TrailBlazer November / December 2020

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 • $2.00

A Southwest

adventure Arizona Under the Stars Texas: Big City and Big Country Upgrade Your Office View

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

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Invite Your Friends www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kenzie Greene MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails Family of campgrounds and resorts.

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

TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published by MHC TT Memberships, LP, c/o MHC Property Management L.P., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

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

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2020 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com TrailBlazermagazine.net

GRAND PRIZE

NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Visit www.trailblazermagazine.net and click on the ‘Subscribe’ tab to easily subscribe online today!

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

PRINTED IN THE USA

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: (800) 288-7245 Canada: (228) 497-3594 Mon - Fri 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST ThousandTrails.com Remember! Thousand Trails members get preferred rates at RVontheGo.com (877) 570-2267 RVontheGo.com

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Free Dues for 2021 10 Winners Selected (Up to $599 value)

Contact Us Today! (888) 808-8925 or visit ThousandTrails.com

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

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

WHAT’S INSIDE

VOL.56 • ISSUE 5

20 You and Sunny Yuma

38

regulars

Member Deals 54

Crossword Puzzle 60

Sudoku Puzzle 61

Preferred RV Dealer List 62

Texas: Big City Big Country

tips & topics

Tech Topics 52 4 Paws on the Road 53 The Best Fifth Wheels 56

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 • $2.00

A Southwest

adventure

Arizona Under the Stars Texas: Big City and Big Country Upgrade Your Office View

lifestyle 5 Message from Marguerite 8 Change your Office View 10 I Knew I was A TrailBlazer:

The Haag Family 14 Seeing Stars in Arizona 28 Updates and Upgrades 30 Cinema Under the Stars 32 Virtual Tours at myMHcommunity.com!

34 Why Winter in Texas?

46 Recipe: Thyme Roasted Carrots 48 Wine Essentials 50 Hiking Tips & Advice

On The Cover: Sonoran Night Sky NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

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Palm Springs RV Resort, CA

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE As the sun sets on another year, I can’t help but reflect on everything that’s happened over the past few months.

While 2020 was a unique year in and of itself, there were certainly some bright moments. A number of us were able to spend more time with our immediate families than we would have in normal circumstances. As the world begins to return to normal (albeit a new normal), those family hours feel even more special. The great outdoors became even more attractive to a number of us, and those who had never been camping or RVing began to see it as a viable and safe vacation option, with social distancing built in right from the start!

the current situation, and providing activities where you could make memories while feeling safe. As we begin to transition to Winter Differently season, I know our teams in Florida, Arizona, and South Texas are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and hosting activities for all to enjoy. If you don’t have plans to follow the sun this winter season, I encourage you to check out our stories on Arizona and Texas in this issue of TrailBlazer. From sunny Yuma and beautiful astrotourism across Arizona to relaxing beaches and a wine trail in Texas, there are plenty of ways to stay busy this winter, while soaking up some bonus vitamin D!

Social distancing went from a little-known phrase to a common part of our vocabulary in a number of days.

Little did we know, the RV lifestyle has practiced social distancing for years. Whether you’re vacationing in your own RV or staying in one of our many rental options, those four walls are your own. Our locations are in parts of the country where the outdoor lifestyle is popular, and things like hiking or biking trails, walking paths, and wide open spaces are easy to find. This year proved what so many of us have known for years: the great outdoors is the place to be.

With the holiday season approaching, I hope you’re able to spend time – either in person or virtually – with family and friends and reflect on some of the camping and RV trips you took throughout 2020. Maybe the conversation will lead you to plan a trip or two in 2021, and I hope it leads you to come visit us.

Throughout the year, our staff rose to the occasion to provide our members and guests with fun and safe activities. It was encouraging to read so many of your comments thanking the teams for making the best of

I wish you a wonderful and healthy holiday season!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

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WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER? Our winners for November/ December are... Tom and Glenda Rose from Crestview, FL! They were camping at Three Flags in FL, when they were given the news!

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a $1,000 American ExpressÂŽ Prepaid Gift Card When you pay your annual dues for 2020 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American ExpressÂŽ Prepaid Gift Card.

There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2020. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails campground in 2020, 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 campground. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. 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, 2020. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

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Your vacation plans may be tiny… but they will be mighty.

Leavenworth s WA

Sunshine Key RV Resort s FL

From tiny houses to cabins and yurts to covered wagons - with Petite Retreats, your next vacation will leave a big impression.

Visit petiteretreats.com to plan your getaway, today!

Fiesta Key RV Resort t FL

Tropical Palms t FL

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Change Your Office View As RVers, we know how rewarding it can be to change your backdrop from time to time. Not interested in plunging winter temperatures? Pack up the RV and head south for the winter months. Prefer to get away from city life and be surrounded by towering pines? It’s always worth it to schedule a weekend getaway for a quick nature fix. With the shift to remote working for so many people across the country, this possibility has become a reality for those who have not yet entered retirement or taken the plunge and gone full-time. This winter season, consider changing your office view and follow the sun!

We’re sharing a few of our favorite places to office from as the cooler temperatures move in.

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Florida Located in Kissimmee, Florida, Tropical Palms RV Resort is a hidden gem set on 69 beautiful sun-kissed acres that are the perfect Central Florida destination.

Approximately four miles from Walt Disney World Resort and within walking distance from Old Town, working remotely from this resort is a breath of fresh air. Stay connected in a variety of colorful rental cottages that will instantly transport you to a tropical state of mind. The resort’s convenient location, fun amenities, and great Wi-Fi connection will make you ask yourself whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure. And this time, you can say it’s both!

Arizona Monte Vista RV Resort, the 2018 ARVC Mega Park of the Year winner added more than 230 new RV sites last year, in addition to a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi system, and a new swimming pool with outdoor seating and grilling stations. Instead of watercooler talks and office banter, guests of this agequalified resort can get outside with nearby hiking and biking trails, the scenic views of the Superstition Mountains, and the surrounding year round golf courses, which make Arizona a mecca for the sport.

Texas Tropic Winds RV Resort is an age-qualified RV resort located in the city of Harlingen, the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. At Tropic Winds you'll find the climate and conditions for year-round vacationing heartwarming, as Harlingen has a friendly spirit and tropical weather that especially appeal to travelers in the winter months.

Guests who stay at least one month receive their own modem from Spectrum Cable and free Wi-Fi for all their remote work needs. When staying less than a month, visitors can choose to purchase a Wi-Fi connection or use the many hotspots in the clubhouses.

Check out RVontheGo.com to select your next office view!

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I Knew I Was a

TRAILBLAZER FEATURING

The Haag Family This issue, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to the Haag family, a family of four that sold it all and has been full-time RVing for a year and half. They love the outdoor lifestyle for all of the healthy benefits, and believe it keeps them active!

TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began!

LH: I camped a bit with my family while growing up.

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We started off with a tent but upgraded to a pop-up camper after a few years.

After leaving home, I didn’t really camp anymore. I went to college, got a job, got married, and started a family...life got really full and busy. Several years ago, I began to think there must be a better way. I began to have thoughts like, “life is flying by, the girls are growing up so fast, and I’m too busy all the time.” I really felt that I was missing out on time with my family that no amount of money

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could ever buy back. Then, I stumbled upon the blog of another full-time RV family and my eyes were opened!

I had no idea that whole families lived and traveled in RVs! Within about two months we bought our Class A and began to prepare to sell it all and hit the road!

We’ve now been full-timing in our RV and traveling around this beautiful country for a year and a half. We are completely hooked and plan to continue RVing for the foreseeable future!

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

LH: Once my eyes were opened, I spent almost all my free time (and then some) researching this new lifestyle. It was during this research phase that I first discovered Thousand Trails.

It wasn’t until after being on the road full-time that we pulled the trigger on a new membership, but I am so glad we did. We have met the best friends since we started this adventure, and the vast majority are also TT members.

We have also found a wonderful community on the road, much of which is made possible by TT campgrounds because that is often where our paths cross. In all honesty, when we get to a TT park, it feels like we’re coming home (even if it’s our first time at that particular park).

TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest Thousand Trails memories?

LH: Our fondest camping memory happened when we hiked Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park last year. Our girls had just turned four and six and had never been on a real hike before. We weren’t

quite sure what to expect, but to our utter amazement, they hiked several miles up with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain, hiked around the top for an hour, then hiked all the way back down with no issues! That day it was confirmed to me how capable our kids were if we just gave them the chance and encouraged them along the way (oh, and plenty of water and snacks). Our fondest TT memory is from the Peace River location last winter. This is where my wife and I first tried our hands at one of the fastest growing sports in the nation: pickleball! These little courts are all over Florida, but as a past tennis player, I thought it seemed a bit comical.

However, we gave it a try at Peace River, then proceeded to play almost every single day for three weeks straight!

We were hooked! It has turned out to be equally fun for both of us, and it’s now our favorite athletic pursuit that we enjoy together. It’s also been another great avenue for meeting and connecting with new people as we travel.

TB: Any funny camping/ RVing stories?

LH: This past fall we boondocked just outside Badlands National Park at Nomad View Dispersed Camping area. It was here that for the first time in over a year, we got a mouse in

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our RV! It turns out that these cute little field mice are all over the place out there and make their way into many unsuspecting homes on wheels. I was having my morning coffee when I first saw it. It took some time to figure out where it got in and then get it back out, but once I did, the funniest thing happened. It wouldn’t leave!

It ran back and forth from the driver’s side tire to the passenger’s side tire at least 10 times! Meanwhile, anyone looking on would have just seen me running around the RV doing the same thing while trying to chase it off. At first, I was frustrated, but after so many failed attempts, I just had to laugh at myself. Eventually, it gave up and took off into the nearby grasses.

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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.)

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

LH: We have a 35ft Class A gas motorhome that we purchased used and proceeded to fully renovate.

We really like the Class A option as it allows for easier, faster travel days. We never have to make a special stop just for the kids to use the restroom, and we can do all the necessary setup work without ever going outside. I extend the levelers from the driver’s seat, then hop up to push buttons to pop out the slides, and that’s it! It’s so fast and easy to do! This is especially nice if you happen to arrive somewhere when it’s raining or otherwise less than ideal weather outside.

LH: If not for our TT membership, we wouldn’t have explored the southern coast of Maine. We stayed at Moody Beach which turned out to be an ideal central location for exploring the beautiful coastline and many incredible lighthouses.

This is also where I met a new friend who offered to teach me how to surf. Never did I think I’d learn how to surf, much less in Maine!

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

LH: It’s just so healthy!

We breathe fresh air, hike,

walk, ride bikes, cook great meals, play pickleball, go rappelling, swim, jog, and so much more! Five or six years ago I was told that my good health was my greatest asset. I’m convinced more than ever how true that statement is and am so grateful that the RV/outdoor lifestyle allows us to spend so much more time enjoying healthy activities with great friends!

Check out @HaagBrigade on Instagram to follow more of their TrailBlazing adventures!

TB: We want to know when you knew you were the consummate camper, a true TrailBlazer. Can you finish this sentence?

I knew I was a TrailBlazer when…

LH: We knew we were TrailBlazers after being on the road for about six months. We figured that was long enough to be confident in our belief that this lifestyle was for us and that we wouldn’t be moving back into a sticks and bricks traditional home for the foreseeable future! We weren’t in the honeymoon stage anymore and missed nothing from our old lifestyle except our church.

Technology allows us to stay connected with family and friends back home, and that is a real blessing! ¾ Photos Courtesy of The Haag Family

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SEEING STARS IN ARIZONA The Astrotourism Capital of the United States

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

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Arizona’s current IDA-certified Dark Sky Parks include:

With its diverse landscape – from the Grand Canyon and ponderosa forests in the north to the Sonoran Desert and ‘sky islands’ in the south – Arizona is home to more certified Dark Sky Places than any other U.S. state.

In fact, no country outside the U.S. can rival Arizona’s 17 dark sky communities and parks.

Arizona helped birth the dark sky preservation movement when, in 2001, the Tucson, Arizona-based International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) designated Flagstaff as the world’s very first Dark Sky Place, thanks to the city’s commitment to protecting its stargazingfriendly night skies. Since then, six other Arizona communities have earned Dark Sky status from the IDA: Big Park/Village

of Oak Creek, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Fountain Hills, Sedona, and Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky-Kaibab Paiute Reservation. Of the 17 certified dark-sky communities in the country, seven are in Arizona.

Arizona also boasts 10 Dark Sky Parks, defined by the IDA as lands with an “exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.” The most famous of these is Grand Canyon National Park, where remarkably beautiful night skies lend jaw-dropping credence to the Park Service’s reminder that “half the park is after dark.”

Sedona Bell-Rock Photo Courtesy of John Weatherby

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Wupatki National Monument Walnut Canyon National Monument Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument Petrified Forest National Park Tonto National Monument Kartchner Caverns State Park Oracle State Park Tumacácori National Historical Park

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“Arizona has been a preferred location for astronomers – professional and

amateurs – since the early

Flagstaff – Lowell Observatory: Photo Courtesy of Ji Rui

Sedona – Fay Canyon Trail: Photo Courtesy of John Weatherby

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1900s ”

Why is Arizona such a wonderful place for stargazing?

The simple answers: good weather, mountainous geography, and sound stewardship. On a clear night, stargazers can see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, the Andromeda galaxy, and more. The sky is simply awash in stars, double stars, and star clusters.

“Arizona has been a preferred location for astronomers – professional and amateurs – since the early 1900s,” says Mike Weasner, an astrophysicist who helped Oracle State Park earn dark-sky status. “It’s due to generally good weather and the mountains to get above the thicker portion of the atmosphere.”

Mountains also shield dark-sky oases from urban skyglow. In the case of Oracle State Park, which is only 20 miles from Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains block out the city lights. Likewise, Fountain Hills, an exurb on the northern flank of metro Phoenix, enjoys surprisingly dark nights, thanks to the rocky veil provided by the beautiful McDowell Mountains.

Grand Canyon: Photo Courtesy of Eric Menasco

Arizona has also become an influential center for space research and exploration, offering some of the best astronomical viewing opportunities for amateur and professional astronomers alike. The state is filled with observatories that are dedicated to discovering the NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

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Mount Graham International Observatory: Photo Courtesy of Paul W Schulz

unknown in our universe, with several of them welcoming visitors for an inside look at findings of some of the bestknown astronomers in the world, while learning about the past, present, and future of this star-kissed state.

As one of the oldest observatories in the nation, Lowell Observatory on ‘Mars Hill’ in downtown Flagstaff was established in 1894 and houses several telescopes from its early days. Visitors today can engage in interactive exhibits, learn about the history of the observatory, and observe the skies through both modern and historic instruments.

Other options for astrotourists across the state include: Tucson’s Steward Observatory; 18

Kitt Peak National Observatory, southwest of Tucson; Mount Lemmon Skycenter in the Santa Catalina Mountains, north of Tucson; Dorrance Planetarium at the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix; Safford’s Mount Graham International Observatory and Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, near Mount Hopkins in Southeast Arizona.

In addition, Sedona-based Evening Sky Tours offers stellar stargazing tours guided by professional astronomers.

Their popular tours include an overview of the constellations, stories of how ancient civilizations named the constellations and an up-close view of approximately eight objects through a highpowered telescope.

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Thus, across Arizona, on rugged public lands, inside scenic city limits and beyond, a sun-drench visitor experience doesn’t end at sunset. Because the Grand Canyon State, which is so synonymous with sunshine and blue sky, is equally spectacular when the stars come out in grand fashion. ¾

IF YOU GO Head to VisitArizona.com, DarkSky.org (International Dark-Sky Association), and EveningSkyTours.com (Sedona’s Evening Sky Tours) to plan an Arizona stargazing adventure.

Kitt Peak: Photo Courtesy of Kitt Peak National Observatory

Flagstaff – Wupatki National Monument: Photo Courtesy of Tom Alexander

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YOU & SUNNY YUMA The Great Outdoors & More Await in Southwest Arizona

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

Photo Courtesy of Mauricio Aviles

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Designated as the “Sunniest City on Earth” by the folks at Guinness World Records, it’s seemingly always sunny in Yuma, Arizona (with sunshine more than 90% of daylight hours). With all of that sun, it’s only natural that Yuma is geared to the great outdoors, with lots of wide open spaces, lake and river adventures, world-class golf and tennis, open-air markets and shopping, plus much more.

“We’re really focusing on what a warm greeting you’ll get in Yuma,” says Visit

Yuma’s Executive Director, Linda Morgan. “The heart of Yuma is our small businesses, which are often familyowned, and serving visitors comes naturally,” she adds.

“Throughout Yuma’s history, first the Quechan people and then subsequent Yumans, have always had a spirit of generosity and hospitality.”

Morgan and other locals call it ‘Yuman Nature.’

Located near the confluence of the Colorado and Gila rivers in the southwest corner of Arizona, on the border

with California (the Colorado River serves as the state line), Yuma is equidistant between Phoenix and San Diego (about 180 miles from both cities), and it’s within a radius of just more than 300 miles of Tucson, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles.

Known as the historic ‘Gateway of the Southwest,’ Interstate 8 runs through Yuma and Highway 95 runs north to Interstate 10 and south to Mexico.

The first European explorers ‘discovered’ Yuma 80 years

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Photo Courtesy of Visit Yuma

Telegraph Pass: Photo Courtesy of Visit Yuma

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Yuma Art Complex, the restored Historic Yuma Theatre was built in 1911 and originally featured vaudeville acts.

The Visitor Information Center is a great place to start a visit. It’s also a perfect place for Yumaspecific souvenirs, including books, and ‘South of the Border’ goodies, such as colorful Mexican pottery and even real vanilla – no bartering required!

before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, in that it was the safest place to cross the Colorado River for hundreds of miles. First incorporated at Arizona City in 1871, it was renamed Yuma in 1873 and is now the third largest city in the state outside the metro areas of Phoenix and Tucson (and the 11th largest Arizona city overall). The county’s permanent population is about 250,000, but that number nearly doubles with the arrival of sun-seeking snowbirds come January, February, and March.

Yuma’s unique history was shaped by the once freeflowing wild river and its subsequent damming, with

the first dam completed in 1909. Like many cities, Yuma’s once-thriving downtown became somewhat of a ghost town until local leaders helped reclaim the riverfront and more, leading to the designation as the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. Today, historic downtown Yuma has much to offer indoors and outdoors.

Situated at the end of the Gila Trail, Main Street remains the heart of “Old Yuma,” with a variety of cultural, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. More than 60,000 California-bound gold-seekers followed this one-time path to the rope ferry across the Colorado River. Part of the

Part of the Yuma Crossing National Historic Landmark, Pivot Point Interpretive Plaza’s outdoor museum and its steam locomotive provide a great introduction to Yuma’s fascinating history, including photographs and stories about the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park (once called the “Country Club on the Colorado,” thanks to electricity, running water, and flush toilets), Fort Yuma, the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway Bridge, the aforementioned rope ferry, the Quechan Tribe, the Southern Pacific Hotel, and more.

Those in search of Native American history will want to head to the Cocopah Museum, St. Thomas Indian Mission and the Quechan Tribal Museum Gift Shop.

Ancient petroglyphs and intaglios can be found at Antelope Hill and Painted

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West Wetlands: Photo Courtesy of Bill Moody

Rock, while rockhounding (‘reasonable amounts’ from public lands, for personal use only) provides a great way to take home a unique Arizona souvenir.

Locals and visitors alike love taking advantage of Yuma’s abundant sunshine and the great outdoors. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department boasts 34 public parks, nine community centers, four swimming pools, two golf courses, two cultural centers, a theater, a visual arts facility, and more than 10 miles of walking and biking trails. This all adds up to more than 600 acres of land available for a variety of activities.

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Yuma’s wide open spaces make for widely varied hiking opportunities. Right in town, a paved multi-purpose trail runs about two miles along the riverfront, from the West Wetlands Park to Gateway Park, and along about five miles of the East Main Canal. There’s also a three-mile nature trail winding through the East Wetlands.

Those up for a challenge can make like a local and head to Telegraph Pass, which is a steep four-mile trek, one-way.

Any hike may reveal wildlife, including bighorn sheep, wild horses and burros, deer, and much more. Desert hiking conditions can change quickly (as can cell phone service), so layering and plenty of

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water are recommended – as well as leaving a hiking plan with someone.

Biking in sunny Yuma is also quite popular. For those not traveling with their own two wheels, bike rentals in town provide a great way to explore the city and beyond.

Hard-core mountain bikers will find single- and double-track options in the nearby hills, including a network of trails in the Sugarloaf area. The Foothills Bike Club, Sonoran Cycles Yuma, and Mr. B’s Bicycles are three great twowheeler resources in Yuma.

Further outdoor adventure opportunities abound in the Yuma area. The city is the ideal base for finding

Wildlife in Yuma, AZ

Saguaro Cacti in Yuma, AZ

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Colorado River, AZ

hundreds of square miles of wilderness in the famed Imperial, Kofa, and Cibola national wildlife refuges, comprising more than 1,000 square miles of desert, mountain, and riparian habitat in the Southwest Arizona Refuges Complex.

Yuma is also a gateway to the Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, which has served as a popular movie set from the days of Rudolph Valentino to Star Wars and is one of the nation’s largest masses of inland sand dunes. And, even closer to downtown, the Yuma East Wetlands offer nearly 500 acres of wetlands, which were transformed from a trash-strewn jungle of nonnative vegetation.

Of course, there’s also the Colorado River right on Yuma’s doorstep. With yearround sunshine, water fun can range from a quiet paddle to waterskiing and much 26

more. History buffs will also enjoy the Colorado River State Historic Park, which was once the home of the Yuma Quartermaster Depot that served all military posts in the Southwest in the midto late-1800s. Interesting exhibits await.

Although the damming of the Colorado River reduced the flow of water at Yuma’s doorstep, it did create a lot of backwater channels and hidden lakes upstream.

These cool waters are now home to renowned fishing for largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, as well as flathead and channel catfish, tilapia, crappie, mullet, and bluegill. Top spots include: the Imperial Dam area, with Squaw Lake and Senator Wash Reservoir, specifically; the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, including the meandering channel of the Colorado River, Martinez Lake and Ferguson Lake; the

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Picacho State Recreation Area along the California side of the Colorado River, north of Yuma; and Mittry Lake, which is just north of Laguna Dam. Yuma County is home to two premier military installations: Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma and U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG).

The military is the area’s second largest contributor to the economy, after agriculture (the area is known as the “Winter Vegetable Capital of the World”). MCAS Yuma is the busiest air station in the Marine Corps and supports about 80% of the Marine Corps’ air-to-ground aviation training, while Yuma Proving Ground is the county’s largest employer and, at approximately 1,300 square miles, one of the world’s largest military installations – bigger than the state of Rhode Island.

All of these outdoor activities, including fishing for dinner,

Downtown Yuma, AZ

are bound to make Yuma visitors hungry, and the city’s restaurants certainly step up to the plate with a bounty of options. Options for unique restaurants and local food and drink include: Cafecito (craft coffee drinks and creative small bites); Takos & Beer (creative tacos and much more, including breakfast); ‘50s-style Penny’s Diner; The Chile Pepper (fresh Mexican fare from scratch); Julieanna’s Steakhouse (with a tropical vibe, including macaws and parrots, plus live music); Lutes Casino (American and ‘South of the Border’ fare in a historic setting); River City Grill (regional cuisine from the Pacific Rim, India, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean); and, last, but not least, Prison Hill Brewing Company (try the Warden’s Wife cream ale or the Grand Theft Hefe). It’s a great way to say cheers Yuma! If you go, head to VisitYuma.com. ¾

Foothill Village

Foothill Village, Yuma AZ

An Encore RV Resort located right in Yuma, Arizona, Foothill Village is an all age resort and a great place for you and your family to make your home base while exploring exciting Yuma.

Foothill Village is located within walking distance of restaurants and grocery stores, and boasts a swimming pool for those sunny Yuma days. Check out all of the Yuma-based Encore RV Resorts at RVontheGo.com.

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UPDATES AND

UPGRADES

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

Yosemite Lakes Groveland, CA Yosemite Lakes just got even more fun! With a brand new playground full of swings, slides, and everything in between, this is the perfect place for a California family vacation.

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Orlando RV Resort Clermont, FL We can’t stop talking about Thousand Trails Orlando! The work continues here to bring all of our members and guests 160+ brand new RV sites, two upgraded pools, a revamped putt putt course, brand new basketball and volleyball courts, and a brand new playground.

We’ve appreciated your patience as we continue to work on this project, and hope you enjoy the bird’s-eye view!

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Under T he Stars Outdoor movies in the sunbelt!

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We brought RVING to the movies!

Throughout the summer season, a number of our locations participated in the Cinema Under the Stars series. Given the success of these events, we’ve extended this series to select locations in Florida, Arizona, and Texas. Our locations are known for their onsite activities, and we wanted to ensure a safe, socially distanced event in the great outdoors. With screens ranging from 16-to20-feet and professional level sound systems, guests are able to enjoy the silver screen while doing what they love most: RVing!

The size of these screens and the strength of the sound systems allow our onsite teams to plan a fun and socially distanced activity for all of our guests. Movie goers are encouraged to space out, leaving at least 6 feet of space between each group. Movies start after sunset for the best viewing experience. Many of our locations choose to show movies that match our theme weekend to tie everything together.

Have you attended a Cinema Under the Stars event? We’d love for you to share photos of the event to our Encore RV Resorts Facebook page, and let us know what movies you’re hoping to see this season!

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

Open New Doors

to a great community lifestyle.

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

Take a Virtual Tour and make it yours!

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It’s about what you’re going to.

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

VIDEO TOURS

3-D TOURS

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

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

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

Learn more at or Call (800) 274-7314 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

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The Alamo – San Antonio, TX

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WHY WINTER IN TEXAS? Better Question: Why Not?

By Joan Rykal One main reason to visit Texas this winter is the weather. Temperatures are mild, sunshine is a regular occurrence, and snow is a very rare visitor. Of course, Texas in winter makes sense for a lot of reasons. We’ve listed a few more that will keep you busy while enjoying the Texas sunshine and the southern hospitality that adds to the warmth of the Lone Star State.

Texas BBQ Trail: If you like BBQ, then you’re familiar with the argument about who does it best. Is it the Carolinas, Memphis, Kansas City, or the Great State of Texas? Check out Texas’ contribution to the debate by driving the Texas BBQ Trail (texasbbqtrails.com), which hits five towns around the Austin area. And, within

the city of Austin, there are some of the oldest, and most famous BBQ joints, including Franklin Barbeque, which Texas Monthly magazine called the “best barbeque in the Universe.” Check them out on the Netflix series, “The Chef Show,” to learn more about them from the comfort of your own home!

The Alamo: The Alamo in San Antonio is the most visited landmark in Texas.

This 300-year-old Spanish Mission was the site of a major battle for Texas’ independence from Mexico.

The battle lasted for 13 days, February 23-March 6, and unfortunately, the battle was lost for the Texians. But the survivors were bolstered and came back to defeat the Mexican Army in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21,

1836. There is no admission fee and the Alamo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Birding: Texas is the place to be for birdwatchers thanks to its weather and location as it relates to migratory bird routes. Sam Houston National Forest is known for its year-round resident, the Bachman’s sparrow, and its winter visitors, including osprey and the rusty blackbird. Of course, the World Birding Center, a network of nine different birding sites, is a big draw in the state’s Rio Grande Valley.

More than 500 species are known to fly over the area, year-round.

Fishing: Texas has several hot fishing spots throughout the state with some of the

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Padre Island National Seashore

most famous being Lake Texoma, where the staterecord holder, a whopping 121.5 pound catfish was caught and Lake Conroe, a 22,000-acre lake whose bottom is said to be carpeted with catfish. Lake Conroe, like Lake Texoma, is also good for bass fishing.

From December to March, it’s all about the trout that can be found in the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country.

San Antonio’s River Walk: To enjoy the city’s number one attraction, you don’t have to stand in line or pay an admission fee, you simply just have to go below street level to enjoy this public park. Miles of walkways 36

along the San Antonio River offer all kinds of experiences from dining and shopping to museums and views of San Antonio’s historic missions. Take a boat ride on the river which is a great way to see the city.

Botanic Gardens: While some states have only one, Texas, of course, does it bigger with well over 10 botanic gardens throughout the state. Options include the Houston Botanic Garden, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Texas Discovery Gardens in Dallas, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden, which consistently makes the Top Ten lists of the U.S. Botanic Gardens.

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Padre Island National Seashore: Don’t make the mistake of confusing the Padre Island National Seashore with another Texas attraction, South Padre Island. The Padre Island National Seashore does have its share of beaches, but it is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. This is a national park where nature is the focus. Fishing, birding, and beachcombing (check for sea beans and driftwood) are the entertainment here and evening highlights include the amazing, picture perfect sunsets. ¾

The Rio Grande Valley is known as one of the most ecologically complex and biodiverse regions in the country, as it’s the location where two major bird migration flight paths meet. Because of this, many species of rare birds are likely to take a day or two of rest while migrating to enjoy the area. Over 615 species of birds have been sighted in Texas, more than any other state.

Photo Courtesy of Bernard Ritchie

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Houston, TX

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Texas

: Big City, Big Country

Texas is one big state and there is definitely no disputing that.

While not the biggest state in the U.S. (which is Alaska), Texas is more than 100,000 square miles larger than California, which comes in third at 163,696 square miles.

Texas is home to Houston, the fourth largest city in the country with a population of over two million. Larger Lone Star State cities include Dallas and San Antonio, both of which boast a population of over one million. And yet, Texas has plenty of wide-

By Joan Rykal

open spaces. That’s what happens when you have a land mass of 268,579 square miles – you’ve got big cities and you’ve got big country!

We’ll take a look at the big cities and the beautiful countryside here and since the winter weather in Texas is so enjoyable, we’ll explore some of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in this great big state.

BIG CITY Houston: As we mentioned, Houston is the state’s largest city. Located in the

southeastern part of the state, it is less than 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico (think fishing here). Houston is named after General Sam Houston, who was the President of the Republic of Texas. Home to three major professional sports teams, the Houston Rockets (NBA); the Houston Astros (MLB); and the Houston Texans (NFL); NASA’s Space Center Houston; and the Houston Zoo, this city has a lot to offer visitors. Don’t miss Buffalo Bayou and the bounty of outdoor fun on both land and water that can be had

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Spanish Mission, TX

at this 162-acre green space in the city. You can choose to walk the trails and check out the interesting art installations, take a kayak or canoe trip down the water, bike ride or run on designated trails, or simply relax in this lovely urban park and enjoy the view of the Houston skyline. One unique opportunity here is to see the Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Waugh Bridge around sunset each night.

San Antonio: San Antonio’s beautiful downtown River Walk is a major draw for the city as is the historic Alamo, but there is much more to see in this city that was founded as a Spanish Mission in the early 1700s. Hemisfair Park is a great outdoor space to explore and see the giant chess and checkers games and the park’s Yanaguana Garden. If you’re looking to hike, head about an hour out of the city to Fredericksburg to find the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area with 11 miles of hiking trails. The pink granite mountain for which the park is named is pretty cool, too!

Texas Blue Bonnets

Dallas: The attractions of Dallas are the perfect mix of

history, nature, and culture but the 22,000 acres of parkland and 125 miles of biking and hiking trails are a pretty good reason to visit the Big D, too!

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which is ranked one of the best in the U.S., is 66-acres of botanic magic. There are gardens upon gardens here including Crepe Myrtle Allee and its natural tunnel and the Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill with over 80 varieties of Japanese Maples. An interesting way to see Dallas is through Dallas Running Tours which is exactly what it sounds like – you run/ jog on a four-mile tour of the city’s highlights.

BIG COUNTRY Texas Hill Country Hill Country is a region in Texas known for its rolling hills, fields of wildflowers and lush landscape, and is a great destination for a Texas getaway. Charming towns, vineyards, and spectacular views await.

The stars are certainly big and bright in Texas and one of the best places to stargaze is the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg, which recently

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Village Nature Trail, Rio Grande Valley, TX

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Winery in Texas Hill Country TX

gained designation as an International Dark Sky Community. To glimpse the treasures of the night sky, and a possible Milky Way sighting, head to the previously mentioned Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg.

The Hill Country town of New Braunfels is fast becoming a winter vacation destination, not only due to its 70-degree November and December daytime temperatures, but also because outdoor activities are often yearround. Nearby Canyon Lake, which is billed as the Water Recreation Capital of Texas, is a great place to check out since the winter weather remains prime for canoe and kayak trips here. Other fun

activities at Canyon Lake can include geocaching and fossil hunting.

The Hill Country is also known for its many wineries and the more recent influx of craft breweries. There are trails designed for each so visit hillcountrycraftbeertrail.com for the sudsy journey and texaswineandtrail.com for the winery listings. Speaking of driving, the Hill Country is also known for the many scenic routes that can be taken for a leisurely country drive. The Willow City Loop runs alongside creeks and meadows and offers the occasional glimpse of grazing cattle. And, did you know Texas has its own version of the Swiss Alps? The Swiss Alps Scenic Drive will take

you up and down and all around, changing elevation and crossing both the Sabinal and Medina rivers for one very scenic ride.

Rio Grande Valley The Rio Grande Valley or, the Valley, as it is also known by the people who flock to this southern portion of Texas come winter thanks to the moderate climate, is made up of several smaller cities and the winter playground of South Padre Island.

Biking is a great way to explore the area and soak up the sunshine. Resaca de la Palma State Park, which is part of the World Birding Center, has several trails that wind through the park.

Located in Brownsville, the

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trails are also open to hikers and the park’s tram, as well.

The Bicentennial Hike and Bike Trail is a scenic four-plus mile concrete trail in McAllen and the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen has a trail that offers glimpses of the area’s wildlife.

In Edinburg, check out the Tejano Walk of Fame.

Similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this outdoor venue pays tribute to musicians important to the Tejano music genre popular in South Texas. The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, also part of the World Birding Center, is a 40-acre wetland great for wildlife viewing.

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And then there’s South Padre Island where you can fish, swim, walk the beach, parasail, build a sandcastle, or just relax with your toes in the sand in this part of Texas that boasts miles and miles of sandy beaches along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

See how Sea Turtle, Inc. (seaturtleinc.org) rehabilitates injured sea turtles and returns them to the ocean or stroll the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, a 1,500-foot boardwalk that runs along marshlands that are inhabited by coastal and migratory birds.

And that was just a little taste of what awaits visitors of Texas this winter. There’s so much more to explore like Austin and its music vibes

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and the Texas State Capitol; or Waco, which is home to the popular Magnolia Market and Silos; plus all the great lakes for fishing, the wetlands, and forests for birding; all of Big Bend National Park (which at 1,252 square miles is bigger than the state of Rhode Island!) and the big and little towns that dot the vast country that is Texas. ¾

Check out

www.rvonthego.com to see where to stay during your Winter Texas adventure.

South Padre Island, TX

Big Bend National Park, TX

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Who is in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Thyme-Roasted Carrots (From www.bonappetit.com)

INGREDIENTS 2 pounds medium carrots, peeled, cut on deep diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 1 1/2 tablespoons butter

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss carrots, oil, and thyme in large bowl. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Spread carrots in single layer on large rimmed baking sheet; dot with butter. Roast until carrots are tender and brown, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes.

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CT

THE PERFEFOR DISH SIDE ER

WINT ANY INNER D Y A HOLID

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Wine

Essentials

The holiday season is approaching, and we have some wine tasting tips to share with you so you can eat, drink, and be merry! These tips and tricks, along with plenty more, can be found in our Encore RV Resorts Activities Guide.

Download yours at WinterDifferently.com.

1. Before YOU go wine tasting • Assure you have eaten recently

2. Rule of thumb for serving • White before Rose’

• Assure you keep hydrated

• Cleanse pallet between wines with a cracker or sip of water

• Rose’ before Red

• Dry before sweet

3. Before serving

• Whites and Rose’ often chilled (35 – 40 degrees)

• Reds served at room temperature (55 – 65 degrees) • OK to slightly chill light bodied reds before serving • Store all bottles

• Horizontal or up side down position so oxygen does not get into the bottle • Use foil cutter to remove foil over the cork • Use wine key to remove cork • Winged cork screw

4. Pouring the wine into the glass For all wine

• Host fills his glass first to remove any cork pieces

• Tilt the glass and pour wine down the side • Fill only ¼ cup if tasting

• Fill glass half full if drinking (need room to swirl)

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For Red • Allow bottle to “breathe” • Pour gently as to not disturb any sediment

• Pour through aerator or decant into another vessel

5.The Actual Wine tasting: The 5 S’s

See

• Tilt the glass over a white background

• Look at core of the glass and note color and intensity • Look at rim of the glass and note color

• Note opacity – can you read text through the core?

Swirl

Place glass on flat surface, Move glass in circular motion, it causes aromas to be released.

Sniff

First hold glass in the middle of your chest / smell, then hold glass at your chin, Put nose inside of glass. Note what you smell: Fruits, citrus, stone fruits, blackberry, green pepper, leather, etc

Sip

Take about a tablespoon – roll it around on your tongue • 1st sip – cleanse the pallet only don’t judge the wine at this point • 2nd sip – note the reaction on your tongue

– Sweet at tip – residual sugar

– Sour on sides – acidity

– Bitter at the back – tannins

– Mouth feel, texture, viscosity

– Is it light, medium or full bodied

– Thermo reaction – warmth is from increased alcohol

Savor

• Balance, the relationship between fruit, acid, residual sugar, alcohol and tannin ( velvety/drying sensation)

6. Wine is considered a food Wine is best paired with food • Whites with fish

• No one of these components should stand out significantly from the rest • Finish, how long flavor lasts? How did it leave your mouth? Complexity, layers of flavor. In the end taste is very personal.

• Reds with meat

Wine is best with family and friends!

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Hiking Tips & Advice Whether you are headed out on a day trip or an overnight backcountry hike, these are the latest 10 essentials for a safe adventure.

Ten Essential Hiking Items Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger

Headlamp: plus extra batteries Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen

First aid: including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)

Knife: plus a gear repair kit Fire: matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove Shelter: carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy) Extra food: Beyond the minimum expectation Extra water: Beyond the minimum expectation Extra clothes: Beyond the minimum expectation The exact items from each system that you take can be tailored to the trip you’re taking. For example, on a short day hike that’s easy to navigate you might choose to take a map, compass and PLB, but leave your GPS and altimeter behind.

On a longer, more complex outing, you might decide you want all those tools to help you find your way. When deciding what to bring, consider factors like weather, difficulty, duration, and distance from help.

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

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TECH TOPICS RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn!

By Paul and Kerri Elders There’s nothing quite like the feel of a brand new RV: sparkling clean and shiny with gleaming cabinets and that fresh-off-the-lot, brand new smell. And, keeping your rig in tip-top condition is a breeze! Here are a few simple, everyday tips you can use to help keep your RV in super shape. We’ll also look at some simple highway courtesy tips & give you some food for thought so you’ll never forget to pack your flashlight again. Let’s go!

Keeping Your Rig Looking Like New: When traveling, remember that road dust is a fact of life. Keep windows closed while traveling, and make it part of your setting-up-camp routine to do a quick dusting of countertops. It only takes a minute or two, and helps keep everything shipshape. A soft cloth or damp paper towel will do the trick.

Quick and easy.

When cooking, use the exhaust fan and open a window near the kitchen to help increase air flow so cooking odors easily flow outside. This will keep accumulated grease and smoke odors at bay. And, imagine the strong smell of a campfire: great as it is while you’re toasting marshmallows, that smell isn’t quite so welcome when it clings to your curtains, your clothes, and the walls of your rig. So, think first, and keep your RV’s windows and doors closed whenever you’re enjoying the outdoor pleasures of a roaring campfire.

Don’t forget the ceiling! If you have a smooth ceiling, wipe it occasionally with a soft cloth. If yours is fabriccovered, use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment or use a little dustbuster-type handheld vacuum. Pay special attention to corners throughout the RV and don’t forget to periodically

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vacuum your closet area; stored shoes and hiking boots sometimes leave a little dirt behind.

Check your window sills, too.

Sometimes, dirt and dust get trapped in the little channels of rounded-corner windows and vacuum cleaners work best for this job. Occasionally, you may need to use the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to vacuum your window screens and the screen door.

About once a year, take an hour of your time to wipe all inside walls with a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt.

And, it’s a good idea to occasionally pop the plastic covers off light fixtures and give them a quick wash and dry before re-installing. At the same time, check the batteries in your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and, if yours is battery-powered, the LP gas detector. Keeping windows and mirrors clean goes a long way toward preserving that just-new look. And, of course, we all know the importance of washing (and occasionally waxing) the exterior. Some of the RV washes on the market today can do it all with a single application.

Light and Bright: What tool is an RVer’s best friend? The humble flashlight. It may be one of the most overlooked tools in the toolbox, but it’s actually saved lives. Don’t take this simple tool for granted; invest in a good one. Before you leave for any trip, make sure the batteries are strong and the bulb is good. Pack a spare bulb and extra batteries. Make sure your flashlight has plenty of power, in case you ever experience that worstcase scenario, a breakdown in the Proverbial Middle of Nowhere, when a good flashlight is worth its weight in gold. Always store it in the same place,

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where you can easily find it in the dark.

And before you need it, make sure it’s bright enough to light your view, so you can quickly locate those extra blankets you packed in the center of the utility compartment.

Truck Courtesy: Generally speaking, you’ll find that American long-haul truck drivers are professionals and exercise a surprising degree of courtesy on the roadways. They drive for a living and have learned some awesome skills. All RVers need to exercise responsible common sense when driving on any crowded highway, especially in the vicinity of 18-wheelers.

Large trucks are carrying a lot of weight and they need even more stopping distance than you do. Maintain a “safety bubble” around your RV whenever possible. Never crowd an 18-wheeler, and don’t drive for an extended period of time in a trucker’s blind spot. A simple rule of thumb: if you can’t see a trucker in his side mirror, you’re in his blind spot.

Be courteous! Don’t drive beside any 18-wheeler for long distances; either pass him or slow down and get behind him. If you drive along beside him for a substantial time, he may not realize that you’re still there, tooling along beside him, and that can mean an unintended accident if a slow compact car pulls onto the highway in front of him at 35 mph. And, never pass an 18-wheeler on the right!

Perhaps you’ve noticed some truckers blink their headlights at you when it’s safe to pull in front of them after passing. Return the courtesy by briefly blinking your courtesy lights or your headlights – this means “thank you” in truckspeak.

Check out more tips & tricks on TrailBlazerMagazine.net

4 THE ROAD PAWS ON

By Jenn La Follette Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Hello Jennifer,

•

Cat litter/small litter box

We have been thinking seriously about having a “to go” bag ready for emergencies and are making a list to plan ahead! Are there any items for your pet/person you would specifically include for an emergency?

•

Dog waste bags/litter scooper

•

Old towel(s) to cover crate(s) or use as clean up/additional padding

•

Dog coat(s) if cold or wet climate

•

Emergency phone numbers/ names written out in case you lose your cell phone or you are unable to charge it

Thanks, James and Sally S. Galveston, TX Kudos on addressing an emergency preparation bag before the need were to arise! Be sure to include a checklist and a Sharpie pen as many of the items you will want to put inside your bag are things you will use regularly on a day-to-day basis. Of course, you could always buy a second set of items to avoid the rush, but I know many people have a checklist in their bag so that in a moment’s notice, they could be ready to leave in their car within 15 minutes.

Most RV folks do not have the space to keep doubles on hand, so compiling a list is smart thinking!

•

Collapsible crate/x pen

•

Extra leashes, collars/harness with current ID tags!

•

Clip on light for collar or harness or leash (I use the Beacon Light from Ruffwear on my pets and my personal bags/jackets)

•

Medications for 2 weeks, CBD for calming

•

Small basic first aid kit: gauze, tweezers, antibiotic cream, vet wrap, 25mg Benadryl tabs

•

Sterile eye wash

•

Blanket/pet bed/chew toy/cat nip

•

Food for 2 weeks (think freeze dried as it’s light weight and complete in nutrition)

•

2 gallons of water

•

2 bowls per pet

Be sure to have a separate list that includes your valuable personal belongings, paperwork of importance, insurance info, wills, power of attorney, computers/chargers, medications, Sharpie pens, duct tape, set of silverware, sharp knife, matches, blanket, pillow, water, and food.

Nothing is more important than a life so in a situation, remember to get out and get to safety before you’re in a danger zone! Smart preparation can literally save lives and help keep front line workers as safe as possible, too!

Hello Jennifer, My Husband and I have been reading your column for several years now, and looked forward to learning little tidbits to help us be the best dog owners we can with each TrailBlazer addition. With much sadness, I share that I lost my Husband a few months ago to COVID-19 and life is in a state of confusion and difficulties. My sweet 4-year-old dog, Rex, cannot stop sitting in Mark’s chair and will only slightly play with his toys for me.

He’s even lost his love for watching squirrels in the yard. It’s so sad. We will keep living in the RV as it’s all we have and I’m looking at locations to stay on a more semi-permanent basis. I don’t know how I could handle another dog at this point, but am curious how long dogs grieve.

Also, what is the name of the freeze dried food you use as a topper to help encourage Rex to eat better?

We ran out months ago and my brain is in a fog to remember the brand and Rex really liked it! I know we had a blue bag and a light green bag and the food was lightweight and easy to break up from the cubes it come in.

Sincerely, Candace T. Livingston, TX Oh, Candace, please know I’m sending you & Rex the biggest virtual hug possible; multiply those hugs times 1 million from everyone at TrailBlazer Magazine! We care about our readers and their pets! My heart breaks over the loss of Mark and the stresses you are encountering in this new stage of life. I’m humbled and thankful you reached out. The best ways we can overcome grief and loss is with time, patience, encouragement, and love. A big daily dose of the great outdoors is most certainly in order, too, for you and Rex to create a schedule of consistent activity. Lots of belly rubs, cuddles, and time together will help heal both of your broken hearts. How long will Rex grieve? That answer is as individual as the dog and their environment, so be encouraged that you two have one another in this and it’s “ok to not be ok.” I know when I’m sad, my girls sense this emotion, are extra quiet, and seem to watch me more; compound that response for Rex in missing his Daddy, and know that what he is experiencing is normal...and has me in tears writing you back. Keep going for lots of little walks to seek out the beauty of nature that is all around us. There is always something good to be found in each day and to give thanks for. The freeze dried nuggets I use are made by Primal Pet Foods: the blue bag is duck, and the light green bag is chicken. May grace and peace be with you both in your journey of healing and relocating.

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

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Min stay 90 nights, max stay 180 nights.

Valid at Araby Acres, Countryside, Foothills West, Golden Sun, Monte Vista, Valley Vista and Viewpoint

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/21. Book by 12/31/20

Suni Sands, AZ

Mention promo code: TT100

THOUSAND TRAI LS STANDARD DI SCOUNTS:

$125 OFF

20% OFF

3+ Month Stay

Min stay 90 nights, max stay 180 nights.

Valid at Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Desert Paradise, Fiesta Grande, Foothill Village, Mesa Spirit, Mesa Verde, Paradise RV, Suni Sands and Voyager

Call To Book Valid on standard RV sites Valid until 4/30/21. Book by is 12/31/20

Mention promo code: TT125

Daily Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

TT20% Restrictions/exclusions apply.Subject to availability. Reservations required.

Rates based on standard site unless otherwise specified. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes.

Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. 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.

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The Hottest Fifth Wheels w ith Lazydays

Fifth wheel RVs occupy a unique space within the RV industry.

As trailers, they provide added mobility since the tow vehicle allows you to easily travel outside of your campground or RV resort. These fifth wheels are some of the most advanced RVs in the market today. From cutting-edge solar power systems to mindblowing outdoor entertainment and cooking stations, the RV Experts at Lazydays RV are here to provide RVers with some of the hottest fifth wheel RVs and highlight a few of their favorite top brands like Coachmen, Forest River, DRV, Northwood, and more!

FOREST RIVER A major power player in the RV industry, Forest River has produced quality trailers and motorhomes for decades. This commitment to excellence and innovation extends throughout their many lines of incredible 56

fifth wheel RVs. With close to two dozen different models to choose from, RVers are sure to find an RV that suits how they best enjoy the RV lifestyle.

At Lazydays RV, you’ll find several of Forest River RV’s most popular fifth wheel model lines including the Arctic Wolf

by Cherokee, Cedar Creek, and Riverstone. The Arctic Wolf

by Cherokee offers incredible comfort, convenience, and performance in a fifth wheel built to maximize value to RVers.

Owners will enjoy a wealth of features available in various Arctic Wolf floor plans, including a tri-fold sofa, double-stacked rear bunk beds, a residential queen bed, a deluxe outdoor kitchen, dual-side pass-through storage, and more.

For RVers who double as nature enthusiasts, the Forest River Cedar Creek is built with the outdoorsman in mind. Well suited for tough road conditions

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

and even tougher weather, this fifth wheel RV will keep you and your family comfortable in the most remote locations. Multiple variations like the Champagne and Silverback editions offer various features for RVers to choose from. A few highlights include a king bed, master suite wardrobe, a 91” x 64 1-4” loft, power theater seats, tow hide-abed sofas, and more.

If you’re in the market for a true luxury RV experience, look no further than the Forest River Riverstone. Premium amenities and a mind-boggling amount of space are just a few hallmarks of this fifth wheel RV. The Riverstone features a true master bedroom suite, complete with a king bed, 50-inch TV, a fireplace, and a sofa/lounge.

The galley features a kitchen island with a built-in dishwasher, a 90-inch sofa, entertainment center with a fireplace, and theater seating.

COACHMEN Also a part of the Forest River family, Coachmen has produced quality trailers and motorhomes for more than 50 years. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and comfort are second to none, and this ethos is epitomized in their incredible fifth wheel RVs. The Coachmen Brookstone line is your do-it-all fifth wheel. Bestin-class towing and intelligent storage design make this the perfect family trailer. Incredible interior amenities like a modern entertainment center with a 55inch LED TV, electric fireplace, theater seating, hardwood cabinets, LED motion lights, and others make it a truly 21st century RV. The Coachmen Chaparral, the company’s flagship fifth wheel, offers incredible luxury and comfort. Perfect for weekend campers or full-timers, this trailer features some fantastic amenities both inside and out. LED entry step lights, an aerodynamic front cap design, LP quick connection, and solar panel prep make this fifth wheel prepared for just about any outdoor environment.

Inside, RVers will love the large wardrobe, memory foam sofa, multiple USB charging ports, ceiling fan, and more.

The Chaparral also comes in a Lite and X-Lite models that provide RVers with the same incredible features in a trailer that the average half-ton pickup truck can tow.

DRV Luxury and comfort are the names of the game when it comes to DRV fifth wheels. This suite brand markets their fifth

wheels as true homes, and after taking a walk through one of their RVs, you’d be forgiven for thinking you just walked through a luxury high-rise. Lazydays RV is proud to carry all three model lines of DRV fifth wheels: the Mobile Suite, Full House, and Elite Suite.

When you first step into a DRV Mobile Suite, the first thing you’ll notice is the sheer size.

With a 101-inch wide-body frame and high ceilings, feeling cramped is never an issue in this trailer. The next incredible feature in the Mobile Suite is the kitchen. This fifth wheel kitchen is a chef’s dream, as it features all of the amenities of a home kitchen including a dishwasher, burner/range combo unit, full sink, a pantry, residential refrigerator and more. The master suite includes a king bed and wardrobe, while the living area includes two couches and theater seating.

In the DRV Full House, the name says it all. This incredible fifth wheel includes all the trappings of a modern home. Depending on the floor plan you choose, this fifth wheel comes equipped with a 10-foot or 12-foot garage

with the option to include an electric queen bed or split bunks. DRV’s signature kitchen build is included, along with a king bed in the master suite and a full bathroom.

The Elite Suite represents the peak of DRV’s commitment to superior craftsmanship. Several floor plans offer incredible luxury amenities including a large, residential kitchen, hardwood cabinets, theater seating, a full bathroom with a tub, and more!

NORTHWOOD For great, do-it-all fifth wheels, RVers should look no further than Northwood. The Arctic Fox and Fox Mountain, offer comfort and style in a package that is perfect for everything from weekend tailgates to month-long cross-country road trips. In the Arctic Fox, RVers will love this versatile RV that blends fifth wheel comfort in a compact package. Highlight features include a double-door refrigerator, entertainment cabinet, a dinette that converts into a sleeping area, an island sink, and more! ¾

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Join Us! For an Online Educational Membership webinar

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

Ask how you can camp all year long with our Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Our Thousand Trails Camping Pass is offered by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington as required by Washington Law.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Value,quality or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. The filing does not mean the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift or item of value as part of any promotional plan.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

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C r o s swo r d

Across

1 Adulterate 5 Melville’s captain 9 Lady’s Title 12 Tibeto - Burmese People 13 Indian Music 14 Equal opportunity employer (abbr.)

15 Heb. Patriarch’s title 16 Indian red Powder 17 Lip 18 Freedom, Briefly 20 One 22 Art (Lat.) 25 Cotillion attendee 27 Body of water 28 Fr. Month 29 Fish sauce 31 Anagram (abbr.)

34 Doctrine (suf.)

35 Eng. Poet 37 Compass direction 38 Corded fabric 40 Water (Sp.) 41 Cereal spike 60

42 Exclamation 44 Last Queen of Spain 45 Revolutions per minute (abbr.)

46 Irony 49 Tender loving care (abbr.)

51 Turkish caliph 52 River into the North Sea 54 7th incarnation of Vishnu 58 Atomic Energy Commission (abbr.)

59 Tablespoon (abbr.)

60 Above (Ger.) 61 MGM Lion 62 Food 63 Norse Tale

Down

1 Swed, county 2 S.A tuber 3 Exclamations of delight 4 Irish assembly 5 Strauss opera 6 Habakkuk (abbr.)

7 Spartan king 8 Balinese spear dance

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

9 Web-footed bird 10 Stir up 11 Dotted with figures 19 Scientific name (suf.)

21 Nat’l Endowment for the Arts (abbr.)

22 Arabian chieftain 23 Demolish: Brit.

24 Nice 26 Pale yellow 30 Female Noble 32 Immediately 33 Start of an idea 36 S. Afr. Language 39. Mountain Greek Letter 43 Mountain spur 46 Hall (Ger.) 47 Helm position 48 It. Island 50 Shank 53 Bacon, lettuce, and tomato (abbr.)

55 Arab. garment 56 Alcott heroine 57 Altar

SUDO K U

Terms and Conditions for 2020 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

Find The Evergreen Tree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue.

Send us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card.

Matthew Smith Elizabethtown, PA

Found the tree on Page 45 of the September / October 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 November 30, 2020 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2020, you will receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2020, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes round trip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2021, not to exceed $599 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2021. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $25 Virtual Visa® Reward Card and you will not receive a $125 Virtual Visa® Reward Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored. Employees of MHC Property Management, L.P. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

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

USA A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City, Sevierville, Columbia alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley affinityrv.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake, VA - Salem americanfamilyrv.com Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • bladerv.com Blue Dog RV CA - Redding ID - Coeur D’Alene ID - Post Falls NV - Las Vegas OR - Bend OR - Gresham OR - Medford OR - Redmond WA - Fife WA - Kennewick WA - Pasco WA - Spokane Valley bluedogrv.com Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg boatnrv.com

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Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis • funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe CT - Union FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville, Ocala FL - Saint Augustine IN - Clarksville SC - Myrtle Beach NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, MA - Raynham VA - Fredericksburg GA - Macon, Atlanta camperland.net Campers Inn FL - North Jacksonville Fl - Jacksonville GA- Richmond Hill campersinn.com Candy’s Family RV TN - Murfreesboro KY - Scottsville candyscampers.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • chesacorv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Sequim WA - Silverdale, Puyallup clearcreekrvcenter.com Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com Colerain Family RV IN - Albany, Indianapolis OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus colerainrv.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks conejowholesaleauto.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com Cunningham Campers, Inc. IN - Jeffersonville • cunninghamcampers.com Dunlap Family RV TN - Knoxville, Chatanooga, Nashville KY - Bowling Green dunlapfamilyrv.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com FIFE RV Center WA - Fife • fifervcenter.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com Gerzeny’s RV World FL - Nokomis• gerzenysrvworld.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Hayes • gloucesterrv.net Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington, Burlington • haltermansrv.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Hitch RV DE - Milford NJ - Berlin • hitchrv.com SC - Cloumbia Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Johnson RV OR - Sandy WA - Fife • johnsonrv.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie lamesarv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com

Lazydays RV AZ - Tucson CO - Denver CO - Loveland FL - Tampa FL - Ocala IN - Elkhart MN - Minneapolis TN - Knoxville lazydays.com Marjon RV CA - Moreno Valley • marjonrvs.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Mount Comfort RV IN - Greenfield • mountcomfortrv.com Northside Family RV KY- Lexington • northsidervs.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princess Craft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel, Scranton roadhousecamper.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Mesa, Showlow CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin NV - Sparks OR - Coburg WA - Buckley, Fife, Mt. Vernon, Bonney Lake

RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • rvforless.net RV Source TX - Bryan • rvsource.com RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim, Willow rvvaluemart.com Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com Sky River RV CA - Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Atascadero skyriverrv.com Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Stoltzfus RV’s & Marine PA - West Chester • stoltzfus-rec.com Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The RV Factory Luxe Fifth Wheel IN - Elkhart • luxefifthwheel.com The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com Tonie’s RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Airstream of Dallas Fourth Worth Two other D.F.W Vogt locations vogtrv.com Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

CANADA Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com Canadream AB - Calgary BC - Vancouver ON - Toronto NS - Halifax QC - Montreal YT - Whitehorse canadream.com GO VR QC - Ange-Gardien • go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Kustom Koach RV Centre BC - Aldergrove • kustomkoachrv.com Lardner’s Trailer Sales SK - Saskatoon • lardners.com Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Leisure Days RV ON - Aylmer, Kingston, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, Sudbury QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro leisuredays.ca Leisure Trailer Sales ON - Tecumseh • leisuretrailers.com O’Connor RV BC - Chilliwack • oconnorrv.com Ottawa Camping Trailers ON - Ottawa • ottawacamping.ca Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Marieville QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie vrsouliere.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

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Answers: Crossword can be found on 60.

Did you know that Thousand Trails members receive discounts on popular brands?

Don’t forget to visit our Member Benefits page when logged into the Member Portal and check out our exclusive partner deals!

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

Answers: Sudoku can be found on 61.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

65

HD TV TV That That Travels Travels HD With You You With DISH Outdoors Outdoors In In 3 3 Easy Easy Steps Steps DISH Call 1-877-894-6220 Call 1-877-894-6220

USE CODE CODE “TRAILS19” “TRAILS19” USE FOR 50 OFF A SATELLITE ANTENNA BUNDLE* $

FOR 50 OFF A SATELLITE ANTENNA BUNDLE* $

Visit DISHForMyRV.com/Trails or call 1-877-894-6220 Visit DISHForMyRV.com/Trails or call 1-877-894-6220 *With the purchase of a DISH Solo HD receiver and DISH-compatible antenna. Offer limit one per customer. Must mention coupon code at time of order.

Not the validpurchase on previous Minimum programming requirement may apply. *With of apurchases.

DISH Solo HD receiver and DISH-compatible antenna.

Offer limit one per customer. Must mention coupon code at time of order.

Not valid on previous purchases.

Minimum programming requirement may apply.

View packages for complete details.

For Pay-As-You-Go service, all charges, including monthly programming, pay-per-view and equipment upgrades, 66 NOVEMBER / failure DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER must be paid in advance; to pay by due date will lead to service disconnection within 24programming, hours. All prices, packages,and programming, features, View packages for complete details. For Pay-As-You-Go service, all charges, including monthly pay-per-view equipment upgrades, functionality and offers subject to change without notice.

State reimbursement charges may apply.

Additional restrictions apply. must be paid in advance; failure to pay by due date will lead to service disconnection within 24 hours. All prices, packages, programming, features,

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

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

LIVE

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

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

LOVE IT. ®

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 TRAILBLAZER

18 SERVICES

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1-800-679-2020

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WWW.SKYMED.COM

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LOVE USA