TrailBlazer Magazine - August 2016

AUGUST 2016

AMERICA’S

National Parks Celebrating 100 Years!

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VIS I T L2016 AZY DAYS .CO M AUGUST TRAILBLAZER

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5 LO C AT I O N S TO S E RV E YO U

VOL. 38

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WHAT’S INSIDE

ISSUE 7 /// AUGUST 2016

lifestyle

34

5

Message from Marguerite

9

Tech Topics

21 TrailMix: Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail 26 Walk the Trails 32 #100DaysofCamping 44 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer?

features

46 Ask RV Bill

28

34 America’s National Parks

59 4 Paws on the Road

calendars

Visiting America’s national parks is one of our nation’s greatest privileges and pleasures. The awesome beauty and wildlife, preserved for all to enjoy, continue to attract thousands of visitors annually to these special places.

10 On-Site Events 14 Local Events 62 Club Calendar

regulars

spotlight

6

Pics From The Parks

48 Member Deals

28 Fun with Flora

58 Crossword Puzzle

In addition to public botanic gardens (you can find one in almost every state), there are the formerly private, and now public, gardens of the estates of some of America’s founding financial fathers.

60 Preferred RV Dealer List 63 Sudoku Puzzle

16 Annie Moses Band Today, the Annie Moses Band consists of all six classically-trained Wolaver children, as well as their Dad on the piano.

16 AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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R U F O R Y IENDS E T I V IN

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

ENTER

TODAY!

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

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2016 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

4 Nights in Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando ($2,000 value)

Free Dues for 2017 10 Winners Selected ($4,000 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 64 of this magazine.

MESSAGE from MARGUERITE On August 25, 1916, then President Woodrow Wilson officially created our National Parks Service. This month, TrailBlazer honors our National Parks across the country as they celebrate 100 years. For those of us who have had the privilege to visit any one of our 59 national parks, I am sure we would all agree that we are very fortunate to have a service that is dedicated to the preservation of these parks.

From a visit to Acadia National Park in picturesque Bar Harbor, Maine, where you will find one of the most beautiful sunrises on top of Cadillac Mountain, to gazing up at a giant Sequoia tree in California’s Sequoia National Park, you are sure to be awestruck by our country’s beautiful landscape.

As I view all of the #100DaysofCamping images being shared by our members and guests, I have to admit I feel very proud of the lifestyle we provide. The combination of great locations and the dedication of our on site teams is truly the

backbone of Thousand Trails. Not to mention our members and guests who knew right along that they were on to something.

As we enter the dog days of summer, embrace opportunities for exploration and adventure by discovering new landscapes, taking on another National Park and blazing your own trail. I am certain that along the way you will find yourself in one of your favorite Thousand Trails locations, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Although we aren’t celebrating 100 years just yet, I am proud I can say that for over 45 years Thousand Trails has been dedicated to providing so many families with a slice of our own paradise.

So, Get Out and Camp and don’t forget to keep sharing those photos on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #100DaysofCamping or upload to 100DaysofCamping.com.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery EDITOR tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mellissa Brosius ADVERTISING SALES TBads@equitylifestyle.com MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails 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.

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

PRINTED IN THE USA

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: 800-288-7245

Win $50

EACH Issue!

1. Capture a photo of your trip at one of our parks.

2. Share with us at TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com.

3. Check out next month to see if you’re a winner.

Winners will receive a $50 Visa® 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).

The 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 www.trailblazermagazine.net.

Canada: 228-497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST September 1 to March 31 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST

VISIT WWW.THOUSANDTRAILS.COM STARS AUTOMATED RESERVATIONS 800-859-STAR (7827)

ENCORE RESERVATIONS 877-570-2267

VISIT WWW.RVONTHEGO.COM Remember! Thousand Trails members get preferred rates at Encore RV resorts.

▲ La Conner (WA): A refreshing glass and a scenic view.

– Joseph Wiggins

PICS FROM THE PARKS

▲ Verde Valley (CA): Annual driving of the over 2,000 sheep across the Verde River.

– Stephen Frantz

▲ Long Beach (WA): Beautiful painting-like photo of the shore.

– Patti Chambers

▲ Fiesta Key (FL): Island sunset.

– Richard Dupuy AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winners,

Karen and Don Roberts from New Hope, PA

were camping at Sturbridge, MA when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

Manager Anthony Masi with Karen and Don Roberts

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 Visa® Prepaid Gift Card

To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2016 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

When you pay your annual dues for 2016 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 Visa® Prepaid gift card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2016. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2016, 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, 2016. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

TECH

TOP CS

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

by Paul and Kerri Elders Now that the summertime travel season’s in full swing, let’s take a quick look at some tips to help you happily share the roadway with commercial trucks. We’ll also give you some easy advice for keeping pesky mold and mildew at bay and a heads-up about respecting the value of mountainside “Runaway Truck Ramps.”

Runaway Ramps Aren’t RV Rest Stops: When traveling through the most mountainous regions of the US and Canada, you’ll see a peculiar site called a “Runaway Truck Ramp.”

These cutaway areas are usually clearly marked with large bright warning signs and are on the downgrade side of a mountainous roadway. Usually designed with a soft surface, these cutouts generally run uphill and then terminate in a barrier that’s designed to absorb the shock of a low-speed collision.

Runaway Ramps are designed as a last-ditch safety escape route for trucks and other heavy vehicles whose brakes have overheated or failed.

NEVER, ever, under ANY circumstances, park your RV at the entrance to a Runaway Ramp! Not even for a five minute bathroom break or for a quick cup of coffee.

Runaway Ramps are the last line of defense for runaway trucks, providing a safety escape route for drivers in trouble. Commercial trucks are usually carrying heavy loads that greatly increase the vehicle’s momentum downhill and place extra stress on their braking systems. A Runaway Ramp is the only safe way out of a very dangerous situation for these truckers. The last thing a runaway truck driver needs is to have his one and only escape route blocked by an RVer who has decided to take a quick coffee or sandwich break or thinks he’s found the perfect place

to park overnight. Don’t take up someone’s safety space; keep Runaway Ramps clear and open for those who really need them!

Defeating Mold and Mildew: Occasionally, in our travels, we pick up some decidedly unwelcome guests. Two of these are mold and mildew. When just the right temperature, moisture, and airborne mold spores combine, mildew happens. Warm, damp, dimly lit areas with poor air circulation are ideal habitats for mildew growth.

Fortunately, you can do a lot to defeat mold and mildew formation just by keeping your RV clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Load your RV thoughtfully, keeping a simple principle in mind: maintain proper air circulation. It’s actually easier than it sounds.

Keep storage areas clean and dry, and avoid overstuffing compartments, closets, and drawers. Never stow soiled articles of clothing; dampness and soiling provide a perfect breeding ground for the development of mildew that can then spread within your storage area. Keep dirty laundry in a well-ventilated place and wash damp soiled clothing as soon as possible.

Commercial products (like Concrobium) are available that can help you treat a mold or mildew issue, but isn’t it easier to take small steps that prevent the problem in the first place? Just prevent leaks, wipe up spills, and remember to aerate and ventilate, especially when storing your RV in a humid climate. Muggy, shady areas are more mold and mildew friendly than sun-exposed areas.

Like Grandma always said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”

Big Rig Courtesy is a Two-Way Street: Generally speaking, American long-haul truck drivers are wellseasoned professionals and the vast majority of them exercise a surprising degree of courtesy on the roadways.

The more miles you drive, the more you’ll learn to appreciate how much help truckers can be to their fellow long-haul travelers (especially RVers). Some truckers blink their headlights at you when it’s safe to pull in front of them after passing.

Return this courtesy by briefly blinking your courtesy lights or your headlights – it’s trucker shorthand for “thanks, buddy.”

Avoid driving along in a trucker’s “blind spot.” If you can’t see the driver in his side mirror, it means you’re driving in his blind spot.

And if you can’t see him, he can’t see YOU. 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 trouble for both of you if a compact car pulls onto the highway at 15 MPH, right in front of him.

Always work to maintain a “safety bubble” around your RV, and extend the same courtesy to the big rigs around you. Don’t crowd them or tailgate. Commercial trucks are usually carrying a lot of weight and they need even more stopping distance than you do. If you need to pass a big rig, what do you do?

Either pass him and then work to keep your speed up once you’re ahead of him, or just slow down a bit and stay well behind him. Another important tip: never pass anyone on the right side, most especially an 18-wheeler. If you need to get around a trucker, pass on the left.

Common sense is your “seventh sense;” use it wisely on the highway of life. Happy trails!

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

AUGUST events There’s something to do every weekend at Thousand Trails campgrounds! Pack your summer with food festivals, Olympic-style competitions, pool parties and country fairs. It’s never a dull moment at Thousand Trails.

For a complete listing of events at the preserves, please visit thousandtrails.com.

Taste of Thousand Trails Whether you’re showing off your best chili recipe or wine tasting with local vineyards, there is something for all the foodies out there this summer at Thousand Trails!

Meet at the Rec Center on Saturday at 2pm for the Taste of BC at Cultus Lake (BC) and try samples of local BC grown fruits and honey, local deli items, cheese, and more. There will be a selection of local crafts for sale and BC wines to sample with ticket purchase. The folks at Pine Country (IL) welcome you to the 5th Annual Taste of Camping the weekend of August 5-7. Multiple camp-themed vendors, RV dealers, wine tasting, food concessions, a performance by Roger “Hurricane” Wilson, and demonstrations by the Dutch Oven Diva! The folks at Mount Vernon (WA) are hosting an Old Fashioned Summer Blackberry Festival August 13-14 so come out and enjoy making blackberry jam, the Blackberry Picking Contest, pie eating contest, and blackberry toss! Think you have the best chili recipe in town? Compete at the Chili-Cook Off at Russian River (CA) on August 20.

All contestants must register at the Lodge the day before the event and provide their own ingredients.

Wet n’ Wild Weekends It’s hot out there! Stay cool by the pool or take a slippery slide on the lawn at Thousand Trails this August.

Prepare to get soaked at Wilmington (OH) August 5-7 when they bust out the Slip N’ Slide and other water relay games for a Wet n’ Wild weekend! It’s Plymouth Rock’s (WI) traditional water parade August 5-7 including a pool party on Saturday. The heat will be in full swing at Lake Texoma (TX) so it’s time to bring on the pool parties, super soakers, and water games! On August 15! Bring out your super soakers and prepare to get drenched at Twin Mills (IN) the weekend of August 19-21 plus the soak the staff wagon ride, build and float your own boat contest, Best Sun Tan Competition, water balloon fight, lake relay races, and many more activities.

The last Big Wet and Wild Hayride of the season takes place August 26-28 at Rondout Valley (NY).

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Summer Olympics You don’t need to travel all the way to Brazil to experience the thrill of competition at the Summer Olympics this year.

Lake Minden (CA) will kick off their 2016 Olympic Celebration with an internationally themed Friday Potluck Social on August 5 followed by Olympic activities on Saturday. The RC Boat Races will also take place that weekend! Their Olympic Celebration continues the following weekends in August so be sure to check the schedule of events! The folks at Ponderosa (CA) will be bringing a little bit of Rio on August 13 to camp as they cheer for Team USA! Kids can compete in games at the pool at the family lodge and gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded. Compete in games of ancient mythology to win gold, bronze, and silver medals at Verde Valley (AZ) the weekend of August 19 for the Silly Olympics Weekend. Kids award ceremony will be at the Pool Lodge Patio. The folks at Lake and Shore (NJ) and Sea Pines (NJ) compete against each other in the 3rd Annual Camp Wars: Sea Pines vs. Lake and Shore! There will be competitions all weekend long so don’t miss out!

Gamers Unite Get your game on at these competitive events this August!

Gamers unite at Whaler’s Rest (OR). All types of games to be played plus Mr. Bill’s Family Trivia Show on Friday in the South Clubhouse at 7pm. Let the games begin at Lake Conroe (TX) on August 8 for a Game Mania Weekend! Lucky 13, Candy Bar BINGO, board games, and card games galore! Tighten your laces and put on your game face for Game Day at Bear Cave (MI) the weekend of August 12-14. Join us at Snowflower (CA) on August 13 for Manager’s Choice Candy BINGO plus karaoke fun with Gary Karaoke in the evening. Flag football, softball and soccer games for all ages! Come out and meet other families at Pine Country (IL) the weekend of August 26 for the Annual Poker Run. Join the folks at Forest Lake (NC) the same weekend for Vegas-style gaming at the Family Lodge on Saturday August 27 and you could win a new poker set!

Let’s Fly, Let’s Fly Away Let’s fly away this August and celebrate our winged friends.

Join us at Oakzanita Springs (CA) the weekend of August 5-6 to make bird houses, bird feeders, and learn what plants can attract birds to your backyard. Fly away with us to Pacific City (OR) the weekend of August 19-21 to celebrate Aviation Day! We will be flying kites and other fun activities. The folks at Circle M (PA) cordially invite you to the 3rd Annual Love-a-Duck Race the weekend of August 19-21. Buy duck to race and all of the proceeds will go to charity. Learn all about the Central Oregon bird population and create bird feeders and paint bird houses at Bend-Sunriver (OR) on August 27 for a Bird Brain Weekend!

Join the folks at Thunderbird (WA) on August 26-28 for the Rubber Ducky Pool Party! Remember to bring your sunscreen and enjoy the sun at this all-weekend pool bash!

Some events may require a participation fee.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – On-Site

Late Summer Cookouts Summer is not complete without a few cookouts under your belt.

See below to find out where members are firing up the grill for late summer cookouts!

Everyone is welcome to bring a dish and enjoy a spaghetti and garlic bread dinner at Cherokee Landing (TN) the weekend of August 5-7. The same weekend, Yukon Trails (WI) will host a Chili Challenge Tailgate Party. Sport your favorite team colors, uniforms, and banners while showing off your best chili recipe!

All chili recipes are welcome. Bring your best dessert to share too! Rondout Valley (NY) hosts their 4th Annual Chicken Wing Cook-Off and 3rd Annual Tournament Weekend on the same weekend, August 12-14. Events include horse racing, horseshoes, bocce ball, shuffleboard, miniature golf, and closest to the pin.

Don’t forget to enter the Chicken Wing Cook-Off! Let’s get the grill going on August 13 at Orlando (FL) for a summertime BBQ! Join us by the pool for some hearty meat and fun! Bring something to add to the pot for Hobo Weekend at Diamond Caverns (KY) the weekend of August 12-14. Show off your culinary skills the weekend of august 26-28 for the Friday Night Appetizer Social and prepare your chili and/or cornbread for judging on Saturday.

Country Fair

Wacky Competitions

Cotton candy. Ferris wheels. Ring toss…all the classics of a good old-fashioned country fair will be heading to Thousand Trails this summer. Check it out!

Grab a map or team of your best buds to compete in these scavenger hunts and wacky competitions.

Join us at Pacific City (OR) the weekend of August 5 for a Country Fair weekend featuring a petting zoo, balloon artist, festive fair activities! Bring the kids to Indian Lakes (IN) for an Old Time Fair and Carnival weekend also on August 5. There will be games including duck pond, balloon pop, water gun shooting, ring toss, and go fishing games! Join us at Tranquil Timbers (WI) the weekend of August 12-14 for a trip back to the past during Country Fair weekend. Cotton candy, hot dogs, and old fashioned carnival games plus some new ones too!

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Sign up to do the family scavenger hunt on August 6 with the folks at Harbor View (VA) or grab a map and get close to nature while spending the afternoon on the scavenger hunt at Yosemite Lakes (CA) on the same day. It’s Country Ruckus Games weekend at Indian Lakes (IN) the weekend of August 19-21 so get ready for a movie on Friday night and then old fashioned tug-of war, golf cart croquet, kickball, and a slippery watermelon race. The folks at BendSunriver (OR) have their own super fun variation of a scavenger hunt. Come have a fun and silly day and create some crazy hats too!

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Pet-a-Palooza Weekends We know how much you love your pets. Show them off at these pet shows, parades, and costume contests this August at Thousand Trails!

Oktoberfest and a Taste or Two Here are some adult-friendly events happening at Thousand Trails this August!

Wine tasting and samples of BC grown fruits, honey, local deli items, and cheese at the Taste of BC on August 6 at Cultus Lake (BC). There will be a selection of crafts for sale and wines to sample with your ticket purchase! Join the 18+ potluck at Lake Tawakoni (TX) on August 15 and the backyard adult-only pool party with card games, pool games, shuffleboard, and music!

On the weekend of August 26, the folks at Idyllwild (CA) will celebrate Oktoberfest, complete with a free German beer tasting, (with ID of course!), a yummy German dinner, and German crafts. Check out the winery tour for a Wine and Cheese Weekend August 19-21 at Kenisee Lake (OH) and in the evening, bring your favorite wine to share at the Wine Tasting Social. Adults can enjoy the Wisconsin Wine Tasting events at the Wisconsin WineFest Celebration the weekend of August 12-14 at Arrowhead (WI).

Show off your best friend at the Pet Show and Parade at Chehalis (WA)!

Pets can win prizes for best costume, trick competitions, and other crazy categories! Carolina Landing (SC) will hold their first ever dog show and dog fashion show the weekend of August 12-14. Dress up your pooch and enter them in the show for a chance to win a special prize.

There will be free hot dogs for all of our two and four-legged friends!

August 26-28 is Pet Appreciation at Thousand Trails! To celebrate at Indian Lakes (IN), there will be pet games and crafts for your pet on Saturday. At Lake Texoma (TX), there will be a pet contest for you to show off your best four-legged friend! Show off your awesome pets at the Annual Pet Parade on Saturday August 27 at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) and there will be prizes for the best and coolest tricks your pets can do!

Lazy Days of Summer/Beach Time Summer is almost coming to a close. Relish in the last lazy days of summer at Thousand Trails with these relaxing themed weekend events.

The pig is on the grill and the fun is going to be flaming at Green Mountain (NC) the weekend of August 5-7 for a fun-in-the-sun weekend.

There will also be a late summer luau with live entertainment on Saturday night. Join us at Turtle Beach Fish Camp (CA) on August 13 for “Hot August Nights”– a day of music, food, and fun! There will be a member car show on the front lawn all day plus human foosball and sack races plus a hot dog bbq! Relax on the lawn, sip some lemonade, take a laid-back swim and enjoy the dog days of summer at Thunderbird (WA) the weekend of August 12-14. Enjoy lounging in lawn chairs and a leisurely game of BINGO at Seaside (OR) the weekend of August 19-21 for a Lazy Days of summer.

Some events may require a participation fee.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

OF

CALENDAR events

▲ Birch Bay, WA Crab Fest

PIO PICO (CA)

LYNCHBURG (VA)

August 4-5 Julian Star Fest Explore the world of astronomy at the three day Julian Star Fest.

Exhibition areas, guest speakers, an astronomy equipment swap meet, plus more, held at Menghini Winery in Julian, CA. A viewing area with telescopes for star tours led by astronomy experts. julianstarfest.com

August 6-14 A Peachy Open House Sample peaches, nectarines and apples that are made into wine.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy our pavilion. Purchase of bottle of wine and enjoy it while walking through the orchards and vineyard, or visit the many farm animals. peaksofotterywinery.com

August 20-21 40th Annual World Body Surfing Championships Wake up early for the 40th Annual World Body Surfing Championships.

Almost 400 bodysurfers International and US body surfers compete in their respective age divisions for trophies and prizes at the Oceanside pier and beach in San Diego’s North County. Men and Women’s Grand Champions to be crowned on Sunday afternoon. worldbodysurfing.org

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

August 20 7th Annual Clover Hill Village Wine Festival 10 wineries, 25 craft vendors, and 3 food vendors on hand plus a live band and activities for all ages.

This event gets bigger and better every year and is a fun time for the whole family. appomattoxhistoricalsociety.com

GATEWAY TO CAPE COD (MA) August 5-7, 12-14, 19-21 Edaville, USA Edaville’s rides are generally designed for parents and children to enjoy together. Family fun on all of the rides and the Narrow Gauge Railroad. Each weekend has a unique theme. edaville.com

August 6 Vietnam History Day at Battleship Cove Visit Battleship Cove’s collection of Vietnam-era helicopters and ships.

Special talks from Vietnam veterans, tours and living history displays will be showcased throughout the day. Visit the website for ticketing information. battleshipcove.com

LAKE OF THE SPRINGS (CA) August 27 Nevada City Uncorked: Farm to Table Uncorked is a walk about style format that includes 20 different venues throughout downtown. Step into retail shops, restaurants, or winery tasting rooms for wine tasting and food sampling. This year’s event features a farm to table theme. Participating restaurants and caterers will transform fresh materials from local farmers into signature dishes. sierraviners.com

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

BIRCH BAY (WA)

TIMOTHY LAKE (PA)

August 6, 13, 20, 27 Summer Concert Series The concerts at the Wells Harbor Park are one of the best kept secrets of the summer. If you enjoy the concert, you are encouraged to make a donation to offset expenses.

Free parking close by. You are encouraged to bring a cushion for the benches or folding chairs, or blankets for the ground, as well as insect repellent. wellsmaine.com/free-concerts

August 4 & 11 Summer Courtyard Activities for Kids Have fun in the sun with activities in our Lightcatcher courtyard.

Children and their parents will have good, old-fashioned play with bubbles, clay, and outdoor art.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities happen here, too. For ages 3+. whatcommuseum.com

August 13-14 Sweet Corn & BBQ Festival Come celebrate the Pennsylvania sweet corn harvest along with the region’s best BBQ delights.

Live entertainment including performances from Brian Dean Moore Band and the Cramer Brothers Band. Enjoy dozens of food and craft vendors including local farm stands, mouthwatering sweet corn and BBQ vendors. shawneemt.com

August 10-September 3 The Hunchback of Notre Dame Composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Aladdin) and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin) join forces to adapt the classic story by Victor Hugo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Please note the content advisory: PG-13. ogunquitplayhouse.org/2016/ hunchback

» Local Highlight August 27-28 Discover Birch Bay Days & Crab Fest A great weekend for the entire family. Fun activities abound with a grand parade down Birch Bay Drive, Arts and Crafts Fair (Saturday & Sunday) and a variety of food vendors. Live music, beer garden, crab derby & boil. Sponsor a duck for $5, name your duck and root your duck on to the finish line. birchbaychamber.com/discovery-days

LA CONNER (WA) August 6 16th Annual La Conner Classic Boat and Car Show Fun for the whole family and one of the northwest’s best summertime classic car shows near Seattle and Vancouver BC. Classic cars, motorcycles, classic yachts, working boats and collector boats, all on view at the north end of La Conner’s business district and along the Swinomish Channel. lovelaconner.com August 13 Taste of Woodinville Dinner Cruise Enjoy a Dungeness Crab Feed, with wine, several side dishes, appetizers, and dessert included on a wonderful August cruise. RSVP is required by calling (360) 466-1758. hellamsvineyard.com

VERDE VALLEY (AZ) August 5 Wayne County Fair Enjoy big name country music concerts, painted pony bronc, bull riding, Prevo the Dinosaur wandering the midway, and more. Don’t miss the rides, games, car thrill shows, harness racing, tractor, truck and horse pulls, demolition derby, live entertainment, and fireworks. sedona-arizona-vacations.com

COLORADO RIVER (TX) August 20 Austin Bat Fest In mid to late August, thousand of people come to Austin’s Town Lake and downtown Austin to see millions of Mexican Free Tail Bats, shop for locally made crafts and listen to over 30 live bands on two stages. roadwayevents.com/event/bat-fest

Some events may require a participation fee.

Activities and Events – Local

MOODY BEACH (ME)

August 20-21 ABC Supply 500 Pocono Raceway hosts the 2016 ABC Supply 500 race weekend. The Verizon IndyCar Series Qualifying and Practice on Saturday. The ABC Supply 500 race takes place on Sunday. Speeds are expected to exceed 200 MPH with side-by-side racing and last lap passes to win. poconoraceway.com

CULTUS LAKE (BC) August 12-14 Abbotsford Airshow 2016 Aviation festival put on by The Abbotsford International Airshow Society (AIAS) and is the premier showcase of the Canadian aviation tradition. Featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. abbotsfordairshow.com

RANCHO OSO (CA) Every Wednesday in August Solvang Farmer’s Market Each week the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard.

Seasonal diversity is available year round rain or shine. Join us in Downtown Solvang every week on First Street, between Mission Dr. (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Dr. sbfarmersmarket.org

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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â–² Annie Moses Band Photo courtesy of David Bean 16

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

On The Road

The arts are so influential in our land “ and we want to see to it that the next generation of young people…”

by Lynn & Cele Seldon

Whether you spend life on the road for pleasure or work, it’s nice to have the comforts of home as you travel the highways and byways.

TRAILBLAZER checks in with folks who spend a fair amount of time on the road to see just what makes their home away from home.

This month, we chatted with Annie Wolaver Dupre, the ethereal lead violinist and vocalist of the Annie Moses Band.

Named for their great grandmother, the Annie Moses Band formed in 2002 with three Julliard-trained children – ages 17, 15, and 13 – of pianist/ composer Bill Wolaver and songwriter/singer Robin Wolaver. Today, the Annie Moses Band consists of all six classically-trained Wolaver children, as well as their Dad on the piano. Now ranging in age from 18 to 32, the genre bending crossover ensemble is known for their accomplished string playing, eclectic vocals, and their distinct arrangements.

Led by violinist and vocalist, Annie Wolaver Dupre, the other members of the band include Alex on viola, Benjamin on cello, Camille on harp, Gretchen on violin and mandolin, and Jeremiah on guitar, as well as their father on piano and a rhythm section. Their mother,

Robin, used to travel with them as a vocalist, but now spends most of her time as a speaker and author.

Combining their classical roots with Americana, progressive folk, and jazz influences, the Annie Moses Band has twelve albums to their credit, including the 2015-released American Rhapsody, five live DVDs, and they perform more than 80 shows per year – including Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry House. Plus, in between all of that, they manage to host a two-week Fine Arts Summer Academy as part of their Annie Moses Foundation, which supports the artistic aspirations of young people all over the United States and beyond.

We caught up with Annie at home during a break in their travel schedule.

What’s it like to travel with your six siblings?

I think your average person has a difficult time imagining what that would look like. For us, it’s very natural. We’ve been doing it such a long time, we spend about 200 days out of the year on the road, and we love it. Life on the road has inherent challenges. But, at the same time, there is spontaneity, flexibility, and the beauty of the things you get to see and the people you get to meet.

I’m married with two children.

My brother Alex is married and his wife sings with us. They have two children. And then my sister Camille is married.

The spouses and children travel with us. We’ve got four children four and younger that are traveling on the road with us right now.

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▲ Benjamin Wolaver, cellist Photo courtesy of David Bean

▲ Jeremiah Wolaver, guitarist and banjoist Photo courtesy of David Bean

▲ Gretchen Wolaver, violoinist and mandolinist Photo courtesy of David Bean

Do you always travel in your bus?

I also love the back lounge area.

We’ll get together to talk, play games, watch movies, and just have good hang-out time.

What else do you do when you are on road?

Not always. It depends on the date and how far we’re going.

When we have night-after-night shows, we really need what the RV life provides.

What kind of bus do you have?

We’re renting one right now. We had a Bluebird Wanderlodge bus that we used to own. But then we started going the rental route.

Normally it’s like the entertainer type of bus, like a Prevost Blackhawk.

What are some of your favorite things onboard?

I know it sounds silly, but the table. When you are driving in a vehicle, being able to interact with your children or do school work or reading or get work done at the table. It’s just so inhibited driving in a car. It becomes your mini home. It means that I can be more interactive with my family and be more effective in my work.

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Do you listen to music on the road?

We do listen to music. We have to get over the initial argument of what we’re going to listen to. I’m a big fan of singer-songwriters. We listen to a lot to older artists…

Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Carole King. My youngest brother, Jeremiah, is always introducing us to newer artists.

What’s your favorite thing about staying on your bus versus a hotel room?

The great thing about the bus is the privacy that it lends and the flexibility that it gives you. For the touring performer, the bus is essential for keeping up with the schedule. On a personal level, it provides privacy. It kind of becomes your sanctuary.

Especially now that we are traveling with children.

We watch movies, we write, and we read a whole lot. We talk a lot as a family. One of the great missing ingredients in family life in this culture is meaningful interaction in the level of thought.

The lifestyle of being on the road is very conducive for that. We read and we talk about what we are reading, whether it’s a novel or history or philosophy, and then we share our reading experiences through talk. And then, that becomes the fodder that eventually becomes albums.

It starts with the seed of thought that grows into a piece of art that you get to share with an audience.

We understand you are quite the epicurean. Do you cook onboard?

Yes, that’s true. We are lovers of food. We do some cooking. We’re probably more drink and snack people. My brothers are coffee snobs to the depths of their being. So the bus has turned into

▲ Camille Wolaver, harpist Photo courtesy of David Bean

▲ Alex Wolaver, violinist Photo courtesy of David Bean

▲ Annie Wolaver Dupre, violinist and vocalist Photo courtesy of David Bean

its own barista cafe. There’s a lot of coffee grinding and all sorts of little boutique coffee things. We have 12-16 people on the bus at any time. So it’s hard to cook for that many people on a bus.

Wendy’s that had been bought by a guy, I guess named Roberto. It had been redone and it was the most amazing tacos we’ve ever eaten. The kid’s favorite place to stop is still the Cracker Barrel.

You filmed most of the music videos for American Rhapsody in the west.

What was that trip like?

Where do you like to eat on the road?

What are a few favorite destinations?

Being on the road allows you to eat at places that you normally wouldn’t otherwise and have great food. We love finding the local place that’s got the unique thing that you’d never get to eat.

We love the Hershey Pantry in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It’s a small, amazing café that we’ll drive two hours out of the way to eat there. We stumbled upon a place called The Glass Onion in [Scranton] Pennsylvania. You find cool spots like that that you would never come across. We were in Winslow, Arizona and we asked some guy where we could get good Mexican food. He said you need to go to Roberto’s Tacos. So we pulled over at Roberto’s Tacos and it was an old

On the west coast, Monterey, California. It’s a beautiful spot.

Montana and Southern Wyoming.

Those lands are so beautiful and so open. I love Asheville, North Carolina. It’s still one of my favorite places to go. Seeing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains there. And what a fun town. The Biltmore is such a cool place and there are so many great artisans. As far as beauty goes, there are very few spots in the east of America that can compare with the west.

It was unbelievable. We filmed a couple of videos in Nebraska.

Then we filmed a few in Colorado, at a place called Colorado Cattle Company, which was really cool.

It was the heart of cowboy country so it had that open and desolate feel and a little bit brushy with lots of horses. Then we had one day in the Grand Tetons and then we were in Washington state for 10 to12 days.

We were mostly on the coast near the Olympic National Forest. It was so beautiful – I’ve never seen forests like that.

Do you ever go camping as a kid? How about camping as a vacation with your family?

I did go camping quite a bit as a child. We tent camped a lot in Great Smoky Mountain National Park since that was so close to Nashville. We also went along the Ocoee river near Chattanooga.

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▲ American Rhapsody album cover Photo courtesy of David Kiem

That was really cool because there was whitewater rafting there. One of my favorite camping experiences was when we were first starting the Annie Moses Band. When you are first starting out, you have to take every gig that comes along. We had a few gigs in California with a few days in between. So we decided to camp on the beach in between.

That was so much fun. My mother was a great campfire cook. She would make homemade ice cream. I remember once, she made Brioche French toast over the campfire and we had leftover ice cream on our French toast.

We haven’t gone camping as a family yet. My kids are 2 and 4 and are still a little young to get the full effect of that.

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After the release of American Rhapsody last fall, and your North American tour through this summer, what’s next for the Annie Moses Band?

This past February, we released a new CD called The Art of the Love Song, along with a PBS special filmed at the Grand Ole Opry House last year that began airing this past March. So we’ll go on tour for that this fall. 2015 was our first foray in international touring. So we look forward to coming back to Europe in 2016 and really building on our fan base beyond the states. Then we’ll start working on our next album. One of things that’s really important to us as a mission as a family is our non-profit Annie Moses Foundation and our

flagship event, the Fine Arts Summer Academy. We work with young people for two weeks at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee and our gala performance is held at the Grand Ole Opry House. For us, it’s the place where the rubber meets the road in the mission we have to inspire and help raise up a new generation of highly skilled artists. The arts are so influential in our land and we want to see to it that the next generation of young people who come up in the arts are people that have great heart and who are highly skilled that they can go into any field of the arts with great authority. It’s a place where our passion really finds the ground. So we’ll also be planning all of that.

TrailMix

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SCENIC TRAIL

by Annie Berman The National Park Service turns 100 years old this year and to celebrate, Trailblazer magazine takes a look at the history and stories behind the great American National Trails.

â–² Trail in Olympic, Washington AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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The Pacific Northwest is a place where you can kayak down a river and look back at the apex of a mountain peaking out above the evergreen trees, creating a scene so beautiful, it’s as if you’re inside a screensaver. In the Pacific Northwest, you can zoom down the slopes of a mountain late into the spring, or hike along a trail that leads to a rushing waterfall.

Find yourself surrounded by a never ending supply of Douglas Fir trees, the shade, greenery, and mist, creating a jungle that feels like you’ve stepped into an alternate world. It’s no surprise that the PNW is the place where

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people believe a big, hairy creature, that is not quite human, not quite ape, lives and hides inside these forest walls. It is the place where David Lynch, a filmmaker with a strange and dreamy style highlights the landscape and the folklore of the PNW as the backdrop to the the wacky and campy, but also eerie and disturbing television show, Twin Peaks.

It’s the region where Ron Strickland, a determined long distance hiker, embarked on building the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) in

1970 and didn’t stop working to make the trail legitimate until it was designated in 2009, along with the Arizona and New England trails, as a National Scenic Trail. In his memoir, Pathfinder, Strickland details many of the obstacles and controversies he faced while building the PNT and tells stories about the unique characters and interactions he has along his journey. Strickland built the PNT so that hikers of all skill levels can traverse a variety of trails that range from simple day hikes to planned thru-hikes taking adventurers from end-to-end.

▲ Port of Tacoma, Puget Sound, Washington

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, which stretches 1,200 majestic miles from Montana, through Idaho, into Washington, can take you to some of the most remote areas of the National Scenic Trails System, and to some of the most breathtaking in the region. The trail passes through four states, three national parks, seven national forests, five state parks, and one national historical reserve. Be sure to check with park rangers before heading out on the trail – depending upon the journey you decide to take, permits may be required.

For a taste of all the diverse terrain the Pacific Northwest has to offer in one glorious view, head up Chuckanut Drive, Blanchard Hill, a trail primarily driven along in order to see its entirety. This is one of Strickland’s favorite PNT haunts because at the top, it overlooks the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Samish Bay, Olympic Mountains, Skagit Flats, and Mount Rainier. This trail is located in Larrabee State Park on 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Samish Bay near Bellingham, WA. The park is a 2,683-acre camping park and features two freshwater lakes, coves and tidelands. To access the Chuckanut Drive, take I-5N or Old Hwy 99 North Rd from Thousand Trails Mount Vernon Campground. Blanchard Hill trailhead is also a short drive from Thousand Trails Birch Bay, La Conner, and Thunderbird Campgrounds. Also be sure to stop into the local oyster bars and cafe along Chuckanut Drive and at the lookout points, be sure to watch for hang gliders!

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▲ Douglas fir forest, California

An alternative trail to the one up Chuckanut Drive, Blanchard Hill is the 6 mile Oyster Dome trail.

The best access point to the trailhead is via the parking lot at Samish Overlook. The first half mile of the trail begins on a section of the PNT and once you reach the first switchback, continue straight to get to Oyster Dome.

This trail is for hikers who feel comfortable with elevation gains and a bit of a steep incline. This trail also tends to get rather muddy if it has rained, so be prepared! The logging legacy of the Pacific Northwest is deeply felt as you climb this trail through forests of Douglas Fir, Western redcedar, and second-growth alders. Just be careful on the promontory when you emerge from the forest – there are steep, unforgiving dropoffs that children and pets should stay away from.

A feature of the Oyster Dome Trail is to stop at the Bat Caves when you are almost to the top. You’ll walk over a small bridge and climb over large tree roots to reach the bat caves. These caves were formed out of boulders that crashed down from the top of Oyster Dome. Upon returning to the main trail to get back to the top of Oyster Dome, and you’ll be glad you did – the views of the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Mountains are remarkable. To get to the the Samish Overlook parking lot it is 24

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

about a 25 minute drive from the Thousand Trails Friday Creek and Mount Vernon Campgrounds via the Blanchard Hill trail.

Deception Pass State Park comprises over 4,000 acres of ancient forest where mountainous cliffs drop to meet the rushing waters of Deception Pass. Visitors flock to this park for the breathtaking views, 174 varieties of birds soaring over your head, views of the mountains, shoreline islands and sunsets all in one park, it’s no wonder that Deception Pass State Park is the most visited park in Washington and sees approximately 2 million visitors per year. Periodically, you may hear noise above you – that’s the U.S. Navy flying over from the nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The Deception Pass Trailhead is a perfect ending to the PNT. If you want to make sure that you’re staying on the PNT, make sure to cross the Deception Pass Bridge to reach Whidbey Bay, the highest point in the park.

Be sure to also access Deception Pass State Park Trail, take WA-536 W and WA-20 W from Thousand Trails Mount Vernon, or an hour and a half drive from Thunderbird via I-5, an hour drive from Birch Bay, and 42 miles from Grandy Creek Campgrounds.

▲ Deception Pass State Park, Washington

▲ Mowich Lake, Mt. Rainier

▲ Zion National Park, Angel’s Landing

▲ West Point Lighthouse, Oregon

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Did you know that walking just 10,000 steps per day, (approximately 5 miles) is a great way to stay fit?

Or that walking is one of the most popular forms of physical activity in America?

Our Thousand Trails preserves offer fantastic walking experiences for walkers of all levels. From coastal paths to forest walks, to lakeside trails or scenic pathways, our trails are truly a walker’s paradise. And, thanks to our Walk the Trails program you can make great strides to get fit while enjoying the great outdoors, and get some really cool pins in the process. Following are just a few of our favorites.

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TRAILS ARE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES California

North Carolina

Lake Minden offers a beautiful one and a quarter mile walk on the road that circles the lake, which some walk for exercise and others to experience the birds, waterfowl and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Photo opportunities for sunsets, moonrises, as well the changing seasons are another plus to this picturesque walk.

Lake Gaston has a one mile trail onsite, known for great sunset photo ops from the pier facing beautiful Lake Gaston.

The trail at Ponderosa is exactly one mile long and meanders along the beautiful South Fork of the American River where walkers can watch whitewater rafters and kayakers paddle by.

The trail at Wilderness Lakes is 1.2 miles long along the paved perimeter of the preserve, providing a pleasant, level and easy walk.

Massachusetts At Gateway to Cape Cod, the trail is one mile total, if you include the pond spur that leads to the outer roads of the preserve. One of the best features is the pond spur which brings the walker to the dock where they can often catch a glimpse of the resident swan and duck families or the occasional otter frolicking.

New Jersey A one mile walk around the 12-acre lake is what you'll find when you hit the trail at Lake and Shore. The trail is a favorite for walkers, hikers and bikers alike and come October, it sets the sight for the preserve's annual Haunted Hayride.

Oregon The trails route at Pacific City, 2.5 miles in total, loops through the preserve and offers excellent photo opportunities along the way thanks to ocean views and wildlife sightings.

Texas Bay Landing's trail is five miles long and loops throughout the entire preserve so walkers find themselves starting and stopping at the same point.

It's a two mile trail at Lake Conroe, starting at the Activity Center, through C Section, down to the lake and back, back past the AC, through D Section and back to start. Sounds like fun, right?

A favorite part of the 2 mile trail at Lake Tawakoni trail is the Mo Stark Trail through the woods at "H" section. The trail circles the main loop, ballpark and "C� section.

Walk the Trails! in 3 Easy Steps

1. Pickup a mileage log from the preserve office/ranger station.

2. Walk the trail.

3. Log your walk on your mileage card.

So the next time you visit a Thousand Trails property, remember to join in the Walk the Trails program and start walking towards a healthier future, with some great views thrown in!

Washington The trail system at Leavenworth is quite extensive with six beautiful, forested miles of trails in an undeveloped portion of the preserve. Some trails border streams and others have beautiful mountaintop views of the entire Chiwawa River Valley. All trails are on the resort property and are worth the walk!

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Fun Flora with

Discovering botanic gardens from coast to coast

by Joan Rykal

The cultivation of gardens, for both sustenance and ornamentation, dates back to prehistoric times. And let’s not forget that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Then there are the Gardens of Versailles, which were started

by Louis XIII and began to take the shape of the current masterpiece they are under, Louis XIV during the late 1600s.

In the US, you can thank three of our earliest presidents for the establishment of one of our first botanic gardens. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison all were instrumental in the ultimate establishment of a botanic garden on the National Mall in Washington DC in 1820.

However, the oldest surviving American botanic garden, Bartram’s Garden, can be found in Philadelphia on the banks of the Schuylkill River. It was begun in 1728 by American botanist John Bartram.

Bartram’s house, original greenhouse and garden still stand. For information visit www.bartramsgarden.org.

In addition to public botanic gardens (you can find one in almost every state), there are the formerly private, and now public, gardens of the estates of some America’s founding financial fathers. Biltmore and Chanticleer, both mentioned in this article, are just a few of the fabulous gardens on display for all to enjoy.

If the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson was right when he said “the earth laughs in flowers,” then get ready to enjoy a summer full of blooming fun when you plan a visit to the gardens we’ve listed.

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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens |

Boothbay, Maine

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens opened its doors in 2007, but this newcomer does not disappoint. The Garden encompasses 270 acres of waterfront and wetlands. The Garden’s mission is “inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education and research.”

With fairy houses being all the rage for gardeners now, you won’t want to miss the Garden’s Fairy House Village. Stroll the various gardens and enjoy the beauty of Maine. Upcoming events include the End of Summer Tea on September 11 and The Great Pumpkin Hunt on October 22.

Nearby campgrounds are Pinehirst in Old Orchard; and Thousand Trails Moody Beach in Wells, both are just over an hour’s drive. ▲ Rose Arbor inside garden Photo courtesy of Rain0975

Chanticleer |

Wayne, Pennsylvania

Beautiful gardens encompass land that was once part of a private estate, Chanticleer offers visitors more than 15 different garden areas over 35 acres. There’s Bell’s Run Creek with its winding waterway; Minder Woods which features a woodland path with a tree canopy for shade; and Pond Garden with flitting hummingbirds and goldfinches.

The house and grounds of Chanticleer were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Visit www.chanticleergarden.com to see what’s in bloom and to get more details on hours of operation, admission and more. The website also features the daily journal entries of Adolph Rosengarten Jr., who logged daily noted about the property from 1933 to 1985.

Thousand Trails and Encore offer a number of campgrounds resorts in the Lancaster County area. ▲ Ruin Garden and fireplace Photo courtesy of Pete Anderson

Cheekwood Art and Gardens |

Nashville, Tennessee

In addition to offering beautiful gardens and works of art, Nashville’s Cheekwood Art and Gardens also features an interesting exhibit of sculpture along a nature trail that can be enjoyed any time of year.

Cheekwood originally served as the private residence of the Cheek family, one of Nashville’s earliest entrepreneurial families (two members of the Cheek family developed the blend of coffee that became known as Maxwell House coffee.)

Descendants of the original owners offered the house and grounds as a site for a botanic garden and art museum in the late 1950 and Cheekwood opened to the public in 1960. Set on 55 acres, Cheekwood includes 11 separate gardens, plus the Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail.

For more information visit www.cheekwood.org Thousand Trails Natchez Trace, in Hohenwald, is less than two hours from Cheekwood. ▲ Martin Boxwood Garden and pool Photo courtesy of Michael Hicks AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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Biltmore Estates |

Asheville, North Carolina

The grounds and gardens of the Biltmore Estate were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed NYC’s Central Park, and combine forests, meadows, and waterways in both formal and informal gardens throughout the grounds. Several of the gardens have loop trails for easy walking.

Bird watchers won’t want to miss the trail at the Bass Pond and Boathouse where they can see many species of birds. For a more formal garden, check out the Italian Garden that features statuary and three water gardens. If you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss the Azalea Garden which is said to have a distinctive cotton candy scent come autumn. Visit www.biltmore.com for more information on the Biltmore and all it has to offer its visitors.

Encore’s Scenic, in Mocksville, is less than 20 minutes away. ▲ Winter Garden Photo courtesy of David Unger

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden |

Miami, Florida

Named for American botanist David Fairchild (1869-1954), the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami has a mission to “inspire a greater knowledge and love for plants and gardening so that all can enjoy the beauty and bounty of the tropical world,” and is considered one of the best botanic gardens in the world. Fairchild actually was the first Chief of the Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction for the USDA, and he traveled the world bringing back such plants to the United States as mangos, alfalfa, dates, nectarines and horseradish. Though a Michigan native, Fairchild believed Miami was the best place to propagate tropical plants. In 1938 the Garden opened to the public and in 1940, Fairchild went on the Garden’s first official collecting expedition.

The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a true wonderland where you can see all the exotic flora and fauna of the tropics. For more information visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

Encore’s Miami Everglades RV Resort is about a 15 minute drive. ▲ Palm trees reflection in the lake

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens |

Dallas, Texas

More than 15 areas await visitors to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden which even includes a pecan grove.

Awash with seasonal color, the Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color Garden features 6.5 acres of seasonal blooms. Spring brings blooms to the more than 2,000 varieties of azaleas, while autumn hails the blooms of the chrysanthemums. The Pecan Grove, which sees 100 Japanese Cherry trees bloom each spring, transforms to a Pumpkin Village for the Garden’s “Autumn at the Arboretum” event, which begins Saturday, September 17 this year.

For more information visit www.dallasarboretum.org.

Thousand Trails Bay Landing, in Bridgeport, and Lake Tawakoni in Point, both are a little over an hour’s drive away. ▲ Spring in bloom Photo courtesy of Emma Nairne 30

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Lewis Ginter |

Richmond, Virginia

The history of the land on which the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is located is in itself worth the visit but so are the more than a dozen themed gardens. Plus, the domed Conservatory is the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic area.

Once hunting ground for the Powhatan Indians, prosperous businessman Lewis Ginter purchased nine acres to create a destination for Richmond bicyclists. Now encompassing 50 acres, the gardens include the Asian Valley, the Children’s Garden and the Cochrane Rose Garden. Don’t miss the Edible Display Garden that focuses on edible landscaping and features food producing plants.

Visit www.lewisginter.org for more information on the Garden.

Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay in Gloucester, Harbor View in Colonial Beach, and Williamsburg in Williamsburg, are all just about an hour away.

▲ The Art of Hans Godo Frabel collection Photo courtesy of Valerie

The Desert Botanic Gardens |

Phoenix, Arizona

The Garden offers five walking trails to explore the Sonoran Desert including the Desert Discovery Loop Trail and the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail. On Thursday and Saturday summer evenings there are Garden Flashlight Tours designed to allow you to hear and feel the desert at night!

In March 2017, the Garden will open a new butterfly exhibit that will feature educational displays as well as offer tips on creating your own butterfly garden.

Encore RV resorts offers a number of campgrounds in the Phoenix metro area. ▲ Hall of Cacti Photo courtesy of A. Dombrowski

Portland Japanese Garden |

Portland, Oregon

With Sapporo, Japan as its sister city, it stands to reason that Portland, Oregon is home to a world-class Japanese garden. Influenced by the Shinto, Buddhist and Taoist philosophies, the five gardens were designed to promote peace, harmony and tranquility.

Located on five acres within Portland’s Washington Park, the gardens include the Tea Garden, complete with a tea house; the Sand and Stone Garden, which is a dry landscape garden, as well as the Flat Garden, Strolling Garden and Natural Garden.

For information visit www.japanesegarden.com Encore’s Portland Fairview in Fairview and Mt. Hood Village are less than one hour away. ▲ Cascading waterfall

If you’re taking the ultimate road trip and plan on traveling to more states than those we’ve covered here, check out www.gardenvisit.com to find a garden where you’re headed.

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There are 100 days of camping this summer, make them count!

This is how it works: 1. Get out and camp!

2. Take a photo with the #100DaysofCamping towel 3. Share your photo on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using #100DaysofCamping and upload your photo to 100DayofCamping.com 4. Repeat steps 1-3 every time you camp this summer!

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

AMERICA’S

National Parks

by Lynn & Cele Seldon

Visiting America’s national parks is one of our nation’s greatest privileges and pleasures. The awesome beauty and wildlife, preserved for all to enjoy, continue to attract thousands of visitors annually to these special places.

▲ Olijato-Monument Valley, Utah 34

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“We’re drawn to national parks because they essentially capture something human,” says acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns. “There’s something active and dramatic, contemplative and interior, expansive and spectacular, intimate and spiritual.

Created on August 25, 1916, with the signature of President Woodrow Wilson, the National Park Service (NPS) has often been called “America’s Best Idea.” The following 100 years have seen growth, preservation, and lots of lucky visitors to our nation’s wide array of National Parks.

The establishment of the NPS did not actually create the first official National Park. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 and several other national parks, including Yosemite, Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, Glacier and others, were founded before the 1916 creation of the NPS proper.

Yellowstone set the stage for the establishment of more national parks and other preserved areas large and small.

The naturalist John Muir was an early advocate of preserving vast areas of America’s landscape, including his beloved Yosemite Valley.

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The Antiquities Act of 1906, signed

by President Theodore Roosevelt, gave the president the power to designate land as a national monument – and Roosevelt used this ability extensively. Several of today’s national parks were originally national monuments, including Acadia, Carlsbad Caverns, Grand Canyon, and Zion. Roosevelt was an aggressive conservationist and his presidency saw the establishment of five national parks, 18 national monuments, and the federal preservation of 280,000-plus square miles of land.

Parks proponent and successful businessman Stephen Mather became the very first director of the National Park Service and his legacy lives on in the parks 100 years later.

Mather and his young assistant, Horace Albright, led a public relations campaign with politicians and the American people in general that put national parks and other nationally protected places on the map to stay.

The NPS also manages several hundred other units in varied categories, including (as of summer, 2016): national historical parks (49); national historic sites (78); national historic and scenic trails (3); national battlefields (11); national lakeshores (4); national memorials (30); national military parks (9); national monuments (80); national parkways (4); national preserves (19); national rivers (9); national seashores (10); and the National Mall and other memorial parks. The NPS also oversees the National Register of Historic Places, which was created by the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966. There are currently more than 400 “units” within the NPS. Today, there are 59 National Parks in the NPS and they are located throughout the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. The 59 national parks are divided into eight regions.

Here’s an overview of all 59 national parks by region: 36

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▲ Yosemite National Park

EAST

Αcadia · Shenandoah Everglades · Great Smoky Mts. Congaree · Virgin Islands

▲ SC Boardwalk, Congaree National Park

Congaree is just 20 miles south of the Palmetto State’s capital of Columbia.

▲ Rocky shore at Acadia National Park

M

ost of the earliest National Parks were located in the west and it wasn’t until the establishment of Maine’s Acadia National Park in 1919 that the eastern region of the country had a national park.

Called Lafayette National Park until it was changed in 1929, Acadia is located on Mt. Desert Island on Maine’s rugged coastline.

John D. Rockefeller Jr. donated about 11,000 acres of his land for the park, as well as the one-time carriage roads that are now so popular with hikers and cyclists.

but, fall colors mean leaf-peeping for lucky visitors.

Heading south, Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is next. The stunning Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through the park from north to south and is a great way to experience it year-round

South Carolina offers up one of the more recently created (2003) National Parks at Congaree National Park. Featuring stark bald cypress trees and lots of trails through swampland,

This also is true of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles North Carolina and Tennessee, and is the nation’s most-visited national park and features dramatic mountain views and lots of history. The loop drive in Cades Cove can get quite crowded during the fall and other times, while most of the rest of the sprawling park is lesscrowded. It’s one of the nation’s few large national parks that doesn’t charge an entrance fee.

South Florida features three unique national parks. Of course, there’s sprawling and don’t-miss Everglades National Park and its incredible wildlife and boat tours.

There’s also Biscayne National Park (mostly made up of the waters of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean) and unique Dry Tortugas National Park, which is about 70 miles west of Key West.

It is best reached by frequent ferry service and features historic Fort Jefferson and world-class snorkeling.

To the southeast of Florida in the United States Virgin Islands, St. John’s United States Virgin Islands National Park also has crystal-clear snorkeling, scuba diving, lots of hiking trails, historic ruins and much more.

Back on the mainland, the eastern region’s final National Park is Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave. It’s the world’s longest known cave system, with lots of ranger-led cave tours. The park is celebrating a milestone of its own – guided public tours were first offered at Mammoth Cave in 1816, 100 years before the National Park Service was established.

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MIDWEST

Coyahoga · Isle Royale Voyageurs · Badlands Theodore Roosevelt · Wind Cave

▲ Hiking in Badlands National Park

▲ Coyahoga National Park

T

he Midwest region features a half-dozen distinct options. First, there’s Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which includes farms, parks, attractions, towns and more within its unique boundaries.

Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park is made up of a large island and many smaller ones that are only reachable by boat during a relatively short visitation season. To the west, Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park features four main lakes and many smaller ones, with waterlogged activities like canoeing the main focus.

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Coyahoga River

Further west, North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only National Park named for a person and it’s fitting because, as mentioned, Roosevelt was one of the earliest proponents of preserving America’s wild spaces. To the south, South Dakota’s Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park feature unique landscapes above and below the surface.

▲ Wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

SOUTH CENTRAL

Hot Springs · Big Bend Guadalupe Mts.

▲ Hot Springs National Park

T

his region of National Parks features just four. Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is another truly unique park – it is the smallest National Park and is both a city and a park that features historic Bathhouse Row and its old bathing and healing establishments.

In Texas, three options await.

First, there’s remote Big Bend National Park, where the Rio Grande River carves a “big bend” on the United States-Mexico border. To the park’s north, Carlsbad Caverns (Will Rogers called it, “The Grand Canyon with a roof on it.”) and Guadalupe Mountains National Park (with Guadalupe Peak, the tallest mountain in Texas at 8,749 feet) make for an easy National Parks Texas two-fer.

TAKE A PASS Officially called “America The Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass,” the money-saving Federal Recreation Pass ($80 for 2016) is the ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. There are several other pass possibilities, including a $10 “Senior” lifetime pass for those 62 and over.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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SOUTHWEST

Great Basin · Death Valley · Zion Mesa Verde · Capitol Reef Bryce Canyon · Arches · Canyonlands

▲ Hickman Bridge at Capitol Reef National Park

T

he vast Southwest region features 11 national parks, including famed Grand Canyon in Arizona, which also spreads into Nevada – where there’s also Great Basin National Park and its 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, as well as part of Death Valley National Park.

While Grand Canyon’s South Rim can be busy, the North Rim is much less visited. Other National Parks in Arizona include the fossilized Petrified Forest west of Flagstaff and Saguaro near Tucson, which highlights the saguaro cactus – known as the “kings of cacti.”

Up in National Parks-rich Utah, the options abound and many parks can be visited in one

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

extended trip. The options include: Zion (famed for its cliffs); Bryce Canyon (with its castle-like red rocks); Capitol Reef and its 100-plus-mile tilted rock spine; Canyonlands, where desert and water stunningly intertwine; and Arches (with more than 2,000 natural arch formations). From stunning canyons to unique foliage and more, these five destinations make Utah a mustsee for National Parks collectors.

▲ Milky Way over Great Basin National Park

Along with Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park and its Puebloan ruins, the Centennial State’s Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park also is part of the Southwest region and it protects about 14 stunning miles of the often-raging Gunnison River. ▲ Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park

ROCKY MTS.

Great Sand Dunes Rocky Mts. · Grand Teton Yellowstone · Glacier

▲ Great Sand Dunes National Park

C

olorado features two other National Parks in the Rocky Mountains, including the tall sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park and the tall mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park.

The park was established a year before the National Park Service was created.

▲ Yellowstone National Park

▲ Morning Glory Pool, Yellowstone National Park

▲ Grand Teton National Park

Next, Wyoming’s wonderfully craggy Grand Teton National Park can be combined with a visit to the fabled Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone actually shares its borders with neighboring Idaho and Montana.

Grand Teton features the Snake River and a dominating mountainfilled skyline, while Yellowstone is famed for Old Faithful, other geysers, bison, and more.

Finally, situated way up in northwestern Montana and straddling the Continental Divide, Glacier National Park features two unique sides. There’s a dry eastern front and a wet maritime west side.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

41

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Washington State · Oregon · Olympic Mt. Rainier · Northern California North Cascade · Crater Lake · Lassen Volcanic

W

ith a half dozen diverse National Parks, Washington State, Oregon and Northern California make up the Pacific Northwest region. Washington’s three offerings are all within easy driving distance of Seattle and include majestic Mount Rainier (known as the “American Alps”), Olympic (including a temperate rainforest), and North Cascades, with the glacial glories of the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range.

▲ Olympic National Park

ALASKA

In Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is the deepest lake in the nation (almost 2,000 feet). Next, Northern California’s offerings include Redwood’s towering trees on the coast, and littlevisited Lassen Volcanic National Park features the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway.

Denali · Glacier Bay · Katmai Kenai Fjords · Wrangell-St. Elias Lake Clark · Gates of the Arctic

T

he Last Frontier has an incredible eight sprawling National Parks. Denali has to be at the top of the list, thanks to North America’s highest peak and abundant wildlife. However, many other options await Alaska visitors, including waterlogged Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords, glacier-ridged Wrangell-St. Elias, Lake Clark (generally reached by small planes), salmon-laden Katmai and Gates of the Arctic (the size of Switzerland) and the true wilderness of Kobuk Valley way up above the Arctic Circle.

▲ Glacier Bay National Park

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST

American Samoa · Yosemite · Joshua Tree Sequoia · Pinnacles · Kings Canyon Channel Islands · Hawaii · Haleakal

▲ Sequoia National Park

T ▲ Yosemite National Park

▲ Akaka Falls State Park, Hawaii

▲ Channel Islands National Park

PLAN YOUR TRIP! The National Park Service (NPS) has two great websites to help plan park visits: www.nps.gov and www.findyourpark.com.

here are nine parks in the Pacific Southwest region including several in Southern California. The Golden State’s include: Yosemite (featuring iconic El Capitan); Pinnacles (currently the nation’s newest National Park, established in 2013); Sequoia (home some of the world’s grandest trees and the highest mountain in the Lower 48 – Mount Whitney) and adjacent Kings Canyon (featuring the General Grant sequoia, the second largest tree in the world); daunting Death Valley (shared with Nevada); Joshua Tree, where two deserts converge; and undeveloped Channel Islands National Park west out of Los Angeles in the Pacific.

Much further out in the ocean, the Hawaiian Islands have two National Parks, with Hawai’i Volcanoes and its active fiery volcanos located on the Island of Hawaii and Haleakalāand its dormant volcano situated on Maui. The Pacific Southwest region also includes the National Park of American Samoa, which is 2,600-plus miles southwest of Hawaii and the furthest distance for any National Park on the mainland.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Cooking with

Lesley Tennessen

When I think of classic American dishes, the first things that pop into my head are the comfort foods of meatloaf, apple cobbler, cornbread and a chocolate cake. Here we go, learning the classics and some great easy ways to bring those comfort foods and classic American dishes right back to your campsite.

Of course, the camp dutch oven provides ‘something extra’ that you cannot exactly put your finger on.

Take a little time to perfect the flavor and you will have the rest of the campers coming over and wondering what smells so GREAT! Enjoy these recipes!

Keep the coals hot and keep cooking!

Lesley Tennessen, Dutch Oven Diva www.dutchovendiva.com or visit my blog at dutchovendiva.wordpress.com

Apple Pie Lasagna IceBox Cake* Ingredients Pie Filling • 5-6 medium apples, peeled, and sliced • Juice from 1 lemon • 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour • ½ cup packed light brown sugar • 1 tsp. cinnamon • ½ tsp. apple pie spice • 2 tbsp. maple syrup Cream Cheese Filling • 8 oz cream cheese, softened • 1 cup powdered sugar • 2 tbsp. brown sugar • 1 tsp. cinnamon • ½ cup heavy cream • ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract • 2 tbsp. caramel • 8 oz cool whip Lasagna • 2-3 package graham crackers • 8 oz cool whip • 1 cup heath milk chocolate toffee bites

Directions Prepare Pie Filling 1. Peel and slice your apples into small pieces; about the size of a dime. Place in a medium size saucepan. Squeeze the juice from a whole lemon over the apples.

2. Add all of your dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and apple pie spice. Mix all ingredients well and then add maple syrup.

3. Using a saucepan on medium-high heat, cook the apples for about 15-18 minutes until they begin to brown and bubble. Remove from heat and cool completely. Refrigerate if necessary.

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

4. While the pie filling is cooking, prepare the cream cheese filling.

Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature, or soften in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Prepare Cream Cheese Batter 1. Beat cream cheese on medium-high speed with a wire whisk attachment until light and fluffy. Turn off mixer and add dry ingredients: powered sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon. Beat into cream cheese.

2. Add heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Beat on mediumhigh speed until whipping cream is fully mixed into cream cheese.

Add caramel sauce last and mix into batter.

3. Add cool whip and beat on medium speed until mixture is well combined. Divide into thirds.

Assemble the Lasagna 1. Cover the bottom of a 9-inch by 13-inch pan with graham crackers.

You can break the crackers into pieces in order to get into the nooks and crannies.

2. Cover the graham crackers with a layer of the cream cheese batter and spread evenly. Spoon half of the apple pie filling over cream cheese and gently press into the mouse. Add a small handful of toffee chips on top. Repeat this twice so that you end up with three layers of mousse, 3 layers of graham crackers and 2 layers of apple pie filling. The top layer will be mousse.

3. Cover the top layer of Cool Whip with additional toffee bites and drizzle with caramel.

4. I suggest to allow at least two hours in the fridge for the graham crackers to soften. Store in an air tight container and keep refrigerated. Best served cold. *From: Beyond Frosting, Apple Pie Lasagna

Fruit Skewers

Hawaiian Walkaways

Ingredients

Ingredients

Directions

• Pineapple chucks • Strawberries • Green or red grapes • Marshmallows • Bananas • Apples • Chocolate sauce/hard shell sauce • Lemon juice/lemon lime soda • Wooden skewers

• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese • 1 cup milk • 1 package instant vanilla pudding • 8 ice cream cones • 2 cans (8½ oz) crushed pineapple • maraschino cherries for garnish

1. Soften cream cheese to room temperature. Gradually blend cheese with 1/4 cup milk. Add remaining milk, drained pineapple and pudding mix.

Beat for one minute to combine well.

Directions 1. Rinse strawberries and grapes.

Peel the apples. Core and cut into 1-inch chucks. Cut bananas into thicker slices. Place apples and bananas into a bowl with liquids to keep from browning.

2. Take a skewer and alternately place the fruits. When you have them all done, place onto a plate or waxed paper or parchment. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over to make a nice pattern. Keep in fridge or the cooler until ready to serve.

2. Keep as cool as possible (put in fridge or cooler). Let stand for 5 minutes. Spoon into ice cream cones and enjoy. Put a cherry on top!

Festive Chicken Salad Ingredients

Directions

• 1 can (8¼ oz) crushed pineapple • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese • 1 cups chicken, cooked/chopped • 1 (8oz) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced • ½ cup celery, sliced thin • ½ cup silvered almonds or toasted/ chopped peacons • ½ cup green onions, sliced • ¼ teaspoon salt • Dash of pepper • 4 medium tomatoes • lettuce leaves

1. Drain the pineapple, reserving ¼ cup liquid. Combine reserved liquid and the cream cheese, mixing until well blended. Add pineapple, chicken, water chestnuts, celery, ¼ cup almonds/pecans, onion, salt and pepper. Mix lightly.

2. Cut each tomato into 6 wedges, almost to the stem end. This will make a nice flower look to hold the ingredients. Fill with chicken mixture. top with remaining almonds/pecans.

Serve on the lettuce leaves.

Summer Oatmeal Ingredients

Directions

• 1 container of any flavor yogurt • 1 banana • 1 cup of juice, any flavor • 1 cup frozen fruit • 1 cup of rolled oats

1. Cut the banana into slices. Cut up some of the larger pieces of frozen fruit.

This is the ratio of things to use.

I like rolled oats because they maintain their substance. This ratio will serve two people. So if you have 4 to serve, just double.

2. In a large bowl, combine everything. Mix well. Cover and store in fridge or cooler overnight.

In the morning serve it up. Very tasty on hot summer mornings. Keeps for a couple of days, so make a big batch.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

45

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED! Air Ride Suspension

Q

Hi Bill, When I was wandering around the Sunriver/Bend Thousand Trails Campground, I noticed that you had an Auto Flex Air Ride suspension on your 2011 F350 Dually truck. We are purchasing a new Grand Design toy hauler with a king pin weight of approximately 3100 pounds. I’m afraid my 2015 F350 Dually will not be able to support that much pin weight without sagging badly.

Can you tell me about your Air Ride suspension and will it help my situation?

Zack

Tire Axles

Q

The tires on my 2015 Grand Design fifth wheel are starting to wear un-even on the front axle. I checked to see if this was under warranty and of course Grand design stated that alignment is not covered by warranty due to road hazard and issues with drivability. I don’t believe that I’ve hit anything to cause the axles to go out of alignment. Any suggestions?

John

A

Zach, The Auto Flex Suspension is made in Canada, it will absolutely hold up your 3100 pound pin weight. The pin weight on our carriage cameo is approximately 3800 pounds. The Auto Flex has no problem keeping the fifth wheel level. In fact, when the fifth wheel pin box is set on to the hitch the truck only drops about an eighth of an inch. It has an onboard compressor, air tank, and a self-leveling system. This self-leveling system will add air when the pin weight is set on the hitch and let the air out when the weight is lifted, I have not found any other sir ride system on the

A

John, Manufacturers of motorhomes and trailers never cover alignment under warranty, this is also true of automobiles as well. One of the things that I’ve noticed over the years when watching people tow their trailers when driving into a service station, the tow vehicle makes it through the opening of the driveway but the trailer does not and contacts the curb. Once the tow vehicle has cleared the curb, I’ve noticed quite a bit of acceleration causing 10 or 12,000 pounds of RV to hit the curb at a higher rate of speed.

Frankly, with that much weight it can actually cause the axle to

market that is better. Another issue that it solved on my truck was an issue call “axle wrap”.

That is when the axle tries to roll forward during acceleration while pulling heavy loads and feels like the truck is shuddering. As a bonus, the on board air tank allows you to be able to air up your tires rather than looking for an air station somewhere in town.

I highly recommend this product and suggest you head to the super guys at Henderson Line-Up in Grants Pass, OR for the installation of this impressive system.

bend out of alignment. While staying in campgrounds I’ve noticed it people clear speed bumps slowly with their vehicle and then accelerate not knowing that the sharp edged speed bump can cause alignment problems when the front axle contacts at a higher rate of speed than the tow vehicle. Have the axles aligned and be very, very careful when going over curbs or speed bumps. I think you would notice a difference in the long run. Be safe out there and thanks for writing in.

GOT A QUESTION FOR BILL? SEND AN EMAIL TO AskRVBill@equitylifestyle.com

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Roof Repair

Q

Hi Bill, I noticed that my rubber roof looks somewhat like a cross between a Dalmatian dog and Alligator skin on my 2002 hitchhiker Discover America fifth wheel. The black layer under the white surface is showing through and several locations. Someone told me that I could go to Home Depot and get some material called “Snow Coating”. I thought maybe I better check with the expert before I made a serious mistake and had to clean off 5 gallons of goop.

What do you recommend?

Bob

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Q

Hi, Bill, I look forward to reading your column in the Trailblazer as it is one of my favorite parts of the magazine. I finally have a question for you! My carbon monoxide detector goes off at various times and there is no rhyme or reason why. It’s especially irritating in the middle of the night.

I don’t believe that we have any kind of carbon dioxide in the coach because the furnace, refrigerator or any other gas appliances are off when the detector sounds off. I checked to see if it had a battery, which it does not. My motorhome is a 2002 Winnebago, any suggestions?

Tim and Wanda

A

Bob, I’m glad that you did check with me before you made a serious mess. Rubber roof material is susceptible to petroleum products.

It can literally cause the rubber roof material to lift away from the Luan panel wood underlayment.

Most likely, a company called Dicor makes your roofing material.

Dicor also make a rubber roof re-new kit that consists of a cleaner, primer and a coating made specifically for rubber roof material. As always, the key to success is preparation. Make sure that you hang plastic all away around the roofline to prevent the cleaner and the material from getting on the side of your coach.

A

Great question! Both carbon monoxide detectors and propane detectors do you wear out with age. Your detectors are hardwired directly into the 12 Volt system is that has been RVIA code for many years. I usually recommend that my customers replace both the carbon monoxide and the LP leak detector every 5 to 7 years for safety. I bet that you will find if you replace both of them, your problems will be solved and you will no longer be receiving such annoying wake up calls. Granted, the replacements are not cheap but your motorhome and your life is worth it.

If your rubber roof material is particularly stained or may have contaminants such as greaser oil clean those spots with the degreaser first. You will only need 1 quart of the cleaner primer and 3 to 4 gallons of the coating. Be sure to give it enough of a coating so that it will last for many years to come.

Water Pressure Regulator

Q

RV Bill, I need your help. I know you are a full timer and Master RV Technician. I see so many different water hose sets ups that I must know; Do I really need a water pressure regulator and why? Can’t I just leave the water trickling? If so, which one actually works and where do I buy it? Thanks!

Dan

A

Hi Dan, Yes, everyone should have a water pressure regulator.

Unless you carry a pressure gauge with you, how would you know how high the water pressure is? It’s a myth that by opening the water spigot slightly suffices to keep pressure from building up in the line. In addition, it wastes water.

50 PSI is the max pressure for most RVs. Go to a building supply and purchase a small home regulator and the fittings for the faucet. They come set to 50 PSI. The advantage over small inline regulators is the volume of water giving you more pressure at 50 PSI. And in a RV, this advantage is a luxury!

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

47

Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save At

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

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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.

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Alpine Lakes RV Resort (NY)

Wisconsin

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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.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

49

Member Deals

For great specials in the Keys, visit page 65.

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North Carolina

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Valid 8/15/16 until close *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

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**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site, unless otherwise specified. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 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.

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals â–˛ Victoria Palms RV Resort (TX)

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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.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

51

Member Deals ▲Tuxbury Pond RV Resort (NH)

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*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 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 ▲ Fiesta Grande RV Resort (AZ)

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**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 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.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

53

Member Deals ▲ Mesa Spirit RV Resort (AZ)

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**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 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.

54

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals â–˛ Venture In RV Resort (AZ)

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Promo Code:

Promo Code:

Promo Code:

TT999VI

TT30WVI

TT30MVI

*Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 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.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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Upgrade Your Membership For As Low As $44.60/month 1

MAXIMIZE

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES More Freedom to Explore!

Enjoying the benefits of your Thousand Trails Camping Pass? Then you’ll love what our premium upgrade options have to offer. Get nationwide access to our premier campsites and resorts, keep the fun going with longer maximum stays, plan further ahead with extended booking windows, and much more!

Call today 855-558-3010 or visit thousandtrails.com/member-upgrade » For more information, see a membership specialist on your next visit!

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations Travel Club

1 The Thousand Trails National Pass upgrade is available to qualified members only with a valid and eligible credit card. $200 minimum down payment. Up to 60 months to pay. 16.99% APR. 60 monthly payments of $44.60 assuming you purchase an National upgrade for $1,995 and make the minimum down payment. Sales tax and any applicable fees due at time of purchase.

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 64.

ACROSS 1 Strong ale 5 Rot 9 Circuit Court of Appeals (abbr.)

12 E. Indian tanning tree 13 Wine 14 Fat 15 Induce (2 words) 17 Jewish scholar 18 Same (Lat.) 19 Nee 21 Need 24 Forgive 27 Single lens reflex (abbr.)

30 Outer portion of Earth 32 Listen 33 Exclamation 34 Wheel shaft 36 Mature 37 United States Postal Service (abbr.)

39 System of rules 40 Sp. article 41 Buddhist sacred city 58

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

43 45 47 50 52 56 57 58 59 60 61

Binary digits Cleave Inuit settlement No middle initial (abbr.)

Ingot (2 words) Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.)

Eight (pref.)

Western alliance Interdict Wagon tongue Begin

DOWN 1 Sleep 2 King of Israel 3 Eur. kite 4 Mallet 5 Brit. Virgin Islands (abbr.)

6 Anoint 7 Social climber 8 Hail 9 Masa 10 Central Intelligence Agency (abbr.)

11 16 20 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 31 35 38 42 44 46 48 49 50 51 53 54 55

Albania (abbr.)

David’s commander Alkali Circular (abbr.)

Roasted meat strip Foe of Othello Exceedingly: music Synagogue Elk hide Growing by a riverbank Victory site of Napoleon Biblical juniper tree Compass direction Elbow Office worker’s skill Carplike fish Nipa palm Loathe Capture Sheep’s cry As written in music Pat Longitude (abbr.)

4

paws ROAD ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Jenn, I look forward to reading the 4-Paws column each issue and appreciate how you sincerely advise and suggest on a variety of different topics to help all sorts of readers. My inquiry is about Heartguard. In the past, I have heard that this disease is really only an issue in the Midwest and in the southern states along the boarder where it is moist and damp. I am beginning to travel more and I want my dog- Spade, a 3-year-old Shepard-mix, protected. Can I just order the meds online and start the monthly treatment?

Hope to see you on the road, Katherine JENN Katherine, Thank you for the kind words and your submission on how to go about adding Heartguard to your dogs monthly routine. All dogs, in all 50 states and in all parts of the world are at risk to potentially be bitten by one mosquito that is infected with Heartworm larvae, the organism Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic nematode (roundworm). It’s true that heartworm is mainly an epidemic in areas where the climate is subtropical and tropical and is common along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and the Mississippi and Ohio River Basins. But just one bite by an infected mosquito is all it takes to infect you dog! To better explain; The insect bites and transmits the larvae that pass into the tissues and bloodstream of your pet. In 47-67 days, they reach the arteries of the lungs where they continue to grow and really begin to do harm. These blood vessels

by Jenn Gehr connect to the heart and the worms spend their adult lives in right side of the animal’s heart. In 6 months, Heartworm larvae are adults and once they arrive in the heart and lungs, they can really do damage. All breeds and ages of dogs are at risk for infection and the signs range from none at all to shortness of breath and trouble breathing and even death. It is critical that prior to starting Heartguard Plus (a safe, widely used monthly oral dewormer) your pet have a blood test to be 100% certain that he or she is not already infected with the Heartworms. Precautionary treatment with Heartguard medication to a dog that is already infected can be fatal, so please do NOT buy your product on-line without knowing for certain that your dog is Heartworm CLEAR. Heartguard Plus needs to be given lifelong and each month to ensure protection against this very common danger. If your pet has developed Heartworms, there are treatment options, but prevention is always the best medicine. I give my dogs Heartguard Plus in the blue label (up to 25 lbs) every 30 days, 12 months a year. Dogs weighting 26-50 lbs are the green label and 51-100 lbs are brown Heartguard Plus label. My dogs have been on Hearguard every month since they were 6 weeks old – the earliest age a puppy can receive the medication – so I have never done a blood test on them as adults. In order to get a RX for the meds from my vet, I have to sign a waiver that explains the risk of not completing a blood test prior to the prescription being given out. If you dog has never been on Heartguard Plus, do the bloodtest and be diligent about the monthly medication. Ask about the less expensive, generic pill form as well as the highly palatable & chewable Heartguard Plus. In addition to killing heartworm larvae, monthly deworming

with Heartguard Plus also protects your pet against 2 species of roundworms and 3 species of hookworms. For the cost of a fancy latte/mochachino, we can all afford to protect our dogs from acquiring heartworms each month. Thank you for this excellent question on a very important matter of the HEART. Hi, Jenn! 6 friends and I are heading out to explore some of the Thousand Trails parks in Washington this fall and are planning for some big time tent camping and hiking adventures. We all have dogs – yes, that will be 10 dogs total!, and are thinking ahead to what might be a functional, comfortable, lightweight, cool and warm, packable dog bed each of us can buy to best support our canine companions. I’m already taking your advise and using Primal’s Freeze Dried dog food full time for lightweight, superior nutrition so thanks for that tip!

Looking forward to hearing what you suggest bedding wise.

Cheers & Woofs, Dillon & Joey JENN Dillon, It sounds to me like your entire crew is dog-gonne lucky to be able to make this epic dream a reality!

The Washington TT Parks are where we are headed this Summer and Fall! I’m thrilled that the Primal is working out so well for Joey – it is the ultimate for canine (& feline!) nutrition and packability. For your pets sleeping needs, check out Ruffwear’s Highlands Sleeping Bag – MSRP $99.00. This lightweight, compressible dog sized sleeping bag doubles as a warm, snuggly bed and soft, durable matt for superior comfort from the hard, damp ground. This mini sleeping bag doubles as a fireside foot warmer and is wide enough for your small to medium sized pet to bed down between your knees.

The Highland packs up into itself for easy storage onto your backpack when not in use. Enjoy your trip!

Email Jenn your questions and share your pics at TBPets@equitylifestyle.com AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

59

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 www.alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • www.agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley www.affinityrv.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga www.alpinhaus.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • www.alstrailers.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake www.americanfamilyrv.com Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • www.appletoncamping.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • www.bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • www.bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • www.baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • www.bigcrv.com

Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • www.burlingtonrv.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • www.camperland.net Campers Inn CT - Union; FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia MA - Raynham; SC - Myrtle Beach VA - Fredericksburg; GA - Macon, Atlanta www.campersinn.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap www.canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • www.charlieobaughrv.com Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • www.chesacorv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale www.clearcreekrvcenter.com Colerain RV OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus IN - Indianapolis, KY - Lexington www.colerainrv.com

Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • www.bladerv.com

Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks www.conejowholesaleauto.com

Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie; SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg • www.boatnrv.com

Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain, Matthews www.countrycamping.com

Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis www.funtimecampers.com

Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield www.crossroadstrailers.com

Browns RV SC - McBee www.brownsrvsuperstore.com

Cunningham Campers, Inc. IN- Jeffersonville www.cunninghamcampers.com

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft www.curtistrailercenter.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville www.economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro www.ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City www.etqualityrv.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • www.floydsrvs.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake www.freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualalin • www.funtimervinc.com General RV Center IL - Huntley MI - Brownstown, Mt. Clemens, Wayland, White Lake, Wixom OH - North Canton www.generalrv.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay www.gibsrvsuperstore.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • www.haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater www.haylettautoandrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • www.couchsrvnation.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle www.keystonervcenter.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • www.lakesidervsales.com

La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix, CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach • www.lamesarv.com

RV Source TN - Knoxville • www.rvsforless.net

Lux-Liner LLC CA - Acadia • Lux-liner.com

Safford RV VA - Thornburg • www.saffordrv.com

McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • www.mckaysrv.com

Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood www.scottmotorcoach.com

Media Camping PA - Media • www.mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs www.mikethompson.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • www.opelikarv.com

RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim • www.rvvaluemart.com

See Grins RV CA - Gilroy, San Martin • www.seegrins.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • www.seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • www.simi-rv.com

CANADA Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • www.actionvr.ca Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • www.vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • www.vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas www.vremondplus.com VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • www.vrprestige.com VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie www.vrsouliere.com

Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • www.outofdoorsmart.com

Sky River RV CA - Buellton, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach www.skyriverrv.com

Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • www.pattersonrv.com

Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • www.snydersrv.com

Paul Evert’s RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff CA - Fresno; NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg; WA - Fife, Milton, Mt. Vernon www.rvcountry.com

Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca www.stricklandmarineandrv.com

Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • www.phillipsrv.com

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • www.sundownrv.com

PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels www.pplmotorhomes.com

Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Douglasville, Temple www.superdealsrv.com

Princesscraft RV TX - Round Rock • www.princesscraft.com

Leasure Days RV ON - Ayr, Kingston, Pembroke, Smith Falls, Sudbry QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro www.leisuredays.ca

TAC Trailer and RV NC - Moyock • www.tactrailerandrv.com

R.B.Taylor & Sons VA - Lynchburg www.rbtaylorandsons.com

Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • www.vrvictoriaville.com

The Trail Center SC - North Charleston www.trailcenter.com

Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood www.recreationplantationrvsales.com

Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • www.toscanorv.com

Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières www.roulotte.ca

Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) www.roadhousecamper.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • www.royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • www.russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • www.rvcity.net RV General Store OK - Newcastle • www.rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less TX - Bryan • www.rvsource.com

Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • www.sunbeltrv.com

TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs www.traveltimerv.com

GO VR QC - Ange Gardien • www.go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • www.horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières www.entreposagejcs.com

Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu www.roulottesremillard.com

Vancouver RV & Park Model Center Wa - Vancouver • www.vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Ft. Worth • www.vogtrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • www.welcomebackrv.com Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden www.westerntravelsales.com Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • www.wilderrvs.com

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

61

y l l a R It’s ! e m i T Calendar

CLUB AUGUST 2016 Bounders United (BUTTN)

Sept. 13-16......... Wilderness Lakes, CA If you are interested in attending please e-mail or call the Schneider’s, BettyAron. Schneider@verizon.net, (619) 575-2311 or (619) 929-7848.

You will need to make your own reservations through the Thousand Trails system.

TT SINGLES Central California

Aug. 26-28................... Snowflower, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 986-1088 or email to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net.

TT Travelers Southern California

Aug. 1-3.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA Sept. 12-14........... Soledad Canyon, CA Oct. 3-5.............. Oakzanita Springs, CA Nov. 7-9......................Palm Springs, CA Dec. 5-7.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA We normally meet the first Mon, Tues, and Weds mornings of each month for coffee and those evenings for potluck and games. For more information, contact Wagon Master Donna Schoolcraft (619) 933-9787 or cecilanddonna@aol.com 62

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

RVers seeking RVers? Rally clubs from coast to coast love to meet at our destinations. Join in on the fun!

Northwest

Aug. 26-28....................Mt. Vernon, WA Sept. 23-25....................Cultus Lake, BC Oct. 28-30........................... Seaside, OR We also have new contact people and email, phone numbers: WagonMaster Daphne Bailey (Oregon) (503) 590-8566, daphnebailey07@ comcast.net. Secretary Dottie Michel (Washington) (360) 941-3126, ttnw_sec@yahoo.com.

Lewis and Clark TTN

Aug. 18-22.................... South Jetty, OR Roger Beausoleil: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Roger Beausoleil (503) 390-4753 or rogerabeau@msn.com.

TT of Texas/FMCA

New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com. Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com.

We also have a blog site: ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com.

TTN So Cal Weekenders

Aug. 5-7 ����������������������������� Idyllwild, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship.

Email: ttnweekenders@earthlink.net website: http://home.earthlink. net/~ttnweekenders.

TT East Trail Buddies

We are an FMCA chapter exclusively for TT Members. We have three rallies each year at TT preserves on the East Coast. For more information, please contact Club Secretary Peter Kamenik at (410) 287-8440 or email to trailbuddiestteast@gmail.com.

TTWest/FMCA

Sept. 8-11 ���������Lake of the Springs, CA Nov. 18-20 ���������������������� San Bentio, CA Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly. Contact Manny Francis at (415) 606-7596 or email to mannyfrancis@live.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

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 Visa Prepaid Gift Card!

Linda Coleman of Midlothian, TX

found the tree on Page 39 of the June Issue.

▲ Shenando ah National Park Trail Photo courtesy of Bahahame lly

▲ Harpers Ferry Photo courtesy Historical Park of Payton Chung

Harpers Ferry, WV

West Lansing, WV

TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

Made famous

by John Brown’s Raid during It really is the Civil War, all about the the quaint, white water rafting historic town today Harpers Ferry here, but you of start your can day, Appalachian is home to the the water or whether you hit Trail stay shore Conservancy side, with a visit Headquarters to as well as the World for an Tudor’s Biscuit John Brown Museum and out-of-this-world Wax biscuit breakfast the Living History Civil War Vandal’s Kitchen. Or try Harpers Ferry Museum. for what people are Historical ▲ Cathedral saying are is considere Park Café the best chicken and d one of the Photo courtesy waffles you’ll walking parks best of Asrai eat. Gumbo’s ever offering views of the Blue Ridge served up authentic Cajun, Potomac and Mountains, the So, no matter while the Cathedral the Shenando the whitewat Café Valley over destination ah potato pancakeshas sweet roughly 20 your companio er miles of hiking trails. choose, you ns unique setting, and offers a can find somethin to keep you g that features plus a gift shop busy the work of ride the rapids while they artisans. All local – and you can restaurants hold their nearby Fayettevi are in wallets! lle.

TB_June_2016_

V11.indd 39

JUNE 2016 TRAILBLAZ

ER

Did you find the tree in this issue? Send your entry (postcards only) to:

39

5/13/16 1:55 PM

Postmark deadline is July 31, 2016

and remember –the tree could be a different color and size.

Answers can be found on page 64.

Friends Support Each Other

1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org

Adopt -AManatee

®

Photo © David Schrichte

AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

63

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 58

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 63.

Terms and Conditions for 2016 Referral Promotion from page 4.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2016, you will receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2016, 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 roundtrip 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 roundtrip 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 2017, not to exceed $545 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, 2017. 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, 2016 and December 31, 2016 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 Visa® Prepaid Card and you will not receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid 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 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 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.

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AUGUST 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Members always Save!

YEARNING FOR A KEYS ADVENTURE? Encore has two Keys locations that will surely please.

Fiesta Key RV Resort, located near Islamorada on Long Key, offers an on site marina and restaurant. With its incredible ocean views this is the perfect stop as you explore Long Key State Park and the nearby Dolphin Research Center.

One more perfect Keys location awaits further south. Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina is unique with its adjacent marina, tropical environment and proximity to Bahia Honda State Park. Fishing, kayaking, snorkeling all abound at this premier island in the Keys.

Sunshine Key RV Resort is also just 45 minutes from Key West where you will want to plan a day or two to take in all the shops and restaurants.

Visit RVontheGo.com or call 888-443-7301 to plan your Keys adventure today!

$499 One Month Special* Valid at Fiesta Key and Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina

Promo Code: TT499KEYS Valid 8/1/16 - 10/1/16

4 Nights for 2 on Sun-Thurs Stays* Valid at Fiesta Key and Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina

Promo Code: TT442KEYS Valid 8/1/16 - 10/1/16

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site, unless otherwise specified. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 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.

Thousand Trails honors our National Parks for a 100 years of dedication to preserving our nation’s parks for all to enjoy!

GREAT COVERAGE

For Every Mile of your Journey When the road opens up and you’ve got nothing but adventure on your mind, you’ll have one less thing to worry about with us on your side.

for your RV geico.com | 877-434-2678 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2016. © 2016 GEICO

NO ONE DOES IT BETTER

PROTECT YOUR PEACE OF MIND Thousand Trails Members Qualify For Association Discounts Attend A SkyMed Meeting For Details

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN AN EMERGENCY? SkyMed members simply call our toll-free number and speak to a caring SkyMed representative

24 SEVEN 365.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Hospital-to-Hospital Emergency Air Transport Vehicle & Vessel Return Visitor Transportation Transportation for Recuperation Nearer Home Commercial Carrier Medical Escort Flights

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Ground Ambulance Helicopter 100 Mile Waiver SkyMed Plus (Pet Return) Minor Children / Grandchildren Return Primary Driver Disability Physical Remains Return

800-679-2020

13.

14.

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www.skymed.com/thousandtrails

Escort / Companion Transportation Return Transportation After Recovery Incidental Expense Allowance Organ Retrieval Organ Recipient Transportation Global Emergency Travel Services