TrailBlazer Magazine - August 2017

AUGUST 2017

LO S A n g e l e s Glitz & GLAM

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AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

VOL. 39

■

WHAT’S INSIDE

ISSUE 7 /// AUGUST 2017

lifestyle

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5

Message from Marguerite

26 On the Road Rhett Grametbauer 38 LazyDays New RV Rental Program 43 4 Paws on the Road 44 Tech Topics 48 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer?

features

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14 LA Glitz & Glam Getaway More than 45 million tourists visited Los Angeles in 2016 – most likely choosing this sunny southern California location for its year-round fantastic weather, variety of cultural offerings, its beachy lifestyle and for a chance encounter with a bonafide Hollywood star or two!

46 Ask RV Bill 66 Circle M Yurt Village

calendars 8

On-Site Events

12 Local Events 64 Club Calendar

spotlight

regulars

24 Leavenworth, WA Tiny House Village

7

Pics From The Parks

31 Crossword Puzzle

If you’ve been searching for a new way to make your vacation experience more cute and cozy, book your next stay at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village, a Petite Retreat on the Thousand Trails Leavenworth RV Campground.

45 Sudoku Puzzle 50 Member Deals 62 Preferred RV Dealer List

32 America’s Wine Trails All 50 states produce wine and major production occurs in such states as New York, Michigan, Ohio and even New Mexico.

32 AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winners,

Arnie & Karen Hageman from Vista, CA

were camping at Colorado River, TX when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card! left to right: Manager Marty Scoggins, Arnie and Karen Hageman

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2017 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

When you pay your annual dues for 2017 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express® Prepaid Gift Card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2017. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2017, 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, 2017. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

▲ Leavenworth, WA

MESSAGE from MARGUERITE With summer in full swing, I am sure you and your friends are exchanging pictures and stories from your summer vacations. Whether that exchange be through sharing photos on your favorite social media channels (hopefully with our #100DaysofCamping towel!) or sharing actual printed photographs over lunch, a simple photo captures a memory that will be shared and cherished for many years to come.

I was speaking with a member of our team who recently returned from a trip and she found herself in awe throughout the entire course of her vacation.

Each stop along the way exceeded her expectations in its own unique way. Every destination prompted her to snap just a few more images to capture the moment and etch it in time. It was certainly a summer vacation that will be shared in conversations and photo shares for many years to come, and I’m sure her pictures inspired a few others to travel sooner rather than later.

As we were talking, I immediately began sharing some of my favorite Thousand Trails destinations across the country. There are a number of awe-inspiring destinations so many of us have had the pleasure of visiting but perhaps many new to Thousand Trails are unaware of these hidden gems. Consider this travel inspiration as you begin planning your next photo worthy vacation.

One that comes to mind is lookout point at Leavenworth.

The miles of walking trails throughout this campground will lead you to a spectacular view, leaving you feeling like you’re on top of the world. Or, spend some time boating and whiling away the day on the 120-acre lake at Lake of the Springs, surrounded by tall pines and beautiful water. Verde Valley sits just a few steps from an award winning vineyard, where you can sip favorites, take in the views, and watch for bald eagles flying overhead. And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the history surrounding Chesapeake Bay. From Yorktown to the Jamestown Settlement, these significant moments in history are sure to create memories for you and your family.

Explore, discover, and don’t hesitate to take a new trail – you never know what you’ll find. It might just be the key to a newly framed photo or story you’ll share for years to come. Here’s hoping you’re able to slow down and capture the image that will remind you of a memorable moment for years to come.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery EDITOR tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mellissa Dempsey 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.

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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 American Express® Prepaid 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:

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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.

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▲ Rancho Oso (CA): Relaxing in a hammock a short drive up the mountain.

– Ryan Clowers

PICS FROM THE PARKS

each i

ssue!

▲ Williamsburg (VA): Granddaughter learning how to mini-golf.

– Penny & Reginald Benthall

▲ Pacific City (OR): My daughter hiding her painted sanddollars around the campground for others to find.

– Candice Peterson

▲ Florida Keys (FL): Sunset Sailing – Joanne Johnson

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

AUGUST events Every weekend at Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds there are activities and fun for kids and adults of all ages. Check out what’s in store for this month and be sure to also check out your 2017-2018 Theme Weekends guide to get you going on your summer plans at Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds!

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Carnivals Foodie & Wine Festivals Food and wine lovers from all over will flock to these special events made just for them!

Food lovers will be thrilled to be at Circle M (PA) the weekend of August 4-6 for tons of food-filled activities. The same weekend is the 5th Annual Taste of Camping at Pine Country (IL). Join the folks at Paradise (WA) for a short drive to The 75th Loggers Jubilee in Morton, WA, the weekend of August 10. Enjoy the Wisconsin Wine Fest Celebration the weekend of August 11 at Arrowhead (WI).

There will be fun for the whole family plus hayrides, summertime crafts, glow-in-the-dark parade, and a movie screening. Make your favorite chowder for all to share and a chance to win prizes at Sturbridge (MA) the weekend of August 18. The folks at Idyllwild (CA) will celebrate Oktoberfest August 25-27. There will be German crafts, free beer tasting (with ID), German cuisine, and a performance from Glen Smith!

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AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

The county fair is where summer memories are made! Make even more memories at these carnivals and fairs at campgrounds across the country.

Join us at Bend-Sunriver (OR) on August 5 for the Carnival Jamboree, our most fun and kid-friendly event of the year. Kids will want to take all of the turns in the bounce house during carnival weekend at Moody Beach (ME) the weekend of August 4. A balloon artist and festive fair activities await at the Country Fair Weekend at Pacific City (OR), August 4-6. Join us at Tranquil Timbers (WI) for a trip to the past with old fashioned carnival games and new ones too.

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Sweet Tooth Indulge your sweet tooth and treat yourself to dessert before dinner during these sweet-themed weekends!

The folks at La Conner (WA) will be making their world famous “Tin Can Ice Cream” during the weekend of August 5-6 and providing toppings. Indulge in donuts with everyone at Lake Texoma (TX) on August 5. The same weekend, the folks at Rondout Valley (NY) will have a dessert potluck at the Dessert Social, complete with a chocolate fountain and prizes! The weekend of August 11 will be a chocolate lover’s favorite weekend at Wilmington (OH) so bring your favorite dish to the Chocolate Dessert Potluck Social and join us for the Chocolate Putt Putt Golf Tournament. There will be lots of sweet activities at Green Mountain (NC) the weekend of August 25 for Candy Land Wonders. There will be a life-sized version of that famous childhood game and live entertainment on Saturday. Don’t miss out on these sweet weekends!

Challenge Your Inner Chef!

Show off your best recipes at these food competitions this summer!

Sport your favorite team colors, uniforms, and banners while showing off your best chili at Yukon Trails (WI) the weekend of August 4! All chili is welcome – white, chicken, fire house, you name it!

Also, bring your best dessert to share! Join us at Grandy Creek (WA) the weekend of August 4 for the 2nd Annual Salsa Making Competition! Enter the chili and salsa contest the weekend of August 18 at Hershey (PA) plus fun crafts and games! The folks at Russian River (CA) will have their 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off on August 19. All contestants must register at the lodge the day before the event. Come show us your culinary skills on August 25 at Pacific City (OR) for the Appetizer Social and then, prepare your chili or cornbread for a competition on Saturday.

Luau Weekends See how low you can go at these Luau Weekends.

A BBQ potluck, pass the coconut, horseshoes, limbo contest, watermelon eating contest…sounds like a luau to us! And it’s happening at Twin Mills (IN) the weekend of August 4. Enjoy Hawaiian burgers, hula-hoops and the Limbo at Birch Bay (WA) the weekend of August 12. Kids can make decorations for our festivities too! Join us at Chehalis (WA) the weekend of August 18 for a Hawaiian dinner, limbo contest, hula-hoop challenges, for our luau! The same weekend, guests of San Benito (CA) will have a luau complete with Hawaiian Shave dice, hula dancing contests, lei making, and fire dancers performing after the pig roast dinner.

Some events may require a participation fee.

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Activities and Events – On-Site

Pool Parties Jump in the pool at these pool parties at Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds!

Water activities all weekend at Plymouth Rock (WI) the weekend of August 4. Also enjoy a pool party with DJ Just For Fun. This weekend is also Plymouth Rock’s traditional water Parade so come prepared to get wet! Come out to Lake Whitney (TX) the weekend of August 12 for the sand volleyball tournament and pool games. We dare you to bring your best water gun and join the water battle game at PA Dutch Country (PA) the weekend of August 11. Let’s see if you can stay dry this weekend.

Camp Wars!

Compete in the fiercest competitions of the summer!

Come join our farmer friends and neighbors as they display their old tractors and host the barnyard games at Gettysburg Farm (PA) the weekend of August 4. Come out and help us reclaim the Camp Wars trophy on Saturday, August 5 for tug-o-war, egg races, cornhole and more at Lake & Shore (NJ).

Race, inner tube, walk, jump, and crawl through the obstacle course at Bend-Sunriver (OR) on August 12 for the Great Triathlon Race and Obstacle Course!

Join us for an afternoon of Field Day events at Moody Beach (ME)! Get those poles and grab your bait on August 29 for the Fishing Derby Weekend at Lake Conroe (TX)! We will have prizes for the biggest, fattest and ugliest fish.

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AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Activities and Events – On-Site

Hoe Downs

Oldies/Decades

Grab your partner and get down at Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds this summer!

Reminisce and show off your favorite outfits from decades past at these special blast-from-the past parties at Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds.

Elvis may have officially left the building, but his memory is alive and well at Lake Minden (CA) where there will be an Elvis Impersonation contest at the Hot August Nights Barn Dance the weekend of August 11! Come dance at our Barn Dance at Kenisee Lake (OH) the weekend of August 18! Come learn different dance styles including square dancing, contra dancing, and more! Grab a partner at Indian Lakes (IN) the weekend of August 18 for the hoedown at the Pavilion! The folks at Timothy Lake N&S (PA) will have a special poolside concert with Roger “Hurricane” Wilson so come dance and enjoy the music!

Relive the music of the 60s and dance under the stars at the grassy beach at Chesapeake Bay (MA) for the Beach Shagging Weekend, August 4-6. Whether it was groovy or cool, wear it to the pool at Chestnut Lake (NJ) the weekend of August 4 for Oldies Weekend! There will be music, hot dogs, hula-hoop contest and all sorts of fun for a groovy weekend. Bring Back the 70s at Leavenworth (WA) with tie-dye, bell bottoms, and a disco ball also the weekend of August 4! Make a fashion statement and show off your bell bottoms, platform shoes, or polyester paisley pant suit from the 70s disco era at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) the weekend of August 11, Flashback to decades past with us at South Jetty (OR) the weekend of August 19.

Musical Performances by Thousand Trails!

It’s true – music makes the people come together! See what performances are in store in August.

Bring a dish to share at the Bluegrass Potluck and listen to the sounds of Justified at Harbor View (VA) on August 12.

Pick your favorite song and come battle it out on the stage at the dance hall at Soledad Canyon (CA) the weekend of August 11. Join us at Whaler’s Rest (OR) on Saturday August 19 for a performance from Bush Pilots. The weekend of August 18 is Gospel Fest at Natchez Trace (TN).

Deuces Wild will play a show at Plymouth Rock (WI) the weekend of August 18 for the Rock of Ages weekend!

Stomp your feet to the sounds of country-western music at Horseshoe Lakes (IN) the weekend of August 26.

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Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

OF

CALENDAR events

CHEHALIS (WA) August 4-6 Mossyrock Blueberry Festival Celebrate the blueberry harvest with live music, kids activities, vendors, and blueberries of course!

Free to attend and all day. Most events on Klickitat Prairie Park. mossyrockfestivals.org August 10-13 Morton Loggers Jubilee 75th Anniversary Lawnmower races, choker-setting, axe throwing, pole climbing, food, parade, and a 10K run! Located in the City of Morton. loggersjubilee.com

HARBOR VIEW (VA) August 19-20 38th Annual Rod Run to the Beach Free, Great Cars, Local Vendors, Amazing Food. Event is from 8am-4pm at Town Hill in Colonial Beach, VA. $35 fee to enter your car. colonialbeach.org 12

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

August 26-27 3rd Annual Waterfest Pony rides, treasure hunt, live music, food & craft vendors.

Sat: 11am-4pm, Sun: 12-3pm; at Colonial Beach, VA.

August 14-19 Northwest Washington Fair Carnival rides, great fair foods, awesome Grandstand entertainers, Demolition Derby, Rodeo, animal exhibits, quilts, canning, arts, photography, 4H and FFA exhibits.

Event goes from 9am-10pm at Lynden Fairgrounds. nwwafair.com/p/fair-and-rodeo/548

BIRCH BAY (WA) August 4-6 Birch Bay Music Festival The Birch Bay Music Festival is a fun filled family event with great music, vendors, food, a beer and wine garden, event T-shirts. This is a unique musical event that supports local animal welfare organizations.

Fun for the entire family, including your well mannered fur-kids. See website for event details. birchbaymusicfestival.com

August 12-13 Rollback Weekend Car show, cruising car show, live music, food & craft vendors. No charge for spectators. See website for details to enter show. birchbaychamber.com

LAKE MINDEN (CA) August 5-6 Fairytale Town Puppet Show: Animal Olympics Magician and ventriloquist, Tony Borders, presents Animal Olympics in the Children’s Theater. The animals learn their amazing abilities in this comedy, fact filled show! Times vary; check website for details. fairytaletown.org/events/puppetshow-animal-olympics/

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

VERDE VALLEY (AZ) Every Thursday Evening City of Cottonwood Old Town Farmer’s Market & Jamboree Annual free event that runs from July through September at Old Town Activity Park, beginning at 5pm. Shop locally grown fruits & veggies, homemade items, and more while listening to regional musicians. oldtownfarmersmarket.org

August 7 Full Moon Hike at Red Rock State Park Take a 2 hour hike, starting at 5pm, with a naturalist to enjoy the sunset and moonrise overlooking Sedona.

A non-refundable $5.00 program fee is required to reserve your spot in addition to the regular entrance fees on the day of the hike ($7 per adult, $4 per youth). Bring flashlight and closed-toed shoes. azstateparks.com/red-rock

RANCHO OSO (CA) August 4 Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade The 93rd anniversary of the nation’s largest equestrian parade. Parade starts at the west end of Cabrillo Boulevard, proceeds east along the beach to State Street, to Sola Street.

Free admission. sbfiesta.org

August 4-6 Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo Junior Tri-Counties riders compete in Breakaway Roping, Tie-down Roping, Team Roping and Barrel Racing. Riders compete in the Non-Pro Stock Horse Class and Buckaroo Class plus eliminations for the Open Stock Horse and Hackamore Classes. See website for detailed ticket information. sbfiestarodeo.org

TIMOTHY LAKE N & S (PA) Every Tuesday Shawnee on Delaware Join us on our front lawn throughout the summer for live music along the river’s edge with our farmers’ market and beer tent as well. This event is family friendly and free to attend. Event is from 6pm-8pm.

Shawneemt.com

LA CONNER (WA) August 12 Taste of Woodinville Dinner Cruise The August cruise will feature the “Taste of Woodinville,” and departs from Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes taking cruisers through the San Juan Islands. Winemakers to pour wines from 1-4pm, before cruise departs. hellamsvineyard.com August 31 Steve Owens and the Summertime Band Bring your lawn chairs for a free concerts on the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences lawn (rain or shine). Food and beverage vendors will be on site (sorry, no coolers).

Come out for some great music, food and dancing, from 6-8pm. imperialcentre.org/events

Some events may require a participation fee.

Activities and Events – Local

August 12-13 Funky Banana Festival Two day event at William Land Park in Sacramento, CA. Celebrates bananas, a staple food in many cultures. Enjoy baked goods, desserts, live entertainment, a chef’s’ challenge, a Little Mr. and Miss Banana Pageant, soap making, art exhibits and more. Admission prices vary, check website for details. Sat: 10am-7pm; Sun: 10am-5pm. sacbananafestival.com

LYNCHBURG (VA) August 4-6, 11-13 A Peachy Open House Sample wines made from peaches, nectarines, and apples at Peaks of Otter Winery. Three samples for free or taste 20 for $5 and also receive a souvenir glass. peaksofotterwinery.com August 19 Clover Hill Village Wine Festival The Appomattox County Historical Society is hosting their 7th Annual Clover Hill Village Wine Festival.

10 wineries, 25 craft vendors and 3 food vendors, plus live music and activities for all ages. appomattoxhistoricalsociety.org

PIO PICO (CA) August 6 Chula Vista Lemon Festival Lemon Festival celebrates Chula Vista’s heritage as the “Lemon Capital of the World” and will feature live entertainment, a kids’ fun zone and lemons galore. This event is free! 11am-5pm. thirdavenuevillage.com August 13 Cardiff Dog Days of Summer San Diego’s largest dog-centric event featuring local music, Lost Abbey beer garden, prizes for pups. Event is from 11am-6pm at Encinitas Community Park and this event is free. cardiffdogdaysofsummer.com August 19-20 41st Annual World Bodysurfing Championships 350-400 bodysurfers from around the world compete in their respective age divisions for trophies and prizes. Entry fee to compete: $75; free to watch. Event is from 6:30am-5pm at Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA. worldbodysurfing.org

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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LO S A n g e l e s Glitz & GLAM

by Joan Rykal

More than 45 million tourists visited Los Angeles is 2016 – most likely choosing this sunny southern California location for its yearround fantastic weather, variety of cultural offerings, its easy breezy, beachy lifestyle and of course, for a chance encounter with a bonafide Hollywood star or two!

Some basic history about Hollywood – Hollywood is not a suburb of Los Angeles but rather a neighborhood within the Los Angeles city limits. It was not always the glamorous town it is now and the beginnings of Tinsel Town are quite humble.

The motion picture industry did not get its foothold in this area until the early 1900s when filmmakers moved west to avoid dealing with patent issues related to Thomas Edison. Prior to the movies coming to town, Hollywood was an agricultural area with citrus groves, vineyards and other crops.

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AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

However, in 1911, the Nestor Motion Picture Company was established as the west coast production arm of the New Jerseybased Centaur Film Company.

Soon more production companies followed. By the mid-1920s, the Big Five, as they were known, were operating production companies in the area. The Big Five included 20th Century Fox, RKO Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

While the period of the 1920 and 1930s are considered Hollywood’s Golden Age for the movies, it adapted quite well with the advent of television and continues to be one of the world’s biggest moviemaking meccas.

If you’re planning a Los Angeles getaway and are looking to take in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, read on…

City of Flowers & SunshineThe

Big Tinseltown Orange

City of Angels

The Entertainment Capital of the World

La La Land

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AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Se e 100 Years of

Hollywood!

T

o start your star experience in LA, you may want to consider a tour of The Hollywood Museum. Billed as the official museum of Hollywood, the museum has more than 10,000 authentic pieces of movie memorabilia. Including costumes, props, photographs and scripts spread over four levels.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information visit thehollywoodmuseum.com.

Once you’ve had your history lesson, hop on a tour bus and let the guides take you around Tinsel Town to see the sights. Starline Tours has been in operation since 1935 and their standard tours will take you to city highlights as well as a tour past homes of the stars.

Starline’s four hour tour will take you through Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, the Original Farmer’s Market and also as close as you can get to the famous Hollywood sign without hiking a trail to it.

For tour information and pricing, visit starlinetours.com.

Another interesting way to learn all about Hollywood is to take one, or all, of the studio tours offered which include tours of Paramount Studios, Universal, Sony and Warner Bros.

The Warner Bros. tour, which is approximately 2 ½ hours, will take you through backlots and soundstages where some of Hollywood’s most popular movies and television shows

were made including the 1944 Academy Award Best Picture Winner Casablanca and the popular television series Friends.

Current shows filming on the Warner Bros. lot include The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Mom and The Ranch, so keep your eyes peeled because you never know who you might see. Comic book junkies will appreciate DC Universe: The Exhibit which features the heroes and villains of the DC comic books. Also for a limited time, Batmobiles from a number of the Batman films are on display. Lastly, Harry Potter fans will be excited to see costumes and props from the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

For Warner Bros. tour information visit wbstudiotour.com.

Paramount Studios offers three different tours, The Studio Tour, The VIP Tour and The After Dark Tour. Each offers something a bit different but all will provide you with a solid history of the 100 plus-year-old studio, which is the only remaining major studio from the golden days of Hollywood.

For tour information visit paramountstudiotour.com.

Sony offers a two hour walking tour of soundstages and sets as well as a history of the production company which was formed in 1982. Fans of Breaking Bad can see Walter White’s RV! For information on Sony tours visit sonypicturesstudiotours.com.

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The names of more than 2000 Hollywood celebs line the Hollywood Walk of Fame which covers more than a mile of Hollywood Boulevard. The names of those honorees are marked with a star embedded in the walkway and include not only movie stars, but musicians, directors and producers. Each year about 24 new honorees are inducted and the ceremonies are open to the public. For information visit walkoffame.com.

Opened in 1927, Grauman’s Chinese Theater is a Hollywood landmark and has been home to many movie premieres as well as the site of the Academy Awards from 1944 to 1946. The theater’s forecourt is where you can find the handprints and footprints of some of Hollywood’s biggest names from John Wayne to Johnny Depp. And there’s not just handprints and footprints here – you can also see an imprint of the Harry Potter wizards’ wands, Grouch Marx’ iconic cigar and the hoof prints of Trigger, Roy Roger’s famous horse. The theatre also offers tours to learn about the history of this Hollywood “movie palace.” For information visit tclchinesetheaters.com.

If you want to see some of Hollywood’s big names going about their everyday lives there are several places to view the stars in their “natural habitat.”

The Grove, which is an upscale shopping and dining area that also includes the famous Original Farmer’s Market, is one place to star search. In addition to actual scheduled celebrity events, stars have been known to dine at the restaurants and do a bit of shopping here.

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The adjacent Original Farmer’s Market, which has been in existence for more than 80 years, offers everything from fresh produce, meat and fish to spices, baked goods and ice cream. There are also merchandise vendors in this fabulous open air market offering one-of-a-kind clothing and jewelry as well as handmade items.

Both are located next to CBS Studios so your odds of a star sighting are greatly increased!

The Brentwood Country Mart is another opportunity to possibly see the rich and famous doing normal things like grabbing a cup of coffee or a quick sandwich.

The Country Mart is home to shops and restaurants and thanks to its Brentwood location, an area in which many stars make their home; this is a good spot to rub elbows with a star doing just regular stuff!

On the beaches of Malibu you may have a star sighting as many of them have homes here. As early as the late 1920s, Hollywood’s movie stars like Gloria Swanson and Barbara Stanwyck were heading to the Malibu Colony for a respite from the bright lights and grueling studio schedules. Nowadays many stars make their home here (actually they are typically second homes!) and either own or rent, with rent upwards of $25,000 a month for some homes. Tom Hanks, Jack Nicholson, Jennifer Aniston and Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have homes in Malibu while it is said Leonardo DiCaprio and Sting are among the renters. Most likely you won’t be able to build sandcastles right next to your favorite star but you can walk the public beaches in Malibu.

Soa k up the Sun in

Malibu

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HIKE the LA

Canyons

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Runyon Canyon is a 160-acre, dog friendly-park that is frequented by Jake Gyllenhaal, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel and is open from dawn to dusk. It has great hiking trails and views of LA. Bronson Canyon is actually part of Griffith Park and because it was once an operational quarry has several caves. You may recognize one of the cave openings as it served as the shot that was the entrance to the Batcave in the poplar 1960s Batman television series. Due to its rugged landscape, Bronson Canyon has been used as a location site for years. Many television shows used Bronson Canyon for location shots including The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke and Rawhide.

Another Malibu option for seeing stars in the Malibu Country Mart – like the Brentwood Country Mart, the Malibu Country Mart has upscale shops, eateries and quaint places to grab a cup of coffee.

Two restaurants of note in Malibu that may provide you a star experience are Nobu Malibu and Duke’s. Both offer fabulous ocean views and amazing seafood experiences.

According to Curbed LA, there are 11 areas where you can see stars getting their daily exercise, walking their dogs or playing with their kids. Those include Runyon Canyon, Bronson Canyon Park, Coldwater Canyon Park and Mandeville Canyon Fire Road.

The five-mile loop in Mandeville Canyon holds a piece of Cold War history that now offers panoramic views for hikers. The area was one of several summits around Los Angeles used as a Nike missile defense site in the 1950s to detect and intersect Russian missiles. The site has been preserved and now has several informative panels detailing the history. Jennifer Garner, Fergie and Josh Duhamel have been spotted hiking in this area.

A more child-friendly option is Coldwater Canyon Park which features two play areas and has a little river that runs through it.

There are also two picnic areas and a shaded arbor and several hiking trails.

For the gussied up type of glamour, consider other locales that may provide star sightings including the Beverly Hills Hotel, also known as the Pink Palace, or The Chateau Marmont.

The history of the Beverly Hills Hotel goes a long way back.

Located on Sunset Boulevard, the hotel has been ready for its close up since it came into existence in the mid-1900s. The list of hotel guests reads like a Who’s Who of Hollywood History and includes Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, and Grace Kelly. Music fans will recognize the exterior shot of the hotel that graces The Eagles Hotel California album. The hotel’s Polo Lounge was the setting for many movie scenes as well as some real-life mystery that surrounded the Watergate scandal.

The Chateau Marmont Hotel (which was originally an apartment house) was designed not only to look like a retreat in France’s Loire Valley but also to survive earthquakes, which it has done through at least five such major events while sustaining no damage. The hotel has a history of Hollywood’s bad behavior and sadly, it is also associated with the death of funnyman John Belushi who died in one of the hotel’s bungalows in 1982. The story goes that the hotel kept all the secrets inside and studio heads knew this, prompting Harry Cohn, who was head of Columbia Pictures during the 1930s to say “If you must get into trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.” It does have a positive history in that many movies have been shot here including the most recent Academy Award Best Picture nominee, La La Land. Both the restaurant and bar are open to the public so you can enjoy this historic hotel without being a hotel guest.

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As the oldest continually operating hotel in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has many a story to tell.

The first Academy Awards were hosted here in 1929 (the hotel opened in 1927 and construction was financed by Hollywood luminaries including Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford); the hotel bar is where Marilyn Monroe met Arthur Miller; Clark Gable and Carole Lombard stayed here, renting rooms for just $5; and the pool features a mural painted by David Hockney.

Oh and it’s also rumored to be haunted! Conveniently, if you’re doing the Walk of Fame or visiting Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the hotel is just steps away.

For a nostalgic dining experience (and possible star encounter) try Musso and Frank Grill, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. Opened in 1919, it has served everyone from Humphrey Bogart to The Rolling Stones. Famous for its martinis and traditional American fare, a dining event at Musso and Frank could include a sighting or two. Brad Pitt, Al Pacino and Drew Barrymore have dined here. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Other Hollywood notable events would include a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater that gets its name from the concave hillside in which the site is carved. The Hollywood

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Bowl is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has also featured some major concert events including The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Lady Gaga.and Pentatonix.

There is also a museum that features memorabilia and recordings of past events.

To see a schedule of events, visit hollywoodbowl.com.

You can also hike to the Hollywood sign via several trails in Griffith Park. Be advised you can’t get to the actual sign, but this is as good as you’ll get for a close up view of this iconic piece of Hollywood. Visit hollywoodsign.org for more information.

Multiple purchases from the shops on Rodeo Drive may be out of the budget for most ordinary people, but this area is worth the trip (you might spot a star or two here.) There are over 100 shops and boutiques as well as several coffee shops so you can enjoy a cup of java as you stroll along this roughly two mile shopping mecca of the rich and famous.

Sunset Strip is another thoroughfare worth a trip although most of the famous music venues are closed during the day. The Sunset Strip is actually Sunset Boulevard which separates Hollywood from Beverly Hills. Here you can see the famous Whiskey A Go Go where many bands, including The Doors got their start. Other famous rock clubs here include The Rainbow Club, The Roxy and the Viper Room. There are also shops and restaurants along the Strip.

Griffith Observatory

West

Explore HOLLYWOOD

A C elest i a l Hollywood E x p e r i e nc e Movie buffs know it as the backdrop to the iconic James Dean film, Rebel Without a Cause but to the astronomy enthusiasts, the Griffith Observatory is as a leader in public astronomy.

Since it opened in 1935, the Observatory has offered public telescope viewing in keeping with the mission of the observatory’s founder Griffith J. Griffith who left funds in his will for the express purpose of building the observatory. Griffith, who said “If all mankind could look through that telescope, it would change the world!” believed looking through a telescope could broaden human perspective.

According to the Observatory’s website more than 7 million people have looked through the Observatory’s original Zeiss 12inch refracting telescope since the Observatory opened. That’s a lot of changing perspectives!

The Observatory has several levels of exhibits and daily programs in both the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. The free public telescopes are available each evening and telescope demonstrators are on hand to assist.

Best of all, admission is free but there is a small fee for the planetarium shows. Also a great spot to see the Hollywood sign.

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Adeline Otto Hanna Rudolf Belle MODEST

LEADER

Poised Sophisticate

TINY HOUSE VILLAGE

NOW OPEN!

friends and family

accommodations and activities. f you’ve been searching for P Curl a way to R make A new PET ITE E T Ryour E A T Pwith E T IaTgood E R Ebook T RAEwith AE TTITE A PETITE RE T RAup EA T Belle; host friends with Adeline; vacation experience more cute dance through life with Hanna; and cozy, book your next stay take on a challenge with Otto; at the Leavenworth Tiny House explore nature with Rudolf.

Village, a Petite Retreat on the Whatever your goals are for your Thousand Trails Leavenworth vacation, these tiny houses have RV Campground. Whether you’re the personality and functionality looking for a getaway from the for a memorable getaway. hustle and bustle of Seattle, or are just curious to see what The town of Leavenworth is vacationing tiny is really like, the always brimming with cultural Leavenworth Tiny House Village activities and events with reasons is a great place to check out. to celebrate. The Leavenworth From Seattle, the Leavenworth RV Summer Theater is open until Campground is only a 2 ½- 3 hour the first week of September and drive and it’s a scenic one! this year, there will be multiple performances of The Sound of The tiny houses at Leavenworth Music, Annie, and Bye Byrdie.

RV Campground were created The Leavenworth Wine Walk in to complement the Bavarian September is also a great way to tradition of Leavenworth, explore downtown Leavenworth.

Washington, and allow visitors In the colder months, the town to immerse themselves in of Leavenworth hosts a huge the Bavarian village both in 24

COMPANION

Hanna dances through life and lives with Sweet Adeline has a love of tradition Belle is a friend to many and has never met a A bit of a class clown, Rudolf’s playful Known for his bravery, Otto is not one to shy infinite grace. She is a lover of the arts, and family heirlooms. Forever the stranger. demeanor leaves him loved by many.

He isShe’s best known for her kind soul and away from a challenge. He is a natural born specifically dance and music. Each day, hostess, she’s a fan of all holidays and overly friendly and can make evenwillingness the shyest to help others. A lover of poetry, she leader and leads with pride and integrity. A brings an air of sophistication to the goes all out for each and every one. individual, Otto works toHanna keeps her favorites handy at all times and individual feel welcome. Though he’s certainly confident build up world and is recognized for her poise and Her enthusiasm for bringing her loved constantly a people person, Rudolf enjoys his me time,seeks out new collections. Belle has the those around him. He dives into tasks with compassion. At the same time, she has the ones together is contagious. When she ability to lose herself in a book for hours, and specifically in nature. He finds solace in the enthusiasm and passion, and has yet to find a ability to make everyone feel welcome isn’t planning the next big event, she you’ll often find her doing just that. Small winter months and is most active when there’s challenge he can’t overcome. His modesty regardless of the circumstance. She keeps her focuses her time on ancestrythroughout and actions go a long way forby BelleAnnie and she looks for Berman snow on the ground. Skiing, snowshoeing, it all remains one of his greatest head up and always looks out for her closest tracing her family’s roots. the positive in each and every day. sledding, sleigh rides, Rudolf loves it all! attributes. Otto is an inspiration to all he meets.

LEAVENWORTH

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PL AYFUL

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Oktoberfest celebration and R E T R E AaTChristmas wonderland becomes A PE T I T E R E T R E AT once the snow begins to fall. No matter the season, there is always something to see or celebrate in Leavenworth. Visiting Seattle?

Check out the famous Pine Street Market for the freshest seafood or delectable mini-doughnuts at Daily Dozen Doughnut. Head to the top of the Space Needle for an incredible view of the city and stop by the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition next door for a unique and artful excursion.

Explore all of the personalities at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village! Belle, Otto, Rudolf, Adeline, and Hanna are all waiting to join you on your next Pacific Northwest adventure.

V I L L A G E

Vacation Tiny at Leavenworth!

Learn more at LeavenworthTinyHouse.com AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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On The Road

WRITER, NFL FAN, AND FILMMAKER

RHETT GRAMETBAUER

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 Rhett Grametbauer, who visited all 30 NFL stadiums in one season and wrote a book, 25,000 Miles to Glory, about his experience.

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All photos courtesy of Rhett Grametbauer

R

hett Grametbauer, an intensely passionate football fan, writer, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and proud owner of a 1967 split-window VW Bus decided to live out a childhood dream of visiting every NFL stadium in one season – travelling in his bus, “Hail Mary.” Accompanied by fellow football fan and producer, Grayson Berry, the two adventurers set out to discover the NFL through the colorful lens of its fans, making it to every stadium and taking in 32 games in 16 weeks.

The resulting book, 25,000 Miles to Glory: Football, Freedom, Friendship, and America, was released in 2016. A fun 90-minute documentary film was also released the same year.

What prompted you to take this trailblazing trip, which resulted in the book and even a film?

I’ve been a football fan my entire life and I grew up in what I would consider to be the golden age of football. Steve Sabol and NFL Films made football games into stories and the players into larger than life characters.

The stadiums were something that I found fascinating and always wanted to see them in person. Sadly, the stadiums that I grew up with are quickly being replaced. It would have been a tragedy to have places like Candlestick Park, Jack Murphy Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, the Metrodome, and others be destroyed without me seeing them in person.

purpose to tailgate. I have made a few modifications, but she still struggles to go 60 mph downhill.

The VW Bus did not have air conditioning and for most of the trip our heater was not connected. It is a four-speed manual transmission [with] no power steering that rides five people and uncomfortably sleeps three. Other perks of driving Hail Mary on the trip were that she didn’t have windshield wipers for most of the trip, took on water during heavy rains, and overheated in the September heat.

What was your favorite thing about travelling to the stadiums in your VW?

▲ “Hail Mary” Tailgating

Tell us specs, history, and about the “Hail Mary” name of your Volkswagen Bus? Hail Mary is named after the famous football play in 1975 of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach and wide receiver Drew Pearson that beat the Vikings. She is a 1967 SplitWindow Volkswagen Bus that I bought in 2011 for the sole

Driving a split-window VW Bus is unlike any experience. It is not the perfect road trip vehicle, despite all of the romantic notions that people have when looking at the bus. As I was told on the trip, a VW Bus is not made for long road trips. This was news to me, but despite the discomfort of riding in a VW Bus for over 25,000 miles, there are many positives from the experience.

The VW Bus attracts everyone.

We didn’t stop at a gas station, a restaurant, or go through a city without someone telling us their AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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▲ Soldier Field, IL

▲ Lucas Oil Stadium, IN

▲ Game Day Tickets

▲ Nissan Stadium, TN

▲ Met Life Stadium, NY

VW story. The VW community is extremely close and many times air-cooled VW people around the country helped us to stay on the road. I also think driving to the stadiums in Hail Mary added a certain flair for our arrival. It was not long before word spread from city to city that we were coming.

Everyone wanted to see Hail Mary even more than they wanted to meet the people inside.

VW Bus provides, are memories I will have with me forever. In New Mexico, it felt like I was driving in the stars. I have never seen such a beautiful sky.

Denver on opening night of the season was a great experience as well. There isn’t really a bad experience to be had in the NFL.

What were a few favorite things onboard?

Ironically, and not while you are going through them, but the struggles were some of my favorite things. Breaking down at 3:00am in rural North Carolina, or just outside of Pensacola, and having to call on “Wild Bill” to get you going again were strangely enjoyable experiences. To test yourself and the team around you to see if you can stay on the road and make it to the next stadium was an unforgettable experience.

I drove the entire way and some of the scenery that you get to see when traveling the country at all hours of the day and night, along with the unique perspective a 28

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Driving a VW Bus and worrying about making it to your next destination and breaking your life down from game to game forces you to live in the moment.

You become more aware of the people, places, and things around you. I relive a little bit of the trip every day.

What was your favorite stadium and why?

It is difficult for me to separate the stadium from the awesome fans we met of each team and the atmosphere around the stadium. I have written about my experience at the Bills game and Hammer’s Lot. That should be on everyone’s football bucket list. Cleveland with the Pumpkin Nation is one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL. I would love to spend a football season in Cleveland and immerse myself in everything Browns and I am not a Browns fan, but that is just how great the people are in Cleveland.

For actual stadiums, the Cowboys, Seahawks, Broncos, Eagles, Steelers, to name just a few, have really great stadiums, but if I had to pick a stadium that was my favorite it would be Arrowhead Stadium. I am not a Chiefs fan, but grew up watching their games on NBC with Merlin Olson and Dick Enberg. It was always a loud stadium and became an iconic place to a young football fan. To see it in person and experience everything Arrowhead was a dream come true.

Least favorite?

My least favorite is also strangely one of my favorites. Candlestick Park was difficult to get to and maybe more difficult to get around. It was not in a great part of the Bay Area, which made it even more underwhelming.

What it lacked in convenience and comfort it more than made up for as a football field itself.

Candlestick Park was home to so

▲ Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA

▲ Oakland Alameda Coliseum, CA

▲ Mercedes-Benz Superdome, LA

▲ Martha Firestone Ford, OH

▲ Lincoln Financial Field, PA

▲ Raymond James Stadium, FL

many of the historic moments of my NFL growing up. The field was either always dressed in sun or the conditions of the field were so bad that it was legendary. To see that sun-baked field illuminating the gold of the 49ers helmets was one of the best moments of the trip. It was at a time when I could relax, be in the moment, and just enjoy the experience.

was phenomenal. The Giants fans we interviewed had just met us and offered us anything and everything we could eat. The Black Hole had some of the best food I’ve eaten and the tailgating in Houston is on par with anyone in the NFL.

this trip I feel like I have made friends for life all around the country.

Tell us about the tailgating.

Tailgating has almost become an art and it is open to interpretation from stadium to stadium as to what tailgating means. To some, it means a giant RV and to others it’s wherever you can find a flat piece of land to eat, drink, and be merry. The commonality between every stop is the camaraderie between fans.

We met the Jaggin’ Wagon in Jacksonville, which is a former medical supply van decked out in the Jacksonville Jaguars logo; the Charger King in San Diego, who tailgates in a camper called the King’s Coach; and the legendary Black Hole Tailgate in Oakland.

The hospitality at these and every other tailgate around the country

Any favorite meals or restaurants during the trip?

The beauty of tailgating is it breaks down all of the artificial barriers that society has put in place in getting to know someone.

My favorite meal of the entire trip was getting wings at Duff’s in Buffalo with Hammer, who owns Hammer’s Lot. We had just been introduced to Hammer and, after he finished mowing his yard at night, he offered to take us to get authentic wings. We ordered more wings than any four people should eat in a month. They were unequivocally the best wings I’ve ever eaten and to finally have wings in the birthplace of Buffalo wings made them taste even better.

All that really matters is that you are a football fan and looking to enjoy yourself before the game. It is amazing how many people welcomed us (complete strangers) into their lives and tailgates. I don’t know how big their houses are, what they do for a living, or what kind of car they drive, but I do know how great of people they are and what interesting stories they tell. After

There was also the Liberty Diner in Mexico, Missouri. I couldn’t tell you much about the food, but showing up in the middle of the night in a ’67 VW Bus and have everyone stare at you was an experience. I contemplated running out and hoping Hail Mary would start until one of the locals gave us the customary, “Howdy.”

Somehow that gave us permission to stay and embrace the hospitality of the Liberty Diner.

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“

The commonality between every stop is the camaraderie between fans.

“

us in Hail Mary. The cameraman’s first and last question was, “Does it always smell like gas and oil in here?” We had become oblivious to the ambience in Hail Mary.

Tell us about the book and the film.

▲ Grand Canyon

Do you have any funny stories from the road you can share?

When we were in Philadelphia going around the art museum with our producer at NFL Films, there was a Ferrari that pulled up next to us at a stop light. I made eye contact with the driver of the Ferrari and gestured that we wanted to race. [I’d] never met the producer at NFL Films before, but I am sure he enjoyed Hail Mary trying to beat an Italian sports car.

There was another time when NFL Films had a camera crew ride with 30

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The story of 25,000 Miles to Glory is more than just football.

To me it is about pursuing a lifelong dream. This could have been about anything, but for me it just happened to be football. Everyone has or should have a dream and what I try to convey is that we did not have any advantages or resources, but that somehow made us more resourceful.

Just as there is more to my story, there is more to the story of the people we interview besides football. Football and their NFL team is just what makes those people come alive. When you see the film or read the book, it is important to see these people

as more than face painting fans or strange devotees to the Volkswagen Bus. These are people that have come alive because of football or a VW Bus, just as this trip helped me to come alive and actually live a life.

I think if all you get from the story is football, then you will be happy and have enjoyed the film or book but will have missed much of the deeper meaning behind the story and lessons that can help you in your own life. Treat others with kindness and enjoy them for who they are, regardless of what team they root for, embrace each day, and see it as an opportunity to work towards living a dream.

We ran out of brakes three times and had countless issues in between, but we made it. If someone says they watched or read 25,000 Miles to Glory and found inspiration for their own lives, then the experience and all of the suffering will have been worth it.

What is the next big adventure for Hail Mary?

Hail Mary is constantly asking to hit the road again, but we have no definite plans.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 65.

ACROSS 1 Subject (abbr.)

5 Killer of Castor 9 Agent (abbr.)

12 Eight (Lat.) 13 Informer: slang 14 Canon 15 Green Bay tribe 16 Silk (Fr.) 17 Master of Business Administration (abbr.)

18 Corrode 20 Equilibrium 22 Metal Refuse 25 Outer (pref.)

26 Illumination unit 27 Recombinant letters 29 Murderer of Siegfried 33 Old Gr. coin 35 Youngster 37 Venetian traveler 38 Birthplace of Columbus 40 Atomic Energy Commission (abbr.)

42 Suitcase 43 Florida (abbr.)

45 47 50 51 52 54 58 59 60 61 62 63

Eric Rom. shield Adverb (abbr.)

Tablet Irish assembly Bedouin headband cord Amer. Bar Assn. (abbr.)

Son of Isaac Achy Arabic letter Narrow street Plunder

DOWN 1 Distress signal 2 Fiddler crab genus 3 British thermal unit (abbr.)

4 Wag 5 Wink 6 Burmese knife 7 Appear 8 Outline 9 Charity 10 Taro

11 19 21 22 23 24 28 30 31 32 34 36 39 41 44 46 47 48 49 53 55 56 57

Poetic contraction Succor Nipa palm Trudge Geometric solid Oxford Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.)

Asian desert Dash Strong ale Warehouse area Reduce Chemist’s pot Sp. hero David’s commander Weak Russ. beer Fr. plane Woman’s work basket Hereditary property John, Gaelic Tibetan gazelle Amer. Red Cross (abbr.)

Grouse’s courtship area

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by Joan Rykal

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When you think of wine regions in the US most likely California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys come to mind or possibly the entire west coast as more than 90 percent of America’s wines come from western states. But in reality, all 50 states produce wine and major production occurs in such states as New York, Michigan, Ohio and even New Mexico.

Enter the world of enotourism and enjoy a glass or two as TrailBlazer hits the wine trail this month to uncover some of the best places to enjoy America’s wines. By the way, enotourism is defined as “tourism whose purpose is, or includes, the tasting, consumption or purchase of wine near its source.”

FLORIDA Certainly not the first state you’d think of as an alternative to the west coast wine producers, but Florida does have 20 wineries sprinkled around the state. Conveniently, four are close to several Encore/Thousand Trails east coast options.

San Sebastian Winery, who get their grapes from their vineyard in Clermont, offers tastings as well as tours of their 18,000 square foot production facility located in St. Augustine. Tours are offered daily and the facility is child-friendly.

Visit sansebastianwinery.com.

Located in Satsuma, Florida, Log Cabin Farm and Vineyard and Winery specialize in muscadine wine made “by hand.” Visit the winery to find out exactly what that means and don’t miss their “Annual Old Florida Harvest Festival” held each August.

For more Florida wineries, visit visitflorida.com.

Encore’s Bulow RV Resort is nearest to the wineries listed above.

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▲ Milla Nova Winery, KY

KENTUCKY

▲ Chateau Thomas Winery, IN

INDIANA Indiana has six different wine trails throughout the state and some even consider the Hoosier State to be the new Napa Valley.

Indiana has seen a growth in wineries going from just nine in 1989 to more than 80 today.

The trails are spread throughout the state but we’ll highlight those conveniently located to our campgrounds. You can get a description of all six trails by visiting indianawines.org.

The Indy Wine Trail is within minutes of downtown Indianapolis and features four wineries, all of them awardwinning. Buck Creek Winery, Cedar Creek Winery, Chateau Thomas Winery and Easley Winery are all near the state capital.

Buck Creek Winery’s tasting room features 30 wines in rotation and the winery also plays host to live music and food truck events.

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Cedar Creek is not only a winery, but also a brewery and distillery while Chateau Thomas recently unveiled Slender, a carb-free wine!

The Cardinal Flight Wine Trail features five wineries in Central Indiana. Blackhawk Winery and Vineyard is located on farmland so in addition to the vineyards there are also cows and chickens.

Don’t miss the Summer Pairing events which feature live music and wine pairings.

Traders Point is the newest winery on the Cardinal Flight Wine Trail and features a dozen wines and offers tastings.

Horseshoe Lakes RV Campground is your best bet for the Indy Wine Trail while Indian Lakes RV Campground is best for the Cardinal Flight Wine Trail in Central Indiana.

When you think of Kentucky in terms of liquor production, most likely you think of bourbon, but Bullitt County, which is actually home to parts of Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail, features four wineries as well and all are part of the Bullitt Wine & Whiskey Trail. Wineries include Brooks Hill Winery, Forest Edge Winery, Milla Nova Winery and White-Meyer Winery.

Brooks Hill sits atop Brooks Hill, of course. In addition to great wines, they offer a free summer concert series where you are welcome to bring a picnic basket and enjoy the winery and its great views. Try the Blackberry & Blueberry which is a blend of blackberry and blueberry wine or the Chocolate Razz dessert wine which blends raspberry wine and chocolate.

White Meyer was Bullitt County’s first commercial vineyard when it opened in 1996. Family owned and operated it produces awardwinning wines from Kentucky grapes. For tasting room hours and other event information visit wight-meyervineyards.com.

For more information on the Wine & Whiskey Trail, visit online at travelbullitt.org.

Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf is the closest location to the above mentioned wineries.

MICHIGAN Michigan’s success with grapes is largely due to its lake-dominated climate. The Mitten State has 125 wineries but we’ll focus on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.

You can find a listing and more information on Michigan wineries at michigan.org/wineries.

The Lake Michigan Shore Trail has more than a dozen wineries within a short distance of each other.

Fenn Valley Vineyards and Wine Cellar is open yearround for tastings and their tours are designed to “strike a balance between education and entertainment.” The tours last just under the two hour mark and include tastings throughout.

Or you can just choose to enjoy a glass of wine on one of the winery’s many patios. On Oct. 17, the winery has a 10K/5K/1-Mile Walk scheduled across a course that winds through the vineyards and an adjacent farm. For more information visit fennvalley.com.

Cody Kresta Vineyard and Winery is steeped in the tradition of three generations of wine making.

Learn about their wines and the grapes which are grown right on the estate in their Tasting Room which is open year-round.

For Tasting Room hours, visit codykrestawinery.com.

Mark your calendars for the weekend of September 8-10 and enjoy the Wine and Harvest Festival in Paw Paw, Michigan.

This family friendly event includes tastings, a parade and an all-ages wine stomp, Thousand Trails Bear Cave RV Campground is the best home base for enjoying the wineries of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. ▲ Fenn Valley Vineyards, MI

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NEW YORK The Hudson Valley in New York is home to the Dutchess Wine Trail, so named for the county in which the wineries are located, and while it only features two wineries, the bucolic countryside drive between them is not to be missed.

Educational tours and tastings are on the menu at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, which has been touted as “the Hudson Valley’s flagship winery.” A 5K Wine Run through the vineyards is set for August 26 while the 27th Annual Harvest Party is scheduled for October 14.

While Millbrook is considered the flagship, Clinton Vineyards has been called “the jewel in the crown of the Hudson Valley.” Set on 100 acres, they offer tastings from Champagne to Rose to Riesling. Check out their website at clintonvineyards.com for not only more information on the vineyard but also some great recipes and wine pairings.

Thousand Trails Rondout Valley RV Campground is most conveniently located to the Dutchess Wine Trail.

▲ Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, NY 36

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▲ Ingleside Plantation Winery, VA

VIRGINIA “Good wine is a necessity of life for me.” This quote has been attributed to perhaps the most famous Virginian, Thomas Jefferson. And Jefferson was indeed an advocate for wine making in Virginia and the state now has more than 250 wineries.

We will focus on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail which has eight wineries along the trail.

Animal lovers will appreciate the reason behind the name of the Dog and Oyster Vineyard – according to the vineyard’s website the name comes from the rescue dogs that reside in the vineyard to protect the grapes from deer and other animals. In addition to the vineyards unique guard system, they also have a Wine Stand, which is their version of a tasting room. For more information about this winery, visit dogandoyster.com.

Ingleside Vineyards has been producing its award-winning wines since the 1980s and has over 18 types from Sparkling to Sangiovese. Open daily, they offer tastings and tours and were noted in both Coastal Living Magazine and Southern Living as a wine destination not to be missed.

Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay and Thousand Trails Harbor View RV & Camping Resort are conveniently located to the wineries of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.

▲ Grape Creek Vineyards, TX

TEXAS Enjoy the beauty of Texas Hill Country while you explore more than 50 wineries scattered across this picturesque part of the Lone Star state.

Hop aboard the tram and explore the vineyards while touring Grape Creek Vineyards. You can taste wines direct from oak barrels as well as learn about the history and winemaking process of this Fredericksburg vineyard. The winery also includes Stoutt’s Trattoria where you can enjoy lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner on Fridays and Saturdays or Sunday brunch. Live music events are also on the schedule.

For more winery information visit grapecreek.com.

Dry Comal Creek Vineyards in New Braunfels is considered a pioneer in Black Spanish winemaking, which refers to a specific grape that is resistant to a bacteria that can be deadly to grapevines. Dry Comal’s Black Spanish wines are a consistent award-winner. The winery’s Tasting Room is open seven days a week. For more information visit drycomalcreek.com.

For more information on the Texas Hill Country wineries visit texaswinetrail.com.

Thousand Trails Medina Lake RV Campground is your best choice for a location near the Texas Hill Country wineries.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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TRY

BEFORE YOU

BUY

Lazydays RV Rentals & Much More!

by Lynn & Cele Seldon

RVers are definitely passionate about the RV lifestyle and many love sharing it with others. One of the best ways to “convert” non-RVers to get involved in RVing is by getting them on the road. And a great way to do this is to get them to rent an RV and join them on a trip.

Lazydays’ four rental locations (Tampa, Florida, Loveland and Denver, Colorado, and Tucson, Arizona) provide a perfect 38

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

“Try Before You Buy” one-stop shopping way to try on the RV lifestyle with others who already know the ropes. Lazydays RV is a well-respected RV dealer that operates the nation’s largest single-site dealership in Tampa, with 1,500-plus RVs for sale at any one time (2,500-plus nationwide), a sprawling Accessories & More retail store (Florida’s largest), 230-plus service bays and more than 100 RV technicians, in-house financing and insurance, three restaurants, a popular 300-site campground, RV rentals, and

much more. They also have three full-service locations in Colorado and one in Tucson, Arizona.

Back in Florida, Lazydays RV Rentals, Lazydays RV Resort, and many nearby Thousand Trails and Encore campgrounds mean RV owners who want to introduce RVing to friends and family can share the experience through the rental program. The varied highquality rentals (Class As, Class Cs, fifth wheels, and travel trailers) make it easy to learn more about RVing at the source – from and with experienced experts.

Depending on the size and style of the rental, daily rates range from $99 to $500 a day, with weekly and monthly discounts and other frequent specials.

All Lazydays RV rentals include unlimited miles and free generator use. The experience is easy and offers everything that you need for your RV trip, including convenience kits, and varied “extras” for a fee (like a Kitchen Kit, a Linen Kit, outdoors

gear, bike racks, insurance, and delivery and pick-up of rentals within 50 miles).

Many RVers introducing family and friends to RVing bring or meet them at the suburban Tampa location, where Lazydays

RV Rentals staff provide a thorough and well-organized overview of the RV’s amenities and operations. Once briefed, many renters then choose to stay at Lazydays RV Resort to test drive their rig then explore the lifestyle with their RVing friends or on their own. Many of them also decide to spread their wings and can check out more than two dozen Thousand Trails and Encore offerings across the Sunshine State (many within two hours of Lazydays RV).

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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Pet-friendly Lazydays RV Resort is legendary for providing paved sites of varying lengths, full 30/50amp hookups, water and sewer connections, complimentary morning newspaper delivery, free premium coffee, wi-fi throughout the campground, cable TV, onsite dog runs, and trolley service to and from the main Lazydays RV building. Other amenities include tasty Exit 10 Restaurant & Pub (housed in what appears to be a Class A RV with lots of great black-and-white photos and camping paraphernalia and artwork on the walls), a screenedin and heated pool and hot tub, a laundry facility, a 12,000-squarefoot “rally” center, lots of special events, a shuttle to the nearby Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, propane delivery, golf cart and bike rentals, and more.

Even those not staying at the Lazydays RV Resort are welcome at Exit 10 Restaurant & Bar. The menu features fun names for widely varied possibilities, including Back Road Nachos, 40

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Diesel Pusher Chicken Wings, Class A Caesar Salad, Toot Your Own Horn Chili, Road Pizza, Front Cap Burger, Green Light Veggie Burger, Joy Sticks (French fries), and Coach Potatoes (chips).

Along with great food and atmosphere, Exit 10 (including a busy Happy Hour) is also a great place to meet experienced RVers who know the ropes and love sharing their passion for RVing. Many campers also opt for complimentary or affordablypriced breakfast and lunch over at The Front Porch at the main sales building complex during their stay.

There’s also a helpful concierge in the main building, who can help with tickets to local attractions, car rentals, and much more.

Also over at the main building area, which is surrounded by hundreds of RVs for sale, the sprawling Accessories & More store awaits with an all-in-one shopping experience. This “candy store” for experienced RVers and first-timers alike is a very popular place.

Thanks to 20,000 square feet of retail space, it’s Florida’s largest RV accessories store with everything that an RVer and camper could need.

Centered around a “Center Court” area and featuring wide aisles and easy-to-follow flow, features of the Accessories & More store include: an electronics section; an always-staffed “Expert Counter;” an insurance kiosk with quickturnaround online quotes; a Coleman Camping Gear area; a biking section; and a lounge area for remodeling, collision and body repair, detailing, and larger RV accessory purchases and installation. A complementary Accessories & More website features more than 40,000 products for purchase online.

The Accessories & More store also includes a Learning Center which features a packed schedule of educational seminars, including classes with topics ranging from tire safety to RV electricity,

Photos courtesy of LazyDays GPS usages, and much more.

When there isn’t a class in session, the Learning Center airs the Travel Channel’s Big Time RV, which is filmed exclusively at Lazydays RV in Tampa, Florida, Tucson, Arizona, and Loveland, Colorado.

The Learning Center is also the location of RV Driver Confidence Course motorhome training, which includes two hours of classroom training in the morning and a two-hour driving session in the afternoon. Participants learn RV driving basics and tips and techniques from an RV driving expert, while gaining confidence from behind the wheel of an RV. Although the course is one of the many benefits of purchasing an RV from Lazydays, others can still take the course for a fee.

Discount pricing is available to those staying at the RV Resort and a free refresher course is available within a year of first taking the course.

At the rear of the store, there’s also a full-service 400-squarefoot Travel Center staffed by representatives of Thousand Trails Campgrounds and Encore RV Resorts. They can help with information and videos about their sites, detailed travel planning of their more than 180 campgrounds and RV Resorts, as well as work with new Lazydays RV purchasers, who receive a free 14-day camping card valid at participating Thousand Trails or Encore RV Resorts when they purchase an RV at any Lazydays dealership. Certain restrictions do apply.

Those who purchase a qualifying diesel RV from Lazydays RV are automatically enrolled in the company’s exclusive Crown Club, which includes its own purchase and service consultants, special service bays, a Luxury RV Showcase, a separate Crown Club Delivery Site, a lounge and restaurant, and more.

Your Adventure Awaits!

Class, B, Class C, or a Travel Trailer – we have great rentals to choose from. Visit lazydays.com for further information about RV rentals, the RV Resort, and RV sales, service, accessories, and much more. Lazydays RV Rentals are also available in Colorado and Arizona.

It’s no wonder that it’s a one-stop RVer paradise for veterans and first-timers alike.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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S A L E S \ S E R V I C E \ AC C E S S O R I E S \ R E N TA L S

NATION’S TOP SELECTION OF RV BRANDS

OV E R 2 , 5 0 0 RVS

LARGEST SELECTION OF NEW & PRE-OWNED RVS Available in all shapes, sizes and floorplans. Lazydays offers the most experienced and knowledgeable RV professionals in the industry. Lazydays offers extensive walkthrough and training with our sale experts on any RV purchase.

TRUST LAZYDAYS’ RV EXPERTS WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS Our highly skilled staff offers experienced RVIA/RVDA master certified technicians skilled to handle your service needs. Maintenance services and emergency RV tech support available. RV technicians average 14+ years of experience working on RVs.

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AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

VISIT LAZYDAYS.COM/TRAILBLAZER

5 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU FLORIDA, ARIZONA AND COLORADO

CALL 866.531.6818

4

paws ROAD

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

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Jen, I have a very petite and short legged French bulldog named Harley who is two years old. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah where the summers can get very warm and as you know, this breed dog is prone to overheating. Even on cooler days when he gets playing hard, I can tell that he struggles with his breathing and needs to cool down. We bought a children’s size plastic pool last year and he does enjoy jumping into it and getting his little feet wet.

Do you have any thoughts for helping to get him into the water further? I already own an ice vest that I keep in the freezer and put on him when he is struggling/ excessively panting. In addition, we use a cooling gel pad for him to rest on in the AC and inside the RV. On a side note, Thank you for encouraging me to feed my dog Primal raw food from the get-go of his addition to our family. He has zero allergies, zero skin conditions and his coat is seriously soft. Our vet is very impressed and Harley is the love of our lives!

Cheers, Corrinne JENN Thank you for your inquiry and I absolutely understand the importance of paying attention to our individual pets needs as they vary widely. I am a big fan of various different cooling coats and

by Jenn Gehr

gel pads- Smart thinking on your part and I love that you have a small pool that Harley can get into.

I suggest making the depth of the water enough where he can fully submerge his belly as well as his chest. Find an area in your yard where you can lower the pool into the ground a bit making it easier for your short legged friend to jump in and out of the plastic children’s pool. Fantastic Fan, by Atwood, makes a DC plug-in fan called the Endless Breeze, which I love to use when I am out camping off the grid. This fan is lightweight and can be used in the cigarette lighter of a car. The pups jump in their cooling pool and sit in front of the fan. Smart little ones! Hugs to you and Harley Man! Hi, Jenn! As fellow full-time RV years there are times when I feel like my dog is extra sore and/or stiff from a hard day of hiking.

My husband and I have a constant battle whether or not it’s safe to give a dog human aspirin or ibuprofen. Funds are very limited and we are not in constant contact with a regular veterinarian as we are always traveling on the road.

We do not have regular Internet access and know better than to believe all that we read on line anyway! Any tips you might have that would be alternative to meds would be helpful for our lifestyle.

How do I know who a really good vet is and how can I locate one?

Thanks, Rich and Keri

JENN I highly recommend that you avoid giving your pet human anti-inflammatories without specific instruction from a licensed veterinarian. Ibuprofen is an absolute no! Each animal has different needs and many, just like humans, have underlying conditions that we may or may not be aware of. Adding a human type drug to a dog or cats delicate system could be potentially hazardous, even fatal. Make sure that when your pet looks sore or uncomfortable, you go easy on them for several days. Even some gentle massage several times a day can be beneficial in pets of all ages. Our bodies tell us when we have overdone it and it’s equally important to take note when our pets are acting sore or stiff.

Unfortunately, our pets age much more quickly than we do and if you find that yours is not recovering as well from a strenuous workout day, is off his or her regular feed or having trouble standing up or laying down or jumping up the stairs, I do strongly suggest that you please take your pet in to a veterinarian for an exam. That way, you can know exactly what you’re dealing with and have the proper medicine to help and not hurt your animal for years to come. Thank you for the inquiry on how to locate a quality vet no matter where you go and it’s a web site that I have used several times over the years in our travels.

Look for an “AAHA Accredited” Veterinary Hospital- here you will find the highest standard of veterinary excellence available for all of your beloved pets.

For more info, see aaha.org.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

43

TECH

TOP CS

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

by Paul and Kerri Elders This month, we’ll take a quick look at an important and inexpensive RV fitting that needs to be in every RVer’s toolbox: a water pressure regulator. We’ll also investigate some bedliner options for pickup trucks and take a gander at some great reasons to inspect your exhaust system.

Let’s get going!

fitting onto the supply end of your RV’s white water hose (the end you connect to the water faucet), using a little Teflon tape, if desired, for a better seal. Another, more expensive option is a controllable water pressure regulator that has a dial face and gives you the ability to physically adjust your incoming pressure via a regulating valve.

Water Pressure Regulators:

Bedliners for Pickup Trucks:

Not all newbies know this, but no RVer should be without a simple little device called a water pressure regulator. Available at your local RV supply house, a water pressure regulator does just what its name implies: it controls the incoming water pressure to your RV, supplying a continuous and regulated 40-50 PSI maximum water flow to your RV’s freshwater plumbing system.

Every RVer who pulls a trailer with a pickup truck knows the damage that can be done by careless loading or unexpected shifting of a load within the bed.

Not only is the noise of a moving load annoying, it leaves behind scratches, dings, and dents.

That’s why bedliners are so popular with pickup truck owners.

Many RVers are surprised to learn that water pressure can vary tremendously from one campground to another and even from one section of a campground to another. While incoming water pressure to an RV should be maintained at a level under 55 pounds, some parks’ water pressure levels can reach 75 pounds or even higher. That’s why you need to buy and use a pressure regulator. This helps protect your RV’s internal water lines and fixtures from potential stress, damage, and leaks caused by excessive water pressure.

Several styles are available, depending on your needs. If you’re a weekend traveler, you can buy a simple, one-piece, brass fitting style water pressure regulator that is a no-muss, no-fuss solution. Just screw the 44

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

A variety of bedliner styles are available, including temporary mat-like liners that are simply laid in the back of the pickup as needed. Some of these are rubberized, some are similar to carpet. If you plan to use them more than temporarily, it may be worthwhile to invest in a more permanent solution, simply because temporary liners can trap dirt and water underneath them.

Dirt and water, over time, can conspire to damage your truck bed, especially in scratched and dinged areas.

Exhaust Inspections: Monitoring your RV’s engine exhaust system for leaks is important, because hidden exhaust leaks can potentially allow carbon monoxide to waft into the RV, especially while the engine’s idling in place (like at a stop light). Since carbon

monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, it can be hard to detect without a carbon monoxide detector. EVERY RVer should make sure their rig is equipped with a working carbon monoxide detector. Undetected leaks can pose serious risks while driving; if you experience headaches, nausea, or unusual fatigue behind the wheel, have your exhaust system checked ASAP by a qualified technician.

Luckily, annual vehicle inspections can quickly identify leaks in your engine’s exhaust system so they can be repaired.

This isn’t necessarily the case, however, for your RV’s power generator (genset). So you, the RV owner, need to monitor the integrity of your generator’s exhaust system and have it occasionally checked by a tech.

Sometimes, a portion of the power generator’s exhaust may be routed under the body of the motorhome in older RVs, which can contribute to carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the RVs living area if the exhaust system springs a leak.

Awareness and vigilant visual inspection of the generator’s exhaust system is your best defense. And use your carbon monoxide detector, testing it monthly. Do NOT just remove the batteries if this device keeps alarming. If it’s setting off an alarm, you probably have a CO problem and need to have your RV inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic ASAP. If your CO monitor alerts every time you use your generator, absolutely, positively STOP USING IT until you get the problem fixed.

Happy trails!

Terms and Conditions for 2017 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

Find The Evergreen Tree

Between Elkhart to south, stop and Goshen in the Wakarus Dime Store, a home of the Jumbo Jelly Bean.

The as an offshoot dime store began Department of Wolfberg’s Store, which opened by was Mose As for the giant Wolfberg in 1907. jelly bean – created in it was 1969 as a new candy by Wolfberg’s son to introduc the town’s e at annual Maple Syrup Festival. Over Pumpkinvi 75 tons of this ne Nature Trail famous bean | Goshen, IN are sold annually .

If the Jumbo Jelly Bean experience piques your love of sweets, then you’ll find the Olympia be glad to Candy Kitchen in Goshen, another century-p confectioner offering hand-diplus chocolates ped and homema de caramels. In addition to the fantastic candies, they also serve breakfast and lunch in a true soda-fountain style atmosph ere.

Set in Goshen’s Old Bag Factory, built in 1896, the Complex brings Artisans together quilters, potters, and sculptors as merchants well as selling one-of-aitems. Other kind specialty shops include a booksho Old Bag Factory | Goshen, IN p, antiques a second-h , and music shop and a bakery specializ ing in scones, aptly named Rolling Scones!

The city of Nappanee is home Amish Acres, the only Amish to listed in the National Register farm Historic Places. of you’ll find the At Amish Acres, historic 80-acre Stahly-Nisley-Kuh ns farmstea Take a horse d. and buggy ride, watch films that detail Amish history and lifestyle, enjoy family-style a Threshers Dinner the old barn, in or catch the production stage of Plain and Fancy in the Round Barn Theatre. your visit during Plan the weekend August 3-6 of and Amish Country Northern Indiana Amish Acres enjoy the annual Arts Festival, featuring and Crafts 300 artists.

TB_June_2017

_V9.indd 35

JUNE 2017 TRAILBLAZ

An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue.

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

Raymond Scholl of St. Helens, OR

found the tree on Page 35 of the June Issue.

Did you find the tree in this issue?

Send your entry (postcards only) to: TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree

Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

ER

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5/11/17 5:13 PM

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2017, you will receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2017, 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 2018, 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, 2018. 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, 2017 and December 31, 2017 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.

Postmark deadline is August 31, 2017 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

45

Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Sweet, sweet summertime! Summer is filled with parties and fun activities and often times we use desserts to help celebrate these special occasions.

There is nothing wrong with a little something sweet here and there but too much sugar overloads our system, causing cravings, irritability, anxiety, and even suppresses our immune system for up to 4 hours after consumption.

Luckily summer is the perfect time to swap out some of the sugar laden treats for healthier, natural options like fresh fruits! Fruits are an excellent way to not only receive an abundance of nutrients but also satisfy those sweet cravings. Unlike the processed sugars, fruits will help build your bodies immune system and aid in proper function and detoxification.

For my clients I always advise 1-2 pieces of fruit per day. Switch it up each week to keep a variety in nutrients and color on your plate!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bananas Total time: 20 min

For more recipes, nutrition information, and healthy lifestyle tips connect with me over at: www.refreshednutrition.com info@refreshednutrition.com Refreshed Nutrition @Refreshed_Nutrition

Serving Size: 2-4

Ingredients • 2-4 bananas, scored down the middle • 2-4 tbsp. chocolate chips • 1-3 tbsp. peanut butter

Directions 1. Place bananas on aluminum foil and gently score down the middle to make a boat.

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AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

2. Add in about ½ tbsp. peanut butter to the inside of each banana.

3. Place chocolate chips inside the banana inserting them into the peanut butter so they don’t fall out.

4. Wrap the foil around the bananas until completely covered.

5. Place on low heat on the grill until the chocolate is melted and bananas are softened about 10-15 minutes.

Coconut Whipped Cream Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Ingredients • 1½ cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium or ½ large) • 1 cup creamy cashew or almond butter • 1 tsp. vanilla • 2 eggs, whisked • ¼ cup honey • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1 tsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. cinnamon • ¼ tsp. all spice • ½ cup chocolate chips

Total time: 50 min Makes about 12 slices

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips into a large mixing bowl until well combined.

3. Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Lightly grease a loaf pan and pour in the batter.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes. *the larger the zucchini the more moisture it will retain- to avoid soggy or overly moist bread lay the shredded zucchini on paper towels and squeeze over the sink to remove any excess water.

Total time: 10 min Serving Size: 1-4

Ingredients • 1 14-16oz can coconut cream • 1½ tbsp. honey • 1 tbsp. coconut sugar

Directions 1. Place the can of coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Remove the can from the fridge and place into a large mixing bowl, leave the excess liquid in the bottom of the can.

3. Add the coconut sugar and honey to the mixing bowl.

4. Use a handheld mixer and whip the cream until desired consistency is reached.

5. Serve with fresh fruit or on top of your other favorite sweet treat!

Quick & Easy ‘Frosty’ Ingredients • 1 cup of heavy cream • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • ½ tsp. almond extract • 2 tbsp. cocoa powder • 1 tbsp. maple syrup • pinch of sea salt (optional)

Total time: 5 min Serving Size: 2-4

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a small blender or bowl.

2. Whip to combine ingredients and a creamy texture forms.

3. Place the ice cream into a bowl and serve with desired toppings!

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

47

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Filter in AC Unit

Q

Bill, I have a 1994 Pace Arrow with a DuoTherm Air conditioner.

I’m having a problem with the AC failing to cool when I have the foam filter in place in the ceiling assembly.

If I remove the foam filter the air-conditioner cools just fine.

It’s getting into summer and I will need the air-conditioner and funds are limited. I appreciate your help!

Thanks, John

Leaky Airstream

Q

We have a 2002 Airstream trailer with a rain leak that shows up over the wing window on the curb side of the trailer. I’ve had two separate dealerships attempt to stop the leak to no avail. Any suggestions? We look forward to learning from you each month.

Andrew and Jennifer

RV Bill’s Cool Tip Most modern air conditioning units are equipped with a wall thermostat that has either an automatic or continuous cooling cycle switch. By leaving the thermostat in the “on” or continuous position, the fan will circulate cool air while the compressor cycles on and off, making the system much more efficient.

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AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

A

John, I don’t think that I have enough information to diagnose exactly what’s going on with your air conditioner. I want to help and I will do what I can to best advise you. One thing that you don’t want to do is run the air conditioner without the return air filter as the evaporator will eventually get clogged with dirt, dust and other contaminants.

Does the fan completely shut down or does it sound like it slows way down to a low speed?

Duo Therm air-conditioners in the 90s had a propensity for the

A

Yes, Rain leaks in the Airstream trailers are notoriously difficult to find. With all of the seams, rivets and windows, it is a challenge to see where the rainwater may be coming in. Due to the curvature of the roof coming down over the edge of the roof line and becoming the siding, it’s very difficult to just start putting sealant all over the place making it unsightly. The first place that I would look would be the marker lights up over the wing window and the center window. The lenses over the lights can trap water and over a period of time, the water will seep through the screws or rivets that hold them in the place. Caulking alone around the outside of the light does not do the trick. Remove the lenses

evaporator to frost or freeze over.

Once the evaporator freezes over, there is no cooling taking place as the fan cannot pull return air through the evaporator. Later model air conditioners utilize an evaporator freeze sensor that helps prevent freezer over. Run the air conditioner with the filter until it stops cooling unit. Remove the return air filter and grill assembly, look up into the cavity with a bright flashlight and see if the evaporator is covered with ice. Depending on whether the evaporator is frozen or not frozen will be part of the diagnosis and of course, different types of repair. and the screws to all of the front clearance lights, fill the holes with sealant and put the screws back in the place adding a little bit of sealant over the screw heads.

Before you put the lenses back, on add some caulking to the hole that the positive wire goes through into the shell of the trailer as water can leak through there as well.

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

Suspension/Disc brakes

Q

What your thoughts on the MORryde IS suspension and disc brakes? We are looking to upgrade our 2016 5th wheel largely because we can’t stand the way it rides with the leaf spring suspension, not to mention the electric brakes are lousy and barely stop our big rig.

A

The MORryde independent suspension or IS is a wonderful suspension. The ride is smooth and can be adjusted to raise the height of the trailer if need be. The only drawback is it is rather expensive and difficult to find an installation center.

Another drawback comes when one of the parts break- it takes about two weeks to have a replacement part shipped to you.

As far as disc brakes, they are absolutely a must for large RVs as the stopping power and improved safety is a huge safety factor. In some cases the stopping distance can be literally cut in half. I personally would never own a trailer without disc brakes. For suspension Systems, look at Kelderman Air ride suspension systems. The airbag suspension coupled with gas shocks rivals the ride of the MORryde IS at a better price and more reliable, and spare parts can be attained quickly. With the air ride suspension the trailer height can be adjusted at any time.

ARP Refrigerator

Q

Bill, I have read about a refrigerator control device made by ARP, a type of control to help prevent the refrigerator from overheating or catching on fire. I’m a little bit leery of advertised products, but this sounds like it could be a lifesaver for our refrigerator in our 2010 motorhome. Are you familiar with this product? Have you ever installed one? Does it work?

Thank you for your help, Jason

A

I actually installed one of the first ARP’s that was manufactured several years ago, and yes, they can be a lifesaver for your refrigerator. The device has a temperature sensor it that attaches to the boiler tube on the back of your cooling unit and

Converter

Q

I noticed when I was working on my motorhome the converter is getting hot. I see that there is a small cooling fan at one end of the converter and I have never heard the fan run to cool it down.

Is the fan supposed to run intermittently or does it run continuously?

Cheers, Alex

wires into the system. Whenever the boiler temperature rises above the set temperature it will actually shut the refrigerator down protecting it from overheating. When the refrigerators boiler tube cools back down, the refrigerator will come back on automatically.

It does not take much of an angle beyond level for the boiler tube temperature to rise to an unsafe level. Mountain driving, stopping for lunch when the parking lot seems level enough, as well as campsites that you may only stay one night without leveling the rig may cause high temps. As in a lot of appliances and mechanical devices in this world heat is their biggest enemy. I believe all refrigerator manufacturers should use a device like this to prevent the refrigerator from selfdestructing as well as safety factor.

A

Converter’s are out of sight out of mind until they ceased to function whether it’s from a component failing out or the fan not keeping it cool. There’s no way of telling whether the fan is working or not without hearing it run of course, normally they are hidden so you can’t hear them run. There is no way to repair the fan if it’s not functioning and eventually the converter will cease to function and you will need a new one.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

49

Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save At

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301 â–˛ Alpine Lake RV Campground (NY)

Thousand Trails Standard Discount:

20% Off Daily Rates Use Promo Code: S! ALWAY At all ENCORE !

Resorts

â–˛ Lake George Es

cape RV Campgroun

d (NY)

TT20%

10% Off

Monthly Rates Use Promo Code:

TT1015

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

Valid at all Encore RV Resorts *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

**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. Valid on new reservations only.

50

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Portland Fairview RV Campground (OR)

Washington & Oregon

$32/night at Mt. Hood, Portland Fairview, ▲ Mt. Ho

od Village

RV Resort

(OR)

and Tall Chief

Promo Code: TT32WO Valid 8/1/17 - 9/30/17. Book by 9/15/17.

$169/week at Mt. Hood, Portland Fairview, and Tall Chief mping f RV & Ca

ie ▲ Tall Ch

A) Resort (W

Promo Code: TT169WO Valid 8/1/17 - 9/30/17. Book by 9/15/17. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

**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. Valid on new reservations only.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

51

Member Deals ▲ Twin Lakes RV Campground (NC)

North Carolina

Buy 2 Weeks Get 2 Weeks FREE!

Valid at Goose Creek, Lake Myers, Twin Lakes, and Waterway

Promo Code: NCB2G2TB Valid thru end of 2017 Season.

Holidays Included. Book by 9/30/17.

▲ Goose Creek

RV Campgroun

d (NC)

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

Wisconsin

Buy 2 Weeks Get 2 Weeks FREE!

Valid at Arrowhead, Blackhawk, Lakeland, Fremont Jellystone ParkTM, Neshonoc, Plymouth Rock, Tranquil Timbers, and Yukon Trails

Promo Code: WIB2G2TB Valid thru end of 2017 Season.

Holidays Included. Book by 9/30/17.

▲ Yukon Trails RV

Campground (WI)

*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. Valid on new reservations only.

52

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ O’Connell’s Yogi Bear ParkTM (IL)

Illinois

Buy 2 Weeks RVontheGo.com Get 2 Weeks FREE! 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

Valid at O’Connell’s Yogi Bear ParkTM

Promo Code: OCB2G2TB Valid thru end of 2017 Season.

Holidays Included. Book by 9/30/17. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Northeast

30% OFF Weekly Rates

▲ Narrow

s Too RV C

Valid at all Encore RV Resorts in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts ampgroun

d (ME)

Promo Code: NE30TB Valid thru end of 2017 Season.

Not valid during holidays. Book by 9/30/17. *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. Valid on new reservations only.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

53

Member Deals ▲ Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort (CA)

Palm Springs

$199

Weekly Stay at Palm Springs Oasis

sort (TX)

▲ Fun N Sun RV Re

Use Promo Code: TT199PSO Valid 8/1/17 - 12/15/17. Book by 12/1/17. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

▲ Lakewood

RV Resort (T

X)

Call! Click! Camp! **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. Valid on new reservations only.

54

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Victoria Palms RV Resort (TX)

Texas

$499

One Month Special at Victoria Palms ▲ Tropic

Winds RV

Resort (T

X)

Call To Book Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/18.

Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 60 days. Valid on Standard RV sites only. Book by 4/1/18.

$399

One Month Special Valid at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine, Tropic Winds.

Call To Book V Resort nshine R

▲ Su

(TX)

Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/18.

Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 60 days. Valid on Standard RV sites only. Book by 4/1/18. *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. Valid on new reservations only.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

55

Member Deals ▲ Mesa Spirit RV Resort (AZ)

Arizona

$725

Monthly Stay Valid at Araby Acres, Mesa Spirit, Monte Vista, Paradise, ViewPoint and Voyager.

Call To Book

▲ Paradise

RV Resort (A

Z)

Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/17. Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 89 days. Valid on Standard RV sites only.

Book by 4/1/18.

$525

Monthly Stay Valid at Casita Verde, Countryside, Fiesta Grande, Foothills West and Golden Sun.

Call To Book Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/17. Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 89 days. Valid on Standard RV sites only.

Book by 4/1/18.

e RV Resort

ista Villag ▲ Monte V

(AZ)

*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. Valid on new reservations only.

56

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort (AZ)

Arizona

30% OFF Monthly Stay

ens RV Resort

▲ Cactus Gard

(AZ)

Valid at Cactus Gardens, Capri, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Mesa Verde, and Suni Sands.

Call To Book Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 31 days.

Valid on Standard RV sites only.

Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/18. Book by 4/1/18. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

RVontheGo.com ▲ Countryside RV

Resort (AZ)

1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp! **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. Valid on new reservations only.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

57

Member Deals â–˛ Forest Lake Village RV Resort (FL)

Florida

50% OFF Weekly Stay

at Forest Lake Village Promo Code: TT50FLV Valid 8/1/17 - 10/1/17. 7 day min stay and 14 day max stay. Book by 9/1/17.

20% OFF Monthly Stay

at Forest Lake Village Promo Code: TT20FLV

â–˛ Southern Palms

RV Resort (FL)

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

Valid 8/1/17 - 10/1/17. 31 day max stay.

Book by 9/1/17. *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. Valid on new reservations only.

58

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina (FL)

Florida

20% OFF Weekly Stay

)

ort (FL s RV Res

al Palm

▲ Tropic

Sunshine Key & Fiesta Key Promo Code: TT20KEYS Valid 8/1/17 - 10/1/17. 7 Day Min Stay and 14 Day Max Stay. Book by 9/1/17.

50% OFF Weekly Stay

Valid at all Florida RV Resorts (excluding Sunshine Key and Fiesta Key) ▲ Ramble

rs Rest RV

Campgrou

nd (FL)

Promo Code: TT50WFL Valid 8/1/17 - 10/1/17. 7 Day Min Stay and 14 Day Max Stay. Book by 9/1/17. *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. Valid on new reservations only.

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

59

See if a Membership Upgrade is Right for You!

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 888-842-8617 or visit thousandtrails.com/member-upgrade » For more information, see a membership specialist on your next visit!

60

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations Travel Club

Upgrade Now for as low as $134.05 / Month* Which Camping Pass Upgrade is right for you?

Camping Pass

Elite Basic

Elite Connections

Booking Window

60 Days

120 Days

180 Days

Maximum Stay

14 Days

21 Days

21 Days

Thousand Trails

Access to Campgrounds in your zone(s)

Park to Park Family Access Reciprocal Network Getaway Cabins Travel Club

*Monthly payment plans available. Up to 60 months to pay. 16.99% APR. 60 payments of $134.05 assuming you purchase the Elite Basic for $5,995 and make the minimum down payment. Sales tax and any applicable fees due at time of purchase.

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. The 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.

AUGUST AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

61

PREFERRED RV DEALERS

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

USA A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City, Sevierville alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley affinityrv.com All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com

Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • camperland.net

Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com

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 campersinn.com

Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com

Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap canopycountry.com

Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com

Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com

ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com

Funtime RV OR - Tualalin • funtimervinc.com

American Family RV VA - Chesapeake • americanfamilyrv.com

Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • chesacorv.com

Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com

Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale • clearcreekrvcenter.com

General RV Center IL - Huntley MI - Brownstown, Mt. Clemens, Wayland, White Lake, Wixom OH - North Canton generalrv.com

B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me

Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com

Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com

Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com

Colerain RV OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus IN - Indianapolis, KY - Lexington colerainrv.com

Grandview Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com

Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • bigcrv.com

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

Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net

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

Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com

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

Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com

Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com

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

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

Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com

Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft • curtistrailercenter.com

Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • burlingtonrv.com

Dunlap RV KY - Bowling Green • dunlaprvcenter.com

62

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

Gloucester RV Sales & Service VA - Gloucester • gloucesterrv.net

Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com Haylett RV MI - Coldwater • haylettautoandrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • couchsrvnation.com Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle • keystonervcenter.com Krenek RV Super Center MI - Coloma • krenekrv.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.com

La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach lamesarv.com Lux-Liner LLC CA - Acadia • lux-liner.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs mikethompson.com Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • opelikarv.com Open Road RV Center WA - Arlington, Monroe openroadrvcenter.com Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax • outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls • pattersonrv.com Paul Evert’s RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff CA - Fresno; NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg; WA - Fife, Milton, Mt. Vernon rvcountry.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels pplmotorhomes.com Princesscraft RV TX - Round Rock • princesscraft.com R.B. Taylor & Sons VA - Lynchburg rbtaylorandsons.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) roadhousecamper.com

RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com

Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com

RV’s For Less TX - Bryan • rvsource.com

Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

RV Source TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden • westerntravelsales.com

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim • rvvaluemart.com Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com See Grins RV CA - Gilroy, San Martin • seegrins.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com Sky River RV CA - Buellton, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach skyriverrv.com Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC Trailer and RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com Tonies RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com

Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com

TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com

Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com

Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com

RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net

Vogt RV TX - Ft. Worth • vogtrv.com

CANADA Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie • vrsouliere.com GO VR QC - Ange Gardien • go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Leasure Days RV ON - Ayr, Kingston, Pembroke, Smith Falls, Sudbry QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro leisuredays.ca Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

63

y l l a It’s R ! e m i T Calendar

CLUB AUGUST 2017

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

Bounders United (BUTTN)

Northwest

TT SINGLES Central California

Lewis and Clark TTN

If you are interested in attending please contact wagonmaster Yvonne Codde at (209) 207-8184. BUTTN are members who own or have owned a Bounder motorhome and belong to the Bounders United and Thousand Trails NACO.

Contact Jane Davis at (209) 986-1088 or email janedjd@pacbell.net or Judy Rogers at (775) 772-1872 or email fifthwheeler61@yahoo.com.

TTWest/FMCA

Sept. 7-10.........Lake of the Springs, CA Nov. 9-12........................ Ponderosa, 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.

Rolling Thunder of Texoma

Sept. 25-Oct. 8...........Lake Texoma, TX We meet twice a year in the north Texas area. For more information call Dianna Huff at (405) 641-8226 or visit rollingthunderfmca.com.

64

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

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.

Aug. 14-18..............Bend/Sunriver, OR Sept. 7-11............................ Seaside, OR Oct. 12-16..................Whalers Rest, 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

Sept. 8-10.................. Lake Whitney, TX Nov. 17-19...................Medina Lake, TX 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.

TT Travelers Southern California

Aug. 7-9.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA Sept. 11-13........... Soledad Canyon, CA Oct. 2-4.............. Oakzanita Springs, CA Nov. 6-8......................Palm Springs, CA Dec. 4-6.............. 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, please contact our wagonmaster, Jim Brooks (805)320-2588 or email at willys46@sbcglobal.net.

TTN So Cal Weekenders

Aug. 4-6............................. 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

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 31.

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 45.

Keep Our Friends Safe Adopt -AManatee

®

Call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte

AUGUST 2017 TRAILBLAZER

65

On Location

CIRCLE M

Yurt Village Open Now!

A yurt village is NOW OPEN AT the Circle M RV Campground!

What’s a yurt, you say? A yurt is a dome-shaped, circular tent-style structure that has been used for thousands of years as a shelter for nomadic peoples. Yurts have become a popular and fun way for modern vacationers to immerse themselves in the outdoors while maintaining the comforts of home.

Though our yurts boast a shape that harkens back to an ancient time when nomads needed a portable and durable shelter, the yurts at Circle M will include all of the modern amenities that you’d expect – a functional

kitchenette, space to sleep up to 6 people, and private restrooms with showers.

Circle M RV Campground is located in Lancaster County in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This westernstyle campground has plenty of amenities – from swimming pools to shuffleboard, weekend activities to barbecues and picnics – it’s easy to make Circle M your next destination for relaxation! Plus, Circle M RV Campground is close to activities in Lancaster County including Amish attractions, or nearby shopping and dining.

To book your next stay, call or visit our website.

877.877.0704 ThousandTrails.com

WHEREVER YOU TRAVEL THIS SUMMER STAY SAFE AND SAVE WITH A SKYMED MEMBERSHIP SkyMed members simply call our toll-free number and speak to a caring SkyMed representative

24 SEVEN 365.

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

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

13.

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

www.skymed.com/thousandtrails 800-679-2020

For all your travel needs... We are here for you.

Savings can take you to amazing sights.

geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | 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. Š 2017 GEICO