TrailBlazer Magazine Yearbook Edition - Nov/Dec 2016

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

â–

$2.00

NATION’S TOP SELECTION OF RV BRANDS!

Over 2,500 RVs

LARGEST SELECTION OF NEW AND PRE OWNED RVS

Available in All Shapes, Sizes & Floorplans

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS

Free 8-POINT

RV INSPECTION For Thousand Trails Members Includes roof, body & window sealant, appliances, slide rooms, jacks, batteries, a/c evaporator temp and tire pressures. OFFER VALID THROUGH 9/1/16-11/30/16 Promo Code: Coach Inspection-01

Schedule Your Service Appointment Today!

5 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU TA M PA I T U C S O N I CO LO R A DO 2

V I S I T L A Z Y DAYS .CO M

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

C A L L 8 6 6 . 53 1 . 6 8 1 8

VOL. 38

■

ISSUE 10 /// NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

WHAT’S INSIDE

lifestyle

8

5

Message from Marguerite

18 2016 National Trails Day 22 Join the Club!

26 #100DaysofCamping 28 Giving Back 32 Man’s Best Friend 36 Kids Just Wanna Have Fun

features

30

8 Yearbook Edition: Make Every Moment Count

48 Who’s in the Kitchen with TrailBlazer?

50 Ask RV Bill 61 4 Paws on the Road

This issue is dedicated to our Thousand Trails members, who created long-lasting memories every day this year and truly embodied the spirit of camping, family, and adventure.

calendars 64 Club Calendar

regulars

spotlight

47 Crossword Puzzle 52 Member Deals

30 Camper Superlatives

60 Sudoku Puzzle

We got in hundreds of entries for this year’s Best View, Cutest Pet, and Happiest Camper Superlatives. Check out our picks!

62 Preferred RV Dealer List

40 Snowbird Sampler The calendar is quickly flipping toward the arrival of the winter equinox. Chase the sunshine and consider our smorgasbord of winter fun in the sun.

40 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

3

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

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

ENTER

TODAY!

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

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

SECOND PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE

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

Free Dues for 2017 10 Winners Selected ($4,000 value)

Contact Us Today!

(888) 808-8925

or visit THOUSANDTRAILS.COM *Details and qualifications for participation in this promotion may apply and are set forth on page 65 of this magazine.

p Bend/Sunriver (OR)

MESSAGE from MARGUERITE A Year of Superlatives!

That’s the only way I can sum up 2016: a year of best views, cutest pets, favorite memories, and top moments. Though it’s hard to believe, the end of the year is nearly upon us. For me, year end signifies a time to look back and reflect on everything I’ve experienced the past 365 days, and how those experiences can help me plan for the following year.

We encourage you to collect these just as you collect memories each time you get out and camp.

I realize that while the year may be nearing the end, there is certainly still time to take advantage of the remaining days in 2016. Many of you have now turned your “sites” to warmer climes and choose to Winter Differently, by filling your days with fun and sun rather than chilly temps. Sunny celebrations await!

This issue of TrailBlazer takes the format of a yearbook, highlighting the many images, stories, events, activities, and overall favorites from 2016.

It showcases many of the images and stories you shared with us throughout all of 2016, resulting in some of our favorites and yours in the following pages.

As you flip through this issue, and as I reflect back on the year, I’m sure a few words will come to mind for both of us: family, friends, vacation, fun, relaxation, and let’s not forget, memories. These are the themes I hope to take with me into 2017, and I hope you are able to do the same.

Our #100DaysofCamping promotion consistently provides us with a peek into all the fun you’re having with us at our locations across the country.

This year, over 1,900 photos were shared and over 30,000 Thousand Trails rally towels were put in the hands of our members and guests. Soon thereafter, the photos started to roll in, and we got some great ones. Some of our favorite photos featured the 2015 rally towel, as well as the 2016 version!

Plan the upcoming year around family and friends, take that vacation you’ve been thinking about, find time to relax, and the good memories will follow.

Marguerite Nader President & CEO

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

5

“

We’ve been members since 1982. We can go park to park anywhere…

This is family.

”

- Lou & Charlotte G. Camping at Orlando RV Resort, FL

Yearbook Edition /// 2016

OUR MEMBERS 6

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

7

Yearbook Edition /// 2016

MAKE EVERY

MOMENT

COUNT This issue is dedicated to our Thousand Trails members, who created long-lasting memories every day this year and truly embodied the spirit of camping, family, and adventure.

When they set out to camp with family and friends, they knew from the start, the fun never ends.

They celebrated holidays and sunny days, with bike parades and pet escapades. They greeted each day saying“gee, what’s in store” and ended each night thinking “100 days of camping, I must have more.”

From artistic endeavors to “let’s do whatever,” our campers found ways to make every moment count.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

9

Yearbook Edition /// 2016

GLAMPIN █

[glam-ping] noun. informal

Def. A blend of glamour and camping which describes a style of camping with amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services not usually associated with “traditional” camping.

Glamping has become particularly popular with 21st century tourists seeking the luxuries of hotel accommodations alongside the escapism and adventure recreation of camping.

Cabins

Wagons

Tiny Houses

Yurts

“The resort has all the amenities glampers like us enjoy, yet in an atmosphere that is truly what one would hope for in the mountains for a full camping experience.”

10

- Tony B. from Vancouver, WA Camping at Mt. Hood Village, OR

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

NG

Every year, Thousand Trails has more and more unique accommodations for today’s more glamping focused customer, giving them a little more comfort with the outdoors.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

11

“My husband and I are full timing in our 5th wheel. We’ve been to many Thousand Trails parks. This is our favorite!”

12

- Diana S. Camping at Moody Beach RV Campground, ME

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Yearbook Edition /// 2016

FULL TIMING Def. Traveling full time in a RV, 365 days per year/ 7 days a week.

Many of our members and guests are living the dream on the road full time. RV life can be simple and relaxing, like a permanent vacation. Traveling to so many beautiful places with your home on wheels is an adventure in itself!

Motor Home

Travel Trailer Teardrop Trailer

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

13

“I have stayed at a lot of Thousand Trails parks up and down the west coast and this is one of the best. Love the biking and hiking trails!”

14

- Michael J. from Carnation, WA Camping at Leavenworth Campground, WA

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Yearbook Edition /// 2016

DAY PACK

Def. A relatively small backpack, with shoulder straps, used for day hikes, carrying books, or the like.

Nationwide, our campgrounds have dozens of trails great for day hiking and exploring the park. Members and guestshave been hitting the trails since we first opened our first park at Chehalis, WA, in 1969.

Nature/Hiking Trails

Horse Trails NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

15

WONDER Def. A cause of astonishment or admiration.

Today, we still call them “Natural Wonders,” because at any age nature can truly amaze us. From the height of redwoods to the vibrant colors of a sunset or the sounds of a stream, being in nature helps us escape the day to day and feel inspired again.

New Friends Explore the Outdoors

16

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Discover

Yearbook Edition /// 2016

“The cabin was great!! Perfect for a weekend getaway. We fell in love with this place and most definitely will be coming back next year for a longer stay.”

- Siomara E. from Chicago, IL Camping at Lakeland Campground, WI

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

17

2016 National Trails Day

by Joan Rykal

The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is a nationally recognized trails awareness program that was created to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States, as well as encourage everyone to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The event is held annually on the first Saturday of June.

The program evolved during the 1980s and ‘90s from a grass roots idea seeking to make the magnificent trails in the United States a truly connected network of trails. Today, it is a nationally recognized program that has seen participation rise since its early days and each year more and more events are registered from state to state.

The American Hiking Society’s website provides the following reason for the creation and importance of the event.

“America’s 200,000 miles of trails allow us access to the natural world for recreation, education, exploration, solitude, inspiration and much more. Trails give us a means to support good physical and mental health; they provide us with a chance to breath fresh air, get our hearts pumping, and escape from our stresses.”

That concept sure sounds familiar, kind of like the philosophy behind the creation of Thousand Trails. Camping has the same goal – unwind, enjoy nature, learn something, and be inspired. So, it makes sense that this national event was celebrated across our own Thousand Trails this past June.

Because of our settings, we offer some of the most scenic and inspiring trails, either nearby to our campgrounds or right onsite. Coastal paths, lakeside

p Moody Beach (ME) At the top of Mt. Agamenticus

trails, and forested walks are there for the walking.

Consider Ponderosa’s one-mile trail that takes you along the south fork of the American River or Leavenworth’s six miles of forested trails that you don’t even have to leave the campground to enjoy.

There are opportunities to see wildlife, catch a sunset or moonrise, take stunning photographs, test your endurance, and learn something new.

This year’s National Trails Day had more than 100 registered events spanning all 50 states which included birding, trail dedication, wildlife photography and trail maintenance. Similarly, every one of the Thousand Trails campgrounds had an event that planned to recognize National Trails Day and TT’s Walk the Trails that reflected the national events and stayed true to the mission of the program itself.

A great companion piece to National Trails Day is the Thousand Trails Walk the Trails program. For years, the program has encouraged our campers to walk the trails in and around our campgrounds and keep a mileage log. The logs are cumulative so after years of walking the trails, you can look back and see how far you’ve walked. We have one member who has already gone through 20 mileage logs and is nearing 650 miles walked.

Quite a feat!

On Saturday, June 4, our campers got walking to commemorate the day. Events included not only hiking and walking but also games, group walks, educational programs, and a little bit of cake and ice cream to reward everyone for a long day on the trails.

Creek hikers did something similar and participated in a scavenger hunt along the trail, where hikers had to identify the variety of flora found.

Oakzanita Springs campers enjoyed hiking the trails and other planned activities at Cuyamaca State Park. Timothy Lake South took it one step further and hosted a “fun with snakes” event for the kids.

National Trails Day was a hit and our campers enjoyed the great outdoors, got some exercise and learned more about our Walk the Trails program, all while spending quality time with family and friends out on the trails. All in all, there wasn’t one of our campgrounds across the country that did start the day off on the right foot!

Moody Beach campers took advantage of nearby Mt. Agamenticus, driving up to the top and hiking down.

Whalers Rest made the hike a learning experience, educating the hikers about the different plants they’d find along the trail. Grandy

p Idyllwild (CA) Going for a hike

p Timothy Lake South (PA) Fun with snakes on National Trails Day

Join the Club!

Whether it’s competitive or just to learn a new skill, 2016 was full of Thousand Trails clubs nationwide.

While we all know that the best thing about camping is simply camping, Thousand Trails campers also love to share their experience. Clubs abound at our campgrounds and cater to a variety of likes and types – from the musical to the magical, from the athlete to the foodie, there’s something for everyone and always someone to share it with.

The Jammers at Peace River just get together and jam for the enjoyment of other campers while the Model 22

Trains Club at Leavenworth share their enthusiasm for all things rails-related. Like to cook or maybe just eat what someone else cooked up?

Then, any one of the chili contests held this year would have been to your taste!

Contests and competitions were on the calendar all year long and tourneys included golf, billiards, cribbage, pickleball, cornhole, mini-golf and shuffleboard.

Contestants joined together to see who could eat the most jalapeño peppers

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

(the winner ate 6!); who was the fastest pie-eater; who could reel in the biggest or smallest fish; who had the most talented pet and who looked most like their pet (do you really want to win that one?)

Ever the trend-setter, Thousand Trails added new things to do this year like learning how to make essential oils, crafting colored cords into intricate designs in the traditional Japanese art of braiding known as Kumihimo, knitting classes and archery training.

q Forest Lake (NC)

Father’s Day Fishing Tournament

p Lake Whitney (TX)

31st Annual Chili Cook-Off

p Birch Bay (WA) 4th of July pie eating contest

p Arrowhead (WI)

p Lake Texoma (TX)

Aqua zumba

Rolling Thunder of Texoma FMCA Chapter Rally

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

23

p PA Dutch Country (PA) Jalapeño eating contest winner

p PA Dutch Country (PA)

p Arrowhead (WI)

Spicy salsa contest winner

Potato sack race

p St. Clair (MI) Quidditch game on Harry Potter’s birthday

p Sea Pines (NJ) Memorial Day pie eating contest

p Circle M (PA) Improv workshop during comedy night 24

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

p Green Mountain (NC) Horseshoe tournament winners

p Circle M (PA) Duck race!

p Pio Pico (CA) 2016 Pool tournament winners

p Chestnut Lake (NJ) 3rd Annual “My Car Race” 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners

p Orlando (FL) Kayaking in Florida

p Verde Valley (AZ) Relaxing yoga class

p Lake and Shore (NJ) BYOB paint class NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

25

Last spring we kicked off our 100 Days of Camping campaign and here are some staggering statistics that show not only how much we all love to camp but also that maybe 100 days of camping just isn’t enough‌

1,000+ camping photos submitted 1,900+ social media posts with #100DaysofCamping Over 29,000 new Facebook fans 4,000+ new Instagram followers 700+ new Twitters followers Thanks for the countless camping memories this year!

#100DaysofCamping 26

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Giving Back

H

appy campers are charitable campers.

Fund-raising efforts went toward student scholarships, medical research for breast cancer research, ALS, muscular dystrophy, local band camps and volunteer fire departments. Drives and collections supported food pantries, nursing homes, school children in need of school supplies, Toys for Tots, the Special Olympics and Veterans groups.

Lake Minden (CA) u Lake Minden Managers “Go to Jail” for Muscular Dystrophy in an effort to raise “bail” money. The team raised over $500 to Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Harbor Lakes (FL) u Every year Harbor Lakes does a “People Who Care” donation event. All bikes donated are sent to the Salvation Army to be distributed to needy children.

Sandy Beach (NH) u This year Sandy Beach raised over $7,000 for Vets 1st, a non-profit organization run by a seasonal camper.

28

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

And, we sure put the FUN in fundraising efforts as they included the ALS Bucket Challenge, Ladies Nights, Bingo and Bunco games, a golf cart run and the MDA Lock-Up. p Colorado River (TX)

Resident and artist, Sandra C., donated paintings to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce fundraising banquet.

q Lake Whitney (TX)

Celebrating Red Nose Day with donations to help children of Texas for meals and special programs kicking off our Memorial Day weekend.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

29

Whether you’re chasing a beautiful sunset, or teaching your dog new tricks on the beach, you’ve spent all year capturing your best moments at Thousand Trails. You showed us your favorite places to camp this summer during #100DaysofCamping. You captured family campouts and reunions, spectacular scenery, and decked out campsites. You were lucky enough to snapshot smiling faces witnessing small moments of beauty and big moments of surprise.

Earlier this year, we asked you to submit your best photos for the “Happiest Camper,” “Best View,” and “Cutest Pet” and you sure delivered! It’s been a great year of camping so we wanted to award superlatives to the members and guests whose photos captured the spirit of 2016 at Thousand Trails. We love looking back on the good times and the best moments that you captured in 2016.

See whose photos made the cut on the next page! We can’t wait to camp and make new memories with you in 2017.

30

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

BEST VIEW From fun campsites to scenic views, there’s beautiful places to see.

We’d like to award David’s photo the 2016 Best View. A family around a picnic table on a beautiful sunny day truly says camping! t La Conner (WA) David D.

CUTEST PET Who let the dogs out! From puppies to cats to birds – our campers love their pets. We’d like to award Christina’s photo the 2016 Cutest Pet. Her beautiful boxer is checking out the view of Lake Tahoe surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains. t Snowflower (CA) Christina H.

HAPPIEST CAMPER

After so many smiling faces of all ages, we’d like to award Charlea’s photo the 2016 Happiest Camper. Over Memorial Day weekend this year, the family was shucking corn and Charlea’s 2-year-old granddaughter was astonished to discover corn under the silk. t Sturbridge (MA) Charlea B. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

31

Man’s Best Friend …and a few others! ▲ La Conner (WA) Beautiful day in Washington 32

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

I

f your faithful companion is also your traveling companion, Thousand Trails had plenty to offer the furry friends. There were pet shows, pet parades, “Dog Days,” pet adoption fairs and pet pool parties. Highlights included a St. Bernard pulling a rickshaw at Yukon Trails and the Doggie Dive and Swim at Bend/Sunriver. Non-dog animal fun included “Alpaca Day” at Birch Bay which also included bunnies, a lamb and a goat. We sure do love our animals!

▲ Chestnut Lake (NJ) Best Pet Picture winner on Pet Day

▲ Birch Bay (WA) Alpaca Day in the park

▲ Sea Pines (NJ) Independence Day parade

▲ Circle M (PA) Waltens International & Performing Dog Show NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

33

▲ Mount Vernon (WA) Brie enjoying some green grass

Birds of a Feather Member Norman Froggatt’s study of birds throughout our California Thousand Trails campgrounds.

▲ Utah Loki hiking

▲ San Benito (CA) Magpie

▲ San Benito (CA) Quail

▲ Rondout Valley (NY) Cute dog

▲ Morgan Hill (CA) Bluebird

▲ Turtle Beach (CA) Bullock’s Oriole

▲ Turtle Beach (CA) Cedar Waxwing

▲ Lake Minden (CA) Mockingbird

▲ Hershey (PA) Beautiful fall day

▲ Orlando (FL) Family portrait

▲ Plymouth Rock (WI) New furry guests

▲ La Conner (WA) Crosby enjoying the sunset

▲ Gettysburg Farm (PA) Petting goats

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

35

▲ Cultus Lake (BC) Giant sundae

▲ Lake Whitney (TX) Watermelon Eating Contest

▲ Hershey (PA) Puzzle time

PUMPKIN PAINTING ▲ Lake and Shore (NJ) Halloween events 36

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) Pony rides

COSTUME CONTEST ▲ Lake and Shore (NJ) Halloween events

Kids Just Wanna Have Fun!

T

here’s never a lack of fun when you’re at Thousand Trails and if you’re a kid, the fun is even more fun! Imagine a weekend of everything chocolate or so many choices of crafts to make cloud mobiles, holiday cards or leaf art. How about a painting party with Mom and Dad or a picnic complete with face painting and pony rides. And if it’s a holiday, then you can guarantee FUN is on the agenda and might include an Easter Egg Hunt, patriotic fireworks and parades and yes, even a visit from Santa and friends.

The fun times at Thousand Trails can also be a learning experience – Cultus Lake campers planted a Children’s Garden in May and enjoyed harvesting the fruits of their labor all summer long.

This was definitely a camping season of fun!

▲ Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) Face Painting

▲ Moody Beach (ME) Bobbing for apples

▲ Circle M (PA) Creating mobiles

▲ Ponderosa (CA) Making Mother’s Day cards

▲ Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) Pony rides NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

37

▲ Cultus Lake (BC) New children’s garden’s summer harvest

▲ Chesapeake Bay (VA) Summer waterslide

▲ Forest Lake (NC) Pool fun

▲ Arrowhead (WI) Bobbing for donuts

▲ Circle M (PA) Leaf art project

▲ Chesapeake Bay (VA) Fishing

▲ Scotrun (PA) Decorating Easter eggs

▲ Arrowhead (WI) Easter crafts NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

39

Snowbird Sampler

by Joan Rykal

Winter is coming!

Yep, there’s no doubt about it.

The calendar is quickly flipping toward the arrival of the winter equinox.

The days are getting shorter and store displays have traded in sunscreen and flip flops for cooler weather necessities like shovels, scrapers, gloves and scarves. Winter is coming‌so, where are you going?

Chase the sunshine and consider our smorgasbord of winter fun in the sun. Just like the variety offered at a smorgasbord, our sampler gives a variety of options and events to consider as you plan your winter getaway.

40

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

â–² Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina, The Florida Keys

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

41

San Francisco, CA January and February are slower times when it comes to tourists which also means deals are in the air. Speaking of air, though this time of year can be tend to be more foggy (but isn’t SF fog iconic?), daytime temperatures in the City by the Bay average 60˚ in the winter months.

A highlight of San Francisco in winter is the city’s annual Chinese New Year Parade, which is considered one of the top ten parades in the word. Floats, firecrackers, and Chinese acrobats are all part of this exciting event but the real highlight is the Golden Dragon. At over 200 feet long, the Dragon is the parade’s grand finale that ends with a bang as the Dragon brings along more than 600,000 firecrackers. Don’t miss the free event which is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.

After the parade, stroll through the city’s Chinatown, which encompasses 24 square blocks and is rich in Chinese culture, heritage, and of course, Chinese fare. To learn more about the history of the largest and oldest 42

Chinatown in the country, visit the Chinese Historical Society. For hours, ticket prices and exhibit information, visit chsa.org.

The Rock, otherwise known as Alcatraz, is a 22-acre island less than two miles offshore of San Francisco, best known for its stint as a federal prison that was once “home” to Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Imposing by day, you can imagine how it must feel at night. Alcatraz offers night tours that include a tour of the Cellhouse as well as stories about the history of Alcatraz. The bonus is that the evening ferry ride to the island may provide some spectacular night time shots of the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you’re in the mood for a road trip (less than two hours), head north to California’s wine country in the Napa/Sonoma region. Again, it’s off-season for the vines as well as the tourists and a bit rainy, but that equals fewer crowds at some of the hot wineries. One event of note is the 25th Annual Winter WINEland, scheduled for the weekend of Jan. 14-15, 2017. Some

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

wineries will have tours while others will offer food and wine pairings and a chance to meet some of the winemakers. For information, visit wineroad.com.

Another great way to see the wineries in the area is the Winter in Wineries Passport Series, which begins Dec. 3 and runs through Feb. 5, 2017. For just $50 a passport, you can do wine tastings at 15 Calistoga wineries, plus enjoy retail discounts.

For a more natural event, drive about an hour south of San Francisco to Ano Nuevo State Park. From December through March, northern elephant seals come ashore to mate and give birth. Enjoy a guided walk and observe the seals. Note – these are very popular tours and sell out weeks in advance so book early.

For tour information visit anonuevo.reserveamerica.com.

Adventure Coast, FL This area of west-central Florida on the Gulf Coast has all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy, including swimming with the manatees, thus the moniker, Adventure Coast. An hour west of Orlando or an hour north of Tampa, the area is convenient to many Thousand Trails and Encore locations. With temperatures in the mid-70s during the winter months, you’ll want to be outside as much as you can. Here are a few fun and interesting things to consider.

of mermaid life, as well as perform amazing underwater feats including eating and drinking.

Want to see a mermaid or two?

Head to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, considered one of Florida’s oldest roadside attractions thanks to the underwater feats of the magical mermaids. With daily performances for the past 60 years, the mermaid shows are a top attraction. Enjoy a bit of nostalgic fun as the mermaids perform Hans Christian Anderson’s classic, The Little Mermaid. In the park’s Fish Tails show, the mermaids provide behind behind-the-scenes video

The Adventure Coast is located in Hernando County, named for the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto who discovered the area in 1539. Rich in history, the area was home to a significant Civil War battle. If you’re a Civil War buff, don’t miss the 37th Annual Brooksville Raid Reenactment scheduled for January 21 and 22, 2017. This re-creation of the battle that occurred in July 1865 is the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida and features over 1500 reenactors, plus 28 cannons and 60 horses.

If you want to be on the water, consider a canoe or kayak ride on the spring fed Weeki Wachee River.

A relaxing ride down the river with the bird songs from the surrounding forest and mangroves as your soundtrack can’t be beat.

This peaceful outing is another opportunity for glimpsing wildlife so watch for Bald Eagles, blue herons, ibis, deer and possibly some manatee.

And of course, there are the manatees. During the winter months, the manatees seek warmer waters and head to the springs in the area so you’re in a prime spot to see them. There are many ways to view these “sea cows” – you can get up close and personal during a snorkel adventure or view them from aboard a boat. Check out floridamanateeadventures.com to find the best way for you to experience these wonderful creatures.

One spot to see the manatees is the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The manatees can be viewed in the park’s underwater observatory.

While visiting the park, keep your eyes open for other native Florida wildlife including black bears, bobcats, white tailed deer, American alligators and crocodiles, and river otters.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

43

Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright was a snowbird! He began heading to Arizona each winter beginning in 1933. By 1937, Wright had purchased the desert land that would become Taliesen West.

Wright considered the location “the top of the world” and was inspired by the desert landscape for the design of his winter retreat.

Taliesen West, which also served as a studio and classroom for his architecture students, is now a national historic landmark.

Located just outside Scottsdale at the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, Taliesin West is open 365 days year and offers a variety of tours.

If the Arizona landscape inspires you in a different, say perhaps, the cowboy way, consider taking one day or three day classes offered through Arizona Cowboy College.

If being a cowboy has been a long-time dream, then the class tuition will be well worth it (it actually won’t break the bank).

Learn to rope, ride, pen and more.

After all, this is your winter vacation – learn something new!

44

And now for something completely different – MIM, also known as the Musical Instrument Museum, is a unique museum that displays more than 6,500 instruments from around the world. MIM is one cool place and definitely is not one of those stuffy museums with “Do Not Touch” signs all over – at MIM, visitors are actually encouraged to play the instruments. The MIM Music Theater hosts concerts while the MIM gift shop is loaded with music-related items. To learn more about MIM, visitmim.org.

Another interesting museum in Phoenix is the Heard Museum, which is dedicated to the arts and culture of American Indian people.

The collection includes pottery, rugs, jewelry, fetishes, and Kachina dolls. First Fridays at the museum are a popular event where every first Friday of the month (except March) there is a special event that includes food and drink.

The Desert Botanical Garden is a 140-acre botanical garden in an outdoor setting that features desert plants from around the world.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

There are several trails to take to view the “exhibits” including the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail, the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail and the Desert Discovery Loop Trail. There are often art installations among the exhibits so every visit here is different.

In March 2017, the Butterfly Exhibit will open. The new exhibit incorporates a caterpillar nursery and emergence chamber so visitors can see the butterfly in all stages. For more garden information, visit dbg.org.

A snowbird getaway to Arizona is a no-brainer. Winter in Arizona is the best time weather-wise.

Temperatures range in the low to mid-60s and of course, there is always sunshine in this area that averages 290-plus sunny days annually. Plus, there are plenty of Encore RV Resorts in and around the Phoenix metro area.

Rio Grande, TX The Rio Grande Valley of Texas is a hot spot for snowbirds. It is budget friendly, subtropical, and loaded with beaches, birds, and beaming snowbirds, so it’s no wonder it’s a mecca for RVers.

more than 1,000 pieces of folk art.

Quinta Mazatlan is also a great place to observe butterflies and hummingbirds which flock to the area thanks to its mild temperatures.

One of the major activities in this area is birding because more than 500 species have been documented in the area. The Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is home of the World Birding Center. This 760acre area is one of the top birding destinations in the country, with birding centers spread throughout the area including centers in Weslaco, Brownsville and McAllen. For information, visit theworldbirdingcenter.com.

The Rio Grande Valley is home to more than 10 museums – each with its own mission. There’s IMAS, the International Museum of Art & Science, in McAllen, whose goal is to educate visitors about science. The current exhibit, Xtreme Bugs Invades IMAS, is a 6,000 square foot exhibit featuring over 100 giant bugs. It runs through Mar. 20, 2017.

Quinta Mazatlan, in McAllen, is another option for bird watching as well as those interested in the history of the area. The backdrop for this nature and birding center is the historic adobe mansion which is open for tours. Quinta Mazatlan features an outdoor sculpture trail that portrays the region in stunning works of art.

Within the mansion, don’t miss the Folk Art Room which features

If you want to learn the history of the Rio Grande Valley, visit the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg. Exhibits include the Rio Grande Legacy which traces the history of the location from pre-historic times to the area’s heydays as a steamboat route, and the Old Jail, a 1910 structure that offers changing exhibits, as well as two vintage films about the area shown in the building’s theater.

If you’re seeking the beach, head to South Padre Island (SPI), which offers plenty of white sand public beaches (actually all the beaches here are public as there are no privately-owned beaches in Texas)!

One of South Padre’s highlights is Sea Turtle Inc., which is dedicated to educating the public about sea turtles as well as saving these animals. There are daily “turtle talks” as well as tours of the facilities so you can see the turtles. For tour information and details about the facilities, visit seaturltleinc.org.

Another great reason to visit the Rio Grande Valley is the amazing selection of Encore RV Resorts in the area. Ten in all, each one offers a different way to spend the winter.

Plan your winter getaway today at RVonthe GO.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

45

Keep It Real This Holiday Season Adopt-A-Manatee® for Loved Ones

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

46

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 65.

www.trailblazermagazine.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Slattery EDITOR tbeditor@equitylifestyle.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mellissa Brosius ADVERTISING SALES TBads@equitylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynn & Cele Seldon Joan Rykal Annie Berman MISSION STATEMENT TrailBlazer provides exclusive news and information for the members and guests of Thousand Trails Family of Resorts. Each issue enhances the recreational lifestyle of its readers through a lively mix of camping and travel features, resort profiles and product features.

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

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

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

ACROSS 1 Amer. Cancer Society (abbr.)

4 Levy 8 Shabby woman 12 Citizen (abbr.)

13 Outbreak 14 Wings 15 Edenic 17 Spoken alphabet letter 18 Parasitic insects 19 Slave of Sarah 20 Calif. wild plum 22 Building (abbr.)

24 Leave port 25 Strauss opera 29 Gone by 30 Trail 31 Amer. Automobile Assn. (abbr.)

34 Arabian chieftain 35 Ice mass 36 Irish poet 37 Gremlin

40 41 42 46 47 48 49 50 51

Teem Roast (Fr.) Toothless Indigo dye Musical instrument (brass) Council for Econ.

Advisors (abbr.)

Rear Academy (abbr.)

Kansas (abbr.)

DOWN 1 Exclamation 2 Fr. business abbreviation 3 Male horse 4 Battle 5 One (Ger.) 6 Sun 7 Eye inflammation 8 Mar 9 Few (pref.)

10 Maori seagoing canoe

11 16 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 30 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45

Stag Small bottle Handbook (abbr.)

Munich’s river Learned person Support Flavor River through Florence and Pisa Round table knight Hole Rhine tributary Bulrush Lactic (2 words) Fr. month Simple organism Nab One of the Parcae Of the ear Small armadillo Greek letter Duke (Fr.) Social affair Belonging to (suf.)

PRINTED IN THE USA

THOUSAND TRAILS RESERVATIONS Call: 800-288-7245

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

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

ENCORE RESERVATIONS 877-570-2267

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

Cooking with

TT Chefs!

Whalers Rest is blessed to have a fantastic employee who is a jack of all trades. Bill Barnett is the maintenance supervisor as well as our chief. Bill and his wife Peggy have been with us for close to 6 years and we look forward to many more years to come. Bill cooks everything from Breakfast,BBQ,Soups, Dinners and Desserts all from scratch. Everything Bill makes is absolutely amazing. One of his signature dishes Whalers Quiche is great for breakfast, but honestly works for any meal. We hope you like his dish as much as we do here at Whalers Rest.

Bill Barnett, Whalers Rest Campground

Visit Lake Minden’s Blue Heron Café and you’ll definitely experience two things; great food and a whole lot of cheerful named Cheri. Cheri says she loves cooking, meeting people and hearing about their travels. Judging by the postcards and waving figurines sent or left by customers I’d say they love her right back.

When you visit Lake Minden pop into the Blue Heron Café for breakfast or lunch and try one the named favorites.

Cheri, Blue Heron Café

If you’re out west, just south of San Diego, you have to visit our Pio Pico Campground and their delicious Coyote Canyon Cafe. Tom and Renee Bromfield and staff often get requests for their delicious spare ribs. Come grab some before they sell out!

Tom & Renee Bromfield, Coyote Canyon Cafe

48

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

The Eddie Chicken Wrap Lake Minden Campground, CA

Ingredients • 1 white or whole wheat tortilla • Grated lettuce or cabbage • Diced tomato • Grated & shredded cheese • Shredded cooked chicken • 1 strip of bacon, crumbled • Honey mustard

Directions 1. Layer grated lettuce or cabbage, diced tomato, grated carrots (to taste) top with shredded chicken, bacon and shredded cheese.

2. Drizzle with honey mustard or preferred dressing. Serve.

Ronda’s B.C.T. Sandwich Lake Minden Campground, CA

Ingredients • 2 slices of toasted whole wheat or white bread • Slice of American cheese • 3 strips of bacon • Sliced tomato

Directions 1. Toast sliced bread. Layer tomato add bacon while it’ still hot, layer cheese on hot bacon. Allow cheese to melt and top with second slice of bread. Serve.

Coyote Canyon Cafe Ribs Pio Pico Campground, CA

Ingredients • 1+ rack of St. Louis style cut ribs • Hickory BBQ sauce For the Rub • Onion powder • Garlic powder • Black pepper • Seasoning salt

Directions 1. Start by removing the rib rack from the refrigerator 2 hours before cooking.

2. Mix rub ingredient together and massage into the ribs.

3. Set a gas BBQ to medium-high.

Place the ribs bone side down and cook for 10 minutes.

4. Turn ribs and coat bone side with a hickey BBQ sauce. Cook for 10 minutes.

Turn again and coat with BBQ sauce.

5. Put ½ in of water in an oven safe pan that’s large enough to hold the ribs.

Place pan with ribs in the preheated 250° oven and cook for 4 to 5 hours.

6. When the ribs are tender, remove from pan and give them another coat of BBQ sauce and serve.

Whaler’s Quiche Whalers Rest Campground, OR

Ingredients • 1 cup chopped cooked breakfast meat of choice • 3 cups hash browns • 6 eggs beaten • ½ cup sliced black olives • ½ cup diced sweet onion • Handful of sliced mushrooms • 1 cup baby spinach leaves • 1 green pepper diced • 1 cup grated cheese of choice

Directions 1. Mix hashbrowns and vegetables and meat together with the vegetables and place in a greased 9X9 glass baking dish.

2. Pour eggs over the hash browns and vegetables and place in a oven at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until the eggs are not runny. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the cheese. Return to the oven until the cheese melts.

3. If you want to add a kick, dice up a couple jalapeño peppers and add to the mix.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

49

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Davy Crockett Grill Camping is synonymous with BBQ and most folks enjoy the tantalizing smells of good grilling. There is something about camping and the lure of a thick steak cooking that entices fellow campers to stop in and see “what’s cookin?”. This month, we wanted to share RV Bill’s passion for barbecuing and highlight one of our Thousand Trails members that shares our same enthusiasm for grilling and smoking all sorts of goodies in particular on our featured Green Mountain Grills model smoker/BBQ named the “Davy Crockett”. This little number is sure to make it to the top of your must have list for the next outdoor adventure!

Many of us enjoy smoking at home but carrying a huge smoker around in a RV just isn’t practical.

Fortunately, we found the Davy Crockett to be a great alternative to a big, at home smoker/BBQ that brings home the bacon in more way than one! Equipped with convenient carrying handles that double as a supportive stand on uneven ground and sized small enough to nestle in the back of a truck or in a medium storage compartment.

50

GMG’s digital touch pad control comes with an integrated meat thermometer for that perfect temperature. The Wi-Fi antenna will broadcast grill & meat temperature and report elapsed time right to your smart phone while you watch the game.

The Davy Crockett is a pellet type smoker that automatically feeds the burner to maintain optimal temperature for either smoking or grilling. Green Mountain Grills innovative design allows their grill run on either 12 Volt battery or your 120-V system. The grill is large enough to smoke 4 large racks of ribs as well as several pieces of sausage or any hors d’oeuvres for that quick snack before halftime.

This summer at the La Conner TT in WA, we camped next door to The Wenger Family who really helped open our senses – taste buds included – to the awesome GMG smoker’s scope of versatility. Labor Day Weekend has never been so good with new friends who generously shared their recipes and secrets for restaurant quality smoked ribs, chicken and turkey like they enjoy at home on a regular basis.

Cory and his bride, Tina, are both active military on Whidbey Island and we thank them for their service! Cory’s Mom and Dad, Monty and Caroline Wenger enjoy camping at La Conner on

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

a regular basis to be close to their kids and grandkids, Juliana and Brynlee.

Being able to help The Wenger Family with some of their RV needs was my pleasure and in exchange, we were abundantly blessed with time together over the smoker and remembering just why we all love the RV Life so much in the Thousand Trails system. Enjoy these treasured recipes from The Wenger’s to use on your GMG Davy Crockett Smoker. If you have a favorite BBQ Recipe to share, or a tech question for me at Ask RV Bill, please write in or come visit me in person at a Thousand Trails Campground near you. Looking forward to a wonderful New Year in 2017!

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

Wenger’s Smoked Drummies & Rib Rub •

1 cup Brown Sugar

• 1 tbsp. Garlic, Onion, & Chili Powder •

¼ cup Paprika

•

1 tbsp. Cumin

•

1 tbsp. Parsley

• 2 tbsps. Lawry’s Season Salt •

1 tbsp. Black Pepper

•

A pinch of Cayenne Pepper

Directions Pull membrane off of ribs, rub meats heavily and refrigerate overnight.

Set smoker to 225˚and smoke for 7 hours. Remove and coat ribs with BBQ Sauce on both sides, wrap in foil and cook on 250˚ for 2 more hours.

For Chicken/ Turkey Legs •

1 stick melted butter

• 2 tsps. Worcestershire •

1 tsp. vinegar

•

1 tsp. of dry rub mix

•

½ cup brown sugar

Directions Wenger’s Cuban Corn Directions De husk corn ears, coat with cooking spray and cook on BBQ medium heat until kernels begin to brown, rotating every 2 min. until fully grilled. Remove and

coat with Mayo, Care Asada Seasoning, cilantro and coat with Cojita Mexican Cheese. Wrap in foil & return to grill. Cook for 10-15 min.

Rinse chicken, coat with mixture of ½ Olive Oil and Worcestershire Sauce and heavily coast with dry rubs used for ribs. Smoke at 225 until chicken reaches correct internal temp. Every 30-40 min baste chicken Tina’s Tasty Sauce.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

51

Member Deals

Thousand Trails Members Always Save At

RVontheGo.com Call! Click! Camp!

1-888-443-7301 ▲ Portland Fairview RV Resort (OR)

Thousand Trails Standard Discount:

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

Resorts

TT20%

10% Off

ge RV ood Villa

▲ Mt. H

Resort

(OR)

Offer valid on new reservations only.

Monthly Rates Use Promo Code:

TT1015

▲ Harbor Lakes RV Resort (FL)

Valid at all Encore RV Resorts *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site, unless otherwise specified. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort.

Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid on new reservations only.

52

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals â–˛ Breezy Hill RV Resort (FL)

Florida

$175 Off 3-6 month Seasonal Stay â–˛ Pionee

r Village R

V Resort (F

L)

Valid at all Florida RV Resorts

Promo Code: TT175FL

Florida

Valid 11/1/16 - 4/30/17. Book by 12/31/16.

$2,499

$1,299

Three Month Special

Three Month Special

Valid at Breezy Hill1 for new reservations

Valid at Pioneer Village

Promo Code: TT2499BH

Promo Code: TT1299FL

Valid 11/1/16-4/30/17. Book by 12/31/16.

Valid 11/1/16-4/30/17. Book by 11/30/16.

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

1. Valid on Standard RV Sites that are 30 Ft. or Less

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

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site, unless otherwise specified. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort.

Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid on new reservations only.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

53

Member Deals â–˛ Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort (CA)

California

$199

RVontheGo.com

Weekly Stay

1-888-443-7301

at Palm Springs Oasis

Call! Click! Camp!

Promo Code: TT199PSO Valid 11/1/16 - 5/15/17. Book by 5/1/17.

$599 One Month Special at Palm Springs Oasis Promo Code: TT599PSO

â–˛ Pacific

Dunes Ran

ch RV Reso

rt (CA)

Valid 11/1/16 - 5/15/17. Book by 5/1/17. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site, unless otherwise specified. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort.

Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid on new reservations only.

54

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Victoria Palms RV Resort (TX)

Texas $149/Week Use Promo Code: TT149TX 14 day maximum.

$1,099/3 Month Use Promo Code: TT3MTX

▲ Paradis

e South R

V Resort

(TX)

Valid at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Paradise Park, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Paradise South, Southern Comfort, Sunshine RV and Tropic Winds Offer valid 11/1/16 - 4/30/17. Book by 12/31/16. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

Texas $189/Week Use Promo Code: TT189VP 14 day maximum.

ort (TX)

s RV Res

Wind ▲ Tropic

$1,599/3 Month Use Promo Code: TT3MVP Valid at Victoria Palms Offer valid 11/1/16 - 4/30/17. Book by 12/31/16. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

**Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site, unless otherwise specified. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee. Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort.

Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid on new reservations only.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

55

Member Deals ▲ Mesa Spirit RV Resort (AZ)

Arizona

$199

Weekly Stay

at Mesa Spirit

▲ Desert Paradise

RV Resort (AZ)

Use Promo Code: TT199MS Valid 11/1/16 - 4/30/17. 14 day maximum.

$159

Weekly Stay Valid at Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Countryside, Desert Paradise, Fiesta Grande, Foothill Village, Foothills West, Golden Sun, Mesa Verde, Suni Sands, and Valley Vista

Use Promo Code: TT159AZ

▲ Fiesta Gra

nde RV Resor

t (AZ)

Valid 11/1/16 - 4/30/17. 14 day maximum. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page. **Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates based on a standard site. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to $4 per day resort fee.

Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

Offer valid on new reservations only.

56

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Member Deals ▲ Viewpoint RV and Golf Resort (AZ)

Arizona

$1,199 Three Month Special ▲ Cactus

Gardens R

V Resort (A

Z)

Valid at Cactus Gardens, Capri, Casita Verde, Countryside, Desert Paradise, Foothill Village, Foothills West, Fiesta Grande, Golden Sun, Mesa Verde, Suni Sands and Valley Vista

Promo Code: TT3AZ1 Valid 11/1/16 - 4/30/17. Book by 12/31/16.

$1,599 Three Month Special Valid at Araby Acres, Monte Vista, Paradise RV, ViewPoint, Mesa Spirit and Voyager ort (AZ)

RV Res untryside

▲ Co

Promo Code: TT3AZ2 Valid 11/1/16 - 4/30/17. Book by 12/31/16. *Restrictions/exclusions apply and are listed at bottom of this page.

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

Electric not included for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Rates exclusively for members of Thousand Trails, NACO, Mid-Atlantic, Leisure Time and Outdoor World. Offer not valid on holidays and special events; certain restrictions may apply. Two week maximum stay per resort at discounted rate.

Offer valid on new reservations only.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

57

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

MAXIMIZE

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES More Freedom to Explore!

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

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

58

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Get More Locations Plan Further Ahead Explore New Accommodations Travel Club

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

59

Find The Evergreen Tree An evergreen tree is hidden somewhere in this issue.

Drop us a postcard telling us where you found it, and if your card is drawn you’ll win a $25 Visa® Prepaid Gift Card!

James Brooks of Palm Bay, FL

found the tree on Page 32 of the September Issue.

I KN

TraEWilWABS Alaze I

r

▲ Kayaking

down the Big

Deschutes river near

Answers can be found on page 65.

Wilderness Lakes’ 22nd Annual Tour Monday, January 2,2017

Bend, Oregon

This month, TrailBlazer caught up with to hear all abou Leonard C. Thousand Trail t their camping adve “Chuck” Smit ntures. Mem s become just h and his wife bers since 1979 a few camp Joy , they grounds to what it is today have seen TB: How long . have you been camping and TB: How did RVing? you first hear Who intro about Thou duced you woke us up sand Trail to it?

Tell us how by squealing s? it all bega CS: Thousand because his n! legs were CS: We joine advertisement Trails sent an hanging over d in August at Paci fic 1979 the edge of in the mail that if you City, Oreg deck and the the on, went when they only thing program, they through the were just start holding him on the traile to “pun ch provided us ing with 2 free was the tent out” the new r sleeping bags flap. Only campsites. his . head and shou We have a TB: Any funn 20 foot RV, but we lders were y camping/ in the traile use still RVing stori r. once in awhi the cabins es? le.

CS: When our second son was only about a year old and was sleeping on the deck of our tent trailer at the time , he 32 SEPTEMBER

TB_September_2

016_V7.indd

2016 TRAILB LAZER

32

8/15/16 11:03 AM

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

TrailBlazer Evergreen Tree Two North Riverside Plaza Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606 Postmark deadline is Nov. 30, 2016 and remember –the tree could be a different color and size.

60

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Take a fabulous day trip to Pasadena for the 128th 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

4

paws ROAD

Every outing with “Willow”, our Australian Shepard, is a new adventure!

Each and every time we head out with her she finds new places to see, people to meet and dogs to greet. She has found new hiking paths to take, helping me to step off the beaten path. Willow has found us unique shell fossils on the beach and found the best bench to take in the view. She has provided a reason to take much needed breaks while traveling...often stopping at parks and small towns we might have just passed right by. She has taken us for walks in historic neighborhoods and found us the best places to swim at local lakes and rivers. She provides cheap entertainment as she barks at motorcycles while going down the road...you haven’t lived till you get a thumbs up from a biker dude because your dog is louder than the Harley.

Best of all, she has made us friends. If it weren’t for Willow’s sense of exploration, we might have missed out on many interesting adventures!

Full Timer, Nan Clute

ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

by Jenn Gehr

Thousand Trails members share their hearts of the how’s and whys traveling with their pets adds so much joy to their camping experiences. My Boston, “Brie” met a new best buddy named “Gracie” this last September in Grandy Creek, WA. Both Gracie’s owners, Steve and Joyce Glenn from Bellingham, WA are new to the RV lifestyle having spent much of their free time on their sailboat with 2 cats! As our neighbors for several days, we all very much enjoyed this new found friendship that included watching the dogs play while

sharing travel stories and swapping “must-do’s when you’re in…” lists.

The Hennerberg Family love to camp!

And it seems like each family member has its own special canine companion to care for both at home and on the road.

This family enjoys being out in their motorhome so much that they have already booked the La Conner preserve again months in advance and are planning to visit the Sunriver Preserve in Oregon soon. They know that time is precious and having the flexibility to bring their beloved pets along with them just sweetens their experience. “Cheeto” the Cattle Dog is the newest member of the clan and is cherished by the youngest son, Riley, who explores the campground with his older brother Evan. “Having a chance to get away from my hectic work schedule and have a relaxing time together in the Thousand Trails network of wonderful parks” is what this family looks forward to each month and throughout the year.

How many folks do you know that own and travel with a 1 year old terrier named “Willie” and a 8 month old white rabbit named “Nibbles”?!

This dynamic duo gets along and walks together on a harness and leash.

Nibbles is Linda’s pride and joy and she looks forward to visiting all the campground she can while sharing time with her beautiful rabbit. They will venture south this winter to Yuma for more fun and both pets will come along for the adventure. Nibbles lives in a big cage, can munch through a celery stick in nothing flat and enjoys rearranging the “furniture” inside his wittle-wabbit house.

This travel lifestyle wouldn’t be the same if not for it’s special Thousand Trails members. Over the years, so many campers have added such pleasure and laughter to our lives and we thank you for sharing with us as we share with you.

Have a wonderful New Year in 2017 and we hope to see you on your next camping excursion.

Cheers, Jenn Swope-Gehr

Linda Nasin

Amy & Jason Hennerberg, sons, Riley and Evan. Cheeto the puppy, Tucker the Burly Boston and Bella the Boston.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

61

PREFERRED RV DEALERS

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

USA

A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City www.alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • www.agorv.com Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley www.affinityrv.com Alpin Haus NY - Amsterdam, Port Jervis, Saratoga www.alpinhaus.com Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • www.alstrailers.com American Family RV VA - Chesapeake www.americanfamilyrv.com Appleton Camping Center WI - Appleton • www.appletoncamping.com B&B RV CA - Anderson • www.bbrv.me Bama RV AL - Dothan • www.bamarv.com Baydo’s RV of Chehalis WA - Chehalis • www.baydosrvs.com Big Country RV OR - Bend, Redmond • www.bigcrv.com Blade Chevrolet RV WA - Mt. Vernon • www.bladerv.com Boat-N-RV NY - West Coxsackie; SC - Ridgeland PA - Hamburg • www.boatnrv.com Braun’s Fun Time Campers IN - Indianapolis www.funtimecampers.com Browns RV SC - McBee www.brownsrvsuperstore.com Burlington RV Superstore WI - Sturtevant • www.burlingtonrv.com 62

Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • www.camperland.net Campers Inn CT - Union; FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville, Raleigh NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Pittsburgh, Philadelphia MA - Raynham; SC - Myrtle Beach VA - Fredericksburg; GA - Macon, Atlanta www.campersinn.com

Dunlap RV Center KY - Bowling Green www.dunlaprvcenter.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville www.economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro www.ellistraveltrailers.com

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

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

Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton • www.charlieobaughrv.com

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

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

Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake www.freedomrvusa.com

Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale www.clearcreekrvcenter.com Colerain RV OH - Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus IN - Indianapolis, KY - Lexington www.colerainrv.com Conejo Wholesale Auto and RV CA - Thousand Oaks www.conejowholesaleauto.com Country Camping Corner NC - Kings Mountain, Matthews www.countrycamping.com Crossroads Trailers NJ - Newfield www.crossroadstrailers.com Cunningham Campers, Inc. IN- Jeffersonville www.cunninghamcampers.com Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft www.curtistrailercenter.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

Funtime RV OR - Tualalin • www.funtimervinc.com General RV Center IL - Huntley MI - Brownstown, Mt. Clemens, Wayland, White Lake, Wixom OH - North Canton www.generalrv.com Gibs RV Superstore OR - Coos Bay www.gibsrvsuperstore.com Grandview Trailer Sales VA - Bedford www.grandviewtrailersales.com Hayden’s RVs VA - Richmond • www.haydensrvs.net Haylett RV MI - Coldwater www.haylettautoandrv.com Indian Valley Camping Center Inc. PA - Souderton • www.ivccrv.com Jeff’s Couch’s RV Nation OH - Hamilton • www.couchsrvnation.com

Keystone RV Center PA - Greencastle www.keystonervcenter.com Lakeside RV Sales SC - Anderson • www.lakesidervsales.com La Mesa RV AZ - W. Phoenix, CA - Sacramento, San Diego FL - Ft. Myers, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Daytona Beach • www.lamesarv.com Lux-Liner LLC CA - Acadia • Lux-liner.com McKay’s RV & Marine Center ME - Holden • www.mckaysrv.com Media Camping PA - Media • www.mediacamping.com Mike Thompson RV Superstores CA - Cathedral City, Colton, Fountain Valley, Santa Fe Springs www.mikethompson.com

RV General Store OK - Newcastle • www.rvgeneralstore.com

Vogt RV TX - Ft. Worth • www.vogtrv.com

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

Welcome Back RV Outlet TX - Athens • www.welcomebackrv.com

RV Source TN - Knoxville • www.rvsforless.net

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden www.westerntravelsales.com

RVs Northwest WA - Spokane • www.rvsnorthwest.com RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim • www.rvvaluemart.com Safford RV VA - Thornburg • www.saffordrv.com Sahara RV NV - Las Vegas • www.sahararv.com

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • www.wilderrvs.com

CANADA Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • www.actionvr.ca

Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood www.scottmotorcoach.com

Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke • www.vrjdrv.ca

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

VR Depot QC - Vaudreuil-Dorion • www.vrdepot.ca

Opelika RV Center AL - Opelika • www.opelikarv.com

Seguin RV TX - Seguin • www.seguinrv.com

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Evert’s RV Country AZ - Bullhead City, Flagstaff CA - Fresno; NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg; WA - Fife, Milton, Mt. Vernon www.rvcountry.com Phillips RV Center MI - Mount Morris • www.phillipsrv.com PPL Motorhomes TX - Cleburne, Houston, New Braunfels www.pplmotorhomes.com Princesscraft RV TX - Round Rock • www.princesscraft.com R.B.Taylor & Sons VA - Lynchburg www.rbtaylorandsons.com Recreation Plantation RV Sales IL - Lynwood www.recreationplantationrvsales.com Roadhouse Camper & RV PA - Lake Ariel (Scranton) www.roadhousecamper.com Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville • www.royrobinsonrv.com Russ Dean Family RV WA - Pasco • www.russdeanrv.com RV City AZ - Huachuca City • www.rvcity.net

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

VR Prestige QC - Terrebonne • www.vrprestige.com VR Souliere QC - Lanoraie, Lavaltrie www.vrsouliere.com GO VR QC - Ange Gardien • www.go-vr.com Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville • www.horizonlussier.com JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières www.entreposagejcs.com

Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • www.sunbeltrv.com Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • www.sundownrv.com Super Deals RV Inc. GA - Douglasville, Temple www.superdealsrv.com TAC Trailer and RV NC - Moyock • www.tactrailerandrv.com

Leasure Days RV ON - Ayr, Kingston, Pembroke, Smith Falls, Sudbry QC - Buckingham, Gatineau, Sherbrooke NB - Salisbury NS - Truro www.leisuredays.ca Le Centre du Vr Victoriaville QC - Saint-Albert • www.vrvictoriaville.com

The Trail Center SC - North Charleston www.trailcenter.com Toscano RV CA - Los Banos • www.toscanorv.com TravelTime RV TX - Sulphur Springs www.traveltimerv.com Vancouver RV & Park Model Center Wa - Vancouver • www.vancouverrv.com

Roulottes AS Levesque QC - Châteauguay, Saguenay, Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières www.roulotte.ca Roulottes Remillard QC - Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu www.roulottesremillard.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

63

y l l a R It’s ! e m i T Calendar

CLUB NOV/DEC 2016 Bounders United (BUTTN)

If you are interested in attending please e-mail or call the Schneider’s, Betty Aron.

Schneider@verizon.net, (619) 575-2311 or (619) 929-7848. You will need to make your own reservations through the Thousand Trails system.

TT SINGLES Central California

Dec. 2-4.......................... San Benito, CA Jan. 27-29, 2017............ San Benito, CA Feb. 24-26, 2017..........Morgan Hill, CA Mar. 24-26, 2017........... San Benito, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 986-1088 or email janedjd@pacbell.net or Judy Rogers at (775) 772-1872 or email fifthwheeler61@yahoo.com.

TT Travelers Southern California

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

64

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

Northwest

We also have new contact people and email, phone numbers: Wagon Master Daphne Bailey (Oregon) (503) 590-8566, daphnebailey07@ comcast.net. Secretary Dottie Michel (Washington) (360) 941-3126, ttnw_sec@yahoo.com.

Lewis and Clark TTN

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

TTWest/FMCA

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

TTN So Cal Weekenders

Nov. 4-6.............. Wilderness Lakes, CA Dec. 2-4......................Palm Springs, CA Feb. 3-5, 2017.... Wilderness Lakes, CA Mar. 3-5, 2017...........Palm Springs, CA Apr. 7-9, 2017...... Soledad Canyon, CA May 5-7, 2017... Oakzanita Springs, CA Jun. 2-4, 2017.................... Pio Pico, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship.

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

Rolling Thunder of Texoma/FMCA

Apr. 7-9, 2017 ����������� Lake Whitney, TX Oct. 6-8, 2017 ������������ Lake Texoma, TX New members must be a member of TTN and FMCA. Contact Connie Farrar at (817) 454-4612 or email to Dianna Huff at diannahuff47@gmail.com.

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 47.

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 60.

Terms and Conditions for 2016 Referral Promotion from page 4.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through December 31, 2016, you will receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through December 31, 2016, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2017, not to exceed $545 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2017. The winners will be notified by telephone. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid Card and you will not receive a $25 Visa® Prepaid Card for purchases made by residents of AZ or PA. We reserve the right to extend, modify, suspend, or terminate this promotion at any time for any reason; however, any rewards earned prior to the suspension or termination of this promotion will be honored. Employees of Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible to participate in this promotion. All local, state and federal income taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Accordingly, we recommend that all participants consult a tax advisor about reporting rewards for tax purposes. We will issue the required 1099 to each participant and to the IRS when the total value of awards you are eligible to recesive 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.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 TRAILBLAZER

65

This year…

Spend your winter in the SUN

Enjoy the warmth, great amenities and fun-filled activities at Encore RV Resorts and Thousand Trails Campgrounds.

38

Florida Destinations

10

South Texas Destinations

24

Arizona Destinations

2

Palm Springs Destinations

Book your reservation today!

RVontheGo.com

(888) 443-7301

Ask How you Can Camp All Year Long with Our Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Our Thousand Trails Camping Pass is offered by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, an affiliate of Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., Two North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington as required by Washington Law. Value, quality or conditions stated and performance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department.

The filing does not mean the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift or item of value as part of any promotional plan.

Empowered People SkyMed Profiles in Empowerment

I really love my job because SkyMed empowers me to be an advocate for our members. I talk to SkyMed members every day and it makes me feel like I have my finger on the pulse of SkyMed. Our members are active and on the move. I’m either helping a member with a valuable service or renewing a membership. Being on the company front line can be stressful because serious accidents and illnesses happen. We need to be responsive immediately. SkyMed empowers us to always think ‘priority member service’ first. Everything else comes second.

We arrange member services of some kind every day of the year. When our members need us – well, they need us NOW! That’s 24 SEVEN 365. Being trained and empowered to take appropriate action immediately is the best form of member advocacy. I’ve spoken to a member’s family, received the attending physician’s medical report and ordered an air ambulance costing thousands of dollars all within a few minutes. Lives are saved because of swift action. I do love helping our members.

Nan Steinberg

Member Service Manager With SkyMed since 2005 P.S. Many of our members know me. I might only have spoken to them once or twice and maybe as long as five years ago. When I hear ‘Hi Nan’, I’m listening and know we’re going to be able to help a member. That’s the most rewarding part of what I do. SkyMed really is a great company to be part of as a member, sales representative or employee. Everyone is empowered to do their personal best.

1-800-679-2020 www.skymed.com

®

GREAT COVERAGE

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

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

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