TrailBlazer Magazine - March 2015

MARCH 2015

■

$2.00

A bit of in the USA

THE DELMARVA peninsula Out n’ About: Williamsburg, Virginia True TrailBlazer: Global Noble

PART SHERPA. PART BASE CAMP. ALL YOURS.

It drives like a car, camps like a dream and hauls like a mule. It’s like having your own bed and breakfast on wheels — with private bath to boot!

Combine all the comforts of home with terrific hauling, storage and towing capacity, add outstanding fuel efficiency and — voila! — you’ve got the perfect getaway vehicle. See the new Travato™ from Winnebago Touring Coach at your nearest dealer, or learn more at WinnebagoTouring.com.

©2014 Winnebago Industries, Inc.

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MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 58

WHAT’S INSIDE

VOL. 37 ■ ISSUE 2

MARCH 2015

Features

5 Message from Marguerite

22 The Delmarva Peninsula

8 Tech Topics

38 A Bit of Irish

22 Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

Columns

59 Ask RV Bill

Lifestyle

Calendars

18 Out n’ About: Williamsburg, Virginia

10 Preserve Events

20 Updates & Upgrades

52 Encore Events

30 TrailMix: Delmarva Bound?

Then stay with us along the way!

14 Local Events

▲ The Delmarva Peninsula Though it goes by an odd nickname near and far, the Delmarva Peninsula offers a great way to see the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coasts located between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

63 Club Calendar

Regulars

32 I Knew I Was A Trailblazer

58 Advertiser Index

34 Global Noble

58 Crossword Puzzle

36 On The Road:

Jared Blake

52 Member Deals

44 Who’s in the Kitchen

with TrailBlazer?

64 Winding Roads

38

62 Sudoku Puzzle

66 On Location Lake Conroe Exciting things have been happening at Lake Conroe! Check out our Updates and Upgrades section to get a sneak peek at a tried and true Thousand Trails favorite!

▲

20

A Bit of Irish Whether you can truly trace your roots to the “Old Sod,” or simply claim to be “Irish for the Day,” come along and celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick with O’TrailBlazer.

Cover Photo: Photo courtesy of © Diana Robinson Photography www.dianarobinsonphotography.com MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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▲

®

Congratulations to Our

2014 Referral Winners!

GRAND PRIZE: Michael Ross Glenwood, UT

SECOND PRIZE: David Cubitt Grass Valley, CA

THIRD PRIZE: Virginia A Huffman – Cincinnati, OH

Terry Sauceda – Oceanside, CA

Donna Oneal – Bangor, CA

James Brown – North Fallmouth, MA

Carol Breckenridge – Everett, WA

Richard Tribon – San Jose, CA

Susan Bolton – Soda Springs, ID

David Cruz – Morgan Hill, CA

Chris Babajan – Menifee, CA

Daryl Dudden – Keyport, NJ

YOU receive a $25 Visa Prepaid Card when your referral purchases a Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Plus!

Your referral also enters YOU into our 2015 drawing for a chance to win these great prizes:

GRAND PRIZE

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

SECOND PRIZE

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

THIRD PRIZE

Free Dues for 2016 10 Winners Selected (Up to $545 value)

CONTACT US TODAY!

(888) 808-8925

or visit THOUSANDTRAILS.COM *Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on page 62 of this magazine.

▲ Lake Conroe (TX)

MESSAGE from MARGUERITE the Spring season right around the corner, W my thoughts, and I’m sure yours as well, turn to the upcoming camping season. As our snowbirds ith

return home from our Sunbelt destinations, a season of fun in the sun is about to begin for the rest of us. We are all anxious to get the RV and camping gear out of storage, hit the road, and get out and camp!

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a few RV shows and I am always amazed, by not only the growing number of families, boomers, and retirees embracing the RV lifestyle, but also by the new options available in the marketplace. From the innovative RV units with all the bells and whistles, to the new products and RV destinations, it seems the industry as a whole is aiming to make life on the road even more comfortable.

We embrace a similar strategy as it relates to our offerings, whether it be through upgrading the amenities offered at our campgrounds and RV resorts, the activities scheduled, or the location of our properties. We want to ensure we are meeting your needs and providing you with the best possible standard of RV living and travel.

As the season quickly approaches, we are excited to introduce (or even reintroduce) some of the upgrades that were done at various locations across the Thousand Trails portfolio as well as share the news of future upgrades and recent additions to our Encore

RV Resort locations. From new pickleball courts at Palm Springs to a sports lover’s dream at Indian Lakes and to the recent upgrades at Lake Conroe, highlighted on page 20, we’re working to accommodate and keep up with what’s popular among our members and guests.

That said, we are no stranger to the popularity of the Jersey shore area as a top vacation destination among our guests, and its popularity only seems to grow.

I am happy to announce two of the newest Encore RV Resorts, Mays Landing and Echo Farms. Both are conveniently located to all the fun the area has to offer. And, best of all, our members always enjoy a discounted rate when visiting our Encore RV Resorts.

Our continued focus is to provide you with product offerings, amenities, activities and upgrades that help to make the RV lifestyle a comfortable one.

I look forward to the camping season and am already counting down the days for more fun in the sun.

Keep up the resolutions you made earlier this year to enjoy the outdoors and get out and camp!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery EDITOR tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mindy Drexler, Susie Bue CONTACT US TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com ADVERTISING SALES TBads@equitylifestyle.com MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails Family of Resorts. Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, resort profiles and product features.

TRAILBLAZER (ISSN 0747-2293) is published monthly except bimonthly Nov./Dec. and Jan./Feb.

by MHCTT Memberships, LP, c/o Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. An annual subscription is $20. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to TRAILBLAZER, 2325 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553. Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement 41461526.

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 www.trailblazermagazine.net ADDRESS CHANGES for TrailBlazer can be sent via email to TrailBlazerAddressChanges@ EquityLifestyle.com NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS 1-877-252-9320 PRINTED IN THE USA

▲ Pacific City (OR): The bunnies are everywhere! – Karen Duncan

Now Win $50 EACH Issue!

Pics from the Parks Photo Submissions Do you have a winning photo from your visits to our properties? We’d love for you to share it with us and what’s more, your submission will now be entered into our photo contest. each issue!

Winners will receive a $50 Visa® Gift Card.

Each issue we will select ONE “winning” photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month). 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 THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: 800-288-7245

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

VISIT WWW.THOUSANDTRAILS.COM STARS AUTOMATED RESERVATIONS

800-859-STAR (7827)

ENCORE RESERVATIONS 877-570-2267

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

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MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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.

PICS FROM THE PARKS

▲ Snowflower (CA): Tranquility – Christian Malfilatre

▲ Hershey (PA): Our Doxie girls, Ginger and Brandy looking out their window of our Allegro Coach at Hershey, PA – Oscar and Bernadette Castillo ▲ Leavenworth (WA): Snowshoeing on the hiking trails in Leavenworth.

– Wendy Stockholm

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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TECH

TOP CS:

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

by Paul and Kerri Elders

Lots of us travel year-round, but some RVers like to put “Old Bessie” to sleep for the winter months and appreciate a few reminders of what to do when Springtime beckons. We’ve got the answers.

This month, we’ll take a look at a few quick tips to help you get your Sleeping Beauty ready for another exciting year of travel. We’ll also take a quick look at the batteries that power a motorhome’s 12 volt system and explain how they operate. Read on to learn more!

RV “Wakeup” Maintenance:

If your RV has been sitting idle over the winter or for any extended period of time, it’s a good idea to inspect it or visit your local RV Service Center for a checkup.

You should consider changing the oil and filter and double-check all fluid levels. This includes things like antifreeze/coolant levels in the radiator reservoir, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, battery electrolyte levels, and automatic transmission fluid levels. It’s also important to check tire treads and inflation pressures. Visually inspect the RV’s suspension components, including shock absorbers. Check and clean the air cleaner, if needed, and inspect all hoses, fuel lines, electrical wiring, and belts before your trip.

While you’re on the road, make it a habit to perform a quick visual check of your rig for fuel leaks and oil leaks on a daily basis. Take a quick look under your RV before departing and at every rest stop, watching for any telltale puddles or stains under the engine area.

Look under the hood about once a month, carefully checking the integrity and tightness of all fittings, clamps, and ties. Make sure that no hoses are touching any hot surfaces, exhaust manifolds, vibrating areas, or sharp edges.

Unseen issues can quickly progress 8

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

to real problems. But, if you “stay on top of things,” you’ll be able to eliminate possible issues long before they become travel headaches.

Wired to a converter/charger, these house batteries are used to power the 12 volt appliances inside the living area of the RV, like 12 volt lights, roof vent fans, etc.

Roof Check:

Whenever electric shore power from campground hookups (120 volt A/C) is available and the coach is “plugged in,” the charger/ converter and house batteries will provide 110 volt and 12 volt power throughout the motorhome. This charger/converter simultaneously charges the house batteries, storing power for future 12 volt power needs.

Few things are worse than suffering from a leaky, drippy roof when you’re far from home. Check for evidence of roof leaks before hitting the road. If your RV has been in storage for an extended period of time, pay careful attention to the roof’s condition, inside and out.

Look for buckling, cracks, and irregular shapes, especially around roof penetrations like antennas, skylights, air conditioners, roof vents, etc.

Check windows. Make sure that adequate sealant is in place.

If you find a buckled area outside, check the corresponding area of the interior for signs of water damage. Better safe than sorry; it’s best to find and fix roof issues before you’re in the middle of a trip, especially when doing extensive springtime travel. And, the best way to become aware of these issues is by performing a thorough visual inspection before it rains.

Motorhomes Have Two Battery Banks:

If you’re a motorhome owner, you probably realize your rig has two separate but interrelated battery systems. These two battery banks are commonly called the 1: Chassis (or engine) battery and the 2: Coach (or House) batteries.

These battery banks occasionally work together, but are also electrically isolated from each other.

In a nutshell, the chassis battery is used to start the motorhome’s engine. It also operates the headlights, running lights, turn signals, horn, radio, electric fuel pump, etc. The house batteries, on the other hand, are usually a set of two (or sometimes more) batteries.

Interestingly, the engine’s alternator also serves as a battery charger.

Whenever the motorhome’s engine is running, the engine alternator will usually charge both the chassis battery and the house battery bank.

While you’re happily tooling down the highway and sightseeing, your battery bank is collecting electrons for the evening’s power needs.

When you’re parked and all charging systems are inactive (in other words, you’re NOT plugged into shore power OR running the motorhome’s engine or your power generator), a device called the battery isolator kicks into play. The battery isolator keeps the chassis battery’s circuits separate from those of the house batteries, preserving power for engine starts. This helps prevent you from completely depleting your chassis battery while boondocking or taking a break at a rest area.

Once the engine’s started, the engine’s alternator can recharge both battery banks. An Emergency Start switch can also be activated to start the engine with power from the coach batteries, in case you accidentally discharge your chassis battery by leaving running lights on, for example.

Your RV is a miracle of engineering.

Take good care of it and it will take great care of you. Happy trails!

See over 1200 RVs from the Nation’s largest selection of RV brands all in one place!

As the largest RV dealership in the Nation, our buying power will save you money!

300-Site RV Resort • 3 Themed Restaurants • 220 Service Bays • Parts & Accessories Store

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EAST I-4 EXIT 10 • SEFFNER ( TAMPA ) • 800.306.4002 • LAZYDAYS.COM

CIRCLE NO. 165 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 58

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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Mar 6-8 Lake Minden (CA)

Bay Landing (TX)

Season Kickoff Cook-Off Make your reservation to stay with us and join in on our 1st Cook-off. Entry Fee for each Slab Spare Ribs, Open Dutch Oven, Dutch Oven Dessert, and Jack Pot Beans! Details at the park.

So come Rub your Ribs, Boil your Beans, Bake your favorite Dutch oven cuisine!! Should be a blast! Kites will be flying and crafts will be made.

Come play, cook, and meet new members!

World Book Day Join us for a day of book trading. Find a great recipe in a book and bring it as a covered dish to the “By the Book” Potluck Social. Saturday we’ll have a story hour for the kids and family movie. Not into books? We’ll also be playing cards, and making cards and crafts.

March 7

Lake Conroe Medina Lake

Feb 27- Mar 1

SPRING BREAK@

MARCH events AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

ACTIVITIES

Mar 7-21 Lake Conroe (CA)

Go Bananas Weekends!

We will be celebrating spring break with activities daily such as picnics, outdoor movies, and a pizza party.

Pio Pico (CA)

Candy Bingo

Wilderness Lakes (CA)

Casino Night (21 & older to play)

Colorado River (TX)

Colorado River’s Got Talent Come show us what talents you have at our very first talent show!

Mar 7-14 Medina Lake (TX)

Spring Break We will keep the kids busy with crafts, games, tournaments, and food.

It’s a week of fun, fun, fun!

Mar 12 Orlando (FL) Blood Drive

Mar 12-15 Peace River (FL)

Peace River’s 2nd Annual Billiard Tournament!

On March 12th we will enjoy grand entertainment by Laughing Bird! This couple will knock your socks off!

Come prepared to laugh! The All Champion Florida Rodeo at nearby Arcadia, FL, begins the 13th and runs through the 14th. This is a big event and you won’t want to miss it. On the morning of the 14th, we will be hosting a potluck brunch with pancakes made by us! You bring the rest of the goodies and we will put the coffee pot on! The tournament will begin at High Noon on the 15th! The Champion will receive the coveted Green Ribbon for 2015!

Billiards Tournaments • Palm Springs • Peace River Mar 5 Turtle Beach (CA)

Ladies Tea Party It’s time for just the ladies to get together in the lodge over tea and cookies for an afternoon of relaxing and sharing your favorite crafts, recipes, and books.

March 6 Pio Pico (CA)

Casino Night

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MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Mar 8 Soledad Canyon (CA)

Basketball Madness: Come watch the BIG games with us!

Mar 11-15 Palm Springs (CA)

Thousand Trails Palm Springs Billiards Tournament Tournament play includes Jack & Jill, Singles, 9 Ball, and Doubles.

Mar 13 Orlando (FL)

The Weaver Believers Concert

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

weekend festivities • march 13-15 Pio Pico (CA)

Bay Landing (TX)

St. Patrick’s Day Movie Night on the Big Screen

St. Patrick’s Day Let the Luck of the Irish be with You! Jello-Sucking contest, plus our annual hunt for the “Pot of Gold” hidden on the park for some lucky person to win! Also we will have our annual Pot of Irish Stew! You won’t want to miss this one!

San Benito (CA) What a fun filled weekend for “A Wee Bit of Irish.” We will start the weekend with a (how well do you know San Benito) scavenger hunt. Our staff will prepare a delicious all you can eat Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. The dinner will be followed by a hilarious and fun cake auction. Sunday we will be offering Green Eggs and Ham at breakfast and a Leprechaun Frozen Delight. See the camp host for meal fees and times.

Birch Bay (WA)

St. Patty’s Day celebration!

Our first BBQ of the year!

Sounds of Irish music will fill the air while you fill your tummy! Games and Prizes.

La Conner (WA)

We are celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day on March 15th.

We will be serving a green pancake breakfast on Saturday & Sunday. Also join us for a four leaf clover craft on Sat in the afternoon. Sunday the 16th, noon BINGO in the family center.

Lake of the Springs (CA) Lake of the Springs celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. We will have a Dinner with corned beef and cabbage followed by a dance.

Lake Minden (CA)

A Bit-O-the Irish Make sure to sign up early for Lake Minden’s famous Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. We’ll also be crafting with an Irish theme.

Join us at the Ice Cream Social for Chocolate Chip Mint Ice cream sundaes.

Medina Lake (TX)

Leprechaun Craft with the kids, then a St. Patrick’s bike and cart parade. We will be

looking for the leprechaun, will

we find him?

It’s National

Potato

Chip day,

can you eat

just one?

Oakzanita Springs (CA)

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a little early!

Corned Beef and Cabbage Lunch and Irish Beer and Cheese tasting! For the kids, St. Patty’s Crafts, Green Ice Cream Floats, and Wii Bowling Tourney!

South Jetty (OR) Join us for Breakfast. Check with lodge for times and fees.

Soledad Canyon (CA)

St. Patrick’s Day green desserts: Come eat green ice cream with us!

Three Flags (FL) Mt. Vernon (WA)

How’s your Luck o’ the Irish?

Come meet the new manager for Mt. Vernon and join us for our first BBQ of the year!

We’ll be having games, prizes, food, and frolic.

So, step into your clogging shoes and celebrate!

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Orlando (FL) The Comedy Show Season Finale – Laughing Bird St Patty’s Day Doggie parade

St.Patty’s Day Dance: Enjoy complimentary green drinks and snacks with the Andrew Dean DJ at the clubhouse.

Wilderness Lakes (CA) St. Patrick’s Dance with Mike Allen D.J.

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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Pacific City (OR)

Wilderness Lakes (CA)

Movie Night

Annual Line Dance Rally Mar 15: Registration Mar 16-19: Dance Instruction Mar 19: Evening Final Dance

Whalers Rest (OR)

Lego Mania at the South clubhouse. Bill’s BBQ outside South Clubhouse.

Mar 18 Mar 20-22

Palm Springs (CA)

Ladies Day Out Lunch at the Olive Garden, followed by an afternoon shopping the local thrift stores.

Lake Minden (CA)

Spring Has Sprung It’s time to get outside and enjoy the sun. Start your day with a 1¼ mile walk around the lake followed by 18 holes of Put Put Golf, or Horse Shoes. Need a break?

Come inside for a Jewelry, Scrapbooking, or Craft Class. Join other campers in a game of Cards. Kids check out Club Blazer.

Mar 19 Turtle Beach (CA)

Mens Night Out It’s time for just the men to get together in the lodge over coffee and cookies while enjoying a little competition playing your favorite Wii games. May the best man win!

Mar 20-21

Peace River (FL)

Peace River (FL)

Jamaican Me Happy Weekend!

A fun day of crafts, games, and contests for all ages.

Prizes will be awarded on Saturday! Later on Saturday we will “Put the lime in the coconut and shake it all up” at our pool party.

Bring your favorite drink mix and we’ll blend it and add the umbrella.

Old Fashioned Picnic Weekend!

Calling all youth! A mini-golf tournament will be held on March 20th just for you!

Watch the posters for details.

On Saturday, the 21st we will roast hotdogs at the fire pit and play all sorts of old fashioned picnic games!

We will have sack races and egg tosses and who knows just what we’ll come up with!

For dessert we will have birthday cake to celebrate all of the March birthdays.

POOL PARTY

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Mar 21

Hungry?

Check out these events!

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Soledad Canyon (CA)

Softball Tournament

▼ Mar 21 Medina Lake (TX)

National Pecan Day: Let’s celebrate Pecan Day with pecan crafts, pecan golf, pecan roll. Best pecan pie contest.

Get your game on at Soledad Canyon!

Mar 20-21 Soledad Canyon (CA) NFL Madden/NBA 2k Tournament

Mar 21-22 Orlando (FL)

PICNIC!

Activities and Events – On-Site

Mar 20

Mar 15-19

Corned Beef Dinner and Dancing to Past Tense.

Pacific City (OR)

Campfire and weenie roast

Three Flags (FL)

Old fashioned BBQ/Potluck Come have lunch with us.

We supply the BBQ. You bring a side to share.

Whalers Rest (OR) Breakfast at Whalers Galley, Bill’s BBQ outside South Clubhouse, Ice Cream Social, Big Screen Movie in the South Clubhouse, Scavenger hunt begins and more!

Pacific City (OR)

We will be serving breakfast in the Lodge, having a scavenger hunt along with arts and crafts. Join us for a BBQ lunch and family games in and out of the pool.

Enjoy food and good company?

Check out events at: Peace River (FL) Orlando (FL) Whalers Rest (OR) Pacific City (OR) Lake Minden (CA) South Jetty (OR)

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Whalers Rest (OR)

Breakfast at Whalers Galley, Giant Checker tournament begins!

Mar 25 Whalers Rest (OR)

Ice Cream Social & Big Bingo Blow Out inside the North Clubhouse

Mar 21-22 Oakzanita Springs (CA)

“Spring Fling” Bring in spring with spring adult and kids crafts! Annual Spring beautification project.

Join Cheryl for a nature activities and a nature walk to learn about our wonderful environment around us!

Mar 27-29 Chesapeake Bay (VA)

Out of Hibernation Clean-Up Weekend Get your site ready for the new camping season.

Or help us spruce up our flower beds. At night, rest your back and warm your feet around a campfire with friends.

Hot dogs and fixings are on us.

Mar 26 Orlando (FL)

The Clown School will present a show.

Mar 27-29 Lake Minden (CA)

Super Delicious Soups Bring your favorite pot of homemade soup and join the fun at one of Lake Minden’s extremely popular “Pot-O-Soup” Potlucks.

Saturday we’ll have Bingo, an Ice Cream Social and a Family Movie.

Mar 27 Pacific City (OR)

Pet’s Weekend at Pio Pico Mar 28

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!

Movie night

Mar 27 Whalers Rest (OR)

Bill’s BBQ Rib Dinner South Clubhouse

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Mar 28 Pacific City (OR)

Campfire and Weenie Roast

Pio Pico (CA)

Pet’s Weekend

South Jetty (OR)

Join us for Breakfast Check with lodge for times and fees.

Mar 27-28 Peace River (FL)

Winding it Down Weekend!

This is the weekend where we put the “peace” back into Peace River. We are going to kick back and enjoy the pool and play a few games. We are always up to something!

Three Flags (FL)

Ladies Tea Party and Fashion Show Mercy Seat Gospel concert with Bill & Jennifer Smith

Wilderness Lakes (CA) Family Movie Night

POOL TIME!

Whalers Rest (OR)

Breakfast at Whalers Galley, Bill’s BBQ outside South Clubhouse, Ice Cream Social, Candy Bar Bingo, and more!

Mar 29 Whalers Rest (OR)

Breakfast at Whalers Galley

Activities and Events – On-Site

Mar 22

CALENDAR events

Chehalis (WA)

Mar 14 Lewis County Concerts Presents “Karrnnel”

Karrnnel, a tight-knit trio, brings the story of the “Fiddle” to life. This group from Canada presents a unique blend of Celtic, Gypsy, and Bluegrass. lewiscountyconcerts.com

Mar 13 Dinner in the Bistro Excite your senses!

Come sample the fare dining seated on the terrace, while the sun slowly sets over the vineyards. Join Childress Vineyards for Dinner in the Bistro. www.childressvineyards.com

Mar 15 MoNA Style

Wearable and home art show featuring pieces from 35 selected Northwest artists, all are for sale with part of proceeds benefiting Museum of Northwest Art, La Conner.

Mar 21 LaGrange Uncorked Join us for an afternoon of wine & food samplings.

Enjoy the music while enjoying samples of wines from popular wineries and specialty dishes prepared by local chefs. www.lguncorked.com

Diamond Caverns (KY) Every Friday in March The Bardstown Opry

Music variety show every Friday night with special shows throughout the year featuring national acts at the Blue Grass Entertainment & Exposition Complex. www.bardstownopryusa.com

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Lake and Shore (NJ)

www.funbeach.com

Visit website for more details.

Medina Lake (TX)

www.oceancityvacation.com

Mar 28-29 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny At local downtown restaurants.Visit website for more details.

La Conner (WA)

www.oceancityvacation.com

Hellebore expert Katie Miller of Skagit Gardens will present the different types, culture, and breeding of Hellebores. She will also discuss their history as garden plants and the best varieties to use in the garden and containers.

Reservations requested. www.christiansonsnursery.com

Quilt guild members will have over 100 quilts displayed at this annual event. This year’s theme is “Quilting at the Beach.”

Guild members will be giving demonstrations on the various aspects of quilt making and there will be a drawing for this year’s prize quilt with all proceeds going to area charities.

Mar 28 The Great Easter Egg Hunt

www.museumofnwart.org

Feb 28 - Mar 1 Christianson’s Nursery: Winter Festival, A Fascination for Hellebores

Colorado River (TX)

Mar 20-22 Peninsula Quilt Guild Show

Forest Lake (NC)

Grandy Creek (WA)

14

Long Beach (WA)

OF

Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

Every Saturday in March Cowboys on Main

Cowboys, Steers, Horses, Wagons, Strolling Cowboy Musicians, Gunfighter reenactments on Main Street. www.banderacowboycapital.com

Lake of the Springs (CA) March 5 Foothill Celebration Downtown Grass Valley Over sixty Nevada County Wineries and Restaurants will descend upon historic downtown Grass Valley to provide visitors and community with a taste of the county where wineries and restaurants are paired with local merchants to create epicurean indulgences featuring the best wine and fine cuisine from the region. www.downtowngrassvalley.com

Morgan Hill (CA)

Every Saturday in March Certified Farmers’ Market Downtown Morgan Hill This popular California Farmers’ Market Association farmers’ market features specialties of the season: treeripened peaches, nectarines, pluots, grapes, melons, and apples, organic & Asian vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, ocean fresh fish, & more, direct from over 40 California Certified Growers! Now year round, rain or shine! www.facebook.com/MHfarmersmkt

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Turtle Beach (CA)

This annual Central Coast California foodie escape draws food and wine lovers with its variety of weekend happenings, featuring something for everyone – from farm-to-table and rustic Italian cuisine, to New American and modern Danish fare; from desserts in all forms, to award-winning beers and world-class wines.

Columbia began in 1850,during the California Gold Rush and soon boomed into a thriving town with a busy commercial district, once the second largest city in California. Today, the mid-19th Century shops and buildings are preserved for the 21st Century visitors to see. Admission is free.

A great place to spend the day

Mar 18-22 23rd Annual Taste of Solvang

www.solvangusa.com

Columbia State Historic Park.

www.funbeach.com

Verde Valley (AZ) Orlando (FL) Feb 26 - Mar 8 The Florida Strawberry Festival Come enjoy exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and crafts.

The fabric of American life is woven into the Festival through social events, contests, youth developmental programs, top-name entertainment, and parades with glorious floats and high-stepping marching bands. www.flstrawberryfestival.com

Bay Landing (TX) Mar 14 Cowtown Goes Green

Free activities for the kids, armadillo races, petting zoo, face painting, live music, gunfights, and so much more.

Check the stockyards website.

All activities are FREE and open to the public. www.ftworthstockyard.com

Pacific City (OR) Mar 23-7 Kids Magic Camp

Cultural Arts Center in Lincoln City.

Call 541-994-9994 for more information.

Mar 6-8 Sedona Mountain Bike Festival

Palm Springs (CA)

The Sedona MTB Festival is a three-day mountain bike celebration that will include a Main Expo/Festival area at the beautiful Tlaquepaque Village, Bike Demos, Shuttled Rides, a Beer Garden, great bands for two nights and a whole lotta sweet RED SINGLETRACK!

Mar 5-8 33rd Annual La Quinta Art Festival

This is Southern California’s premier fine art festival, ranked #1 in the nation.

Showcasing 230 top artists in a magnificent outdoor gallery setting.

Live entertainment, food, and drink compliment your experience. www.lqaf.com

Pio Pico (CA)

Thru Mar 29 California Dreaming: An International Portrait of Southern California A juried exhibition with approximately 50 selected artworks that will travel for exhibition to three venues that broadly reflect the changing culture and lifestyle of Southern California at the Oceanside Museum of Art. www.sdartguide.com

Seaside (WA)

Mar 21-28 Whale Watching Week

People come from all over to learn about the gray whales that migrate past the Oregon coast each year. The Whale Watching Spoken Here® program places volunteers at whale watching sites during watch weeks so they can help others spot the whales. For more than 30 years, trained volunteers have helped visitors watch whales along the Pacific Northwest coast.

Spend an evening with magnificent birds of prey. Mingle with owls, hawks, falcons, and one beautiful eagle.

The internationally acclaimed Voetberg Family Band is eight siblings, ages 12 to 26, whose show displays a cohesive variety of musical styles and a developed musicianship beyond their years.

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

March 13-14 Spring Rod Run – Annual Car Show

On the evening of the 13th, the vintage cars will rev up their engines and cruise the Old Town Temecula Streets.

The following day will be the opportunity to view up close the cars with their engine hoods up. Music and vendors will be located throughout Old Town. www.rodruntemecula.com

South Jetty (OR)

Ponderosa (CA)

www.highhand.com

Wilderness Lakes (CA)

www.whalespoken.org

Mar 15 SEA - The Voetberg Family Band

Mar 7 High Hand’s Annual Wings and Wine Event

www.sedonamtbfestival.com

www.eventcenter.org

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

Rancho Oso (CA)

WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER?

Pictured left to right: Lucky winners, Richard and Evelyn Miller

Pictured left to right: Lucky winner, Robin Wilson and Manager Julie Put

Lucky winners,

Lucky winners,

Richard & Evelyn Miller from Hampton, VA were camping at Three Flags when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

Randy & Robin Wilson from Junction City, OR were camping at Bend when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 Visa® Prepaid Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2015 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

When you pay your annual dues for 2015 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 Visa® Prepaid gift card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2015. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2015, you will receive an additional entry into the drawing. The drawings are limited to persons who are of legal age. The drawings will be held at our corporate office on the 10th day after the end of each month. Winners will be notified by mail, phone or in person if camping at a Thousand Trails preserve. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries, but are not expected to exceed 1:100,000. Winners are responsible for federal and state taxes on the award. You may also enter the drawings by printing your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address on a 3” x 5” piece of paper and mailing it to the Sponsor in addressed, stamped envelope. You are limited to one mail-in entry which must be postmarked by December 15, 2015. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

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Out n’ About

Williamsburg, Virginia

by Joan Rykal

▲ Governor’s Palace Gardens Photo courtesy of virginia.org

Each month we feature things to see and do while staying with us. Join us at Thousand Trails Williamsburg as we step back in time in this historic city.

As home to the largest living history museum in the United States, Williamsburg, Virginia, is a favorite destination for families and history buffs alike as they are transported back to Colonial Williamsburg as it was on the edge of the American Revolution. Historic demonstrations, interactive programs, exhibitions and more combine to accomplish the mission “that the future may learn from the past.”

Of course, there is more to see and do in this area and TrailBlazer gives a brief glimpse of the highlights of this revolutionary city.

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MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Colonial Williamsburg Photo courtesy of virginia.org

▲ Ships at Jamestown Settlement Photo courtesy of virginia.org

Day 1: History Lessons*

half-month voyage from England, as well as take part in periodic demonstrations of 17th-century piloting and navigation.

The Historic Triangle: Colonial Williamsburg/ Jamestown Settlement/ Yorktown Victory Center Begin your experience at the Visitor Center in Colonial Williamsburg and watch the 37 minute film, “Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot.” Then, tour the city in a horse-drawn carriage with a colonial citizen as your guide. After your tour is complete, grab a bite to eat at the King’s Arms Tavern, a Williamsburg tradition.

Leaving Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll find the Jamestown Settlement about a 15 minute drive away. Here, visitors can view re-creations of three ships that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607 and learn about the four-and-a-

At the Yorktown Victory Center, visitors will see a re-creation of a Continental Army Encampment, tour a typical 1780 farm to see what life was like after the war was won, as well as view several galleries devoted to life during the American Revolution and more. Visitors should note that the Victory Center is under construction, but it remains open during the project, which will be completed in late 2016. *Please note that many visitors to the Historic Triangle plan at least one full day at Colonial Williamsburg as well as a full day for both the Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center.

Day 2: Natural Adventures Sandy Bottom Nature Park 255 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA

Start your day at this 456-acre park, about a half-hour’s drive from camp, which boasts two lakes, wetlands areas, and 12 miles of natural trails for hiking and biking. You can also kayak or canoe on Sandy Bottom Lake.

Rentals are available at the Nature Center (note the Nature Center is closed on Mondays). If fishing is your thing, Sandy Bottom Lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Wildlife that can be glimpsed include the white-tailed deer as well as the Mabee’s Salamander and the canebrake rattlesnake, both of which are protected by the state.

For more information, visit www.hampton.gov/sandybottom.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure 5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, VA

Located in Williamsburg’s Freedom Park, this outdoor experience includes zip lines, obstacles, and Tarzan swings. And while it is a physical activity, this course allows you to go at your own pace during the two to three hour course adventure. Go Ape offers the Treetop Adventure for ages 10 and up as well as the Treetop Junior, designed for children 10 and under.

For ticket prices, FAQs, and more information, visit www.goape.com/ zip-line/virginia-freedom-park.

Williamsburg Botanical Garden 5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, VA

When you’re finished zipping through the treetops, get a bit closer to the ground and tour the beautiful two acres of this lovely garden that includes a Butterfly Garden, an Herb Garden, a Native Garden as well as two wetland sites and native grasses.

Admission is free.

As for beaches, Virginia Beach offers 35 miles of coastline, so settle in and stick your toes in the sand.

▲ Old Cape Henry Lighthouse ▲

Virginia Beach Photo courtesy of virginia.org

Day 3: Virginia Beach Depending on when you visit, a day trip to Virginia Beach can mean fun in the sun and sand, or a visit to the area’s top attractions. Virginia Beach is an approximate one hour drive from Williamsburg.

Of course, there’s the boardwalk – a three mile long, 28-foot wide, boardwalk that includes a separate path for rollerblading, biking, or surrey rides. Plan your visit

around the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival, scheduled for May 2, where kites take to the skies along the oceanfront. There are also kite building workshops. Or, plan your trip after the summer season and partake in the festivities of the 42nd Annual Neptune Festival that include live music, delicious food, craft shows, and competition.

This year’s Neptune Festival is scheduled for September 25-27.

Other don’t miss attractions in VA Beach include the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, where you can climb the steps and tour the grounds of this lighthouse built in 1772; Capt. Jack’s Pirate Ship, a replica of a Spanish galleon staffed by a full pirate crew; and Mt. Trashmore, a 165-acre park converted from an abandoned landfill.

For more information on the sights and sounds of Virginia Beach, visit www.visitvirginiabeach.com.

Check out these other Williamsburg options: • Busch Gardens Williamsburg • College of William & Mary • Water Country USA • Plantation Tours MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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Updated Pool Deck and Furniture

pdates

&UPGRADES Lake Conroe, Texas

We are happy to announce that we have completed the upgrade of our swimming pool and deck, sports courts, fitness center, restrooms, miniature golf and landscaping. Leveling and upgraded electric has been completed on over 80 sites. Our expanded beach area will surely be a hit with the family as you enjoy summer fun on beautiful Lake Conroe. And, exciting changes are continuing with our marina expansion. A new development is also underway at Lake Conroe, The Reserve, which will feature Resort Cottages ranging in size from 390 square feet to over 1,000 square feet. More vacation options for all to enjoy this summer!

Make plans to visit this spectacular waterfront location soon!

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MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Updated Pickleball Courts

Expanded Marina

Updated Basketball Courts

THE DELMARVA Delaware • Maryland • Virginia

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

Though it goes by an odd nickname near and far, the Delmarva Peninsula offers a great way to see the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coasts located between the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

The w la De e ar y Ba

Delaware

Maryland

ay

eB

ak

pe

esa

Ch

Virgina

Delmarva Peninsula

is easily driven from north to south or from the south to the north in a few days – or more in depth or more. of a

week

exploration

The word ‘Delmarva’ is derived from the portmanteau (a linguistic blending of words) for Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. It was evidently first used in the early-1920s for businesses like Chincoteague’s Delmarva, Heat Light, and Refrigerating Corporation. Today, the term is used by locals and visitors to denote the three-state peninsula stretching from the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (C&D Canal) in the north to the foot of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in the south, and the Chesapeake Bay on the west to the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and Delaware River on the east.

in Maryland, and just a spit of land at the very southern end in Virginia. Delaware’s capital city of Dover is the peninsula’s largest city, followed by Salisbury down in Maryland. Much of the thin Virginia tip of the peninsula is rural, with small towns like Onancock, Chincoteague, Accomac, Cape Charles, and more well worth a visit.

The peninsula is generally bisected

by US 13, making for an easy drive through the middle – with lots of interesting diversions to the east and the west in all three states,

Several bridges cross the C&D Canal to reach the Delmarva Peninsula from the north, with other access possibilities including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis, the aforementioned Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel from the south, and frequent ferry service from Cape May, New Jersey, to charming Lewes, Delaware.

There’s also popular ferry service connecting the Delmarva Peninsula with two beloved Chesapeake Bay islands: Maryland’s Smith Island and Virginia’s Tangier Island.

The Delmarva Peninsula is approximately 175 miles long and is about 15 miles wide at Delaware’s C&D Canal in the north, 70-plus miles wide at the middle 24

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Original stone lock of 1829 – Delaware Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

in the footsteps of our nation’s forefathers who ratified the Constitution and made Delaware the first state. The First State Heritage Park is an urban park without boundaries that includes historic buildings like the Old State House Museum, the State Capitol, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the Biggs Museum of American Art, varied shopping options, and more.

Just outside downtown proper, Dover International Speedway features ‘The Monster Mile®,’ Dover Downs Hotel & Casino®, and oysters and more at Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House.

▲ State Capital building – Delaware

depending on interests. From ‘big city’ draws in the middle of the peninsula to various coastal pursuits (including fresh seafood) in both directions, this is a drive that’s best when savored slowly.

The 14-mile-long C&D Canal marks the northern edge and makes for a natural place to start (or end) exploration. It connects the Chesapeake Bay to the west with the Delaware River to the east.

Originally much more narrow and shallow, the canal is now generally 450 feet wide and 40 feet deep.

The concept of a commercial canal connecting the Delaware River and the Chesapeake Bay was floated as early as the 1600s and Ben Franklin more formally proposed the idea in the late-1780s. Though the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company was incorporated in 1802 and there was an aborted canal building attempt several years later, the C&D Canal didn’t officially open until 1829.

It’s since been expanded and renovated many times by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages canal operations, which are mostly commercial in nature. (in Delaware City) remains and it’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Along with the original lock, highlights before heading south can include the C&D Canal Museum in Chesapeake City, the nearby Port Penn Interpretive Center in Delaware City, and varied bridges that cross the Canal heading south.

The busiest bridges are the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Bridge on DE 1 and the St. Georges Bridge on US 13, which are both in St. Georges, Delaware.

US 13 heads south toward Dover (about 35 miles) and is definitely a better choice than the toll road (US 1). The small town of Odessa is the first of many stops along the way, with the ‘Historic Houses of Odessa’ welcoming lots of visitors. Odessa’s helpful Visitor Center can provide details about the 18th and 19th century houses and commercial buildings, with several open to the public.

Highlights of a visit might include: the Corbit-Sharp House (look for the pineapple gate post caps), the Pump House (including a wooden water pump for travelers), the Wilson-Warner House, the Collins-Sharp House, Cantwell’s Tavern, and the Odessa Bank.

Two possible diversions out of Dover serve as alternatives to driving straight down to Salisbury, Maryland. The first appealing option is to take DE 8 west to Marydel, Maryland, and visiting two classic Maryland Eastern Shore towns: Easton and the second option is to head to Delaware’s shoreline, including historic Lewes and several beach towns.

The drive to the Maryland state line from Dover heads to Maryland’s Marydel and the Mason-Dixon Crownstone (an original marker ▼ Corbit-Sharp House – Delaware Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

Dover is next and there’s much to see downtown. Known as the ‘First State,’ Delaware’s state capital allows visitors to walk MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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for the Mason-Dixon Line running through Delaware and Maryland on the Eastern Shore). After a quick stop to see the marker, there’s a pretty 45-minute drive through the Maryland countryside to Easton.

Some of this drive – and elsewhere on Maryland’s portion of the peninsula – is on the ‘Chesapeake Country’ Maryland Scenic Byway.

Drivers will also note several signs for the ‘Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad’ Maryland Scenic Byway, in that Tubman’s secret network of 19th century trails, waterways, and safe houses in the area helped enslaved people flee north to escape bondage.

Easton features the historic Avalon Theatre, the Third Haven Friends Meeting House (including the Old Meeting House, the Brick Meeting House, and burial grounds), and lots of shopping options.

The dining scene is also renowned, thanks to popular restaurants like the Bartlett Pear Inn, Mason’s, and the Washington Street Pub. Easton is also a great base for exploring other nearby classic coastal Chesapeake Bay towns like St. Michael’s, Tilghman, and Oxford – with the historic Oxford-Bellevue Ferry offering a unique way to get there.

▲ Crab Claw Restaurant – St. Michael’s, Maryland Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

(like White Haven Church, Old Trinity Church, and the Oak Grove Methodist Episcopal Church) to small waterfront villages (like Taylor’s Island, Fishing Creek, and Hoopersville) and the sprawling Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Cambridge, about 15 miles south on US 50, is next. Here, the riverfront Dorchester County

Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park (look for the giant white sail) points visitors to the historic Choptank River Lighthouse, the Richardson Maritime Museum, the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center, the Harriet Tubman Memorial Gardens, varied shopping, and lots of great dining – like Jimmie & Sook’s, where fresh Maryland seafood is featured (‘jimmie’ is the nickname for male blue crabs, while ‘sook’ denotes female crabs). Cambridge is also a great base for several Dorchester County driving tours, like the ‘Waterfront Villages’ Heritage Trail that leads past several historic churches

▼ Bartlett Pear Inn – Maryland Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

▼ Mason’s – Maryland Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

▼ Oxford-Bellevue Ferry – Maryland Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

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MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Cambridge is also one of several Maryland towns on the Eastern Shore that features Chesapeake Ghost Walks (www.chesapeakeghostwalks.com), a series of year-round nighttime tours featuring history, haunted sites, graveyards, and more. Berlin, Ocean City, Easton, St. Michaels, Crisfield, and several other towns also feature these popular tours.

From Cambridge, it’s about 30 miles on US 50 to Salisbury and a return to US 13.

Taking DE 1 southeast out to Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and beyond makes for the other easy diversion before heading back to Salisbury and US 13. On the way, look for the red brick Parson Thorne Mansion in historic Milford, as well turnoffs for several quiet beach towns, like Slaughter Beach, Primehook Beach, and Broadkill Beach.

brewed in nearby Milton, where they have brewery tours and a great tasting room) and Funland, a throwback amusement park.

Beach lovers can to continue all the way down DE 1, which becomes MD 528 upon entering Maryland for the drive down to famed Ocean City.

Ocean City is a sprawling Atlantic Ocean city with a wide boardwalk and beach, the oceanfront Life Saving Station Museum, Assateague State Park out on the Atlantic to the south, and long-time seafood-focused restaurants – like the Captain’s Table, which has been an Ocean City favorite for more than 50 years. From the coast to Salisbury and US 13, it’s about 30 miles, but Delmarva explorers will definitely want to stop by Berlin on the way west.

Downtown Berlin is best-known as the location for filming of 1999’s Runaway Bride, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Much of Main Street played a starring role, including the historic 1895 Atlantic Hotel.

▲ Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk – Maryland – Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

Once in historic Lewes via US 9, many options await.

There’s the Lewes Historical Society, the Zwaanendael Museum, St. Episcopal Church, the aforementioned Cape MayLewes Ferry, and unique shopping and dining (from Auntie M’s Emporium to Gilligan’s Waterfront Restaurant).

Next, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, and more provide interesting possibilities on the Atlantic Ocean. Rehoboth Beach is particularly well-known for its beach, boardwalk, and Dogfish Head Brews & Spirits Brewpub (the beloved beers are

Sprawling Salisbury is definitely worth a stop as well. Located on a branch of the Wicomico River in Salisbury’s great linear park, the free Salisbury Zoo is definitely a highlight, as is the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. Reached by passenger ferry from Crisfield, Smith Island offers yet another unique diversion from US 13 that’s an easy outing southeast of Salisbury. The island is bestknown for the Ewell’s Smith Island Heritage Center, Tylerton’s Smith Island Crab Co-Op, and family-style dining at the Bayside Inn near the ferry dock.

It’s around 35 miles from downtown Salisbury to the Virginia state line north of New Church. Though it’s seemingly a sliver of land tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, the Old Dominion’s portion of the Delmarva Peninsula is packed with possibilities. A stop at the Virginia Welcome Center is highly recommended just south of the state line.

The first diversion option happens quickly, when VA 175 (Chincoteague Road) leads east out to fabled Chincoteague. On the way, be on the lookout for the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, featuring exhibits, a Visitor Center, and a Gift Shop.

The bayfront town of Chincoteague is best-known for providing easy access to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore, which spans the Virginia/Maryland state line. The undeveloped areas right on the Atlantic Ocean are unlike any oceanfront area in the United States.

Sprawling Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1943 and features more than 14,000 acres of maritime forest, marsh, dunes, and beaches.

The Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center and the Toms Cove Visitor Center are both great places to learn about the beach, the Assateague Lighthouse, varied hiking trails, the Wildlife Loop, and wildlife – including oft-sighted wild ponies that were made famous in beloved Misty of Chincoteague,

by Marguerite Henry. ▼ Cape May-Lewes Ferry – Maryland Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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Assateague Island National Seashore runs from Virginia to Maryland along the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s mostly undeveloped barrier islands, with coastal bays, salt marsh, maritime forest, dunes, beaches, wildlife, and the oft-wild Atlantic Ocean.

▲

Back in Chincoteague proper, there’s much more to see, do, and eat. Highlights in and around town include biking, varied pony watching trips, the Chincoteague Pony Centre and Gift Shoppe, shopping, and Captain Barry’s Back Bay Cruises (6262 Marlin Drive), which offers great options for on-the-water exploration.

Popular dining options in Chincoteague include varied offerings at

Woody’s Beach BBQ & Eatery (6700 Maddox Boulevard), AJ’s on the Creek (6585 Maddox Boulevard), and Bill’s Seafood Restaurant (4040 Main Street).

The Annual Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival from late-June to mid-July, includes an old-time carnival, plus a pony round-up, swim, penning, and auction that’s a classic Delmarva experience.

Back out on US 13 and heading south again, the next quick diversion is just west of the highway in quaint Onancock. This bayfront town features the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society at Ker Place, historic Hopkin & Brothers Store, shopping, and great kayaking tours and more through SouthEast Expeditions (2 King Street in Onancock, as well as locations in Chincoteague and Cape Charles). Wharfside Mallards (2 Market Street, inside Historic Hopkin Bros. Store) is a great choice for their creative soups, crab-only crab cakes, and other fresh seafood.

Onancock features seasonal ferry service to the Chesapeake Bay’s Tangier Island. Here, time stands still at the Tangier History Museum and in several welcoming restaurants specializing in homestyle Chesapeake Bay fare,

Assateague Lighthouse Virginia

including Hilda Crockett’s Chesapeake House, Lorraine’s on Tangier, Fisherman’s Corner, and Four Brothers Crabhouse & Ice Cream Deck.

Other diversions east and west lie south of Onancock, including quiet Pungoteague, Wachapreague, Quinby, and more. Just off US 13, Exmore is another great Eastern Shore stop, even if it’s just for a bite at Exmore Diner (4264 Main Street, legendary breakfasts and more) or Willis Co. Barbecue (4456 Willis Wharf Road, great Texas-style ‘cue) nearby in Willis Wharf.

In Machipongo, look for the grape cluster sign at the Barrier Islands Center leading west to Chatham Vineyards (9232 Chatham Road).

Here, Jon and Mills Wehner make several popular wines, including their award-winning

▲ Wild Horses – Roam beaches on both Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

▲ Ker Place – Virginia Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

steel-fermented Church Creek Chardonnay – which pairs well with oysters, clams, and other local seafood. The land at Chatham, which overlooks Church Creek was patented in 1640 and includes a 1818 Federal-style brick house and several other historic barns, outbuildings, and homes.

Next comes one of the truly undiscovered gems of the entire Delmarva Peninsula. There are no signs leading to stunning Eyre Hall Gardens (3215 Eyre Hall Drive, Cheriton), but the owner of the estate invites visitors to walk around his beautiful gardens year round. There are boxwoods and crepe myrtles that are more than 200 years old and these private gardens are well worth the short diversion just to the west of US 13.

Keep an eye out for Eyre Hall Drive and the long lane of trees on the west side of US 13, three miles south of the road leading into Eastville (VA 631).

Charming Cape Charles on the Chesapeake Bay is next. Along with great sunsets down on the beach (look for the “LOVE” statue at the foot of Mason Avenue), Cape Charles features the art deco Palace Theatre, world-class golf out at Bay Creek, and cute shopping and dining choices (like Gull Hammock Gourmet Market and Kelly’s Gingernut Pub).

▲ Kelly’s Gingernut Pub – Virginia Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

Kiptopeke State Park is next. This welcoming state park has hiking trails, another nice bayside beach, a fishing pier, and ranger-led nature and interpretive programs.

▲ Cape Charles Beach – Virginia Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

The iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel marks the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula with a 20-mile exclamation point.

First opened to traffic in 1964, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connects the Delmarva Peninsula with Virginia Beach, near Norfolk.

Just a few miles from the mainland and Virginia Beach, look for the full-service Chesapeake Grill (featuring seafood and more) and Virginia Originals – a shop offering varied Virginia-oriented items that will serve as ideal souvenirs and reminders of the Delmarva Peninsula. ■

▲ Eyre Hall Gardens – Virginia Photo courtesy of Lynn and Cele Seldon

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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TrailMix

by Joan Rykal

Delmarva bound? Then stay with us along the way!

If this month’s feature story on the Delmarva Peninsula piques your interest in exploring this strip of land dotted with coastal towns, historic points of interest, as well as some of the best seafood around, both the New Jersey and Virginia Thousand Trails locations offer the perfect pre- or post destinations for your visit to this pretty, picturesque peninsula!

VIRGINIA Lynchburg Gladys, Virginia As the eastern-most Thousand Trails location in Virginia, Lynchburg offers a beautiful setting amid the rolling hills and fields in the heart of Virginia.

Family fun is always on schedule here and amenities include bike trails, fishing, shuffleboard, and swimming.

The historic town of Lynchburg is nearby and has the historical footnote of being the only major city in Virginia not captured by Union forces before the end of the Civil War. While in Lynchburg, visit ▼ Chesapeake Bay (VA)

Point of Honor, an historic home listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or enjoy the outdoors as you walk along the James River on the RiverWalk’s 3.5 miles of paved trail.

Back at camp, make plans to enjoy some scheduled events or just relax and enjoy this natural setting.

Harbor View Colonial Beach, Virginia If it’s a camping vacation with a beachy twist you’re seeking, consider Harbor View, located in the town of Colonial Beach, which boasts the second longest beach in the state of Virginia. History buffs

take note – you can visit not one, but two presidential birthplaces as those of James Monroe and George Washington are nearby.

And, speaking of Washington, our nation’s capital is about an hour’s drive from the campground.

For relaxing family time, plan to stay at camp and enjoy a round of mini-golf, fishing from the pier, a dip in the pool, or one of many planned activities.

Williamsburg Williamsburg, Virginia The perfect spot to call home while you explore Virginia’s historical triangle (Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown), the Williamsburg Campground offers a long list of amenities and activities to round out the ideal vacation.

With both an indoor and outdoor pool, volleyball, basketball, minigolf, and shuffleboard, there’s plenty to do while you catch up on your history lessons and experience quality family time.

For more on things to do in Williamsburg, check out our Out n’ About feature on page 18.

Chesapeake Bay Gloucester, Virginia On the banks of the Piankatank River sits the Chesapeake Bay Campground. While the resort offers plenty of amenities, the river will provide you hours of endless fun. Consider crabbing, boating, fishing, water skiing, or jet skiing.

The campground is no slouch either when it comes to hours of endless fun – choose between line dancing, square dancing, bingo, badminton, or the always fun and friendly potluck dinner!

▼ Harbor View (VA)

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MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Again, location is everything and you’ll find that Chesapeake Bay is conveniently located to not only the Historic Triangle, but also Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens theme parks.

Virginia Landing Quinby, Virginia Virginia Landing has the distinction of being located right on the Delmarva Peninsula. Tucked between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this shorefront preserve is sure to provide the best place to stay while you explore the Delmarva Peninsula and Virginia Landing’s surroundings.

Visit Assateague and Chincoteague Island to catch a glimpse of the wild horses or take in the charm of the quaint harbor town of Quinby.

At the campground, hike, swim, fish, or boat, or try your hand at clamming at Virginia Landing’s own clamming spots.

NEW JERSEY The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides an opportunity for NJ visitors to visit the beaches, bird sanctuaries, and quaint town of Lewes, Delaware, on the peninsula, or if you have a passenger car, you can board the ferry and be ready to drive the peninsula when you arrive. So, if your plans include a stay at any of our New Jersey campgrounds, consider this option.

For information on the ferry, visit www.capemaylewesferry.com.

Chestnut Lake Port Republic, New Jersey As if the lure of its location in the New Jersey Pine Barrens isn’t enough, Chestnut Lake’s tranquil setting sweetens the pot. Fish Chestnut Lake or just enjoy a shore visit and soak up the views of wildlife. What’s more, the beaches and boardwalk of Atlantic City are just 20 minutes away!

▲ Sea Pines (NJ)

▲ Lake and Shore (NJ)

▲ Mays Landing (NJ)

Lake and Shore Ocean View, New Jersey Aside from its perfect location for Jersey Shore attractions, Lake and Shore welcomes visitors to enjoy the newly expanded beach area as well as renovated pool deck.

Both have proven quite popular so don’t miss this ultimate location for family fun! Another big draw – the onsite water park!

From a location perspective, the campground is just five minutes from the shore and 10 minutes from Cape May. Sea Pines Swainton, New Jersey Another campground that is proudly showing off its recent renovations, Sea Pines invites you to enjoy the upgraded pool and new playground this season. With gorgeous wooded sites and plenty to do camp side, this is the place to settle in while you explore the area.

Plan a visit to Delmarva and, while you’re at it, marvel at the wonders of the Thousand Trails offerings on your way there (or back)!

Introducing two new properties in New Jersey!

Mays Landing Mays Landing, New Jersey One of the newest Encore RV Resorts, Mays Landing offers a variety of amenities as well as lodging options including tent campsites, log cabins, and travel trailers. Enjoy a private fishing pond, a calendar of theme weekends and plenty of opportunity for memorymaking family fun.

Don’t miss the Discovery Sea Shell Museum, in nearby Ocean City, which has more than 10,000 sea shells on exhibit.

Echo Farms Ocean View, New Jersey Another new addition to the Garden State offerings, Echo Farms is conveniently located to all the Jersey Shore fun. A spacious, shaded campground with everything you need for the perfect getaway including a swimming pool, game rooms, horseshoes, and volleyball. It’s pet-friendly to boot!

For craft beer enthusiasts, don’t miss the Tuckahoe Brewery.

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I KNEW I WAS A

TrailBlazer This month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Kathryn Hayes, a true history buff and trailblazer.

She and her husband have made it to 48 states and made their newlywed dreams of becoming fulltimers a reality.

TB: How long have you been camping and RVing?

Who introduced you to it?

Tell us how it all began!

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

KH: We had never, ever owned an RV, even though we had researched for years (five years of intense research of what type of RV we wanted and everything we could find out about the lifestyle). We knew we needed practical information not found in books or from dealers. The Great American Rally was to be held in

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▲ The Hayes’ home away from home. ▲

KH: One of the first things we did after we married was go to an RV show. We knew this “dream” would someday become our life. Many years passed with us going to RV shows all over the country, and our dream of fulltime RVing never wavered. We ordered our Ford 550 Diesel from Classy Chassis in Valparaiso, Indiana, in March of 2002 and picked it up in April.

We ordered our Alfa Gold 5th Wheel from the factory through a Dealership in Amarillo, Texas; it was delivered to us May 3, 2002.

On May 7, 2002, we looked in the rearview mirror as we left our home town and through the windshield into our new life as Nomads.

June in Pomona, California, so off we went to learn all we could learn.

We took classes, and met many wonderful people who were so helpful in letting us know what we needed and what to expect. While in California, we were meeting friends who lived in Menifee, who told us that there was an RV resort about a mile from their home. So, we went to Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes, spent three nights and four days and bought our membership immediately! We originally bought the Gold membership and loved it.

Then, the Platinum membership became available – guess whatwe bought it! Next, the Elite membership appeared on the scene and yes, we bought it! So visiting friends who knew about an RV resort a mile from their home, we found and fell in love with Thousand Trails.

Rock and Kathryn Hayes

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

KH: We are history buffs and have followed Pilgrim’s Landing, The Lewis and Clark Trail, The American Revolution, The War of 1812, the Civil War Trail (we keep finding places not listed in any history book or on the internet concerning the Civil War), and the Texas Freedom Trail. While in upstate New York we found, totally by accident, Fort Niagara in NY and Fort Henry in Canada on the Saint Lawrence River. When leaving Fort Henry, we found the Upper Canada Village on the Saint Lawrence River.

This has to be the most favorite of all favorite memories. We spent all day exploring these wonderful places and highly recommend this trip to everyone. Thousand Trails memories are the lifelong friends we have made throughout the country at Thousand Trails resorts. The wonderful,

fantastic people who have become our RV family we would never have met had we not all been members of Thousand Trails. We stay in constant touch via phone, email and Facebook. We plan our trips so that we can get together all over the country at Thousand Trails resorts.

The friends we have made through Thousand Trails are closer to us than friends we have had throughout our married life (which will be 50 years on August 3, 2015). Thousand Trails members’ friendships are so special and we all share so much of our lives together, whether in the same place or miles apart.

TB: Any funny camping/RVing stories?

TB: What type of camper are you/ what equipment do you use?

What do you prefer and why? (ex: fifth wheel, RV, tent, cabins, etc.)

KH: We have our original 2002 Alfa Gold 5th Wheel pulled by our Ford 550 Diesel Truck. We chose the 5th wheel for many different reasons.

Among them are: central heat and air (through the basement, as in our stay put home), our living room has an 8 ft. ceiling and the bedroom is 7 1/2 ft. (since Rock is almost 6’5” this is excellent); we have the same California King size bed that we had in our stay put home which is 6 inches longer than a normal king size, the walk in closet, island kitchen, large computer desk, the amount of storage inside is unsurpassed in any other RV including the inside attic storage, the carpeted ceiling throughout makes our home on wheels virtually soundproof, and with 3 super slides we are 16 feet wide when open. We are completely comfortable as are our guests and we wouldn’t trade it.

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

KH: We have explored 48 of the 50 states, missing only Hawaii and North Dakota. This would not have been possible financially had we not had our Thousand Trails membership. Yes, we paid the full price for each of our upgrades, but with each time within 6 - 8 months the cost has been recouped.

Without our membership, we would not have been able to travel extensively our beautiful, wonderful country as we have, experiencing the history that is so outstanding.

Having the Elite membership and being able to give our sons the auxiliary memberships has also given them the ability to travel as they could not have done before.

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

KH: Even when we go someplace where we have been many times before we always find something different to see or do. This isn’t possible on a “normal” vacation with your time limited and your itinerary pre-set. We have been to Colorado River in Columbus, Texas, so many times (one of our favorite places) and yet, we just found a Fort in La Grange as well as a most unique Solar Center in Columbus that we had never found before. There is always something new to see no matter where you are.

TB: Can you finish this sentence?

I knew I was a TrailBlazer when...

KH: We knew we were TrailBlazers when we looked out the rear window and said goodbye to our old life and out the windshield and said hello to our new life.

▲ Visiting the Redwoods in California

▲

KH: We are both cancer survivors and must return “home” to Amarillo every six months for doctor’s appointments. Since this is also home for one of our sons and his family along with 2 grandchildren, we plan our trips for May and always for Christmas. For those who think that Texas never gets snow, you have never been to Amarillo, which is in the top of the Texas Panhandle and snow we get! (In fact, last night we had 14 inches!) Last year when we were home for Christmas, a young couple with 2 children was parked in a motorhome next to us. They had come from Houston to Amarillo so that the children could see snow!

We were leaving to go to our son’s home; when my husband went out the door he saw flames under the motorhome. He asked the man what he was doing. The man said, “Everything is frozen! The holding tanks, water, sewer, and I am thawing them out!” Rock was shocked beyond belief as he said to the man, “I hope you really have good insurance, since you have your lit Propane stove next to your gas tank, and when it blows up you will blow up several rows of RVs”. The man immediately turned off the propane stove! Rock told him to go about a mile away to Home Depot, buy an electric heater, get cardboard

to enclose the bottom of the motor home with the heater underneath and with luck it would thaw! Or, the other choice was to leave sewer hose and water hose where they were and drive south! While this was way beyond dangerous and perhaps not funny it was the wildest thing we have seen in going on 13 years of fulltiming.

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A TRUE TRAILBLAZER:

GLOBAL NOBLE

team,” recalls Noble. “Collyn and I looked after the vehicle repairs, Tony made us English breakfasts of porridge and tea, and Dean did most of the driving. The British Bedford truck carried the 144 heavy glass Coke bottles and we kept a number of those cool in our fridge each day.”

According to Noble, at the time, the Sahara was under the control of the French and offered modest check points wherein you gave the operator an estimate of the time you thought it would take you to reach the next check point, usually between 200-300 miles. If you failed to show up after 48 hours of your ETA, a search party was launched.

▲ Global and Dean at the end of the 83 country trek and 6 continents along with Dean’s new wife, Laurie.

It’s April 1960 and Dean and Noble are ready to tackle the Sahara – and on a wing and a prayer they embark on the crossing of the 3,600,000 square mile desert that contains some of the hottest spots in the world.

The Roadrunner was fragile at this point, having experienced crushed bearings, broken axles, snapped front springs, and countless flat tires. One major problem facing the pair as they crossed the desert was the fact that the new axle required was not delivered in Stanleyville. Additionally, the plan was to find an anchor for the Jeep’s winch that would allow the Roadrunner to be pulled out of sand dunes, which actually meant finding another vehicle to serve that purpose.

Another roadblock – at the time, the French controlled the desert crossing and the track through the French territories would be closed in May, so time was of the essence.

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When they arrived in Kano, they headed to the Mobil dealer for free gas. At the dealer they found a solution to one of the problems they faced in the form of a big blue WWII British Bedford, a seven ton truck on four wheels that was owned by two British gentlemen, Tony Fleming and Collyn Rivers, who had already traversed the Sahara from the south and were now heading north. “Would they act as our anchor for our winch, if and when, we might get stuck in the sand,” questioned Noble. “Yes, they said, and they also spoke English, so it was time to celebrate! I bought 12 dozen family-sized Cokes to be kept cool in our freezing compartment. At least we would have a cool drink in the hot Sahara!”

The team set off, accompanied by their new companions, Tony and Collyn, who carried 40 gallons of water, extra food, a 100-foot cable, and four sand mats. “We had a great

“It was 2316 miles from Kano to Algiers. Part of the initial road out of Kano was so rough that the handle of our interior water pump vibrated off,” recalls Noble. “We headed north through thick-walled mud villages with few people. After the second day, the Bedford hit a particularly rough piece of road that jiggled the 144 Coke bottles, breaking a dozen or so and when Tony opened the door to enter he was splattered with Coke and broken glass.”

“We picked up three, three-gallon canvas water bags which sweat water for evaporation purposes to keep the water cool during our crossing,” said Noble. “We hung them on the steel ladder on the back of the Jeep. Our hottest day was only 108 degrees, but when you are working, that is hot!”

They passed water wells with natives using sheep skins to draw up water and plenty of camel caravans. At one stop they encountered four camel drivers seeking a ride into the village of Tamanrasset to buy camels, which was about 1,000 miles. “Between us, we took on four men,” said Noble.

“They each carried handmade leather camel whips which Dean and I wanted as souvenirs so we traded for two Polaroid pictures of each camel driver.

We had company for about a week as we made our way to Tamanrasset, getting stuck in the sand eight different times, but with the Bedford and our winch cable, we had no problems pulling ourselves out of the sand traps. We were prepared and it worked!”

Arriving in El Golea, the road became paved. “It was not a wide pavement,” said Noble. “In fact, it was just wide enough to go down the middle for safety’s sake. When you came upon an oncoming vehicle you had to put your right wheels onto the shoulder. But it worked for us well, right into Algiers.”

“The Sahara is not a beautiful desert,” said Noble. “No red rocks, just plain grey and dust. Navigating can be a challenge after severe wind storms which erase the tracks you have been following, so the way to prevail and not get lost is to make sure you are tracking in the small rock cairn in front of you and track out on that same cairn until you pick up the next one in front. They were located about 3000 feet apart so on clear days you had no problem but if you wandered off that cairn, you could easily get lost.”

In Algiers, the American Consul General had been alerted by Vice President Richard Nixon that Dean and Noble would be arriving.

“He extended us several special courtesies,” said Noble. “We had successfully crossed the Sahara in 19 days and the Americans here wanted

“When we reached In Guezzam, we had a memorable time. It was a tiny roadside stop consisting of one mud building, manned by two French Army men, but they had what we needed,” recalls Noble. “Water and gas. Gas was ninety-nine cents per gallon, the most expensive gas on the entire three-year trek. But we also found something we had not had in several months: a French steak dinner with French fries for $2.50 per plate. We were in heaven.”

Despite being a desert, the Sahara can also be cold. Dropping to 48 degrees one evening, the team had to change clothes to keep warm. “It was also a big disappointment for Dean, because he could go days without seeing a new bird,” said Noble. “It was also a challenge because of its remoteness.

Nowhere could we find a place to exchange our money so that presented a challenge to our entrepreneurship. On one occasion, a vendor advanced credit and service to us on a handshake if we would agree to pay his brother in Algiers in a week, which we did.”

Casablanca so we could get a new axle and new springs, as well as repair all the other infirmities the Jeep acquired during our trek through Africa.”

“Casablanca was a delightful spot to be ‘shipwrecked’ for three weeks as the Jeep was repaired,” recalls Noble.

“We were entertained like royalty by the natives. Dean and I will never forget our departure that glorious day when we got the Jeep back in good repair, or so we thought. As we drove out the front of the Jeep service port, the radiator exploded, right in front of the service manager. So, we spent another two days waiting for that repair job.”

When the Jeep was finally ready, Dean and Noble drove to Tangier, boarded a ferry boat, and headed for Gibraltar, 22 miles away, saying goodbye to Africa and all its adventures.

“We had crossed three continents and had three more to go,” said Noble. “Europe, Asia, and Australia awaited!”

It has been a pleasure telling the story of Global Noble’s adventures.

As our series comes to an end this month, we hope Global’s journey has sparked the explorer in all of you! ■

▲ Taureg camel driver riding on top of the roadrunner.

to hear the story. So, after a few days to tidy up, we headed west along the Mediterranean coast to Morocco and Port Lyautey, a US naval base. We were welcomed with open arms and given full access to the base. There was an American school for the children of the men on base and we spent a morning telling the story of our travels throughout Central and South America and up through Africa to these children.”

“Dean spent a great deal of time in the mountains of Morocco and I drove the Jeep down to Casablanca,” said Noble.

“There was a real Jeep dealer in

▲ Noble after 17 months in Africa.

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On The Road 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...

▲ Jared Blake Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rachidi

▲ Jared Blake – Performing in Morgantown, WV, at the Triple S Harley Davidson show Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rachidi

The Voice was just the start for this star. Jared Blake says he was raised on watermelons and rock ‘n’ roll in the small town of Star City, Arkansas. He always had dreams of performing on the big stage and his big break came in 2011.

His time on The Voice garnered lots of attention and many new fans, leading to a national acoustic tour when the last week of the show was airing, promoting a single his fans picked called, “Don’t Mind.”

The tour won grassroots airplay in several areas, giving Jared the ability to start touring with his own band. He’s shared the stage with the likes of Lee Brice, The Band Perry, Randy Houser, and many others.

Jared was first introduced to the world that year on Season One of NBC’s #1 rated The Voice as an original member of Team Blake (as in mentor Blake Shelton).

He was just as happy onstage alone with his acoustic guitar, with 14 million viewers watching him sing “Not Ready To Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks as he was performing Kings of Leon’s rock tune “Use Somebody.”

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country and once heard, it’s not easily forgotten. He has lent his unique sound to voiceover work in the demo world for varied artists and to the weekly syndicated broadcast, CT40 with Bob Kingsley.

success “...was raised on After ofthe the single watermelons and in“Countryfied” 2013, Jared’s next rock ‘n’ roll” single, “Stomp,”

There’s no doubt Jared has one of the most powerful voices in

was released last summer to rave reviews. It was featured in a preview on the popular SiriusXM radio station, The Highway. It’s also on his six-song debut EP, “’Til Morning Light,” which was released last September, which also has “Don’t Mind” and “Countryfied.”

The father of six is still a child at heart, enjoying his fame with family and friends. “The joke with my road crew is that I’m like a five-year-old,” says Jared. “I couldn’t do any other job on the planet, so I owe my life to the music fans of the world.”

Can you tell us about the background of your bus and its relationship to Johnny Cash?

I’m obsessed with Johnny Cash.

Partially because of the man, partially because of our likeness.

We have a lot of similarities. I seem to keep doing the things he did except I don’t find out that he did [them] until after I did. One of those is my bus. My first bus is a black 1979 MCI MC9. Same make, year, and model as Johnny’s last bus.

The bus is old. Things warp sometimes. We had to get clever about installing brand new products in something very old. One of those was installing the hardwood floors. The floor wasn’t level toward the front of the bus so we used Skoal can lids underneath the floor to level them out.

What do you like about staying on your bus versus a hotel room?

My favorite thing about being on the bus is having all my stuff, like Guitar Hero.

What is your favorite thing onboard?

The fireplace. Everyone made fun of me for putting a fireplace on there...until the heater went out one night.

What are a few favorite destinations and why?

Anywhere with a beach, because we don’t have any oceans in Arkansas. Wisconsin, because they’ve been such a supportive fan base, and they have the Packers. Arkansas didn’t have any Packers either.

“I’m obsessed with Johnny Cash.” ▲ Jared Blake – with his 1979 MCI MC9 bus Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rachidi

Do you like taking highways or scenic routes?

Sometimes the highway is required, but if you travel like we do, you’re still gonna try to take the scenic route. Some of the places we play don’t even have highways.

What’s your favorite meal to make onboard and where do you like to stop if eating out?

They don’t let me eat my favorite food anymore. I’m from the south.

I like fried, fried, and fried. I’ll fry “fry” and serve it with something else fried. With that being said, it is easier to cook healthy options onboard. If I have to stop, we hope we’re in Texas so we can stop at BUC-EE’S. Has anyone ever approached you in a rest stop or somewhere else and asked to see your rig?

People stop and wanna know the story about the bus all the time. These buses were originally passenger buses so anyone who knows buses wants to see what you did to the inside.

▲ Jared Blake – Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rachidi

Have you ever gone “camping” with your bus?

Yes [laughing], but it takes up too much of my tent and hogs the blanket.

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

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â–˛ ShamRock Street View 2012, San Diego Photo courtesy of Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation 38

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Galway, Ireland Photo courtesy of Samual L. Faria, Jr.

▼ St. Patrick’s Day Parade – New York Photo courtesy of © Diana Robinson Photography www.dianarobinsonphotography.com

Everybody claims to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! From city to city across the United States, March 17 is marked with celebrations large and small. There are parades and festivals, as well as plenty of Irish fare and, of course, the color green.

So, whether you can truly trace your roots to the “Old Sod,” or simply claim to be “Irish for the Day,” come along and celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick with O’TrailBlazer.

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▼ St. Patrick’s Day Parade – New York Photo courtesy of Sebastien Barns

NEW YORK New York, NY The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day Parade in US history was held in New York City in 1762. Over the past 250 plus years, the event has grown to be one of the most popular parades in the city’s history, boasting more than 250,000 marchers, which include plenty of bagpipes and marching bands, to the delight of the more than two million parade-goers that line NYC’s Fifth Avenue between 44th and 79th Street. This year’s parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on March 17. For more information, visit www.nycstpatricksparade.org.

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For more Irish heritage, visit the Irish Arts Center for a free day of Irish culture as they host their Annual St. Patrick’s Day Open, on March 15. This is an event the kids won’t want to miss.

For more information, visit www.irishartscenter.org.

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BOSTON Boston, MA No list of St. Patrick’s Day events would be complete without a nod to Boston. And while NYC may boast the oldest parade, the city of Boston was the first city to actually recognize the day. In 1737, the Charitable Irish Society of Boston organized the first observance but the event did not include any parade or celebration, but rather a simple worship service.

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Fast forward to 2015, and the celebrations surrounding St. Patrick abound in this city, and it’s no wonder since Boston (and its surrounding metro area) topped Forbes magazine’s list of America’s Most Irish Cities in 2013.

The celebration doesn’t wait until St. Patrick’s Day proper either.

Harpoon Brewery starts March off right with its annual St. Patrick’s Festival which features Irish music, beer, and lots of corned beef and cabbage. The 2015 festival is scheduled for March 6-7.

For more information, visit www.harpoonbrewery.com/ festivals.

As for parades, there are plenty but the big one is set for Sunday, March 15 in South Boston. This parade, which, is billed as the second largest parade in the country, kicks off at 1 p.m. For location and more information, visit www.southbostonparade.org.

Also, for a complete listing of Irish events throughout March, visit www.irishmassachusetts.com.

▼ St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Boston

ORLANDO Orlando, FL Never known to miss any reason to throw a party, come see what Walt Disney World has cooked up for St. Patrick’s Day. More accurately, the plan calls for a festival that runs from Friday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 17, as Disney’s Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant hosts the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival.

Live entertainment, the Raglan Road Dancers, and featured cuisine from Irish celebrity chef, Kevin Dundon, are all on tap at this family-friendly Irish celebration. For more information, visit www.raglanroad.com.

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Raglan Road – Disney World

▲ St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Boston Photos courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Washington, DC Billed as “The Nation’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” this event, held in our nation’s capital, has grown from a small walk to a full scale parade since its inception in 1971. The parade route proceeds down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets NW. This year’s parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 15. For more information, visit www.dcstpatsparade.com.

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ST AUGUSTINE St. Augustine, FL The St. Augustine Celtic Music Festival, scheduled for March 13-15, brings Celtic clans from around the world to celebrate their heritage in an event that combines the sights and sounds of centuries of history. In addition to the Highland Games, the event will feature music, dancing, vendors, and a parade set in the streets of this oldest city’s historic district.

For more information, visit www.celticstaugustine.com.

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▲ The St. Augustine Celtic Music Festival Photos courtesy of celticstaugustine.com

SAVANNAH Savannah, GA Make plans to take in this southern-style celebration as the City of Savannah hosts its 191st St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17. Winding its way around Savannah’s historic squares for more than three hours, this parade is considered one of the top five in the US. To get in the mood for the parade, don’t miss the Tara Feis Irish Celebration on Saturday, March 14. This event, held in Emmet Park, the heart of downtown Savannah, features food, music, crafts, and games, all hosted in the true tradition of southern hospitality.

SAN DIEGO

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telling, and authentic fighting demonstrations. For a complete list of events and times, visit www.sandiego.org/events.

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Crowds at ShamRock, San Diego Courtesy Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation

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San Diego, CA Chicago may dye its river, but San Diego actually carpets the streets in more than 800,000 feet of green Astroturf. There’s plenty of Celtic music to be enjoyed at this event held on the streets of the city’s Gaslamp Quarter, scheduled this year for Saturday, March 14.

If you’re looking for a more traditional celebration, there is plenty of that in San Diego, too!

In addition to the parade, there is a flag raising ceremony, Irish Festival in Balboa Park, and a Celtic Village that will transport you to 1582 as renaissance actors entertain with song, dance, story-

Chicago, IL Chicago is serious about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and takes it to the ultimate degree by dyeing the Chicago River a lovely shade of green to commemorate the day.

A tradition for more than 50 years, more than 400,000 people gather pre-parade to watch this spectacular event.

The river stays green for about five hours so don’t miss this scene. As for the parade, it begins on Columbus Drive and heads north, culminating about three hours later on Monroe.

This year’s parade is set for Sunday, March 15, at noon.

For more information, visit www.choosechicago.com.

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And, for a quick history lesson, don’t miss the site where the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 began.

There’s a bit of Irish here as the legend says that a cow belonging to Patrick and Kate O’Leary kicked over a lantern in the barn that ignited the blaze that destroyed about four miles of the city. A monument and marker can be found at the original site of the barn at DeKoven and Jefferson streets, now home to the Chicago Fire Academy.

CHICAGO

There’s no reason to miss the party – get your green on and come celebrate!

▲ In Chicago, green dye is spilled from small boats into the Chicago River between Michigan Avenue on the west and Columbus Drive on the east.

PHOENI X

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This year’s event, entitled Celebrating 32: 32 Counties and 32 Parades, is scheduled for Saturday, March 14.

Come see who is chosen as this year’s Arizona Colleen.

For more information, visit www.stpatricksdayphoenix.org

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Phoenix Photo courtesy of stpatricksdayphoenix.org

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Phoenix, AZ Started in 1984 to preserve and enhance, as well as introduce, Irish heritage in Phoenix, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire features Irish music and dancers, food, beverages, crafters and kids’ crafts, as well as a parade down 3rd Street.

Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Come along to the Delmarva Coast with the Dutch Oven Diva, Lesley Tennessen. This meal is sure to please with a dessert that is out of this world!

Crab and Cheese Chile Rellenos

By Lesle y

Tenness en, Dutc h Oven D iva

Setup: • 1 10 inch Dutch oven • 25-30 coals to make a 425-450 degree oven

Ingredients: • 2-3 Poblano chiles, roasted and skins scraped off, and seeds removed • ¼ - ½ cup cooked crab meat • ¼ cup mayonnaise • ²/³ cup Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded • ½ package cotija or queso fresca (cheese) • 1 teaspoon BBQ powder/rub • 1 T chopped jalapeños, optional • ¼ cup of panko crumbs • 1 small can (10 ounces or so) of enchilada sauce (simply warm up on the stove) for presentation or tortilla chips on a plate for presentation.

Adapted from http://michaels-killer-recipes.blogspot.com/2010/06/shrimp-and-crab-chile-rellenos-not.html

Directions: To roast chiles: Next time you’re grilling outdoors, place the chiles on the grill and cook, allowing the skin to blister and peel and turn brown, turning every few minutes to ensure the whole chile is cooked, maybe 10-15 minutes.

Place in a plastic bag or wrap in paper until you’re done with dinner. This will help the pepper to steam, softening the interior, and allow the outer skin to be scraped off when you have time.

Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff them.

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Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit by putting a ring under the oven and the rest of the coals onto the lid. This will make a very hot oven.

Mix crab meat, mayonnaise, BBQ rub/seasoning and panko crumbs together. Add in jalapeños if you want all the extra zip.

Cut chiles from stem to tip, once, just enough to open them like a pocket. Remove the seeds, and rinse out. Stuff crab mixture in to chiles. Lay the

shredded cheese onto that.

Lay a slice or two of cotija cheese onto that.

Place in a preheated Dutch oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese has melted.

Remove and serve with enchilada sauce, hot sauce, salad, and some homemade guacamole! I served mine just over tortilla chips!

Approximate time: 30 minutes.

Smith Island Cake

the state cake of Maryland This cake is traditionally presented as 8-10 pencil thin layers. It will take a long time to make this cake but it’s so worth it!

Setup: • several 10 inch dutch ovens • 1 ring and 3 coals for lid for each oven to make 350 degree oven • 1 ring underneath for each oven • parchment disk for each cake layer I made 5 layers and then cut in half to make the 10 layer cake. Double the recipe, if you need more cake to enjoy!

Ingredients: • one 12-ounce can evaporated milk • 1 box Duncan Hines butter-cake mix or Betty Crocker with pudding in the mix • ¾ stick or 6 tablespoons very soft butter • 4 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 can of chocolate whipped frosting Adapted from marylandtraditions.org

Directions: You’ll want to mix up the batter but have your coals ready when you are. Best to have a helper with the coals for this one.

Cake making will take about 15 minutes. Cut the parchment disks to fit the bottom of your 10 inch Dutch oven before you start making the cake; one for each layer of cake.

Place butter, eggs, in a bowl and mix until well blended.

Add in the cake mix, vanilla and half of the milk in a large mixing bowl. Stir very slowly to blend. Mix on low speed for approximately 5 minutes.

Add the rest of the milk and blend on medium-high speed for 10 minutes or until the batter has a smooth cake

consistency. (In 10 minutes, batter will form ribbons).

If not thin enough, add a ¼ cup whole milk.

Spray the dutch oven lightly, and spray the parchment disk.

Spread ²/³ -¾ cup of cake batter into each of the pans evenly.

Bake 10 minutes (will slightly brown and pull away from sides of pan). Repeat this until you have 5 layers. The batter disk should be very thin.

whipped frosting. Add next layer and repeat the process until the 5th layer. Spread the frosting on only one half of the 5th layer. Take a long, serrated knife and carefully cut down through all the layers. Lift the unfrosted half to the frosted half. Now you have 10 layers!

Finish by frosting cake top and sides.

Remove after a couple minutes of cooling. Let the oven cool slightly. Repeat with another parchment disk, batter, cook.

Cool all the layers thoroughly!

To assemble the cake, spread 1 cooled layer with a couple of tablespoons of canned MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

45

Encore Activities and Events

Events Calendar

ARIZONA

Araby Acres RV Resort Yuma

Mar 6................ Happy Hour – .......................... The End of the Road Band Mar 7................ Karaoke and Pizza Mar 10............. Bingo Mar 12............. Craft Fair Mar 14............. St. Patrick’s Day .......................... Potato Bake & Dance Mar 20............. Happy Hour – .......................... The End of the Road Band

Cactus Gardens RV Resort

Don’t miss these exciting Encore concerts and events scheduled in 2015.

Desert Paradise RV Resort Yuma

Mar 5................ Quilt Show Mar 6................ Concert Series: .......................... The Premier .......................... ABBA Experience Mar 7................ Let the Good Times .......................... Roll – Dance Mar 9................ Volunteer Dinner Mar 10............. Craft Fair Mar 11............. Farewell Party Mar 17............. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Mar 20............. Concert Series: .......................... Mark Cordes – .......................... The Spouse Whisperer

Yuma

Mar 3................ Quilt Show Mar 6................ Concert Series: .......................... The Premier .......................... ABBA Experience Mar 10............. Farewell Party Mar 13............. Steak Night Mar 14............. Volunteer Appreciation .......................... Dinner Mar 17............. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Mar 20............. Concert Series: .......................... Mark Cordes – .......................... The Spouse Whisperer

Golden Sun RV Resort Apache Junction

Mar 12 ............. One of these Nights – .......................... The Eagles Tribute Mar 25 ............. Dancing with the Stars

Countryside RV Resort Apache Junction

Mar 1................ Ice Cream Social Mar 3................ Tribute to John Denver .......................... w/Brad Fitch Mar 7................ Dance w/Curtis Knox Mar 10............. Concert w/Dave .......................... and Daphne Mar 14............. Dance w/Midnight Moon Mar 17............. St. Patrick’s Day .......................... Celebration and Parade Mar 21............. Dance – Erv Reutzel Band Mar 28............. Dance –The Breeze

46

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Mesa Verde RV Resort Yuma

Yuma Art Center (Yuma) Mar 6................ AbbaFAB – .......................... The Abba Experience .......................... Tribute Concert Mar 20............. Mark Cordes – .......................... The Spouse Whisperer

Stay at any of our Yuma resorts and enjoy shuttle service to the Yuma Art Center. Yuma resorts include Araby Acres, Cactus Gardens, Capri, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Mesa Verde, and Suni Sands.

Mar 5................ Quilt Show Mar 7................ St. Patrick’s Dance Mar 20............. Spring Fling

Monte Visa RV Resort Mesa

Mar 10 ............. Concert Series – .......................... Nashville Gold Mar 11 ............. Showtime – MV Chorus Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day .......................... 5K Run/Walk Mar 18 ............. Showtime – Cross Strung Mar 21 ............. Farewell Dance – .......................... The 8-Track Band Mar 24 ............. Concert Series – .......................... The Spouse Whisperer April 2 .............. Farewell Happy Hour

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Voyager RV Resort

Bulow Plantation RV Resort

Mar 4................ Blue, Blues & Boogie .......................... Woogie Concert Mar 5................ Pancake Breakfast Mar 5-6............ Voyager Light Opera .......................... Company performance of .......................... “Guys & Dolls, Jr.” Mar 11............. Voyager Market .......................... Daze – Craft Show Mar 11............. Luck of the Irish Show – .......................... Irish Music & Dancing Mar 12............. Bus Trip to Barleen’s .......................... Arizona Opry Mar 18............. Good Rockin’ Live .......................... Concert, music of Elvis, .......................... Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee .......................... Lewis & more Mar 19............. Season End Party with .......................... Two’s Company Mar 25............. American Made Concert .......................... with a Salute to the .......................... Oakridge Boys & .......................... The Statler Brothers Mar 28............. Southwest Flute Festival

Mar 6-15......... Bike Week

Tucson

Paradise RV Resort Mar 9 ............... DIVAS of Rock Concert .......................... with Marva Scott Mar 14............. Shopper’s Paradise Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner .......................... with Level 2 Band Mar 23 ............. “Time in a Bottle” .......................... Concert

Clermont

Mar 5 ............... Stitcher’s Tea Party Mar 6 ............... New Odyssey Show Mar 9 ............... ELS Tournament & Dinner Mar 13 ............. Green’s Keepers Revenge, .......................... Tourney & Dinner Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Dance Mar 19 ............. Mens Golf Banquet Mar 21 ............. Indoor Flea Market Mar 31 ............. Ladies Golf Dinner April 4 .............. Yard Sale

Crystal Isles RV Resort Crystal River.

Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Mar 21 ............. Farewell Party

Gulf View RV Resort Punta Gorda

Harbor Lakes RV Resort Port Charlotte

FLORIDA

Mar 6-7 ............ Follies Variety Show Mar 14............. St. Patrick’s Day .......................... Celebration Mar 20............. ‘50s Dance – .......................... The Gold Tones Mar 28............. Volunteer Appreciation Day

Hudson

Lake Magic RV Resort

ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort Mar 3 ............... Dinner Show with Tia’s .......................... Royal Islanders Mar 5 ............... Rod Stewart, Michael .......................... Bublé, Natalie Cole .......................... Tribute Concert Mar 10 ............. Dinner Show with Jolly .......................... Roger Magic and Comedy Mar 12 ............. Soul of Motown .......................... Tribute Concert Mar 13 ............. Hasta La Vista BBQ and .......................... Hoedown Dinner Dance .......................... with Jeff Stevens Band Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Parade & .......................... Celebration

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort

Mar 5 ............... Dog Parade Mar 14 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Dance Mar 19 ............. Ladies Tables of 8 Lunch Mar 26 ............. Farewell Pool Party

Sun City

Mesa

Flagler Beach

Barrington Hills

Mar 1................ Ice Cream Social Mar 3................ Pot Luck Mar 7................ Canada Day Festivities Mar 8................ Ice Cream Social Mar 14............. Golf Cart Parade .......................... & Dance – Lynn & Joel Mar 15............. Ice Cream Social Mar 22............. Ice Cream Social Mar 28............. Dance – Star Burst Mar 29............. Ice Cream Social

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Clermont

Mar 13 ............. St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance Mar 20 ............. Auction and Bake Sale

Pine Island RV Resort St. James City

Mar 17............. St. Patrick’s Day Party

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

47

Encore Activities and Events

Visit RVontheGo.com for details.

Encore Activities and Events

Events Calendar

Don’t miss these exciting Encore concerts and events scheduled in 2015.

Terra Ceia RV Resort Palmetto

Mar 13 ............. Keith Colman as .......................... Johnny Cash Mar 17 ............. St. Patty’s Day Dinner Mar 27 ............. Thank You Dinner

Toby’s RV Resort Arcadia

Pioneer Village RV Resort

North Fort Myers

Mar 28 ............. Farewell Dinner

Royal Coachman RV Resort Nokomis

Mar 19 ............. Concert Series #3: .......................... “Abba Girlz” Mar 21 ............. Car Show

Sherwood Forest RV Resort Kissimmee

Mar 3 ............... Seasonal Appreciation .......................... Breakfast Mar 7................ Yard Sale Mar 13............. Karaoke Mar 14 ............. Poolside Appreciation .......................... Party Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Dessert .......................... Social April 5 .............. Easter Egg Party & Hunt

Silver Dollar RV Resort Odessa

Mar 13 ............ Paralyzed Veterans Shoot Mar 16 ............. Southern Grand National .......................... Championship Mar 24 ............. Florida State .......................... Championship Apr 10 .............. ELS Golf tournament

Southern Palms RV Resort Eustis

Mar 1................ Gospel Night Mar 3................ Style Show & Luncheon Mar 4................ Hard Rock Casino .......................... Bus Trip 48

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Mar 6................ Dance Mar 9................ Laughing Bird Comedy/ .......................... Music Show Mar 11............. Casino Night Mar 13............. Ice Cream Social Mar 13............. Open Mic Night Mar 14............. Senior Prom Dance Mar 16............. Victory Casino Cruise .......................... Bus Trip Mar 17............. St. Patrick’s Day Lunch Mar 20............. Luau Street Party Mar 20............. Dance Mar 23............. Pasta Pot Luck Dinner Mar 25............. $5.00 Lunch Mar 25............. Karaoke Night Mar 27............. Movie Night

Mar 7 ............... Bill Crastill Show Mar 14 ............. Bob Weed Mar 17 ............. Good Stuff Mar 21 ............. Amber Waves Band Show Mar 28 ............. The Unknown DJ

Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort Bradenton

Mar 1................ My Three Sons Quartet Mar 6................ Line Dancing Dinner .......................... & Dance Mar 13............. Fun Night Mar 14............. Breakfast Mar 17............. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner .......................... & Dance Mar 20............. Fish Fry

Winter Quarters Pasco Lutz

Sunshine Holiday RV Resort

Mar 7................ Pool Party w/the .......................... Island Boy Band Mar 14............. Traditional Saint Patrick’s .......................... Day Dinner Mar 25............. Annual Guest .......................... Appreciation Sit .......................... Down Dinner

Ormond Beach

Mar 1 ............... Bike Week April 1 .............. Farewell Party

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina Florida Keys

Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Event Mar 27 ............. “Last Hurrah!” Pool Party

Sunshine Travel RV Resort Vero Beach

Mar 3 ............... Wine Tasting Mar 7 ............... Variety Show Mar 11 ............. Italian Lunch Mar 15 ............. St. Patrick’s Day .......................... Dinner/Dance Mar 21 ............. Craft & Bake Sale Mar 28 ............. End Of Year Party All events, times and dates are subject to change.

TEXAS

Alamo Palms RV Resort Alamo

Mar 1................ Denim & Diamonds Mar 8................ Texas Variety Band Mar 15............. In Park Musicians Feb 14.............. Pelican West Dance Mar 17 ............ St. Patrick's Day Parade

Country Sunshine RV Resort Weslaco

Mar 1................ Golden Oldies Mar 7................ Happy Hour – .......................... South Texas Whiskey Band Mar 18............. Happy Hour – Diego

Fun-N-Sun RV Resort San Benito

Mar 1 ............... The Castaway Mar 2 ............... Encore Games Banquet Mar 2 ............... Faithful Singers Mar 3 ............... Las Vegas Night Mar 7 ............... Fun-N-Sun Arts & .......................... Crafts Exhibition Mar 7 ............... AbbaFAB – .......................... The Abba Experience .......................... Tribute Concert Mar 8 ............... Boxcar Bob and .......................... Cactus Willie Mar 9 ............... Luau Mar 14 ............. The Piano Man Mar 15 ............. Jeff Hunt Mar 16 ............. Electric Ukelele Mar 17 ............. Ladies National .......................... Shuffleboard Tournament Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mar 18 ............. Mens National .......................... Shuffleboard Tournament Mar 18 ............. Connie’s Cabaret Mar 19 ............. National Shuffleboard .......................... Finals Mar 21 ............. Sock Hop Mar 22 ............. Lyle Beaver Mar 29 ............. Betty Rydell

Lakewood RV Resort

Sunshine RV Resort

Mar 10 ............. Piano Man Concert Mar 14 ............. Dance with Walter Plant Mar 15 ............. Richard Jones Show Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Party

Mar 1................ Kitchen Band Concert Mar 3................ Annual Dog Show Mar 7................ Variety Club Show Mar 8................ Sunshine Bells Concert Mar 11............. Encore’s Piano Man Show Mar 12............. Ladies Luncheon with .......................... Greg Jones Mar 15............. “Valerie” Show Mar 17............. St. Patty’s Day Party Mar 20............. Rio Duo Show Mar 25............. Farewell Dinner

Harlingen

Paradise Park RV Resort Harlingen

Mar 3................ Dance – .......................... Nite Life Production Mar 10............. Dance – The Horn’s Mar 14............. Park Wide Patio Sale Mar 24............ Dance – Diego

Harlingen

Paradise South RV Resort Mercedes

Mar 2 ............... Ladies Brunch Mar 2 ............... Encore Games Banquet Mar 4 ............... Sunday Night Entertainers Mar 6 ............... Theme Dance “PJ” Party Mar 7 ............... Pancake Breakfast Mar 9 ............... Sunday Night Entertainers Mar 10 ............. Lunch at Peter Piper Pizza Mar 10 ............. Diego Dance Mar 12 ............. Craft Sale & Lunch .......................... Encore Concert Mar 13 ............. Piano Man Mar 14............. Biscuit & Gravy Breakfast Mar 16 ............. ‘31’ Tournament Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Mar 17 ............. Walter Plant Dance Mar 21 ............. French toast breakfast Mar 21 ............. Pool Party

Southern Comfort RV Resort Weslaco

Mar 1................ Show and Tell Mar 4................ Hawaiian Luau Mar 7................ Bocce Ball Tournament Mar 7................ Horse races Mar 8................ Swing Cajun “Style” Show Mar 10............. Craft Show Mar 12............. Piano Man Tribute Show Mar 17............. Dance – Steven May Band Mar 21............. Garage Sale Mar 26............. Dance – Diego

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Tropic Winds RV Resort Harlingen

Mar 5 ............... Sock Hop Dance with .......................... Jackson Haney Mar 13 ............. Denim & Diamonds Show Mar 18 ............. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner .......................... Dance with Diego

Victoria Palms RV Resort Donna

Mar 1 ............... Barber Expo Mar 4 ............... Pat Davison’s Comedy .......................... Magic Circus Mar 12 ............. Jacobson Shuffleboard Mar 15 ............. AbbaFAB – .......................... The Abba Experience .......................... Tribute Concert Mar 17 ............. St. Patrick’s Day .......................... Celebration and Golf Cart .......................... Parade Mar 20 ............. Beach Party

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

49

Encore Activities and Events

Visit RVontheGo.com for details.

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Q:

A:

Hey Bill and Jenn! We love reading both of your columns each month in the TrailBlazer!

Here are my questions about my rubber roof; what can I use to clean the roof material without damaging it? And, is there any kind of a coating I need to use as to help prolong the life of the material? Also, the latch on the access door to the converter has broken, as it’s just a small piece of plastic- any suggestions for a replacement latch?

Great question, Don! It seems like 90% of the RVs manufactured these days have some type of rubber roof. Attention to detail and thorough cleaning is the key to longevity and you are wise to inquire about proper care. Dicor, a major manufacturer in rubber roof material, recommends cleaning your rubber roof with Spic and Span Cleaner and a medium bristle brush. If done on a regular basis, there is no need for any type of preservative. There are other rubber roof cleaners and conditioners on the market however, none that I have found seem to last up in the weather they are subjected to. By keeping your rubber roof material cleaned on a regular basis it should last for many years to come.

Thanks, Don Jacopi, Salem, OR

Thanks for your questions, Don, and cheers to the Mrs. from Jenn and me.

The latch on your converter should be available through the manufacturer.

Open the access door to the converter and write down the model and serial number. You should be able to purchase a replacement latch from your local RV dealer or find it online. While you’re at it, I suggest ordering a spare, just to keep on hand.

See you on the road, Friends!

Q: Hello, RV BILL! We have a 2010 Itasca Sunstar. The living room slide consisted of twin motors with screw slides. It almost never works and it seems mechanics can’t figure it out and have a hard time getting parts. So far, this is where we are at – he has ordered a new controller card. He checked all the wires, changed one motor, realigned everything, and still it faults out. But, he finally tracked down one of the original project managers and discovered our card is version G and they are up to N now.

Once he changes the card, I will let you know how it works out.

Apparently Winnebago is frustrated enough to wash their hands of this.

Any ideas how to get this fixed so it is reliable?

Thanks so much RV Bill for any light you can shed!

Sincerely, Dan Chase

A: Dan, I understand your frustration. Slide rooms can be a challenge for even the best technicians. I believe Winnebago used HWH brand electric slide mechanisms on your model year coach. In the preceding years, hydraulic slide room systems were used with great success.

The twin motor set up is not easy to repair or diagnose as not many techs have seen them. Sounds like your man has a handle on this problem. If his diagnosis does not solve your issue completely, let me know and I will get in touch with HWH and get to the bottom of this for you. Here is the phone number for HWH corporation 800-321-3494. Their website is www.hwhcorp.com and the replacement parts link is on their home page.

Cheers!

50

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Q:

A:

Hi Bill, I’m Don Conners and we had the pleasure of meeting you and Jenn down at Florence, OR, while RVing this last summer.

Your RV knowledge helped with some advice about Hehr windows with my buddy Rich Fandry. I’m emailing you to maybe get some additional guidance on how to go about replacing the windows.

Don, How wonderful of Hehr to take care of you and thank you for letting me know of this encouraging resolve! Hehr as been in business for a long time and it is nice to see such good customer service. You won’t have any trouble changing out the windows, as the task is simple, even though it seems to be a bit daunting. For this exchange, you will need assistance, especially with the larger, more cumbersome windows.

Remove the valances at each window that are held in place with screws that go through the valance and into the cabinet above. You may have to remove the day/night shades to gain access to the screws holding the inside trim ring in place. Have another person – or two – on the outside to make sure the window doesn’t fall to the ground! Set the trim ring aside in the same position it came off for reinstallation. Gently pry the window from the outside of the trailer. Reverse the process for installation. Caution; when installing the screws on the new windows, use a piece of wood to protect the glass in case the screwdriver slips and damages the new window. The windows should come with a gasket thus eliminating the need for caulk. I’ve changed hundreds of windows over the years with great success, as I’m sure you will have too.

I have a 2010 Mobile Suites, thanks to your suggestions, Hehr is sending me 7 brand new windows – all the fancy frameless ones that had the seals going bad. Hehr was very good to me I thought and only charged me the shipping and handling fees. But my problem is not so much the actual window replacement itself, but the inside framework to get to the screws that hold the window. I’m somewhat mechanical, but wood stuff...hmmm, not so good. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you very kindly, Don Conners, Vancouver, WA

Thanks again for the follow up!

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

Q:

A:

I have a help request: I own a 2010 Cameo 35SB3. It was manufactured in the latter part of 2009. The problem I have is that the lower screen door hinge has broken. The door assembly was manufactured by “Challenger Door” model # 09-091855.

Ciro, I contacted Challenger Door for you with much success. The contact person is named Ben Glick who works in the parts department. He was a huge help.

Ben needs a couple of pictures emailed to him for identification to match the hinge for you. Ben’s email is bglick@challengerdoor. com Please let me know how this pans out as they were very helpful on the phone and returned my call promptly.

The main door hinges are riveted to the frame however screws attach the screen door hinges. I have lowered the hinge pin enough to remove the hinge but now the dilemma. I can’t find another hinge, complete set or just the screen hinge. I have searched a couple of RV salvage yards and tried to call Challenger Door. No answer at Challenger and no hinge at the salvage yards.

Do you have any suggestions as to where I might locate the hinge?

I have attached two photos that might help. Any assistance you might offer will be appreciated.

Thanks, Ciro de la Vega

Happy Trails!

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

51

Member Deals

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ert ▲ Mount Des E) Narrows (M

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Tuxbury Pond New Hampshire

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Valid at Encore properties in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

2 week maximum. Offer valid for 2015. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

*Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

CIRCLE NO. 104 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 58

52

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

▲ Spring Gulch RV Resort (PA)

Wisconsin & Illinois WI – Fremont Jellystone Park ®, WI $399 for 4-Week Stay Use Promo Code: TT4WTTF

▲ O’Connell’s Yogi

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IL – O’Connell’s Yogi Bear Park® WI – Neshonoc $499 for 4-Week Stay Use Promo Code: TT4WOAN Valid 5/1/15 – 6/15/15 or 9/8/15 until close **Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

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Use Promo Code: TT199P Valid at Appalachian, Robin Hill, Spring Gulch, and Sun Valley **Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

*Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

53

Member Deals

▲ Mesa Spirit RV Resort (AZ)

Florida Resorts

40% Off

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Use Promo Code: TT40W15 Valid at: Bulow, Southern Palms, Vacation Village, Terra Ceia, Toby’s RV Resort, Pioneer Village, Fiesta Key, Topics RV Resort, Crystal Isles RV Resort, Clover Leaf Forest, Barrington Hills, Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort, Highland Woods, Sunshine Travel.

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Use Promo Code: TT20W15 Valid at: Sunshine Holiday Ft. Lauderdale, Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, Breezy Hill, Fort Myers Beach, Silver Dollar, Sunshine Holiday Daytona, Gulf Air, Gulf View, Harbor Lakes, Lake Magic RV Resort, Pine Island, Ramblers Rest, Royal Coachman, Sherwood Forest. **Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

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Use Promo Code: TT30AUG5 **Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

54

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

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

Weekly Use Promo Code: TTBWST

**Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed on page 54.

Valid at: Fun N Sun, Southern Comfort. Lakewood, Victoria Palms, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Tropic Winds, Alamo Palms, Sunshine RV, Country Sunshine **Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed on page 54.

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**Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed on page 54.

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Use Promo Code: TT75M Valid at: Fun N Sun, Southern Comfort. Lakewood, Victoria Palms, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Tropic Winds, Alamo Palms, Sunshine RV, Country Sunshine **Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed on page 54.

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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116 Carefree RV Resorts ������������������������������������������������������������������� 65 104 Equity Lifestyle ���������������������������������������������������������������������52-55 161 First Street/Perfect Choice HD �������������������������������������������������� 17 132 GEICO ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 67 165 Lazydays �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 128 SkyMed �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 68 124 Winnebago ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2

58

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

DOWN 1 Cutting tool 2 Gone by 3 Water 4 Anil (2 words) 5 Bondman’s money 6 Science of (suf.)

7 Sole of a plow 8 Farewell, Brit.

9 So be it!

10 Jaguarundi’s color phase 12 Male noble 17 Greek letter 19 Beverage (abbr.)

21 Carplike fish 22 Son of Ruth 23 Trifle 26 Arikara people 28 Baldness 29 Berne’s river 30 Back 32 Caper 37 Cloche 40 Moor 42 Sound (pref.)

43 Down with (Fr., 2 words) 44 Mother of Burnhilde 45 Thoroughfare 46 Head 48 Japanese porgy 50 Tender loving care (abbr.)

54 Office of Economic Development (abbr.)

4

paws ROAD

By Jenn Gehr

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Q: Jenn, I am the owner of a three-year-old, tiny six pound, Yorkiepoo named Lila Jane. Her pint size is more than made up for with a major attitude as she is so finicky when it comes to her food and treats. I know you feed raw and are a full-time RVer, as I am. Any thoughts, tips or suggestions you might have would be welcomed.

Thank you, Cathy – Thunderbird, WA

A: First and foremost, I suggest

you have your little one’s teeth checked. Since dogs can’t tell us what might be wrong, we must use a process of elimination to help narrow down any potential issues of pain or infection.

Once dental pain or any other problems have been ruled out, talk to your vet about a raw diet as raw meat, organs, and bones are the most healthy and primal diet you could feed your dogs and cats. With the growing concerns of feeding GMOs and outsourced meats and grains, the popularity and common sense of feeding our animals a healthier diet should seriously be considered.

There are several stateside companies that are dedicated

to taking the guesswork out of feeding a raw diet to your pets, but do the homework yourself and double check brands, including any that your vet might suggest, on www.petfoodadvisor.com.

You just might be surprised at what fillers go into your pet’s feed! Look for ingredients that have a meat source listed as one of the first five ingredients if you decide not to feed raw.

I often order from www.Chewy. com as they ship via FedEx for free for orders over $75 and have all the top quality brands I need and provide outstanding customer service. With as much as I travel, I need to be able to get the products I use without risk of not being able to find them!

Q: Hi, Jenn! In addition to living in less than 400 square feet with two

Boston Terriers, such as you do, my husband and I also use crates for our dogs. I know that you crate your dogs at night, but when I came to visit you at your RV, I noticed your home on wheels was crate free. I thought, “How nice would that be?!” Where DO you store those big cages each day?!

As fellow full-timers, we need all the space we can get!

Thank you, Cindy and Joe, and Monster and Buddy Jr. – Sunriver, Oregon

A: Greetings, fellow Boston lovers!

The cheap, space-saving solution to quickly having to set up and tear down dogs crates each day is made simple with our pop-up, soft-sided crates. We purchased these at Walmart for about $20 each and we don’t know what we’d do without

them! When folded, these crates slip under the couch or behind our love seat with ease, plus they can be folded even smaller to fit into a backpack or small suitcase.

Thanks, friends! Brie and Ginger send puppy kisses to you all!

I do feed Orijen kibble, by Champion Petfoods out of Canada, as a supplemental kibble/ dog treat. I also love everything made by Primal and Stella & Chewy’s. Everything I offer my dogs to eat is grain, corn, wheat, gluten, and soy free. With all the great options out there these days, you should be able to find something your little diva can enjoy. Make feed changes slowly and remember that she will not starve herself. Resist feeding any table scraps and monitor her weight on a monthly basis.

If you have any other concerns, be sure you have a veterinarian who listens to you as well as to your dog’s changing needs.

Jenn Swope-Gehr is now a full-time RVer whose life would not be complete without animals. A vet tech for nine years and a professional horse trainer, rider, and instructor that still teaches national level clinics, Jenn’s expertise with helping animal owners to better connect with their own dogs, cats, birds, and horses have been a daily source of pleasure and passion.

Jenn and her husband, Bill, travel the country year-round with their two Boston Bulldogs, Ginger and Brie.

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

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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PREFERRED RV DEALERS

Check out member specials on parts, service and sales by visiting our preferred RV Dealer partners listed here, or visit with them directly at our next Member Appreciation Day. Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis www.funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee www.brownsrvsuperstore.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • www.camperland.net Campers Inn CT - Union; FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville GA - Macon; MA - Raynham NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville NH - Kingston, Merrimack www.campersinn.com Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton www.charlieobaughrv.com Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale www.clearcreekrvcenter.com Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain, Matthews www.countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield www.crossroadstrailers.com

A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana - www.alrvsales.com

Bama RV AL - Dothan • www.bamarv.com

Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga www.alpinhaus.com

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

Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • www.alstrailers.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake www.americanfamilyrv.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • www.bbrv.me 60

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond www.bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • www.bladerv.com Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie; SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg • www.boatnrv.com

Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft www.curtistrailercenter.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville www.economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro www.ellistraveltrailers.com ET Quality RV CA - Yuba City • www.etqualityrv.com Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • www.floydsrvs.com

Out of Doors Mart NC - Colfax www.outofdoorsmart.com Patterson RV TX - Wichita Falls www.pattersonrv.com Paul Evert’s RV Country AZ - Bullhead City CA - Fresno NV- Laughlin OR - Coburg WA - Fife, Milton, Mt. Vernon www.rvcountry.com Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake www.freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualalin www.funtimervinc.com

Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood www.scottmotorcoach.com See Grins RV CA - Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Martin www.seegrins.com Seguin RV TX - Seguin • www.seguinrv.com Simi RV & Off Road CA - Simi Valley • www.simi-rv.com

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

Smart Choice Auto Group & RV Sales TX - Jersey Village www.smartchoiceautogroup.com

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

Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach www.snydersrv.com Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca www.stricklandmarineandrv.com

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

Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • www.sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater www.sundownrv.com

Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay www.gibsrvsuperstore.com

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

Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond www.haydensrvs.net

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

Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle www.keystonervcenter.com

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

Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson www.lakesidervsales.com

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

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

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

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

Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • www.russdeanrv.com

Media Camping PA - Hatfield, Media www.mediacamping.com

RV City AZ - Huachuca City • www.rvcity.net

Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs www.mikethompson.com

Safford RV VA- Thornburg • www.saffordrv.com

Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville www.royrobinsonrv.com

Tom Raper RVs IN - Richmond • www.tomraper.com Vogt RV TX - Ft. Worth • www.vogtrv.com Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • www.welcomebackrv.com Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden www.westerntravelsales.com

RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • www.rvsforless.net RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim www.rvvaluemart.com MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

61

Think Spring, Green Living, and Adopting a Manatee.

Get in Gear!

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

• Hats • Sweatshirts • T-Shirts • Koozies

e!

and mor

ThousandTrailsGear.com

Terms and Conditions for 2015 Referral Promotion from page 4.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2015, you will receive a $25 Visa Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2015, 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 2015, 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, 2016. The winners will be notified by telephone.

The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2015 and December 14, 2015, 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.

62

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

y l l a R It's Time!

Idyllwild (CA)

Calendar

CLUB MARCH 2015

TT SINGLES Central California Mar 27-29 ��������������������� San Benito, CA Apr24-26 �������� Lake of the Springs, CA May 22-25 �������������������� San Benito, CA June 26-28 ����������������� Morgan Hill, CA July 24-26 �������������������Snowflower, CA Aug 28-30 ��������������������Snowflower, CA Sept 25-27 ������������������ Morgan Hill, CA Oct 23-25 �������� Lake of the Springs, CA Dec 4-6 ������������������������� San Benito, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 986-1088 or email to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net.

Northwest Contact: Director Marybeth Turner at (206) 255-9363 or email to Marybeth.

Turner@seattle.gov; Winnie Hoyteniuk at (604) 858-9757 or email to winnie@smartt.com (British Columbia); Daphne Bailey at (503) 590-8566 or email to daphnebailey07@comcast.net (Oregon); or Linda Christofferson at (360) 653-3648 (Washington).

TT Travelers Southern California Mar 2-4 ������������������������������ Soledad, CA Apr 6-8..................... Palm Springs, CA Contact: Cecil Brown, Wagonmaster at cecilbrown@hotmail.com or call (951) 323-1714.

TTN So Cal Weekenders Mar 6-8 ��������������������� Palm Springs, CA Apr 3-5 ���������������� Soledad Canyon, CA May 1-3 ������������������������� Oakzanita, CA June 5-7 ����������������������������Pio Pico, CA Aug 7-9 ���������������������������� Idyllwild, CA Sept 11-13 �������������������������Pio Pico, CA Oct 2-4 ��������������������������� Oakzanita, CA Nov 6-8 ��������������Wilderness Lakes, CA Dec 4-6 ��������������������� 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@earthlink.net website: http://home.earthlink. net/~ttnweekenders/.

TTWest/FMCA Mar 20-26 ������������ Soledad Canyon, CA May 15-17 ������ Lake of the Springs, CA July17-19 ��������������������� San Benito, CA Sept 11-13 ��������������� Russian River, CA Nov 13-15 ������������������Lake Minden, CA (rally follows FMCA West Rally in Indigo)

Members of Thousand Trails and FMCA meet at Northern California Preserves bimonthly. Contact Bob Litfin at (408) 226-6529 or email to clitfin@USA.com. Reservations are required two weeks in advance.

TT of Texas/FMCA Mar 6-8 ������������������ Colorado River, TX May 1-3 ���������������������Lake Texoma, TX Sept 11-13 ����������������Lake Whitney, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to ttnfmcachapter@gmail.com.

Our website is: ttnoftexasfmca.com.

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

Bounders United (BUTTN) March 6-8..........Wilderness Lakes, CA Wagonmaster will be Bob and Darlene Spalding, contact information (951) 741-3881 or wrkerbees@yahoo.com.

June 16-19, 2015.. Bend/Sunriver, OR Wagonmaster will be Dick and Dena Iverson, contact information (360) 883-5839 or denaiverson@q.com Bounders United/TTN are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Darlene Spalding at (951) 741-3881 or email at wrkerbees@yahoo.com.

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

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER 63

Complete

Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to

Win a $25 Visa Prepaid Gift Card!

This month’s Fast Facts winner is

Marc Lazarus of Royal Palm Beach, FL

for

Free Prod For free pro uct Inform duct informa for produc ation and t information tion (and a chance Chance to to win $25 and drop ) circ Win! this card in 101 the mail. On le up to 25 correspon 102 103 e Fast Fac ding Fast 111 ts winner Facts num 104 112 will be sele bers 105 113 cted month 106 121 114 ly.

107 122 115 108 123 116 131 109 124 117 132 110 125 118 133 126 141 119 134 127 142 120 135 128 143 136 151 129 144 137 152 130 145 138 153 146 161 139 154 147 162 140 155 148 163 156 149 164 157 150 165 158 166 159 167 160 168 169 170 Member #

Phone #

Find The Evergreen Tree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue. Drop us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 Visa Prepaid Gift Card!

Dennis Goff of Cunningham, KS

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 58

found the tree on Page 49 of the Nov/Dec Issue Did you find the tree in this issue?

Send your entry (postcards only) to TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

Postmark deadline is February 28, 2015 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 62.

64

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

At Carefree RV Resorts, getting away feels like coming home.

March $

449

April $

299

Florida Baker Acres · Zephyrhills · 813-782-3950 Citrus Hill · Dade City · 352-567-6045 Country Squire · Paisley · 352-771-5614 Grove Ridge · Dade City · 352-523-2277 Kissimmee South · Davenport · 863-424-1286 Homosassa River · Homosassa · 800-471-3722 Mill Creek* · Kissimmee · 407-847-6288 Rainbow Village · Zephyrhills · 813-782-5075 Red Oaks · Bushnell · 352-793-7117 Settler’s Rest · Zephyrhills · 813-782-2003 Southern Charm* · Zephyrhills · 813-783-3477 Sweetwater · Zephyrhills · 813-788-7513 Tropical Palms** · Kissimmee · 800-647-2567 New Jersey/Atlantic City Shady Pines · Galloway Township · 609-652-1516 Texas Treetops*** · Arlington · 800-747-0787

carefreeRVresorts.com

First time visitors only, rates and participation are subject to change. Reservations are limited, please call the park of your choice to book today.

Electric and wifi is not included. *Small site, 32' and under. **Water/electric sites only. ***35' and under.

CIRCLE NO. 116 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 58

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

65

On Location

I t ’s t i m e t o s t a r t t h i n k i n g

Pre-book your vacation now!

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

844.289.6231 RVontheGo.com

SAVE TODAY. VACATION TOMORROW. See how much you could save on RV insurance.

for your RV

geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | local office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2015 GEICO

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 132 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 58

67

NO ONE DOES IT BETTER

Thousand Trails Members Qualify For Association Discounts Attend A SkyMed Meeting For Details call 800-679-2020 for meeting locations

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

24 SEVEN 365.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

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

800-679-2020

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

www.skymed.com/thousandtrails 68

MARCH 2015 TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 128 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 58

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