TrailBlazer Magazine - May 2013

MAY 2013 n $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

PHOTO FABULOUS Ten Great Photo Ops

Roadtrip: Barbecue

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T R A

A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble | Cape Town

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Spotlight: Sweet Baby Ray’s

B L A L Z I

2013

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

VOL. 35 n ISSUE 4

MAY2013 CONTENTS Message from Marguerite

Tech Topics Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer

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TrailMix 12 Activities & Events

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Photo: www.eatitkc.blogspot.com

News & Notes 18

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ROADTRIP: BARBECUE

Whether you like it Southern-style, Texas or Kansas City, a good barbecue can bring a smile to any face. Hit the road with us as we explore regional barbecue and some of the best BBQ joints in America.

I Knew I Was a TrailBlazer

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Spotlight: Sweet Baby Ray’s

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A True TrailBlazer: Global Noble | Cape Town

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On the Road: Remembering Charles Kuralt

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Features: Roadtrip: Barbecue 32 Photo Fabulous 38 Member Deals 44 Advertiser Index 50 Crossword Puzzle 50 Preserve Services Directory

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Winding Roads 62

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PHOTO FABULOUS

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Photo: Haystack Rock

Sudoku Puzzle 63 Classified Advertising

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Meet Louisa & Clark

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It’s National Photo Month so we’ve lined up some of the best backdrops in the U.S. - all you need to do is smile!

Cover Photo: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Letters to the Editor

Send your letters to TrailBlazer Magazine, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60606, or send an email to TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com.

Sue S. wrote –

“The articles which I find the most interesting are not the cooking ideas, or the RV Bill...but rather the ideas for places to visit and interesting things to see in certain parts of the country where you have TT parks. Last year we were in the Russian River TT Park when we got the TrailBlazer and it had a wonderful article written by someone who had visited this park and listed/elaborated on all the side trips that he took in the area. IT WAS WONDERFUL AND WE FOLLOWED HIS SUGGESTIONS to the last detail. There were suggestions he gave that we never would have known about without this article. In other words, if you can find good writers to elaborate on all the day trips that are within the areas surrounding our Thousand Trail’s Parks...that would be wonderful. We travel full-time and stay at TT parks as much as possible, so we are always looking for things to do in these areas. I am sure I speak for many.”

Glad to hear from you Sue – please note that future issues have been planned that will center around specific preserves and the area surrounding them. From restaurants, to local attractions to complete day trips from the preserve, these features will cover those bases. Thanks for your comments.

Daniel L. wrote –

Just wanted to give my two cents worth on the TrailBlazer Magazine. I absolutely love the “Global Noble” monthly article. When this one has ended, I am hoping you will find a new series to publish in its place. What I don’t like is that there hasn’t been a detailed “Special Directory Edition” since Dec 2007. It’s now even more confusing and frustrating not knowing which Encore resorts allow TT/OW members to utilize certain parks at no charge as if they were TT/OW preserves. I know of several TT members who have stayed at various Encore parks in FL and AZ as part of their membership and at no additional charge. How does one find out what parks participate as a TT/OW preserve? It seems like the only way to find out is to talk with other campers. Many of us are hoping that an updated Membership Directory similar to the Dec 2007 issue with perhaps a separate section including details of all the Encore resorts. Thank you for consideration.

Yes, the adventures of Global and Dean are quite popular with our readers. In answer to your question about the Directory, please contact Member Services at 1-800-3887788 for specific questions or your membership access or to request a directory. In addition, if you log in to the Members Section of the Thousand Trails website at www. thousandtrails.com, there is a listing of which locations you can access.

Sharon S. wrote –

How could the magazine be of more value to me personally?

Well, first off, sometimes the whole issue is geared toward an area which we will never travel to. For example, in the April issue you featured North Carolina. We live in Washington State and are not full timers. It would take our entire vacation to drive there and back and not allow time to enjoy. What would be of value is to have a feature on both an Eastern and Western location in each magazine. I did enjoy very much the Art on Fire article which did feature art museums and galleries on both the East and West Coasts, for example, and actually tore out those pages (plus the one on the tulip festival).

I enjoy “I knew I was a Trailblazer” and also the feature where you interview a prominent celebrity or race car driver, etc, who own RVs and how they incorporate them into their lifestyles. The Camper Kitchen usually has recipes heavy to carbs and not healthy for older folks (although grand kids would like some of them). Tech Topics and Ask RV Bill contain interesting information.

I know that Thousand Trails is a very small part of Equity LifeStyle. My husband and I are looking forward to retirement.

It would be nice to have an article on how Thousand Trails fits into the Equity LifeStyle family and what other choices are available for those considering retirement. Here I am not talking about an ad with rates for a season, but a feature article on lifestyle choices, examples of how couples live who have made other choices. I would really like to see us “Trailblazers” as more a part of the larger organization.

Many of us can be customers for a lifetime if you make us aware of what you have to offer.

Thanks for your interest.

Thank you for your comments. While we do tend to feature one specific geographic location in each issue, we make every effort to have geographic diversity throughout the year. We are looking to incorporate mini features in future issues that will cover many areas within one issue. We have made note of your comment regarding the carb heavy recipes in our Cooking feature and you’ll be happy to know that our June issue will focus on vegetables and farmers’ market fare. As for an article on how TT fits into the ELS family and other choices available, please note that that is a question we hear a lot and a feature piece is in the works for an upcoming issue to address those questions.

We also heard from several readers who looked and looked throughout the book and could not find the cooking feature in our April issue. Our apologies! The piece was pulled at the last minute because we did not feel it was quite ready for reader consumption!

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MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

2013

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am excited to say that we got what we asked for!

In our last issue, we asked you to tell us what you like and don’t like about TrailBlazer. We asked you to let us know what you want to see more of and also what you could do with a little less of. The letters are coming in and our plan is to not only individually reply to your letters but to also share with all of our readers what you had to say as well as our plans to address your comments. We really appreciate the feedback, so please keep the letters coming.

Speaking of appreciation, I am also excited about the member “Appreciation” events that were recently held at a few of our California preserves and also about those that are planned over the next several months throughout our preserves. This past March we held events at three California preserves that were designed to welcome new members, provide them with an orientation of the property, highlight how they can get the most mileage out of their memberships and answer some of the most common FAQs. We’ll use the feedback we received to make the upcoming events even more comprehensive and beneficial to our members. Our Activities and Events section in this issue contains a special message about upcoming events in May!

This issue we kick off a road trip series that will take us through the summer. The plan is to highlight the variety our country has to offer. This month, we’re all about BBQ which we think is great timing since the weather is perfect for outdoor grilling. So, hit the road with us as we explore BBQ cross-country, including some of the best places for barbeque right near our preserves.

We would like to introduce you to Louisa and Clark who we hope will travel with you on the road this summer. See page 66 of this issue to learn more about these two. Please take a picture with them at the campgrounds you visit and send your photos in to us. We’d like to see where you travelled, what you enjoyed and what Louisa and Clark were up to!

Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off to summer thanks to the long weekend during which we celebrate and remember our Armed Forces. Our preserves have lots of events planned, including parades, pool opening celebrations and events to celebrate our heroes. So get out there and enjoy all there is to offer, cross-country and at your favorite campground.

Hope to hear from you soon and I look forward to seeing where your road trip took you and Louisa and Clark.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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San Benito: Woodpeckers - Norman Froggatt, Yuba City, CA

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 ADVERTISING SALES 877-252-9320 TBads@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

Now Win $50 EACH Issue!

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 photo contest. Winners will receive a $50 American Express Gift Card. Each issue we will select ONE “winning” photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month.) Winning photo will be posted on the TrailBlazer website as well as in the magazine.

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

One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received.

The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and on the website.

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

PICS FROM THE PARKS

La Conner: Our Chocolate Lab “Minty.”

She is just over six months old.

- Bill and Linda Trippett, Woodinville, WA

Bend/Sunriver: Early morning heading out for a fishing trip. The morning mist was coming off the river’s backwater.

- Thomas Remily, Portland, OR

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WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER?

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express Gift Card It’s easy ... pay your 2013 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve to earn entries into our monthly drawing.

There is no limit to how many entries you can earn so Get Out and Camp!

Our winners are Carole Keser from Pensacola, FL (January) Alexis Doran from Corona, CA (February) Sandy Breese from Gilbert, AZ (March)

Get Out and

Ca mp

8

When you pay your annual dues for 2013 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express gift card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2013. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2013, you will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The drawings are limited to persons who are of legal age. The drawings will be held at our corporate office on the 10th day after the end of each month. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails preserve. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. You may also enter the drawings by printing your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address on a 3” x 5” piece of paper and mailing it to the Sponsor in addressed, stamped envelope. You are limited to one mail-in entry which must be postmarked by December 15, 2013. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limtied Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Tech Topics

by Paul and Kerri Elders

▶This month, we’ll explain how to change an RV’s battery and how to easily diagnose what factors might be to blame for a backed-up drain. Read on, and see how easy RV maintenance can be when you have a few simple bits of key information.

K

eeping an RV in tip-top shape isn’t complicated, but knowing a few tips and tricks can make it even easier. If you’re not a maintenance expert, maintaining an RV might seem a little daunting, at first.

But just remember that EVERYTHING is easy when you have a little key information. Simple shortcuts to RV maintenance tasks can make your travels much more enjoyable; just knowing you can actually fix a problem yourself is a wonderful feeling of freedom.

How to Change a Battery

Those old reliable power sources, our batteries, can and do “die.” If you have to replace one, it’s a relatively simple process. Just exercise a little caution and use the right procedure. And ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area.

Begin by inspecting the old battery for corrosion or acid spills. If you find any spills, gently wash them away with water and towel dry before you do anything else. If your battery cables aren’t color coded, be sure to label them before you begin, so you’ll know “which is which” when you reconnect them.

Remove the negative (-) cable first; ordinarily, this is BLACK. This helps minimize the possibility of shorting the battery when you remove the other cable. Next, remove the positive (+) cable (usually RED), and then the battery bracket or clamp. If the battery bracket or clamp is corroded, replace it. Next, make sure the battery tray and the cable connectors are clean. If not, use a wire brush (available from any auto parts store) to clean the terminals and the inside of the terminal clamps. If any of these parts are severely corroded, do yourself a favor and take the time to replace them.

Nestle the new battery into the clean battery tray, making sure that the negative side of the battery lines up with the negative battery cable you’ve labeled. Replace the hold-down bracket to secure the battery in place, then reconnect the battery cables in the reverse order from

which you disconnected them: connect the POSITIVE (Red) first, then the NEGATIVE (Black). Now use a battery corrosion preventative spray (or apply a thin coat of Vaseline) on the battery terminal and the terminal clamps to help prevent future corrosion.

Check the battery’s fluid level and state of charge. If necessary, fill lead acid batteries as instructed with distilled water. Recharge as required and you’ll be ready to roll in no time! Don’t forget to take your old battery to a recycling center. If you buy a new battery from a retailer like BatteriesPlus, they’ll usually recycle the old one for you at no charge.

Solving the Mystery of a Backed-Up Drain

Now, let’s take a look at your RV’s plumbing system.

An important drain-related part of your RV is its venting system. Ordinarily, plumbing vents penetrate the roof and are usually located directly above the plumbing fixtures (such as a bathroom or kitchen sink). This venting system allows air to be drawn in behind water as it falls through your pipes, allowing wastewater to flow effortlessly from your drain down into the holding tank.

Improper or restricted venting can cause your shower, sinks, etc. to drain slowly. An inadequate venting system can also actually siphon water from your under-sink drain traps, defeating the purpose of the p-traps and allowing odors to back up into the interior of the RV. If you suspect you have venting problems, check for restrictions in the vent pipes or have an RV technician do this for you. Debris can occasionally block these vents. An enterprising bird or spider may have found the PERFECT round spot for a nest or a squirrel thought your venting system would be ideal for hiding a cache of nuts or you may have parked under a tree that covered your vents with leaves and other debris.

Continued on page 62

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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WHO’S IN THE KITCHEN

with TrailBlazer?

BBQ! W

ho knows barbeque better than the folks at Sweet Baby’s Rays, makers of award-winning BBQ sauces.

Recipes are compliments of Duce Raymond, Executive Chef/Partner at Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Sweet Baby Ray’s Baby Back Ribs Ingredients 22½-inch Weber Grill Rib Rack Grease Pan 10 pound bag of Kingsford Charcoal 8 ounces Hickory, Cherry or Apple chips, soaked in water Pair of Tongs 4 Slabs of Baby Back Ribs, 1 ½ pounds and down, skinned 16 ounce Bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce Salt Fresh Ground Pepper Onion Salt Method 1) Put 52 briquettes in center of grill and burn for ½ hour, then put 26 coals on each side with grease pan in the middle.

2) Season skinned ribs generously with salt, fresh ground pepper, and onion salt.

3) Stand ribs on rib rack in center of grill and cook for ½ hour.

4) After ½ hour rotate ribs inside to outside and from top to bottom.

5) Add soaked wood chips to each side of coals.

6) Add 6 briquettes to each side of coals.

7) After ½ hour rotate ribs again, checking every 15 minutes thereafter, rotating when necessary.

8) Ribs are cooked when you can penetrate them easily with a fork after 1 ¾ to 2 hours of cooking.

9) Remove rib rack and place ribs top down in center of grill.

Brush on generous amounts of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce. Cook 10 minutes.

10) Turn ribs over and generously brush sauce on top of ribs.

Cook an additional 10 to 12 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

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the duce

The Duce Sandwich was originated in Memphis. I’m sure, however they did not call it the Duce. While my Uncle Dave and I were attending the nation’s larget BBQ competition in Memphis, we stumbled upon this innovative sandwich. Down south, it’s made with fried bologna, pulled pork smothered in a vinegar-based barbeque sauce, and topped off with an oil and vinegar-based coleslaw. It was delicious. While I was eating it, though, I couldn’t help but think of ways to rebuild this sandwich into something that was my own creation.

Spice Rub Ingredients 1 cup kosher salt 1 cup dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon cumin 2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper 2 tablespoon hot paprika 2 tablespoon granulated garlic 2 tablespoon onion powder Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until incorporated. Rub can be stored in sealed jar up to three months.

Pulled Pork 4 cups all purpose flour 5 teaspoons baking powder ¾ cup shortening 2 teaspoons salt 1 ½ cups milk First, season the bone-in pork shoulder (5-6 pounds) with the spice rub. Let marinate overnight, if possible.

Start your smoker at least 14 hours before you plan on serving the pork. If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a grill utilizing indirect heat. I like to use a Weber chimney with newspaper and charcoals. Once the coals are burning hot, place them into your smoker or grill. Then place the pork on the smoker. Maintain the smoker at 225 degrees while soaking the fire every other hour with Hickory wood. It is very hard to maintain the temperature but also very important.

After the shoulder has smoked for about 12 hours, it should be very dark brown and the bone should easily pull away from the meat. When the pork is nice and tender take it out of the smoker and let it rest in a pan. After it cools to the touch, begin to pull the pork.

When you are finished pulling the pork, add about a ¼ cup of spice rub and about 1 cup of warm Sweet Baby Ray’s and toss lightly.

Creamy Cole Slaw 2 cups mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream ½ cup apple cider vinegar 1 cup sugar 2 Tablespoon Kosher salt 1 Tablespoon freshly ground Black Pepper 2 pounds shredded cabbage 1 medium carrot, finely shredded ½ cup thinly sliced green onions Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and whisk until all ingredients are combined. Prepare the dressing one day before you intend to make the Cole Slaw. Mix the dressing and the rest of the ingredients and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the sandwich.

Grilled Beef Bologna Go to your favorite Deli and ask for a ½ pound of all beef Bologna sliced thick. Preferably, get it 1/8 inch thick. When you are ready to eat, grill the bologna on medium high heat about three minutes per side. Brush it with Sweet Baby Ray’s to ensure maximum flavor. Place it on the bottom of your favorite soft bun and top with about 5 ounces of warm pulled pork. Finally, place a dollop of Creamy Cole Slaw on top. I give you a money back guarantee that this sandwich will be one of the tastiest you’ll ever eat. If not, I’ll have to change my name to something other than Duce.

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 1111

TRAILMIX

Barbecue

If you’re in the mood for some good barbecue when you visit a Thousand Trails location read what our preserves have to say about some of the best BBQ nearby.

ARIZONA

Hog Wild, near Arizona’s Verde Valley Preserve, has been selected seven years straight as the BBQ place to go and was also named in the “Top 6 BBQ Places in Arizona” according to the Arizona Republic.

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CALIFORNIA

California offerings include Cold Spring Tavern, near Rancho Oso noted for its wonderful baby back ribs and if you’re visiting Palm Springs, there are three great choices, all within 10 minutes from the preserve. They include The Cowboy Way, known for its Kansas City style BBQ; Tootie’s Texas BBQ, and Big Mama’s Soul Food, featuring Southern-style BBQ.

FLORIDA

Florida’s got lots of options! If you’re staying at Three Flags, nearby Woody’s BBQ in Wildwood is a BBQ-lover’s favorite. It’s family friendly and boasts that their “authentic Bar-B-Q flavored beans are the best you’ll ever have.”

Visit www.woodys.com for more information. Peace River’s picks are JP’s Smokehouse BBQ in Wauchula and Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ in Bowling Green, known for its huge servings.

ILLINOIS

TEXAS

Less than 10 minutes from Pine Country Preserve you’ll find Smokin’ Coop BBQ Pit, in Belvidere, Illinois.

A seasonal barbeque place, their menu offers pork, brisket, chicken, turkey, pork chops, brats, and Italian sausage.

Bay Landing likes Raymond’s BBQ. Raymond’s is located at 706 Hovey Street in Bridgeport, TX. For restaurant information call (940) 683-1955.

Here’s what Colorado River has to say:

OHIO

MASSACHUSETTS Billed as “authentic Southern Barbeque in the heart of southeastern Massachusetts”, the Little Red Smokehouse is where you should head if you’re staying at Gateway to Cape Cod. Visit www.littleredsmokehouse.com for details. If you’re heading to Sturbridge Preserve, don’t miss BT’s Smokehouse, on Main Street, in Sturbridge. “The smoker is right outside the door and its smells great,” says Sturbridge Manager, Donna Rainville.

NORTH CAROLINA

Forest Lake recommends Tarheel Q, 6835 W U.S 64, in Lexington.

It’s been said that the scent of the wood smoke barbeque fills the air and really whets your appetite.

Phone is 336-787-4550.

Wilmington Manager Amy Bass says of the Montgomery Inn, “You can’t come to Cincinnati without eating at this restaurant.” She also says people go crazy for City BBQ. In business since 1951, famous guests at the Montgomery Inn have included Bob Hope, Bill Cosby, astronaut John Glenn, and 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford. No matter what style of BBQ you prefer, you’ll probably be able to find it at City BBQ. Established in 1999, City BBQ offers all styles claiming to bring “delectable renditions of the best regional barbeque styles America has to offer.”

“Only nine miles from the Colorado River Preserve is Peters B-B-Q located in the town of Ellinger on SH 71. Peters has been cooking up real smokehouse barbeque for 13 years under the same ownership.

They have brisket, spareribs, sausage and chicken along with all the fixin’s, prepared on site daily.

On Friday night we encourage our members to visit Peters for supper, when they have an all-you-can-eat buffet. This includes all the meat, veggies, desserts and beverages that you want. Be sure to tell Allen Peters, owner, and Johnny, the cook, that you heard about them while staying at Thousand Trails.

We promise they will treat you well.”

SOUTH CAROLINA

The name, The Smoking Pig, says it all! According to Carolina Landing Preserve Manager, Joshua Pruitt, this place has the best “everything” he’s ever had. Note that the Pendleton location is closest to the preserve. Visit www.smokingpigsc. com to see the complete menu and more.

Photos: Arizona - Hog Wild, www.otm-inthegalley.blogspot.com California - Cold Spring Tavern Florida - Woody’s BBQ, www.spacecoastmenus.com Massachusetts - Little Red Smokehouse, www.phantomgourmet.com Ohio - City BBQ, kevinsbbqjoints.com South Carolina - The Smoking Pig, www.hanschenklein.wordpress.com

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Calendar - May 2013 ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Member Appreciation Events - Saturday May 4 Check with individual preserve for event time

California: Lake Minden, Lake of the Springs, Morgan Hill, Pio Pico, Ponderosa, Rancho Oso, Russian River, San Benito, Soledad Canyon, Wilderness Lakes Oregon: Pacific City, Seaside, South Jetty, Whalers Rest Washington: Birch Bay, Chehalis, La Conner, Leavenworth, Mt. Vernon, Thunderbird BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA Cultus Lake May 4-5: Free Guest Weekend: Members, bring your guests to the preserve for 2 free nights. We will allow up to two free guest sites per membership for the weekend (space available). The members bringing guests and the guests are invited to join the Manager and staff for a complimentary hot dog and chips at noon on Saturday. Remember, if your guest purchases a ZPP you may be eligible for a gift as well. Please call the preserve directly at (604) 858-3932 to reserve your guest(s) site. Members, you still need to make your own reservations. On this special weekend, we will be assigning sites for both the member and their guest(s). May 11-12: Mother’s Day Weekend: Breakfast will be available Saturday and Sunday. Bring Mom for a free Sunday morning breakfast to celebrate Mother’s Day. Bring the whole family for a nice weekend away with Mom! May 19-20: Victoria Day Weekend: Breakfast will be available each morning of the long weekend. On Saturday morning we will have a kid’s craft commemorating the Victoria Day holiday. The dinner will be our Cook’s famous burgers and hot dogs at 5:30 p.m. Children’s meals will be available as well. Dinner will be followed by dancing to DJ Kiven. May 25-27: Memorial Day Weekend: Come and join us on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. sharp for a Potluck Dinner (All you need to do is bring a dish that will feed 10 or more people). Meet old friends and make new ones. Sign up in the Rec Hall before 2 p.m. on Saturday.

CALIFORNIA Idyllwild May 11-12: Happy Mother’s Day. On Saturday there will be a special Mother’s Day craft for all the kids to make. Treat Mom to a Saturday afternoon game of Candy Bar Bingo. A special Mother’s Day dinner will be hosted by Jan Boss, the new proprietress of the Pine Cone Cafe. May 24-27: We start our Memorial Day Weekend with a hike on Saturday morning with Pat Boss. Then in the afternoon we will make pine cone bird feeders followed by Candy Bar Bingo.

On Saturday night Glen Smith will entertain us with his rock and roll style and of course there will be s’mores. There will also be a special Memorial Day dinner in the Cafe. Make sure you check out our activity schedule and bulletin boards when you arrive for more fun activities.

May 4-5 Idyllwild Spring Challenge Rated one of the best cycling challenges in California - course ranges from 6.5 to 8 miles. Race times vary. For information contact katiehed@aol.com.

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(Events may be subject to change)

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May 11-12 Lilac Walk and Art Show Stroll through the lilac gardens or take a guided tour among the dozens of varieties of lilacs. Enjoy a Victorian tea in the gardens.

Held at the Alpen Glow Garden, Fern Valley Road, in Idyllwild, just six miles from the preserve. For information call (951) 659-9711.

Event hours are 11 a.m to 3 p.m.

Lake Minden May 3-5: Cinco de Mayo: Hola Amigos! Sign up early for the Friday Night Cinco de Mayo Taco Bar Potluck Social. Saturday celebrate Cinco de Mayo with lots of Latin-themed activities and crafts. Don’t forget Saturday Candy Bar Bingo and the Ice Cream Social. May 10-12: Mother’s Day: From Bingo to Beading and everything in between, Moms of all ages will find a host of great activities. Bring Mom to a “just like Mom used to make” Friday Night Potluck. Find out how well you know your Mom with special games planned for Saturday. Moms, don’t forget to pick up your free raffle ticket in the Adult Lodge for our special Mother’s Day raffle at the Saturday Pie and Ice Cream Social. May 17-19: Armed Forces Day/Hydroplane Races: Pay tribute to those who served or are now serving our country in the Armed Forces at a Friday Night Potluck Social followed by Red, White and Blue Bingo. Veterans are encouraged to bring photos for our Salute to Veterans’ board as well as memories to share with other veterans and members. The big boats make their first appearance of the season on the 18th and 19th. Bring your cameras and be prepared to catch the excitement first hand. Show us your best moves Saturday night at the Barn Dance. May 24-27: Memorial Day/Craft and Variety Fair: Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend at a Friday Night Potluck Social. On Saturday, we’ll have Paddle Boat Races, Kids’ Carnival Games, Candy Bar Bingo and Root Beer Floats at the Ice Cream Social. Join us for the first Craft and Variety Fair of the season. Saturday Night we will have a good old-fashioned Barn Dance!

May 11-12 Roseville BerryFest Enjoy a Boy Scout’s Pancake Breakfast each morning of the Mother’s Day weekend at 8:00 a.m. Stay for the car show, strawberry shortcake eating contest, petting zoo, pony rides, over 100 arts & crafts vendors, and a celebrity kitchen featuring Michael Marks. All food vendors must incorporate strawberries into their menu and it gets “berry” creative. All strawberries are California grown and sold by farmers themselves. Held at Placer County Fairgrounds, in Roseville, just 26 miles from the preserve.

For information call (916) 787-0101.

Lake of the Springs May 3-4: Horseshoe Tournament and Craft & Variety Fair. Plus, DJ Rhonda Allen at the Family Dance and John Carter at the Family Campfire on Saturday.

May 11: DJ Rhonda Allen at the Family Dance and John Carter at the Family Campfire. May 18: DJ Ana Maris at the Family Dance and John Carter at the Family Campfire. May 25-26: Memorial Day Weekend: Kids’ Fishing Derby on Saturday, plus Teen Dance with DJ Eric for our young members and John Carter at the Family Campfire. Plus Joanie Lee with Southern Wings will perform at our Family Dance. Sunday Family Dance performers include John Carter and the James Slack Band and Eric will be here for Teen Dance.

May 4-5 9th Annual Vintage Tractor Days Event includes a tractor drive, kids’ games, tractors, plus bounce house for the kids, pancake breakfast and more. Held at Oregon House Alcouffe Center, 9185 Marysville Road, just 1.5 miles from the preserve. For information call (530) 692-9162.

Palm Springs May 1-14: Thursday, Friday and Monday mornings spend some time at the pool doing water aerobics. In the afternoon you will find our Recreation Lodge home to ping pong, Wii games, movies, crafts and bingo. The preserve closes May 15.

May 4 Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association Cruise Night This event is open to all cars, trucks and motorcycles. There will be food vendors, live music and children’s activities. Event hours are 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Held at the Westfield Mall, 72840 Hwy 111, in Palm Desert, just 7 miles from the preserve.For information call (760) 275-3786.

Pio Pico Our Recreation Department is open every Friday and Saturday. Rec hours will vary due to scheduled events. Please check with the preserve for detailed time and event information or go to facebook.com/piopicocamping to find out more details. Every Friday we have Candy Bingo at 2:30 p.m. in the Activity Center. Please check with the Rangers for Youth Center hours. Every Saturday we have our Marketplace up in the Activity Center from 9 a.m. to noon. May 11: Mother’s Day Crafts, Brunch and Movie in the Park. May 18: Manager Meeting (held on the third Saturday of each month.) May 24-25: Memorial Day Weekend crafts, lawn activities and a Movie in the Park on Saturday.

May 3-5 Old Town Cinco De Mayo Fiesta features three stages with live entertainment, over 40 bands, traditional ballet folklorico dancers, Lucha Libre performances, equestrian shows, a mercado with over 100 retail and food booths, beer garden, and Lowrider Lane. Also includes multi-cultural choral concert by Misa Azteca, motocross exhibitions, carnival rides and games, and stagecoach rides. Event hours are Friday 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Held in Old Town San Diego, just 28 miles from the preserve. For information call (619) 291-4903.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

May 25-26 80th Annual Marysville Stampede The Marysville Stampede Rodeo has been a main attraction in this area since 1933 and features some of the nation’s top rodeo cowboys. Events include Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Calf Roping, Warp Woman’s Barrel Racing and Kids Mutton Bustin’. Event is held at Beckworth Riverfront Park, Cotton Rosser Arena, Biz Johnson Drive, in Marysville, just 2 miles from the preserve. For information call (530) 742-8249.

Ponderosa May 11 Motherlode Century Amazing Bike Ride This annual scenic bicycling event features three options to choose from, a mild 28, a challenging 64 and wild 100-mile route. There will be SAG support, meals, snacks and a delicious riverside postride BBQ served along the American River. This ride helps support the American River Conservancy and El Dorado Trail. The Start and Finish lines are across the street from the Ponderosa preserve, at Earthtrek Expeditions. Event runs 7 a.m to 5 p.m, rain or shine. For information visit www.motherlodecentury.com.

Rancho Oso Every Saturday: 11:00-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 young bulls as we prepare them for a future in rodeo! A definite photo op! Every Weekend: Join the fun and hop on board the famous Rancho Oso hay wagon to take a tour of our beautiful resort!

Wagon will drop off passengers at the barn for the stock dog and bucking bull demo and barn tour. Don’t forget to call the stables at (805) 683-5110 and book your unforgettable horseback ride for ages 8 and over. Of course, your little buckaroos can get their first ride on a big horse, led by one of our friendly wranglers! This is a great “photo-op” for your scrapbook. The weather is perfect for hiking, swimming, riding, photography, or wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, only a scenic half hour drive away. Don’t want to drive?

You can easily arrange a guided winery tour with a local tour company! Later on Saturday, join us for the Ice Cream Social to make your favorite sundae or hot chocolate! Keep the weekend sweet with our Candy Bar Bingo too! Check out our breakfasts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and dinners on Friday and Saturday at the Stone Lodge Kitchen! Our chuck wagon is open serving lunch on Saturday – great burgers!

May 18 Return to Freedom Sanctuary Tour and Wild Horse Walk From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., experience a vital link to our living history - America’s wild horses. Learn about the origins of the horse in America, how they shaped American culture, what they face in the world today and what we are doing to preserve them. From 3 to 6 p.m. journey into the hills and spend the afternoon learning Continued next page MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Return to Freedom Sanctuary Tour and Wild Horse Walk continued directly from the wild horses. This time will be reserved for quiet observation of the herds. Hiking level is moderate to strenuous on uneven, steep terrain. Not recommended for children under 12. Hiking boots, hat, sunscreen and reusable water bottles recommended. Light refreshments provided. Suggested minimum donation $75 per adult, $20 for youths ages 12-16. For more information contact programs@returntofreedom.org.

May 25-27 I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Mission Plaza using pastels on pavement to create 150 vibrant and colorful, large scale images. Santa Barbara is proud to be the first to bring this romantic festival to the Western hemisphere from our sister festival in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy. Great photo op! Event runs daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. Held at the Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna Street, in Santa Barbara, just 20 miles from the preserve. For information call (805) 682-4713.

Wilderness May 4: Casino Night. Come play Blackjack for FREE. Play with Wilderness money and get rich. Tickets given and drawing for prizes at the end of the evening. Must be 21 to play. May 11: Larry Stevens plays music for your listening and dancing entertainment. May 12: Happy Mother’s Day. FREE Cake for ALL Moms at the Ice Cream Social. May 18: Movie Night. Come watch a movie with the whole family. (Kid Friendly) FREE Popcorn. May 2427: Memorial Day Weekend: On Saturday, Dominic’s Karaoke provides lots of songs to show your talents, have fun and maybe you can be the next American Idol. On Monday, Hit Men will entertain the whole family all evening long with music to dance along with and great listening.

FLORIDA Orlando May 12: Mother’s Day. May 27: Memorial Day events include BBQ, games, and a parade.

Through May 19 Epcot® Internation Flower and Garden Festival Held at Epcot Center, Walt Disney World, this annual festival of all things green and grown invites guests to see millions of blooming flowers and a collection of specially-themed topiaries. Top horticulturists offer helpful gardening tips and demonstrations of techniques. The festival is highlighted by the Flower Power Concerts, featuring unforgettable live music from the 1960s and 1970s. Event is included with theme park admission. Event is every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.

For information call (407) 934-7639.

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May 31 - June 2 Blue Skies and Silver Spurs Festival Osceola Heritage Park/ Formosa Gardens Area The 131st Silver Spurs Rodeo is joined by events celebrating fun in the sky and on the ground during this exciting new festival in Kissimmee! A blend of great experiences combine to fill this early summer weekend!

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MASSACHUSETTS Gateway to Cape Cod May 10-12: Mother’s Day Weekend: Our annual Mother’s Day Tea will be held on Saturday afternoon. Enjoy tea and cookies with the special “Mom” in your life. May 17-19: Wilderness Weekend: Check out some of the local hiking trails (we will have directions) or head out on the pond in your canoe or kayak and then try your hand at cooking dinner over a campfire. May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend: It’s the first long weekend of the camping season!

Enjoy the pool opening and Saturday evening entertainment.

May 12 Plimouth Plantation Mother’s Day Brunch Full Sunday Brunch in honor of Mother’s Day. Reservations required, $25/Adult and $14/Child. Hours are 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

Plimouth Plantation is just 30 minutes from the preserve.

For information call (508) 746-1622, ext. 8365 or visit www. plimouth.org.

May Through October Tours at Nauset Lighthouse Nauset Light Preservation Society volunteers lead tours of the lighthouse and provide historic information. Tours are free, donations accepted and some parking fees may apply. Tours run Sunday, May 12 and May 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. - check website for other dates and times. For information call (508) 240-2612 or visit www.nausetlight.org.

Sturbridge May 14-19 Brimfield Antiques Fair The Brimfield Antiques Show began in the 1950s and has become the largest and best-known outdoor antiques show in the country. The Brimfield Show is filled with thousands of dealers selling everything from the finest antiques to ‘yard junk’, requiring a day or two to see everything there is to see. Food courts and rest facilities abound, and the shows are filled with hidden treasures.

For information visit www.brimfieldshow.com.

MICHIGAN Bear Cave May 4 Blossomtime Festival Grand Floral Parade Celebrating its 107th year, the Grand Floral Parade celebrates spring in Michigan and features approximately 125 units, including floats, bands, clowns, costumed characters, antique cars and tractors. This spectacular parade takes place on the banks of Lake Michigan, just 20 minutes from our preserve. Event begins at 1 p.m. For information call (269) 982-8016.

NEW YORK Rondout Valley May 18-19: Armed Forces Weekend. Please take the time to thank the men and women who served, and are still serving, our country. Please make it a point to stop by the pavilion to make a special card to let our military know we care and still support them. May 25-27: We are going to have a Chili Cook-Off and the RVR’s Talent Show. Prizes will be awarded so get your entry forms from the Country Store or Activities department. Plus lots of games, crafts and our famous Bounce House and live entertainment Saturday night.

OHIO Wilmington May 11-12: Mother’s Day Weekend: Treat Mom to a day of pampering and a relaxing evening by the campfire. Join us for crafts and make Mom something special. May 25-27: Memorial Day Weekend: Make a splash during our grand opening of the pool and spa. Entertainment by the American Made Band on Saturday. Lawn games, scavenger hunts, and water fun all weekend long. Be entertained on Sunday by gospel-bluegrass music performed by Mountain Laurel, Gospel Mountain, and Sandgap!

May 18-19 SCCA Racing Join the excitement of solo racing in person. Competitions range from go-carts to open-wheel formula race cars. Sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America. Held at Wilmington Airpark, 1113 Airborne Road, just 20 minutes from the preserve. For information call (937) 728-6557 or visit www.scca.com.

OREGON Pacific City May 4: Run for the Roses: Enjoy the Kentucky Derby on the big screen TV. Bring your favorite Derby snack to share or enjoy our Cuatro de Mayo chips and salsa. May 11: Mother’s Day crafts. May 25: Breakfast and BBQ lunch poolside. Puppy paws bingo, paw print cards, “All Pooch Review” pet show with prizes. Ernie Kropf Family karaoke entertainment. May 26: Breakfast and BBQ lunch poolside. Scott Davis Magic Show and Karaoke. May 27: Memorial Day muffin and beverage breakfast.

May 12 Oregon Coast Railroad Mother’s Day Brunch Ride May 18 Show and Shine Mutt Masters Dog Show Event begins at 8 a.m. at the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce on 50th Street in Lincoln City.

Seaside May 12: Mother’s Day Weekend: Treat Mom to breakfast - bring the whole family! Keep the kids busy and join in with pool, basketball toss, foosball and ping pong games. May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend: What better way to spend the start of summer than coming to the coast. We have so much to do here! On Saturday, enjoy the sounds of Storm‘in Norman and his classic Rock and Roll.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

NEW JERSEY Lake & Shore May 10-12: Mother’s Day Weekend: Happy Mother’s Day - there will be plenty of games and crafts for the children to enjoy while all of you Moms relax or join in on the fun! May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend: Happy Memorial Day! Summer is almost here! Come shake off the cold winter blues and jump into the pool, lake and waterpark! Enjoy our pool party on Saturday with DJ Sonja and then come and eat with friends and family at our BBQ Potluck. Games, contests and crafts are on the list this weekend so don’t miss it! Also, starting May 26, the last Sunday of every month we will host a Sunday Morning Brunch in the Adult Lounge for all of our Annual Cottage and Site Owners.

Fridays in May Mix and Mingle Jazz Nights at Cannon Beach Gallery The Cannon Beach Gallery in midtown hosts guitarist Wes Warhmund and friends for its series of Mix and Mingle Jazz Nights that will run through June 7. Every Friday night from 6 to 8:30 p.m. come join us for an evening of music, art, and conversation.

This event is free and open to the public. Event is held at 1064 S. Hemlock Street, in Cannon Beach. For information call (503) 436-0744.

May 11 Presidio Brass Concert Liberty Theater presents Presidio Brass, a tour-de-force in brass chamber music: five instruments sound like a symphony. Music blends with humor for an exhilarating ride. Event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Liberty Theater, 1203 Commercial Street. For information call (503) 325-8108 or visit http://www.libertytheater.org/liberty-theater-presents.php.

Whalers Rest May 11: Today we honor all Mothers! Join us at the Ice Cream Social in our South Clubhouse at 2 p.m. All Moms get a small sundae or cone for free. May 24-26: Hurry on over to the “Whalers At The Big Top” weekend. Bring the kids and family to the Whalers Carnival on Saturday afternoon in our tennis court area. There will be plenty of fun and prizes. At 11:30 a.m. on Saturday we will honor all who have served our country with a “Memorial Day Celebration”.

We will also be serving up yummy breakfast, BBQ and dinner. Dr. Delusions will be performing his magic in the South Clubhouse Saturday night at 7 p.m.

May 2-5 57th Newport Loyalty Days Celebration Along with our annual parade, the Newport Loyalty Day’s festivities this year will again include the Field of Flags, the Queen’s Coronation, Davis Show Carnival, car shows hosted throughout town, Coast Hills Running Club’s Fun Run, Vietnam Veterans’ remembrance with our annual Reading of the Names and the Coast Hills Mt. Bike Race. Held in Newport, just 5 minutes north of the preserve. For information call (541) 961-1466.

PENNSYLVANIA PA Dutch Country May 3-5: Wine and Cheese Weekend. Friday events include Candy Bar Bingo in the Barn. On Saturday we’ll have crafts, wagon ride, wine and cheese social (we provide the cheese and crackers - byow). May 10-12: Mother’s Day Weekend: Activities to be announced. May 17-19: Ahoy Matey! It’s Pirate Weekend. On Saturday decorate the wagon for our pirate weekend afternoon Continued on page 52 MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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News& Notes

Bay Landing, TX Asphalt has been delivered and put down for the holes in the road and the bottom of Section 1 bathhouse has been retrimmed.

Bear Cave, MI New this summer, movie nights under the stars will be a new event taking place in the field. Pull up the golf cart or spread a blanket. Rain won’t stop us - we’ll gather in our movie room where there is plenty of room for the entire family.

Birch Bay, WA Prior to our May 15 preserve opening of Phase II this year, a water break in the main system is being repaired as well as the few Phase I sewer quadrants that were obstructed.

Chehalis, WA Pools are being repaired, resurfaced and repainted. Cabin 10 has been “refreshed” with new flooring, paint and furnishings.

Cultus Lake, B.C. Over the winter the playground equipment was rebuilt. The design has changed a bit and and we think the kids will really enjoy the changes.

Cultus Lake Playground

Idyllwild Country Store

carpet, bathrooms, and are adding a new flat screen TV and more. The restrooms are getting new counters, the pool is getting new paint, the Lodge Deck is being restored and our office building is getting painted, plus roads are being paved and new signage installed.

Lake & Shore, NJ We have upgraded our Welcome Center and Store.

Lake Conroe, TX We have done some great work around Lake Conroe in the last couple of months. The hot tub has been re-tiled and a beautiful shade structure, to keep the hot sun off of us, has been constructed. The bath house at the pool has been given a facelift and looks great.

Lake Whitney, TX We have a newly painted mini-golf course and trees have been trimmed and the bathrooms refurbished. We also have a new 55-inch TV!

Idyllwild, CA We have a brand new face on our Country Store and Pine Cone Cafe, plus great new hours and new items. Come welcome our new proprietress of both establishments, an old friend to many, Jan Boss. We are transferring the Ranger Station to a Welcome Center in our office lobby. We are upgrading our decor and furnishings, and will have new 18

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Leavenworth, WA We are excited to announce the opening of our brand new bunkhouse facility. Our new bunkhouse sleeps 16 in eight double deck bunks. It is beautifully decorated with a Pacific Northwest Mountain theme. The furniture and beds are all rustic. The view is wonderful, overlooking our large mountain ponds. It’s attached to our Clear Creek Lodge.

Terrific for winter and summer groups! Call our office at (509) 763-2020, ext 4, to reserve.

Orlando, FL Our compactor is in and running. That, along with our new recycling program, will help reduce our parks carbon footprint considerable. We have also raised the funds for our new flagpole for outside the Activity Center and we it now are only awaiting to raise it - which we plan to do with Continued on page 63

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Good Times, Good Flavors Await in Washington State

B

arbecue and balmy weather, nothing could be better.

Don’t be surprised if you find the best of both this summer in Seattle.

The Pacific Northwest might not be the first place you think about as barbecue central. But the metropolitan Seattle area has a diverse take on the specialty, with nearly 200 BBQ restaurants.

If you’re a foodie/RVer, the region is also full of fabulous RPI resorts to call home in between savory chow fests. In fact, this really is RPI country, with more than 30 locations throughout Washington State. Some at the beach and some in the mountains and all of them feature RPI’s GREAT VALUE, part of what makes RPI the finest RV reciprocal camping program in North America.

Take Ocean Breeze Resort, a little cove of wilderness on the coast among the giant evergreens. The sights include an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty and there are all sorts of recreational activities at your doorstep. Not to mention the great seafood up the road in Ocean Shores.

Or Dow Creek, at the base of the Olympic Mountains near Hood Canal, which is ocean water. The resort has access to the 10-mile long fresh water Lake Cushman. Another beautiful setting surrounded by the Olympic National Forest with the famous Staircase area minutes away. If you crave oysters, this is the area.

Or a little hideaway like Lake Sawyer. Sitting on a “boutique” lake, it’s no more than a half mile from the neighborhood BBQ and maybe 30 minutes from the Space Needle, Seattle’s new Great Wheel out over the water and Pike Street Market.

There are numerous day trip choices available by hopping a ferry to Poulsbo, the San Juan Islands or Victoria, BC, and

Not an ber?

RPI Mem ic as B I P R Add $79 ly n O r fo 89 s lu for $ or RPI P

Call 5-8498 1-800-63 tion ma for infor O, LTR be a NAC r You must ic membe nt tla -A id or M this offer. r fo ify al to qu

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

more. But back to the food. Here are two of those highly rated BBQ places: Dixie’s is a converted auto shop in Bellevue, and its hot sauce is legendary. Save room for the homemade lemon cake. This is home to Microsoft and they love BBQ. Pecos Pit, in south Seattle, is a favorite of the lunchtime crowd and best known for its brisket doused in pepper sauce and slow-cooked pork, all served on onion buns. The old Boeing main plant, Red Barn and Museum of Flight are right down the road.

But possibly the most unique and most ‘unlikely’ BBQ experience awaits you a short boat ride away on Blake Island at Tillicum Village.

In fact, we might call this the original American BBQ, because for centuries, Native Americans have slow-roasted salmon on wood frames before an open alder fire, producing a singular taste sensation. After the meal, visitors are treated to a show highlighting Native American culture and a wonderful summer evening cruise back across the Puget Sound. Argosyowned Tillicum Village is offering a 20 percent discount so just mention “Code T” when you book reservations at (888) 623-1445.

You can have the time of your life in Seattle, and do it with an RPI membership, which gives you access to the finest RV sites in the country, with the greatest facilities and the best staff members.

To discover the extensive list of resorts available, and all the benefits gained with membership, please call RPI at 1-800456-7774.

Tillicum Village

3-night all inclusive

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2 Kids 12 and under Stay, Play and Eat Free Valid Departure Date: 5/01 - 6/27

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Valid Departure Date: 5/20 - 6/21

Tesoro Ixtapa - Mexico All Inclusive from $233

Preferred A ccess is included w RPI Preferre ith d Gold, Resort Conn ect and RPI Pla ions ti membership num s. To find out how to a dd Preferred A ccess to you r membership , call 1-888-318-1 214

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Fiesta Americana Cozumel - Mexico All Inclusive from $278 Upgrade to a Tropical Casita Suite from $18 per person per night!

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800-281-4977 *Vacation inclusions: Hotel only package. Price does not include airfare. Prices quoted are per person based on double occupancy, are not retroactive, and are subject to limited availability. All prices were current as of date posted. Fares are subject to change.

Prices do not include additional airline baggage charges. Prices may vary and may be higher depending on actual day/date traveled and hotel selected. Hotel charges such as energy surcharge, baggage handling, crib, and rollaway costs may apply and are payable directly to hotel. Various cancellation penalties, payment requirements and holiday/weekend/special event surcharges may apply. Please contact Preferred Access for details. All rates are subject to change with or without notice MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 21

Halloween at Orlando Preserve

Marcia and her husband, Marcus

I Knew I Was a

T

TrailBlazer

his month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Marcia Reyes, a Floridian who loves exploring the preserves in her own state. She and her husband enjoy Thousand Trails with their Zone Camping Pass, as it fits into their busy lifestyle perfectly. Running a business is time consuming, but the Reyes family makes sure they still have time to Get Out and Camp.

TB: How long have you been camping and RVing?

Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began!

MR: Since 2007, when we purchased our first Travel Trailer. My husband’s aunt and uncle, (Helen and David Burris of Brandon, FL) were members and we went to the Orlando Preserve with them.

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

MR: Back in 2007, my husband’s aunt and uncle were members and we went as guests. Were not able to join [Thousand Trails] due to finances at the time.

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Now we are happy Zone Pass members and I think that with today’s economy that is the best marketing idea that Thousand Trails came up with! It lets others explore the preserves and the area to keep coming back!

TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories?

How about one of your fondest TT memories?

MR: I think every trip is my fondest due to the fact that we live such a hectic, busy lifestyle running a family-owned plumbing business. Just a local weekend getaway rejuvenates us. I think the Orlando Preserve has the most camping memories with family and friends because it is so close to home! This past 4th of July, my husband and I commuted during the day back and forth to work in Tampa and stayed there for a total of 10 days, hard to do that unless you are on vacation or retired. We enjoyed it so much, never camped that many days straight.

TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories?

MR: Probably when we went camping with some friends and they got locked out. I had to personally crawl through the outside compartment into the Travel Trailer to unlock the door.

TB: What type of camper are you/what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why? (ex: fifth wheel, RV, tent, cabins, etc.)

MR: We have a Fleetwood Terry Quantum 32-foot Quad Bunk in really nice condition. Love the quad bunk because when our children were growing up we were able to bring their friends and they were on the opposite end of us! Downfall - it weighs about 12,000+ pounds so we do not travel very far and stay in the state of Florida!

TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership?

MR: The state of Florida; that’s about it!

Fourth of July at Orlando Preserve At Three Flags

TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle?

MR: RELAXATION! Some people find it very exhausting and way too much to do, but I enjoy it! Love cooking outside in the mornings.

TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when...

MR: When I found myself making a last minute reservation for a quick little relaxing camping getaway at the Orlando Preserve in Clermont, FL. TB: Feel free to share any other camping/RVing stories here.

MR: Love when we are at home and we tell our two dogs, ‘ya wanna go camping?’ How excited they get! Too bad a majority of the time we are teasing them.

“My boxer loves to go camping!”

From funny stories to touching moments, we’re looking to tell the story of our members - when they started and when they realized they were a true “TrailBlazer.” If you’re interested in being interviewed, send us a note at TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com. ■ MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

23

Spotlight | Sweet Baby Ray’s

W

hether BBQ means the sizzle of a steak as it hits the grill, or grabbing your favorite sauce from the shelf, each and every one of us has a memory that includes the American cuisine.

Piles upon piles of napkins and paper towels, great friends and plenty of smiles are generally served alongside the main dish. However, in recent years, BBQ food has started to transform from a backyard meal into one that truly is a chef’s work of art. TrailBlazer chatted with Duce Raymond, Executive Chef/Partner at Sweet Baby Ray’s and member of the award-winning BBQ competition team Duce’s Wild, to get a better understanding of what makes this food so special.

TB: Tell us about your history with BBQ and Sweet Baby Ray’s. Also, how did SBR get started?

DR: I’ll start with the history of SBR. In the early ‘80s, my uncle, Dave Raymond, was challenged to make the best ribs. He asked my father, Larry Raymond, to produce a BBQ sauce. Larry, a chef by trade, asked the best chefs he knew and along with his own ideas came 24

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

up with the recipe for Sweet Baby Ray’s. In 1982, the Raymond brothers won second place out of more than 700 contestants at Chicago’s Mike Royko Rib-Off/Ribfest.

After that Dave quit his job and started to promote the brand.

He started calling on butcher shops and small grocery stores.

With his partner Mike O’Brien, a high school friend, they started what is today the bestselling BBQ sauce in the country.

My history of BBQ starts as a young boy watching my dad and uncle cook ribs on a huge Weber grill. I love the smells, the sounds and, of course, the tastes. My real

introduction to authentic Americanstyle BBQ came while I was living with my Uncle Dave at his house in Wood Dale, Illinois. After I enrolled in the acclaimed Kendall College, I quickly realized I had to find my niche in the vast culinary world of Chicago. My sights quickly narrowed in on BBQ. Within a few months of living with Uncle Dave we bought an offset smoker and started cooking ribs and pork shoulder. The passion quickly grew from there. Within the next

seven years we opened our first BBQ restaurant. Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue in Wood Dale, Illinois, is our original restaurant and we are very proud of it.

Our passion for BBQ also led us into the competition barbecue circuit. Our competition BBQ team is called Duce’s Wild and is made up of Ron Nunes, Dylan Lipe, Dave Raymond and myself. We have won over 40 awards. Between 2007 and 2011 we won awards for first, second and third place for best ribs at the Naperville Ribfest, and in 2012 we were invited to the Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Reno, Nevada, the largest event of its kind in the United States. We sold over 4,000 slabs of ribs in five days and we also won second place against the best rib cookers in the county.

Most recently we are opening a new restaurant in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood.

This is just the start for me and my passion for BBQ. When Dave started Sweet Baby Ray’s he was 32 years old; I’m only 31, and we still have a lot to accomplish in the BBQ world.

TB: What do you find interesting about America’s fascination with BBQ? Why do you think we are all so fascinated?

DR: I think that BBQ means something different to everyone.

What you grew up with as a child is BBQ to you. If that was steaks on the grill or brisket coming off the smoker, you love what you grew up with. And beyond that, BBQ is fun!

People enjoy the culture of BBQ: good food, with good friends-often outdoors, appealing to all of the senses. BBQ goes beyond being a type of food; it’s an experience.

And that is fascinating!

Recently, especially in the Midwest, there has been an explosion of

new BBQ restaurants, cooking BBQ Low and Slow. The reason people are falling in love with this food is because it is delicious. The meats that most BBQ restaurants use are high in fat, but they are cooked for hours with spices and smoke so the fat gets rendered out. This leaves a wonderfully tender and flavorful piece of meat. Another thing that makes BBQ so fascinating, at least to me and other chefs, is that traditionally there are no chefs in BBQ, only Pitmasters. Now we are moving into a new time when food is thought of differently. There are BBQ chefs now and we are making some great, inspiring artesian BBQ. TB: How has SBR stayed ahead of the nutrition curve - ie, how do you present BBQ as a healthy choice?

DR: Well, this is a tough question.

Nutrition and BBQ typically don’t go hand in hand. There are some unique healthy options we have come up with over the years. One is our smoked chicken salad. It has mixed greens, dried cranberries, Granny Smith apples, Blue cheese and roasted almonds tossed in a ginger vinaigrette. We also make a great vegetarian dish with smoked and chopped Portobello mushrooms, tossed with our BBQ rub and sauce; this is a great healthy alternative to pulled pork.

We can also utilize our smokers to incorporate BBQ into healthier

The Duce

dishes. Leaner proteins like fish, chicken and turkey make great BBQ entrée choices that are more health-conscious. Another simple solution to help make BBQ a healthier choice is to limit the portion size.

TB: What is your favorite style of BBQ? DR: Wow, I love so many types of BBQ it is hard to pick out a favorite.

I would have to say that my favorite style of BBQ is from the Hill Country in Texas. The typical meal would consist of smoked brisket, sausage and pork spare ribs. The meats are smoked over a post oak fire in long brick pits. Most of the restaurants in this region use only salt, coarse ground black pepper and cayenne pepper to season the meat. The meats are served to you on butcher paper with sliced onion, pickles, jalapenos, saltine crackers and white bread. The sauce is ALWAYS served on the side. The sauce in this part of Texas is usually a vinegary hot sauce. I took a BBQ trip to Texas a few years ago and fell in love with the BBQ in this part of the country.

TB: What is your favorite BBQ item - pork, beef, chicken, shrimp?

DR: Right now I would have to say I’m in love with burnt ends. Burnt ends are the top portion of the brisket, also known as the point.

This piece of meat is very heavily

marbled. We trim and season our whole brisket then smoke it for about 12-14 hours, depending on its size. After this we remove the top portion and re-season the point and put it back in the smoker. We continue to cook the burnt ends for about three hours. The final product is very tender and flavorful. We cut the burnt ends into bite size pieces and I would say that they are the single best bite of BBQ. TB: What is one of the most unique items you’ve had BBQ style?

DR: The most unique BBQ item I have made is a sandwich that was developed by myself and our Corporate Executive Chef, Dylan Lipe. The sandwich was our take on a classic Cuban sandwich. We developed the recipe for Bacon Fest Chicago last year. We made a Latin cured pork belly, then wrapped it around a citrus injected pork loin and smoked it. Then, we cooled the wrapped pork loin and sliced it thin. We layered the pork, Swiss cheese, house-made pickled red onions and pickles on French bread. We then pressed the sandwich on the flat top to make it nice and crispy and served it with a triple citrus mustard dipping sauce.

We called it the Porchetta Cubano.

TB: Do you ever get tired of eating BBQ? DR: No, I love BBQ. I eat it every day and still enjoy it.

Continued next page

Smoker

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25

Continued from page 25

Regionally speaking...

TB: Can you tell us a little bit about the regional styles of BBQ? How are they different?

Do the flavors reflect the region’s culture?

DR: There are four major regions of BBQ in the United States: Memphis, Carolina, Texas and Kansas City.

Memphis BBQ is most well known for their Memphis Style Dry Ribs. They are typically loin back pork ribs. The ribs are seasoned with a spice rub. They are cooking in a smoker using charcoal and wood for about 3-4 hours. Finally, they are put onto a hot grill and brushed with a light, vinegary sauce and liberally sprinkled with a mildly spicy dry rub. The balance of flavors with the rich pork flavor, the tangy vinegar and the spicy rub is awesome! Memphis BBQ is also well known for the largest Pork Competition in the World, “Memphis in May.” Many restaurants in Memphis serve pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and more. They typically use a tomato-based BBQ sauce that is mildly sweet with a little heat.

I have been to Memphis four times for classes, the national BBQ convention, to see Memphis in May, and to have fun. It is a great place for BBQ and to have fun. My favorite two restaurants in Memphis are Cozy Corner and Gus’s Fried Chicken.

The Carolinas are well known for pork BBQ. In the western part of North Carolina, they cook whole shoulders in large brick pit smokers. Typically they burn down their own wood to make coals. I went to North Carolina with my father, uncle and competition partner a few years ago. We went to Lexington BBQ. This was the

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best pork BBQ I have ever had.

It was simple but the flavor and moisture was amazing. Wayne Monk is the owner and is the second generation to run the restaurant. Their sauce is mostly vinegar with a little tomato product and a small amount of sugar. We also traveled to the eastern side of the state and ate at Skylight Inn. In Eastern Carolina they cook whole hog.

They chop all the meat from the hog together and the blend of flavors is outstanding. The sauce in Eastern Carolina is a true vinegar sauce - no tomato, no sugar - only vinegar, salt and chili. This is the oldest form of BBQ in the country.

Texas BBQ is best known for brisket. When I traveled to Texas, on a BBQ trip, we went to central Texas. This was the most intense BBQ trip I have been on.

We went to 26 BBQ restaurants in four days. From Dallas to San Antonio is what they call the BBQ Belt; it is the highest concentration of great BBQ restaurants in the country. In this region, typically the restaurants serve brisket, sausage, and pork spare ribs. Most of the places used post oak for their smoking wood. The common seasoning on the meats is salt, coarse black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In Texas, the sauce never came on

the meat - it was always was on the side. The sauces on the table ranged from a straight vinegar sauce to sweet tomato-based sauce. Another unique aspect of Texas BBQ is that every place serves pickles, sliced raw onion, jalapenos, and white bread with the BBQ they sell. All the BBQ is served on butcher paper and largely without forks and knives; you eat with your hands.

A few places that stood out in this region are Louie Mueller’s in Taylor, Texas, Taylor Café in Taylor, Texas, Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas, and The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas.

Kansas City BBQ may be most well known for their sauce. The sauce is typically a thick, sweet tomato-based sauce used at the end of the smoking process.

Sweet Baby Ray’s is a Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce. Kansas City is the only one of the four regions that I have not visited.

Another unique item to Kansas City is the Burnt Ends which I mentioned. This is one of the most flavorful bites of BBQ you will ever have. In Kansas City they cook all the meats: pork shoulder, pork ribs, chicken and brisket. A few of the note worthy restaurants in Kansas City are Gates Bar-B-Q, Arthur Bryant’s and Jack Stack. ■

by Annie Colletti

GLOBAL NOBLE - CAPE TOWN

O

n to Cape Town…

Although Noble notes that it was tough to leave behind the new friends they had made in South America, including Joe Pimentel and his friend, Francisco, who shepherded the team across the Rio Parana as well as provided other valuable assistance instrumental in getting the Jeep ready for the road again, the pair were on their way to Africa with plans to climb Kilimanjaro.

According to Noble, Dean would endure any discomfort if it meant he could see a new family of birds and properly identify them. As a result, he identified about 4000 species of birds during the 3-year trek through 83 countries on six continents.

“Because of his living mostly outdoors, using his only his wits for a few days at a time, his weight fluctuated between 125 and 140 pounds. Dean figured he had walked at least 50 kilometers just in and around the Iguazu Falls. I was a hiker, although I spent much time during this journey nursing the Jeep, enjoying the many business-oriented individuals we met, filming our adventures, writing copious notes nightly, which filled more than 18 books in the three years, so we knew we’d be ready for Kilimanjaro,” said Noble.

Noble had booked passage on a ship from Rio to Cape Town but before leaving Brazil they were invited to the home of a steel magnate, via a referral from friends they met at the Falls.

The Tunkis family welcomed Dean and Noble for a dinner of a traditional Brazilian dish, call feijoada. “It was a rice dish with mixed meats. A real treat!” said Noble.

Also, before leaving Brazil, they met U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Perkins, who sold Dean a 12-guage shotgun for Dean to use to harvest birds for the Ornithological Museum in Munich, Germany. “It was well used by Dean in Africa,” said Noble.

They were now ready to leave South America for the next leg of the adventure. The ship, the S.S. Boissevain, had two Dutch officers, a Chinese crew and three German diesel engines. “We travelled at the lowest and cheapest class available, but it was fun because we were always being treated by the passengers in first class,” recalls Noble. This trip was also the first time Dean and Noble witnessed the Jeep being hoisted onto a real ship, via a crane. “Watching this, we kept our fingers crossed that the crane operator knew how heavy the Jeep really was and would not drop it,” said Noble. “I had had the Jeep weighed in Brazil – 9500 pounds when loaded with 50 gallons of gasoline and 12 gallons of water, plus us on board! So now we know

why our forged steel spindle broke. Forged steel does not hold a weld. The Jeep was built to carry no more than 7000 pounds of gross vehicle weight (GVW). Our gross was 9500! We had to do something about that or suffer for the rest of the trip.

So stand by – you will see that I do something about that in Africa.”

During the 10 days at sea, Dean identified nine different species of birds. According to Noble, the strong, consistent winds of the South Atlantic are perfect for the wandering albatross, the world’s largest bird of flight. “The albatross never flaps its wings. It merely soars,” said Noble “One single large bird, with an estimated wing span exceeding 10 feet, soared behind the ship for the 10 days and became quite the celebrity after a few days. We knew it had no place to land and rest so it was always above and behind.”

For most of the 10 days, they enjoyed calm seas, good food, including Argentine steaks and Chilean wines, and had time to recoup. “It was wonderful. We had time to catch up on our reading, writing to friends, resting and knowing that the Jeep was safe and could not break down for at least 10 days,” recalls Noble. Another bonus – because both Dean and Noble were former U.S. Naval Officers, they were invited to dine with the ship’s captain.

Also aboard was a young student from Oxford University who “adopted” Noble for most of the trip after he expressed an interest in English history, the student’s specialty. “I was blessed with many lectures after breakfast, lunch and dinner and am now an authority on Henry VII and VIII, Richard III, the Tudors, …” laughs Noble.

“On Friday, September 11, 1959, we landed in Cape Town, South Africa. Our third continent,” says Noble. “Stayed tuned and I will tell you how we managed to upgrade our tires and wheels and reduce our “50 flat tires in 8 months syndrome” to just eight flats over the next two-plus years!” ■ MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER 27 27

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Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on page 51 of this magazine.

road trip: \rōd\trip\ noun Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines “road trip” as “an extended trip in a motor vehicle.”

Countless websites are devoted to preparing readers for the ultimate roadtrip. Check out roadtripusa.com which maps out eleven different roadtrips on all coasts and inbetween. Hollywood loves the road trip movies and some of the more memorable ones include the 1934 classic, It Happened One Night, the always funny National Lampoon’s Vacation and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and the life-changing trips taken in Thelma and Louise and Rain Man. So why not head out on a road trip this summer. We’ve planned our next few issues to provide you with a theme for your road trips, starting this month with America’s Best Barbecue. And in case that doesn’t get you going, we’ve created our own Top Ten Reasons to Road Trip for you ...

① The highway is an interactive museum of the U.S. ② You have plenty of time to get through the CDs and music you’ve been meaning to listen to.

③ Everyone

can unplug for a bit and enjoy casual conversation with all passengers.

④W ithout

the pressures of a time crunch and flight delays, you can truly become an explorer and go your own way.

⑤ T here’s

no baggage fees so you are not limited to how much you can pack!

⑥ Y ou can pull over and stretch your legs anytime you feel like it.

⑦ It really is less expensive than flying.

B L A L Z I

⑧ You can print fun Road Trip T-shirts for everyone.

⑩ It’s the best way to discover Thousand Trails.

RTORAD IP

T R A

sleeping, etc.

E R

⑨ If you’re a passenger you can catch up on reading,

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CHARLES KURALT JUST MAY BE THE ORIGINAL “ON THE ROAD” CELEBRITY. IN THIS PIECE, WE’VE INCLUDED AN EXCERPT FROM A 1986 INTERVIEW. HIS COMMENTS ABOUT TRAVEL STILL RING TRUE TODAY.

CHARLES KURALT

K

uralt was born in 1934 in Wilmington, North Carolina, and moved to Charlotte with his family in 1945. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was also the editor of The Daily Tar Heel. He then worked for the Charlotte News, where he developed a series called “Charles Kuralt’s People,” which won an Ernie Pyle award.

Ralph Grizzle collected more than 150 of those long-ago columns in an excellent book, Charles Kuralt’s People.

Grizzle is also the author of the fascinating biography, Remembering Charles Kuralt.

After roaming the globe for CBS, Kuralt found his calling with the “On the Road” series. He used several RVs to travel hundreds of thousands of miles on America’s backroads.

Many of those miles were with his trusty cameraman and friend, Izzy Bleckman. One of their RVs—a 1975 29-foot FMC 2900R Motorcoach— is now on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan (less than 10 miles from downtown Detroit).

Along with his famed series and several other acclaimed shows, including “An American Moment,” Kuralt authored several books, including A Life on the Road, On the Road with Charles Kuralt, Charles Kuralt’s America, and North Carolina is My Home. It was only fitting that the lover of all things American died on Independence Day, 1997. Buried in the university’s Old Chapel Hill Cemetery, UNC Chapel

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All photos courtesy - The Henry Ford

THOUGH AN AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST IN SEVERAL GENRES, CHARLES KURALT IS MOST KNOWN FOR HIS LONG-RUNNING “ON THE ROAD” SEGMENTS FOR CBS—WHICH FIRST AIRED ON “THE CBS NEWS WITH WALTER CRONKITE” IN 1967 AND ENJOYED A QUARTER-CENTURY OF POPULARITY BEFORE KURALT’S SEMI-RETIREMENT.

Hill now features a Charles Kuralt collection—including a re-creation of his long ago student editor’s office. In addition, his home state created the Charles Kuralt Trail along the North Carolina coast—which features the classic Carolinas scenery Kuralt loved.

Back in 1986, Virginia-based journalist Hal Gieseking interviewed Kuralt at his CBS office in New York City. The following is an excerpt from that interview: You’ve been on more roads than anyone in the U.S. We’ve been, of course, to every part of every state repeatedly, except Hawaii. In [19]76, we went to every single state that year to do a little moment of history from each state and at the end of it I sat down with Izzy Blackman, the cameraman, and we looked at a map and we couldn’t find a federal numbered highway that we hadn’t been down at one time or another.

How do you strike up a conversation with total strangers?

In my case it might be easier than with the ordinary traveler because we travel with a little modest CBS eye on the bus and the sign “On the Road” and people are forever coming up and starting a conversation with us. One of my feelings is that people on vacation try to go too far, too fast and they take interstate highways with a destination in mind, single-mindedly. The interstate highway system is a wonderful thing but it does make it possible to go from coast to coast without seeing anything. I think that’s the wrong way to do it. I think if one should go slowly and stop often. I mean if you see a fellow plowing a field and he comes to the end of the furrow and you’re standing there, he’ll spend ten minutes talking with you about

where might be the best place to eat in the next town and you’ll get better advice from him than from the guidebooks.

Everything looks the same from the interstate, so we try to stay off it and we always go slow and go on the back roads.

Any other rewards about traveling slower?

I’m thinking about really getting to know the country.

Whenever I see that somebody is lamenting that every place is just like every other place, I feel that’s somebody who doesn’t know the country very well. I love the differences.

I just came from North Carolina, my home state, and up in those North Carolina mountains, why, a person could spend a year just wandering and talking to people. I think people are probably a little too shy on vacation. All the rewards, I think, are in getting to know people.

How do you choose a diner?

I guess we reverse the old cliché that a place that has a lot of trucks parked outside of it is a good place. I find that places with a lot of trucks parked outside generally have fast, but greasy food. If you ask in the town where should we have dinner, they’ll send you to the fanciest place in town. If they have a restaurant on the top of a building, they’ll send you there. If it goes around, you know you especially don’t want to go. One of our principles is never eat on the top of a building, and if you must eat on the top of a building, don’t eat on the top of a building that goes around. We inquire at the motel or gas station. We’ve developed sort of a sixth sense about what might really turn out well.

get out on back roads and kind of get lost. Not know exactly where we’re headed and when we finally come to a numbered road, we’d be surprised about where we are.

I like that kind of travel so it isn’t particularly convenient, but it is rewarding because it leaves room for serendipity or surprises.

Any areas of the country overlooked?

I would have to say that I love the Mountain West, just because it’s so beautiful. In October, I think I might send that visitor right up state Route 100 through the middle of Vermont just to see the glory of the New England autumn.

In mid-summer, when most people take their vacations, I’d guess I’d say, if pressed, that Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, the northern Rockies [are] my favorite places to go. That’s where I go myself, when I can. I like fly fishing for trout, and that’s also the place for fly fishing for trout. I think Route 1 up the California coast, Oregon, all the way up to Seattle is beautiful. I think of the road down the Outer Banks in my home state or the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains there. You can get off at every one of those exits and find somebody making quilts or a blacksmith at work.

What kind of techniques have you developed to make traveling easier?

We don’t really aim for convenience exactly. I like to

Is there any question about traveling America that you would have asked if you were interviewing yourself?

You asked it really, the question of where you feel most at home.

Really the answer to me is that I’ve learned to come to feel at home about everywhere. n

by Lynn Seldon

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B L A Z I L

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BB AA RR BB EE CC UU EE

ROADTRIP

Photo: www.texasmusicandbbq.blogspot.com

BY KIM WUCHTER

F

Black’s ribs

Of course, each region serves a different style of barbecue, and each one claims their barbecue is superior. Typically, Memphis, St. Louis and Kansas City are all about the ribs. In North Carolina, pulled pork dominates the menu, and Texans love brisket.

Of course, you’ll also find lots of chicken, turkey and sausage along the way, and even a few unusual items such as barbecued snoots and mutton.

Some of the biggest differences in cooking methods involve the type of wood, such as oak or hickory, and direct or indirect heat. Then, there is the wet versus dry debate because some pit masters baste their meat while it’s cooking and others use a dry rub. Of course, an entire book could be written on barbecue sauces alone. Vinegar-based sauce is preferred in the Southeast, while the Midwest and Western regions like a tangy, spicier tomato-based sauce. You’ll have to decide for yourself which you think is the best, so buckle up and bring your appetite…and extra napkins.

Things might get a little messy on this road trip.

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orget all the hoopla about spring flowers. May is National Barbecue Month! Time to clean the grill, dust off the tongs, and indulge in some legendary barbecue. If you are feeling the urge for a pilgrimage to a few famous barbecue restaurants, Trailblazer has rounded up some of the top barbecue restaurants in four iconic barbecue regions -- Texas, Missouri, Tennessee and North Carolina. We looked for restaurants where lines run out the door; the ones that appear on “best barbecue” lists year after year; and the ones that cook their barbecue the old-fashioned way – in a pit with an open flame.

THE BARBECUE BELT

In Texas, beef tends to be one of the best sellers on the menu, especially brisket. The barbecue is typically served with plenty of thick sauce (either slathered on the meat or on the side for dipping or both), and then sides of coleslaw, potato salad, pinto beans, and fat slices of white bread (which is jokingly called edible napkins since they help sop up the excess grease or sauce). If you want to sink your teeth into excellent brisket, head to Franklin’s Barbecue in Austin, that’s if you don’t mind waiting in long lines. Owner Aaron Franklin started selling barbecue from a travel trailer in an empty lot. As word of mouth spread, his lines grew longer and longer, and in 2011, he opened a restaurant. His barbecue is so good Bon Appetit magazine named it the best barbecue in America. In addition, he has received heaps of praise and attention from plenty of other magazines, newspapers and TV shows. Aaron uses a simple salt-and-pepper rub and an all-wood smoker to slow cook his brisket 18 hours.

The result is mouth-watering good.

Photo: www.randallmetting.com

“head to Franklin’s

Photo: www.chickstermag.com

Barbecue in Austin ... Bon Appetit magazine named it the best barbecue in America”

back to the old days in Central Texas when butchers would smoke their leftover meats since refrigeration was expensive. Then, they would sell their barbecue at their markets wrapped in butcher paper.

Photo: www.insidenanabreadshead.com

Next, head south about 32 miles to Lockhart, which has been officially named the Barbeque Capital of Texas by the state legislature. The small town is home to four major barbeque restaurants: Black’s Barbecue, which has been owned by the same family since 1932, Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Que, Smitty’s Market and Kreuz Market (pronounced Krites). Black’s is known for their giant beef ribs.

“Our ribs are nine to 10 inches long and stacked with two to three inches of meat,” said Barrett Black, who is the fourth generation of family members to help manage the restaurant. “But folks also love our brisket and homemade sausage, which comes in four flavors.” The pinto beans are made from Barrett’s grandmother’s recipe and they also make homemade rolls.

Several barbecue restaurants in Central Texas, such as Kreuz Market and Smitty’s Market, follow the old tradition of serving their barbecue on butcher paper. So, no plate, no silverware. This harkens

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Photo: www.texasbbqposse.blogspot.com

If you keep heading south on Hwy 183, the City Market in Luling is just 15 miles away. Admired as one of the best barbecue places in Texas, City Market has unwillingly generated knock-offs with similar names, such as Houston’s Luling City Market, trying to cash in on the restaurant’s fame. But, don’t be confused. The real City Market is in the small town of Luling. They offer brisket and sausage, but their most popular item is their pork ribs. They also offer a homemade mustardbased sauce, which manager Joe Capello describes as “out-of-this-world.”

One interesting note: Texas Monthly magazine named City Market in Luling, Kreuz Market and Smitty’s Market to their list of top five barbecue restaurants in the state in 2008. The magazine announces their top barbecue picks about every five years, so it will be interesting to see if these three barbecue giants retain their coveted spots in 2013’s listing.

Continue two hours east on I-10 and you can experience some of the favorites in Houston. Long lines at Gatlin’s BBQ proves it’s one of Houston’s darlings (though we should point out that they operate a fuel-injected

SHOW ME THE RIBS!

In Missouri, barbecue means ribs, usually pork spare ribs slow smoked for 12 to 18 hours over hickory. If you want some of the best in the state, Kansas City reportedly has more barbecue restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the country. What’s more, it is home to the American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational held every October, the largest barbecue contest in the world, spreading over 20 acres with more than 500 barbecue teams.

For fall-off-the-bone ribs, head to Oklahoma Joe’s, which operates in an old gas station. Sometimes

“Texas Monthly

magazine named City Market ... to their list of top five barbecue restaurants”

Photo: www.blogs.houstonpress.com 34

smoker and not wood burning). Co-owned partly by mom and son duo, Mary and Greg Gatlin, the small restaurant, which sits in a converted house, has more outdoor seating than inside. It’s known for fall-apart brisket, ribs, dirty rice with bits of liver and desserts made from family recipes. The Houston Press named it Best Barbecue in 2011 and 2012. Also, check out Goode Company, which has been offering mesquite barbecue for almost 30 years, and Virgie’s Barbecue, which sells more than 100 pounds of brisket per day.

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Photo: www.eatitkc.blogspot.com

Photo: www.newsfixnow.com

Pappy’s Smokehouse

Photo ©Chris Wilkins

Photo: www.localbozo.com

Gatlin’s BBQ

The sign at Roper’s Ribs declares they have the “Best BBQ in the Universe.” Slow-cooked for 12 hours on hickory, they serve St. Louis-style, baby back, rib tips and riblets. All are hand-rubbed with a secret signature spice mix that’s made Roper’s reputation.

Oklahoma Joe’s

Photo: www.erickacherry.com

the line stretches out the door, but it’s worth the wait. Oklahoma Joe’s owners began life on the competitive barbecue circuit in the early ‘90s as a team of barbecue enthusiasts who cooked together at weekend championships around the Midwest and the South. The team won so many awards that by 1996, they opened a restaurant.

Other favorites include Gates Bar-B-Q, which started as a single family restaurant in 1945.

They now run five restaurants serving up delicious pork spare ribs with a tomato-based sauce, along with sausage, chicken and even mutton. Be sure to try a slice of their sweet potato Yammer Pie. The legendary Arthur Bryant restaurant attracted former Presidents Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter.

They slow cook their meat and then splash it with their famous sauce, which is spiced with paprika and cayenne

Rivaling Kansas City as the state’s premier rib destination is St. Louis, which is also loaded with great barbecue eateries. Want to try one of region’s specialties? It’s snoots, which is the nose of a hog. It’s said to taste like thick pork rinds.

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

35

Another St. Louis favorite is Pappy’s Smokehouse in midtown. The Travel Channel named Pappy’s in its “101 best places to chowdown in America.” Their meat is dry-rubbed and slow cooked up to 14 hours over cherry and apple wood. The sauce is always served on the side, and comes in three delicious flavors: tangy Pappy’s Original, Sweet Baby Jane, and Holly’s Hot Sauce. Owner Mike “Smokey” Emerson doesn’t like to reheat his barbecue, so he only makes enough for each day. When they sell out, it’s gone for the day.

THE KING OF VARIETY

The great thing about Memphis barbecue is that it can be found on just about every street corner and comes in all varieties: pulled pork, ribs, chicken and brisket.

Memphis barbecue tends to have a sweet tomatobased sauce, flavored with pepper and molasses.

There’s wet and dry ribs, and sometimes you can find barbecue spaghetti, which is spaghetti with barbecue sauce and tiny pieces of meat.

Don’t be fooled by the back alleyway entrance to Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous. This restaurant has fed famous people such as Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, and Frank Sinatra. Locals simply call it the ‘Vous. The restaurant started making ribs in 1948 when owner Charles Vergos cleaned out his restaurant’s basement and discovered a coal chute. The rest, as they say, is

history. The restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades, including Best Barbecue Restaurant by Southern Living’s Reader Choice Awards in 2002 and 2004 to 2009. And, Best Ribs by Memphis Magazine from 2007 to 2009.

Another top contender in Memphis is Central Barbecue. It has been ranked in the top three barbecue restaurants in Memphis since 2003 and taken top honors 10 times. Their premium meats are rubbed with a secret combination of dry spices, marinated for 24 hours, then smoked low and slow in the pit over a combination of hickory and pecan wood. No sauce is ever introduced into the pit.

EAST VS. WEST

When you think of North Carolina barbecue, think sweet iced tea, hot hush puppies and chopped or pulled pork. Beyond that, the preferred cooking methods differ in the western and eastern portions of the state. West of Raleigh, the tradition is Lexingtonstyle pulled pork shoulders seasoned with ketchup, vinegar and spices, and served with a tangy red slaw.

East of Raleigh, they roast the whole hog, from head to tail, and serve with a mayonnaise-based coleslaw.

Their barbecue sauce ranges from mild to hot, and usually consists of a cider vinegar with chili flakes.

Photo: www.greenolivemedia.blogspot.com

Skylight Inn

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Photo Top: www.roadfood.com.

Bottom: www.greenolivemedia.blogspot.com

Photo: www.theyoungtongue.blogspot.com

“Charlie Vergos’

As the self-proclaimed Barbecue Capital of the World, Lexington takes great pride in its pulled pork, offering more than a dozen barbecue restaurants to satisfy your barbecue cravings. A huge annual celebration is the Lexington Barbecue Festival in late October, which attracts more than 100,000 attendants. One of the most renowned barbecue institutions in town is the Lexington Barbecue restaurant. When you drive up, you can see the pit smoking out back. Moist and juicy chucks of pork smoked over hickory for nine hours are served on soft-bun sandwiches or piled on a plate. There are also hush puppies and a special sauce that’s a mix of ketchup and hot sauce. Foodies know to ask for the “Brown” which is the side of the pork shoulder cooked closest to the heat. It has an extra deep smoky flavor. Other favorites in Lexington include Speedy’s Barbecue and Barbecue Center.

In eastern Carolina, the best barbecue restaurants are scattered about. A long-standing classic is

Rendezvous ... this restaurant has fed famous people such as Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby and Frank Sinatra”

Wilber’s Barbecue, located in Goldsboro, 52 miles southeast of Raleigh. Owner Wilber Shirley says they slow-smoke an entire pig over indirect heat until the meat is melting and tender. Shirley says on his website, “Every part of the pig is different.

When you cook it all together it’s that special combination of flavors that make ours special.”

The Skylight Inn in Ayden (38 miles east of Goldsboro) opened its doors in 1947, and they call themselves the “Barbecue Capital of the World.”

A Volkswagen-sized replica of the U.S. Capital Building was placed on top of the restaurant in the 1980s when National Geographic named it best barbecue in the nation. The small menu offers either a sandwich of chopped pork with creamy white coleslaw, or a platter of chopped pork with unrisen cornbread and slaw. What more could one want?

What do you say? Ready for a BBQ Road Trip? ■

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PHOTO Fabulous

B

ack in 1987, the U.S. Congress officially recognized May as National Photo Month. We thought it might be fun to provide you a list of great photo opportunities nearby our preserves so you can take part in National Photo Month. From manmade worksof-art to Mother Nature’s finest, these 10 fabulous photo opportunities should be on every traveler’s bucket list. So grab your cameras and snap away!

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Neon Nights

Packed with outrageous designs and vibrant lights, the Las Vegas Strip puts on a dazzling night-show for photographers. One of the best parts about Vegas is how the cityscape is always changing. Each year or two, a new attention-seeking extravaganza pops up, more fantastic than the last. Some of the showstoppers include a glowing replica of the Eiffel Tower, the dancing water show at the Fountains of Bellagio, and an erupting volcano at the Mirage Hotel and Casino. The newest attraction, set to open in late 2013, is a massive observation wheel that’s similar to, yet bigger than, the London Eye. For a great aerial shot, head up the Stratosphere Tower, which rewards visitors with a 360-degree view of the whole valley, all the way out to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on a clear the day.

Las Vegas Strip as seen from the Bellagio Casino/Resort Bell tower. Photo by Bob Brye MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Water World

The cascading torrents of Niagara Falls put on a powerful and endless show for photographers.

Perched between the U.S. and Canada in New York, the Falls are comprised of three waterfalls – the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls. Together, they have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world.

Niagara Falls State Park, which is America’s oldest state park, encompasses about 400 acres and includes 14.5 miles of trails. If you want to feel the mist on your face and you have a waterproof camera, climb aboard the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which offers a wet and thrilling ride to the base of the Falls. In the evening, huge spotlights illuminate the Falls in a rainbow of colors. A word of caution: never step or lean over the safety rails. A number of tourists have slipped and gone over the Falls by leaning over the rails for a better shot.

Patriotically Pleasing

You can create the ultimate patriotic snapshot amid the historic symbols at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where millions of people pay tribute each year to America’s most precious monuments. Visitors come to celebrate their patriotic pride, remember the sacrifice of loved ones, and experience our nation’s history.

The two-mile stretch of greenway is cradled between the U.S. Capitol Building on one end and the Lincoln Memorial on the opposite.

The park-like setting is home to 10 museums, manicured gardens, fountains, reflective pools and important monuments such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial and more. All the museums, monuments and memorials can be enjoyed free of charge.

At night, the monuments appear even more dramatic under the spotlights. Be sure to check out the newest memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which debuted August 2011.

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

A Mighty Mission

Despite being small, the Alamo, in downtown San Antonio, has a big story to tell. The mission-turned-battleground, where a small band of Texans held out for 13 days against the Mexican army in 1836, is known as the “shrine to Texas liberty.” On its grounds, you can walk in the footsteps of famous figures such as Davy Crockett and James Bowie, who died at the battle. For photographers, the exterior’s creamy, rough walls and scalloped roofline contrast nicely against the blue sky. If you look closely at the building, you will see an intricate keystone that runs along the entrance. The Alamo is open every day of the year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is free. One important note: Visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the museum.

Photo: Jeff Jowdy Photography

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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A Modern Marvel

Photo: toptravellists.net

The one-of-a-kind Cloud Gate Sculpture in Chicago’s Millennium Park got its name because 80 percent of its surface reflects the sky. Designed by sculptor Anish Kapoor, this modern piece has been nicknamed as the “electric kidney bean” or just the “bean.”

Tourists can be seen daily making faces and funny poses into its reflective stainless steel surface, which magnifies and distorts reflections much like a carnival funhouse mirror. The never-ending angles and the reflective views of Chicago’s skyline make the sculpture a photographer’s playground.

An Underground Playground

Photo: NPS Photo

For photos that appear out of this world, descend into the depths of Mammoth Cave in central Kentucky. This is the longest known cave system in the world with 400 underground miles to explore. Take your pick from a dozen cave tours, most of which are guided by park rangers. The dark vast caverns feature jaw-dropping rock formations and deep underground rivers, as well as ancient petroglyphs and the remains of old mines.

Wild and Wonderful Photo: ©Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB

If you want to shoot something wild with your camera, zoom in on Everglades National Park on the southern tip of Florida. The sub-tropical mix of wetlands and forests encompasses 1.5 million acres and is home to endangered species, such American alligators, West Indian manatees and Florida panthers. It’s also a popular feeding ground for migrating birds and the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western hemisphere. November through early April is perhaps the best time to visit because of the cooler weather and abundance of bird life. For the best advice, check with a ranger before heading out, and be sure to bring the long lens, especially for photographing those alligators!

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

A Valley With a View

Photo: Kenny Karst

Only Mother Nature could create the dramatic landscape of Yosemite Valley, home to plunging waterfalls, immense cliff faces such as Half Dome and El Capitan, and giant sequoias. Many of the waterfalls have their peak runoff typically in May or June and may reduce to a trickle by August. The 620foot Bridal Veil Falls flows all year, however, and is said to be one of the prettiest falls even though it is not the tallest in the park. A 30-minute drive from the Valley, Glacier Point Lookout reveals incredible views of famous icons such as Half Dome and El Capitan.

At the magnificent Mariposa Grove, which lies near the park’s south entrance, 2,700 years old redwoods tower above visitors with many of the trunks spanning 25 feet in width! The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village offers free weekly “camera walks” and several fee-based camera classes and workshops.

A Beach That Rocks

Rising like a giant out of the sand, Haystack Rock is an iconic landmark off the Oregon Coast. Located in the resort town of Cannon Beach, the 235-foot monolith has been photographed countless times by beach-goers and tourists, especially at sunset. At the base of the rock during low tides, you can explore tide pools rich with sea creatures. The rock is also home to many birds, including tufted puffins, gulls and cormorants. Volunteers lead interpretative programs on the beach during morning low tides in the summer and help to protect the delicate sea life around the rock. This popular spot does attract many tourists during peak vacation period, so if you want good photos without the crowds plan a visit during the off-season.

Lighthouse Limelight

Perched on a rocky shoreline, the Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine is one of the most photographed lighthouses in North America. Located in Cape Elizabeth, this working lighthouse sits at a protruding point along the shipping channel into Portland Harbor. Its ideal setting seems tailor made for a Maine postcard with its charming keeper’s quarters and the waves crashing wildly on the rocks below. It’s no wonder photographers love this little lighthouse. The keeper’s quarters has been transformed into a lighthouse museum, which is open Memorial Day through October 31. Next door, the 90acre Fort Williams Park offers good hiking trails. ■

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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MEMBER DEALS

MEMBER DEALS

WA

MAY 2013

OR

Thousand Trails members receive

20% off daily rates, 30% off daily rates for stays of 7 days or more 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.*

888-443-7301 to make your reservations! www.RVontheGo.com Call

WESTcoast CALIFORNIA OREGON WASHINGTON

CA

New!

STAY IN BOOK YOUR TRAVEL OUR NEW LODGES AND !

TODAY COTTAGES

offers CALIFORNIA* Standard Offer in above box pacific dunes ranch, oceano san francisco RV, pacifica palm springs oasis, cathedral city tahoe valley, lake tahoe santa cruz ranch, scotts valley

WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM

offers WASHINGTON & OREGON* Standard Offer in above box TALL CHIEF, FALL CITY, WA MT. HOOD, WELCHES, OR (Through September 2013)

1-888-443-7301

*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 combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply.

Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

NM

AZ

TX

southwest ARIZONA & TEXAS

offers arizona

$299/MO (For stays in May)

Venture In

VENTURE IN, SHOW LOW, AZ VERDE VALLEY, COTTONWOOD, AZ

SHOW LOW, AZ

$99/WEEK, $199/MO VALLEY VISTA, benson, AZ

(Through September 2013)

$199/WEEK, $399/MO (Through September 2013, Excludes Paradise and Araby Acres)

Verde Valley

all other arizona encore resorts

COTTONWOOD, AZ

$119/WEEK, $299/MO

(Excludes Apollo Village, Valley Vista, Casa Del Sol Resort East and West) (Through September 2013)

offers TEXAS

all TEXAS ENCORE resorts

3 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 2 $119/WEEK $349/MO (May - September 2013)

Monthly Seasonal

& Vacation Rentals Available!

*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 combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply.

Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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MEMBER DEALS

southeAst

NC

FLORIDA & NORTH CAROLINA FLORIDA offers MAY - OCT 2013*

$99/WEEK

ALL FLORIDA PROPERTIES

FL

(EXCLUDES SUNSHINE KEY)

$299/WEEK

SUNSHINE KEY, BIG PINE KEY, FL

(May - October 2013)

NORTH CAROLINA offers NOW - JUNE 15, 2013*

$399/6 WEEK STAY

LAKE MYERS, MOCKSVILLE, NC SCENIC, ASHEVILLE, NC TWIN LAKES, CHOCOWINITY, NC

Sunshine Key BIG PINE KEY, FL

$499/6 WEEK STAY

GOOSE CREEK, NEWPORT, NC WATERWAY, SWANSBORO, NC

Goose Creek

NEWPORT, nc

Situated on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Goose Creek Resort offers a serene atmosphere near the undisturbed beaches along the Intracoastal Waterway and Bogue Sound. The perfect destination for your next family vacation!

*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 combined with any other offers or promotions.

Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

WI

MIDWEST

wisconsin illinois & indiana $299 FOR 6 WEEK STAY yukon trails, lyndon station, WI

IL

(May 1 - June 15 or September 6 - Closing)

IN

$399 FOR 4 WEEK STAY

TWIN MILLS, HOWE, IN tranquil timbers, sturgeon BAY, WI FREMONT JELLYSTONE PARK, FREMONT, IL (May 1 - June 15 or September 6 - Closing)

$499 FOR 4 WEEK STAY ARROWHEAD, WISCONSIN DELLS, WI

O’Connell’s Yogi Bea r Jellystone Park am boy, il

(May 1 - June 15 or September 6 - Closing)

O’CONNELL’S YOGI BEAR JELLYSTONE PARK AMBOY, IL Through June 30, 2013

$199/WEEK (7 consecutive nights) 40% ON ANY MIDWEEK (Sun - Thurs)

(Excludes Memorial Day weekend 5/24-5/26)

WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM

1-888-443-7301

*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 combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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ME MEMBER DEALS

NORTHEAST

MAINE NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA

$15/NIGHT MIDWEEK $250 OFF ANNUAL SITE

NH

NY PA

VALID FOR ALL RESORTS FROM MAINE TO VIRGINIA VALID OPENING - 5/22/13 AND 9/4/13 - CLOSING* (EXCLUDES LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE AND LAKE & SHORE)

$1500 FOR 6 MO STAY (May - October 2013)

LAKE GEORGE SCHROON VALLEY RESORT, WARRENSBURG, NY Mt. Desert Narrows, bar harbor, ME Narrows Too, trenton, ME Patten Pond, ellsworth, ME Sandy Beach, contoocook, NH tuxbury pond, south hampton, NH

Lake George Schroon Valley Y

N WARRENSBURG,

Spring Gulch

NEW HOLLAND, PA

Whether you want to spend the day in one of our two Olympic-sized pools, catching dinner from our stocked fishing lake or pampering yourself at our Spa; Spring Gulch has something for the whole family! And don’t forget about our Folk Fest, May 16-19, 2013!

*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 combined with any other offers or promotions.

Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

MEMBER DEALS

Narrows Too TRENTON, ME

Park your big rig or pitch a tent and enjoy the good life here at Narrows Too RV Resort!

We offer all the amenities you need plus the ones you want! With Acadia National Park in our back yard and historic Bar Harbor just minutes away we’re your perfect location this summer!

$199/WEEK SUN-THURS MIDWEEK SPECIAL 1/2 PRICE ON ALL SITE TYPES

(May 1 - June 15 or September 6 - Closing)

LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, LAKE GEORGE, NY

6 WEEK STAY FOR ONE LOW PRICE

(May 1 - June 15 or September 6 - Closing)

$299 FOR 6 WEEK STAY LAKE GEORGE SCHROON VALLEY RESORT, WARRENSBURG, NY

$499 FOR 6 WEEK STAY ALPINE LAKE RV RESORT, CORINTH, NY LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, lake george, NY Mt. Desert Narrows, bar harbor, ME Narrows Too, trenton, ME Patten Pond, ellsworth, ME SPRING GULCH, NEW HOLLAND, PA

$500 OFF ANNUAL SITES

APPALACHIAN, SHARTLESVILLE, PA LAKE GEORGE ESCAPE, LAKE GEORGE, NY ROBIN HILL, LENHARTSVILLE, PA (Valid for first time annuals)

$399 FOR 6 WEEK STAY

BRENNAN BEACH, PULASKI, NY ROBIN HILL, LENHARTSVILLE, PA RONDOUT VALLEY, ACCORD, NY Sandy Beach, contoocook, NH SUN VALLEY, BOWMANSVILLE, PA tuxbury pond, south hampton, NH WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM

Weekly

Monthly

& Vacation Rentals Available!

1-888-443-7301

*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 combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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49

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 First principles 5 Office of Economic Development (abbr.)

8 Study 12 Borrowed money 13 Having (suf.)

14 Great Lake 15 Asian desert 16 Backward 17 Ancient weight 18 To the rear 20 United Nations Intl. Children’s Emergency Fund (abbr.)

22 Andiron 25 Atomic Energy Commission (abbr.)

28 Own (Scot.)

29 Once (Lat.) 33 Jack-in-the-pulpit 35 Luzon people 37 Textile fiber 38 Rom. ancestral spirits 40 Mountain on Crete 42 Television channel 43 Sickness (Fr.) 46 Each 49 Gardening tool 53 Alaska Hawaii Std. Time (abbr.)

54 Hebrew letter 57 Coagulated substance 58 Death rattle 59 Prepare leather 60 Formerly 61 Elbe tributary 62 Slip 63 Shak. contraction

Answers on page 64

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116 Carefree RV Resorts ������������������������������������������������������61 106 DirectSat TV ������������������������������������������������������������������64 104 Equity LifeStyle ������������������������������������������������������ 44-49 159 FirstStreet Jitterbug �������������������������������������������������������19 132 GEICO ���������������������������������������������������������������������������68 128 SkyMed �������������������������������������������������������������������������67 153 SwiftHitch ���������������������������������������������������������������������62 124 Winnebago �����������������������������������������������������������������������2

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

DOWN 1 Sea lettuce 2 Simpleton 3 Woman’s work basket 4 Whiff 5 Away 6 Europe (abbr.)

7 Cirrus 8 Quill feathers 9 Viking 10 Senior (Fr.) 11 Unable to hear 19 Aunt (Sp.) 21 Disease (pref.)

23 Inlet 24 Abstract being 25 Mulberry of India 26 Equal Rights Amendment (abbr.)

27 Vehicle 30 Son of, in Gaelic names 31 Subside 32 Exudate plant 34 Agriculture goddess 36 Subjoin 39 Skin vesicle 41 S.A. sloths 44 Phil. island 45 Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (abbr.)

46 Rhine tributary 47 Destroying (pref) 48 Ait 50 Indian buffalo 51 Leader (Ital.)

52 Eng. statesman 55 Rower 56 Department of Natural Resources

RETAILER DISCOUNTS

T

housand 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 Hertz Program - Visit the member section of the Thousand Trails website for special deal.

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.

MEMBER DEALS

MyRVMarket.com - RV Parts, Accessories and TT Gear - 10% off all your purchases for the first year! Get all of your RV supplies and Lifestyle products all in one great store at an affordable price. Sign in as a Travelers Club Member and get additional savings with travel and special promotions all year.

NationalPetPharmacy.com - Trusted by veterinarians and pet lovers alike, NationalPetPharmacy.com is fully licensed and Vet-VIPPS certified for safety as well as quality. Our FDA/EPA approved pet meds are the same ones you get from your vet – but conveniently delivered to your door. Thousand Trails members save $5 on a $20 order with Discount Code: BLAZER5 PetFoodDirect.com - 15% off your order of $49 or more. Get all your pet’s food and supplies delivered to your door with PetFoodDirect.com’s Auto Ship program. This coupon is valid on everything in our store, except: vet diet foods, prescription and free shipping items, and gift certificates. One time use per customer. Only one promotion code can be applied per order. Not for use with any loyalty or other reward websites. Discount Code: BLAZER15 Rand McNally Visit www.randmcnally.com/ELS for special GPS discount for TT members.

TCI - Thousand Trails members receive discounts on Michelin tires through the Equity LifeStyle Properties Advantage program currently in place with TCI. TT members should call 1-888-532-6435 and reference the Equity Advantage program to receive discounts.

Terms and Conditions for 2013 Referral Promotion Terms and Conditions: For each Eligible Referral (as defined), you will receive a $25 American Express gift card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and hotel/cruise accommodations for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and hotel accommodations for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2014, not to exceed $525 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on January 7, 2014. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning the drawing depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Park Pass from us between January 1, 2013 and December 14, 2013, and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, residents of AZ, FL, NV, NY, PA and TN are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, NV, PA or TN. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored.

Employees of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600.00 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606 MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

PA Dutch continued from page 17 wagon ride in full costumes. We will also have a buried treasure to hunt. May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend: Our first camping holiday of the season.

Pool opens! Candy Bar Bingo in the Barn on Friday. Saturday events include crafts, site decorating and Minute To Win It games at the pool. On Sunday, the Balloon Man will be poolside with stories and interesting balloons. Monday includes hunt and search and kids’ breakfast in the grove.

TEXAS Bay Landing March 10-12: Pamper Moms Day: Hey Moms, kick off your shoes and come to Bay Landing for an enjoyable weekend. We will spoil you with a Mary Kay Consultant to order your supplies and maybe even have a facial. Also, kids can make Mom a gift at craft time. And, Mom, throw away your apron for the day and let Angie do the cooking for you! May 24-27: It’s Red, White and Blue time again at Bay Landing! Don’t forget to decorate your rig or cabin for the best decorated contest. Come to the Clubhouse for the egg toss, water balloon toss, banana eating contest and much more. There will BBQ, games and contests all day long and into the night. Head down to Beachview to hear the New Band playing, Powder Keg will supply the music.

Lake Conroe May 4: Cinco de Mayo and May Birthday Weekend: Come celebrate May Birthdays and Cinco de Mayo with us. There’s going to be some Jalapeño eating contests and piñata breaking, so come join us for a great Mexican Fiesta Time.

May 11: Mother’s Day Weekend: Let’s honor our mothers, grandmothers and mothers-to-be this weekend starting with sleeping late and letting Dad feed the kids a pancake breakfast at the Cactus Café. Kids don’t forget to come join us at the Activity Center for Saturday morning where we’ll be making cards and gifts for Mom. May 18: Talent Show Weekend: We will be having a talent show so that all our members can show off their talents. So bring those instruments or your best voices and let’s see who has the most talent.

Maybe we will find the next American Idol amongst our members. May 25: Memorial Day Weekend: We’re kicking off the summer season with a fun weekend starting with breakfast at the Cactus Café. Then we’ll move on to Golf Cart parades and kids’ crafts, following by a performance by the famous “Left Over’s Band”.

Lake Whitney May 4: Pie eating contest and Amber Waves performs at 6 p.m. May 11: Kids crafts for Mother’s Day. May 12: Moms have breakfast free. May 18: Bizarre Hat Day. May 27: Memorial Day Honors.

VIRGINIA Lynchburg May 4-5: Saturday evening potluck at the Activity Center. May 25-26: Memorial Day Weekend and Summer Season Kick-Off. The pool opens at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Trading Post at noon. Joseph gets activities going with weekend bingos, crafts, relay races, Wii games, balloon battles, relays, games and more. Saturday potluck and The MadLad will be jamming at the Activity Center Saturday night. Plus, pool blast out party Sunday afternoon.

May 12 Antebellum Banjo Concert A banjo concert in the style of Joel Walker Sweeney will be presented, playing songs from the Antebellum South played as they were originally intended to be. Held at the Museum of the Confederacy in Appomattox, just 20 miles from the preserve. Cost is included in Museum admission. For information call (855) 6491861, ext. 203.

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WASHINGTON Birch Bay May 10: Give Mom a break Potluck Friday at 5 p.m. May 15: Scheduled reopening of Phase II and pool. May 18: Karaoke Sing-along Party from 5 to 7 p.m.

May 11 through October 13 Springfest Art Studio Tour of Blaine and Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibition Plan to join us for a 2-day self-guided tour through scenic Blaine, Washington and the surrounding countryside. Visit the private studios of some of the area’s premier local artists. This thriving community of artists, many of regional and national acclaim, is sure to spark your interest in the visual arts, the creative process and the unique studio environment of the working artist.

Brochures are available at the Blaine Chamber of Commerce or at www.blaineartists.com. Also the International Fine Arts Program features outdoor sculptures in Peace Arch State Park’s magnificent gardens with some sculptures placed in downtown Blaine.

The exhibit features sculptors from the United States, Canada, Asia and Europe and is held annually. For more information on the Peace Arch Park and Sculpture Exhibit, please visit: www. peacearchpark.org.

May 26 Ski to Sea Race & Fairhaven Festival Bellingham’s annual Ski to Sea Race is a 100-mile relay of seven venues encompassing seven different sports from the snowfields of Mount Baker, down Highway 542 and the Nooksack River and across Bellingham Bay via downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, running, canoeing, bike riding and kayaking. The Fairhaven Festival is at the Ski to Sea race finish line, with live music on two stages, food and crafts booths, beer garden and more. Ski to Sea attracts not only high-caliber athletes, but teams seeking non-competitive adventure and fun. The Ski to Sea Race is held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend every year. The Ski to Sea Junior Race is the weekend prior to Memorial Day weekend (Saturday at Lake Padden); the Ski to Sea Junior Parade is the evening before (Friday). The Ski to Sea Carnival takes place at Bellis Fair Mall and runs 10 days before and on race day. The Ski to Sea Grand Parade is held Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, as is the Ski to Sea Block Party at Boundary Bay Brewery. The Fairhaven Festival is held near the finish line during the race on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Chehalis May 11: Celebrate Mom’s Day and join us for a ‘Chick Flick’ movie marathon beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. Then top it off with our Ultimate Ice Cream Social at 3 p.m. - all at the Family Lodge. May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend starts the season off chock full of fun! Starting on Friday, you’ll enjoy family craft time in the mornings, hayrides, bingo, and ice cream socials in the afternoons. We’ll be cooking up your favorite pancakes for breakfast, and keeping the chow coming all weekend long. On Saturday night sing along with RAM Karaoke!

Memorial Day Flea Market All day Memorial Day weekend, held in Packwood just 45 mintues from our preserve.

LaConner May 11: Bring Mom to the Family Center and celebrate Mother’s Day. May 18: Queen Victoria’s Day. We are setting up the tea and cakes for her birthday.

May 24-25: Veteran’s Appreciation Days. First campfire and hayride with Amy Hindman. Outside dance with Charlie Moove (weather permitting).

May 12 Skagit Community Band Concert Enjoy the Stella by Starlight Swing Band Concert, held at Maple Hall, just five miles from preserve.

Leavenworth May 3-5: From Trails to Rails- All Aboard The Leavenworth Express. Here’s your ticket good for one first class passage to Leavenworth, where the weekend will be all about trains! Featuring resident Train Enthusiast Ernie hosting a two part train series. Part 1 includes an informal session on railroading in the Leavenworth area and How to Build a RV Size Train Layout and Scenery Demonstration followed by a Q&A session. Part 2 will be an overview on How to Build Your Own RV Train Shelf Layout and the Art of Scenery Construction.

For our adventurous free spirited vagabonds, hop the next freight over to our Hobo Shingdig! Bring your ‘bindle” and come as “bum” for eats n’ a hootin’ good time at our Hobo Potluck followed by The Hobo Fashion Show, where you will model your costume, and tell us how you became a hobo! Don’t forget your “moniker” (nickname) so we can put your name badge on at the door. Other activities include Train Trivia, Boxcar Social with Train Cookies, Diesel Fuel and Water Tower, Train Tournament Card Game, Shuffleboard Tournament, Campfire and Railroad Sing-along with Hobo Popcorn. Kids can make their own conductor hats, hobo bag, hit the Train Piñata, play the Loose Caboose, Train Obstacle Course, and enjoy Train story time. Our outdoor movie this week will be Trainmaster. Chugga Chugga Choo Choo! May 1012: Time Out for Mom! – Mother’s Day Weekend: Kids – bring your Mom to Leavenworth and put her in a “time out” to win a makeover or massage with our Mother’s Day Raffle. Make sure Mom gets “grounded” so she can enjoy the peace and quiet in her own space watching Chick Flicks all day, creating a decoupage Candle Plate, or playing Bunco with the gals. Mom may then join the family for an Afternoon Tea and Cake Social. She may also want to play in the Softball Tournament or If Momma IS Happy Brown Bag Bingo, while you kids make her a coupon book, bath salts or color Mom’s Gazette. Take Mom to the “Just like Mom Used to Make” Potluck, play “Mom’s Favorite Things” and enjoy a campfire while making Mock Toasted Angel Cake! Finish off the evening with the outdoor movie “Freaky Friday”. Then make Mom “go to bed early” for a much needed night’s rest! On Sunday, make sure that Mom “is not allowed to get up until she cleans her plate” while you serve her a continental breakfast, with a complimentary Mock-Mimosa. Remind Mom to wear her

favorite hat to breakfast for the Best Hat Contest, followed by the MotherChild Look-alike contest. Mother’s Day Breakfast by reservation, please call the resort at (509) 763-2020. May 17-19: This Is For the Birds! - Birding & Nature Weekend: A little birdie told me that this weekend is Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest! Contact the Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest Organization at (509) 548-5807 for registration and details. Birders from last year’s fest reported a variety of 75+ birds found in the surrounding areas near our resort. Here at the resort we have a fun-filled weekend of bird and nature filled activities.

Your family can adopt a tree and plant it along with a personalized plaque.

Each time you visit you can track your tree’s progress. Walk the trails where you can get a bird’s eye view of the Chiwawa River Valley from Summit Rock and earn your miles walked. Be sure to stop by our Trail Mix Station before you leave to custom pack a small snack. Activities include the Happy Camper Scavenger Hunt, Bird Bath in the Sprinklers, How Many Gummy Worms are in the Jar, Can You Match the Animal Tracks, Bird Idiom Quiz, and make Pine Cone Bird Feeders. Kids can color nature coloring pages and bug stencils, play the fuzzy caterpillar game, participate in the Glow in the Dark Bug Hunt and decorate and care for their “wild” bird egg and see whose egg survives the weekend! Eat like a bird at the Gummy Worm-Mud Snack and Bug Juice Social and then hit the “birdie” at the Badminton Tournament. Friday evening enjoy a campfire while roasting marshmallows. Saturday evening is Baked Potato Potluck. We provide the potato for $1 and you bring the toppings to share. Please call the resort at (509) 763-2020 to sign up; the early bird gets the worm! Finish off the evening with our outdoor movie The Big Year.

Now that’s a fun filled weekend that should leave you feeling As Happy as a Lark! May 24-27: So Step right up… It’s Circus Weekend at Leavenworth: Ladies and Gentlemen and children of all ages, the Wenatchee Youth Circus is in town with two performances on Saturday and one on Sunday. Nothing says celebrate like the circus, so step right up this Memorial Weekend and enjoy the fun, we are also honoring our troops, so it’s a two for one. Balance the circus ball on your nose, patriotic face painting, rubber ducky races in our creek, Hide-the-Balloons, make your own popcorn and peanut balls, Popsicle Social, sit by the campfire and make Campfire Cones, and take a photo by our Circus Photo Wall. Write a letter to the troops, bring a photo of your military loved one to share on our photo wall, bring your extra and recently expired coupons to donate to “Coops For Troops” so our military families can enjoy savings overseas. Participate in our All-American Basketball Tournament.

Free ice cream for military personnel, and a 25% military discount off of your site (with military ID card). Circus Hot Dogs provided by the Wenatchee Youth Circus. Finish off the evening with the outdoor movie, “The Greatest Show on Earth”. May 31-June 2: Come one, Come All…Local Appreciation – Carnival Weekend: This carnival celebration will be a memorable one! It’s not just for members, locals also have fun! Games, crafts, prizes, face painting and more.

Nachos, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream and treats galore! So purchase your ticket, you’re on your way, to a local appreciation fun filled day. Games and activities include ring toss, basketball throw tournament, penny pitch, gold fish toss, dart throw, ball toss, lollipop tree, duck pond game, cupcake walk, target toss, pie eating contest, sidewalk art contest, and make your own candy or caramel apples. Volunteers needed to run carnival booths. Please call the resort at (509) 763-2020. Enjoy a campfire and Sticky Buns. Take a photo by our Carnival Photo Wall and enjoy a cool drink at our Lemonade Social!

Saturday BBQ: Carnival Dogs with all the trimmings and chips.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS CALENDAR

Grandy Creek May 10-12: Mothers Day Weekend: It’s that time of year to thank your Mother!

Show her you care as we make something special during craft time. Be sure to fill up on Sunday’s special Mother’s Day breakfast before heading home!

May 24-27: Memorial Day Celebration Weekend: Let’s start the summer out right with three days of non-stop fun for all! There will be crafts, games, tie dye t-shirts, a movie on the lawn, bingo, hayrides, breakfasts and so much more. Be sure to take part in our Red, White, and Blue parade by decorating yourself and/or your bicycle! May 31-June 2: Mystery Weekend: Sherlock Holmes has nothing on our guests. Utilize your detective skills during our Clue Hunt throughout the park. Be suspicious of everyone, and collect every bit of evidence you can!

Little Diamond May 11: Trout fishing season opens! Free ice cream for all Moms on Saturday.

Chili Feed at the Family Lodge. May 18: Pool opens for the season. May 25: Memorial Day Weekend events include flashlight candy hunt for kids, kids’ games, crafts, ice cream and bingo. ■ MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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Preserve Services Directory* | May 2013 PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

NORTHWEST OREGON BEND/SUNRIVER | 541-593-8494 Annual/Extended Stay - We still have some open sites available for annual use.

Stop worrying about space available in beautiful Bend/Sunriver with your own site and come and enjoy all we have to offer year-round. From skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter to fishing, hiking and festivals in the summer. Please call Bobbie or Julie at the Preserve.

Short-Term Rental - Cabins, cottages and yurts available for rent year-round, 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. The main lodge is available for weddings, banquets and conferences. We also welcome ski clubs and snowmobile clubs. Call Anne or send email to besh@equitylifestyle.com.

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 1-3 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. Order your new Cavco Cedar Cabin and custom design the interior, select your preferred campsite and schedule delivery. Financing available. Contact Ginny to make an appointment.

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.

New enhanced dry storage with electric hook up features.

SEASIDE 503-738-0626 (Preserve Office) 503-738-5292 (Rentals) Annual/Extended Stay - The Oregon Coast! Enjoy your own personal site for your RV. Home base for full-timers, improved landscape options available, personalize your site – add a storage shed and/or deck. You no longer need to move your RV. 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 are available all year long.

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

SOUTH JETTY 541-997-8296 (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.

WHALERS REST 541-867-6078 (Preserve Office) 541-867-3100 (Storage) Annual/Extended Stay - Enjoy the beautiful Oregon Coast on your own personal

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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.

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.

CHEHALIS | 360-262-9489 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. Contract Brenda Roza for an appointment.

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. GRANDY CREEK | 360-826-3554 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site available! $1,950; please call the preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - Monthly sites available. Call preserve for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - $40 per month, space is limited.

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

Short-Term Rental - Leave your RV at home and come stay in our comfortable Panabode Cedar Cabins. Full kitchen, sleeps 6. Call preserve to make reservations.

Please call Nancy or Matthew at the preserve.

LEAVENWORTH 509-763-2020 | 800-353-1700 Short-Term Rental - A snowmobiler’s paradise, we receive an average of 10 feet of snow annually. Just across from our preserve we have access to over 200 miles of snowmobile trails. We have rentals that include a Log House that sleeps 24, a Chalet that sleeps 8, four cabins that sleep 4 to 5 and four lodge rooms that sleep four, plus our RV sites In our Timber View and Lake View areas.

*Information subject to change

LITTLE DIAMOND | 800-994-6654 Annual/Extended Stay - Spend the summer in beautiful northeastern Washington.

Annual and monthly sites available.

LONG BEACH | 360-642-3091 Annual/Extended Stay - Long Beach is only minutes away from the grand Pacific Ocean, surrounded by gorgeous nature and a 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 out of that year for the low price of $2,100! No more hassle storing your rig and just think of all the money you will save on gas. We are also introducing a special 3-month rate during the off-season; stay 3 months for only $350 per month or $425 per month during the off season. Call Kate at the preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - Feel at home in one of our Vacation Trailers or lovely Thousand Trails Cabins both with fully stocked kitchens. Call the preserve for rates or make your reservations online.

Special Events - Planning a reunion, wedding, special event or a trip with a bunch of friends and family? Long Beach 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 to historic downtown Long Beach. For more information, call Kate at the Preserve Office.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas with our dry storage sites. Available year-round at the low price of $50 a month or get two months free when you sign up for a year for only $500. Call the Preserve Office for details.

MT. VERNON | 360-724-4811 Annual/Extended Stay - Come enjoy our preserve 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.

OCEANA | 360-289-3504 Annual/Extended Stay - New Reduced Prices! 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 no time out. 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 next summer season. Call Dale Graham at the preserve.

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 - Save on fuel, extend your stay at Paradise for $550 per month, or consider leaving your rig year-round with an annual lease. Call the preserve for more information.

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).

THUNDERBIRD 360-794-4030 (Preserve Office) 360-794-8987 (Ranger Station) Annual/Extended Stay - We are now open year-round and have Annual Sites available. Come stay with us and explore the beautiful state of Washington. We also offer the Extended Stay Program at $575 per month, plus $35 electric fee. If interested, please call the Preserve Office.

On-Site/Dry Storage - RV Storage for $2.50 per day or $75 per month. Call the Preserve Office.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

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 at (800) 562-4788.

Short-Term Rental - Four (4) TT Rental Cabins available. For special off-season rates, please call the Preserve Office.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA CULTUS LAKE | 604-858-3932 Annual/Extended Stay - We have both Standard and Value Annual Personal Sites available. From October 1-March31, each winter season, we offer month to month stays (not to exceed three (3) months at a time). If you are interested, contact Norman or Lisa at the Preserve Office.

On-Site/Dry Storage - During the months of October to March each year we offer storage on our non-water sites at a daily, weekly, monthly or six-month rate. Check with the Preserve Office or Ranger Station if you’re interested.

SOUTHWEST ARIZONA VERDE VALLEY | 928-634-8158 Annual/Extended Stay - Extend your stay with us for $99 a week plus tax. Extend by the month on a 30-amp for $350 or 50-amp 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). 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.

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. We also have rental cabins!!

Daily, weekly and by the month. Please contact the Preserve Manager at for more information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for as little as $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.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: Quarterly for $120. Call the preserve for information LAKE OF THE SPRINGS | 530-692-1852 Annual/Extended Stay - Have your own personal site waiting for you. Call Renee for more information at (530) 692-3212. We also have sites available on a monthly basis, call (530) 692-1852.

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PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Special Events - Have your group gathering with us! Campsite and rental units are available. Call (530) 692-1852.

RANCHO OSO | 805-683-5686 Annual/Extended Stay - Monthly RV sites $749, plus electricity.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Why haul your rig back and forth? We have dry storage for $50 per month. If you pay for one year, you get one month free. Call (530) 692-1852.

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

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.

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.

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 - Are you dreading the day when you have to pack up your RV and return home before all the snow has melted? Enjoy your time in paradise and extend your stay and/or leave your RV here by obtaining an annual site. Rally groups welcome September through November and April through May 15.

Special Events - We have 22 rental units available for group events. 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 $425 per month, plus electric; includes one honeywagon dump per week. For more information call the preserve.

SAN BENITO 831-389-4477 (Ranger Station) 831-389-4478 (Special Events) Annual/Extended Stay - Both programs are available. We also have Getaway Cabins and other cabins and vacation trailers all for the asking. Give us a call and see when we can fit you in. We also have space available for the public and we have tent sites too.

For any questions, contact our Ranger Station.

Special Events - If you’re looking for that great place for family gatherings, youth groups, reunions, meetings, retreats, church gatherings or just your very own special event, such as birthdays or anniversaries, contact Teri and we can get you on your way.

So come and enjoy the natural beauty of San Benito.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Ranger Station for details.

SNOWFLOWER | 530-389-8241 Annual/Extended Stay - Have a favorite camping area or site you prefer? Reserve a personal seasonal site anywhere in the preserve for only $388 per month. Seasonal sites available from May through October, weather permitting.

PIO PICO | 619-421-0104 Annual/Extended Stay - Are you tired of moving from park to park every 2-3 weeks?

Or moving your RV in and out of storage? Get your own personal site and leave your RV there all year long. Contact Dave D. at Preserve Office.

Short-Term Rental - Are you going on vacation? We have Vacation Rental Trailers and cabins available for short-term stays. For more details please call the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage sites available starting at $8 per day to $75 per month. Call the Ranger Station to check availability.

Special Events - Are you planning a group event, family reunion or sports banquet? We can accommodate all group sizes. Call preserve office to schedule event.

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

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.

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On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage: $75 per month or $750 per year and save $150.

Call the preserve for information.

Short-Term Rental - Try something new and stay in one of our cabins or yurts!

Cabins sleep four maximum and start at $71.20 per night mid-week, plus tax; yurts sleep 4-5 and start at $44 per night mid-week, plus tax. Cabins and Yurts are only a short drive to exploring California’s historic Gold Country or gaming and nightlife In Reno, NV. The yurts have heaters and new mini-fridges for your convenience. Call preserve for information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Call Frank at x102 for more details and specials information.

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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.

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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

WILDERNESS LAKES 951-672-4831 (Preserve Office) 951-672-7804 (Special Events/SuperHost) 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 Brandie or Dave at the preserve for more information.

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

MIDWEST/NORTHEAST ILLINOIS PINE COUNTRY 815-547-5517 (Preserve & Marketing Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available - rates $2,044. Monthly site rental (RV) - $425 per month. We offer weekly and mid-week special rates also. Call preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - Public W/E/S - nightly rate - $43. Tent sites - nightly $28.

Special Events - Large and small pavilion available for rental - must reserve.

Clubhouse space available for rental - must reserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Yearly storage rates $350.

INDIANA INDIAN LAKES 812-934-5496 (Preserve & Marketing Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at just $1,200. Please call Charlene.

On-Site/Dry Storage - RV storage available starting at $35 per month. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual rates available. Call Charlene at the preserve.

HORSESHOE LAKES | 765-832-2487 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Lease Sites are $1,500 for lakefront and $1,075 for non-lakefront.

Short-Term Rental - We have 126 sites available (122 full hook-up, and 25 50-amp 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.

MAINE MOODY BEACH | 207-646-4586 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites Available: Premium $2882, plus electric fee; Elite $3542, plus electric fee; membership required. Great sites still available. Close to sandy beaches, attractive, Portland ME and Portsmouth NH. Annual Cottages Available: 28’x12’ park models, sleeps 4 adults and 2 children, complete kitchen and bath, supplies. Own your own cottage to come to all season! Annual site fee required.

Prices vary - contact manager for more information. Extended Stay Available: $535 per month - April, May, June - September, October. Extended Stay available for 1000 per month - July and August. Call Country Store for more information.

Short-Term Rental - April 15-June 10 and September 5 to closing (Oct. 20). Spring or Fall - Shoulder Seasons, get away for a weekend or a week at Moody Beach. Call Country Store for special or look us up on line at www.1000trails.com.

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 - $4 per day, $25 per week, $45 per month or $375 per year.

Valid insurance and agreement required.

MASSACHUSETTS GATEWAY TO CAPE COD | 508-763-5911 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for $2350. Vacation cottages for sale starting at $2500, plus site fee of $2450. Please call preserve for details.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

NEVADA 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. Yearround sites available in four price ranges. Extended Stay monthly sites available from $475 per month. 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 - Annuals from $1740 to $2666 for lakeside and, new this year, seasonal sites for spring and fall for $500.

Short-Term Rental - Five rental units available with nightly and weekly rates, 10 people per site. All you bring is linen and food. Amenities are free.

Special Events - We have a beautiful conference center for all occasions nestled in beautiful Sturbridge.

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

MICHIGAN BEAR CAVE | 269-695-3050 Annual/Extended Stay - You are invited to stay at a former Potawatomi Indian Village. Stay and fish on the St. Joseph River from your annual site for $1820. Choose a premium site for $2080. Your site, your way!

Short-Term Rental - Park model rentals available; one bedroom for $69 per night or 2 bedroom for $99 per night; 2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends. Linen rental for additional fee. Call for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Save on gas and leave your trailer in storage for only $30 per month.

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.

NEW JERSEY CHESTNUT LAKE | 609-652-1005 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites starting at $1,599; Monthly Sites from $500.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage for $25 per week; $50 per month or $400 per year.

LAKE & SHORE | 609-624-1494 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are full - we do have a waiting list.

Special Events - We can accommodate parties up to 175 and weddings too!

SEA PINES Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available, starting at $2895.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage available for $20 weekly, $50 per month or $400 per year.

NEW YORK RONDOUT VALLEY | 845-626-5521 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites start at $2,895; for other special, please call preserve.

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Special Events - Open air pavilion available to rent for special events.

Short-Term Rental - 14 cabins available for rent. Call the preserve for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - November-April: $25 per month; April-October $45 per month or $396 for the year, if paid in full.

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 Stacey or Joan at the preserve.

OHIO KENISEE LAKE | 440-576-9030 Annual/Extended Stay - Lakefront and non-lakefront sites available. Please 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 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 available. Call preserve for details.

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

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available - $40 per month or $150 for six (6) months. Call the Ranger Station.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage Only - $400 per year or $50 per month. Contact preserve for details.

TIMOTHY LAKE RESORT NORTH 570-588-6631 (In Season) 570-588-1617 (Off Season) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Seasonal Location near beautiful Bushkill Falls and the Delaware Water Gap. Annual Sites are $2185 which includes 30-50 amp service, sewer and water with metered electric; paved roads throughout resort. Limited amount of Used Cottages for sale also. Call resort directly.

Short-Term Rental - Rental Cabins available May 1-October 28.

Special Events - 150 Seat Indoor Entertainment Center for Events & Rental, Birthday Parties Packages, Seasonal Indoor Water Park also available for parties, Member Lounge with Televised Sporting Events including NFL Sunday Ticket.

Short-Term Rental - Short term site rental available. Contact Jamie at the preserve (ext. 12).

TIMOTHY LAKE RESORT SOUTH 570-588-1617 (Year-round) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available at a great year-round location near beautiful Shawnee Mountain and Bushkill Falls. Annual Sites are $2385 which includes large sites with 50-amp service, year-round sewer and water with metered electric, paved roads throughout and gated community. Includes 365 days of access with 230 days of usage to use as you want. Limited amount of used Cottages Available and New Cottage Sales. Call resort directly.

GETTYSBURG FARM | 717-292-7191 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available. Call Jeff at the preserve office for information.

Special Events - Two pavilions are available for your reunion, company picnic, wedding or party. These creekside pavilions are a popular gathering spot for your special functions. Call Jeff or Mary 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) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites available at beautiful Hershey Preserve starting at $2,600. Call Kim at the preserve.

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 site available - standard sites for $1825, plus metered electricity. Premium sites for $2200, plus metered electricity. Vacation Cottage site fee for $2100 per year. For more information, please call Stacey or Joan at the preserve.

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SCOTRUN | 570-629-0620 Annual/Extended Stay - Scotrun, in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, has annual sites available starting at $1295. Scotrun is central to everything in the Poconos and easy access right off Route 80.

PENNSYLVANIA CIRCLE M | 717-872-4651 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites still available starting at $2,150. Vacation cottages also available. Supply is limited. Contact Jamie at the preserve (ext. 12) for details.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available. Contact Preserve Office (ext. 0) for details.

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On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site Storage is available for $3 per day, $60 per month, and $375 per year. For more information, please call Stacey or Joan at the preserve.

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

On-Site/Dry Storage - $20 weekly, $65 monthly, and $390 annually.

Short-Term Rental - Rental Cabins available Year-round.

Special Events - RV Rallies & RV Clubs Welcome. Prices Range from $24.99-$39.99 a night depending on size of group or rally. We are a Shawnee E-Ticket Center. Our guest can purchase tickets for all Winter Events and Summer Festivals and receive discounts for these events at the resort.

On-Site/Dry Storage - $20 weekly, $65 monthly, and $390 annually. Space is Limited!

SOUTHEAST ALABAMA HIDDEN COVE | 205-221-7042 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available - $2,150. For information please call the preserve.

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

Special Events - Our lakefront Clubhouse and Pavilion are the perfect venues for family reunions, receptions, birthday parties, company events, church picnics, etc. We also have RV sites, tent sites and cabins. For details please call the preserve.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for $3 per day or $200 for 6 months.

Call preserve for information.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage $8 per night, $30 per week or $70 per month.

PEACE RIVER | 863-735-8888 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available for $2280 per year, plus tax and electric. Extended stay/seasonal sites are also available: November $350; December $375, January $410; February $425; March $410; April $375. Discounts available for three months or more. Seasonal sites are 30-amp with water and electric. price includes one free honey wagon dump per week. Call Lee at the preserve for more details.

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

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage $45 per month. Call the preserve for information.

THREE FLAGS | 352-748-3870 (Preserve Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Please call Joanne or Darlene for details.

Short-Term Rental - Vacation cottages available for rent.

Special Events - We have a large clubhouse that may be rented out for special events.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Off-site storage is available for $3 per day, $50 per month or $350 per year. Call Joanne or Darlene for details.

NORTH CAROLINA FOREST LAKE | 336-998-4135 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are available! Don’t delay in securing yours now and start enjoying the convenience of annual site rental. Contact Preserve Office for current rate.

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 - Annual sites available from $1,099 to $1,300 for the season for current members. Extended Stay sites are $300 for current members. Call the preserve to make your reservations.

Short-Term Rental - We have campsites and rental cabins available. Call the preserve to make your reservations.

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 no time out. Limited spaces available.

Honey Runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for $10, plus tax. No need to move your rig, we come to you! Contact the Ranger Station before 2 p.m. to put your name on the list. 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 at the preserve.

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

Short-Term Rental - Cabins, cottages and short-term rentals are available. The longer you stay, the better the price! For rates and availability contact Barb Stanze at the Preserve Office.

COLORADO RIVER | 979-732-8229 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual site leases available for part-time or full-time occupancy. Suitable for RV or park models. Also offering Winter/Summer Texan extended stays for members and the public for up to 5 months at market rate, plus metered electricity. For pricing and details about Annual sites or 55+ programs, call Marty or send email at crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

GREEN MOUNTAIN PARK | 828-757-4088 Annual/Extended Stay - Rates are $1,400 to $2,855. Call preserve for details.

Special Events - Make your family reunion or church picnic interesting and fun for all ages. Contact Marty or send email to crmgr@equitylifestyle.com.

Short-Term Rental - Vacation cottages for sale at $4,495.

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

On-Site/Dry Storage - Storage available - $2 per day or $365 per year.

LAKE GASTON | 252-586-4121 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites available. Rates from $1,950. 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 $1,300 for current members.

PRESERVE SERVICES DIRECTORY

FLORIDA ORLANDO 352-394-5531 (Preserve Office) 352-394-7300 (Special Events) Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites: Standard $3330; Premium $3430 (must be a Thousand Trails member to become an Annual Site Holder). Seasonal sites: Standard: Member/Public: 3 months: $1755/$2178; 4 months: $2204/$2628; 5 months $2575/$3000; 6 months: $3054/$3474. Premium: Member/Public: 3 months: $1965/$2391; 4 months: $2416/$2840; 5 months: $2790/$3210; 6 months $3264/$3690.

THE OAKS AT POINT SOUTH | 843-726-5728 Annual/Extended Stay - Come spend the season where it’s sunny at our beautiful spot close to Savannah, Charleston, and right next door to the historic Beaufort by the sea. Our rates are very reasonable - $350 per month plus tax and electric. Call the preserve and book now. Easy access to/from I-95.

LAKE CONROE 936-856-7888 (Preserve Office) 936-856-3751 (Rental Office) Annual/Extended Stay - Come stay for a maximum of five months at a time on our Texan Program. The cost is $375 per month, plus electricity. We also have medical stays available. For details contact the Ranger. Our annual program allows you to stay up to 210 days and leave your rig onsite for the entire year. Hidden Cove annual programs are available for 300 days. Contact the Preserve Office for details.

Short-Term Rental - We have four cabins for rent nightly for two weeks at a time, for $80 for members, plus $10 extra for guests, plus tax, per night. We have nine Getaways MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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for our Getaway members. We also have a Hidden Cove rental, which are owned by members and rented by the week or the month. Check with our Preserve Office for details. All rentals are fully furnished. You just need to bring clothes and food!

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 - Dry storage is $35 per month, plus tax. Contact the Ranger Station. We also have short-term storage at $40 per week, plus tax, where you may store your RV and leave 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.

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 - Personal Sites available. 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!

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage available for $40 per month. 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 $1,733. Call preserve for details.

Special Events - Plan your group event at Harbor View. Air-conditioned Recreational Hall and covered Pavilion available for reservation.

LYNCHBURG | 434-332-6672 Annual/Extended Stay - Come discover why Lynchburg is among the top 25 retirement communities in the nation. Discover all of the history, charm, entertainment and cultural events the area has to offer. We offer annual sites for $1,235.; Value sites for $950. and monthly sites for $325. Call Preserve Office for more information.

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.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry storage is available for $40 per month, $10 per week. Discounts available on six month and yearly contracts.

VIRGINIA LANDING | 757-442-4853 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual sites are available for $1,000, plus electric. Call preserve for details.

Short-Term Rental - Fully furnished cabins starting at $70 for members. Call preserve for more information.

Special Events - Plan your group event here. Air-conditioned family lodge and kitchen available for rental.

On-Site/Dry Storage - Dry Storage for $35 per month.

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 $1,750. Vacation Cottage Program offers 28 to 38-foot park models, vinyl or log-sided from $1,499 to $4,999, with a 3-year annual on-site lease. Satellite reception sites still available. Call Kristi at the preserve to find out about this month’s TrailBlazer Reader’s Special.

Short-Term Rental - Spacious cabins that sleep 6-8 are available starting at $56 for members. Fully furnished except for linens. Call Preserve Office for more information.

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

On-Site/Dry Storage - Secure and easy access storage for $20 per week, $45 per month, or $395 annually, with park membership. Call the preserve for more information.

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

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

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Short-Term Rental - Book your stay in our Rental Unit; sleeps 6 with a full kitchen and bath. Pets allowed. Call for rates and 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.

VIRGINIA CHESAPEAKE BAY 804-693-6951 (Resort Office) 804-693-9645 (Special Events) Annual/Extended Stay - Chesapeake Bay is the best place to spend weekends and vacation and our annual sites make it so easy to jump in the car and head to the“rivah”! Contact Lisa in the Resort Office if you would like information on how you can lease a site in 2013.

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HARBOR VIEW | 804-224-8164 Annual/Extended Stay - Annual Sites $1600, plus electric; monthly $375, plus electric.

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

Looking for the

CLUB

CALENDAR

Visit the TrailBlazer website at www.trailblazermagazine.net

CIRCLE NO. 116 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

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Tech Topics continued from page 9

CIRCLE NO. 153 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

If the vent pipe is clear and water still stands in the shower or sink, you’ve either forgotten to dump the gray water holding tank and it’s overfilled, or you have a clogged drain. If you suspect you have a clogged drain, investigate.

Restrictions are usually found very close to the sink drain and are almost always in the p-trap. Clear the screen at the bottom of your sink or shower and use a plunger (a standard plumber’s helper). Pump the plunger up and down while running water in the sink or shower until the obstruction is cleared. Run warm water through the drain for several minutes to assure that the obstruction is

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carried all the way to the holding tank.

RV maintenance is a snap if you know how to identify little problems before they become serious headaches. Here’s wishing you many miles of happy travels--blaze a trail, road warriors! ■ Paul and Kerri Elders are freelance writers; visit their website at RVLinker.com Follow Paul & Kerri on Twitter @rvlinker

News & Notes continued from page 18

a proper ceremony in tandem with the local VFW. We have added wood floors to our meeting room, making it a much nicer space for gatherings. We have also installed three new fire pits for the campers use.

Russian River, CA We now have three (3) new cottages. They are a two bedroom, 1 bath with a shower/tub. The second bedroom has 2 bunkbeds. These cottages are equipped with kitchens for cooking including microwaves (no ovens).

Cable TV is in each cottage as well.

Three Flags, FL We have just installed a pickleball court, new curbing around the front entrance and a handicap chair for our pool.

Verde Valley, AZ We have had six new cottages installed and have 14 new 50-amp sites online for booking. there is a new round rail fencing installed around A wash, new upholstery replaced on pool furniture and the shuffleboard court has been re-surfaced. The irrigation systems have been repaired/replaced and the restroom partitions are being replaced this June. Picnic tables have been replaced and painted, trees have been trimmed and there are 54 trees being planted in A-B-C sections. â–

ClassifiedAdvertising WORLDWIDE RV TOURS AND RALLIES Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Overseas & USA, Rose Parade, Balloon Fiesta, Kentucky Derby & more! Free vacation guide (800) 952-8496 or www.fantasyrvtours.com Get DIRECTV for your RV and Home! Pkgs start at $29.99/mo for 12 mos. Ends 7/31/13. Offers subject to change. NEW DIRECTV customers only. Terms & restrictions apply. Call Now! 1-800-257-4480 SCRUBR Odor-Free Dishcloths & TREKR Self-Cleaning Washcloths Perfect for RVing and camping. They dry fast, rinse clean, and don’t get smelly.

(858)653-0401 www.lunatecgear.com Omnia Stove Top Baking Oven Want to bake when RVing or camping. Get the affordable portable Omnia. Works on any stove top heat source.

(858)653-0401 www.lunatecgear.com

Answers on page 64

To Advertise in Marketplace Or To Place a Classified Ad email TBads@equitylifestyle.com Deadline for July 2013 Issue is May 3, 2013 MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

63

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 a $25 American Express Gift Card!

Alice Mott

CIRCLE NO. 106 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

from Milwaukie, OR found the evergreen tree on page 50 of the March issue. Did you find the tree in this issue? Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

Postmark deadline is May 31, and remember — the tree could be a different color and size.

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Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to

win a $25 American Express Gift Card!

This month’s Fast Facts winner is

Dawne Allen

of Brooklyn, NY

Answers - Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50

Answers - Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 50

SPRING GULCH

FOLK FESTIVAL

May 16-19, 2013 27th Anniversary

2013 entertainment

Peter Yarrow Garnet Rogers Vishten The HillBenders

Bill Miller Trout Fishing in America plus many more

Choose from 3 Packages

3-NIGHTS, $149/COUPLE 7-NIGHTS, $185/COUPLE $25/COUPLE for a day ticket (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) (Limited availability. Must check-out no later than May 23, 2013. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

3-night package on standard and value site types. Offer not valid on rental units. Reservations required.

Use promo code TBFF13)

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 1-866-864-8524 Event will be held at the Spring Gulch Resort 475 Lynch Road, New Holland, Pennsylvania

www.SpringGulch.com

MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER

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GONE GONE

M

pin

pin

g

C

am

g

C

am

eet Louisa and Clark, our newest Thousand Trails campers!

They know that Camping is Always Better with Friends so we’re hoping you take them along with you on your travels this summer.

Clark lists his favorite activities as fishing, hiking and s’mores. Louisa says her favorite thing about camping is participating in the events at the preserves.

Louisa and Clark are looking for a new adventure this summer. The special insert here contains cut-outs of our new campers. It’s your choice, travel with Louisa or Clark. Cut her/him out to take with you and send us pictures from your travels. Send your photos* to TrailBlazer_photos@ equitylifestyle.com or mail them in to Travels with Louisa and Clark, c/o TrailBlazer Magazine, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago IL 60606. You can also follow their adventures on the Thousand Trails blog at newsfromthetrail.thousandtrails.com.

Have fun!

Emailed photos should be high resolution. Photos are not returnable and become the property of Equity LifeStyle Properties and may be used for publication on company websites and promotional purposes. *

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MAY 2013 | TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 132 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50