampton, New York

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Situated on the south shore fork of Long Island, Southampton’s Cooper Beach is the reigning national winner of Dr. Leatherman’s “Best Beach in America” award. He says some of the best beach access in the Hamptons exists at Cooper Beach and that the beach itself is hundreds of yards wide and features large sand dunes of American beach grass (and many onlyin-the-Hamptons mansions). The historic Village of Southampton was originally settled in the mid-1600s and there are a number of historic buildings in the quiet hamlet. Main Beach in East Hampton — also included in Dr. Leatherman’s Top 10 for 2010 features a quaint beachside village worth exploring.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Long a favorite east coast getaway from spring to fall, the town of Rehoboth Beach is known as the “The Nation’s Summer Capital” due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. Rehoboth’s roots as a beach town go back to 1873 and the founding of the Rehoboth Beach Camp Meeting Association of the Methodist Episcopal Church (Rehoboth appears in the bible and generally means “place for all”). Today’s place has a great beach, a classic wooden boardwalk, and an array of shopping and dining options. Devoted craft beer fans make the pilgrimage to Dogfish Head Brewery’s original brewpub (also featuring great food) on bustling Rehoboth Avenue on the way to or from the beach.

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Victorian home, Cape May, NJ 24

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Photo courtesy of Cape May Magazine/ CapeMay.com

Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA Photo courtesy of MOTT/Kindra Clineff

Cape May, New Jersey

Dolles Saltwater Taffy, a cornerstone of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

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Welcoming beach town visitors since the 18th century, Victorian Cape May is generally recognized as American’s oldest seaside resort. With a collection of preserved Victorian homes second only to San Francisco, the entire beach town of Cape May is designated a National Historic Landmark. Classic beach town shops and restaurants line Washington Street Mall and elsewhere, while Sunset Beach is one of several classic beaches to head in search of “Cape May Diamonds”—clear quartz pebbles created by sand and water in the Delaware River. The Cape MayLewes Ferry provides a classic way to get to or from Cape May across the Delaware River from Lewes, Delaware.

While in and around Cape May or on the ferry, bird watching is renowned.

Sunset Beach, Cape May, NJ Photo courtesy of Cape May Magazine/ CapeMay.com JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Located on Virginia’s quiet Eastern Shore, the town of Chincoteague Island is famed as the gateway to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore (and some great beaches!). Made famous by the book Misty of Chincoteague, there are still wild horses out on Assateague Island. Quaint Chincoteague Island proper was recently ranked #1 in AOL Travel’s “America’s Best Beach Towns,” thanks to the area’s Main Street (which corralled horses gallop down every year in a famous round-up), a waterfowl museum, seafood and barbeque shacks, and more. Historic Assateague Light House is known for its redand-white “candy cane” striping.

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Penned wild ponies, Chincoteague, Virginia Photo by Lynn Seldon

Kiawah Island, South Carolina Photo courtesy of Charleston Area CVB

▲

Lighthouse, Assateague Island, Virginia © Ptphotos | Dreamstime.com

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Ocracoke, North Carolina

Reached only by ferry (which welcome RVs!), the town of Ocracoke is a quintessential Outer Banks beach town.

Everything’s within walking distance and miles of protected beaches like Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach (which was Dr. Leatherman’s top beach in 2007) are nearby. Ocracoke Island’s beaches are part of 75-mile Cape Hatteras National Seashore (the nation’s first). Along with classic beach town eating and shopping (including excellent art galleries), the harborfront village of Ocracoke also features Ocracoke Island Lighthouse and the Ocracoke Island Museum and Preservation Society. Live music is quite popular in town and several local musicians performed in the feature film, “Nights in Rodanthe.”

7 Photos above: ▲ RV disembarking the Ocracoke-Cedar Island Ferry Sign for island amenities and attractions Pristine beach on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina Photos by Lynn Seldon

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

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Located near Charleston, Kiawah Island is typical of many island towns in South Carolina, with wide beaches, world-class golf and tennis, seafood-focused restaurants, and much more. But it’s the island’s Beachwalker Park on the southern end of the island that also draws beach-lovers. Ranked #8 in 2010 by Dr. Leatherman, he recommends the interpretative tours that focus on island flora and fauna, as well as kayaking, biking (even on the beach!), and birdwatching. The 11-mile beach also features a boardwalk though the unspoiled landscape. West Beach Village (the island’s original town), East Beach Village, and The Village at Turtle Beach are all modern takes on classic beach towns.

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Siesta Key, Florida

Siesta Beach on Siesta Key near Sarasota ranked number two in Dr. Leatherman’s 2010 list, thanks to “some of the whitest, finest sand in the world.” A Harvard study found the beach’s sugary sand was 99% quartz. The protected crescent-shaped beach has excellent access for visitors. The cute town and eightmile-long island was originally named Sarasota Key before it was changed to Siesta Key in the early-1900s. Fresh seafood is found at many island restaurants and the beach village vibe is one of Florida’s best (and that’s saying something in a state packed with beach towns).

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Photo right: Siesta Key - Beach Sandcastle Below: Beachgoers lounging as the sun sets.

Photos courtesy of www.sarasotafl.org

Grayton Beach, Florida

The historic village of Grayton Beach is a great introduction to the Panhandle’s plethora of top beach towns. Created in 1967, nearby Grayton Beach State Recreation Area is protected—and perfect for a variety of quiet water- and beach-oriented activities (including shimmering Western Lake and an excellent hiking trail through the dunes and coastal landscape). The beach was Dr. Leatherman’s top pick back in 1994.

No visit is complete without a drink or meal at the famed Red Bar. Nearby Seaside is also worth a visit, in that it’s a modern beach village developed in a classic and colorful way.

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Seascape at Pacific Grove ©iStockPhoto.com/Alan Tobey

Pacific Grove, California

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Ideally situated between Monterey and Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove—like Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach—also has roots with a religious group seeking a peaceful retreat. Modeled on Ocean Grove, New Jersey, and Lake Chautauqua, New York, a group of Methodists founded Pacific Grove in 1875. John Steinbeck lived in a Pacific Grove cottage for many years and there are a plethora of Victorian-style houses in town. Other area highlights here have to include a beachfront main street not marred by development on the ocean side; peaceful Asilomar State Beach; Lovers Point Park; Point Pinos Lighthouse; Cannery Row; Monterey Bay Aquarium; and much more.

Gearhart, Oregon

Oregon’s craggy coastline features many classic beach towns awaiting discovery by those on the road. With streets featuring historic vacation homes like those found in East Coast beach towns, little Gearhart is a big hit with beach fans—and golfers, thanks to two dramatic layouts. Other highlights here have to include intimate restaurants and shops; Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (running right through Gearhart), area state parks (including Gearhart Ocean State Park and Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site), and one of the few beaches in Oregon where visitors are allowed to drive on the sand.

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Oregon Coast ©iStockPhoto.com/Aimin Tang JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Coronado, California

Of course, San Diego proper—four miles and another world away—is a big city. But the town around Coronado Island’s Coronado Beach has a small beach town feel to it in many ways, thanks to the downtown area the locals call “The Village” and lots of parks. Coronado Beach was #3 on Dr. Leatherman’s top ten beaches in 2010 and he praises the “lush subtropical vegetation, unique Mediterranean climate, and fine sparkling sand.” He also recommends visiting historic the Hotel del Coronado, which opened back in 1888. Coronado is connected to San Diego by a stunning bridge with views that make it a joy to cross in either direction.

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Photo top: Hotel del Coronado Coronado Beach, California Photos this page courtesy of San Diego CVB 30

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Poipu, Hawaii

The Aloha State is blessed with some of the nation’s finest beaches (with a total of ten ranked “top beach” by Dr. Leatherman over the years) and the town of Poipu on the island of Kauai offers one of the best. Poipu Beach was Dr. Leatherman’s top pick in 2001. Poipu means “crashing waves” in the Hawaiian dialect and it’s certainly fitting for this Hawaiian beach and beach town. Poipu Beach is actually a series of golden sand crescents—surfing (including lessons) and yoga on the beach make it ohso-Hawaii. The small town is quintessentially Hawaiian, with a laid-back and casual South Shore and lots of nearby outdoor-oriented options for visitors (including world-class golf).

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Of course, many other great beaches and beach towns exist along America’s coastline. Where there’s a beach, there’s often a great beach town awaiting discovery. A few other possibilities from AOL Travel’s “America’s Best Beach Towns” and elsewhere include: Lubec, Maine; Tybee Island, Georgia; St. Pete Beach, Florida; Rockport, Texas; Traverse City, Michigan (the Great Lakes have superb beaches and beach towns); Pismo Beach, California; and Hanelei Bay (Kauai), Hawaii—Dr. Leatherman’s 2009 top beach. ■

Poipu Beach ©iStockPhoto.com/kumakuma1216

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Lessons at a surfing school, Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii Photo by Lynn Seldon

r. Beach Knows Beaches — and Beach Towns Miami, Florida-based Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a.

“Dr. Beach”) loves beaches. His “America’s Best Beaches” rating system and rankings celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2010, with Coopers Beach taking top billing and several other beaches with great beach towns making it in the top ten (as has often been the case over the years). Dr. Leatherman will begin ranking Great Lakes beaches in 2011. His website (www.drbeach.org) and helpful beach finder site www.beachfinder.org provide tips for visiting top beaches—and beach towns.

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 106 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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Call Today to Plan Your Beach Town Getaway

1-877-362-6736 Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be used with other promotional offers. Rates JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER 33 exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World.

Offer not valid on holidays and special events.

TURNING

UP THE

HEAT ALL ABOUT THE GRILL

BY KIM WUCHTER

I

F YOU ARE HOPING TO SPEND LESS TIME IN THE KITCHEN

and more time outdoors, a good portable grill might be your ticket to summer fun. Whether you’re camping, tailgating or picnicking, you can cook up quick and easy delicious meals – from hot dogs and burgers to salmon.

And, if you throw some veggies or fruit on the grill, you’ll have a complete meal without dirtying a single pot or pan.

If you feel your grilling skills are lacking, however, we’ve put together a review of basic grilling terms and tips to help you master the art! With the right technique and the right equipment, you can say goodbye to charred chicken and tough steak. Then, if you find you are in need of a grill upgrade, check out our review of the outstanding portable grills on the market.

GRILLING TERMS

In many barbecue cookbooks or recipes, you’ll come across the terms direct grilling and indirect grilling. It’s important to know what these terms mean. Direct grilling means that you place the foot directly over a live flame or bed of coals. This is best for smaller cuts of meat such as thin cuts of steaks or pieces of chicken.

Indirect grilling means you place the food close to the heat source, but not directly over it, and close the lid. The heat is less intense and usually it takes longer to cook. This slowcook method works best for large roasts or whole chickens.

Keeping in mind, however, cooking with indirect heat can be a challenge on a portable grill since you have less space to spread out the items.

GRILLING TIPS

By following a few basic guidelines, you can enjoy a great meal from your grill every time.

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CLEAN YOUR GRILL The bits of salmon or chicken that are stuck to your grill from last night’s dinner are not flavor enhancers. Always clean your grill with a stiff wire brush both before and after grilling, preferably while the grill is still warm. If you forgot to pack a wire brush, a scrunched up piece of aluminum foil works well

OIL THE GRATES To keep foods from sticking, grease your grate with oil rubbed on a paper towel before you start cooking. If you forget to bring oil, a trimmed piece of fat from steak or chicken held with tongs can be rubbed over your cooking grate.

GET IT HOT! Always preheat your grill according to the manufacturer’s directions. Generally it’s best to heat a grill to at least 375 degrees before cooking. Since most portable grills don’t have a temperature gauge, here’s a common chef’s trick: Hold your hand directly above the heat source and count slowly. If you can hold your hand for only two seconds, the fire is hot (about 450 degrees), 3 seconds is medium hot (about 400 degrees) and 4 seconds is medium (about 350 degrees).

For a charcoal grill, use a chimney starter. This odd-looking contraption looks like a big coffee tin with a handle and the inside is divided into two compartments. The benefit of a chimney starter is that it lets you start a good fire without using chemicals. After you light your coals it takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the coals to reach the right temperature.

THE RIGHT GEAR Make sure you have the right tools such as heavy duty oven mitts and long handled tongs or a spatula to turn the meat. Never pierce the meat with a fork because you will lose juices and the meat will be drier.

For shish-kebobs, look for skewers that are flat. With round skewers the food spins around when you turn them. As a result your food won’t be cooked evenly. Bamboo skewers should be soaked for 30 minutes ahead of time to prevent burning.

DON’T ABANDON YOUR POST A good chef never walks away from the grill. Flare-ups can burn your food and it’s easy to overcook or burn your meat if you are not paying close attention.

SAFETY Make sure you set your grill up on a fireproof surface and away from bushes and overhanging trees. For food safety, make sure you use an instant meat thermometer to test your food for doneness.

GIVE IT A REST After you take your steaks or chicken off the grill, cover it with foil and let it stand a few minutes before cutting. This allows the meat to relax and it will be juicier.

CHOOSING A GRILL

If your portable grill is as rusty as an old tin can, it might be time to upgrade. A good portable grill should cook food evenly and be easy to maintain and clean. Here are a few keys to consider as you shop around:

• Where will you be grilling - do you want a tabletop grill that you set up on a picnic table, or, would you rather have a grill that has legs to stand on its own?

• When buying a propane gas grill, look at the BTUs (British Thermal Units). This measurement refers to the heat output of a gas grill. Most large gas grills put out between 10,000 to 12,000 BTUs per burner, but portable gas grills require less BTUs since they heat a smaller area.

WHAT’S COOKING IN THE PORTABLE GRILL MARKET?

The WEBER Q 200 (pictured below) is a mid-size portable grill with excellent style and performance. It has 280 square inches of cooking space, and can easily accommodate 13 hamburgers or 24 brats. The unit weighs 35 pounds and features a porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate, push button ignition, removable catch pan and has a 12,000 BTU burner and two tuck-away side tables. The dimensions are 26” x 31.7” x 18.6”. The MSRP is $219

The Weber Q 100 is a little smaller with 189 square inches of cooking space and an 8,500 BTU burner. Its MSRP is $159.

For charcoal fans, check out the ever-popular Weber Smokey Joe. The Smokey Joe Gold retails for about $39 and features a 14-inch diameter cooking grate, which is perfect for cooking small meals for picnics or camping

For a great grill that doesn’t take up any room on the picnic table, take a look at the COLEMAN ROADTRIP LXE (pictured below). This propane grill can be set up and taken down in seconds with its cleverly designed folding stand. It has

• First, determine the type of grill you want -- propane, charcoal or infrared. Each one offers something different.

Propane grills are the most popular for their ease of use.

They light instantly and there is little to clean up afterward.

Charcoal grills give food a great smoky flavor, but they do require more effort to light and clean. Infrared grills are the newest in grill technology and they tend to cook food faster and use less propane, which can save you money.

• How many people will you be cooking for? Look at how big the cooking surface is - the bigger the grate the more food you can grill at one time.

• How much does the grill weigh? Is it compact? The answer to these questions will be important for campers and RVers who must load and unload their grill at each stop.

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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built-in tool holders and side tables and features fully adjustable 20,000 BTU burners with a cooking area of 285 square inches. Fully erected, the grill measures 46” x 18” x 35” but it folds to a compact size and can be transported easily with a pull handle and rugged wheels. MSRP is $179.99. The Roadtrip is also available in a tabletop model for $149.

The CAMPCHEF RAINIER (pictured left) is more than just a grill. It has a burner, too, so you are not limited to just grilling. Lightweight and easy to carry, the CampChef Rainier is a light-weight tabletop grill that’s the perfect size for when you want to grill about four steaks and cook up a pot of beans. The barbecue side has a non-stick aluminum grill with an elongated 8,000 BTU burner. The burner side has a 10,000 BTU burner. It also has a removable stainless steel drip tray for easy clean-up, a matchless ignition, and a convenient carry handle. The dimensions are 23.5” x 13” x 5.75” and it retails for $104.99.

For charcoal fans, the COBB GRILL (pictured below) is a unique cooking system based on an old method, straight out of Africa. The Cobb was initially designed for people in rural areas without access to electricity so they could cook in a safer environment, with less danger of out of control fires. The initial fuel source for the Cobb was dry corncobs, abundant in rural Africa, hence the grill’s name. The unit has been refined over and over, and the result is a small, eco-friendly, portable and incredibly efficient barbecue.

The fully stainless steel Cobb Premier Grill mimics the cooking process of a standard convection oven.

Moreover, the Cobb does more than just grill. It bakes, roasts, smokes and can also fry. The small, portable grill has a 114-inch square cooking grate, and is extremely light weight at only 9 pounds! The heavy-duty Cobb canvas travel bag allows for extra utensils, charcoal briquettes or anything you need to prepare a gourmet meal. Before leaving for an outing you can just toss 8 to 10 charcoal briquettes into the fire chamber of the grill, place the grill into the travel bag, zip it closed and you’re ready to go.

The Cobb’s unique construction prevents accidental burns. While the Cobb cooks food at up to 450 degrees on the inside, the safety base stays cool on the outside. The Cobb can be picked up or touched while cooking which is a great safety feature for boaters and peace of mind for campers. This unique safety feature is due to the built-in air pockets that shields heat in the stainless steel plastic base.

The Cobb Premier retails for about $139 and is available at www.cobbamerica.com and other retailers.

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INFRARED TECHNOLOGY

Infrared grills are one of the newest options for grill enthusiasts on the market. With this new technology, grills can reach temperatures up to 1,000 degrees, which is the temperature used at fine steakhouses. The flames are used to super heat a special ceramic block or metal sheet, which generates the radiant heat.

One of the advantages to infrared grills is that because they can heat up very quickly and cook food very quickly, you use less fuel, and thus save money on propane. Some critics, however, say that the extreme high heat is not ideal for grilling foods that require a lower setting.

Char-Broil recently introduced the GRILL2GO ICE, (pictured top right), a portable infrared grill and cooler combination that takes high performance grilling on the road. Char-Broil says its Grill2Go ICE was the first portable grill to offer an advanced infrared cooking system, which gives outdoor chefs a more flexible, professional experience

The portable infrared cooking system evenly heats the entire cooking surface and provides excellent searing capabilities. It features 290 square-inch porcelain-coated heavy duty cooking grates and grills up to three hours per one-pound LP cylinder. It comes with two 30-quart hard-lined, soft-sided coolers, which are removable and can store both hot and cold food. The rugged design and sturdy wheels easily conquer rough terrain and it measures only 22 inches high when collapsed for transport. The MSRP is $179.

Solaire makes two portable grills that use infrared technology – The SOLAIRE ANYWHERE and SOLAIRE EVERYWHERE (pictured bottom right). The company claims their infrared grills cut cooking time in half and that their portable infrared grills reach over 1,000 degrees for great searing and moisture retention, far exceeding the 600 or so degrees that most large backyard grills might attain. It’s the same temperature as a hot briquette fire, but without the starter fluid flavor, waiting time, messy cleanup and ash disposal.

The Solaire Anywhere measures 21” x 12” x 13” and weighs 18 pounds. It comes with a carry bag that fits three one-pound disposable propane canisters that fuel it for over 60 minutes each. Made from 20-gauge commercial grade stainless steel, it retails for $389. A marine grade stainless steel version is also available with an MSRP of $579.

A smaller version is the Solaire Everywhere, with dimensions of 21” x 8” x 13”, weighing 15-pounds. It is made from 24-gauge commercial grade stainless steel. The carrying bag is an optional accessory. MSRP is $299. Both grills have 155 square inches of cooking space and are available at retailers throughout North America and at Amazon.com. For a list of dealers to go www.solairegrills.com.

Don’t spend your summer toiling away in the kitchen over a hot stove – instead fire up the grill and take those culinary skills into the great outdoors. ■ JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Dolly Towing

By Steve Froese

Those of you who have read my previous articles have undoubtedly noticed that my family and I are motorhome fans. We prefer the space and luxury afforded by motorized units over riding in a towing vehicle. I have mentioned many times in my articles that

attractions in the motorhome. Although the parking tends to be more favorable, as it is usually very close to the entrance of the attraction, the cost of parking, as well as the fuel used to get there, has not been such an appealing feature. However, this is what we had become accustomed to doing, and we really didn’t give it much of a second thought. One of the positive aspects of this has been the ability to return to the RV for a meal, rest, or refresher in the middle of a long day.

As mentioned, I have wanted a towing solution for a long time, but I drive a Toyota Prius, so flat towing has never been an option for me. Although this article will touch on other methods of towing, I will focus on dolly towing.

There are many articles and reviews available on the topic of towing; flat towing in particular, but in many ways, dolly towing is a lost art. As will be examined in this article, there is actually a company that has “reinvented the wheel” when it comes to tow dollies.

for us, having the ability for family members to stretch out on the couch, switch seats, have a nap, watch the scenery from a high vantage point, play video games, or what-have-you is a wonderful way to combine the comforts of home with a family road trip or vacation.

The obvious downside to motorhomes is the absence of a commuter vehicle once the destination has been reached. This is a topic I have also discussed in previous articles. It is only recently that I have begun towing a vehicle behind the RV, as towing solutions were always cost prohibitive for me. My family and I make a trip to Southern California from our home in Vancouver, Canada at least once per year, and sometimes more frequently, and we take numerous short and weekend trips. In previous years, we have pulled into our favorite RV parks, hooked up, and set out the awning and lawn chairs to enjoy the afternoon and evening weather and leisure activities. In the mornings we have had to break camp, pack everything up and drive to the various 38

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Towing any kind of vehicle behind an RV requires a fairly significant outlay of money that is not always apparent at the outset. In the early days of dinghy towing, things were much simpler; simple tow dollies were more common, tow bars were simple welded A-frames, and supplemental braking requirements and systems were unheard of. Motorhomes were much smaller and tended to be both underpowered as well as under-designed, and diesels were rare, so towing was not common. I remember occasionally seeing a motorhome towing a Volkswagen beetle or similarly small vehicle with one of the aforementioned tow bars. Times have changed, and instead of simply bolting a tow bar to the front of a vehicle and removing the driveshaft, many things have to be taken into consideration before a “toad” is ready for the road.

Recreational vehicles are a very common sight along North America’s roads, highways, and interstates, and although it would be very difficult to identify whether

the majority of them are towed or motorized units, it is probably a safe bet to say that most motorized units travelling on long trips are towing a vehicle; at least this has been my observation. I have also noticed that almost all of these motorhomes were utilizing a tow bar, as opposed to a tow dolly, flat deck, or enclosed trailer. Because my toad of choice is not towable flat, dolly towing is my only option. If I had my choice of

towing solutions, I may have opted for a tow bar and flat towing at the outset, but dolly towing has not been the nightmare I was expecting it would be. On the contrary, there are some very positive factors that perhaps readers may not immediately think about when preparing to tow a vehicle.

The main advantages of tow bars are that they are relatively light, especially the aluminum models, and are easily stowed. Even though tow bars are convenient, they require that the vehicle is able to be towed four wheels down.

Although there are an increasing number of cars that can be towed this way, there are still a large number that can’t. Even among those that are towable, many require some form of modification, such as lube pumps and/or driveshaft disconnects.

the one vehicle can be towed, unless additional expense is added to purchase another tow bar bracket for another automobile, assuming the other car can also be towed flat.

Although tow bars have progressed over the years from the rigid A-frames to self-aligning aluminum models, tow dollies have not changed much since they were designed about 30 years ago. The principal change made to dollies has been the addition of surge brakes on many models. However, due to the traditional drop axle design of the tow dolly, the adjustment cam for the drum brakes has been rendered largely inaccessible, making these models a source of frustration for many owners who expect to be able to adjust the brakes on their dollies. This means that, more often than not, the brakes are severely out of adjustment and largely useless. Additionally, the dollies tend to be quite heavy, making them difficult for some people to manoeuver by hand.

One commercial trailer manufacturer took up the challenge to redesign the tow dolly from the ground up. I was fortunate enough to run across Acme Tank & Trailer while searching for tow dolly solutions.

Richard and his team decided that the tow dolly needed a major make-over, so with their expertise in trailer design and fabrication, they set out to create a cutting edge dolly solution.

There were two primary concerns regarding the current dolly design; those being weight and brake implementation. Existing dollies can weigh up to 600 pounds, but Acme’s dolly solution weighs in at around 400 pounds. Although this may not seem like much of a difference, the Acme tow dolly is fairly easy for most people to move by hand.

Once an eligible toad has been selected, the specific tow bracket for that vehicle must be installed, and depending on the car being towed, it is possible that some or all of the above mentioned modifications must be performed. The potential cost of setting up a vehicle to be towed flat is over $2,000, not including the cost of the supplemental braking system, which can add at least another $1,000. The result of this is that only JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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MEMBER DEALS

MEMBER DEALS JULY 2011

We hope you’ll find our new Member Deals section the perfect spot for one stop shopping to find special offers at our Encore resorts, as well as other retailers’ discounts available for Thousand Trails members. Watch this section each month to see what’s new as we continue to look for ways to enhance your experience and add value to your membership.

Thousand Trails members receive 20% Off Daily and Weekly Rates and 10% Off the Monthly Rate at Encore RV resorts and campgrounds. In addition to these standard discounts, we invite you to take advantage of these other great offers...

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MEMBER DEALS

THEPACIFIC COAST

WA

OR

CA MT. HOOD VILLAGE

TALL CHIEF

TAHOE VALLEY

Come discover the Pacific Coast - from the rugged beauty of Oregon and Washington to sunny California, we’ve got just the place. From desert to mountain, from oceanside to cityside, make ELS your home base while you explore this magnificent coast.

OFFERS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2011* WASHINGTON TALL CHIEF, SEATTLE

20% off daily rate $119/week $1499/3 month seasonal stay

OREGON MT. HOOD VILLAGE, WELCHES $15/night

Daily rates promo code: DWHTB11 Weekly rates promo code: WWHTB11 Monthly rates promo code: MWHTB11

CALIFORNIA PACIFIC DUNES RANCH, OCEANO SAN FRANCISCO, PACIFICA PALM SPRINGS OASIS, CATHEDRAL CITY TAHOE VALLEY, LAKE TAHOE SANTA CRUZ RANCH, SCOTTS VALLEY 20% off daily and weekly rate 10% off monthly rate for Thousand Trails members Promo code: TB0311

*Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be used with other promotional offers. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events.

WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

THENORTHEAST

ME Catch the sunrise in Acadia Park, whale watch, enjoy fabulous seafood and the charm of downtown Bar Harbor - all within minutes of our Maine resort specials.

Or enjoy a backdrop of the lush greenery and majestic mountains, living life lakeside in our upstate NY resorts.

Both of our New Hampshire resorts offer unparalleled opportunity for tranquility among nature while our Pennsylvania resorts put you smack dab in the middle of beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch Country and all it has to offer.

NH NY PA

OFFERS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2011* NEW YORK ALPINE LAKE, CORINTH

LAKE GEORGE RV, WARRENSBURG

2 weeks for the price of 1 $299/week 50% off weekdays

2 weeks for the price of 1 $1500 Seasonal Site for 6 months 50% off weekdays

BRENNAN BEACH, PULASKI

MAINE MT. DESERT NARROWS, BAR HARBOR

2 weeks for the price of 1 $149/week 50% off weekdays

LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, LAKE GEORGE 2 weeks for the price of 1 $299/week 50% off weekdays

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

RV Sites $129/ Week Or $199/Week In Peak Season (FHU w/Cable) Travel Trailers $750/Week On The Water Waterfront (After September 15) $29/Day Or $179/Week (W/E Only) Reserve By 7/31/11

1-888-443-7301

MEMBER DEALS

MT. DESERT NARROWS

LAKE GEORGE RV

SPRING GULCH

NARROWS TOO, TRENTON

RV Sites $129/week or $199/week In peak season (FHU w/cable) Rentals | Rustic Cabins $350/week Resort Cottages $895/week Prices in peak season for both Waterfront (After September 15) $59/Day or $249/week (FHU w/cable) Reserve by 7/31/11

PATTEN POND, ELLSWORTH

Rv Sites $99/Week Or $149/Week In Peak Season (FHU w/cable) Rentals | Rustic Cabins $350/Week Resort Cottages $895/Week Prices In Peak Season For Both. Reserve By 7/31/11

BRENNAN BEACH

ALPINE LAKE

NEW HAMPSHIRE SANDY BEACH, CONTOOCOOK 2 weeks for the price of 1

TUXBURY POND, SOUTH HAMPTON 2 weeks for the price of 1 $149/week

PENNSYLVANIA ROBIN HILL, LENHARTSVILLE $149/week

SPRING GULCH, NEW HOLLAND $299/week

*Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be used with other promotional offers. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events.

WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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MEMBER DEALS

UT

THESOUTHWEST AZ

NM

TX

OFFERS THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2011* UTAH ST. GEORGE, HURRICANE 20% off daily rate $119/week $249/month

DESERT VISTA

ST. GEORGE

OFFERS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2011*

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT

ARIZONA VALLEY VISTA, BENSON DESERT VISTA, SALOME

DESERT VISTA RV RESORT Heading to Quartzite? Then head to Desert Vista RV Resort in Salome with its convenient location to Alamo State Park and the Harquahala and Harcuvar mountains.

Daily rates promo code: DWHTB11 Weekly rates promo code: WWHTB11 Monthly rates promo code: MWHTB11

VALLEY VISTA RV RESORT Situated in High Desert Country, with an elevation of 3,500 feet, is Valley Vista RV Resort, a beautiful resort that provides proximity to Colossal Cave Mountain Park, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and the historic town of Tombstone, AZ.

20% off daily rate $99/week $199/month

OFFERS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2011* ARIZONA & TEXAS

20% off daily rate $119/week $299/month (Excludes Venture Inn)

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

ST. GEORGE RV RESORT Less than 20 miles from Zion National Park, St. George RV Resort, located in the town of Hurricane, Utah, offers a great home base for exploring Utah’s historic countryside.

1-888-443-7301

MEMBER DEALS

THESOUTHEAST

ROYAL COACHMAN

NC

SUNSHINE KEY

WINTER QUARTERS MANATEE

OFFERS THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2011*

If you love the water, you’ll love Twin Lakes, a perfect resort situated on a beautiful peninsula between Chocowinity Bay and the Pamlico River.

NORTH CAROLINA TWIN LAKES, CHOCOWINITY

$1500 Seasonal Site for 6 months $99/week through June 15 $149/week after June 15 3 for 2 50% off midweek (Sun - Thurs)

OFFERS THROUGH OCTOBER, 2011*

FL

FLORIDA SUNSHINE KEY, BIG PINE KEY $299/week

ALL OTHER FLORIDA RV RESORTS $99/week

Promo code: TT4/11

We’ve got plenty of sunny deals to keep you smiling in the Sunshine State, from coast to coast and in between our fabulous Florida resorts meet your vacation needs.

*Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be used with other promotional offers. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events.

WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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MEMBER DEALS

MEMBER DEALS RETAILER DISCOUNTS Thousand Trails has partnered with a number of popular brands to provide you with exclusive members-only savings. Below you will find our latest special offers available to you. Please log into the member section of the Thousand Trails website at www.ThousandTrails.com to take advantage of these great deals!

Exclusive Coleman Discount Thousand Trails members can now save 15% on tents, camping stoves and more online at www.coleman.com Exclusive iDine Savings Simply register any credit or debit card and dine at a restaurant on the program. Afterwards, complete a quick dining review about your experience within 30 days. The more you dine, the higher the percentage you can earn, up to 15%! Visit www.idine.com/trailblazer for details and to enroll.

Exclusive Hertz Program When you rent with Hertz, you can take advantage of special year-round savings through the Hertz Membership Benefits Program. By using the Thousand Trails discount code, you can save whether you reserve online or by phone.

Nature-Zyme Discount Nature-Zyme is a safe, powerful, easy-touse waste water treatment system that’s also friendly to the environment. Thousand Trails members can save 10% and get free shipping on their orders with promo code: TTSUMMER

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

CLUB CALENDAR JULY 2011 TT SINGLES Central California July 22-24: Snowflower, CA August 26-28: Snowflower, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 467-3278 or e-mail to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or e-mail to bstaffeld@att.net.

Northwest July 28-30: Pacific City, OR August 25-27: Chehalis, WA Contact: Director Dewey Erlwein at (360) 880-7443 or e-mail to derlwein@peoplepc.com; Winnie Hoyteniuk at (604) 858-9757 or e-mail to winnie@smartt.com (British Columbia); Daphne Bailey at (503) 590-8566 or e-mail to daphnebailey07@comcast.net (Oregon); or Linda Christofferson at (360) 653-3648 (Washington).

Southwest July 15-17: Wilderness Lakes, CA August 19-21: Oakzanita, CA Contact Babe Bohner at (909) 797-6437 FUN NITES Fun Nites are social gatherings organized by and for TTN members.

Eugene/Springfield Area Round-a-Bouters group For more information call Merry Klum (541) 726-7586 or Leona Todd (541) 844-4277 Pacific City Pacific City Ramblers Ramblers meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Home Town Buffet in the Tigard Market Place, 13500 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, Oregon. Contact Charlie Buren at (503) 705-1587, Mary Martin at (503) 7601088 or Suzy Mulbey at (503) 678-2993. All Portlandarea TT, NACO and LTR members welcome.

TTN So Cal Weekenders July 2011: No Campout August 5-7: Idyllwild, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members.

No dues, just fellowship.

PRESERVE HIGHLIGHTS

E-mail: ttnweekenders@earthlink.net Web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttnweekenders/ TT Travelers July 12-14: Pio Pico, CA August 2-4: Idyllwild, CA We are retired residents of Southern California who are TTN members. We meet monthly at a Southern California preserve for fellowship, games and potlucks.

Please call Darlene Steddum at (805) 714-9038 or e-mail to darjerste@juno.com or Sharon Straite at (562) 899-8298 or e-mail to lesstraite@verizon.net if you are interested in information about our group.

TTWest/FMCA July 15-17: Snowflower, CA September 9-11: Russian River, CA Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly, except for the “no-host get-together” at Palm Springs Preserve immediately following the FMCA Western Area Rally in Indio, California. Contact Bob Litfin at (408) 2266529 or e-mail to clitfin@USA.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

TT of Texas/FMCA New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or e-mail to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com.

Our web site is: ttnoftexasfmca.com. We also have a blog site: www.ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com Bounders United (“BUTTN”) July 12-15: Lake of the Springs, CA August 19-22: Snowflower, CA Wagonmaster for both events will be Tom & Pat Kennedy. “Bounders United/TTN” are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Thomas Kennedy at (360) 794-4903 or e-mail at BUTTNs231@gmail.com.

TT East Trail Buddies We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members.

We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or e-mail to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Nite Ize LED Light Up Outdoor Toys

▼

On the Market As the weather starts to heat up, Nite Ize is rolling out the new stars of summer.

Just because the sun is setting doesn’t mean the games have to be over! Now, with Nite Ize’s new line of LED products you can keep the fun alive at night! Instead of calling it a night at the campsite, beach, or in the backyard, break out Nite Ize’s line of fun LED equipped light up discs, bean bag balls, and balls. Simply hold down the LED switch and these toys light up and last for countless hours of entertainment.

Or, light up the night with the Meteorlight LED ball. The tennis ball sized Meteorlight is the perfect way to keep the game going after dark.

Whether throwing, catching, rolling, bouncing, or juggling, its extra durable rubber keeps the ball safe and is water resistant. Just follow the glow and never lose another game of catch to the shadows.

The Meteorlight comes in four LED colors including red, blue, green, and Disc-O which cycles through the color spectrum. For more information visit www.niteize.com

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JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

Industrial Revolution Stormproof Match Kit

▼

Bring the kiddies’ favorite daytime games to life at night with the Astrobrite LED Bean Ball. This soft and durable lycra knit ball measures three inches in diameter and is filled with plastic beads to help transmit the green LED light. If they’ve still got energy to burn before bedtime, let them play catch or bean bag toss without worrying about losing another ball to the dark.

When you least expect it – whether you are caught in an unpredicted rain storm, tip a canoe or leave the flow valve unlocked on your hydration bladder and lay your pack on top of it – your gear often is exposed to wetness in the outdoors. Unlike your traditional waterproof matches that can be difficult to light and burn out quickly, Industrial Revolution’s new Stormproof Match Kit contains their Stormproof Matches that are easy to light, have up to a 15 second burn time and have a longer length for added safety. The Stormproof Matches are so water resistant they even

▼

Funky Flames

Campfire season is here! If you’re looking for a fun way to make your campfire unique try Funky Colored Flames. Funky Colored Flames are crystals that burn blue, green and purple when added to any wood burning fire.

With its crazy colorful and absolutely fun products, the Funky Colored Collection will surely bring some life to your next party. Products range across all seasons to bring you a new twist on how you see your world. From Funky Colored Candles, Funky Colored Flames, to Funky Colored Snow we are proud to display our product collection and we hope you have as much fun with them as we do.

Funky Colored Flames are also at Walmart for $4.88 per box. For more information visit www. funkycoloredcollection.com

remain lit after being submerged in water.

The Stormproof Match Kit contains 25 matches, 3 strikers and the waterproof container that weighs less than one ounce.

Individual boxes of the Stormproof Matches are available at Gander Mountain, EMS, Cabela’s, and campmor.com with an MSRP of $3.99 (single pack – 25 matches) and $5.99 (double pack – 50 matches.) For additional information, contact Industrial Revolution, Inc. at 888-297-6062 or visit www.industrialrev.com JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Reader Service

Free Product Information For product information, complete the Fast Facts card circling no more than 25 numbers, and drop in the mail. You can also visit our web site www. trailblazermagazine.net for links to our advertisers’ web sites.

CIRCLE NO. 117 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

FF# Advertiser

Page 144 Bates International........................................................................62 116 Carefree RV Resorts.....................................................................10 114 Carriage.............................................................................................2 120 Countryside Interiors....................................................................62 106 DirectSat TV..................................................................................32 104 Equity LifeStyle.......................................................................40-45 119 Essex Credit......................................................................62, 63, 64 160 FirstStreet/Walk-In Tub...............................................................40 159 FirstStreet/Jitterbug......................................................................65 123 Garnet Technologies.....................................................................62 132 GEICO...........................................................................................68 156 Nature-Zyme.................................................................................64 146 Nomad Glass.................................................................................60 136 NUWA............................................................................................51 117 TRA Certification..........................................................................50

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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Answers on page 63

ACROSS 1 School course (abbr.)

4 Gem 8 Scientific name (suf.)

12 Office of Economic Development (abbr.)

13 Of the ear 14 Book of hours 15 Recommended daily allowance (abbr.)

16 Ger. philosopher 17 Sicilian resort 18 Disprove 20 Norwegian king 22 Journey 25 Rom. official 28 Divination by lots (Lat.) 31 Czarist Russ. council 33 East of Eden country 34 Mature 35 Radium emanation 36 Yale student 37 Foot (pref.)

38 Berserk 39 Malay law 40 Gr. author 42 John, Irish 44 Waste allowance 46 Alluvial deposit 50 Footless 52 Indian red powder 55 Fiddler crab genus 56 Bowling alley 57 Berne’s river 58 Dismiss from a job 59 Maple genus 60 Flavor

61 Television channel DOWN 1 Service tree fruit 2 Surrender 3 Adjective-forming (suf.)

4 Clown 5 Luzon people 6 Hubbub 7 Outer (pref.)

8 Forward 9 Pent 10 Sea eagle 11 Antiaircraft artillery (abbr.)

19 Possessive pronoun 21 Slender 23 Dutch cheese 24 Honor 26 Mascagni heroine 27 Blue-pencil 28 Grape syrup 29 Pointed arch 30 Sard (2 words) 32 Donkey 35 Sexual assault 39 Donkey (Fr.) 41 Bid 43 Acquiesce 45 S. Afr. language 47 You (Ger.) 48 Wound crust 49 Pueblo Indian 50 Alabama (abbr.)

51 Half-boot 53 Sheep’s cry 54 Internat’l Red Cross (abbr.)

Tech Topics continued from page 11

Windshield Hygiene 101

Here’s another simple tip that many people neglect: remember to keep your windshield clean! Be sure to carry some glass cleaner and paper towels on your travels and use them often, cleaning the windshield both inside and out. Dirty, greasy windshields contribute to fatigue (especially for nighttime driving), but a clean windshield makes driving a pleasure.

We’ve all had the experience of driving behind an 18-wheeler on a wet highway and then suddenly realizing we had a bad set of windshield wiper blades or an empty windshield washer fluid tank.

Think about it before it happens! A good set of windshield wipers and a full canister of windshield washer fluid make it easier to safely see the road.

Remember that you always have options when you travel. If road conditions are too bad for you to feel comfortable driving yourself and your family, just take the next off-ramp and stop and wait for better conditions. Don’t try to drive a large RV through the middle of a thunderstorm if you feel uncomfortable. Take a break and have a sandwich. This is no time to let your ego overcome good judgment: the safety of your family, yourself, and your RV is certainly worth waiting a few minutes for better conditions.

A few simple steps can help you make your travels more enjoyable.

Think ahead, plan ahead, and then thoroughly enjoy the moment. It’s a time-tested recipe for happy travels down the highway of life. Have fun this summer! ■ Paul and Kerri Elders are freelance writers; visit their web site at RVLinker.com.

CIRCLE NO. 136 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

Be Safe, Not Sorry

When You Serve Watermelon • Liven up a campground party with a watermelon carving contest. For ideas go to www.watermelon.org.

• Plug a watermelon and add gin, vodka, Framboise or Cherry Heering liqueur until it won’t hold any more. Chill it several hours to make an adults-only dessert.

• Halve a large watermelon, scoop out the fruit and make fruit salad in the rind. No serving dish to wash!

• Intensify the watermelon flavor in desserts by adding a packet of watermelon gelatin dessert. Fold in the dry mix to replace part of the sugar measurement.

• Layer bite-size watermelon pieces with granola and drizzle with vanilla yogurt and serve for breakfast. ■ About the Author Janet Groene’s books include Cooking Aboard Your RV and Living Aboard Your RV. She posts new recipes weekly at www.CampAndRVCook.blogspot.com JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Preserve Services Directory | July 2011 PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - NORTHWEST

NORTHWEST OREGON BEND/SUNRIVER | 541-993-8494 Annual/Extended Stay - Imagine your own personal site at Bend/Sunriver.

No worries about getting a reservation. Just enjoy the beautiful high desert for 210 days per year – 1, 2, and 3-year lease sites are now available. Contact Bobbie or Julie for details.

Short-Term Rental - Cabins, cottages and yurts available for rent yearround, call for quote.

Special Events - Perfect location for your family reunions, rallies and birthday picnics. Packages are available for renting our winter lodge for that special birthday. In the off-season, the main lodge is available for weddings, banquets and conferences. We also welcome ski clubs and snowmobile clubs.

Call Laura or send e-mail to besh@equitylifestyle.com.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site storage available year-round. Call the preserve for information.

PACIFIC CITY 503-965-6200 (Preserve Office) 503-965-6442 (Ranger Station)

Annual/Extended Stay - No longer a need to move your RV off-site for one or more years, plus the flexibility to occupy the unit up to 210 nights without contract use restrictions and then stay longer with reservations. Decorate your preferred site or add a storage shed if desired. Ocean View Park Model Cottages available to purchase with the Annual Site Program. Contact Ginny to make an appointment.

Short-Term Rental - NEW Opportunity! Order your NEW cedar cabin or park model with optional loft direct from Pacific City and have it set up for you on a campsite located in I section. Enjoy our cul-de-sac privacy and/or ocean view.

Select your floor plan, flooring, countertops and cabinets for your decorating needs. Refer to page 40-46 in the January/February issue of Trailblazer for more detailed information on this new program. Contact the preserve to reserve your cabin or park model and campsite today.

Special Events - Awesome coastal weather, beach access, clamming, crabbing, beach-combing, professional and friendly service, campsites, rental units and gazebo. We host parties, club rallies, reunions, weddings and retreats for all group outings. A group consists of 4 or more campsites/rentals or any combination thereof. Contact the preserve for more information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas and take advantage of our RV storage program. $50 for 4 weeks, $300 for 26 weeks or $550 for 52 weeks. Dry storage space is limited. Contact the Ranger Station for more information.

SEASIDE 503-738-0626 (Preserve Office) 503-738-5292 (Rentals)

Annual/Extended Stay - The Oregon Coast! Summertime at the beach, walking the promenade, fishing, hiking, boating and more! Enjoy your own personal site for your RV. Home base for full-timers, improved landscape 52

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

options available, personalize your site – add a storage shed and/or deck.

You no longer need to move your RV. OR buy one of our limited number of vacation trailers for your personal site. Call Christopher or Barry at the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - Discounted short-term rentals available for two week and monthly stays. Great rates for Monday-Thursday mid-week stays. Call for our current specials. Our cabins, yurts and hostel are available all year long.

Special Events - Family reunions, RV rallies, church events, weddings or business meetings. Call Barry at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage for $60 per month. Get two free months with our yearly rate of $600.

SOUTH JETTY 541-902-2024 (Preserve Office) 541-997-8333 (Rentals)

Annual/Extended Stay - Extended Stay program now available. Use it any 210 days and store your rig year-round. Contact Preserve Manager for details.

Short-Term Rental - Yurts, cabins and trailers available to fit your budget.

Special Events - Our heavily wooded preserve is located just 55 miles west of Eugene on the beautiful Oregon coast. The Oregon Sand Dunes Recreational Park is just a few minutes from our preserve. South Jetty is a perfect place for your reunion, company picnic, rally, wedding or business meeting. Call preserve for more details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

WHALERS REST 541-867-6078 (Preserve Office) 541-867-3100 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy the beautiful Oregon Coast on your own personal site at Whalers Rest. Leave your rig year-round and occupy up to 210 days per year. Don’t have an RV or want a “vacation home”? We have former vacation rental trailers available for purchase and placement in the personal site program. Call Denise or Shari at the preserve for more information.

Special Events - Beautiful setting on the central Oregon coast, 18 rental units, including two new cabins and a very large garden home. Large meeting area and kitchen facilities. Parties and meetings of all sizes. Call preserve for details. SuperHost not available June 15-Sept. 15.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

WASHINGTON BIRCH BAY | 360-371-7432 Annual/Extended Stay - Play by the bay longer with stays beyond your membership days and enjoy the sun, not the grays, at Birch Bay. Space may still be available for your Personal Site. Purchase a vacation home, while they last, or bring your own. Monthly stays limited and also available at just $450 month, plus utilities. Come experience the beauty of the true Northwest.

Contract Chandra at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Please call for dry storage availability.

CHEHALIS | 360-262-9489

Short-Term Rental - We have monthly rentals for 1-4 months for $475 per month, plus utilities. We also have rental cabins and trailers offering daily and weekly rates.

Special Events - Perfect venue for your family reunion, church campout, picnic, party, school event or retreat. Rental units, RV sites, picnic areas, catering, day-use activities and amenities can be all yours with our SuperHost program. Our lodge is available off-season for weddings, banquets, parties, retreats, or conferences. Call preserve or send email chba@equitylifestyle. com.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage: $45 per month or $180 for 6 months. Call Ranger Don.

CRESCENT BAR | 509-787-4349 On-Site/Dry Storage - Limited dry storage. Call the preserve for information.

GRANDY CREEK | 360-826-3554 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site available! $2,600, please call the preserve for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site storage available on a limited basis. Call the preserve for information.

LA CONNER | 360-466-3112 Annual/Extended Stay - Your very own site on our beautiful resort is waiting for you. Spend your free time on the Skagit Bay, walking on the beach, photographing the resident Bald Eagles, and relaxing in our spa. We have limited sites available so hurry and get one now for the summer season.

Our Annual Program now has 210-day usage. Please call Nancy or Kelly at the preserve.

Special Events - The perfect place for a reunion, retreat, church group, birthday party, wedding, RV rally, or corporate/business meeting or party.

Great rental units, facilities and food. Call Pam or Kelly at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

LEAVENWORTH 509-763-2020 | 800-353-1700 Annual/Extended Stay - Leavenworth still has many beautiful sites available to call your own. Please call the preserve manager for more information.

Short-Term Rental - We have monthly stays for 1-6 months at $500 a month, plus utilities. Come enjoy Leavenworth and all its beauty.

Special Events - We’ve got the perfect venue for a fun-filled family reunion or a relaxing club/church retreat. Call or send e-mail to lemgr@equitylifestyle. com.

LITTLE DIAMOND | 800-994-6654 Annual/Extended Stay - Stay in sunny, beautiful Eastern Washington!

Annual and extended stay sites available. Call Mike at the preserve.

Special Events - Granite Lodge: Two full kitchens, dining for large groups, sleeps 20+, adjacent RV and tent sites, spa and sauna, satellite TV. Contact preserve for more information.

LONG BEACH | 360-642-3091 Annual/Extended Stay - Only minutes away from the grand Pacific Ocean, surrounded by gorgeous Mother Nature and rich history of pioneers past Don’t miss out on your chance to have your own place at the beach. You can have your own personal RV site where your rig can stay year-round and you can occupy your rig for 210 days of the year. No more hassle storing your RV and just think of all the money you will save on gas and RV maintenance. Call the preserve for our great new 2011 rates.

Short-Term Rental - Feel at home in one of our Vacation Trailers or Thousand Trails Cabins. Start planning now! Summer will be here before you know it and we don’t want you to miss out on all the great festivities and events here on the Longbeach Peninsula. Call the preserve for our 2011 rates.

Special Events - Planning a reunion, wedding, special event or a trip with a bunch of friends and family? Longbeach is the place for you! We have plenty of RV and tent sites as well as cabins and trailers available for rent. We are right off the beach and close the historic downtown Longbeach. For more information, call Kate at the Preserve Office.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - NORTHWEST

Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy your own year-round private site in beautiful Chehalis. There’s no need to move your RV off-site. You can occupy your site for 210 days without reservations and then stay longer with reservations.

Annual rates range from $1,980 to $3,200 per year. Contract Brenda Roza for an appointment.

On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Dry Storage available for $5 per day, $30 per week or $75 per month. Call or send e-mail to lemgr@equitylifestyle.com.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas with our dry storage sites. Available year-round at the low price of $45 a month or get two months free when you sing up for a year for only $450. Call the Preserve Office for details.

MT. VERNON | 360-724-4811 Annual/Extended Stay - Come enjoy our park with beautiful forest settings and views of the mountains where wildlife parade through. Relax in your own personal site now up to 210 days. Walk the trails or relax in the large swimming pool and spa. Please call Kelly King at the preserve to get your site for summer.

Special Events - Perfect site with all amenities – we do it all! For any of your SuperHost needs, all events, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, rallies, birthdays, banquets and more, with catering available. Call Cookie at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Donna at the preserve. Short term also available when you are taking a cruise.

OCEANA | 360-289-3504 Annual/Extended Stay - Walk down to the beach for some quiet time away from all the hustle and bustle. Park your RV 12 months at Oceana. Stay up to 210 days a year with ìno time outî. For the BEST PRICE on the WA coast for a full hook-up site with 50-amp power call Dale Graham at the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - A limited number of sites are available starting at $350 per month, plus elec. for the summer season. Call Dale Graham at the preserve.

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PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHWEST

On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability).

PARADISE 360-985-2121 (Preserve Office) 360-985-2756 (Ranger Station)

Annual/Extended Stay - Extend your stay at Paradise for $550 per month OR BETTER YET save on fuel. Think about an annual lease, starting at $1,962.

Leave rig here or take. The site you pick Is yours with your personal site name posted. Call Darryl for information.

Special Events - Want to have a group gathering? Doesn’t cost you anymore, just easier to get your group all together! Call the Preserve Office and ask for Pat. On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage $40 per month without electric (dry) or $50 per month with electric (limited sites with electricity and may be subject to availability).

TALL CHIEF | 425-223-4235 Annual/Extended Stay - How would you like to own your own space in the Club Med of RV Resorts? We have annual personal sites available. Just enjoy hiking in the densely wooded hills overlooking the wild Snoqualmie River, or lounging in seeming seclusion with the might Cascades rising majestically in the background. We are just 25 miles from Seattle and other Northwest attractions. Call the preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - Enjoy a lodge-style cedar clubhouse and activity center, rolling lawns, a sculpted pool, and an Indoor sauna. Have your reunions or special occasions with us! We have 3 cedar cabins and 3 vacation trailers at nightly rates weekdays Sunday through Thursday or weekends Friday through Saturday. We also have tree-lined sites at daily and monthly rates.

THUNDERBIRD | 425-223-4235 On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available year-round. Fenced secured area at $75 per month. Call to reserve at site.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA CULTUS LAKE | 604-858-3932 Annual/Extended Stay - We will be offering a limited number of sites at a month-to-month rate of $349, plus utilities, per month, from October 2011 to April 2012. Sign up at the office and leave your rig on-site until you head south. Annual personal RV sites are still available at a starting price of $3,000, plus utilities for the year (some restriction apply). See Norm in the office.

Short-Term Rental - During the months of September and October, come stay in one of our beautiful park models. We are offering a stay of three (3) nights for the price of two (2) nights (only applies to your first three (3) nights.)

On-Site/Dry Storage - We offer storage in the preserve at a daily, weekly, monthly and 6-month rate. Check at the office or Ranger Station if you are interested. During the off-season we have dry on-site storage available in the preserve.

SOUTHWEST ARIZONA VERDE VALLEY | 928-634-8158 Annual/Extended Stay - Extend by the month on a 30-amp for $350 or 50amp for $425, plus electric. Annual sites start at $2,500 per year. Pick a lease package where you can stay 365 nights-Best Deal. For more information regarding our Extended Stay and Annual Lease programs, contact Scott Woolley at the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - 29-foot trailers for $595 per month (includes electric); 30-ft. with slideout $650 per month (includes electric). Cabins $1,000-1,250 per month (includes electric). Weekly housekeeping and linens, TV/VCR, satellite. Pet and non-pet units available. Call the preserve to reserve your unit.

Special Events - SuperHost groups welcome. Nice RV sites, catering, rentals and friendly staff. Contact Angela at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available w/o electric for $50 per month or $425 per year, with electric for $90 per month or $775 per year. Call the preserve for details.

CALIFORNIA IDYLLWILD 951-659-4097 (Preserve Office) 951-659-4137 (Ranger Station) 951-659-0698 (Recreation Office)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual lease as low as $2,195 per year (not including electricity). Keep your trailer/rig or motorhome on a site for 365 days per year! Please contact Preserve Manager for more details.

Short-Term Rental - Stay in the preserve on a month-to-month basis for as low as $575 per month, including water and electricity. Please contact the Preserve Manager at for more information.

Special Events - To book your next SuperHost outing at Idyllwild, please contact SuperHost Coordinator at (951) 659-4137 for further details. For the resort’s list of activities, please contact the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for as little as $25 per week, $75 per month or $650 per year. Please contact the Preserve Office for more information on terms and conditions.

LAKE MINDEN 530-656-2701 (Preserve Office) 530-656-2702 (Special Events) 530-656-2700 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Variety of sites available – 1-3 year leases, sewered and non-sewered sites; utilities not included. Snowbird Program: $425 per month, plus electric, includes one honeywagon dump per week.

Call the preserve for more information.

Special Events - Family reunions, church outings, company picnics, wedding receptions. Call Sonia at Special Events.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $460 per year/$46 per month/$2.50 daily. Call the preserve for information.

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LAKE OF THE SPRINGS | 530-692-1852

Special Events - Group outings are available. Sites and/or Rental units available. Overnight or Day Use. Call Tina at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

MORGAN HILL 408-779-6396 (Preserve Office) 408-779-4932 (SuperHost)

Annual/Extended Stay - Call the preserve to get the details on the best prices in the area for full hook-up and partial hook-up sites for stays up to 210 days in a year.

Special Events - Let us help plan that special family event or company gettogether. Call SuperHost.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $85 per month and $792 per year. Call the preserve for more details.

OAKZANITA 619-445-2835 (Preserve Office) 619-445-2515 (Ranger Station)

Annual/Extended Stay - Gas prices got you down? Hate the hassle of setting up and taking down your RV? If you like to escape the hustle and bustle of your life then we have the program for you. You can have your own personal site and you can leave your rig 365 days a year, you can occupy your rig for up to 210 days a year.

We offer a limited number of annual sites and due to gas prices they fill up fast. Call Sheila or Cheryl at the preserve for more information.

Short-Term Rental - We offer rental cabins you can stay for the night or by the week. Call the preserve for prices. We also have a limited number of horse corrals available by the day or week. Call the preserve.

Special Events - If you are looking for that special place to have your family reunion, office get-together, church picnic or whatever the occasion, we do SuperHost groups. We have RV sites, tent sites, picnic areas, summertime activities and a few cabins to rent. Please call the preserve and ask Cheryl or Sheila.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage for only $450 per year, $65 per month or $40 per week. Call the Ranger Station for more information.

PALM SPRINGS | 760-345-1682 Annual/Extended Stay - Personal sites for the month or the season. Call the preserve for details.

Special Events - Rally groups welcome September through November and April through May. Call the preserve for information.

PIO PICO 619-421-2213 | 800-242-6562 (Preserve Office) 619-421-9672 (Rentals)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual leases starting as low as $3,149. Please call the preserve for more information on terms and conditions. Site choice for full hook-up or water and electric only.

Short-Term Rental - Rent a site on a month-to-month basis for as low as

$575 per month (excluding electricity). For further details please call the Rental office.

Special Events - Have your SuperHost, rally, meetings or events in southern San Diego. Call the preserve for information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Monthly and annual dry storage available. Please call the Rental office for more information on terms and conditions.

PONDEROSA | 530-642-5830 Annual/Extended Stay - Sign up for our new Annual Site program. Make a site yours for an entire year or up to 3 years! Eliminate storage costs and the hassle of moving your rig. Call Dominic at the preserve.

Special Events - Plan your next special event with us along the beautiful American River. We can help you host up to 150 guests for your wedding, family reunion, rally, or other special event function. Make your event one to remember – host it at Ponderosa Resort! Call the preserve for more information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Kathy at the preserve for information.

RANCHO OSO | 805-683-5686 Annual/Extended Stay - Short-term monthly FHU campsites at $600 per month, plus electric. Annual sites also available at special rates. Call the preserve or send email to romgr@equitylifestyle.com.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHWEST

Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy having your rig waiting for you on-site. Call us for more information on our Annual and/or Monthly Programs.

Short-Term Rental - Check out our new reduced rates for our 29 and 30foot trailers.

Special Events - Reunions, youth groups, picnics, retreats, meetings. Private Chapel/Pavilion and courtyard available for events. Stay in cozy cabins, covered wagons or our full amenity kitchenette campers. Call the preserve for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $75 per month or $750 per year and save $150. Call the preserve for information.

RUSSIAN RIVER 707-894-5321 (Preserve Office) 707-894-5355 (Special Events)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are still available - only a couple left. Extended Stay $400 per month, plus electric; includes one honeywagon dump per week. For more information call the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - Over 200 wineries, close to shopping, casinos, cultural events and world-class dining. 1.5 hours to the Mendocino coast. All TT cabins include one set of linens.

Special Events - Family gatherings and SuperHost events in Sonoma wine country. Call the Special Events number for more information.

SAN BENITO 831-389-4290 or 831-801-2029 (Preserve Office) 831-389-4477 (Ranger Station) 831-389-4473 (Special Events)

Annual/Extended Stay - Both our Annual Site and Extended Stay Programs are available. We also have Get-A-Way cabins and other cabins and vacation trailers for the asking. Give us a call and we can fit you right in. We also have JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - NORTHEAST

space available for public and tent sites. For any of your questions or concerns, give our manager, Pat Machler, a call at the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - Discounted rates Sunday-Thursday, excluding threeday holidays. Call for prices or check reservation’s web page.

Short-Term Rental - Whatever your needs, contact our Ranger Station and they will put you through to someone who can accommodate you.

Special Events - Call or send e-mail to wlsh@equitylifestyle.com for your next reunion, retreat, party, seminar, and group rally. Catering available.

Special Events - If you’re looking for that great place for family gatherings, youth groups, reunions, meetings, retreats or just your very own special event, contact our SuperHost and she can help you plan for that perfect occasion. For more information call Linda at Special Events. She can help plan that perfect occasion.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - We do have Dry Storage available for you. Call the preserve for details.

SNOWFLOWER | 530-389-8241 Annual/Extended Stay - Try something new and stay in one of our cabins or yurts this summer! Cabins sleep five and start at $81 per night, plus tax; yurts sleep 4-5 and start at $40 per night, plus tax. Cabins are only a short walk to the lake. The yurts are located near the pool and showers for your convenience. Call preserve for more information.

Special Events - For special events and group gatherings call Laurie at the preserve. The Rusty Pig Grill offers special catering for events. For menu ideas and prices, contact Katherine at the preserve.

LAS VEGAS 702-451-2719 (Preserve Office) 800-288-7245 (Rentals) 702-451-4647 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Come HOME to your own private site in FUN City.

Year-round sites available in four price ranges. Extended Stay monthly sites available from $475 per month. Call preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - Make your cabin and trailer reservations early; high demand in fall, winter and spring. Call the Rental office for information.

Special Events - Let us make your special event memorable. Have your family reunion, company picnic or wedding in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. Call the prserve for more information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call the preserve for information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage sites are available on a limited basis from May to October. Prices start at $5 per night and run up to $65 per month. Save money on fuel and just leave your RV with us! Contact Laurie at the preserve for more details and availability.

MIDWEST/NORTHEAST

SOLEDAD CANYON 661-269-1740 (Preserve Office) 661-269-7038 (Special Events)

INDIAN LAKES 812-934-5496 (Preserve & Marketing Office)

Special Events - Have your rally, wedding, picnic, retreat or reunion at our beautiful preserve. Catering for up to 3,000 available. Call the preserve for information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site storage no longer available. Dry Storage $75 per month or $750 annual. Call the preserve for information.

TURTLE BEACH | 209-239-0991 Annual/Extended Stay - Limited number of sites available for both annual lease and monthly rental. Extended stay available. Contact Preserve Manager for pricing.

Special Events - Contact Preserve Manager for information on accommodations for SuperHost groups and family gatherings.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $20 per week or $60 per month.

WILDERNESS LAKES 951-672-4831 (Preserve Office) 951-679-0863 (Rentals) 951-679-7804 (Special Events)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Fish from the back of your site! No reservations required. You can leave your RV on-site 365 days per year. You may occupy the site 210 days per year. Call Jeff or Dave at the preserve for more information.

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INDIANA Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at just $1,200. Please call the marketing department.

Short-Term Rental - Monthly cabin and site rentals available. Please call the marketing department.

Special Events - Church event, picnic, weekend retreat, youth group gatherings, meeting, reunion, birthday party, anniversary party, or wedding ~ no matter what your event, we have the facility you need. Please call Michelle at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - RV storage available starting at $35 per month.

Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual rates available. Call Michelle at the preserve.

HORSESHOE LAKES | 765-832-2487 Short-Term Rental - We have 126 sites available (122 full hook-up, and 25 50amp sites - 50-amp sites are $3 per night).

Special Events - RV sites, meeting/banquet room, kitchen available for reunions, parties, church groups, weddings, etc.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available starting at $10 per week up to $300 annually.

NEW JERSEY

MOODY BEACH | 207-646-4586

LAKE & SHORE | 609-624-1494

Annual/Extended Stay - July and August only: $850 per month, plus tax and electric.

Annual/Extended Stay - Limited Cottages available so make the call today.

Special Events - Moody Beach Is a great getaway for your group. Rallies and Reunions. Safari Field available. Contact us to book your group or party.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $50 per month or $400 per year.

On-Site/Dry Storage - $20 per week, $45 per month, $375 per year, with valid insurance.

MASSACHUSETTS GATEWAY TO CAPE COD | 508-763-5911 Annual/Extended Stay - Full hook-up Annual Sites available for $2,200. Vacation Cottages for sale starting at $2,495, plus site fee of $2,300. Please call preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - Park Model rentals available starting at $60 per night (some pet units available). Call the preserve for more information and reservations.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available $46 per month or $360 per year. Call the preserve or inquire at the Trading Post.

STURBRIDGE | 508-347-7156 Annual/Extended Stay - Value package - $1,700, Standard package - $1,800, Premium package - $1,980, Elite package w/pad - $2,160, Pond sites - $2,660.

All plus electric. Vacation cottages for sale.

SEAPINES

OHIO KENISEE LAKE | 440-576-9030 Annual/Extended Stay - Lakefront for $1,545 and non-lakefront for $1,030. Call the preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - Elite site is $475 for a month-to-month and $425 per month for a standard site.

Special Events - Rustic Barn, Pool Pavilion available for 2011 Family Reunions, Superhosts, and Get-togethers. If interested, please contact Linda Roberts for more information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage ONLY. Fees: $35 per month; $65 per quarter (yearly) $125 per 6 months; and $235 for one year.

WILMINGTON | 937-382-5883 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites now available: $1,250-$1,750. Call Amy for more information.

Special Events - SuperHost Facility Rental: Family Lodge $400; Pavilion $100. Call preserve for more information.

Short-Term Rental - Cabin rentals available- call the preserve for pricing.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $300 per year; $150 per six months, or $10 per week. Call the Ranger Station.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage: $20 per week; $45 per month; or $350 per year.

PENNSYLVANIA

MICHIGAN BEAR CAVE | 269-695-3050

CIRCLE M | 717-872-4651 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites Available! Starting at $2,350, 210 days of occupancy; space is limited.

Annual/Extended Stay - Limited annual site still available at 2010 rates - $1,750-2,000, plus electric. Just 90 minutes from Chicago and only 20 minutes to Michigan’s finest beaches. Reserve now and enjoy one of the most stunningly beautiful waterfront camp reserve sites available. Located on the St. Joseph River with boat launch and docks.

Special Events - Looking for a great place for your next family outing? Look no further than Outdoor World Circle M in Lancaster. Contact Judy at to make your plans.

Short-Term Rental - 1 and 2 bedroom park model rentals for $59 and $69 per night; 2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends. Linen rental for additional fee. 2-4 person, fully-equipped tent rentals available. Call for details.

GETTYSBURG FARM | 717-292-7191

ST. CLAIR | 810-329-7129 Annual/Extended Stay - Beautiful sites, concrete pad and patio, paved road, metered 50-amp electric, water and sewer. Stay up to 180 nights and store your rig the rest of the year. $2,000 per year. Similar new sites with gravel pads and roads are only $1,500 per year. Contact Preserve Manager for details.

Special Events - Enjoy family reunions, rallies, company picnics or special events through our SuperHost Program. Call preserve for more information.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - NORTHEAST

MAINE

On-Site/Dry Storage - Outdoor World Circle M is not accepting any new dry storage agreements.

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available at our beautiful creekside farm starting at $1,850. Please call Jeff at the preserve.

Special Events - Make plans to have your RV or family reunion at one of our pavilions. Call Mary W. at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly and $300 yearly. Call the preserve or stop by the Trading Post.

HERSHEY 717-867-1891 (Preserve Office) 717-867-3967 (Storage) JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available at beautiful Hershey Preserve starting at $2,550. Call Kim at the preserve.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHEAST

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Rates: $20 weekly, $50 monthly, $200 for six months or $375 per year. Call or stop by the Country Store during regular hours.

PA DUTCH COUNTRY | 717-665-2500 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available – Standard sites $1,750; Premium sites $2,150. Vacation Cottage site fee $2,100 per year. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - 21 cabins available for rent. Call the preserve for details.

Special Events - Don’t worry about the weather – our large building is available for rent. Building will accommodate square dance groups inside; also available for weddings and other events. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage is available for $2 per day, $50 per month, and $350 per year. For more information, please call Joanne or Joan at the preserve.

SCOTRUN | 570-629-0620 Annual/Extended Stay - Scotrun, in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, has annual sites available starting at $1,695.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only. Contact preserve for details.

TIMOTHY LAKE NORTH & SOUTH | 570-588-6631 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available and vacation cottages for sale in the beautiful, scenic Pocono Mountains! Call the preserve and ask for Cathy or Nicole for pricing information.

SOUTHEAST ALABAMA HIDDEN COVE | 205-221-7042 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available - $1,650. For information, call the preserve.

Short-Term Rental - Park Model Rentals $60 and $70 per night. For information, call the preserve.

Special Events - Hidden Cove offers several planned activities and events year-round, including major holiday celebrations, crafts, bingo, football parties, horseshoe tournaments, holey-board tournaments, potluck dinners, Breakfast at the Clubhouse, campfire sing-a-longs, and more. For information, call the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site RV storage available $2 per day or $150 per six months. For information, call the preserve.

FLORIDA ORLANDO 352-394-5531 (Preserve Office) 352-394-7300 (Special Events) 58

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Annual/Extended Stay - Sites still available for extended stay and lease options. Leave your rig and not have to move every few weeks. Please call Beth-Ann McCourt for more details or ask for when you arrive at the preserve.

Special Events - Function hall, catering, activities and amenities are all yours with our SuperHost Program. For details, contact Beth-Ann McCourt.

PEACE RIVER | 863-735-8888 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for $2,200 per year, plus tax and electric. Extended seasonal sites available as well. Call Elnor at the preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - We have nine rental log cabins available, for nightly or monthly rental.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Rates: $5 per day, $45 per month or $350 per year.

Call the preserve for information.

KENTUCKY DIAMOND CAVERNS | 270-749-2891 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual lease sites available as well as Extended Stay. Call the preserve for more information.

Short-Term Rental - Call the preserve for details on short-term rentals.

Special Events - Special rates available for rallies, reunions and special functions. Please call the preserve for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - On-site and dry storage available. Please call the preserve for rates.

NORTH CAROLINA FOREST LAKE | 336-988-4135 Annual/Extended Stay - Stop worrying about getting a campsite reservation! Your personal site is saved for your exclusive use on an annual basis. No more having to cut the weekend short with towing and set-up time.

Save time and gas – get in on this new program while site choices are best.

Also available – rental cabins at great discounts. The more time you want, the less it costs – weekly, monthly AND a limited number of leases by the year. Another way to save – let us store your RV in dry storage. For more information, call Community Manager Robert Rowe at the preserve.

LAKE GASTON | 252-586-4121 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for 2011. Rates from $1,900 to $3,450. Call the preserve for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available: $20 per week, $45 per month or $325 per year. Storage available for boats and RVs. For information, please call the preserve.

SOUTH CAROLINA CAROLINA LANDING | 864-972-9892 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available starting at $1,550 for current members.

Short-Term Rental - Annual cabin rental $2,200 for a standard cabin.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $60 per month or $360 for six months.

Annual/Extended Stay - Come spend the summer where it’s warm at our beautiful spot close to Savannah, Charleston and right next door to historic Beaufort by the sea. Our summer price is very reasonable - $350 per month, plus tax and electric. Call the preserve and book now for a great summer. Easy access to/from I-95.

Short-Term Rental - Special cabin rate - $99. Two bedroom trailers available for four nights. Leave your rig at home, drive down and stay with us and explore the beautiful signs and cities on the east coast. Bring your own sheets and towels and save even more!

On-Site/Dry Storage - We offer on-site storage at $150 per month, plus electric and taxes.

TENNESSEE CHEROKEE LANDING | 731-376-0935 Annual/Extended Stay - Extended Stay monthly $232 or $1,545 for the season.

Special Events - We’re the spot for your special event.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage only.

NATCHEZ TRACE | 931-796-3212 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites still available - $1,020 to $1,380.

Short-Term Rental - Mid-week cabin stay special - $99 Monday through Thursday. Limited Availability. Standard Cabins only.

Special Events - Rallies Welcome! Large rental hall facilities available.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry: $5 per day/$25 per month.

TEXAS BAY LANDING | 940-683-3016 Annual/Extended Stay - Bay Landing is now your personal site for 12 months. *Annual Stay – stay up to 210 days a year with ìno time out.î * Limited spaces available. * Don’t cut your weekend short with towing and setup. Save on Gas. No pulling! Please call Lynn.

Special Events - We have excellent amenities for any of your SuperHost needs, such as family reunions, weddings, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Beautiful pavilions on Lake Bridgeport! Please call Nena.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only - $45, plus tax ($48.04).

COLORADO RIVER | 979-732-8229

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available year-round; fenced secure area. Call the preserve or send e-mail crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

LAKE CONROE 936-856-7888 (Preserve Office) 936-856-3751 (Rental Office)

Annual/Extended Stay - Extended agreement by month, plus metered electricity. Come stay for up to five months at a time on our Texan Program.

The cost is $325 per month, plus electricity. For details contact the Ranger.

We are excited about our new annual program at Lake Conroe. You may stay up to 210 days and leave your rig on-site for the entire year. Contact Rental Office for details.

Short-Term Rental - We have four cabins for rent nightly, weekly or for two weeks at a time, for $65, plus tax, per night, for our members and $75, plus tax, per night, for guests. We have six Get-A-Way cabins for our Get-A-Way members renting for $49, plus tax, per night, for members and $59, plus tax, per night for our Get-A-Way guests. We also have our Hidden Cove rentals, which are owned by our members and rented by the week or the month.

Check with RO office for details and prices for weekend specials and Hidden Cove Cottage rentals. * All rentals are fully furnished. You just need to bring clothes and food!

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHEAST

THE OAKS AT POINT SOUTH | 843-726-5728

fun for all ages. All family oriented groups welcome. Contact Marty or send e-mail to crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

Special Events - SuperHost/pavilion/family center/lake area rental available most weekends for parties and special events. Contact the Ranger Station at the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Marina Storage: one roped-in area at the lake for just $70 per month, plus tax. Dry Storage: $55 per month, plus tax, or $605 per year, plus tax. Contact the Ranger Station. We also have short-term storage at $40 per week where you may store your RV on one of our tent sites and leave your electric plugged in while you are out of the preserve.

LAKE TAWAKONI | 903-598-2800 Annual/Extended Stay - Standard and Premium sites are available. There are electric charges on both. These sites are for 210 days of usage. Marina and dry storage are available for boats.

Short-Term Rental - Two rental cabins available.

Special Events - SuperHost facilities are available for family reunions and business use for a fee. Contact the BA for assistance.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Monthly Dry Storage cost is $42.70.

LAKE TEXOMA 903-523-5835 (Preserve Office) 903-523-4206 (Special Events/Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site leases available for part-time or full-time occupancy. Suitable for RV or park models. Also offering Summer Texan extended stays for members only, up to 5 months at $325 per month, plus metered electricity. For pricing and details about Annual sites or 55+ programs, call Marty or send e-mail at crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

Annual/Extended Stay - Personal Sites for 2011. A year with no time out. *Limited spaces available.* Save on gas, setup, pulling/towing. Please call Nic at the preserve office for information. Don’t delay - sites are rapidly filling up!

Special Events - Make your family reunion or church picnic interesting and

Short-Term Rental - New rates - call the preserve manager or ask at the office.

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Special Events - We offer SuperHost programs church groups, family reunions, scout groups, etc. Contact Brynda.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY - SOUTHEAST

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available. Please call Brynda.

LAKE WHITNEY | 254-694-4269 Annual/Extended Stay - Our annual/personal site program allows you to camp up to 210 days a year. There are 4 different price ranges depending on the site type chosen. Call us to find out how to get your personal site at Lake Whitney.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $55 per month or $605, plus tax, for the entire year (if paid in full at start of storage). You receive the 13th month free. Don’t wait - limited space.

MEDINA LAKE 830-751-2444 (Preserve Office) 830-751-2406 (Special Events/Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Site program available. Guarantee your personal site for an entire year with sites starting at $1,650. Call preserve for details.

Special Events - Family reunions, company picnics, rallies – we do them all!

We have two large outdoor areas available for day use. Campsite and limited cabin rentals are also available. Call Cindy at Special Events.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage $60 per month or $540 per year, plus tax.

Call Preserve Office or Storage.

VIRGINIA CHESAPEAKE BAY 804-693-9757 (Preserve Office) 804-693-9645 (Special Events) 804-693-6951 (Storage)

Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for 2011. Call preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - We have 20 fully-furnished rental cabins that sleep 4-6. (18 are lakefront locations). Pet units also available.

Special Events - On a tidal river of the Chesapeake Bay, we have 20 rental cabins, tent sites and 30- and 50-amp full hook-up sites. Perfect for group events, rallies and reunions. Indoor and outdoor facilities for meetings and gatherings. Call Special Events.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Field storage available year-round. On-site storage available Nov. 15-May 15. Call Storage for details.

HARBOR VIEW | 804-224-8164 Annual/Extended Stay - Seasonal sites: $1,000, plus elec. for the season or $350 per month, plus elec.

Short-Term Rental - Short-term rental available May through October. Call Mike.

Special Events - Plan your next outing with us! Air-conditioned Rec. Hall open from May through October. Call Mike.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only – May 1 to Oct. 12. Call Mike.

LYNCHBURG | 434-332-6672 Annual/Extended Stay - Plan to spend the season with us and enjoy all the beauty, festivals and fun that Central Virginia has to offer. Annuals sites are available for $1,200; premium sites are $1,875. Call the preserve for more details.

Short-Term Rental - Spend a month or two and enjoy all the wonderful activities and attractions of the area. Our monthly rate is $300, plus electric.

Call the preserve for more information and start making your plans today.

Special Events - We offer the perfect place for family reunions, church or company picnics, camping rallies, weddings and receptions, and other special functions. Contact the preserve at or send email to lymgr@equitylifestyle. com and let us help you plan your special gathering today.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $40 per month; $200 for six months $200, $400 for the year.

VIRGINIA LANDING 757-442-4853 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Call the preserve for more information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available year-round.

WILLIAMSBURG 757-566-3021 Annual/Extended Stay - Your best year of camping begins at Williamsburg.

Annual on-site program at our beautiful tree-sheltered campground: full hook-up, metered sites begin at $1,7000. Vacation Cottage Program offers 28 to 38-foot park models, vinyl or log-sided from $2,750 to $7,500, with a 3-year annual on-site lease.

Satellite reception sites still available. Call and ask Gary about our TB Reader VCP Discount.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Secure and easy access storage for $385 annually with park membership. Call the preserve for more information.

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Marketplace Countryside Interiors

1020 Ivy Street, Junction City, OR

800-324-6287

Furniture • Upholstery • Flooring Cabinetry • Shades • TVs • Repair

www.CountrysideRVInteriors.com

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Stressless recliner

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FREE recliner accessory with purchase of

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Interior Specialist Since 1981

Find The Evergreen Tree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue. Drop us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win $25! Allen Jensen from Redmond, OR found the evergreen tree on page 31 of the May issue. Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

Postmark deadline is July 28, and remember — the tree could be a different color and size.

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To Advertise in Marketplace Or To Place a Classified Ad Call Pamela Nunley (312) 914-7064 or email pam_nunley@equitylifestyle.com Deadline for October Issue is August 5, 2011

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ClassifiedAdvertising RV RENTAL LIST YOUR RV 4 RENT

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Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 64

RV, Home & Marine Solutions is looking for active and outgoing teams or singles to represent great new products within the RV markets. Work independently or within our 100+ campgrounds. Sponsor events, miniseminars on products that benefit all RVers.

Several comp plans available with generous commission plans. Immediate needs in TX, CA & FL. Other states too. Apply today! Send qualifications to info@nature-zyme.com or call 312-279-1876.

JULY 2011 | TRAILBLAZER

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Get Out and

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Our May winner is David Witham from Pensacola, FL Want to be a Lucky Winner?

Then Get Out and Camp!

Exclusive contest for Get Out and Camp participants and the chance to win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card!

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Register for free Trial or buy on-line at www.nature-zyme.com or call 888-376-2969

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Towing continued from page 39

Acme completely redesigned the axle and brake system, opting for a straight tube rather than a drop axle, and implementing a disc brake surge system, which others said couldn’t be done. The cutting edge braking system allows for much more effective braking, as well as easy adjustment and replacement. Since the brakes are disc rather than drum, adjustment is automatic, just as with disc brakes on a motor vehicle. The brakes are mounted near the top of the disc, and are readily accessible on the dolly, allowing for quick and easy adjustment and replacement of the pads.

Acme opted for a completely welded frame, with no bolted components other than the hitch assembly. This means that nothing can rattle loose while driving down the road. They also utilize top of the line components in the hydraulic surge brakes, as well as the lubricationfree hubs. The brake components themselves are sourced from a common automobile manufacturer, so are easily available at any auto parts store.

The dolly incorporates 10-inch tires, which gives it, as well as the towed vehicle, a nice low ride. Having purchased one of these dollies myself, I can say with confidence that it is an easy to use, smooth riding dolly.

My Prius tows like a dream, and since the dolly has its own brakes, no supplemental braking system is required on the towed vehicle. Another nice benefit of a tow dolly is that any front wheel drive vehicle that is within weight rating of the towing vehicle can be loaded. This is of benefit to anyone who has a choice of which vehicle they want to take on a trip.

Although there are some negative points to tow dollies that should be considered prior to purchasing one, those I will mention should not be of major concern.

The weight of the tow dolly must be subtracted from the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of the towing vehicle. However, since the Acme dolly only weighs about 400 pounds, this should not be much of a problem. Also, in many states and provinces, such as mine, the dolly must be licensed. This is also not a big issue, since licensing fees for a trailer such as this are minimal. Finally, tow dollies can be cumbersome to move and store, especially when pulling into an RV park, but due to the small size and relatively low weight of the Acme dolly, stowing it is fairly painless.

Since the dolly is so low to the ground, it can often be stored right under the RV itself. The reader may identify further cons related to the use of tow dollies, but for me, none have been an issue.

I mustn’t neglect to mention the reason I purchased the tow dolly from Acme in the first place. The price of the dolly online is just under $1,300, which about half the

price of the other tow dollies available. Also, Richard and his crew provide customs paperwork free of charge for those of us who live in Canada. The paperwork that Acme provides allows Canadians to bring the trailer across the border completely hassle-free, and since the trailer is designed and built in the USA, there are also no duties or taxes. The dolly comes complete with safety chains, tie-downs, ratchets, and ramps, and includes full instructions for loading and securing the vehicle to the dolly, as well as for maintaining the brakes, hub lubrication system, and surge system, as well as ordering parts. Another thing that impressed me so much about this dolly was that the hub lubrication system only has to be serviced every five years. The lubrication system uses a special positive pressure seal to keep the hubs lubricated and free from contaminants.

Special grease must be purchased for this system, but that is a small price to pay every five years!

Although slightly outside the scope of this article, I highly recommend a tire pressure monitoring system be used, if not for the coach itself, certainly for the toad.

These systems are not overly expensive (usually around $200), and are certainly well worth the price. They are simple devices, incorporating special valve stem caps with small transmitters in them that allow the receiver mounted on the dashboard to display the air pressure of each tire. The units usually include four tire sensors, but extras can be purchased. Although adding extra sensors increases the price of the system, I recommend including a sensor on each coach tire, as well as the four car tires, in the case of a four-down towing implementation, or the dolly and car rear tires, in the case of a dolly. If this is not feasible, then the motorhome rear axle sensors can be eliminated in favour of the steering tires and the toad and/or dolly tires. If a blowout occurs on either the dolly or towed vehicle, it is highly likely that the driver would not notice, and the result could be disastrous, ranging from a simple flat tire, to vehicle or wheel damage, or even a serious accident or fire. Tire pressure monitoring solutions should also be considered for trailers.

Kudos to Richard and his staff at Acme Tank & Trailer for recognizing a need and redesigning the RV tow dolly. The result is a much-needed towing answer that not only addresses the main problems with the existing solutions, but also adds other features that combine to make the Acme tow dolly a force to be reckoned with when stacked against tow bars. Often when I pull into an RV park with my Acme tow dolly, instead of having park operators and guests react negatively to my dolly, I instead experience looks of envy and plenty of questions regarding where such a dolly can be purchased (they can be purchased at www.towbartowdolly.com). â–

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POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD

Everyone in the Water!

It’s summertime and everyone’s enjoying water-based activities at our preserves across the country.

Champion, a Labrador Retriever, enjoys a swim at Lake of the Springs in Oregon House, California. “Champion spent every day of our 10-day vacation swimming and playing at the dog beach,” said Dave and Linda Mayfield of Apple Valley, CA.

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