TrailBlazer Magazine - March/April 2018

MARCH/APRIL 2018 â– $2.00

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ALSO: MARCH OFF TO A MARCH MADNESS ROADTRIP ON THE ROAD WITH DJ ERIC BABIN AUSTIN, TX

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

YOU receive a $50 Visa® PrePaid Card when your friend purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

ENTER

TODAY!

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2018 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

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

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

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

Free Dues for 2019 10 Winners Selected ($4,000 value)

Contact Us Today!

(888) 808-8925

or visit THOUSANDTRAILS.COM 2

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

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

MARCH/APRIL 2018 VOL. 40 ■ ISSUE 2

WHAT'S INSIDE 18 The Mountains are Calling Explore the exhilarating adventures, scenic drives, and quaint towns of America’s Mountain ranges.

regulars Pics From The Parks

6

Member Deals 54 Crossword Puzzle 60 Sudoku Puzzle 61

32 March Off to a March Madness Road Trip Make Your Way to Round Ball Revelry Across the Country

Preferred RV Dealer List 62

calendars On-Site Events 10 Local Events 14

lifestyle 5 9

Message from Marguerite Tech Topics

26 On The Road – Eric Babin 31 4 Paws on the Road 46 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer?

48 Ask RV Bill 50 Out N’ About - Austin, TX

Club Calendar 64

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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Birds of a feather YOU receive a $50 Visa® PrePaid Card when your referral purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

! s u l P

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2018 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

GRAND PRIZE

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

7 Night Cruise or Trip to Hawaii

4 Nights in Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando

Free Dues for 2018 10 Winners Selected

($4,000 value)

($2,000 value)

(Up to $565 value)

CONTACT US TODAY!

(888) 808-8925

or visit ThousandTrails.com 4

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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

camp together!

Congratulations to our

2017 Referral Winners!

GRAND PRIZE

Donna & Steve Leon

SECOND PRIZE

Danielle Devan

Bend, OR

Lacey, WA

THIRD PRIZE: Robert Salek

Christopher Weiss & Sarah Correll

Ron & Cheryl Ethier

Mike Owens & Megan Vought

Luann & Dalber Thiele

Enrique Kaack

Margaret & Maurice Olachea

Ena Gravette

Ken Newton

John Wolek

Santa Rosa, CA

Newbury Park, CA Aquilla, TX

Fremont, CA

Roseville, CA

Crouse, NC

Gloucester, VA

San Diego, CA Fairfield, CA

Westville, IN

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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MESSAGE from

MARGUERITE

Although many of us may still be experiencing the cold of winter, we are all looking ahead, and setting our sights (sites) on the first day of Spring. This year, Spring officially begins on Tuesday, March 20, and our teams have already been making plans for our 2018 camping season. We’re sure you’ve been making plans, too!

With the onset of Spring, a number of you who reside in the north are able to shake off the chilly weather and get out and camp. The snow melts, the flowers start blooming, and many look at Spring as a time of renewal. We’re able to open up our locations again to our Thousand Trails family and start celebrating the camping and RVing lifestyle! I certainly hope you’re looking forward to the change in season so your love of camping can be refreshed and renewed.

Keep an eye out for our 2018 Theme Weekend Guide, which will be included in the May issue. This guide provides highlights and a calendar of our activities and events planned throughout the season. Whether you prefer pool parties, dive in movies, cookouts or cook-offs, we are sure your favorite Thousand Trails

location is making plans to welcome you and your family back for another season of fun. Plan your camping stay around your favorite event, or pick out a few new locations you’ve been hoping to see.

The start of the camping season is always an exciting time for us, and we hope it is for you, too. Our onsite teams are given the opportunity to welcome old friends back home, and to introduce a number of new campers to their locations. As for you, with a number of locations across the country, the possibilities are endless, and there’s a thousand things just waiting for you to do!

We can’t wait to see you soon.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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Share your adventures in 3 easy steps!

www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery EDITOR Annie Berman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Whitney Smith 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 Sep./Oct., Nov./Dec. and Jan./Feb. and Mar./Apr. by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20.

Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE

Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com www.trailblazermagazine.net NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Visit www.trailblazermagazine.net and click on the ‘Subscribe’ tab to easily subscribe online today!

PRINTED IN THE USA

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:

TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to:

Equity LifeStyle Properties Attn: TrailBlazer Photos Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606

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

One winner will be selected EACH month from submissions received.

The winner will be announced in a future TrailBlazer issue and on www.trailblazermagazine.net.

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: 800-288-7245

Canada: 228-497-3594 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST

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

ENCORE RESERVATIONS 877-570-2267

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

▲ Lake Minden (CA): Sunset at the lake. – Janice Slocum

PICS FROM THE PARKS

WINN

ER!

▲ ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort (AZ): December Super Moon taken from the upper deck on the new pool area.

– Ron Miles

▲ Palm Springs (CA): Palm trees and mountains. – Mary Adams

▲ Soledad Canyon (CA): Squirrel in their house!

– Norman Froggat MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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LUCKY WINNER?

WANT TO BE A

Lucky winners,

Audrey and Jay Luhtala​ from Boulder City, NV were camping at Palm Springs when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

left to right: Jay Luhtala and Audrey Luhtala

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 2018 dues on time and camp at your favorite Thousand Trails Campground.

When you pay your annual dues for 2018 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 2018. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails campground in 2018, you will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The drawings are limited to persons who are of legal age. The drawings will be held at our corporate office on the 10th day after the end of each month. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails campground. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. You may also enter the drawings by printing your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address on a 3” x 5” piece of paper and mailing it to the Sponsor in addressed, stamped envelope. You are limited to one mail-in entry which must be postmarked by December 15, 2018. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

TECH

TOP CS

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

by Paul and Kerri Elders Let’s take a quick look at the process of “breaking in” a new RV. Whether you're brand new to the RV lifestyle or upsizing or downsizing your rig, your new-to-you RV will be like a trusted old friend in no time at all. Sometimes, “newbie” RV owners ask themselves if they're really up to the task of driving their new RVs cross country.

Rest assured, whether your new RV is a tagalong trailer, popup, fifth wheel or a brand new motorhome, the answer is a resounding “yes!” Life’s a great adventure, so let's get going!

this new-to-you RV. Notice where all the gauges are located. Practice activating the navigation system, sound system, AC/heat, turn signals, headlights, windshield wipers, hazard lights, and backup monitor, if so equipped. When you’re ready, start the engine and gradually make yourself familiar with the rig’s acceleration characteristics, its braking pressure, and its steering “feel.” If possible, log some miles by driving on uncrowded, wide-laned roadways. You’ll quickly overcome your feelings of new-rig intimidation just by driving your new RV around town before setting out on your first major journey.

First, let’s look at a few simple tips to make the experience a little easier, starting with two very basic rules of safe RV driving: 1. take your time, and 2. remember to always allow extra space between your RV and other vehicles.

Newbies can also gain some valuable experience by practicing parking your new RV in a large, quiet parking lot before taking your first trip. Become familiar with the wheel tracking and turning radius of your RV, and make it a virtually subconscious practice to continually use your outside mirrors as you park and as you drive. Remember that your “blind spot” is always larger in an RV than in a car; you can compensate for this fact by checking the outside mirrors frequently and using the spot mirror regularly.

It’s important to remember that stopping distances for any type of RV can be significantly greater than those of the typical car, just because of an RV's obvious larger size, weight, and length. The solution is simple: just remember to maintain more space between your RV and other vehicles and never tailgate any vehicle in front of you. This is especially important as you begin to learn the special handling characteristics of your new RV. Keep in mind that acceleration, braking, and handling of any RV can also vary slightly from trip to trip, depending on its final loaded weight and distribution of cargo. Keep that in mind when packing your rig.

It may sound a little silly, but when you first get your new RV, spend a few minutes in the driver’s seat with the engine off, just becoming familiar with the look and feel of

Always remember the reason you're RVing in the first place: the goal is to have fun! Never, ever, allow other drivers on the shared roadway to pressure you into driving faster than you feel comfortable. Keep it slow and steady until you are 100% comfortable with the feel of your new rig. Just stay in the right lane, and gradually work your way up to a comfortable and safe speed.

Never exceed your own comfort zone. The more you drive, the more confident you will become.

Always signal your intentions and check your mirrors diligently when changing lanes. Again, stay in the right lane unless passing slower traffic is a necessity. When you’ve passed a vehicle and are ready to return to the right lane, watch for small, quick-moving cars that might attempt to pass you on the right side. Judge lane position by keeping the white lane lines equally spaced in the outside rearview mirrors and by focusing your driving attention on the center of your lane about 500 feet ahead. As you drive, keep your eyes moving at all times between the mirrors and the road ahead.

If you’re a motorhome driver and have decided to add a towed vehicle (also called a “toad”) to the mix, do a little practice run before embarking on your first major journey. Practice connecting and disconnecting the toad from its tow bar (or tow dolly) a few times so that you can get the routine down pat and feel confident about proper hookups. Your tow bar Owner’s Manual is a priceless teacher; follow its instructions to the letter.

Whenever you have a car in tow, remember that you also have its added weight tagging along with you. Acceleration will require a little more time and distance, and so will braking. Make allowances for extra stopping distance.

Be patient with yourself as you become accustomed to your new rig or the feel of driving with a toad.

Remember that everybody was a Newbie, once. Just relax, slow down, and enjoy the ride, because the true joy of traveling is found within the journey itself. Drive responsibly, keep your cool, and most of all, have FUN! Happy trails!

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

MAR/APR events Every weekend at Thousand Trails, there are activities and fun times for kids and adults of all ages! Check out what’s in store for March and April as Thousand Trails campers gear up for the spring season. Be sure to also check out the brand new 2018-2019 Theme Weekends guide in next month’s issue! Happy Camping!

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Get Outdoors!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations A Bit ‘O the Irish Wear your brightest green gear and toast your neighbors and friends at the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Thousand Trails campgrounds across the country.

Sign up early for the Corned Beef & Cabbage Potluck Dinner at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of March 16-18! We’ll also be holding an ice cream social. The folks at Lake Conroe (TX) will be going green and celebrating this cultural holiday! Put on your best green gear and join us at Palm Springs (CA) for some good music and dancing featuring Glenn Smith the weekend of March 16. DJ Paul Dornstedt will visit Wilderness Lakes (CA) on March 17 for a St. Patrick’s Day Dance! The folks at Colorado River (TX) invite you to their Irish Potuck on March 17!

Spring has finally sprung and there are flowers in bloom and trees showing their green leaves.

Come to Thousand Trails and hang out with other campers to enjoy the great outdoors!

We’ll prepare and fly a kit for young and old alike at Colorado River (TX) on March 10! Find the pot of gold at the big scavenger hunt on Saturday, March 17 at San Benito (CA)! Join us and we will also be celebrating March birthdays. Come play some old-school games like kickball and Red Rover, outside, of course, at Lake Conroe (TX) on March 24 for Field Day weekend! Join us at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of April 27-29 for a weekend of great outdoor activities including paddle boat races, scavenger hunt, hula-hooping, and jump roping. If weather permits, the Pencil, Pen, & Palette Artist will take their workshop outside!

Community Gatherings Dance, celebrate, and create together at these community gatherings at Thousand Trails campgrounds this spring.

The folks at Wilderness Lakes (CA) will be having a weekend full of line dancing, March 11-15! There will be dance instruction throughout the week and a final evening dance on March 15! Check out the Activity Center Library at Colorado River (TX) on April 14 and donate a book or check one out and celebrate April birthdays! Meet with other artists at the Pencil, Pen & Palette Artist Share at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of March 24-26! You can share your artwork, a new technique, and talk about your favorite artists. There will be a workshop for artists of all levels following, and please bring your own supplies.

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MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Celebrate Mother Earth Earth Day is April 22 and Thousand Trails campers will be out and about to celebrate Mother Earth!

April 21 is a major spring clean up day at Chehalis (WA).

Everything’s growing so we’ll be cleanin’ and rakin’ and trimmin’ and mowin’ like crazy! Whether it’s cleaning up your site or helping a neighbor, let’s get together at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of April 22-24 for a major spring cleaning. Come plant trees and flowers at Colorado River (TX) on April 21 to celebrate Earth Day. Also on April 21, the folks at Lake Texoma (TX) will be planting trees and flowers to beautify the grounds and share snacks with neighbors.

Gettin’ together for good eatin’!

Whether you’re entering your best recipe into a cook-off or lining up for a special potluck, at Thousand Trails there’s plenty to go around! See what we’re cooking up this spring.

Sign up for the March 3 Wine & Cheese Tasting Social at Lake Whitney (TX). Bring your favorite green beverage and potluck appetizer to share at Palm Springs (CA) the weekend of March 16-17 during their St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Indulge in Easter ham and bring your favorite potluck dish to Chehalis (WA) the weekend of March 31-April 1! Bring your favorite unusual or bizarre covered dish Friday night for the foolishly fun April Fool’s Day Potluck at Lake Minden (CA) the weekend of March 30 -April 1! Bring your best BBQ recipe to Lake Conroe (TX) for a BBQ cook-off and see who will be judged the winners on April 7. Later in the month on April 21, Lake Conroe (TX) will host a Cajun Crawfish Festival! Join in for crawfish races, plates, and dancing on the Pavillion.

Think you’ve got the best pie recipe? Show it off at the potluck dinner on April 7 at Colorado River (TX).

Egg Hunts & Bunny Surprises Whether you celebrate Easter traditionally or just love a good egg hunt, Thousand Trails has activities for you!

Hop on over to Long Beach (WA) the weekend of March 30-31 for an Easter Egg-Stravaganza! There will be a full weekend of activity–from egg hunts to tie-dye t-shirts, to a Saturday night movie with popcorn and Easter treats. Come meet the Easter bunny on March 31 at Lake Tawakoni (TX)! There will also be an egg hunt and games. Join us at Medina Lake (TX) on April 1 for an Easter Egg Hunt and Sunday Brunch!

Yum! The weekend of March 31 at Wilderness Lakes (CA) will be chocked full of Easter activities including an egg hunt with prizes, family movie, karaoke, crafts, and a special Wild Wonders Animal presentation!

Some events may require a participation fee.

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

OF

CALENDAR events NATCHEZ TRACE (TN)

March 15-18

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Relive the magic of your favorite wizard. Experience the thrilling tale accompanied by a live orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen. nashvillesymphony.org

March 23-24

Blooming Arts Festival

Fire, glass, wood, molten metal, paint splatter, and modern dance.

Outstanding slate of educational events and interactive exhibitions.

9th annual event promises to be spectacular kaleidoscope of fine arts, crafts, and performances. bloomingartsfestival.org

CHESTNUT LAKE (NJ)

April 16

Easter Parade

Put on your best Easter outfit and stroll through Historic Smithville in style! Awards to be given out for the best outfits. Parade begins at The Smithville Inn.

historicsmithville.com/smithville-events/ easter

April 21

British Car Show

See classic British-made cars in downtown Smithville.

spooksandlegends.com

April 1-30

Williamsburg Craft Alcohol Tasting Tour

drinkwilliamsburg.com

April 21

Colonial Williamsburg

Walk around historic downtown Smithville to see. Local artists set up their artwork for your perusal! historicsmithvillenj.com/13-art-walk

WILLIAMSBURG (VA)

March 1-31

Witches of Williamsburg Tour

Follow your guide to the very haunted Booker Tenement and the Jones family graveyard, where young Ida is often seen hovering over the graves. Stories of Blackbeard and his MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Cheekwood In Bloom

Stroll through the gardens and enjoy more than 100,000 spring blooms.

Enjoy crafts, live music, bunnies, and tours Saturday and Sunday.

April 4-8

Mule Days

Log pulling, pony mule pulling, miniature donkeys, pickin’ and a grinning, daily, arts and crafts, mule races, liar’s contest, parade on Saturday.

Full schedule on the website. muleday.com

VERDE VALLEY (AZ)

April 1- 30

Tour historically accurate sites and view magnificent architecture that tell the story of the birth of America.

Enjoy costumed interpreters as they demonstrate what life was like during the early years of America. Roam the over 300-acre Historic Area featuring political sites, historic homes, Great Hopes Plantation and be treated to the informative 30 minute film, Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot. vacationsmadeeasy.com

March 17-April 15

cheekwood.org

This trip includes a tasting and tour at two distilleries, a honey and mead tasting at a meadery, a brewery tour and four-beer flight or 10 oz beer of your choice.Tours, drinks, and tastings are included in your ticket at 3 of 4 locations. See website for detailed ticketing and tour information.

historicsmithvillenj.com/34-british-carshow

Art Walk

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headless body, conspiracy at the Raleigh Tavern, and ghosts add to the dark secrets of this town.

Until March 8

Sedona International Film Festival Held in the picturesque town of Sedona, AZ, the Sedona Film Festival is a stunning film experience that celebrates independent cinematic works. The multi-day engagement boasts over 160 riveting dramas, thought-provoking documentaries, unique shorts, animated movies and other films. Educational workshops, special screenings, guest appearances, discussion panels and Q&A sessions are among the additional attractions. sedonafilmfestival.org

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

April 27-29

Family friendly event featuring tractors, models, tractor parade, tractor pull, flea market, vendors, and old-time entertainment raffle!

Free, self-guided event celebrating the arts in the greater Verde Valley that runs from 10am-5pm daily. The tour provides a unique opportunity to meet over 50 artists in their private studios, working in a variety of mediums.

Arizona Flywheelers 34th Annual Engine Show

cottonwoodchamberaz.org

March 17-18

Spring Heritage Pecan and Wine Festival Spring Heritage is a two-day festival celebrating the springtime beauty of Northern Arizona.This event is for all-ages, with live music, 40 vendors, and activities for kids on the Community Field, in Camp Verde’s historic downtown. campverdepromotions.org/pecanwine

March 17-18

Verde Valley Archaeology Fair & International Film Festival

Held during Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness month and as part of the Spring Heritage Pecan and Wine Festival, the events have been recognized as a “Premier Signature Event.” A Souvenir Program Guide for the event includes information about the Pecan and Wine Festival and the Verde River Runoff that occur on the same weekend.

Sedona Open Studios Tour

sedonaartistscoalition.org

COLORADO RIVER (TX)

March 4

ABC Kite Fest

The ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s most beloved traditions that boasts day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite flying contest and showcase, a fun run, and Mossiest, a children’s music concert. abckitefestival.org

March 8

Chamber Casino Night

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce will host its annual fundraiser “Casino Night.” $50 individual tickets include music, dinner, casino cash, beer, and wine, margaritas, great prizes and more! Get even more with half table, full table and gaming table sponsorships! columbustexas.org

verdevalleyarchaeology.org/fair

April 7

April 5-9

Dinner Theater with Willow City Music at the Stafford Opera House.

Sedona Spring Music Festival

In a dynamic celebration of chamber music and musical education, the Third Annual Sedona Spring Music Festival will feature various events over four days, including school programs, a salon in a private home and a special concert featuring the acclaimed Fauré Piano Quartet. skyranchlodge.com/2017/03/17/comesedonas-spring-music-festival-april-5-9

April 6-14

Beauty & the Beast

A hideous creature, an enchanted castle, a brave provincial girl and a lingering curse – see them all redeemed by the power of love in Yavapai College Performing Arts' stirring stage production of the “tale as old as time.”Visit the website for detailed ticket and showtime information. ycpac.com

Willow City Music Dinner Theater willowcitymusic.com

LAKE OF THE SPRINGS (CA)

March 17

Bok Kai Festival

The Bok Kai parade's rich history is believed to have started as far back as the 1850s. Community organizations, schools, and business come together to see traditional Chinese lion dancers, lots of firecrackers and the famous 175 foot long golden dragon, “Hong Wan Lung.” bokkaiparade.com

April 21

Grass Valley Sportsmen’s Club Kids Trout Derby

Free to all children ages 3 to 12 years old! 3 fish “Derby” limit will apply.

2000 Rainbow Trout will be stocked by California Fish & Game and Grass

Some events may require a participation fee.

Valley Sportsmen’s Club. State Fishing and Derby regulations will apply and be STRICTLY enforced. Please bring your own fishing equipment and check the website for detailed information. nevadacountyfair.com

LAKE TEXOMA (TX)

March 16

In Concert: One Republic

Come on out and enjoy One Republic as they perform at the Global Event Center! winstarworldcasino.com/events/globalevent-center

April 21

Jay Leno

Jay Leno is set to perform at the Global Event Center at WinStar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville, OK. winstarworldcasino.com/events/globalevent-center

April 21- 22

Relay for Life of Cooke County Gainesville would like to welcome everyone to come out and support those that have lost their battle, that they will never be forgotten. Those that are fighting will all be supported.

Admission is free and teams will be doing on-site fundraising involving food, games, and raffles. relayforlife.org/cookecotx

LAKE WHITNEY (TX)

March 17

The Texas Food Truck Showdown

The Texas Food Truck Showdown is excited to host its 4th annual competition as food trucks from across the state and thousands of foodies gather together in downtown Waco. thetexasfoodtruckshowdown.com

March 20-25

Finding Neverland

Performing Arts Fort Worth Presents: Finding Neverland, at the Bass Performance Hall, part of the Broadway at the Bass Series. basshall.com

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

March 16-17

Activities and Events – Local

April 28

Waco Texas Steak Cook-Off & Wine Fest

Teams compete to prepare the best steak and appetizer. Admission to this family-friendly event includes appetizer tastings, wine tastings, vendors, live music, an an evening steak dinner cooked by the chef of your choice. wacoheartoftexas.com/things-to-do/ indian-spring-park

MORGAN HILL (CA)

March 3

Women’s History Tour

Join members of the Gilroy Historical Society as they guide you on free walking tours through Gilroy's historic districts. Meet in front of the Gilroy Museum.Tours start at 10am.This month is the Women’s History Tour. cityofgilroy.org/386/museum

March 10

2nd Annual Hop N' Vine Festival & Market Taste libations from the area’s wineries and craft breweries of the Santa Clara County plus light bites and entertainment. hopnvinesj.com

March 17-18

SCVGMS Rock Gem & Mineral Festival

See all things beads, rock, gem, mineral, fossil, lapidary, and jewelry related items. Over 50 dealers present at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.Watch demonstrations and listen to guest speakers from around the country. scvgms.org

April 7

Old Gilroy Historic Walking Tour

Join members of the Gilroy Historical Society as they guide you on FREE Walking Tours through Gilroy's historic districts. Meet in front of the Gilroy Museum. Call the Gilroy Museum at (408) 846-0446 for more information. cityofgilroy.org/386/museum

April 21

9th Annual International Children’s Festival

International Children’s Festival unites world cultures through food, fun, and

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MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

dance. This event is free and takes places at Discovery Meadow Park. childrensfest.org

PALM SPRINGS (CA)

March 5-18

PNP Paribas Open Tennis

One of the biggest tennis competitions in the world featuring the world’s top women and men’s professional players. Enjoy on and off the courts–entertainment, exhibits, demos and some of the finest food available in the Coachella Valley. pnparibasopen.com

March 3-4

La Quinta Art Festival

The 13 acre campus is a life size picture postcard framed by majestic mountains, rolling green lawns and a lake. Hosting 220 of the nation’s foremost contemporary artists. Takes place at the Civic Center Campus in La Quinta, CA. lqaf.com/cultural-events/la-quinta-artsfestival

March 17-24

Fashion Week on El Paseo

The largest fashion week on the West Coast. This event showcases all kinds of fashion accessories, apparel, jewelry, designer products, footwear and all services related to the fashion industry. fashionweekelpaseo.com

April 7

Brew at the Zoo

Celebrate National Beer Day at the Zoo. Craft beer fans will love the selection of tastings from the finest specialty brews. Attendees will enjoy tasty dishes and desserts from some of Coachella Valley’s top restaurants.

The evening includes live music throughout the grounds. A section of the park will be open to see the animals. livingdesert.org

April 13-15, April 20-22 Coachella Music Festival

Annual two week-end, three day music and arts festival featuring many genres of music on several stages continuously at the Empire Polo Club. coachella.com

April 27-29

Stagecoach Country Music Festival

Annual outdoor country music festival featuring top country western entertainment at the Empire Polo Club. stagecoachfestival.com

PIO PICO (CA)

March 3-4

Spring Busker Festival

Seaport Village along San Diego Bay comes alive with a celebration of street performers in a battle of entertainment and one-of-a-kind performances by jugglers, sword swallowers, comedic stuntmen, and more. seaportvillage.com/events-calendar/ busker-festival

March 3-4

American Ninja Warrior Experience

Test your skills and race on an authentic American Ninja Warrior course at SDCCU Stadium. Watch the very best American Ninja Warriors from the show compete live! For ticket information, visit the website. anwexperience.com/event/san-diego

March 17

Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

‘Tis the luck of the Irish for San Diego when the St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at 10:30am and sets off from 5th Ave. and Laurel Street. An Irish festival with traditional dancers, music, a beer garden, and Celtic village follows the parade at 1pm. stpatsparade.org

March 17

ShamROCK 2018

With 40,000 sq. ft. of Astroturf, downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter turns into the rolling hills of Ireland.This St. Patrick's Day, the party includes Irish rock bands and pints of green beer. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend this ticketed event. sandiegoshamrock.com

Activities and Events – Local

April 15

Fallbrook Avocado Festival

The 32nd Annual Avocado Festival includes local artisans on the Artisan Walk on Alvarado, Cazadores Margaritas at the Main Stage area, featuring local talent, food, wine garden, local beer, community stage, kid's zone, and Avocado Central where avocados and trees can be purchased. Free to attend! fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/ events-v2/avocado-festival.html

April 22

EarthFair 2018

Produced by 300 volunteers, EarthFair 2018 will feature more than 300 exhibitors, special theme areas, a food pavilion, a special children's activity area, four entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery arts and crafts show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse. earthdayweb.org/EarthFair

PONDEROSA (CA)

April 21-22, 28-29

El Dorado Wine Passport Weekend Explore one of the world’s most diverse and exhilarating wine regions during El Dorado Wine Country’s Passport 2018. Sip and savor awardwinning wines while enjoying perfectly paired bites, music and a bounty of other experiences at more

than 20 participating wineries throughout the picturesque foothills of El Dorado County. eldoradowines.org/passport

SOLEDAD CANYON (CA)

March 2-April 12

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

This is a California foodie's paradise and one of the top Disneyland events in 2018. Guests can partake in delicious food and wine every day. Plus special workshops and experiences on the weekends. Guests can also reserve their seats at premium experiences with famous chefs. disneylandadventure.com

March 24-25 Air Show

Attendees will experience the thrills, close to action. With performances in the sky and on the ground and activities for all ages. Come out and enjoy the LA County Air Show. lacountairshow.com

April 7-May 20

Renaissance Fair

Watch Knights jousting on horseback; mingle with costumed minstrels and troubadours; shop for art and food and enjoy kids games and activities.

Children 12 and under are free.

April 21-22

Poppy Festival

Celebrate the state flower at The California Poppy Festival which has live music on two stages, arts and crafts, food vendors, animal attractions, aerospace exhibits, an acrobatics show and a Sunday car show at Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park. poppyfestival.com

TURTLE BEACH (CA)

March 17-18

Dublin Saint Patrick’s Day Festival Three stages of Irish music and dance plus live music in the Irish Tea Cottage, traditional Irish fare as well as new takes on some Irish classics. Over 250 booths featuring an Irish marketplace with unique Celtic wares! Carnival rides and games for all ages. dublinstpats.com

April 20-22

Stockton Asparagus Festival

The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival offers everything from food to fun.

Bring your family and friends and enjoy Asparagus Alley, celebrity chef demonstrations, car show, craft beer and wine pavillion, kids zone with carnival rides and so much more! asparagusfest.com

renfair.com

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Activities and Events – Local

YOSEMITE LAKES (CA)

Mar 9-11

Sonora Celtic Faire

The big Annual Sonora Celtic Faire returns, celebrating the cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, and Wales.

The 2018 Sonora Celtic Faire will host the International Ultimate Jousting Championships. Featuring some of the best riders from the world of Jousting.

The only Championship Joust on the West Coast of America. sonoracelticfaire.com

Mar 10-11

52nd Annual Rock, Mineral & Jewelry Show

Rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, beads, fluorescents, and more! Learn to make beautiful jewelry out of natural rocks and gemstones from our demonstrators.

Make your own bracelet or carve soapstone.There will be over 40 dealers selling rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, beads, and supplies. turlockgemshow.com

Mar 25

Spring Canyon Wildflowers

Celebrate spring in Yosemite Valley!

See brilliant wildflowers in bloom along the Merced River Canyon west of Yosemite Valley.Take less-traveled routes to view vibrant flower displays and explore floral ecology, learn to identify diverse plant species, and revel in the sumptuous natural palette on display as you stroll along the beautiful Merced River. yosemiteconservancy.org

April 1

Easter Train and Festivities at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

The historic park offers a great place to celebrate the holiday with an egg hunt for children, train rides behind a historic diesel locomotive, hands-on crafts and an opportunity to meet the Easter bunny.Visit the website for detailed ticket information and showtimes. railtown1897.org

April 1

Victorian Easter Parade at Columbia State Historic Park

Dress up in your Easter finery and be a part of Columbia’s Victorian Easter Parade, a Victorian era promenade on Main Street in Columbia State Historic

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Park on Easter Sunday. Prizes will be awarded for fanciest Victorian hat, and best dressed couple, lasses and lads, groups and pets (pre-register). visitcolumbiacalifornia.com

April 21

Free Entrance Day at Yosemite National Park

We join with the National Park Foundation to celebrate America's treasures. Get ready to celebrate National Park Week 2018 from April 21 through 29! Parks across the country will host special program and events, including for: April 21: National Junior Ranger Day and Free Entry; April 22: Earth Day; April 29: National Park Rx Day. nps.gov

BIRCH BAY (WA)

April 22

Dirty Dan Harris Festival

It’s the annual event to celebrate the “unscrubbed” community founder of Fairhaven, Dirty Dan Harris! There will be loads of fun to be had all day! Live music, Rocket Donuts donut eating contest,1800’s dress contests, and the Chuckanut Chili Cook-Off. fairhaven.com/event/annual-dirty-danharris-festival

CHEHALIS & PARADISE (WA)

March 3-4

White Pass Winter Carnival

Family Friendly event with interactive snow castle, outdoor games, snow sport competitions, torchlight parade, and colorful fireworks. skiwhitepass.com

April 14

Pe Ell River Run

An informal float trip starting from the town of Pe Ell downriver to Rainbow Falls, using everything from rafts and inflatables, to canoes and kayaks! facebook.com/PeEllRiverRun

LA CONNER (WA)

March 1- 31

La Conner Daffodil Festival

There’s nothing quite as wonderful as entire fields of bright, cheery daffodils against our Mt. Baker backdrop. Check the website for detailed event information.

lovelaconner.com/la-conner-daffodil-festival

April 1-30

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Celebrate millions of tulips bursting into bloom. Due to crop rotation, the fields are in different locations each year. Be sure to visit the website for the most up to date information on blooms. tulipfestival.org

TALL CHIEF (WA)

March 1-4

Emerald City Comic Con

One of a kind, comic book, game and pop culture event at the Seattle Convention Center. emeraldcitycomiccon.com

March 18

Walk-n-Wag in Lake Sammamish State Park Walk n’ Wag is a 3K walk and run for dogs and their owners at Lake Sammamish State Park. Aims to raise funds to improve the park. Walkers without dogs are welcome to visit Doggie Village. lakesammamishfriends.org/save-dateannual-holiday-beach-party-2

April 19-22

Puyallup Spring Fair

Spring Fair features baby animals, pig races, fair food, rides, a garden show, and a demolition derby at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup, WA. thefair.com/spring-fair

April 28

Bacon and Beer Classic

Time: 12-7pm. 100+ beers from regional breweries, 30+ bacon-infused dishes from local chefs. Games, contests, music at Safeco Field. baconandbeerclassis.com

WHALERS REST (OR)

March 24

Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup, presented by AAA

Thousands of volunteers will come together for a day at the beach! We’ll be clearing the coast of litter and marine debris at 45 locations stretching from Astoria to Brookings.

All ages and abilities are encouraged to join; supplies provided! solveoregon.org

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THE

s n i a t n u o m calling ARE

By Joan Rykal

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EXPLORING AMERICA'S MOUNTAIN RANGES

I

n a letter to his sister in 1873, naturalist John Muir first wrote his now famous quote “The mountains are calling and I must go.�Muir wrote that letter from Yosemite, where the majestic Sierra Nevada peaks were definitely calling him. Muir spent ten years exploring the Sierra Nevada mountain range and all are detailed in his book, The Mountains of California.

Do the mountains call you? If they do, the US offers a variety of opportunities to experience the peaks and valleys of these rock and earth masterpieces.

The US has three major mountain ranges: the Sierra Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, and the Appalachian.

Other notable ranges include the Cascade Range, stretching through the Pacific Northwest into Canada, and the Adirondacks in northeast New York. These ranges offer exhilarating adventures, scenic drives, and quaint mountain towns that will offer you a glimpse into why Mr. Muir was called to explore the mysteries of the mountains.

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SIERRA NEVADA RANGE Almost all of the 400 mile Sierra Nevada mountain range is within California. The range is home to nine national forests, three national parks, and two national monuments. ▼ Mt. Whitney

Also of note, Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States, with an elevation of 14,505 ft., lies within the range.

Yosemite National Park, of course, is well-known.

El Capitan, the 3,000 ft. vertical rock formation, and Half Dome, the aptly-named 4,737 ft. granite dome, draws climbers from around the world. For those with less lofty ambitions, Yosemite also offers multiple hiking trails, scenic drives, and is on every camera buff’s bucket list.

Canyons, caverns, and ages-old sequoia trees that are nothing but majestic are what you’ll find in

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Sequoia National Park. John Muir said the sequoia groves were “not like places, but like haunts.” Giant sequoias grow only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and range in height from 4,000 to 8,000 feet. There are 40 different groves within the park.

One grove not to be missed is Giant Forest, which is home to the General Sherman Tree, considered the largest living sequoia and estimated to be close to 2,000 years old.

If you’re looking to experience the faster side of the Sierra Nevada’s consider the snow sports available in areas such as Mammoth Lakes, Squaw Valley, and South Lake Tahoe.

Mammoth Lakes is home to several ski resorts as well as the Mammoth Ski Museum. Open year-round, the museum features more than 10,000 historic pieces chronicling the sport that is more than 5,000 years old. For information on Mammoth skiing as well as the museum, visit allmammoth.com.

Did you ever see a pile of black volcanic glass? If that’s something that sparks your interest, check out Obsidian Dome, a 300-foot high lava dome. Visitors are welcome to climb after traversing a short, rocky, dirt road to reach it from the main highway.

Another must-see in the Mammoth Lakes area is Devils Postpile National Monument, a rock formation of columnar basalt, which is the most common form of volcanic rock.

▲ El Capitan

Mammoth Lakes also hosts a variety of annual festivals including Bluesapalooza, a beer and blues music festival in early August, and an Oktoberfest in late September.

A notable ski area of the Sierra Nevada range is Squaw Valley, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. In addition to the winter skiing opportunities, Squaw Valley is popular for mountain biking and hiking.

The Olympic Museum features authentic Team USA uniforms as well as other Olympic memorabilia and offers a historic film about the 1960 games. For more information about Squaw Valley and what to do in the area, visit squawalpine.com.

Lake Tahoe offers both beaches and ski opportunities all centering around the large freshwater lake for which the area is named.

Lake Tahoe is, in fact, the largest alpine lake in North America (an alpine lake is classified as a lake located in a high altitude area.)

For ski resorts in the area, visit skilaketahoe.com.

▲ Lake Tahoe Summer in Lake Tahoe is all about mountain biking, hiking, and fishing as well as beach time.

Park and Emigrant Museum in Truckee, which details the history of the ill-fated Donner Party.

Check out the “potholes” of Lake Tahoe, which are unique swimming holes created as the American River hits granite plateaus and forms swimming pockets. To learn more about the potholes, visit aboutlaketahoe.com.

For something a little lighter, check out the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in Sand Harbor. This beautiful outdoor venue allows you to take in a bit of The Bard while enjoying food and wine al fresco. For information visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.

Other items of note in the area include the Donner Memorial State

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CHARMING MOUNTAIN TOWNS

west TRUCKEE, CA

Truckee is a charming mountain town that offers art galleries, shops, dining, breweries and wineries.

Every Thursday from June to August, there is a farmers market as part of the regular Downtown Truckee Thursdays which also features concerts, plus arts and crafts events. There’s also an annual Pro Rodeo, set this year for August 25-26.

MCCLOUD, CA With a backdrop of the mountain that prompted John Muir to say his “blood turned to wine” when he first glimpsed the snow-capped peak, McCloud is another town that centers its life around the mountains. The big event here is the Mushroom Festival, scheduled this year for May 25-27. It’s all about the mushroom with

food demonstrations, tastings, and educational seminars.

There’s also live entertainment, games and prizes. For more information visit mccloudchamber.com.

▲ Skiing in Mt. Hood

BEND, OR Once a booming lumber town, Bend is now a travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter and summer sports abound but there are also fairs and festivals. Mt. Bachelor offers summer and winter fun including skiing, sled dog rides, mountain biking, and disc golf. For a different kind of hike, do the Bend Ale Trail. For more Bend adventures, visit visitbend.com.

LEAVENWORTH, WA This beautiful Bavarian-styled village with the stunning backdrop of the mountains is a must-see. Winter brings out all the stops here but any time is a good time to visit Leavenworth.

There’s the Nutcracker Museum and the Upper Valley Museum at Wenatchee River Institute which details the history of the area. There are wineries as well as plenty of outdoors to explore.

Try river tubing or paddleboarding on the Wenatchee River. Visit leavenworth.org for more information on this charming town.

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▲ Shakespeare Festival in Tahoe

THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS The Cascades extend from northern California through Oregon and Washington up to British Columbia. They are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a ring of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean. The highest point in the Cascade Range is Mt. Rainier (Washington) at 14,411 ft. Mt. Hood (Oregon), at 11,250 ft., is also part of the Cascades.

Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the US, is often called the Gem of the Cascades. Located with Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, it was formed more than 7,000 years ago after the collapse of Mt. Mazama, a volcanic mountain.

Winter activities in the park include skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, and

snowshoeing, while summer activities include fishing, bicycling, swimming, and stargazing. Trolley tours offer the option to take a scenic drive around the lake and enjoy all the views while someone else does the work.

(the third highest mountain in Washington.) Washington is also considered a rock climber’s paradise offering exhilarating climbs at such locations as Index, Darlington and Mountain Home (Leavenworth.)

The Timberline Lodge, designated as a National Historic Landmark, was built by the Works Progress Administration from 1936-1938 during the Great Depression. It serves as the ski base for Mt. Hood, which is the tallest mountain in Oregon.

The Timberline ski area is the only ski area open year-round.

One very popular way to view the majesty of the Cascades is the Cascade Loop, a 400-mile journey that takes you up and down and in and out of the area. Hike a bit, view wildlife, or stop and enjoy the charms of the small mountain towns. And while the drive can be done in one day, it’s even better if you take a few days to take your time while exploring and enjoy the ride. For information on the four seasons of the Cascade Loop visit cascadeloop.com.

In Washington State, the Cascades offer similar experiences. Skiing is excellent at Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and Mt. Baker

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THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS The most aggressive way to view the Appalachian Mountains is via the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200mile trail that the most ambitious hikers attempt in one fell swoop.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail, or the “A.T.,” in its entirety, along with Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail make up what is known as the “Triple Crown of Hiking” in the US.

event is rich in Scottish heritage with sporting competitions, Scottish food, and music.

The Blue Ridge Mountains

Similar to the Sierra Nevadas, the mountain range is ripe for mountain biking, hiking, and fishing. There are designated national parks and forests along the way, as well as historic sites throughout. Also, since the range covers such a large area, for reference it is divided into three sections, the northern section, the central section, and the southern section.

A major highlight of the Appalachians is the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway which runs stretches over 469 scenic miles through North Carolina and Virginia.

Traveling the Parkway in autumn is another great opportunity to experience the fall colors.

Highlights along the Parkway include Mabry Mill (milepost 176.1), which features a restored sawmill and gristmill and is one of the most photographed places in the US; Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364) which offers breathtaking views and amazing flora; and Natural Bridge (Milepost 61.6), a nature-sculpted arch designated as a national historic landmark. For more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway visit blueridgeheritage.com or blueridgeparkway.org.

White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The White Mountains in New Hampshire are part of the northern Appalachians. The Kancamagus Highway, or "the Kanc" as locals call it, is considered one of the most scenic highways in the US and is actually a path cut right through the forest. A fall favorite, the best time to travel for leaf peepers is mid-September to mid-October.

If you’re planning a September visit, schedule your trip around the annual Highland Games. Set this year for September 21-23, the

Over 9 million people visit the “Smokies” annually to take in the flora and fauna of the area which was designated a National Park in 1934. Popular attractions include Clingmans Dome, which at 6,643 feet is the highest point in Tennessee, and in the park, as well as the numerous waterfalls, of which Grotto, Laurel, and Rainbow are major highlights.

For must-sees and information visit nps.gov/grsm. █

For our purposes, we’ll explore bits and pieces of the Appalachians, but if you’re considering doing the thru-hike, visit appalachiantrail.org.

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▲ Kancamagus Highway

Whether you want to vacation in a Tiny House at our Leavenworth and Mt. Hood campgrounds or stay in a cozy cabin, we have the perfect option for your mountain getaway.

Visit to plan your trip today.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTRY, YOU WILL FIND THE APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS WHICH RUN THROUGH 18 U.S. STATES AND INTO CANADA.

CHARMING MOUNTAIN TOWNS

east

MT. AIRY, NC

Andy Griffith, known for his role as Sheriff Andy Taylor of the fictional town of Mayberry, was born here so it’s no wonder the town has a similar small-town charm to that of the show’s setting. There’s actually an Andy Griffith Museum and a Floyd’s Barbershop. The 29th Annual Mayberry Days are scheduled for September 24-30.

Nearby Pilot Mountain offers great hiking as well as beautiful scenery.

Rodeo, set this year for August 25 and 26.

HARPERS FERRY, WV Historic Harpers Ferry gained notoriety during the Civil War when abolitionist John Brown initiated a slave revolt. A visit to Harpers Ferry in present-day will provide opportunities for history lessons, antique shopping, and a delightful time in this small town.

▲ Great Smoky Mountains Photo courtesy of trailseeds.com

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park includes the town itself, which has several museums and historic sites, as well as the surrounding land which lies in parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Civil War battle sites include Harpers Ferry and Antietam. From an outdoor adventure standpoint, you can kayak, canoe, rock climb, zip line, and hike, just to name a few. For more information visit nps.gov/hafe.

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ERic BaBin

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 Radio Trop Rock owner and DJ, Eric Babin.

t

here’s nothing quite like rolling down the road in your rig, heading to your next adventure, with music that makes you happy blaring from the speakers. For Eric Babin and his wife, Gina, they not only get to listen to the tunes they love, but they get to program and create a musical experience that they can share with others. Owners of Radio Trop Rock (www.radiotroprock.com), these full-time RVers cum DJs are traveling the country to record house concerts, bar gigs, and multiple-day music festivals and sharing the magical melodies on their online radio station.

More formally known as Tropical Rock, trop rock is a relatively new genre of music that, according to Eric, can be described as “music that takes you to the beach, on vacation, poolside, or anywhere else that work is not allowed.” Its

influences are from rock and roll, reggae, country music, Caribbean, Calypso, and Zydeco. It often incorporates tropical themes and represents a relaxed and easygoing mood. Think Jimmy Buffett, Bertie Higgins, Kenny Chesney, and Zac Brown. In addition to these mainstream artists, there are literally hundreds of other equally talented, independent artists that are recording music that makes you happy and traveling the country performing their feel-good sounds at house concerts, bars, and festivals.

In 2016, around the time that Eric was to retire after 26 years in the United States Navy, the Babins started hosting trop rock house concerts at their home on the white sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Basically, a “house concert” is when you invite a musician to play at your house and invite your friends to show up and pitch in to pay the musician. Their house concerts became well-known within the trop rock community, and they were asked by an online trop rock radio station to broadcast the concerts live on the station.

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full-time home and recording studio as they travel the country attending and recording house concerts, bar shows, and bigtime music festivals.

Tell us about your current RV. Eric Babin: Freedom. Anyone that is a full time RVer probably can relate to this feeling: As soon as I release the park brake and place the rig into drive and begin to roll, I feel amazingly free and relaxed. With that said, that isn’t our favorite part of being on the road full time. People within the trop rock community are the most enjoyable, friendly, helpful, and just downright good [people] than any other group we’ve come across. Meeting these folks and making new friends is the best part of the traveling.

What's your favorite thing about traveling in an RV versus staying in hotel?

They also started traveling to concerts and recording them for the station. Later that year, the Babins were approached by the owners of Radio Trop Rock and asked if they were interested in purchasing the station. With retirement looming, and with a newfound love of radio broadcasting (done exclusively online through their computer and smartphone), they purchased the station in December 2016 and spent several months revamping the programing and updating the music. Within the first month of the relaunch, listenership was up 300% over the previous best month in the three-year history of the station. And since they purchased the station, they have been recognized as "Radio Station of the Year" (small market) and "Radio Show of the Year" by the Trop Rock Music Association and

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are considered to be the fastest growing radio station in the genre.

RVing came into their lives at the suggestion of some of the trop rock musicians that had visited their home. After much discussion, they put their toe in the water with a used 40’ 2007 Damon Escaper long before they purchased the station (or thought about full-timing).

They were hooked after their first extended trip. As things progressed with the station and their love of traveling the country to attend concerts grew, full-timing seemed to be the natural direction (Gina also works part-time as an insurance customer service representative, which allows her to work remotely.) But they wanted something a bit newer and more reliable, so they upgraded to a new 2017 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 36U, which now serves as their

EB: The convenience of not having to pack and unpack is very valuable to your mindset. The thing that tipped the scale in the favor of the RV for us is pets! We travel with two small dogs. Many hotels allow dogs, but not all of them. We have not run across an RV park that hasn’t allowed dogs.

Our dogs are very important to us, even to the point of appearing on some of our promotion materials and making appearances at some of our live broadcasts. You ask anyone that has been listening to Radio Trop Rock for a while and they’ll know Carlos “The Bartender” and Delaney “The Diva," our two Shih Tzus.

Who Drives?

EB: I do all the driving. One day in the future we may train Gina to drive, but for now, it’s important she be able to work while we are driving, since most of our drive time is during the week, during the day.

What are a few of your favorite things onboard?

Any camping rituals that you have or do?

EB: Our new RV has fullsize separate washer/dryer, residential-size fridge, and a king size bed. Those items have now become my “favorite things.”

EB: Since we frequently travel with another couple, we often start the day enjoying coffee, and sometimes a Bloody Mary.

The middle of the day we all spend working. Even when we are not broadcasting, I have to spend time programming the station, promoting events, etc.

Gina spends the day with her insurance work. Once we are all done working for the day, we eat dinner (we take turns cooking.)

After dinner, we either go out to see some live music, which we call “research,” or we stay in and play card games or dominos.

What are a few favorite destinations and why?

EB: Each year, the largest trop rock convention takes place the first weekend in November in Key West. It’s called “Meeting of the Minds” and brings in about 5,000 folks to Key West to share the fun. Last year we began a trip to Meeting of the Minds we call “Karavan to the Keys.” We start ten days prior to the main event with a house concert just outside San Antonio, Texas. We then caravan with a group of RVs and cars toward Key West, stopping each day at a different location for a different show. Last year we had seven RVs and 24 people. This year we had 15 RVs and 70 people.

What are some favorite meals that you make onboard?

EB: Although our RV has a propane stove, we rarely use it. I find in the summer it really heats up the RV. I prefer to cook with an induction cooktop or outdoor grill. I’m also becoming

quite handy with the convection oven, which is a learning curve since I’ve never owned one. I’d have to say my favorite meal may be fajitas I grill or a pulled chicken sandwich, which I cook in a slow cooker. Simply slow cook the chicken, shred, drain excess grease, add BBQ sauce, and stir.

Any favorite restaurants on the road?

EB: I’ve never been much of a “foodie,” but traveling is beginning to change that. You should know most of the smaller events we attend are a “bring a dish” type of event so we get to experience home-cooked meals with local flavors. That is a treat for sure. We also always ask the locals where to eat. This way we can enjoy the best cheese steak sandwiches in Philly. The best BBQ in Memphis. The best Cajun food in New Orleans. The best steak in Texas. We’ve even had Buffalo Wings at the place they were invented! You get the idea.

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What’s the funniest thing that ever happened while you were RVing?

EB: There is a song that Donny Brewer–the friend we travel with–was writing and at the end of the song there is some banter back and forth. The song is called Winnebago and it appears on his CD Winnebago Tapes Vol.1.

During the banter, I mention to him he left his antenna up.

He shoots back, “Shut up Eric, you left your slide out,” to which I reply, “That thing hasn’t worked in a while.” Well, guess what? The next day when we went to leave, my slide out didn’t work. True story. You can find the song if you search YouTube for it.

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Is there anything about RVing or your RV that I didn’t ask you that you’d like to share?

EB: [For] anyone thinking about going full-time, I’d have to encourage them to do their research. Find out what things are important for you to have in your RV. Research what camping clubs are best for you to join.

Try several different types of navigation applications to see which is best for you and your circumstances. Talk to people that have done it and are doing it. While parked, don’t stay holed up in your RV. Get out there and meet your “neighbors.” █

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paws ROAD ON THE

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

by Jenn Swope-Gehr

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Hi Jen, In watching the current trend of CBD hemp oil come to popularity, I have a question about any experience that you might have with these products for our dogs. Without getting too much into it, are there any trusted name brands that you know of that I could look into for further information and have you ever seen truly positive benefits when the oil is used for dogs with pain.

Thank you, Tyra Barton JENN I appreciate your inquiry, Tyra.

I am a firm believer in natural, organic options for ourselves and our pets whenever possible. I also appreciate your candor and will tell you that at first, I was very skeptical about the hemp products currently coming to the market. However, with solid education, we can find clarity. In my opinion and experience, PetReleafTM offers the highest quality, organic, human grade hemp and CBD options on the market for pets. PetReleaf uses third-party laboratories for testing to be certain that each product is completely safe and effective prior to use. This method of testing plus their impressive sales distribution wins my vote of confidence. I trust this company because they are based in the USA at the largest USDA organic, full-spectrum certified hemp farm in the country.

PetReleaf is non-GMO and their hemp is extracted by supercritical CO2

method which sets them apart from the industry standards and others on the market today. The product is so pure because of the critical CO2 extraction method, this ensures that every product has no contraindications which means that it won’t interfere with any other medications your pet is currently receiving and has no negative side effects. The sourcing and extraction for hemp is extremely important as the hemp plant absorbs whatever is in the soil. The plants leaves are then transferred over to the product when expressed. Scientific evidence has proven that the use cannabinol (CBD) in all mammals including humans and pets is effective at treating anxiety, pain inflammation, and many other health issues. With all of this evidence, it’s shocking why CBD is not an everyday “go-to” over modern day pharmaceuticals or remedies. When whole plant compounds are used your pet is receiving a full spectrum of phytocannabinoids that will help with pain, aid the digestive tract, help maintain blood sugar levels, and improve cognitive function. These compounds do not contain THC, therefore, they will not make your pet feel drowsy. It is exciting to see so many veterinarians supporting holistic care.

There are now so many options to choose from when it comes to administering a daily dose of CBD Hemp Oil to your pet. It’s easy and most certainly a topic to study as the proven benefits are too great to ignore.

Jen! I have three curvy French bulldogs who need winter jackets for snow days here in Idaho and I’m struggling to find a warm option that doesn’t constrict their boxy shoulders. As you know, these bully breeds are chesty and broad–perfect of

course! Have you any suggestions that work well for your Boston crew? Love your column and we love to travel with our wonderful pets. Say! We thank you for the 12-volt Fantastic Fan idea to help keep my crew cool when I’m the van! It really is fantastic and we never leave home without it from spring to late fall.

Be well, Clara and Tom Bush JENN Hello, Bush Family! Oh yes, I can absolutely relate to your proper fitting dilemma and I’m excited to share with you a product that I am excited about!

The QuinzeeTM Insulated Jacket from Ruffwear® in Bend, OR has been thoughtfully designed to solve the unique fitting issues we both experience with our dogs. Each jacket has an integrated stuff sack for easy packability when on the go and are constructed with weather resistant, 200g synthetic insulation and polyester fabric that is warm enough for snow days. My favorite feature of the Quinzee is the self-locking neck zipper that provides a custom fit to accommodate different dog neck and chest shapes and sizes. The shoulder area is completely free from tight construction behind the elbow and allows the dog a full range of motion in the front legs while keeping the chest area and sternum warm. Available in a beautiful lime green, rich raspberry or a twilight gray color, the coat is trimmed with low light reflective tape and has a small loop for attaching a night light. I certainly understand and appreciate each one of these features.

Year after year, I’m always impressed with the effort that Ruffwear pours into their performance dog gear. This coat will not disappoint! Thanks for writing in and I love that you are a Fan-Tastic Vent convert- they are a must have for any RVer who travels with an animal at all times of the year.

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Make Your Way to Round Ball Revelry Across the Country

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to a March Madness Road Trip

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

very March, millions of basketball fans tune in to watch the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament–better known as March Madness. But those in-the-know know that it’s even better to catch one or more games in person. This year’s host cities offer an array of things to see and do between tipoffs and buzzer beaters.

E

Last year’s champion was the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which beat Gonzaga University in the final last year in Phoenix. Since the tournament began in 1939, UCLA has won the most titles with 11. The University of Kentucky follows with eight national titles and UNC has six. This year, 68 teams will be given the opportunity to be crowned NCAA Men’s Basketball champion on April 2 in San Antonio.

“Selection Sunday” for this year’s men’s tourney takes place on March 11. Then, it’s time for teams–and NCAA basketball fans–to hit the road to interesting host cities near and far.

There are many myths about the work of the tournament’s

selection committee, and why teams are chosen, and where they’re sent to play their first games, but David Worlock, the NCAA’s director of media coordination and statistics (and a constant presence in the committee room) says many are just that–myths.

For instance, for those who think conference affiliation plays a big role, Worlock says, “Conference affiliation and the conference’s RPI [Rating Percentage Index] are not part of the decision-making process. In essence, teams are viewed as independents by the committee when it comes time to select teams. In fact, the nitty gritty reports and team sheets don't include the conference RPI for each team.”

Of the theory that the selection committee seeds and sends certain teams to certain cities to create dramatic madefor-TV matchups, Worlock says it couldn’t be further from the truth. He says, “While we love conspiracy theories, this simply isn't possible.

Committee members don't even see the match-ups until the bracket is done–there isn't time, nor is it any consideration in the process.”

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The first city to host 2018 March Madness games (March 13-14) will be Dayton, Ohio.

Labeled the “First Four,” these four games give eight teams the chance to play themselves into the 64-team bracket and the right to travel to one of eight cities hosting the first and second round games of the tourney.

Those eight cities will each feature six games for the first and second rounds from March 15 to March 18, with the two undefeated teams from each city heading to the four regional host cities for the next two rounds (March 22 to March 25.)

The four winners of the regionals will then head to San Antonio for the Final Four semi-finals (March 31) and final (April 2.)

All of the host cities have much to offer beyond the basketball games. There will be many special events and activities when March

Madness comes to town, including “fanfests” and much more. Along with tickets and much more, the comprehensive and interactive NCAA website also features special March Madness travel packages (through “NCAA Travel” on their site.)

Three March Madness host cities (Atlanta, Boston, and Dallas) offer a great visitor offering called a CityPASS. The CityPASS features a selection of the best hand-picked attractions, with admission at a savings of up to half off the price of separate admission (for both adults and children.) Available at citypass.com or at any participating CityPASS attraction, the CityPASS gives ample time–nine days–to enjoy a destination.

Here’s a roundup of what to see and do in each of the March Madness cities for 2018.

fIrst four March 13-14

▲ Replica Wright Flyer III

▲ Huffman Prairie Flying Field

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Like a college basketball star soaring through the air for a slam dunk, Dayton locals like to say that the sky’s the limit when it comes to attractions and activities in their Wright brothers–and flight-focused city. Dayton is known as “The Birthplace of Aviation” and multi-location Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park provides perfect places to take flight in the city, with four sites, including: Huffman Prairie Field Flying Interpretive Center (including where the Wrights learned to fly), Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center (with Wright Cycle Shop and the Aviation Trail & Parachute Museum), the Wright

Flyer III in the Wright Center at Carillon Historical Park, and the Paul Laurence Dunbar House.

Other sky-high options include the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the fascinating National Museum of the United States Air Force. Plus, more possibilities in easy-to-reach Dayton (locals also call it “The Crossroads of America” due to its intersection of interstates 70 and 75), include: Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm; Boonshoft Museum of Discovery; Carillon Historical Park; Dayton Art Institute; SunWatch Indian Village; Dayton International Peace Museum; and much more.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT NCAA.COM AND CITYPASS.COM

fIrst and second rounds March 15-18

▲ Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh Photo courtesy of Philip Scalia Pittsburgh

Wichita

The Steel City is also known as the “City of Champions” to sports fans, thanks to the passionate support for the Steelers, the Pirates, and the Penguins. And, with so many family-friendly activities, it’s also known as “KidsBURGH™” to multi-generational travelers.

There are also many theaters, galleries, museums, and public art installations, including The Andy Warhol Museum, which houses the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in North America, and nine theaters in downtown’s vibrant Cultural District.

Pittsburgh is also very much a river city, so casino collectors will love visiting the appropriatelynamed Rivers Casino.

With an exciting mix of attractions and museums, Wichita is home to the most visited outdoor attraction in Kansas and the country’s seventh largest zoo– Sedgwick County Zoo. Other top attractions in downtown Wichita, historic Old Town, and beyond include: Wichita Art Museum; Great Plains Nature Center; the Keeper of the Plains sculpture at the confluences of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers; the Arkansas River Trail; Mid-America All-Indian Center; Old Cowtown Museum; Exploration Place; Kansas Aviation Museum; lots of art galleries; The Donut Whole (40 donut flavors made from Kansasgrown ingredients); the Museum of World Treasures; Bradley Fair (one of Wichita’s eight shopping districts); and Botanica Wichita.

▲ Old Town Wichita Photo courtesy of visitwichita.com

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Dallas With 40% off admission prices, the CityPASS attractions in Dallas provide a perfect start for great places to head between games and include: the Perot Museum of Nature and Science; Reunion Tower GeO-Deck (a towering landmark observation deck); The Sixth Floor Museum (featuring the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy) or the Dallas Zoo; and the George W. Bush Presidential Center or of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens–for a total of four admission tickets at a bargain package price. Other options in The Big D might include exploring the West End, which is the city’s most historic neighborhood (the Dallas World Aquarium is also located there), the Irving Arts Center, the Dallas Children’s Theater, Texas Discover Gardens, and Klyde Warren Park.

▲ Aerial view of Downtown Dallas, TX

Boise Boise is better than ever and ready for basketball fans to discover its many stories. The Boise River is a much-enjoyed focal point, whether it’s floating on it, fishing from it, or cruising the 25-mile paved Greenbelt path along it. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love the city’s Ridge to Rivers trail, with 130 miles of hiking and biking through the Boise Foothills, just above town. There’s also the relatively new Esther Simplot River Park and upgrades to the Boise River Whitewater Park. Arts and culture fans will love Freak Alley Gallery and will also want to check out the line-up at The Morrison Centre, as well as Basque Culture in Boise–including the Basque Museum and Culture Center, the only one of its kind in North America.

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▲ Boise River in Boise, ID

Charlotte With the one-time city tourism slogan of “Charlotte’s Got A Lot,” the Queen City (as in Queen Charlotte) truly has a lot to pursue. Charlotte’s can’t-miss between games bucket list has to include: the NASCAR Hall of Fame; bustling 7th Street Public Market; The Billy Graham Library; the U.S. National Whitewater Center; the Levine Museum of the New South; Atherton Mill and Market; the city’s Topgolf golf entertainment complex; Segway tours; worldclass shopping; and lots of craft breweries for saying “cheers” to March Madness. Carowinds, a sprawling world-class amusement park, doesn’t open for the 2018 season until March 24.

Detroit “The D” is America’s great comeback story in so many ways and maybe that’s why sports fans love the city–everyone loves a comeback. Detroit is soaring anew with an entrepreneurship spirit that has a long history in the Motor City, with “Made in the D” examples ranging from Ford Motor Company to Domino’s Pizza and Little Caesar’s Pizza, Stroh’s Beer, Carhartt work clothing, and the Fathead Brand, which is based in downtown Detroit. Home of the North American International Auto Show, car lovers will also enjoy the Henry Ford Museum, the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Ford Rouge Factory, the Detroit Art Institute, and the GM Renaissance Center (“Reflecting a New Detroit”). For sports fans, Detroit is the only city in the country that houses all four of its professional sports teams (the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons) in a central location–all within walking distance of each other. ▲ National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC Photo courtesy of charlottesgotalot.com

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▲ Balboa Park in San Diego, CA

▲ Nashville, TN 40

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Nashville

San Diego

With seemingly 24/7 live music, a white-hot dining scene, and world-class museums and attractions, lyrical Music City is one of the country’s hottest travel destinations for good reason.

Possibilities when not watching basketball include: the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum; Music Row and Historic RCA Studio B; the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum; The Johnny Cash Museum; The Patsy Cline Museum; Madame Tussauds Nashville; The Parthenon (the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the ancient Parthenon in Athens, Greece); tours and shows of Ryman Auditorium; and, of course, honky tonk-filled Honky Tonk Highway.

As one of the most varied metropolitan regions in the country, greater San Diego is surprisingly comprised of more than 100 colorful and unique neighborhoods. Each community has its own personality, with sightseeing, arts and culture, dining, shopping, and outdoors activities all reflecting the deep diversity of the area. Framed by inland mountains and deserts and an iconic natural harbor, downtown San Diego’s cityscape is even composed of several distinct neighborhoods. City highlights have to include: the Maritime Museum of San Diego; USS Midway Museum; Balboa Park; San Diego Zoo; SeaWorld® San Diego; Cabrillo National Monument; varied boat tours; and many other options.

midwest March 23 & 25

regional

▲ Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Photo courtesy of visitomaha.com

▲ Henry Doorly Zoo Photo courtesy of visitomaha.com

▲ College World Series Photo courtesy of visitomaha.com

Omaha Of course, Omaha is known to NCAA sports fans as the long-time home of the College World Series, which takes place in the heart of bustling downtown–as does this year’s Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center Omaha, just around the corner. Top options in downtown Omaha and beyond include: the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which spans two states (Nebraska and Iowa) across the Missouri River; downtown’s Old Market area; Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitors Center; Joslyn Art Museum; Omaha Children’s Museum; the Mormon Trail Center; the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; The Durham Museum; Lauritzen Gardens; and Boys Town.

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west regional March 22 & 24

▲ Venice Beach Boardwalk Photo courtesy of visitlosangeles.com

Los Angeles

▲ Sunset Ranch Hollywood Photo courtesy of visitlosangeles.com

Sprawling Los Angeles has a diverse array of activities and attractions to satisfy the interests of any visitor between games.

Vintage Hollywood buffs will want to head to iconic places like Paramount Pictures Studios, TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one of the “Hollywood Homes” tours, and shopping for the stars–new and old–on Rodeo Drive. Among lots of options, other possibilities include: Universal Studios Hollywood; Warner Bros. Studio; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Sunset Boulevard; the Santa Monica Pier; bustling Venice Beach; Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park; The Getty Center; and so much more.

south regional March 22 & 24

Atlanta CityPASS booklets are hot in “Hotlanta” as well, thanks to 40% off admission to many of the city’s must-see attractions. The booklet includes prepaid admission to: Georgia Aquarium; World of Coca-Cola; CNN Studio Tours; Zoo Atlanta or the Center for Civil and Human Rights; and Fernbank Museum of Natural History or College Football Hall of Fame.

Of course, there’s much more to see and do in Atlanta between exciting South Regional games, including Atlanta History Center, Centennial Olympic Park, High Museum of Art, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum; and many other possibilities, depending on interests.

▲ Centennial Olympic Park ©2011, James Duckworth, Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos.com

▲ World of Coca-Cola ©2008, Kevin C. Rose, Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos.com MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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east regional March 23 & 25

Boston Beantown is another CityPASS city, with the company’s Boston booklet offering another great sightseeing value (currently 43% off admission). The Boston offering includes prepaid admission to: the New England Aquarium; the Museum of Science; Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center (great views!); and either a cruise with Boston Harbor Cruises or the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Of course–depending on interests–other great Boston possibilities might include: the Freedom Trail; Paul Revere House; Fenway Park tours (offered year-round); Faneuil Hall Marketplace; Boston Common; Boston Public Garden; the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; and the Museum of Fine Arts, among many options.

▲ Freedom Trail Photo courtesy of Freedom Trail Foundation

▲ View of Fenway Park from Skywalk Observatory Photo courtesy of GBCVB ▲ Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Photo courtesy of Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

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final four March 31 & April 2

▲ The Alamo Photo courtesy of visitsanantonio.com

San Antonio Celebrating its Tricentennial in 2018, San Antonio is better than ever. Along with long-time visitor favorites like the San Antonio River Walk, The Alamo, Mission San Jose, and the Pearl District (for shopping, restaurants, a great farmers market, the Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio campus, and more), “new “possibilities include: revitalized Broadway Street, which connects many of the city’s significant cultural attractions; a new look for Hemisfair (a park that was home of the 1968 World’s Fair); and the renovated and expanded Witte Museum. With the games taking place in the renovated Alamodome, special Final Four events in San Antonio will include Reese’s Final Four Friday, Final Four FanFest presented by Capital One, March Madness Music Festival, the Final Four Dribble, and more.

Given all of March Madness cities across the country, it’s never been easier to enjoy round ball revelry come March. █

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Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

In the cooler months, our bodies naturally crave comfort foods. This doesn’t mean we have to reach for unhealthy options because often times our favorite comfort foods can be made healthy with a few small adjustments!

This month I’m sharing some of my favorite flavor-packed dishes that contain no artificial ingredients and can be whipped together in minutes. These recipes make great weeknight dinners and the leftovers will provide an easy lunch option.

You can switch up the zucchini by replacing the ground turkey with ground beef, chicken or pork, or swapping the zucchini for another squash. The chicken bites pair nicely with green vegetables like broccoli or can be used as an appetizer for a party! The muffins are great for Sunday brunch, or as a grab and go breakfast during the week.

Banana Walnut Muffins Prep time: 15-20 min Cook time: 25 min Total time: 45 min Yields: 9-10 muffins

Ingredients • 1/3 C almond flour • 1/3 C tapioca flour

For more recipes and lifestyle tips connect with me over at:

• 1/3 C coconut flour

refreshednutrition.com

• ¼ C coconut sugar

• ½ C milk

info@refreshednutrition.com

• 3 eggs, whisked

Refreshed Nutrition

• 2 bananas, mashed

@Refreshed_Nutrition

• ¼ tsp sea salt • ½ tsp baking soda

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• 1 tsp vanilla extract • ½ C chopped walnuts

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. In a large bowl mix together dry ingredients (flours, coconut sugar, sea salt, baking soda).

3. In a small bowl mix together milk, eggs and vanilla extract.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until batter forms.

5. Fold in the walnuts.

6. Pour into lined muffin tins and bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove and serve with a dab of grass fed butter or ghee!

Chicken Bites Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 15-20 min Total time: 30 min Serves: 4-5

Ingredients • 1 1 lb thin sliced chicken breasts • 1 egg whisked • ½ C almond meal • 2 tsp Italian seasoning • ½ tsp paprika • ½ tsp red pepper flakes • ½ tsp paprika • ½ tsp sea salt • 2 tsp garlic powder

Stuffed Zucchini Boats Prep time: 15-20 min Cook time: 25 min Total time: 40-45 min Serves: 6-8

Directions

Ingredients

1. Preheat oven to 400° and line a small baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

• 4-6 medium zucchini

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, scoop the middle out with a spoon to make a ‘boat.

3. Place boats on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

• 1 Tbsp oregano

4. While the zucchini is baking, dice up the scooped insides and place in a medium pan and sauté for a few minutes on medium heat.

3. Whisk egg in a separate bowl.

• 1 tsp onion powder

5. Add the diced onion and spices.

4. Slice the raw chicken breasts into small bite sized pieces.

• 1 tsp garlic powder

5. Dip the chicken into the egg and then coat with spice mixture, placing on the baking sheet.

• 1 16-ounce jar of arrabbiata sauce

6. Once the onion becomes translucent add the ground turkey until almost no pink remains.

2. Mix the almond meal and spices together in a small bowl.

6. Bake the bites for 10 minutes, flip and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.

7. Remove and serve alongside marinara or other sauce for dipping!

• 1 yellow onion, diced • 1 Tbsp basil

• 94% lean ground turkey • Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

7. Drain the mixture in a strainer over the sink. Return to the pan and stir in the jar of sauce until sauce is slightly warmed.

8. Place the mixture into the boats (you may have extra filling) and return to the oven baking for 10 minutes.

9. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

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ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED! Thermostats

Q

will need to take. Hydraulic jacks have a chrome-plated ram that extends down for leveling. Coat them with a dry lube spray to protect them from rust.

Thanks, Robert

Re-Routing Pipes

Bill, I have a 10 button Dometic thermostat that doesn’t show the furnace option. How do I reset it?

A

Robert, here are the steps to reset your thermostat, the Dometic CCC2 thermostat has 10 buttons but is normally called a 12-button thermostat. Make sure that the thermostat is in the “off” position.

Press and hold the “mode” and “zone” buttons at the same time until the display reads “IniT” as well as all available zones.

Release the buttons and press the “on/off” button to exit. The reset should be done at this point.

Let me know if this does not solve the problem.

Leveling Jacks

Q

Is it ok to store class a motorhome with leveling Jacks extended.

Thanks, Bill Shepard

A

Bill, you did not say if the jacks were electric or hydraulic and this will make a slight difference. The answer is yes, for short periods of time, depending on the manufacturer. Check with your owner’s manual for the duration period and what precautions you

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Q

Hello Bill, I saw the readers story regarding the build up of solids at the shallow end of the black tank and was intrigued by your response. When you say you "reroute" the 3" abs piping to the liquid end what do you mean? Can you provide a drawing of such a reroute? I don't have a lot of room to be rerouting any pipes as I own a 22' Bullet Premier and the toilet is pretty much where it's at. Not a lot of room for wiggle. Please help as this has been an ongoing issue since owning this trailer and of course, is a bit inconvenience always having to walk to the bathrooms just for that specific purpose. Thank you for any information/pics you may be able to provide.

Joseph Scott

A

Joseph, the trailer in question is a fifth wheel with a large storage compartment in which the 3 inch downpipe from the toilet is exposed until the pipe drops through the floor above the holding tank. Dropping the tank allows you drill a hole for the downpipe to be rerouted to a different part of the tank.

Unfortunately with a bumper pull trailer this process is almost

impossible due to the lack of access for the downpipe to be rerouted. Your problem is lack of water to move the solids to the exit end of the tank due to quick flushing. Have those individuals who use toilet paper to throw the paper in a trash bag after urination to help with the buildup of solids.

6-Flat Tires

Q

Bill, I’ve been reading your articles on tires in the Trailblazer Magazine, but my problem seems a little different.

I have a 31ft Carriage by Cameo 2008 three slides. I have owned the trailer since 2010. So far, I have had about 6 flats. The funny thing is it is always the same tire.

This is a double axle and the flat is always on the right rear (when looking from the rear of the trailer). This is the opposite side of the kitchen slide-out, this side only has the table and chair.

Someone told me to have the axles flipped but seeing it’s always the same tire I don’t want to spend a bunch of money when there might be a different answer.

Thanks for any advice, Tom

A

Tom, I can imagine how frustrating this can be, especially the same tire time after time. Not knowing what the cause of the flat tires makes this difficult to answer. I do know that Carriage 5th wheels are way too low to the ground

and I would recommend raising yours up for starters especially if your trailer is too low in the rear and high in the front. When your suspension sags or hits a heavy bump the tire can easily bottom out, causing tire trouble. If the flats are from road debris, all the flats are probably just a coincidence. If the flats are from an unknown origin, this may be from bottoming out.

Air Pressure

Q

I have a 2017 Class A Diesel RV.

1. When the unit is parked, no engine running, it loses all its air pressure in 5 hours. The unit has been to Freightliner twice and both times a leak has been found and repaired. It now takes approx 1/2 to 2 days to lose all the air. Is there a specification that covers air loss when parked?

2. When traveling on a freeway at 65mph, the air gauge showing 125 psi, it starts to drop and in approx. 1 to 2 hours it drops just below 75 and the compressor starts and brings it back to 125.

This cycle continues every time we are on a steady trip. The manufacturer states that this normal and I have asked other RVers if their unit does this and they state that they only have noticed a drop of maybe 10-15 psi. Again, is this normal and is there a specification for this when running?

I appreciate any help and information you can provide.

Thanks, John Buzzelli

A

John, without knowing which chassis your motorhome has, this question is difficult to answer.

The pressure is definitely dropping to “low” when you are driving, unless you are experiencing multiple large dips in the roads unloading the suspension, which will dump air.

Something is wrong with the system and there are so many parts. This will need to be picked apart part by part until you find the culprit. Start by finding a tech that is very familiar with your chassis, which probably won’t be easy, and not necessarily an RV shop.

Tow Bar

Q

I had an unfortunate incident last year, which leads me to ask you, how do I know if my tow bar is in good working condition? I purchased a 6 year old car, which came equipped with tow brackets and an aluminum tow bar. I found out later that the tow bar was actually older than the car. I was towing my car after leaving my dealer in central Oregon when I hit a speed bump/crosswalk. After going over the speed bump I looked at my tow car in the rear camera and saw it weaving and when I stopped, the car didn’t.

I discovered that the arms of the tow bar had pulled right out of their sockets. The tow bar failure did over $10,000 damage to the car and motorhome (at 20 mph).

My question to the tow bar manufacture and you is, how do you inspect and determine if my tow bar is in good working condition?

Marvin Schaefner

A

Marvin, according to Roadmaster, a long time manufacturer of tow bars, they should be inspected and lubricated after every trip and inspected by an expert annually.

Also, don’t forget the baseplate.

Roadmaster tow bar arms are designed not to pull apart as yours did during normal wear and tear. There is no way of knowing how many actual miles were on your 6 year old tow bar, however, if there is high mileage it was long overdue for a rebuild.

If you belong to FMCA, most of the rallies have a tow bar company for the convenience of the members and will perform an inspection for free, which every one should participate.

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

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Out n' About

TEXAS

By Annie Berman

Situated in the heart of Texas, Austin has some serious roots but is unlike other major cities in Texas for its attitude that is a bit more carefree than other cities in the state of Texas. Its citizens embrace their weirdness, pride themselves on barbecue, and are often out every night listening and playing music of all genres.

Austinites are still Texans, after all, and have great pride in their city and state. Check out some of the quirky, musical, and outdoorsy adventures you can take in while visiting Bat City!

â–˛ Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker Park Photo by Andy Forde 50

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

MUSIC CITY Austin is well known as one of the best music cities in the US. You can see live music every single night. That is no exaggeration!

The Continental Club in South Congress has a packed bill every night of the year. The Continental Club is famous for being one of the oldest, continuously running clubs in all of Austin. Check out their club calendar by visiting continentalclub.com.

Antone’s is also a famous music venue in Austin. This joint is open 7 nights a week and is known as a blues venue that’s been bringing prominent blues artists to Austin since 1975. The stage at Antone’s has seen the likes of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Ray Charles, and James Brown, as well as homegrown musicians like Gary Clark Jr., Stevie Ray Vaughn, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. For more information and to purchase tickets to a show at Antone’s, visit antonesnightclub.com.

If you are looking to pack in a whole lot of tech, music, film and art into one trip, head to one of Austin’s biggest events, South

by Southwest (SXSW.) People come from all over the world to hear new music, screen their indie films, present the latest in technology, and rub elbows with industry insiders here. SXSW is one of the largest gatherings of creatives on the planet.

Exhibitions at this festival range from musical performances to tech industry presentations, to film screenings, and after-parties.

This years SXSW festival will go from March 9 -18. For more information please visit sxsw.com.

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EATS Speaking of food, Franklin Barbecue located on E.11th Street, has become one of the most famous barbecue joints in the country. Barbecue food lovers line up before opening to get a spot for the best barbecue in town. “It is the best. It is finest brisket I’ve ever had,” says Anthony Bourdain.

And you can’t argue with that, can ya! Get here early, we mean it. This place only services their famous barbecue until they run out, and they run out pretty quickly! For your wait in line, bring a drink and a friendly attitude and you’ll be sure to make friends with other barbecue lovers while you wait. For hours and menu, visit franklinbbq.com.

Taste the cuisine of this funky town with Southern flair at the Austin Food & Wine Festival!

This year’s festival takes place April 27-29, 2018 at Auditorium Shores and Fair Market, outdoor event spaces in the heart of the city. This festival is a celebration of all of the innovators and makers that contribute to the thriving food and drink scene in Austin. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit austinfoodandwinefestival.com.

WEIRD STUFF Austin is nicknamed Bat City for an eerie, weird, but wonderful reason. Austin is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony –about 1.5 million of them. Yes– those nocturnal mammals that fly in packs and sometimes turn into vampires (just kidding!) can be seen nightly typically from March to October, (with climate changes last year, bats started their nightly ritual in February) coming from their lairs that are nestled in the crevices of the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge over Lady Bird Lake. Some of the best viewing sites include the eastside walkway of the Congress

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MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Franklin Barbecue Photo by Eric Ellis

Avenue Bridge. The hillside below the bridge is a bit more spacious and great for having a picnic before or after the bats emerge!

And if you plan ahead, rent a kayak or canoe by the hour from one of several businesses on the shoreline. Some rental services even offer a guided tour.

Get a different feel for the quirkiness of Austin by visiting the Cathedral of Junk. This continuously evolving art piece is made up of thousands of donated items. Literally any piece of junk that you can think of exists in this art piece in some way–it’s kind of like an incredible palace that was thrown into a garbage disposal and then spit back out in the form of a fun house made of odds and ends. The Cathedral of Junk is often open, however, it’s strongly advised you make an appointment ahead of time (call 512-2997413) because it sits on private property. Vince Hanneman, the man behind this art project, has estimated that there are over 60 tons of junk accumulated to this

structure since he began building it in 1989.

Just off of I-35 you may spot giant structures that are shaped like solar panel flowers towering above the highway. These are the Mueller Sunflowers, the largest public art installation in Texas. These giant solar panels harness the power of the sun to create electricity and ultimately offsetting a percentage of carbon emissions that would have come from cars. Austin is a very energy conscious city and the city itself constantly strives towards being the most “livable” and most “green” as possible.

Green buildings are abundant in Austin and there are also lots and lots of planted trees at almost every turn. Austin’s City Hall has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification, only the second city-owned building in Austin to receive this certification.

▲ Mueller Sunflowers

▲ Keep Austin Weird Festival

GETTING OUTSIDE IN AUSTIN ▲ Stand Up Paddleboarding in Lady Bird Lake Photo by Andy Mahr courtesy of Visit Austin

▲ Pharrell performing at Austin City Limits Music Festival Photo by Dave Mead

If you visit Austin, no trip is complete without a trip to Mount Bonnell in Covert Park.

Tourists have been coming to Mount Bonnell since the 1850s and in 2015, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The most popular way to see it, of course, is to hike up!

The hike is about 1.5 miles and takes the average hiker about 1 hour 30 minutes. This hike is not particularly difficult and most people will find it doable. On your hike up, you will also encounter a famous staircase, some of the stairs are significant, but you might have to query an Austin local to find out more! Once you reach the top, the view is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll get views of Lake Austin to the South and downtown Austin.

If you love spending time outdoors, you will surely enjoy spending time in Zilker Metropolitan Park. This park is 350 acres of publicly owned land and is a favorite spot for many Austinites. If you head over there for a picnic, or a dip in the giant public pool, Barton Springs, be sure to snag a snack and some wine from Thom’s Market on your way. This local grocer has an incredible selection of fine foods and drinks to fill your picnic basket. They also have their own blend of Anderson’s Coffee, a local, well-loved roastery in the city. █

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save On RV Sites & Rentals

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301

â–˛ Tall Chief (WA)

Thousand Trails Standard Discount:

20% OFF Daily Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

TT20%

10% OFF Monthly Rates for RV Sites & Rentals Use Promo Code:

TT10% Valid at all Campgrounds and RV Resorts available at RVontheGo.com *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Pacific Northwest Arizona

30% $499 OFF One Monthly MonthStay Stay

at Mt. Hood Capri, Valid atValid Cactus Gardens, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Call To Mesa Verde, andBook Suni Sands.

Call To Book Valid 3/1/18 - 4/30/18.

Book by 4/1/18.

Min Max stay Minstay stay28 28nights, days, Max stay for for31 31nights. days.

Promo Code:RV TB499 Valid on Standard sites only. *Restrictions/exclusions and are listed bottom of this page.

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

Bookat by 4/1/18.

Pacific Northwest Arizona

30% OFF

Cabin Monthly & Yurt Stay Rentals Valid atValid Cactus Gardens, at Tall Chief Capri, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Mesa Verde, andBook Suni Sands.

Call To

Call To Book

Valid 3/1/18 - 5/15/18. Book by 4/30/18.

Min nights, 6 nights.

Minstay stay228 days, Max stay for 31 days.

Promo Code: TB30TC Valid on Standard RV sites only. *Restrictions/exclusions and are listed bottom of this page.

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

Bookat by 4/1/18.

**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.

54

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

▲ Gulf View RV Resort (FL)

Arizona Florida

30% OFF 20% One Monthly MonthStay Stay

▲ Bulow RV R

esort (FL)

Valid at Cactus Gardens, Capri, Valid at Bulow, Riverside andVillage, Gulf View.

Desert Paradise, Foothill Mesa Verde, and Suni Sands.

Call To Book Call To Book

Max stay for 31 nights.

Min stay 28 days, Max stay for 31 days.

3/15/18 -RV 4/30/18.

ValidValid on Standard sites only.

Book by 3/31/18 Valid 9/1/17 - 4/30/18. Book by 4/1/18. *Restrictions/exclusions *Restrictions/exclusions apply apply and and are are listed listed at at bottom bottom of of this this page. page.

▲ Riverside

L)

RV Resort (F

RVontheGo.com 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.

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

55

Member Deals

â–˛ Capri RV Resort (AZ)

Arizona

Arizona

30% OFF

$725

Monthly Stay

Monthly Stay

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

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

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

Min stay 28 nights, Max stay for 31 nights.

Valid on Standard RV sites only.

Valid on Standard RV sites only.

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

Valid 3/1/18 - 4/30/18. Book by 4/1/18.

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

Call To Book Valid 3/1/18 - 4/30/18. Min stay 28 nights, Max stay for 31 nights. 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 3/1/18 - 4/30/18. Min stay 28 nights, Max stay for 31 nights. Valid on Standard RV sites only.

Book by 4/1/18. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

â–˛ Mesa Spirit

(AZ)

**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

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

â–˛ Sunshine RV Resort (TX)

Arizona Texas

Arizona Texas

30% OFF $799

30% OFF $399

Monthly Stay One Month Cottage Rental at Cactus Gardens, ValidValid at Alamo Palms, Country Capri, Sunshine, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Paradise Park, Mesa Verde, and Suni Sands.

Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine, Tropic Winds and Victoria Palms.

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

Valid on Standard RV sites only.

Valid 4/1/18 - 10/30/18.

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

Promo Code: TB799

Monthly One Month Stay Special at Cactus Gardens, ValidValid at Alamo Palms, Country Capri, Sunshine, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Paradise Park, Paradise South,and Southern Comfort, Mesa Verde, Suni Sands.

Sunshine, Tropic Winds and Victoria Palms

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

ValidValid on Standard sites only.

3/1/18 -RV 6/30/18 Valid 9/1/17 4/30/18.

Book Promo Code: TB399by 4/1/18.

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

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

Min stay 28 nights, Max for 31 of nights.

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

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

Min stay 28 nights, Max stay for 31 nights.

Book by 9/1/18.

Valid on Standard RV sites only.

Book by 6/1/18.

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp! â–˛ Country

X)

Sunshine (T

**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.

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

57

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!

58

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER 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.

MARCH/APRIL MARCH/APRIL2018 2018 TRAILBLAZER

59

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 65.

ACROSS 1 Confederation (abbr.)

5 Shak. contraction 9 Absent 12 Tonic Herb 13 Eastern bishop's title 14 Evil (Sp.) 15 Stipulation 16 Clenched Hand 17 Amer. Dental Assn. (abbr.)

18 Hindu title of respect 20 Brother of Moses 22 Menotti heroine 24 Angola 25 Santa's reindeer 26 Cross threads 30 Last Queen of Spain 31 Office of Economic Development (abbr.)

32 Grease 33 Met (2 words) 36 Musical Instrument (string) 38 Capture 39 Indian antelope 60

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

40 Copy 43 Sword 44 Mulberry of India 45 Sole of the foot 47 Gull 50 Prate 51 N. Caucasian language 52 Munich's river 53 Tumor (suf.)

54 Cornmeal porridge 55 As soon as possible (abbr.)

DOWN 1 Hipster 2 Bullring cheer 3 Dane 4 Gender 5 Molasses rum 6 Nisan, in old Hebrew 7 Compass direction 8 Swimming 9 Per. poet 10 Port. folk tune 11 Custard

19 21 22 23 24

Jab Adjusted gross income (abbr.)

Maple genus Guenon monkey Atomic Energy Commission (abbr.)

26 Classic Car 27 Assembly 28 Leatherfish 29 “The Time Machine�people 31 Legla gambling (abbr.)

34 Participle (suf.)

35 Mole 36 Apronlike cloth 37 Word blindness 39 Nat'l Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People (abbr.)

40 False friend 41 Madam 42 Dawn love song 43 Svelte 46 Harem room 48 Sheep's cry 49 Dad

Terms and Conditions for 2018 Referral Promotion from page 2.

Answers can be found on page 65.

Find The Evergreen Tree

With each passing mile (and educational visit to a cannabione paddle boards, dispensary), Miss Norma’s s mountain bikes kayaks, and improved and dying. Two health attached in days after he Ramie and conversations tow.

I have had once been died his mom, Norma, that Airstream owners been diehard received a unfold. Norma, taboo began to cancer diagnosis. until now.

She We bought Tim, and Ramie this rig specific bonded in that at 90-yearswas very clear ways to provide ally -old she didn’t Mom with expected, and they had never want any medical a quality end-of-life experien intervention. of home, family,their definitions She also knew has a full drivers- ce. This model that she could and friendsh expanded. longer care ip side slide, no Stop by stop, for herself wide walkway a at home. state by state, they We offered to met countles two plenty of room the back with s people typical of most options that are from all walks for a walker wheelchair or of life – stranger adult children to maneuv with elderly who became s er, and room for two parents: Either fast friends into sleeping and welcomed move a long-term areas. them The half-bath care facility move in with in the center and open hearts.with kindness or full bath in us. and the She was aware Driving Miss extra privacy. back allowed for Norma is the The comfort wheels. Within that our house had charming and Euro-chair able and infectiously two minutes being asked chronicle of joyous were mandato a washer/dryer of she their experien ry I’d like to come declared, “I think ces assisted-living for our mobile on the road – a transfor along. facility. mative journey of living life on Tell us about Tell us about your own terms that why and how book, Drivin the resulting your trip happen it is never too shows us that g Miss Norma late to begin ed. an adventu .

Tim: When Ramie: Tim re, inspire we and I have hope or become a trailblaz Mom was very began this trip, been RVing since er.

2003 and went We were not sick and bereft. time” in our “fullsure she would 19’ Airstrea Tell us about make it very m Bambi in 2011. Our your curren long annual pilgrima t RV. health declined before her Tim: Our current to northern ge Michiga significa RV is n a 2011 ntly. to check Ramie created Fleetwood in with Tim’s Southwind elderly parents 36D page, “Driving the Facebook a four-door in 2015 presente Jeep Wrangle with d us with the so her mother Miss Norma,” r with inevitable.

Tim’s dad, and a few of Leo, was our friends could 32 JANUARY About six months follow along. /FEBRUAR Y 2018 TRAILBLA into the trip, ZER

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.

Donna Kielle of Aubrey, TX

found the tree on Page 32 of the January/February 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.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through April 30, 2018, you will receive a $50 Visa® Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through April 30, 2018, 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 2019, 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, 2019. 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 March 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 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 April 30, 2018 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

MARCH/APRIL 2018 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 Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • alstrailers.com All Valley RV Center CA - Acton • allvalleyrvcenter.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga alpinhaus.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake VA - Salem • americanfamilyrv.com Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • appletoncamping.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • bladerv.com Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg • boatnrv.com

Campers Inn CT - Union FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville, Ocala IN - Clarksville SC - Myrtle Beach NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, MA - Raynham VA - Fredericksburg GA - Macon, Atlanta • campersinn.com Canopy Country RV Center WA - Ellensburg, Union Gap canopycountry.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • charlieobaughrv.com

FIFE RV Center WA-Fife • fifervcenter.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • floydsrvs.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake • freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualatin • funtimervinc.com

Chesaco RV MD - Joppa, Frederick, Gambrills PA - Shoemakersville • chesacorv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale • clearcreekrvcenter.com

Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay • gibsrvsuperstore.com

Cleveland RV GA - Cleveland • clevelandrvsales.com

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

Coastal RV VA - Carrolton • coastalrv.com

Grand View Trailers Sales VA - Bedford • grandviewtrailersales.com

Colerain RV GA - Ringgold IN - Indianapolis OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus KY - Lexington, Bowling Green TN - Lebanon, Louisville • colerainrv.com

Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • haydensrvs.net

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

Indian Valley Camper Center PA - Souderton • ivccrv.com

Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain • countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield • crossroadstrailers.com

Browns RV SC - McBee • brownsrvsuperstore.com

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

Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • burlingtonrv.com

Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft • curtistrailercenter.com

Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • camperland.net

Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville • economyrvs.com

MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

ET Quality RV CA - Two locations in Yuba City etqualityrv.com

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

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

62

Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro • ellistraveltrailers.com

Halterman’s RV WA - Arlington • haltermansrv.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 La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach • lamesarv.com

Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • lakesidervsales.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 Princess Craft 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 Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • rvcity.net RV General Store OK - Newcastle • rvgeneralstore.com RV’s For Less TX - Bryan • rvsource.com RV Source TN - Knoxville • rvsforless.net RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • rvsnorthwest.com

RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim, Willow rvvaluemart.com Safford RV VA - Thornburg • saffordrv.com Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • sahararv.com San Angelo RV TX - San Angelo • sanangelorvs.com Scott Motor Coach RV Center NJ - Lakewood • scottmotorcoach.com

CANADA Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • actionvr.ca Camp Out RV ON - Stratford • campoutrv.com

Seguin RV TX - Seguin • seguinrv.com

Canadream AB - Calgary BC - Vancouver ON - Toronto NS - Halifax QC - Montreal YT - Whitehorse • canadream.com

Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • simi-rv.com

GO VR QC - Ange Gardien • go-vr.com

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

Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • horizonlussier.com

See Grins RV CA - Gilroy, San Martin • seegrins.com

Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach • snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca • stricklandmarineandrv.com Stolzfus RV & Marine PA - Westchester • stolzfus-rec.com Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Temple • superdealsrv.com TAC RV NC - Moyock • tactrailerandrv.com The Trail Center SC - North Charleston • trailcenter.com Tonie's RV VA - Salem • toniesrv.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs • traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center WA - Vancouver • vancouverrv.com Vogt RV TX - Ft. Worth • vogtrv.com

JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières • entreposagejcs.com Kustom Koach RV Centre BC - Aldergrove • kustomkoachrv.com Lardner's Trailer Sales SK - Saskatoon • lardners.com Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • vrvictoriaville.com Leisure Days RV ON - Aylmer, Kingston, Pembroke, Smith Falls, Sudbry QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro • leisuredays.ca O'Connor RV BC - Chilliwack • oconnorrv.com Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu roulottesremillard.com Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • vrjdrv.ca VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • vrdepot.ca

Waterdog RV OR - Dayton • waterdogrv.com

VR Emond Plus QC - Sainte-Nicolas • vremondplus.com

Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • welcomebackrv.com

VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • vrprestige.com

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden • westerntravelsales.com

VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie vrsouliere.com

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • wilderrvs.com

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Updated Beautiful

Vacation Cottages!

Newly Renovated and

Ready for You!

We have been hard at work at Tropical Palms RV Resort renovating our vacation cottages. Featuring new patio furniture and upgraded interiors we hope you enjoy your stay, minutes from Orlando’s theme parks and attractions. We can’t wait for you to plan your vacation in Orlando and make Tropical Palms your headquarters for fun–your pet will love it too!

Buy One Week, Get One Week

50% Off Vacation Cottages Valid until 5/31/18

Use Promo Code: TPRV50

Tropical Palms RV Resort 2650 Holiday Trail • Kissimmee, FL 34746

Book your stay today at Book by May 17, 2018. Stay must be completed by May 31, 2018. Subject to availability. Reservations are required. Offer valid only on vacation cottage rentals. This special offer applies only to stays at Tropical Palms RV Resort for a mix/max of 14 days. Rates are in US Dollars. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to a $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes, if applicable.

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

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MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 60.

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 61.

Spring Sweet Spring Time to Adopt-A-Manatee

®

savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte

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y l l a It’s R ! e m i T Calendar

CLUB MAR/APR 2018 Bounders United (BUTTN)

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.

TT SINGLES Central California

If you are a single TTN Member looking to camp with a fun group in Central CA, please contact us at ccttnsingles@gmail.com for more information.

TT SINGLES Northwest

Apr. 27-29...................... La Conner, WA June 22-24........................Paradise, WA July 27-29.....................Pacific City, OR Aug. 24-26.............. Mount Vernon, WA Sept. 28-30....................Cultus Lake, BC Oct. 26-28........................... Seaside, OR WagonMaster Daphne Bailey (OR) daphnebailey07@comcast.net, (503) 590-8566, Secretary Dottie Michel (WA) ttnw_sec@yahoo.com, (360) 941-3126.

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MARCH/APRIL 2018 TRAILBLAZER

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

Lewis and Clark TTN

TT Travelers Southern California

Rolling Thunder of Texoma

TTN So Cal Weekenders

Apr. 16-20........................... Seaside, OR May 14-18..................Crescent Bar, WA Jun. 11-15..................... South Jetty, OR Jul. 16-20..........................Paradise, WA Aug. 13-17........................Chehalis, WA Roger Beausoleil: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Roger Beausoleil (503) 390-4753 or rogerabeau@msn.com.

We meet twice a year in the north Texas area. For more information call Dianna Huff at (405) 641-8226 or visit rollingthunderfmca.com.

TT of Texas/FMCA

Mar. 2-4...................Colorado River, TX May 4-6...................... Lake Texoma, TX Sept. 7-9.................... Lake Whitney, TX Nov. 9-11.....................Medina Lake, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. All motorhomes, trailer owners and 5th-wheels are welcome.

Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com.

Website: ttnoftexasfmca.com. Blog: ttfmcaralliesandmore.blogspot.com.

Mar. 5-7................ Soledad Canyon, CA Apr. 9-11....................Palm Springs, 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.

Mar. 2-4......................Palm Springs, CA Apr. 6-8................ Soledad Canyon, CA May 4-6............. Oakzanita Springs, CA Jun. 1-3.............................. Pio Pico, CA Aug. 3-5 ............................ Idyllwild, CA Sept. 7-9............................. Pio Pico, CA Oct. 5-7.............. Oakzanita Springs, CA Nov. 2-4.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA Dec. 7-9......................Palm Springs, 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@gmail.com

Savings can take you to sights.

amazing

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