TrailBlazer Magazine - Nov/Dec 2014

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 â– $2.00 www.trailblazermagazine.net

Look inside for exciting destinations to Winter Differently!

PEACE, LOVE AND WINNEBAGO.

The motorhome (and the look!) that defined RVing in the ’60s and ‘70s is back, thoroughly updated with modern technology and contemporary innovations. With three floorplans and eyecatching colors and interiors, the new Brave™ and Tribute™ are loaded with user-friendly features like a powered patio awning, LED lighting, swivel cab seats and powered StudioLoft™ bed.

Factor in budget-friendly pricing and you have a coach that’s sure to get a thumbs-up — or even a flying W — wherever it takes you.

Learn more, and find your nearest dealer, online at WinnebagoInd.com.

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©2014 ©201 4W Winnebago Indu ust stries, s Inc.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50

WHAT’S INSIDE

VOL. 36 ■ ISSUE 10

NOV/DEC 2014

Columns

Features

5 Message from Marguerite

42 River Cruises

9 Tech Topics

Calendars

51 4 Paws on the Road

16 Preserve Events

52 Ask RV Bill

20 Local Events

Lifestyle 10 Who’s In The Kitchen

with TrailBlazer?

12 Winter Differently 22 Spotlight: Snow Much Fun!

42

30 Encore Events 63 Club Calendar

Regulars 50 Advertiser Index 50 Crossword Puzzle

26 Updates & Upgrades

56 Member Deals

28 I Knew I Was A Trailblazer

63 Sudoku Puzzle

38 Global Noble

64 Winding Roads

▲ Take a break from the road and hit the river!

Come aboard as Trailblazer looks at some of America’s most popular river cruises.

30

40 On The Road:

Rhonda Vincent 66 On Location

If the Eskimos can have a thousand words for snow then Thousand Trails and Encore can have a thousand words for winter fun. Embrace the season and come out and play in the snow with us!

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▲ On the Cover: Sunshine Key RV Resort Whether you choose to relax with your toes in the sand or pack your days with entertainment and social gatherings (check out the Encore Events Calendar on P30), spend the season with us and Winter Differently!

▲

We’re Celebrating

45

YEARS

So We’re Giving You *

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RECEIVE A $45* VISA® PREPAID CARD WHEN YOUR REFERRAL PURCHASES A THOUSAND TRAILS CAMPING PASS! YOUR REFERRAL ALSO ENTERS YOU INTO OUR 2014 DRAWING FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THESE GREAT PRIZES.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

ARS

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YEARS 1969-2014

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

MESSAGE FROM MARGUERITE

Y

ear-end. Two words that mean many things to a variety of people. But, to whatever aspect you apply it, it still defines the end of something, which in turn brings along an accounting of sorts, whether it is financial, personal, or professional. Goals are set and year-end means it’s time to look back and see how you did.

In 2014, we celebrated the 45th anniversary of Thousand Trails. Parties were held, stories were told, memories recalled as well as created. That was the fun stuff!

In addition to marking our 45-year milestone, we also spent the year implementing new ideas, rolling out new programs and, most importantly, focusing on our customer.

As 2013 came to a close, my year-end message in TrailBlazer focused on the importance of listening; letting you know that we want to know what you think and highlighting that we are listening to what you have to say.

As we close out 2014, we close out one complete calendar year of Member Appreciation Events.

We designated the third Saturday of every month as Member Appreciation Day. Events varied by preserve, but the purpose was the same – to create a fun, participatory event in which members, guests and staff could participate, and to provide a platform for regularly scheduled, ongoing communication with you, our members.

Some managers chose to kickoff each event with a “basic training,” which provided newbies, as well as long-timers, the opportunity to hear all about the

benefits of their Thousand Trails membership and cover the basics, including information on reservations, referrals, and upgrades. Others had informal gatherings, with refreshments, that followed a Q&A format.

These events gave members the opportunity to meet other members; to put a face to management and staff; to be given a comfortable setting in which to ask questions and to be kept abreast of what was going on in the Thousand Trails world. It also gave them the opportunity to tell us what we could do to enhance their experience. We were there to listen, appreciate the input, and put it to good use in the future.

A recent member post on the Thousand Trails Facebook page about the new pickleball courts at Palm Springs punctuates this concept perfectly.

The member wrote how excited they were to see these new courts and added “so glad you listened!”

That’s what we’re doing – listening, taking the feedback and using it to continue to enhance your Thousand Trails experience. So as we look forward to 2015, I’m going to end this message with another set of “4-words”: We • Appreciate • Our • Members!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Equity LifeStyle Properties 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. www.trailblazermagazine.net

EDITOR Joan DeAno Rykal TBeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mindy Drexler Susie Bue ADVERTISING SALES 877-252-9320 TBads@equitylifestyle.com 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 TTN & LTR Reservation Services (From United States and Canada) 1-800-288-7245 • 228-497-3594 April 1 to August 31 Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

September 1 to March 31 Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Central Time 24-hr. STAR Line: 1-800-859-7827 228-497-3594 Member Services 1-800-388-7788 Resort Parks International Reservations 1-800-456-7774 ELS Reservations 1-877-362-6736 PRINTED IN THE USA

Seaside (WA): Sunset on Cannon Beach near Seaside.

– Dennis L. James, Forest Grove, OR

Now Win $50 EACH Issue!

Pics from the Parks Photo Submissions Do you have a winning photo from your visits to our preserves and resorts? We’d love for you to share it with us and what’s more, your submission will now be entered into our photo each issue! contest. Winners will receive a $50 American Express 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 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

Turkey Trotters at Morgan Hill (CA): After a stealthy pursuit with our camera, we were rewarded with an amazing spectacle of “fan-dancing” males strutting their colorful feathers in hopes of winning the admiration of a female turkey.

– Renee’ Faulkner, Menifee CA

La Conner (WA): Sunset on the water.

– Janielle Linder, Everett, WA

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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FLY & DRIVE

We fly you here. You drive it home.

Our Fly & Drive Program makes buying an RV fun and easy. The best part is that we cover your travel expenses.* After selecting a motorhome, we’ll fly you here from anywhere in North America. Our Concierge Service handles all of your travel arrangements. After picking up your RV, enjoy our fantastic facilities, stay at our on-site campgrounds and visit local attractions. And, receive 14 complimentary nights of camping at over 170 Encore RV Resorts or Thousand Trails Campgrounds nationwide.** Plus, our huge buying power makes owning a motorhome even more affordable. Find out more at Lazydays.com Shop, Save, Fly & Drive.

SM

Tampa 877.329.5236 |

Lazydays.com

| 888.521.0206 Tucson

*Offer valid on all new and pre-owned motorhomes 2007 and newer. Travel arrangements must be booked through Lazydays Concierge Services to qualify for reimbursement. Travel expenses up to $1,000 will be reimbursed. Offer valid 6/17/2014-12/31/2014. **Offer expires 12/31/2014.

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CIRCLE NO. 165 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

TECH

TOP CS:

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

by Paul and Kerri Elders

Wintertime travel is a terrific adventure. This month, we’ll give you a few quick and easy cold weather tips, take a look at one of your RV’s humble unsung heroes, and give you an old-timers’ tip that’s a surefire way to help you remember to stow your antenna before you roll on down the highway.

Easy Cold Weather Tips:

Adventurous RVers of all descriptions journey fearlessly all winter long. Lots of RVers head south to snowbird, but a few brave souls choose to stay in colder climes. A few simple tips and tricks can help you, too, enjoy the thrill of traveling through winter’s wonderland. For starters, you always want to stay as warm and cozy as possible while inside your rig, so give a little thought to your parking position. Find a nice sunny spot, and, if possible, park your rig with either the head or tail facing into the prevailing winter wind to minimize the surface area exposed directly to the cold.

Dead air space helps hold in heat, so make use of your blinds or curtains. If your rig is equipped with storm windows, use them. You can even make your own “storm door” out of heavy quilted material: install snaps over the door and matching snaps on the top of your homemade “storm door” for an easy-on/easy-off application.

Whenever you park your rig in cold weather, it’s always an excellent idea to position wood blocks under the feet of the RV’s jacks to prevent them from freezing to the ground, especially if the ground is wet and soft when you park. If you use the wooden block trick, you can simply leave your wood blocks behind, frozen to the ground, instead of spending your precious travel time

out in the cold, trying to “chip” frozen soil from your jack feet so you can finally retract them and be on your way.

Check battery fluids periodically, and remember that a discharged battery will freeze at a higher temperature than a fully-charged battery will. Always keep your engine and generator adequately supplied with antifreeze and remember to stay aware of your LP gas levels throughout your trip.

Water Pump Primer:

Your RV’s water pump, a 12-volt device, pressurizes and delivers water from your fresh water tank to your faucets and appliances as needed. A demand-type device, a water pump runs only as necessary to deliver water at a constant pressure. If you have the water pump on and leave a faucet open, the water pump will continue to run until all water from the fresh water tank is drained.

If your water pump runs a little while, shuts off, then runs again and shuts off again a few minutes later, you can bet you’ve got a water leak somewhere, whether it’s a dripping faucet or a leak in a water line. Check all faucets and the water heater drain for leaks, and examine the underside of the rig for obvious signs of water leakage. If no leaks are visible, it’s possible that your water pump’s pressure cutoff switch is malfunctioning. Make plans to have it checked by your local RV service center.

Whenever you’re hooked to a campground water supply, be sure to use a pressure regulator on the incoming line. Some campgrounds operate with excessive pressure in order to provide adequate water pressure to all campsites. If you

haven’t solved your pump shortcycling problem and do have a small leak, it will be exacerbated by this excessive pressure. The water regulator will help downregulate the pressure, taking some “pressure” off your water pump.

TV Antenna Clip Tip:

Have you ever driven off, ready for a day of happy camping, only to discover that you’ve left your TV antenna or satellite dish extended?

Sometimes a truck driver or another RVer will signal you, giving you a chance to pull to the side of the road and lower the antenna before you damage it.

Here’s an easy way to eliminate this common annoyance: whenever you raise your TV antenna or satellite dish, just clip a clothespin or “chip clip” on your steering wheel.

If you’re packed and ready to roll and get behind the wheel only to find the chip clip still clipped to the steering wheel, you’ll instantly know you’ve forgotten something important. As soon as you or your traveling partner lowers the antenna, just clip the clothespin on the antenna’s crank handle.

A similar trick is to tape a piece of notebook paper to the windshield, directly in front of the driver’s seat, with some helpful phrase such as “lower antenna” on it so you’ll be absolutely sure to lower it before you turn the ignition key.

Either trick provides a simple, yet obvious, reminder that the antenna’s been lowered, so you won’t risk putting your vacation on hold while you look for an RV service center to repair a broken antenna.

Here’s wishing you an adventurefilled travel season decorated with nothing but happy trails! ■

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

A Dutch Oven Thanksgiving Feast Here’s a take on the traditional. These recipes provide a feast that includes the traditional Thanksgiving fare of turkey, corn and stuffing but the difference is the method of cooking. So get your Dutch ovens heated up and enjoy this outdoor feast!

By Lesley Tennessen, Dutch Oven Diva

Turkey Roulade with Cheese and Sage (adapted from finecooking.com)

Set-up: 12-inch Dutch oven; 20-22 coals on top; 9 coals underneath Prep Time: 30-45 minutes Cooking Time: 1 to 11/2 hours, depending on thickness of the roulade.

Ingredients: For the Brine and Turkey:

For the Roulades:

For the Jus:

• ⅞ ounces Kosher salt (2 tablespoons Diamond Crystal or 1½ tablespoons Morton)

• 4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns • 2 bay leaves

• 2 medium cloves garlic, halved

• 2 – 1½ lb. boneless, skinless turkey breast halves (much better than turkey tenders)

Directions:

• ⅓ cup fine fresh breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon fennel pollen or ground fennel (I used fennel fronds) • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • 6 ounces Italian blend shredded cheese, grated (2 cups)

• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces • 6 fresh sage leaves

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cups lower-salt chicken broth • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; more to taste • Kosher salt

• 1 pound bacon

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Brine the turkey Combine the sugar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, and 4 cups water in a 3-quart saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Transfer to a large nonreactive container or bowl and let cool to room temperature. Put the turkey in the brine, adding up to 4 cups water, if necessary, to just cover the turkey. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12, and up to 24, hours.

Assemble the roulades In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic, sage, and fennel pollen.

Remove the turkey from the brine, brush off any spices, and pat dry. Put each breast skin side down between two large pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet (or a heavy skillet), pound each into a 9x10-inch rectangle that’s an even ½ inch thick. Remove the top piece of plastic. Evenly sprinkle each with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the two cutlets, then sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Fold in the longer sides of each cutlet by ½ inch. Then, starting at a short end, tightly roll up each cutlet into a compact roulade.

Make 2 tight woven mats of the bacon, 1 for each roulade. Use 3-4 strips vertical, right next to one another. Then weave the other 3-4 strips of bacon making a lattice. Keep the strips tight together.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Turkey Roulade – Continued

Set one of the roulades at one end of the lattice of the bacon slices. Using the plastic, roll the roulade, wrapping the bacon lattice up and around the roulade. The bacon should meet or overlap at the ends; if it doesn’t, stretch the bacon slices until they meet. Secure the ends of the bacon with 2 or 3 toothpicks. Repeat with the remaining bacon and roulade.

Roast the roulades Start heating the Dutch oven to 425°F. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Put the roulades in the pan seam side down, reduce the coals underneath (1 ring of coals) and cook, undisturbed. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each roulade registers 165°F, about 35 minutes.

If the bacon needs to be crisper, add 2-3 coals to the lid for 10 minutes.

Transfer the roulades to a cutting board and let rest for at least 10 minutes, and up to 1 hour, before slicing.

Make the jus Pour the drippings from the Dutch oven into a fat separator and let the fat rise to the top. Return 1 tablespoon of the fat to the pan; discard the remaining fat and reserve the defatted drippings. Set the Dutch oven over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of the butter, the shallots, and sage. Cook, stirring often, until the shallots are soft, about 3 minutes. Lightly season with pepper, then add the broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the reserved drippings, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the jus has a full, rich flavor. Bring to a simmer. Keep the heat low (just a few coals under) and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, one piece at a time, whisking until the butter is incorporated into the sauce.

Remove from the heat and whisk in the lemon juice. Season to taste with more lemon juice, pepper, or salt.

To serve Remove the toothpicks from the roulades, slice, and serve with the jus.

Stuffing Balls Set-up:

12-inch Dutch oven; 350 degrees; 18 coals on top; 9 coals underneath

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bulk sausage • 1 pound seasoned bread stuffing mix • 1½ cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained • 1 onion, chopped • 1 cup celery, chopped • 1 15 ounce can chicken broth • 2 eggs, well beaten • ½ cup melted butter

Scalloped Corn Casserole (Serves 8-10)

(Recipe courtesy of Bill Ryan, Dutch Oven Cajun and Creole cookbook)

Set-up: 10-inch Dutch oven; 325 degrees; 7 coals on bottom; 13 coals on top Ingredients: • 2 eggs, beaten • 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 cup milk • 1 cup chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper • 1 bag (10 ounces) frozen corn • 1 can (16 ounces) cream corn • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

Fry sausage and onion over a bed of coals until brown and crumbly and then remove pan from heat. Add bread stuffing mix and toss; cool.

Stir in cranberries, celery, eggs, and chicken broth. Mix well. Note: It may be necessary to add more broth or water to make balls stick together.

Shape into large balls. I made mine the size of tennis balls or a little smaller. Place them back into the Dutch oven. Brush with butter. Make a ring of coals. Set the oven onto that ring. Put the lid on the oven.

Place the coals on top. Bake balls for approximately 30 minutes.

Topping: • 1½ cups crushed saltine crackers • 2 tablespoons butter

Directions: Mix eggs, butter and milk together in the Dutch oven. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and both kinds of corn to mixture. Mix in the cheese, cover, and bake using 7 coals underneath and 13 coals on top for 30 minutes.

Combine the topping ingredients together and add to the top of the casserole. Bake an additional 15 minutes.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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From the first frost all the way to the first bud of spring, spend every day this winter with Encore RV Resorts because we have some great events lined up to keep you busy all season.

There are potlucks, luncheons, comedy shows, dinner theater, holiday events, concerts, and sporting tournaments.

There’s even an opportunity to learn a few new things at an innovative lecture series.

We’ve highlighted just a few of the fabulous things planned here but be sure to check out the calendar of events beginning on page 30. Make a plan to winter differently and pack more fun into the season than you could ever imagine!

Sing Along Differently Concert Series

Channel your inner groupie and follow your favorite performers as they make the circuit in our sunny locations.

Billed as the “Premier Abba Experience,” AbbaFAB will appear at three Encore resorts as well as at Arizona’s Yuma Art Center this winter season.

You can sing along as this tribute band plays ABBA favorites like Waterloo, Fernando, and Dancing Queen when they appear in Arizona at Viewpoint RV Resort and the

Yuma Art Center and in Texas at Fun-N-Sun and Victoria Palms.

If ABBA’s your thing but you’re wintering in Florida, don’t miss the ABBA Girlz, a tribute band that pulls out all the stops, who are scheduled to perform at Royal Coachman in Nokomis in March.

Sweet Caroline! There are plenty of tributes to Neil Diamond on tap this winter. Don’t miss salutes to this legend at Arizona’s Golden Sun and Paradise as well as the Yuma Art Center.

While the original Ms. Streisand rarely performs in public anymore, guests at Arizona’s Paradise and Viewpoint resorts just may experience the next best thing.

Don’t miss Barbra Streisand tribute concerts scheduled in February.

Are you a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll? Check out the Shania Twain/Tim McGraw tribute events scheduled in Arizona at Monte Vista, Paradise, Viewpoint and the Yuma Art Center and in Texas at Fun-N-Sun. Move to the music of Motown when the Sounds of Soul perform in the Sunshine State at Royal Coachman on January 6.

Maybe it’s the sounds of Elton John and Billy Joel you’re looking for?

Don’t miss Terry Davies’ Piano Man show scheduled this season at Arizona’s Monte Vista and Paradise, and Fun-N-Sun in Texas.

Laugh Differently Comedy and Variety Shows

Have a laugh or two, show off your talents and join in the fun. Plenty of comedy shows are scheduled as well as follies and variety shows that welcome anyone brave enough to step on stage.

Victoria Palms in Texas welcomes Bernie & Red, a Canadian couple who combine comedy and music to keep you in stitches.

Laughing Bird, billed as an upbeat and high-spirited music and comedy show make the circuit this season with shows scheduled in Arizona and Florida. You can catch them in Arizona at Paradise and Viewpoint and in Florida at Southern Palms in Eustis.

Mark Cordes – The Spouse Whisperer brings his comedic take on love and marriage to Arizona this winter with shows scheduled at Paradise and the Yuma Art Center.

Show us what you’ve got and participate in the variety and talent shows on the calendar at Florida’s Clerbrook, Harbor Lakes, and Sunshine Travel and in Arizona at Countryside.

Learn Differently Back to School at Victoria Palms

Stock up on pencils and paper if you’re planning to stay at Victoria Palms this winter. This Texas resort offers Victoria Village College that will feature several hour-long presentations on a variety of topics by guest lecturers. Topics include recycling, the flora and fauna of the Rio Grande Valley, reptiles, conservation, and birding in the Rio Grande Valley.

Where Winter is Not!

While it hasn’t exactly gone viral (give it time, though), the YouTube video by Bowser and Blue, a musical duo from Montreal, literally sings the praises of taking your RV to Encore RV Resorts’ sunny climes this winter. They put a whole new twist on going “Where Winter is Not” and definitely give you something to think about as you make plans to winter differently this season.

If you haven’t seen the video, check it out at https://www.youtube.com/user/ GetOutandCamp. For a real treat, take in a concert by Bowser and Blue this winter at the following Encore RV Resorts.

Concert Dates: Florida

Jan 30, 2015 Pioneer Village North Fort Myers Beach

Texas

Feb 4, 2015 Victoria Palms Donna

Arizona

Feb 13, 2015 ViewPoint Mesa

Bowser -&Blue

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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ENCORE EXPOS & GAMES 2015 Encore Expos and Encore Games – A little friendly competition.

There’s no better way to get to know someone than through a little friendly competition. Knowing that, Encore’s Florida and South Texas resorts have cooked up a few events to provide winter snowbirds with the opportunity to meet, greet, and compete.

Encore Games Texas Set for February, the Encore Games pit snowbirds against each other in games of skill including horseshoes, shuffleboard, race walking, water volleyball and swimming. There are also card game tournaments including Bridge, Pinochle, Euchre and Poker. Fun-N-Sun dominated last year’s games winning a total of 12 medals! Victoria Palms hosts this year’s games – come see who will be the big winner this year!

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Encore Expos

Ramblers Rest RVRamblers Resort Rest RV Resort

Ft. Myers EXPO - February 21-26

Sarasota EXPO - March 3-12

Encore Expos were designed to bring together guests from the different Florida Encore RV Resorts to meet and mingle, explore the various resorts, challenge each other and share a few laughs, all while creating some great winter memories. There are open houses, concerts, sporting events, foodie events and more lined up.

See what’s on schedule in your favorite Florida location.

Pine Lakes & LakePine Fairways Lakes & Lake Fairways

FREE CONCERT WITH FREEFOOD CONCERT TRUCKS WITH FOOD TRUCKS GOLF TOURNAMENT GOLF TOURNAMENT March 3, 2015

Bay Indies

March 3, 2015

Bay Indies

BLACK AND WHITE BLACK NIGHT AND WHITE NIGHT March 3, 2015

Bay Indies

March 3, 2015

Bay Indies

HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT March 4, 2015

Lake Village

March 4, 2015

Lake Village

SHUFFLEBOARD SHUFFLEBOARD TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT March 5, 2015

Bay Indies

March 5, 2015

Bay Indies

TALENT SHOW TALENT SHOW March 5, 2015

Bay Indies

March 5, 2015

Bay Indies

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT March 9, 2015

March 9, 2015

Royal Coachman RV Royal Resort Coachman RV Resort

CASINO NIGHT CASINO NIGHT March 11, 2015

March 11, 2015

Winds of St. Armands Winds North of St. Armands North

RED HAT LUNCHEON RED HAT LUNCHEON March 11, 2015

Colony Cove

March 11, 2015

Colony Cove

GRAND FINALE FIESTA GRANDNIGHT FINALE FIESTA NIGHT March 12, 2015

March 12, 2015

February 21, 2015 February 21, 2015

Pioneer Village RVPioneer Resort Village RV Resort

TASTE OF FT. MYERS TASTE OF FT. MYERS February 23, 2015 February 23, 2015

Buccaneer EstatesBuccaneer Estates

BILLIARD TOURNAMENT BILLIARD TOURNAMENT February 23, 2015 February 23, 2015

Lake Fairways Country Lake Fairways Club Country Club

CASINO NIGHT CASINO NIGHT February 23, 2015 February 23, 2015

Windmill Village Windmill Village

CHAIR VOLLEYBALL CHAIR VOLLEYBALL February 24, 2015 February 24, 2015

Pioneer Village RVPioneer Resort Village RV Resort

HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT February 24, 2015 February 24, 2015

The Heritage

The Heritage

TALENT SHOW TALENT SHOW February 25, 2015 February 25, 2015

Harbor Lakes RV Resort Harbor Lakes RV Resort

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT February 25, 2015 February 25, 2015

Buccaneer EstatesBuccaneer Estates

CAR SHOW & SOCK CAR HOP SHOW & SOCK HOP February 26, 2015 February 26, 2015

Windmill Village Windmill Village

SHUFFLEBOARDSHUFFLEBOARD TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT February 26, 2015 February 26, 2015

Island Vista Estates Island Vista Estates

CARNIVAL

CARNIVAL

February 27, 2015 February 27, 2015

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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EMB

ACTIVITIES

NOV/DEC events AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

NOV

ER

DE

CE

MB

ER

November and December are all about the holiday spirit and that’s exactly where our preserves have focused their events over the next two months.

They’ll also observe Veterans Day, as well as throw a few other events.

For a detailed list of all preserve events, visit the TrailBlazer website at www.trailblazermagazine.net and checkout the 2014 Theme Weekend Directory.

Saluting our Troops Veterans Day events are planned at the following preserves: November 7-9: Lake Minden (CA) Palm Springs (CA) Scotrun (PA) November 8: Medina Lake (TX) November 9: Wilderness Lakes (CA) November 15: Colorado River (TX) Verde Valley (AZ)

Talking Turkey Turkey potlucks and dinners are scheduled for:

Feasting and fun is scheduled at these preserves:

Nov 8............ Carolina Landing (SC)

Thanksgiving Weekend at La Conner (WA) will feature a turkey dinner with traditional fixings, plus music and games.

All this fun is set to happen November 21-23.

Nov 15.......... Hidden Cove (AL) Lake Texoma (TX) Nov 21.......... Turtle Beach (CA) Nov 22.......... Pacific City (OR) Nov 28.......... Seaside (OR) Nov 29.......... Rondout Valley (NY) On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, scheduled potlucks include: Chesapeake Bay (VA) Lake Whitney (TX) Medina Lake (TX) Rancho Oso (CA) Thunderbird (WA)

16

It’s a Holiday Kickoff Weekend at Las Vegas (NV) November 27-28.

Events include a Thanksgiving dinner and holiday decorating fun.

The Thanksgiving festivities planned at Orlando (FL) the weekend of November 27-29 include the opportunity to work off all those calories you consume at their traditional

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy the food and then dance the night away on Saturday.

A gourd carving contest?

Yep, that’s right and it’s just one of the events scheduled for Pio Pico’s (CA) Turkey Days fun scheduled for November 27-29.

There will also be Thanksgiving crafts and dinner.

It’s the best of both holidays as Timothy Lake North and South (PA) do a combo event during their Tom the Turkey & Little Saint Nick Weekend. A turkey and ham potluck dinner, plus a tree decorating and lighting event as well as pictures with Santa, a festive hayride and a site decorating contest are in store the weekend of November 28-30.

Christmas Eve in Palm Springs (CA) includes Site and Rig Decorating Contest awards, carol sing-alongs, treats and of course, a visit from Santa himself!

A Ho-ho-ho lot of Fun! Carolina Landing (SC) will host Christmas Dinner on December 6.

Bring a dish to share and share the holiday spirit too!

Chehalis (WA) hosts an afternoon of tree trimming, holiday music and good cheer complete with a Dessert Potluck. Come and get in the spirit on December 6.

Colorado River (TX) celebrates the holidays and members alike at their party set for December 20.

Cookies, hot apple cider, a favorite Christmas movie – all this should get you in the holiday mood when you participate in La Conner’s (WA) events scheduled for the weekend of December 19-21.

Decorating fun is on tap at Lake Texoma (TX) November 29.

Come help light up the preserve and welcome the holiday season.

Then, celebrate the preserve’s Second Annual Community Christmas Party on December 20 that includes a golf cart parade.

Share your own Christmas stories at Lake Whitney’s (TX) Christmas Stories event on December 20.

Enjoy Winter Fest Weekend at Las Vegas (NV) scheduled for December 20-21. There will be a Potluck Social, desserts and plenty of holiday spirit.

It may not be twelve days but Medina Lake (TX) packs holiday fun in to four days in December as they celebrate the season. On December 6, they’ll deck the halls and then make merry on December 13 at their Christmas Party. On the 20th, they’ll carol and tell stories and make plans to feast on the December 25 at the Potluck Dinner.

Pio Pico (CA) celebrates the holiday all December long with events scheduled December 5-6, December 19-20 and December 25 Decorate your rig for the contest, carol around the preserve, enjoy holiday movies and of course, the grand finale, Christmas Day Potluck Dinner.

Show off your eye for design and enter Rancho Oso’s (CA) Rig Lighting Contest, scheduled for December 20.

Seaside (OR) rolls all the holidays into one at their Holiday Party, scheduled for December 20.

They will celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day and Hanukkah at this event.

Do have an ugly holiday sweater?

Or perhaps a special touch when it comes to decorating a golf cart?

Come enjoy the holiday weekends planned at Orlando (FL) and find out. The Ugly Sweater Party is set for December 13 and the Parade of Lights is set for December 20.

Other events include Christmas Dinner (12/6), Christmas with Santa (12/21), a Christmas Eve concert (12/24), and a Christmas Night Celebration (12/25.)

Pacific City (OR) will offer two holiday decorating opportunities –

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

17

Activities and Events – On-Site

on November 1, it’s time to put away the Halloween decorations and get ready for Thanksgiving and on December 6, it’s goodbye to Tom Turkey and hello to boughs of holly and whatnot!

Snacks and beverages will be served at both events.

AND

NOV/DEC events

MORE

Activities and Events – On-Site

ACTIVITIES

More Ho-ho-ho There’s nothing more interesting than a White Elephant Gift Exchange to see what one man’s treasure may turn out to be! Come enjoy the fun at Thunderbird’s (WA) Holiday Potluck and White Elephant Gift Exchange, scheduled for December 21.

Turtle Beach (CA) asks that you bring your appetite to their December 18 Christmas Potluck Dinner.

Verde Valley (AZ) rolls their member appreciation event into a big package of fun by combining it with their Christmas Party. Live music included! Don’t miss the fun on December 20.

The celebrating starts with Thanksgiving and ends with the New Year at Wilderness Lakes (CA).

▲ Rose Bowl Parade – Photo courtesy of Gary Pentin

The party kicks off with Thanksgiving Weekend (November 27-30) followed

by Christmas Tree Decorating (December 6); Photos with Santa (December 13); Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (December 24);

member-generated Christmas Day Potluck Dinner (December 25); and Family Movie Night (December 26.)

On the first day of the New Year, start 2015 off right by attending the preserve’s annual Rose Bowl Parade Bus Trip.

Not ready for the holidays?

Consider these events instead: See if you’ll have the biggest catch at Peace River’s (FL) Fishing Derby scheduled for the weekend of November 15-16. There will also be a November birthday celebration and Member Appreciation events.

Bring your best chili recipe and enter into Palm Springs’ (CA) Third Annual Palm Springs Chili Cook-Off on December 6.

Pio Pico (CA) will host a Pie Baking Contest on December 13 – any and all flavors are welcome to enter and there will be prizes awarded!

Happy 2015!

Ring in the New Year at your choice of one of the preserves below who are hosting New Year’s Eve festivities to welcome 2015!

Chesapeake Bay (VA) La Conner (WA) Lake Minden (CA)

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Lake Texoma (TX) Medina Lake (TX) Palm Springs (CA)

Pio Pico (CA) Seaside (OR) Scotrun (PA)

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

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Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

OF

CALENDAR events

Colorado River (TX)

Pacific City (OR)

November 7 Columbus Folk Fest

November 28 Community Tree Lighting Celebration

This event, held in the Columbus town square, just eight miles from the preserve, features Texas Revolutionary Reenactors, a pioneer camp with authentic period music, and several tours including Live Oaks and Dead Folks Cemetery tour, an architectural tour of Columbus and a historic homes tour. For more information and event hours, visit www.columbustexas.org.

Palm Springs (CA)

November 21-23 McCormick’s Classic Car Show & Auction Hundreds of classic sports, antique and special interest autos are sold across the auction block during these three days. Come to browse or buy! Held at the Spa Resort Casino, just 10 miles from the preserve.

Scotrun (PA)

November 27-28 & December 5-20 Magical Fireside Christmas Join The Inn at Pocono Manor’s holiday tradition in this magical winter wonderland. Enjoy horsedrawn carriage rides, hot cocoa, Christmas carols, storytellers and more.

Unwrapped toy donations accepted. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 27; 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 28; and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays; 12 to 8 p.m.

Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.The Inn at Pocono Manor is less than10 minutes from the preserve.

For more details, visit www.poconomanor.com/ Christmas.

20

Come enjoy this festive event that features a tree lighting ceremony, holiday music, refreshments, makeand-take ornaments, a visit from Santa and a display of live reindeer! Held at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, in Lincoln City, just 25 miles from the preserve. Hours are noon to 7 p.m.

Ponderosa (CA)

November 29-30 Historic Holiday Homes Visit historic buildings decorated for Christmas.

Period interpreters will share the history of each building. There will also be refreshments, wreath making, cookie decorating, music, carolers and more! Held at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, just a mile from the preserve.

Medina Lake (TX)

December 5 Cowboy Capital Christmas & Shoppers Jubilee Enjoy beautiful lights and the sweet sounds of the children’s choir, plus a live Nativity provided by the students of Pipe Creek Christian. Stick around for a visit from Santa.

Bandera merchants will be open until 9 p.m. for holiday shopping while the streets fill with carolers, musicians and cowboys! The fun is just 22 miles from the preserve.

Bay Landing (TX)

December 6 Christmas in the Stockyards Held at the The Herd’s Cow Camp in Fort Worth, just 45 minutes from the preserve, event features a holiday parade, Cowboy Santa, pony rides, caroling, lighting of the tree and more. Event hours are noon to 5 p.m. For information call (817) 625-9715.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Rancho Oso (CA)

Palm Springs (CA)

December 6 Olde-Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos

December 11 Indio International Tamale Festival

From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the community of Los Olivos welcomes the holiday season with businesses and galleries decorated with hundreds of luminaries.

Santa will be on hand in a horse-drawn carriage from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and local chorale groups will sing carols.The tree lighting is at 6 p.m. For more information call (805) 688-1222.

This festival features savory tamales from hundreds of vendors across the Southwest. Get there early for the best selection including tamales that incorporate sweet dates and others that make use of savory salmon, along with traditional tastes. Held in downtown Indio, just five miles from the preserve.

For information visit www.tamalefestival.com.

Kenisee Lake (OH)

December 6-7 Christmas Festival The entire town of Jefferson stays open late for fun, specials, raffles, and a craft and Chinese auction.The Christmas parade starts at 6 p.m.The historic 19th century Depot Village will have a free old-fashioned Williamsburg Christmas Celebration, reindeer romp and candlelight walk. All the celebration is just three miles from the preserve.

For more information visit www.visitashtabulacounty.com.

Ponderosa (CA)

December 7 37th Annual Christmas Parade This big parade takes place rain or shine and starts at the Broadway Plaza parking lot on upper Broadway in Placerville, just 12 miles from the preserve.

Lake of the Springs (CA)

December 7, 10, 14, 17 & 21 Nevada City Victorian Christmas It’s a magical setting of hilly streets outlined with twinkling white lights and authentic gas lamps, wandering minstrels and carolers dressed in Victorian attire.The enticing aroma of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fills the air. Hours are Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Rancho Oso (CA)

December 14 Santa Barbara Parade of Lights The 29th Annual Parade of Lights activities begin at 3 p.m. and end with a short fireworks display at about 7 p.m.The boat parade is preceded by a 3 p.m. Santa’s Village activity on the City Pier in the Harbor. At 5:30 p.m., the annual boat parade will begin as 20-30 boats motor, sail, and paddle the Santa Barbara coastline.

Judging will take place at Stearns Wharf and boats will be awarded prizes in five categories. Best viewing locations include Stearns Wharf and SB Breakwater.

Admission is free. For more parade information contact the Harbormaster’s Office at (805) 564-5530.

Whalers Rest (OR)

December 27-January 1 Whale Watching Visit the sites marked as pull off locations along Pacific Coast Highway 101, where trained “Whale Spoken Here” volunteers will help visitors spot gray whales during the winter migration period.

For more information, visit www.oregonstateparks.org.

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER?

Pictured left to right: Indian Lakes’ Manager Charlene Adams and lucky winner, Fred Hicks.

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 American Express Gift Card To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2014 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

Lucky winner,

Fred Hicks from Cincinnati, Ohio was camping at Indian Lakes when he was presented with a $1,000 gift card!

When you pay your annual dues for 2014 in full, you will be entered into our monthly drawing for a $1,000 American Express gift card. There will be one drawing/one winner each month from January through December 2014. In addition, once you pay your dues in full, each time you camp at a Thousand Trails Preserve in 2014, 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, 2014. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

21

Spotlight

Snow Much Fun! TGIW! Did you ever stop to consider the perks of winter camping? Just to name a few; there are no bugs, no crowds and the serenity of a winter campground is definitely something to experience. Plus, we have several great locations that provide the perfect place to set up camp while you enjoy winter activities around the area.

Washington Leavenworth (Leavenworth) The setting alone is worth the trip, as Leavenworth is nestled in the Eastern Cascade Mountains and is just 17 miles from the town of Leavenworth, which has been ranked as one of the best Christmas-themed towns in America.

When it comes to enjoying winter activities, there’s so much to do here and you don’t have to go far to take advantage of it all. To start, there are 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails adjacent to the property. And, if you don’t have your own snowmobiles, don’t worry. The resort has rentals 22

available. Also on-site is Grizzly Run, a snow sledding hill that provides fun for all ages.

events and the shops and galleries are full of unique wares from which to select the perfect holiday gifts.

Nearby opportunities for snowshoeing and cross country skiing are another option to enjoy the winter, as Stevens Pass Ski Area is just 17 miles from the resort and offers 37 major runs over 1,125 acres.

In January, the village hosts the Bavarian Ice Fest. The 2015 festival is scheduled for January 17-18 and features fun for all ages including an ice cube scramble (for ages six and under), an Iceberg Challenge Giant Slide, Relay Races and Leavenworth’s famous Smooshing Contest – sorry, you’ll have to attend to find out what that’s all about!

And then there’s the charm of the village of Leavenworth itself.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, this Bavarian-style burg is lit up with millions of twinkling lights to herald the holiday season.

The first three weekends in December offer special holiday

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Timberline Lodge - Photo courtesy of Timberline Lodge

Oregon

Mt. Hood Village

(Welches)

If you are seeking year-round skiing, Mt. Hood Village RV Resort should top your list as the place to stay, thanks to its proximity to the Timberline Lodge, which is said to run the longest ski and snowboard season in North America.

If it’s a winter trip you’re planning, this resort will still top the list as a snow-lover’s paradise. First, there’s the Timberline Lodge. Constructed in 1937 under President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration,

Timberline Lodge is a 55,000 square foot historic landmark.

Film buffs will be interested to know that aerial shots of the lodge, as well as exterior shots, were used in the horror film, “The Shining” to represent the fictional Overlook Hotel in the film.

As for skiing, the Timberline offers the Northwest’s largest vertical terrain with 3,690 vertical feet.

Forty-one trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, can be found on the 1,415 acres of skiable terrain. Other Timberline activities include hiking, snowshoeing, and mountaineering.

The Mt. Hood Skibowl in nearby Government Camp is the largest night ski area in the US, with 34 fully-lit runs. The Skibowl also offers snow tubing, cosmic snow tubing and Frosty’s Playland and Winter Adventure Park, just for kids.

Or, you can take a break from skiing and enjoy a sleigh or carriage ride, pulled by magnificent Belgian draft horses, as you tour the historic village of Government Camp.

Think Valentine’s Day for this cozy winter adventure.

Pennsylvania

Scotrun (Scotrun) and Timothy Lake South (East Stroudsburg)

At Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, a favorite ski destination in the Poconos, family fun is snow easy thanks to the 23 ski slopes and trails, two terrain parks and a snow tubing park. With an average natural snowfall of roughly 53 inches and snowmaking abilities, winter fun is guaranteed. There’s also a host of events scheduled throughout the winter season including World Snow Day (January19); Take Your Daughter/ Son to the Snow Week (February 3-7); and the 30th Annual Costume Carnival Day (March 16.)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

23

Both Scotrun and Timothy Lake South are less than 20 minutes from the ski area and make the perfect winter camp. Plus, Timothy Lake has been designated as a Shawnee Mountain E-Ticket Center, so festival and winter events tickets are available at a discount to our members, as well as discounts for skiing and tubing.

Take a break from the slopes and enjoy other winter fun around the area including the Jim Thorpe Old Time Christmas Celebration, scheduled for several weekends in December which features mansion tours, train rides with Santa, strolling carolers and musicians, and a gingerbread house contest.

Another event not to be missed is the annual Crystal Cabin Fever, an amazing interactive ice display made from over 100 tons of ice. There will be ice carving demonstrations and competitions and complimentary hot chocolate. The event is scheduled for February 2-26.

California

Snowflower RV Resort Plan a winter getaway to Snowflower and enjoy the snowy activities in the area. This is the perfect location to enjoy all things winter!

Look for Santa on the slopes at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort and enjoy their two-week long event, Holidays at Alpine Meadows, that will feature festive activities and holiday music. The event runs from December 20 through January 3.

So, make a plan to winter differently this season – embrace the powder and visit us at our locations that offer snow much fun!

You’ll find your mantra this season will quickly become TGIW!

How about dog sledding? No need to head north to enjoy this winter sport as there are several dog sled tours in nearby Truckee.

Check out wildsierra.com for information on this unique winter adventure.

Visit the site of the 1960 Olympics at the Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Olympic Valley, just about 40 miles from Snowflower. Snow fun here includes snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice skating, ski jump and dog sledding.

By Joan Rykal

(Emigrant Gap)

24

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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Expanded beach area at Lake and Shore (NJ)

pdates

&UPGRADES 2015 Highlights

New pool deck at Chesapeake Bay (VA)

Renovated sports courts at Chesapeake Bay (VA)

There were plenty of upgrades and updates completed this past year. The photos highlight just a few of the projects that were completed to enhance your camping experience!

New playground at Sea Pines (NJ)

New dock at Lake Conroe (TX)

Renovated sports courts at Chesapeake Bay (VA) New pool furniture at Orlando (FL)

Updated pool at Sea Pines (NJ) 26

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Palm Springs

is ready, waiting and

very excited to show off the recently completed upgrades which include: The remodeling of the Billiards Room included enlarging the space to house three new regulation size tables, plus new pub tables and chairs.

The pool has been upgraded to include all new decking and tile as well as the addition of cabana pads and new pool furniture.

The addition of four new pickleball courts, plus the refurbishing of the existing two courts will make pickleball play at Palm Springs more popular than ever!

Plus, laundry rooms and restrooms have been upgraded.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

27

I KNEW I WAS A

TrailBlazer

▲ Eric and Danielle Hannan

This month, TrailBlazer would like to introduce you to Eric and Danielle Hannan, a couple whose lifelong love of camping turned into a full-timing gig earlier this year. Traveling with their dog, Bailey, the Hannans share their adventures in several online blogs and via Instagram. Be sure to follow their adventure at www.shorelooksnice.com.

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

EH: My wife and I both grew up camping with our families.

I did a lot of camping in northern Minnesota and she camped in Maryland. When we started dating, camping was one of our favorite activities. I remember one stretch we camped five out of six weekends. Living in Southern 28

California we were able to tent camp year-round. We camped so often that we had two huge camping bins that we kept in the back of my car so we could be ready to go on a whim to somewhere cool for the weekend.

Earlier this year, we packed our stuff into storage, bought an RV and hit the open road as full-timers seeking adventure!

TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?

EH: My wife found Wilderness Lakes online when we were planning a last minute weekend getaway. We had never heard about Thousand Trails until we camped there and then we were hooked. I love scenic hiking and adventure.

Danielle loves the amenities like the heated pool, workout equipment, and the community feel. It just made sense for us to join Thousand Trails because it puts me in epic locations and gives my wife all the amenities to enjoy our stay.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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

EH: There are way too many fond camping memories to fit on the page.

One time I remember, Danielle and I went camping with friends (new friends at the time) Bill and Leighanna Richards to Big Sur. I’ll never forget the beauty of that coastline and waking up early to catch the most magnificent sunrise at Pfeiffer Beach. We all bonded so closely over many camping trips over the years that we were in each other’s weddings and are still close to this day.

Probably our fondest Thousands Trails memory was fishing at Wilderness Lakes. Because it was our first time at a Thousand Trails preserve we didn’t know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised to be able to fish from our campsite! After dark, they had live music and a lot of friendly people. We made quite a few friends that night and we got our first glimpse into the RV lifestyle.

TB: Any funny camping/ RVing stories?

EH: We travel with our dog, Bailey (www.thetravelingpomeranian. com.) Danielle found baby gates that work as the perfect dog gate!

They are lightweight and super easy to set up. Well, one day we were at San Benito with a great view of the rolling hills. We were eating and doing things on the laptop when Bailey let out a little growl. She’s not a barker or growler so I knew something was up and when I looked up there was a skunk right outside our screen door! All of our windows were wide open too. Not a good situation to be in, ha ha. The skunk had walked into the small area we had left open and couldn’t figure out how to get out. So I calmly said to Danielle to walk slowly with Bailey into the bathroom until I come up with a plan. My main concern was Bailey

would bark and startle the skunk.

Then I remembered the window up top opens up and I could record the skunk from above in the gate.

I pulled out my phone, hit record and stuck my arm out the window to record the skunk running around. I figured if I was going to get sprayed anyways, at least I would have good footage. After a little bit he found his way out and happily ran back to the field. You can watch the footage on our blog at www.shorelooksnice.com.

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.)

EH: We have a 2012 Forest River Sunseeker Class C RV. We call it the “Suhiclad” which stands for Surf, Hike, Climb, Adventure. I prefer the size of our RV because it’s large enough for Danielle to feel like a home but it is small enough to fit into cool locations. We also pull our 2012 Mazda 3 behind on a dolly and the power of the RV makes you hardly feel the car behind. We take a lot of day trips with our car when we are RVing. We like to stay for two weeks in a location and really explore the surrounding area by hiking, surfing, biking, etc. Recently, we were at Morgan Hill which is surrounded by beautiful wineries in central California. We went to six beaches, hiked the Redwoods, toured San Francisco, went to a lake, went surfing, and spent time in Santa Cruz.

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

EH: Pinnacles National Park became a national park in 2011.

Being so new, I don’t think a lot of people know about it. One morning I went into Pinnacles NP just before sunrise and I was the only car in any of the parking lots. I had the park all to myself. They have a very easy and short hike that anyone can do – it’s a loop trail so it puts

you back where you parked and lets you view a lot of the cool sites.

I was stunned at the expanse of these rock formations. The caves had bats coming out of them and heading to the reservoir to eat the bugs off the top. I saw wild turkeys and deer. Then I followed the trail which took me up above to look down over the valley of rocks and forest. I watched the sunrise from a rock sticking way out above the valley floor and had a granola bar.

What a breathtaking moment!

I would have never found this place if the Thousand Trails San Benito campground wasn’t just down the street. In fact, I didn’t even know about Pinnacles until I was at the campground and Google mapped my location.

▲ Bailey, the Traveling Pomeranian

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

EH: Connecting. Camping is an incredible way to connect with yourself or others. I read a stat a few years ago that camping has been one of the leading activities in happy marriages and families.

I know for myself, it’s made Danielle and me even closer. But I’ve realized being in a beautiful area that it’s easier to connect with God, nature, Danielle or myself if I choose to just get away. You can slow things down and enjoy the moment.

TB: I knew I was a TrailBlazer when...

EH: Year after year, I went canoeing as a kid for about a week in the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota. In the Boundary Waters you canoe in and when you get to the end of the lake, you carry your gear and your canoe to the next lake which is usually very close.

Then you’re on the next pristine lake with loons swimming within feet from your canoe. I had a massive moose swim within a few feet of my canoe as she crossed the lake with her calf. As kids, we would paddle off and go cliff jumping doing tricks into the crystal clear water.

But one morning I had my watch alarm set to get up before the sunrise. I was going to go exploring and fishing. I had convinced a few of my friends to come with but when it was time to get out of bed, they wouldn’t come. I was young but I wasn’t going to miss this moment, so I went out in the moonlight, collected all my fishing gear I would need to catch “the big one,” grabbed a snack and headed out in a canoe to explore. I canoed around this calm, but large, lake filled with tree-filled islands. At one point, I was fishing from my canoe next to a huge cliff with trees all around and while the sun came up I caught a Northern Pike! At that moment, time stopped and I knew I’d be an outdoorsman the rest of my life.

TB: Feel free to share any other camping/RVing stories here.

EH: We love meeting new friends.

Feel free to follow us on our website at com and let us know if you’re nearby. Happy Traveling!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

29

Encore Activities and Events

Events Calendar

ARIZONA

Monte Visa RV Resort (Mesa)

Countryside RV Resort (Apache Junction)

Dec 16, 2014.................... Comedy Show featuring Ivanka Dec 24, 2014.................... Christmas Eve Golf Cart/ Motorcycle Parade Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Dance featuring Midnight Confessions Jan 6, 2015....................... Variety/Comedy Showcase featuring Gary Tyson Jan 18-24, 2015............... 50s/50s Week Celebration Jan 18, 2015..................... Car Show and Resort BBQ Jan 20, 2015..................... Dinner Theater featuring Saddle Strings Jan 26, 2015..................... Fashion Show and Expo Feb 10, 2015..................... Countryside Fun Night & Talent Show Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dance featuring Sam Pecorilla Band Feb 15, 2015..................... Chili Cook-Off Feb 15-21, 2015............... Western Week Celebration Feb 17, 2015..................... Kenny Rogers Tribute Concert featuring Dave Karl Mar 3, 2015...................... John Denver Tribute Concert featuring Brad Fitch Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Mar 24, 2015.................... Comedy Show featuring an Sandwich

Golden Sun RV Resort (Apache Junction) Jan 8, 2015....................... The Neil Diamond Tribute Feb 19, 2015..................... “56” – 1950s Rock & Roll Revue Mar 12, 2015.................... One of these Nights – The Eagles Tribute Mar 25, 2015.................... Dancing with the Stars

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Don’t miss these exciting Encore concerts and events scheduled in 2014/2015.

Nov 11, 2014.................... Veterans Day Tribute Nov 20, 2014.................... Showtime – Chicago Dave USA Dec 10, 2014.................... Showtime – MV Chorus Dec 13, 2014.................... Saturday Night Dance – Kort Kordi Dec 15, 2014.................... Annual Bonfire and Hayride Dec 17, 2014.................... Showtime – Starz Spotlight Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball Jan 13, 2015..................... Concert Series – Hot August Nights Jan 17, 2015..................... Saturday Night Dance with the The Needham Twins Jan 21, 2015..................... Showtime – Missouri Opry Duo Jan 27, 2015..................... Concert Series – The Piano Man Feb 1, 2015....................... NFL Football Championship Bowl Party Feb 10, 2015..................... Concert Series – Shania Twain/ Tim McGraw Tribute Feb 14, 2015..................... 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Feb 18, 2015..................... Showtime – Ahwatukee Foothills Band Feb 20, 2015..................... Monte Vista 30th Anniversary Celebration Feb 24, 2015..................... Concert Series – Diamond Dave Feb 28, 2015..................... Saturday Night Dance – Harry Matthews Mar 10, 2015.................... Concert Series – Nashville Gold Mar 11, 2015.................... Showtime – MV Chorus Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk Mar 18, 2015.................... Showtime – Cross Strung Mar 21, 2015.................... Farewell Dance – The 8-Track Band Mar 24, 2015.................... Concert Series – The Spouse Whisperer April 2, 2015.................... Farewell Happy Hour

Encore Activities and Events

Visit RVontheGo.com for details.

Paradise RV Resort (Sun City)

Dec 5, 2014...................... Paradise Choral-Aires Christmas Concert Dec 15, 2014.................... Comedy Dinner Show – Laughing Bird Jan 5, 2015....................... “Those Were the Days” with William Florian Jan 12, 2015..................... Tribute Concert – Neil Diamond Jan 19, 2015..................... Mark Cordes – The Spouse Whisperer Jan 26, 2015..................... Terry Davies as “The Piano Man” Jan 28, 2015..................... The Mellow Winds Clarinet Band Feb 9, 2015....................... Tribute to Shania Twain & Tim McGraw Concert Feb 16, 2015..................... Barbra Streisand Tribute Concert Feb 23, 2015..................... Rock and Roll Historic Bus Tour with Dave Somerville Mar 9, 2015...................... DIVAS of Rock Concert with Marva Scott Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Dinner with Level 2 Band Mar 23, 2015.................... “Time in a Bottle” Concert

ViewPoint RV& Golf Resort (Mesa)

Nov 11, 2014.................... Veterans Day Celebration Nov 21, 2014.................... Welcome Back Dinner Dance featuring Adrenaline Band Dec 2, 2014...................... WinterFest/Parade Dec 9, 2014...................... Holiday Dinner Show with the Highland Strolling Strings Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance with Swain’s World Band Jan 13, 2015..................... Dueling Pianos Dinner Show Jan 15, 2015..................... Nashville Gold Concert Jan 16, 2015..................... Beach Party Dance featuring Pam & Dave Trio Jan 20, 2015..................... Flamenco Por La Vida Dinner Show Jan 22, 2015..................... Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute Concert Jan 27, 2015..................... Hypnosis with Pattie Dinner Show Jan 29, 2015..................... AbbaFAB – The Abba Experience Tribute Concert Feb 3, 2015....................... Laughing Bird Music and Comedy Dinner Show Feb 5, 2015....................... Shania Twain/Tim McGraw Tribute Concert Feb 10, 2015..................... 50th Anniversary Dinner Show with 6 Ft. Up Band Feb 12, 2015..................... Barbra Streisand Tribute Concert Feb 17, 2015..................... Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Dinner Show with AZ Zydeco Band

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Feb 20, 2015..................... Disco Party Dance featuring

Basketball Jones Band Feb 24, 2015..................... Dinner Show with ASU Priority Male Acapella Group Feb 26, 2015..................... Magic of Manilow Tribute Concert Mar 3, 2015...................... Dinner Show with Tia’s Royal Islanders Mar 5, 2015...................... Rod Stewart, Michael Buble,

Natalie Cole Tribute Concert Mar 10, 2015.................... Dinner Show with Jolly Roger Magic and Comedy Mar 12, 2015.................... Soul of Motown Tribute Concert Mar 13, 2015.................... Hasta La Vista BBQ and Hoedown Dinner Dance with Jeff Stevens Band Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration

Voyager RV Resort (Tucson)

Nov 5, 2014...................... Welcome Back/30th Anniversary Party Dec 3, 2014...................... Tucson Concert Band Dec 10, 2014.................... Voyager Barbershop Groups Concert Dec 14, 2014.................... Holiday Parade & Sing-along Jan 23, 2015..................... Beachfront Property Concert Jan 24, 2015..................... Albert Galli Dance Jan 30, 2015..................... Dinner & Show with Missouri Opry Feb 6, 2015....................... Jim Van Slyke Feb 13, 2015..................... Voyager Musical Instrument Showcase

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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Encore Activities and Events

Events Calendar Voyager RV Resort (continued)

Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dance & 50th Anniversary Reception Feb 17, 2015..................... Gaslight Theater (off-site) Feb 20, 2015..................... Mardi Gras Dinner & Show with Wildcat Jazz Band Feb 27, 2015..................... Doo Dah Parade & Voyager at the Races Feb 28, 2015..................... Albert Galli Dance Mar 4, 2015...................... Show & Tell Show Mar 5-6, 2015.................. Guys & Dolls by Voyager Lt. Opera Co. Mar 9, 2015...................... Voyager Fun Band Concert Mar 12, 2015.................... Arizona Opry (off-site) Mar 16, 2015.................... Barbershop Spring Concert Mar 19, 2015.................... Season’s End Party Mar 23, 2015.................... Voyager Show Choir Concert Mar 27, 2015.................... Albert Galli Dance

Yuma Art Center (Yuma)

Jan 16, 2015..................... Hot August Night –The Ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute Jan 30, 2015..................... The Neil Sedaka Legacy Feb 13, 2015..................... The Tribute – featuring the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw Feb 27, 2015..................... “Diamond” Dave Somerville – The Rock & Roll History Bus Tour Mar 6, 2015...................... AbbaFAB – The Abba Experience Tribute Concert Mar 20, 2015.................... 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.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Don’t miss these exciting Encore concerts and events scheduled in 2014/2015.

FLORIDA

Bulow Plantation RV Resort (Flagler Beach)

Feb 2, 2015....................... NFL Football Championship Bowl Party Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dinner

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort (Clermont) Nov 7, 2014...................... Chili Cook-Off Nov 11, 2014.................... Veterans Day Breakfast/ Flag Ceremony Nov 20, 2014.................... Humor Resources Comedy Show Dec 8, 2014...................... ELS Tournament & Dinner Dec 12, 2014.................... Christmas Dance Dec 19, 2014.................... Christmas Hayride & Golf Cart Parade Jan 5, 2015....................... ELS Tournament & Dinner Feb 2, 2015....................... Health Fair Feb 13, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dance Feb 21, 2015..................... Spinney Brothers Show Feb 27, 2015..................... 33rd Annual Variety Talent Show Mar 5, 2015...................... Stitcher’s Tea Party Mar 6, 2015...................... New Odyssey Show Mar 9, 2015...................... ELS Tournament & Dinner Mar 13, 2015.................... Green’s Keepers Revenge, Tourny & Dinner Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Dance Mar 19, 2015.................... Mens Golf Banquet Mar 21, 2015.................... Indoor Flea Market Mar 31, 2015.................... Ladies Golf Dinner April 4, 2015.................... Yard Sale

Encore Activities and Events

Visit RVontheGo.com for details.

Crystal Isles RV Resort (Crystal River)

Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Potluck Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Potluck Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Party Jan 17, 2015..................... Welcome Back Party Feb 1, 2015....................... NFL Football Championship Bowl Party Feb 8, 2015....................... Chili Cook-Off Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dinner Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Mar 21, 2015.................... Farewell Party

Gulf View RV Resort (Punta Gorda) Dec 24, 2014.................... Christmas Eve Cookie Swap & Sing-along Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Dinner Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Party Jan 8, 2015....................... State Beverage Tasting Jan 10, 2015..................... Rob Mills Family Gospel Show Jan 24, 2015..................... Dance with Steve Elston Feb 6, 2015....................... Poker Run Feb 13, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dance Mar 5, 2015...................... Dog Parade Mar 14, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Dance Mar 19, 2015.................... Ladies Tables of 8 Luncheon Mar 26, 2015.................... Farewell Pool Party

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Harbor Lakes RV Resort (Port Charlotte) Nov 29, 2014.................... Christmas Concert Dec 13, 2014.................... Children’s Charity Event Dec 20, 2014.................... Golf Cart Parade and Christmas Carol Sing-along Dec 24, 2014.................... Christmas Eve Dance Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Day Dinner Dec 27, 2014.................... Performing Dog Show Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Party Jan 3, 2015....................... Cahal Dunne Stage Show Jan 10, 2015..................... Welcome Back Party Jan 20, 2015..................... Boutique on Wheels Fashion Show and Luncheon Jan 31, 2015..................... “Chili Night in Jan” Dinner/Dance Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dinner/Dance Feb 21, 2015..................... Magic Show Feb 28, 2015..................... “Can-Can” Charity Dance Mar 6-7, 2015.................. Follies Variety Show Lake Magic RV Resort (Clermont) Nov 15, 2014.................... Fall Festival Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Dinner Dec 6, 2014...................... Craft Show Dec 10, 2014.................... Holly Jolly - Golf Cart Parade & Sing-along Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Dinner Potluck Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

33

Encore Activities and Events

Events Calendar Lake Magic RV Resort (continued)

Jan 10, 2015..................... Welcome Back Party Jan 13, 2015..................... “31” Tournament Jan 27, 2015..................... Trivia Feb 13, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dinner Feb 17, 2015..................... Poker Run Mar 13, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Dinner and Dance Mar 20, 2015.................... Auction and Bake Sale

Pioneer Village RV Resort (North Fort Myers) Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Dinner Dec 21, 2014.................... Golf Cart Parade Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Dinner Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Party Jan. 29-Feb 1, 2015......... Pioneer Days Feb 28, 2015..................... Luau Dinner Mar 28, 2015.................... Farewell Dinner

Royal Coachman RV Resort (Nokomis) Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Dinner Dec 5, 2014...................... Christmas Concert Dec 19, 2014.................... Women’s Christmas Party Dec 24, 2014.................... Luminaries & Christmas Parade Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Dinner Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Dance Jan 6, 2015....................... Concert Series #1: “Sounds of Soul” Jan 8, 2015....................... Italian Fest Jan 27, 2015..................... Johnny Rogers Concert Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dance Feb 26, 2015..................... Concert Series #2: “New Odyssey” Mar 19, 2015.................... Concert Series #3: “Abba Girlz” Mar 21, 2015.................... Car Show

Don’t miss these exciting Encore concerts and events scheduled in 2014/2015.

Sherwood Forest RV Resort (Kissimmee) Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Dinner Dec 31, 2014.................... Champagne and Dessert Social Feb 11, 2015..................... 3rd Annual Poker Run Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Breakfast Feb 15, 2015..................... Weaver Family Entertainment Mar 3, 2015...................... Seasonal Appreciation Breakfast Mar 14, 2015.................... Poolside Appreciation Party Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Social April 5, 2015.................... Easter Egg Party & Hunt Silver Dollar RV Resort (Odessa) Nov 14, 2014.................... ELS Golf Tournament Dec 7, 2014...................... Silver Dollar Club Championship Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Party Jan 10, 2015..................... Wounded Warrior Shoot Jan 14, 2015..................... Welcome Back Party Jan 19, 2015..................... Dixie Grand National Trap shoot Jan 30, 2015..................... Kemen Ammo Shoot Feb 6, 2015....................... Federal Ammo Shoot Feb 13, 2015..................... Beretta Shoot Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dance Feb 20, 2015..................... White Flyer Shoot Feb 25, 2015..................... Concert Mar 13 , 2015................... Paralyzed Veterans Shoot Mar 16, 2015.................... Southern Grand National Championship Mar 24, 2015.................... Florida State Championship Apr 10, 2015.................... ELS Golf tournament Southern Palms RV Resort (Eustis) Nov 1, 2014...................... Halloween Dance Party Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Day Potluck Lunch Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Potluck Lunch Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Dance Jan 13, 2015..................... The Dave & Daphne Show Jan 17, 2015..................... Chili Cook-Off Jan 23, 2015..................... Annual Dessert Auction Jan 27, 2015..................... The Marlinaires Show Feb 11, 2015..................... Doin....What Comes Naturally Feb 17, 2015..................... The Atlantic City Boys Feb 24, 2015..................... Bocce Club Spaghetti Dinner Mar 9, 2015...................... Laughing Bird Comedy Show Mar 21, 2015.................... Hawaiian Luau April 5, 2015.................... Easter Potluck Lunch Sunshine Holiday RV Resort (Ormond Beach)

34

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dance Feb 15, 2015..................... Dale Jr. Day Feb 16, 2015..................... Race Week Mar 1, 2015...................... Bike Week April 1, 2015.................... Farewell Party

Encore Activities and Events

Visit RVontheGo.com for details.

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina (Florida Keys)

Nov 11, 2014.................... Veterans Day Breakfast Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Dinner Dec 5, 2014...................... Season Kick-Off Pool Party Dec 6, 2014...................... Holiday Craft Sale Dec 19, 2014.................... Christmas Party Dec 20, 2014.................... “Paws & Claws!” Pet Pictures with Santa Dec 21, 2014.................... Children’s Christmas Party Dec 22, 2014.................... Wine & Cookie Party Dec 24, 2014.................... “Light Up The Night!” Parade & Site Decorating Contest Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Dinner Dec 26, 2014.................... Family Pool Party Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Party Jan 7, 2015....................... “Welcome Back!” Party Jan 24, 2015..................... “Once Upon a Murder” Mystery Dinner Jan 25-31, 2015............... 11th Annual Fishing Tournament Feb 4, 2015....................... Ladies Fashion Show Luncheon Feb 10, 2015..................... Mardi Gras!

Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance Mar 17, 2015.................... St Patrick’s Day Event Mar 27, 2015.................... “Last Hurrah!” Pool Party

Sunshine Travel RV Resort (Vero Beach) Dec 2, 2014...................... Wine Tasting Dec 6, 2014...................... Craft & Bake Sale Dec 13, 2014.................... Christmas Party Dec 16, 2014.................... Christmas Jam Session Jan 6, 2015....................... Wine Tasting Jan 11, 2015..................... Italian Night Jan 17, 2015..................... BBQ Lunch Jan 31, 2015..................... German Dinner & Dance Feb 6, 2015....................... Subs and Stuff Feb 10, 2015..................... Wine Tasting Feb 13, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dance Mar 3, 2015...................... Wine Tasting Mar 7, 2015...................... Variety Show Mar 11, 2015.................... Italian Lunch Mar 15, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance Mar 21, 2015.................... Craft & Bake Sale Mar 28, 2015.................... End Of Year Party Terra Ceia RV Resort (Palmetto) Dec 19, 2014.................... Welcome Back Dinner Dec 23, 2014.................... Golf Cart Parade Dec 23, 2104.................... Christmas Eve Party Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Day Dinner Potluck Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Dance All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Jan 9, 2015....................... Pappy Melon Jan 31, 2015..................... Snowflake Dance Feb 7, 2015....................... Resort Yard Sale Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dinner Feb 21, 2015..................... 70s & 80s Dance Mar 13, 2015.................... Keith Colman as Johnny Cash Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patty’s Day Dinner Mar 27, 2015.................... Sweethearts of Branson Mar 27, 2015.................... Thank You Dinner

Toby’s RV Resort (Arcadia) Dec 6, 2014...................... Trey Dees Dance Dec 13, 2014.................... John Timpanelli Show Dec 20, 2014.................... Heart & Soul Dec 31, 2014.................... Black Velvet Band Jan 3, 2015....................... Crystal Gage Jan 17, 2015..................... Steve Elston Jan 22, 2015..................... Reconnections Dance Jan 24, 2015..................... Cahal Dunne Show Feb 7, 2015....................... Johnny Roberts Show Feb 14, 2015..................... Gotta Luv It Feb 21, 2015..................... Jack Brickles Show Feb 28, 2015..................... Heart & Soul Mar 7, 2015...................... Bill Crastill Show Mar 14, 2015.................... Bob Weed Mar 17, 2015.................... Good Stuff Mar 21, 2015.................... Amber Waves Band Show Mar 28, 2015.................... The Unknown DJ Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort (Bradenton)

Nov 1, 2014...................... Community Yard Sale Nov 11, 2014.................... Veterans Day Hot Dog Roast Nov 13, 2014.................... Welcome Back Party and Dance Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner Dec 1, 2014...................... Deck the Halls Luncheon Dec 9, 2014...................... Happy Hour with Chuck Cobb Dec 20, 2014.................... Christmas Dance Dec 21, 2014................... Cookies with Santa Adults & Kids Dec 24, 2014.................... Yule Log, Caroling and Candlelight Service NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

35

Encore Activities and Events

Events Calendar

Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort (continued)

Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Potluck Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Party Jan 13, 2015..................... Spittin’ Image Photography Session Jan 17, 2015..................... Dance with Taylor & Taylor Jan 31, 2015..................... Dance with Del & Gary Feb 1, 2015....................... Tailgate & NFL Football Championship Bowl Party

TEXAS

Country Sunshine RV Resort(Weslaco) Dec 10-11, 2014.............. Shuffleboard Tournament Fun-N-Sun RV Resort (San Benito)

Nov 10, 2014.................... Welcome Back Event with Diego Nov 11, 2014.................... Veterans Day Program Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Dinner featuring Dan Oettel Nov 30, 2014.................... Cook Brothers Dec 7, 2014...................... Jay Norris Dec 22, 2014.................... Christmas Show with Ralph Kuster Dec 24, 2014.................... Christmas Pageant & Visit from Santa Claus Dec 28, 2014.................... Howard Obedient Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Dance with Thomas Wayne Trullinger Jan 4, 2015....................... Freddie & Sheila Jan 12, 2015..................... Welcome Back Winter Texans with the Vendors/Walter Plant Jan 19, 2015..................... Dinner Show with Jackson Haney Jan 21, 2015..................... Connie’s Cabaret Jan 24, 2015..................... Back to the 50s Jan 25, 2015..................... Jim Greeninger Jan 26, 2015..................... Mexican Fiesta Jan 31, 2015..................... Kenny Hess

36

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Don’t miss these exciting Encore concerts and events scheduled in 2014/2015.

Feb 2, 2015....................... Bernie & Red Feb 3, 2015....................... Gospel Festival Feb 7, 2015....................... Goldwing Feb 8, 2015....................... Leslie Blasing Feb 9, 2015....................... Pans of Steel Feb 10, 2015..................... Mardi Gras Square Dance Feb 13, 2015..................... Valentine’s Dance Feb 14, 2015..................... Hot August Night Concert Feb 15, 2015..................... J.C. Bullock Feb 16, 2015..................... Dinner Show with Rolando Reyes Feb 17, 2015..................... Mardi Gras Dance Feb 18, 2015..................... Connie’s Cabaret Feb 21, 2015..................... Senior Prom – “A Night to Remember” Feb 22, 2015..................... 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration Feb 28, 2015..................... The Music of Shania Twain Tribute Mar 1, 2015...................... The Castaway Mar 2, 2015...................... Encore Games Banquet Mar 2, 2015...................... Faithful Singers Mar 3, 2015...................... Las Vegas Night Mar 7, 2015...................... Fun N Sun Arts & Crafts Exhibition Mar 7, 2015...................... AbbaFAB – The Abba Experience Tribute Concert Mar 8, 2015...................... Boxcar Bob and Cactus Willie Mar 9, 2015...................... Luau Mar 14, 2015.................... The Piano Man Mar 15, 2015.................... Jeff Hunt Mar 16, 2015.................... Electric Ukelele Mar 17, 2015.................... Ladies National Shuffleboard Tournament Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mar 18, 2015.................... Mens National Shuffleboard Tournament Mar 18, 2015.................... Connie’s Cabaret Mar 19, 2015.................... National Shuffleboard Finals Mar 21, 2015.................... Sock Hop Mar 22, 2015.................... Lyle Beaver Mar 29, 2015.................... Betty Rydell

Encore Activities and Events

Visit RVontheGo.com for details.

Lakewood RV Resort (Harlingen)

Feb 7, 2015....................... Classic Car Show

Paradise Park RV Resort (Harlingen)

Feb 12, 2015..................... Texas Hold’Em Tournament

Southern Comfort RV Resort (Weslaco) Mar 4, 2015...................... Hawaiian Luau

Tropic Winds RV Resort (Harlingen)

Dec 7, 2014...................... Celebration Brass Pearl Harbor Memorial Show Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance featuring Hot Rodz Jan 7, 2015....................... Duke Mason Show Jan 10, 2015..................... The Jets Dance Jan 18, 2015..................... Diego Dance Jan 24, 2015..................... Luau Dinner Dance with Fred Goldsberry Jan 31, 2015..................... Mario Rosales Show Feb 6, 2015....................... Dave & Daphne Show Feb 10, 2015..................... Mardi Gras Bash Feb 14, 2015..................... Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance with The Jets Feb 18, 2015..................... Patrick & Tracy Show Feb 20, 2015..................... Leslie Blasing Dance Feb 26, 2015..................... Diego Dance Feb 28, 2015..................... John Sager Show Mar 5, 2015...................... Sock Hop Dance with Jackson Haney Mar 13, 2015.................... Denim & Diamonds Show Mar 18, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance with Diego All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Victoria Palms RV Resort (Donna)

Nov 11, 2014.................... Veterans Day Celebration Nov 22, 2014.................... Patio Sale Nov 27, 2014.................... Thanksgiving Celebration Dec 25, 2014.................... Christmas Celebration Dec 31, 2014.................... New Year’s Eve – Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Jan 11, 2015..................... Ron & Nancy Mosier Jan 14, 2015..................... Bernie & Red Comedy Show/Red Hat Luncheon (all are invited) Jan 25, 2015..................... Square Dance Party Jan 31, 2015..................... Bernie & Red Comedy Show Feb 1, 2015....................... Country Variety Show Feb 18, 2015..................... 50th Anniversary Celebration Feb 19, 2015..................... Legends & Laughter – Bill J. Brooks Feb 25, 2015..................... Poker Run Feb 26, 2015..................... Hands Across the Border Feb 15, 2015..................... Razz Ma Taz Mar 1, 2015...................... Barber Expo Mar 4, 2015...................... Pat Davison’s Comedy Magic Circus Mar 12, 2015.................... Jacobson Shuffleboard Mar 15, 2015.................... AbbaFAB – The Abba Experience Tribute Concert Mar 17, 2015.................... St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Golf Cart Parade Mar 20, 2015.................... Beach Party

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

37

A TRUE TRAILBLAZER:

GLOBAL NOBLE

▲ Picking up a skinny Dean, about 70 miles out of Stanleyville, Belgian Congo.

He had lost 15 pounds due to not eating consistently during his 21-day adventure.

Where was Dean?

“I had to be able to read Dean’s mind from 1,000 miles away,” said Noble. “I learned how to do that!”

When Dean left for the Ituri Jungle, the pair agreed that they would meet in Stanleyville, on 38

the Big River Congo. “But the big question was, when was he going to arrive?” said Noble.

They had discussed meeting at the Jeep agency but neither had any idea where that was exactly.

There were a few messages received and sent between the two during this separate

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

adventure timeframe but none established specific dates, location, etc., for the reteaming.

“At the Royal Resident Hotel in Lake Kivu, Dean had left a note for me letting me know he was in good hands while hitchhiking his way along,” said Noble. “The scientific fraternity of the area had adopted him.

That fraternity appreciated this

new scientist from America, who knew more about the local birds than they did. Dean was 26-years-old; his well-earned reputation had preceded him.”

Noble did manage to locate the Jeep agency in Stanleyville and had sent a postal card approximately 21 days in advance to alert the director of his arrival as well as his need for spare parts. “The postal card arrived but not the airmailed letter I had sent five days before from a town in the Congo!” recalls Noble. “Oh, what a FedEx office could do for the Congo!”

Noble spent seven days in Stanleyville catching up on correspondence, waiting patiently while the Jeep was serviced, swimming in the river with natives in their secret grotto, and hoping Dean could find his way into Stanleyville.

“But Dean never showed up, so I took off for Walikali, a town about 600 kilometers from Stanleyville,” said Noble. “At the 99 kilometer marker there was a turnoff on an unmarked road. For some reason, I turned down that road and after going about 10 kilometers, I met an approaching truck. A grey cinema truck…and there was Dean! He was long-haired, dirty and had not eaten for a couple of days and wasn’t quick to recall where he had gotten his drinking water. But he was in good spirits, having had over 21 days of birding spotting in the dense Congolese jungle. We got him cleaned up; he had his first good night’s sleep – albeit in his Jeep bed, all of 30 inches wide by 76 inches long, but with an overhead light for night reading. Total bliss!”

The next order of business was to plan the next route of adventure. “In Bukavu, I found Soco Motors, a Jeep dealer who put the Jeep on the rack to inspect the underside,” recalls Noble.

“We found that the drive shaft to the left of the front wheel was broken. We had been reduced to two-wheel drive and that is not at all good when driving in Africa; especially when attempting to cross the Sahara Desert, traveling 2,300 miles from Kano, Nigeria, north to Algiers. With its many soft sand spots, along with the broken axle, one brake hose which was cracked and two big rubber bushings missing, it was just a standard dull day in the life of the Roadrunner. We had to address each catastrophe this way or we would never have completed the journey!”

The Jeep was in need of repairs but the task at hand was finding the right parts. “The mechanic had no parts for

the FC-170 so he did the next best thing,” recalls Noble. “He commandeered needed parts from another nearby Jeep. He also treated me to a French dinner at the Hotel Metropole and gave me the keys to the dealership so I could sleep in the Jeep,” said Noble.

But the broken axle posed another problem. “They wanted to replace the axle for $350 with a used axle housing but with no guarantee,” said Noble.

“I turned it down as it was too expensive. So we planned to wait until we could make it to Casablanca, Morocco, over 5,000 miles away.”

But would the Roadrunner make it across the Sahara?

“In spite of our having no frontwheel drive, we would find a way to cross the desert, despite our infirmities!” said Noble.

Stay tuned for that adventure! ▼ Congolese woman near Stanleyville.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

39

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 bluegrass sensation Rhonda Vincent.

Traveling Bluegrass

Often told that her voice was too bluegrass for mainstream country music, Rhonda Vincent has shown them all and gone on to become the reigning “Queen of Bluegrass.”

Born in Missouri and growing up playing in a family band called the Sally Mountain Show, Rhonda branched out on her own with the release of her first bluegrass solo album in 1988. Then, after several country albums in the 1990s, she returned to her bluegrass roots with the release of her album Back Home Again in 2000 with the hope of expanding the reach and accessibility of the genre.

And did she ever! She was named Female Vocalist of the Year for six straight years by the International Bluegrass Music Association from 2000-2006, as well as IBMA Entertainer of the Year in 2001. She is the most 40

award-winning act in bluegrass, with five Grammy Awards.

Now performing with her band, The Rage, Rhonda tours the country in her Martha White Bluegrass Express – a 2006, fortyfive foot Prevost XL. We caught up with her on the road with her band as they sailed down the Ohio River and performed during a bourbonand bluegrass-themed cruise.

Tell us a little bit about how your bus, known as the Martha White Bluegrass Express, came to be.

I grew up in a musical family, so we traveled in a bus. We started out in our station wagon and then went to a pick-up camper. Then we got a pull-type camper – a little fifteenfoot camper with five of us living in it.

Then we got a twenty-five-foot pull-type camper. Then we got our

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Rhonda Vincent and The Rage

first motor home. Then we got our first bus. Then we got a second bus and I started being sponsored by Martha White. And that’s what we have now.

How did the Martha White sponsorship develop?

I grew up listening to the Martha White show on WSM with Earl Scruggs every morning. My dad would turn on the radio at 5:45 a.m. and we would listen to the show.

I hadn’t heard any females that had recorded their jingle, the Martha White theme, so I recorded it and wrote them this letter. After many months, they came to a show, and then they contacted me and said they would love to have me represent their company and asked me what is was that I wanted. I said, “I need transportation. I need a tour bus.” After they leased me a bus for six or seven years, they came to me and said that they wanted to build me a bus. And that’s how this bus came to be. I’ve now been with them for 13 years.

Tell us about the bus.

We got to design every piece of the bus. It’s pretty standard, but yet it’s not standard. We’ve utilized every space. It’s very functional.

It doesn’t have a full kitchen, which surprises a lot of people because it’s the Martha White Bluegrass Express. It does have a convection oven/microwave so we have prepared complete meals.

We also have a griddle and we’ll open a bag of Martha White muffins and make, basically, pancakes on the griddle. We call them our Martha White cookies.

It has seven bunks in the middle along with an entire row of lockers. The bathroom has a full shower. I have the back, with a wider L-shaped couch instead of a bed. When my girls were little, they could sleep on the short side and I could sleep on the other and you can sit and be face-to-face and

visit and basically have a slumber party every night. One of the walls is a mirror with a cabinet that, when you open it up it, has the outlets for your curling iron and blow dryer. An office is on one side with room for a printer. There’s a gown closet, a shoe closet, and then the whole back is all closets too. The living space has two couches and a booth.

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

I know where all my things are.

I don’t have to schlep luggage into a hotel room. The number one thing is that it’s completely and utterly dark. There’s not a spec of light in my room or the bunk area because we stay up late and sleep late into the morning, so it’s important that it’s dark.

the comfort. But this is my favorite feature of all: I have the security of having all my things – all my clothes, all my shoes – no matter what the occasion is.

Do you listen to music on the road?

We do. More than anything, we have conversation. But we play a lot of music on the road. We have musical theme nights on the bus.

They’ll say its Conway Twitty night and we’ll bring up the words to all his songs on the computer and play them even if we don’t know them

What are a few favorite destinations?

Our favorite place is Yellowstone.

We’ve taken the bus twice.

It’s absolutely our number #1 favorite place.

What’s your favorite meal to enjoy onboard or on the road?

Onboard, it’s beans in the crockpot and making Martha White cornbread in the convection oven.

On the road, each day, we’re on a constant quest for food. The driver has started a mental list of when we find a great restaurant we love; we put it on the list. Our favorite place ever on the road is Dan’s Steakhouse in Luray, Virginia.

The best steakhouse – steak, lobster, crab legs, shrimp – they really throw out a spread.

Do you ever go camping as a family vacation?

What are your three favorite things onboard?

I love having a shower. I’m an Internet junkie and I love the mi-fi card so that I have Internet. I would say the shoe closet is one of my favorite things. I have rubber boots if it’s muddy, Prada heels for the stage. I love the functionality and

Ha! We camped virtually every day as I was growing up. In 1971, we took the fifteen-foot camper and lived in it in San Benito, Texas.

I went to school – I was in seventh grade – we played shows seven days a week and we lived in the RV. I’ve spent more time in a camper than I have in a house. So I’ve never really thought of it as a vacation.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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iver R rui

Queen of the Mississippi – Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Seeing America by River

By Lynn & Cele Seldon

ises

It’s easy to see why seeing America by river is more popular than ever.

The advantages are similar to RV travel, in that you only have to unpack once, you travel at a leisurely pace, you don’t have to seek out restaurants to eat your meals, and there are lots of interesting places to stop and see along the way.

Varied companies offer a wide array of cruises on America’s rivers, providing many options to see the United States by riverboat. From the mighty Mississippi and more in mid-America to fabled rivers in the east and out in the northwest, cruises of varied lengths and styles are available with Un-Cruise Adventures, American Cruise Lines, and Blount Small Ship Adventures.

“Theme” cruises are particularly popular on America’s rivers, ranging from heartland and eastern possibilities like “Big Band” and other music genres to “Gardens of the River,” “The Civil War,” and more in the south to wine and beer cruises in the northwest. The seemingly endless options abound year-round.

Following is an overview of the options with each line:

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Un-Cruise Adventures Based in Seattle, appropriately named Un-Cruise® Adventures (www.un-cruise.com) features eight 22- to 88-passenger ships plying the waters of northwest North America (including Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska), Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, the Hawaiian Islands, and in 2016, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

“Whether on a river cruise or an adventure cruise, travelers choosing an Un-Cruise voyage want a personal, up-close, and meaningful experience,” says Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing.

Those specifically interested in American river cruises will particularly love the line’s Oregon offerings on the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette rivers.

▲ Four Rivers of Wine and History Cruise – Photo courtesy of Peter West Carey, Un-Cruise Adventures

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Cruising nearly 1,000 miles roundtrip out of Portland on an 88-passenger replica turnof-the-century coastal steamer (the classic S.S. Legacy), the line’s American river offering is very popular. The S.S. Legacy features crew in period uniforms, onboard historians, guest experts, exclusive onboard living history presentations, sustainable Northwest-focused gourmet cuisine, a complimentary massage, and included shore excursions to museums, historic forts, boutique wineries, and more.

The seven-night “Legacy of Discovery” cruise has many highlights, including the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and towering Multnomah Falls; eight lock transits and a tour of Bonneville Dam Visitor Center; tours of Fort Clatsop and Fort Walla Walla; a stop in Victorian Astoria (including the Columbia River Maritime Museum); a private tour and tasting at a Washington winery; and much more – including following the epic journey of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. These cruises generally depart from Portland on Saturdays from early-April to late-November.

New for 2015, Un-Cruise Adventures will feature four special seven-night winethemed cruises roundtrip out of Portland: “Ameritage! Four Rivers of Wine & History.”

Along with many of the possibilities on the “Legacy of Discovery” cruises, additional

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

offerings on these itineraries in the Columbia, Snake, Willamette, and Palouse rivers include an onboard wine expert for the entire cruise, tastings and tours of nine Oregon and Washington wineries (plus a craft-infused olive oil tasting), and a hosted lunch in Walla Walla at Terra Blanca Estate Winery.

Though not specifically on American rivers, Un-Cruise Adventures also features coastal Washington and British Columbia sevennight itineraries roundtrip from Seattle. Sailing April to May and September to November on “Explore!

Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands” itineraries, the 60-passenger Wilderness Adventurer expedition vessel offers a great way to see northwest Washington (including craft beer-themed cruises on April 25 and

▲ Photo courtesy of Eric Lindberg, Un-Cruise Adventures

▲ S.S. Legacy – Photo courtesy of Eric Lindberg, Un-Cruise Adventures ▲

Photo courtesy of Peter West Carey, Un-Cruise Adventures

October 3, 2015). Also sailing April to May and September to November, the 22-passenger Safari Quest expedition vessel features “British Columbia’s Yachter’s Paradise” itineraries on the Salish Sea and more (including a stop in Victoria).

Those who want to sail even further afield with Un-Cruise Adventures will want to explore the line’s aforementioned offerings in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, the Hawaiian Islands, and in 2016, Ecuador and the fabled Galapagos Islands.

Like on Oregon’s rivers, the line’s “Unrushed. Uncrowded.

Unbelievable.SM” small ships allow access to off-the-beatenpath destinations large ships simply can’t reach. ▲

Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Pride, Un-Cruise Adventures

American Cruise Lines With its modern six-ship fleet and two new ships for 2015 and 2016, American Cruise Lines (www.americancruiselines.com) features “Small ship cruising done perfectly.™” year-round along many of the inland waterways and rivers of the United States. Their ships carry just 49 to 150 passengers to some of the most fascinating places in America.

Most of the spacious staterooms feature private balconies, large opening picture windows, and roomy bathrooms. There is a variety of six-, seven-, 10-, and 14-night cruise itineraries ranging from the mighty Mississippi and other mid-America rivers to the east coast, the Hudson River, New England, the Southeast (including the St. John’s and more in Florida), the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and more. The line currently offers more than 35 unique itineraries across the country, offering more access to more rivers and other bodies of water than any other line in America.

All of their ships feature oversized staterooms (some of the largest in the industry), TV and DVD players, oversized lounges, and a glass-enclosed single-seating dining room featuring a “Cruise Local. Eat Local.” sustainable dining program. “Our goal is to continue to make a great riverboat even greater and to maximize the comfort and amenities available to our passengers,” says Timothy Beebe, vice president of American Cruise Lines.

The line’s Queen of the Mississippi was the first new paddlewheeler built for the Mississippi River in nearly 20 years. The riverboat was modeled after traditional Victorian-style riverboats of the late 1800s, but offers all of the amenities and comforts expected by today’s travelers, including large staterooms with private balconies, hotel-style bathrooms, complimentary room service, Internet, and much more.

Transporting guests back in time in the most elegant fashion, the experience aboard Queen of the

▼ Queen of the Mississippi – Exterior and interior photos courtesy of American Cruise Lines

46

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Mississippi is a seamless blend of old and new. Beneath her historic décor, gleaming woodwork and brass fixtures is a framework of modern cruise ship technology that provides passengers with the most comfortable and upscale vacation imaginable on America’s rivers.

Theme cruises are also very popular with the line. The possibilities include “Savories of the South,” “Civil War Eastern Theater,” and a “Food & Wine Cruise” highlighting the Puget Sound and more. “Theme cruises are extremely popular, as they add an extra element of connectivity between our guests and the areas we travel,” continues Beebe.

American Cruise Lines will offer a new Mississippi riverboat in 2015. It will have a capacity of 150 passengers and is scheduled to begin navigating the Mississippi River and its tributaries in the spring of 2015. Due to demand, an additional riverboat for the Columbia and Snake rivers is also on the way in 2016.

Blount Small Ship Adventures

Other options include: eight-day “Locks, Legends, & Canals of the Northeast;” “The Islands of New England” for seven days; and “Magical Lake Michigan” for eight days. New one-of-a-kind offerings in 2015 include “The Big Apple to the U.S. Capital: New York to D.C.” in nine days; 12-day “D.C. to Boston;” and the 10-day “Two Nation Vacation: Maine & New Brunswick.”

▲ Grande Caribe – Photo courtesy of Blount Small Ship Adventures

In operation since 1966, Blount Small Ship Adventures (www. blountsmallshipadventures.com) features two U.S.-registered and crewed 88-passenger ships that ply the waters of the United States, Canada, and Central America year-round on itineraries ranging from seven to 16-days. Invented by company founder Luther H. Blount, patented bow ramps allow passengers to disembark directly from the ship to the heart of small ports and destinations.

Retractable pilot houses, another Blount innovation, allows their ships to slip beneath low bridges and transit locks that typically exclude larger cruise ships – meaning Blount’s “Go Where the Big Ships Cannot.®” ships are the only overnight cruising vessels able to navigate places like the historic Erie Canal.

Luther passed away in 2006, leaving a legacy, a family, and 48

a fleet dedicated to small ship cruising. Daughters Maria and Julie became president and vice-president of Blount Boats shipyard and daughter Nancy, who had worked by Luther’s side since 1979, is now at the helm of Blount Small Ship Adventures.

Nancy says, “At Blount Small Ship Adventures, we’re committed to keeping alive my father’s passion to see places and people in an authentic way.”

Blount’s American river cruise offerings are varied and extensive.

Part of their “Signature Series,” the 16-day “Great American Waterways” cruise provides a perfect example of the possibilities with Blount. More than 18 waterways are traversed during this classic trip, including the St. Claire River, the Hudson River, the Detroit River, Erie Canal, four Great Lakes, and many other fabled rivers and waterways.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Built in 1997 and 1998 respectively, the Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner were refurbished in 2009 and 2010, again respectively. The ships feature four categories of classic small ship cruising cabins and all feature upgraded private bathrooms and new décor. Singleand open-seating dining allows freedom, with complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner and a unique “BYOB” (“bring your own bottle”) alcohol policy allowing passengers to enjoy their favorite beverages without a costly bar tab at the end of a voyage (mixers, barware, refrigeration, and bottle storage space are available around the clock). When appropriate, bike and kayak rentals, photography workshops, and guest speakers and local experts enhance the Blount small ship experience.

Given all of these diverse options across the country, seeing America by river is more popular than ever with these varied lines and vessels.

Your riverboat awaits! ■

...and visions of TT Gear danced in their heads!

Enjoy 20% off your order of great gifts for the TT enthusiast on your list!

Use code DD20 when you check out!

ThousandTrailsGear.com Offer valid on all qualifying orders through December 31, 2014

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Charity 5 Body of water 9 Ohio college town 12 Hello (Ital.)

13 Molding 14 Self (Scot.)

15 Artificial fishing fly 16 Approve 17 Incorporated (abbr.)

18 Palmetto 20 Mau Mau country 22 Nose 24 Article 25 Reedbuck 26 Fr. month 30 Alfonso’s queen 31 Babism founder 32 Luzon people 33 Taro 36 Transpire 38 Cutting tool 39 Indian falcon 40 Ming’s planet 43 River into the Rhone 44 Father of Jehoshaphat 45 Devil (Scot.)

47 Munich’s river 50 Army service number (abbr.)

51 Uncanny (Scot.)

52 Pleasant 53 Chin. chairman 54 Machine gun 55 Verb-forming (suf.)

Answers can be found on page 64.

Reader Service

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First Street/Perfect Choice HD ������������������������������������������������ 19

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First Street/Walk-In Hot Tub ��������������������������������������������������� 25

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GEICO ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 68

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SkyMed ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 67

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

DOWN 1 Alas (ger.)

2 Taradiddle 3 Methane (2 words) 4 Hot Med. wind 5 Birthstone 6 Bedouin headband cord 7 Legal action 8 Arabic script 9 Hindu month 10 Refuse 11 Razor-billed auk 19 Borough (abbr.)

21 Conger 22 Lop 23 Galilee town 24 Boat 26 John, Dutch 27 One of the Three Fates 28 Needle case 29 Mountain lake 31 Drone 34 Crone 35 Departure 36 Exclamation 37 Tooth 39 Drawing room 40 Lady’s title 41 Mount near Olympus 42 Billionth (pref.)

43 Indian groom 46 Within (pref.)

48 Atl. Coast Conference (abbr.)

49 Arikara people

4

paws ROAD

By Jenn Gehr

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

Q: Hi, Jenn! I love to hike with my two-year-old Goldendoodle, Josie. Recently, while we were camped in Oregon, a cloudburst opened up and my dog just froze in place. I literally had to pick her up in order to move to the shelter of a big pine tree, but we were still about three miles out from camp and it took sooo long to get back. She loves to play in the ocean, but it seems she can’t stand the water falling onto her back, even if it’s at home in our rainy state.

If she needs to go outside, she walks as close to the side of the house to avoid any falling drops on her sensitive back. We keep her clipped, so she dries easy, but I want to help her outgrow this dilemma. I know you are very active with your dogs and any suggestions will be considered and appreciated.

Thank You, Misty Washburn, Vancouver, B.C.

A: Misty, traveling with pets

can be a challenge but the more organized we are about planning the unforeseen will translate into more enjoyable days for all. All seasons of the year present with a chance of rain so you’ll do best to be prepared for changing weather patterns by packing a rain poncho for your pet, especially if you anticipate being out on a trail for any length of time. You mentioned you keep Josie clipped so perhaps try leaving the hair a bit longer on her topline and see if a little extra

padding will help desensitize her issues with those dreaded water droplets. There are several quality raincoats on the market that have been well designed for a myriad of uses. If you plan to have her hike in the coat, Hurtta Collection makes a great styled coat to suit all sized breeds that are active. A cheaper, and faster, slip-on raincoat may be a better option for use when you are at home. Be sure to consider an unlined option so she doesn’t overheat while hiking and look for a fabric that conforms well and is

comfortable for her in design for use at home. I’m hoping that if you can make Josie more comfortable, it will translate into her responding as a more confident dog, and she will stop overreacting to the raindrops over time. Either way, you both can find comfort with packable, ready to go, coverage.

Keep being extra patient and reward her when she is willing to do what you ask rather than coddle her fears. Thanks for your excellent inquiry!

Q: Hi, Jenn. I read your pet column and wanted to ask you about my six-

month-old puppy who seems to be more of a miniature Hoover vacuum cleaner than a dog! My husband and I are full-time RVers like you and Bill, and have met you all, pups included, in Seaside, Oregon this past summer!

Each time we walk our dog, she gobbles up anything and everything and I worry that she will ingest something bad. Apart from a barrel muzzle (she is a short-nosed breed) do you have any suggestions for me?

Thank you, Joy and Wayne

A: Thanks for your question,

Joy! I encourage you to begin training your puppy to heel on the leash and work diligently on the “leave it!” command to best control her when you are strolling the campground. It is wise to be concerned as one never knows what a dog might see as a treat that could end up as a visit to the vet!

Be consistent and firm with the command training and encouraging with praise as the dog learns to

listen. Having a dog pay more attention to you while seeking out your praise is much better than one dusting the ground with its face. Remember to keep training sessions brief and positive while practicing your cues and signals before heading out to walk. Keep a tiny, tasty reward with you at all times to encourage positive behavior. See you on the open road, friends!

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.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

51

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Q:

A:

My husband and I are fairly new members of Thousand Trails.

We enjoy reading your Ask RV Bill column in every TrailBlazer issue. We own a 2013 Coachman Freelander 19CB. It has a Dometic Power Patio Awning. It worked fine this past January, and then it stopped working in July. When we turned on the switch, there was nothing; no sound or click as if there was no power. We checked the fuse and it seemed fine.

We are puzzled what could be wrong. Unfortunately, our warranty had just run out when it happened. We hope you can give us some ideas as to what the problem would be, so hopefully, we can fix it ourselves.

Welcome to Thousand Trails and thanks for writing! In this case, a voltmeter would be helpful for proper diagnosis (I suggest every RVer own one as well as an inexpensive test light.) To begin, check to see if there is at least eleven volts to the control box across the positive and negative wires. If there is voltage present, open the control box and check for a fuse. There are two models of control boxes made

by Dometic; one with lights and a fuse and one without. Check for corrosion or a loose connection. If voltage is not present, there is a problem in the wiring within your motorhome. The problem could be a bad ground, which can be checked by adding a jumper to the ground at the control box or grounding your voltmeter test lead to a viable ground location. If there is voltage at the control board, the next step is checking for voltage on the motor output wires on the control box. If there is not voltage at the output to the motor, most likely the control box is defective. Next, check voltage at the motor. As you can see, you must track the voltage from point A to B to C etc. and it may require a bit of hunting.

Thank you for help!

SP and Earl Rand, Culver City, CA

Send me an email if you are still having a problem, and please include the model number of the control box and the awning so I can be of better assistance with your specific dilemma. Thank you for your question and for the compliment!

A:

Q: I read your TrailBlazer column and am always impressed with your knowledge and ability to clearly explain a problem and solution.

We purchased our first motorhome, a 2012 Bounder Classic, in February. We are at retirement age but I am still working. When we can go, we really enjoy using it. Here’s our issue: within the 30-day period after purchase I noticed that the thermostat did not properly regulate the temperature. It is a dual zone (we have two A/C units), front and rear. I returned and told the dealer and they

52

replaced the thermostat. During another trip several weeks later, I noticed it was doing the same thing. Basically, it ignores the set points, high or low. The first two times were when it was cool. I set it to 76 and it went anywhere from 65 to 85. Now that it is warmer, if I want it to cool to 74, it may stop at 83 or 66. It does this in both zones. I doubt that two thermostats in a row are bad.

I am getting all kinds of confusing advice. Can you help?

Thanks, Terry Hensley

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Terry, I agree that two defective thermostats are not very likely.

If the t-stat is on an interior wall, there will be a room sensor in the bedroom. If the t-stat is in a cupboard, there will be two room sensors. It is not likely that two sensors will be defective.

Most likely, one of the room sensors is defective. There were a few units that had large hole behind the t-stat where the wires come through on an inside wall allowing hot or cold air to give the t-stat a false reading. Where the t-stat is located may be the problem as well. Hopefully a room sensor will fix the problem.

Let me know if you need more help.

Q:

A:

Just read the latest issue of Trailblazer and we have a question about the cutting board you mentioned for use in the freezer for assisting with defrosting. Could you define what you meant by “thin plastic cutting board?” Are you talking about the ones that actually can be rolled up or just a “regular” thin white one? We could probably use a one-quarter inch one in ours.

Hope you know what we mean!

Thank you for your question as this inexpensive little tip is a time saver and I receive inquiries about its application almost every month. It’s almost too good to be true, but the cheap, plastic cutting board that I currently use is very thin, maybe a one-sixth of an inch or less. Thin and flexible is the key, as a more ridged model may be difficult to remove with the ice on it and not transfer cold.

Any thin plastic cutting “sheet” from Walmart or Target will do – I purchased mine in a two-pack.

The plastic sheet I have could flex, but I would say it could “roll up” slightly and yes, I am talking about the “regular” thin, white cutting sheets for this freezer application and NOT the super flexible/roll up cutting sheets used for pastries. You need the cutting board to be stiff enough that it can stand on the back wall of the freezer without drooping inwards, and the freezer shelves help make this possible. I hope the photos are helpful.

Thanks, John & Joanne Young

▲ Note: In the August 2014 issue of TrailBlazer Bill responded to a reader’s question about RV freezer defrosting. He suggested installing the flexible cutting board (pictured here) which has proven to stop ice buildup in the freezer.

Q:

A:

Hi Bill, I have a 1998 Coachman Class C. The problem I am having is the dash air will only come out of the defrost vents. At first it would come out of the dash vents after I would let it run for about five minutes. I read somewhere this is a default to defrost vents, if there is a problem. Also from what I read, it is usually a vacuum line problem. What I cannot figure out is where the vacuum originates. This unit has the Ford V10 engine. When this issue started, the service engine light came on.

Charles, you are on the right track. Searching for a vacuum hose that has become disconnected can be a real nightmare. You are correct, as the defrost vents are the default location when there is a problem.

There is a vacuum storage container that you should check and this will usually be mounted on the outside of the firewall. Look for cracked vacuum hoses as well. There is a vacuum valve assembly that opens a door to divert the air from the defrost vents to the dash registers that can be defective. You can remove the valve and have it tested. The door could be stuck as well. Of course, they are tough to get to. Although it’s rare, the problem could be in the temperature selector lever/switch assembly in the dash. The selector has multiple vacuum lines attached to it as well. Hopefully, these tips will help direct you further.

Thanks, Charles

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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THOUSAND TRAILS

PREFERRED RV DEALERS

Check out member specials on parts, service and sales by visiting our preferred RV Dealer partners listed below, or visit with them directly at our next Member Appreciation Day.

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Campers Inn CT - Union; FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville GA - Macon; MA - Raynham NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville NH - Kingston, Merrimack www.campersinn.com

Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • www.floydsrvs.com

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Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield www.crossroadstrailers.com

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Funtime RV OR - Tualalin • www.funtimervinc.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • www.haydensrvs.net General RV Center IL - Huntley MI - Brownstown, Mt. Clemens, Wayland, White Lake, Wixom OH - North Canton

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“American Family RV is proud to partner with Thousand Trails for their membership program. It has become the ”icing on the cake” for our customers when they buy a camper from us. It’s great to see their excitement when they receive their membership package. We are so pleased to be one of Thousand Trails preferred dealers.” ~ Carol Rowland, American Family RV

La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix,Yuma CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie www.lamesarv.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • www.mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Fairless Hills, Hatfield, Media www.mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs www.mikethompson.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 - Coburg, Fresno NV- Laughlin; WA - Fife, Mt. Vernon www.rvcountry.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • www.phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX-Houston, New Braunfels www.pplmotorhomes.com

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THOUSA N TRAILS D PREFERR DEALER ED S

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Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood www.recreationplantationrvsales.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville www.royrobinsonrv.com RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • www.rvsforless.net RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim • www.rvvaluemart.com Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood www.scottmotorcoach.com

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • www.sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Douglasville www.superdealsrv.com TAC Trailer and RV NC - Moyock • www.tactrailerandrv.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

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55

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& RV Resort (F

Daily Rates

10% Off Monthly Rates

Valid at all Encore RV Resorts

▲ Ramble rs R

est RV Reso

Weekly Rates At Select Florida Resorts

50% Off One Week Valid through 12/15/14 at all Florida Resorts

Use Promo Code: TTFL14W *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

**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 $3 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. **Discount taken off weekly rate. Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

rt (FL)

Member Deals

▲ Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina (FL Keys)

Weekly Rates At Select Florida Resorts

40% Off Weekly Rates Valid 12/16/14 - 4/30/15

Use Promo Code: TT40W15 ▲ Fiesta

Key RV Resort (FL Keys)

Seasonal Rates At Select Florida Resorts

Sunshine Travel $999/3-Month Use Promo Code: TT999S

Clover Leaf Forest

$1299/3-Month Use Promo Code: TT1299S

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.

20% Off One Week Valid 12/16/14 - 4/30/15

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort $1699/3-Month Use Promo Code: TT1699*S Valid 1/1/15 - 3/31/15

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

Use Promo Code: TT20W15 Valid at: Sunshine Holiday Ft. Lauderdale, Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, Breezy Hill, Fort Meyers 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.

**Discount taken off weekly rate. Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 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. Stays of 30 days or longer, electricity may be an additional charge.

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Member Deals

▲ Tropic Winds RV Resort (TX)

Select Arizona & Texas Resorts

$199/Week* Use Promo Code: TT199AT15

$699/Month*

Use Promo Code: TT699AT15

a RV ▲ Monte Vist

Resort (TX)

Valid through 4/30/15 Valid at: Araby Acres, Monte Vista, Paradise RV*, Victoria Palms, ViewPoint*, Voyager. *Offer does not apply for stays in Paradise RV and Viewpoint from January through March.

▲ Fun N S un

RV Resort (T

X)

$149/Week Use Promo Code: TT149AT15

$449/Month

Use Promo Code: TT499AT15 Valid through 4/30/15 Valid at: Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Countryside, Country Sunshine, Desert Paradise, Fiesta Grande, Foothill Village, Foothills West, Fun and Sun, Golden Sun, Lakewood, Mesa Verde, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine RV, Suni Sands, Tropic Winds, Valley Vista.

▲ Paradise RV Resort (AZ)

**Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $3 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply.

Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals

▲ Alamo Palms RV Resort (TX)

Seasonal Rates at Select Arizona & Texas Resorts

$999/3-Month Valid through 4/30/15

Use Promo Code: TT999AT15

rt (AZ)

Reso ▲ Foothill Village RV

Valid at: Alamo Palms, Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Countryside, Country Sunshine, Desert Paradise, Fiesta Grande, Foothill Village, Foothills West, Fun N Sun, Golden Sun, Lakewood, Mesa Verde, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine RV, Suni Sands, Tropic Winds, Valley Vista, Voyager.

$1,349/3-Month Valid through 4/30/15

Use Promo Code: TT1349AT15 ▲ Araby Acres RV Resort (AZ)

RVontheGo.com 1-888-443-7301

Call! Click! Camp!

Valid at: Araby Acres, Monte Vista, Paradise RV, Victoria Palms, and ViewPoint.

**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 $3 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.

Stays of 30 days or longer, electricity may be an additional charge.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

59

RPI? “Our RPI membership provides us more access to camping. We currently stay close to the West Coast but our plans for next year include traveling and camping in the east. With our RPI membership that is possible.”

– David & Ruth, Whittier, CA

More Camping

More Destinations Freedom • Flexibility • Fun! Call to Learn More About RPI 60

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Even More!

Save Big with

Enjoy America!

We offer Preferred Access members exceptional savings on resort vacations around the world!

More Cruises Access to over 500 public RV campgrounds 50% off at least one night’s fee

More Condos & Hotels Quality • Availability • Value

The campgrounds are chosen for their quality and are rated 3 or higher in Woodall’s and 5 or higher in Trailer Life Toll-free reservation number

America!

ENJOY

“America’s Finest Discount Camping”

Call 1-800-635-8498

Call today!

888-643-6569

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

61

Terms and Conditions for 2014 Referral Promotion from page 4.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined), you will receive a $45 Visa® Prepaid Card through December 31, 2014. In addition, for each Eligible Referral, 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, includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and hotel/cruise accommodations 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 hotel accommodations for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2014, not to exceed $525 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, 2015. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning the drawing 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 Park Pass from us between January 1, 2014 and December 14, 2014, 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 $45 Visa® Prepaid Card and you will not receive a $45 Visa® Prepaid Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored.

Employees of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes.

We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to receive equal or exceed $600 for one year. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington, as required by Washington law. Value, quality, or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. This filing does not mean that the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift, prize, or item of value as part of any promotional plan. This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

20th Annual Tour

Thurs,January 1,2015

Take a fabulous day trip to Pasadena for the 126th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade.

Our package includes: Continental Breakfast • Grandstand Seats Round-Trip Fare on a Deluxe Charter Bus only

$140 per person

Make your reservations now!

First come, first served (53 seats available) For more information, please call: (951) 672-7804

CLUB CALENDAR • NOV/DEC 2014 TT SINGLES Central California December 5-7: San Benito, CA January 23-25: San Benito, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 467-3278 or email to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net.

Northwest November 28-30: La Conner, WA 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 November 3-5: Palm Springs, CA December 8-10: Wilderness Lakes, CA January 5-7: Pio Pico, CA Contact: Cecil Brown, Wagonmaster at cecilbrown@hotmail.com or call (951) 323-1714.

TTN So Cal Weekenders November 7-9: Wilderness Lakes, CA December 5-7: 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. netwebsite: http://home.earthlink. net/~ttnweekenders/ TTWest/FMCA November 14-17: San Benito, CA January 11-14: Palm Springs, 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 November 7-9: Medina Lake, TX January 2-5: Lake Conroe, 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) Bounders United/TTN are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Tom or Pat Kennedy at (360) 794-4903 or email at BUTTNs231@gmail.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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

63

Complete

Fast Facts entries will be entered in our Monthly Drawing to

Win a $25 American Express Gift Card!

This month’s Fast Facts winner is

Member #

Doyle Driskill of Arlington, TX

Together...

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

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 American Express Gift Card!

Diana Guimont of South Bend, OR

found the tree on Page 22 of the September Issue Did you find the tree in this issue?

Send your entry (postcards only) to

Let’s Protect Them

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

Postmark deadline is December 31, 2014 and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

This Holiday Season, Adopt-A-Manatee®

Call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 50.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 62.

It’s your money. Save it well.

299

$

* Per Month

Through December 31, 2014, get more for your money with this exclusive rate at any of these Carefree RV Resorts. To book online, use promo code TB299.

Florida Ellenton Gardens · Ellenton · 941-722-0341 Grove Ridge · Dade City · 352-523-2277 Lakeland · Lakeland · 888-622-4115 Majestic Oaks · Zephyrhills · 813-783-7518 Rainbow Village · Zephyrhills · 813-782-5075 Shell Creek · Punta Gorda · 941-639-4234 Southern Charm · Zephyrhills · 813-783-3477 Waters Edge · Zephyrhills · 813-783-2708 New Jersey/Atlantic City Shady Pines · Galloway Township · 609-652-1516

It’s your time. Live it well. Live carefree. carefreeRVresorts.com *This offer is based on availability and will sell out, reservations required. First month at $299, additional months are at the parks regular rate. Electric not included on monthly rate.

Offer subject to change at any time, please contact the park directly for questions, online booking available.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 TRAILBLAZER

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Photo courtesy of Yefim Bam, University Place, WA

On Location

Adventure 2015

New adventures await you every time you Get Out and Camp. From the mountains to the beaches, the sunrises and the sunsets, Thousand Trails provides plenty of opportunity for you to create your own adventures. Who knows where you’ll find yours in 2015!

The sky’s the limit!

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CIRCLE NO. 128 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2014 TRAILBLAZER

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

for your RV

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

68

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features2014 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 2014 GEICO NOVEMBER/DECEMBER TRAILBLAZER CIRCLE NO. 132 ON FAST FACTS CARD PAGE 50