TrailBlazer Magazine - October 2015

OCTOBER 2015

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$2.00

National Wildlife Month “Wild” Places Across the United States

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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

©2014 Winnebago Industries, Inc.

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

VOL. 37

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WHAT’S INSIDE

ISSUE 9

OCTOBER 2015

Columns

Features

5 Message from Marguerite

22 America’s National Wildlife Refuges

9 Tech Topics

32 Taking Flight this Winter

48 Ask RV Bill 59 4 Paws on the Road

Calendars

Lifestyle

10 Preserve Events

18 Out n’ About:

South Texas

14 Local Events

22

63 Club Calendar

▲

Regulars

America’s National Wildlife Refuges Spread across the country, America’s varied national wildlife refuges encompass more than 150 million acres of land and water from the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean to Alaska and out into the Pacific.

28 #100DaysofCamping 30

Trail Mix: Corn Mazes

40 On The Road:

Thompson Square 44 Updates and Upgrades:

The Reserve

50 Member Deals 58 Crossword Puzzle 62 Sudoku Puzzle

18

46 Who’s in the Kitchen

with TrailBlazer?

66 On Location Taking Flight this Winter This snowy season, spread your snowbird wings and take flight to a warmer climate.

32 ▲ Out n’ About: South Texas From the Alamo to San Benito, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas encompasses many neat little towns that are rich in history and offer tons of unique things to see and do.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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▲

速

Camping is

Always Better with Friends!

FOR A LIMITED TIME

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

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or visit THOUSANDTRAILS.COM 4

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

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

▲ Lynchburg, VA

MESSAGE from MARGUERITE For many, the month of October brings to mind thoughts of apple picking, corn mazes, Oktoberfests, pumpkin patches and views of spectacular fall foliage.

Many of us look forward to the fall season as the perfect time to get out and camp. Our campgrounds seem to be a little more laid back, they are not as crowded, and the crisp fall air provides the perfect time to be outdoors.

It’s the ideal temperature to truly appreciate a s’more.

Plus, the peak fall foliage is bursting with color and ready to be enjoyed throughout the country.

For others, the month of October signals a time to either begin planning for an upcoming snowbird trip, or possibly begin the journey down south from already colder climates. For those who may be considering an escape from winter, I want to point out that the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a repeat of last winter for many in the US. I am sure that prediction alone is enough for a number of you to start planning your migration down south today. Winter seems to be more bearable with the promise of sunshine and temperatures in the seventies!

The change of seasons represents a time to prepare, plan, or begin the countdown to next summer’s camping season. In this issue we have provided you with a mix of each, a look back on our summer season, as witnessed in our #100DaysofCamping promotion, some fun autumn events for all to enjoy, and for those yearning to snowbird, we have provided you with some travel tips and recommendations.

So, whatever season you prefer, our locations provide the perfect retreat for you and your family. Our Thousand Trails locations in the Northeast, Midwest, and Northwest feature a variety of autumn events and activities, as well as provide the perfect backdrop to view the breathtaking fall colors. (Be sure to check out our blog for some fall foliage highlights in the northeast!) For those who are looking forward to the upcoming snowbird season and meeting up with friends, be sure to take advantage of the member discounts at our Encore RV Resorts. With prime locations throughout the sunbelt states including the Florida Keys, the Rio Grande Valley in Texas or the dry, desert climate and the gorgeous landscape of Arizona, our Encore RV Resorts provide great options for your winter getaway. These locations allow the camping and RV fun in the sun to continue straight on through to the next summer season.

No matter what October means for you, we encourage you to get out and camp among the beautiful fall foliage, or travel down south where the green palm trees are plentiful. Enjoy the season and always look forward to what next season will bring!

Marguerite Nader President & CEO OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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

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

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

TRAILBLAZER MAGAZINE Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 www.trailblazermagazine.net NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS 1-877-252-9320 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

▲ Idyllwild (CA): Smokey the Bear #100Daysof Camping.

– Dawna Miller

Now Win $50 EACH Issue!

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

Winners will receive a $50 Visa® Gift Card.

Each issue we will select ONE “winning” photo from the submissions received (all submissions must be received by midnight on the last day of the month). Winning photo will be posted on the TrailBlazer website as well as in the magazine.

Photo submissions should include a brief description, including location of your photo, your name, city and state and sent to:

TrailBlazer_photos@equitylifestyle.com or mail to:

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

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

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.

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

PICS FROM THE PARKS

▲ Hidden Cove (AL): Grandson enjoying the summer waterslide!

– Anthony Morgan

▲ Pacific City (OR): Sun setting through the trees.

– Ron Severson

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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SM

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

TECH

TOP CS :

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

by Paul and Kerri Elders

S

pacious, inviting slideout rooms are extremely popular additions in today’s RV’s.

Whether you roll down life’s highway in a fifth wheel, travel trailer, motorhome, or mini, slideouts are a huge hit with RVers.

Gorgeous and roomy, they add a lot of style to our comfy road homes, but they do require just a little bit of extra care. This month, we’ll share a few simple, common-sense tips to help you make the most of these beautiful, roomy spaces.

Let’s get going!

Slideout rooms are expandable spaces built into the body of the RV. Most are electrically or hydraulically operated, allowing you to easily widen your RV’s living area or expand your sleeping area with a simple push of a button. Although it’s always important to think about which RV spot you’ll be parking in before you park in it, this is especially true when your RV has slideouts. Make a mental note of any dangling tree limbs, utility hookups, electrical boxes, small shrubs, and other possible obstacles BEFORE you park. Usually, it’s just a matter of moving the RV forward or back a foot or two, but sometimes, the space you want just isn’t a good fit for an RV with slideouts. Plan ahead!

Once you’ve picked your perfect spot and are parked and level, double-check the location of shore power service posts and sewer connections before extending the slideout; you want to be sure you’ll still have unhindered, easy access to all utility hookups once the slideout is fully deployed. Do a quick visual inspection of the outside area, verifying you have adequate clearance on all sides. Remember, you want to be able to comfortably walk around your RV, even after all slideouts are extended.

Make it a habit to check that all outside storage bay doors are closed before extending or retracting slideouts. And remember to watch out for kids’ toys, lawn chairs, picnic tables, or other items that might be in the way of free and easy slideout movement.

Before extending or retracting any slideout room, it’s important to look around inside, as well. Clear the interior floor space around the slideout, removing any loose items such as rugs, shoes, flipflops, towels, stray socks, pet toys, blankets, or bags that could become trapped by the moving parts of the room. Check to be sure that all electrical cords are unplugged in the slideout room itself and the area around it to avoid damaging cords and/or appliances. It’s also a good idea to sweep or vacuum the floor around the slideout to prevent any loose debris (like a tiny piece of gravel) from sliding with the room and damaging the floor surface or seals.

Some manufacturers recommend retracting slideouts during periods of exceptionally heavy rain. This can help prevent excess water from building up around the seals, which has the potential to cause water leaks. This is particularly important if you plan to be away from your RV for an extended period of time.

If it’s raining when you’re ready to retract the room, just close it slowly, allowing adequate time for any accumulated water to drain off the slideout’s outside surfaces. Once it’s fully retracted, take a moment to wipe the interior top and sides of the slideout with paper towels to prevent any drips.

Before closing any slideout, remember to check for and remove any debris that’s fallen on the top of the slideout (twigs, leaves, pine cones, pine needles, etc.) Slideout awnings

that automatically retract and extend with the slideout are a great solution to this issue. Awnings can help minimize the amount of tree debris, dirt, or snow that collects on the top edge of extended slideouts.

Occasionally look under your extended slideouts, checking for oily spots on the ground. These are useful indicators of a possible hydraulic leak. Repairs should be made at the first sign of any leakage; see your RV service center. Springtime is a great time to inspect, clean, and lubricate your slideout tracks and worm gear. If you have a hydraulic slideout system, check the reservoir tank for proper fluid levels and inspect the hydraulic lines to be sure they’re properly secured.

Lubricate slideout room seals as required by the manufacturer; white colored slideout room seals usually require occasional lubrication to prevent the seal from drying out; these products are available at your local RV supply house. Black slideout room seals usually include an integrated UV-ray inhibitor that helps protect the seal and usually should not be lubricated, because some lubricants can chemically react with the inhibitor, actually degrading the UV coating. Just clean these seals occasionally with mild soap and water, rinsing well. From information we’ve seen, it’s usually okay to “brighten up” dull black seals with a touch of a protectant like Armor-All, if you wish. As always, it’s best to check your Owner’s Manual for specific instructions and maintenance details pertaining to your RV’s specific style and make of slideout rooms.

Enjoy your travels; happy trails!

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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ACTIVITIES

AND

Activities and Events – On-Site

OCTOBER events This month’s theme weekends are filled with fall favorites for the whole family.

WEEKEN

For a complete listing of events at the preserves, please visit www.thousandtrails.com to view our Theme Weekends directory.

DS

Find Your Trail

ThousandT 2015 TT Theme

rails.com

Weekends V10.indd

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4/2/15 6:20 PM

Halloween

Trick-or-treat campers! Halloween lasts almost all month. Check out all the spooky weekend activities right here…

Trick or Treat comes a little early at Pacific City (OR) and they will celebrate with a spooky scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting, and cookie decorating on Oct. 24. Don’t miss Halloween at Lake Texoma (TX) on Oct. 31 featuring a carnival for all ages. Join the folks at the Family Center at Lake Whitney (TX) on Oct. 31 for the Annual Trick-orTreat. So that everyone can enjoy it, the folks at Chesapeake Bay (VA) will celebrate Halloween twice – Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1.

Decorate your campsite or golf cart for the campsite decorating contests and don’t forget to bring LOTS of candy to give out at trick-or-treating.

Campsite Decorating Contests Who doesn’t love a little healthy competition? Check out these fun contests happening this month!

Oct. 23-25 Pumpkin Festival Weekend Join the folks at Rondout Valley (NY) for a pumpkin pie eating contest and bring your favorite pumpkin recipe to share with others during the Pumpkin Festival Weekend on Oct. 23-25! At Grandy Creek (WA) the Boo Fest 2015 weekend will take place from Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and features a Jack-O-Lantern Carving contest plus costume contest.

All ages welcome to enter. Check out the Monster Mash at Lake Gaston (NC) from Oct. 16-18 and enter the Pumpkin Carving Contest or dress to impress at the adult costume contest followed by a party into the night at the Monster Mash. Bring your pumpkins to Lake Whitney (TX) on Oct. 24 for the Jack-O-Lantern Carving contest.

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Oktoberfest

Celebrate an old German tradition at these Oktoberfest events this month at Thousand Trails!

Join the folks at Oakzanita Springs (CA) on Oct. 10-11 for beer tasting, sausage, and kraut! It’s apple time in Julian! Don’t miss FREE German Beer & Root Beer for the kids Bratwurst Dinner & Pretzels on Oct. 10 at Wilderness Lakes (CA). At Rondout Valley (NY) we supply the bratwurst, knockwurst, and hot dogs.

You bring your best German dish to complete the meal to share with family and friends. Don’t miss out Oct. 2-4. At Peace River (FL) it’s a weekend of Autumn crafts and seasonal games starting on Friday. On Saturday, we are cooking up the brats-n-kraut for our annual Oktoberfest and you can bring your favorite brew or side dish to share, from Oct. 2-4.

Columbus Day Weekend

You know the rhyme – in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue!

Learn more about Christopher Columbus the weekend of Oct. 9-12!

It will be an education day learning about the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria at Bay Landing (TX). The folks at Medina Lake (TX) challenge you to Christopher Columbus themed trivia. It’s the last long holiday weekend at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) so let’s enjoy entertainment on Saturday evening with all your friends! At Gettysburg Farm (PA) there will be more apple crafts and foods to go along with the last pig roast potluck dinner of the year. A live country band will close out the evening. Join the folks at PA Dutch Country (PA) to celebrate Columbus Day as well as the Momma Mia weekend – enjoy a spaghetti dinner, bocce tournament and bonfire.

Some events may require a participation fee.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – On-Site

Pumpkin Carving

Fall means lots of pumpkin carving!

See how these Thousand Trails campgrounds make the most of the pumpkin season.

Oct. 24 is Pumpkin Carving weekend at Colorado River (TX) so bring your pumpkin to the activity center and get ready to be creative.

Join the folks at Lake Conroe (TX) on Oct. 17 for a good pumpkin time! They will be doing pumpkin carving and painting, along with a pumpkin seed spitting contest.

Bring your pumpkin inspired treats too! Do you make the best pumpkin pie or bread? Join the folks at Lake Texoma (TX) on Oct. 24 for a weekend filled with pumpkins and see if your recipe is the best. Plus, it’s Pumpkin Festival Weekend on Oct. 9-11 at Timothy Lake North & South (PA). We’ll have a hayride around the park and when you get off, grab a pumpkin from our very own pumpkin patch! There will be painting, games and more!

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Opening and Closing Weekends All good things must come to an end…until they start up again! Here are the highlights of closing weekend activities this month!

Stop in to make sure you say goodbye to all the staff at Moody Beach (ME) until next year the weekend of Oct. 16-18. Don’t miss the last weekend of fun at Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) from Oct. 16-18 featuring pumpkin decorating, haunted wagon rides, trick-or-treating, and some spooky entertainment! The weekend of Oct. 23-25 is a must for Gettysburg Farm (PA) campers.

The campground will be packed with ghouls and goblins young and old. Pumpkin carving, costume contest, trick-or-treating, hayrides and a DJ dance on Saturday evening. Last weekend of the season at Pine Country (IL) is Oct. 16-18. And at Horseshoe Lakes (IN) encounter the ghouls and goblins trick or treat hayride, adult and kid’s costume contest, spooky games and crafts, goodbye breakfast and Hug Fest for the last weekend of the season.

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Activities and Events – On-Site

Autumn

As the weather cools down, enjoy these events to appreciate fall foliage and all the food that comes with the fall harvest.

The folks at Cherokee Landing (TN) will hold an old fashioned picnic around the fire on Oct. 10.

It’s Apple Weekend at Gettysburg Farm (PA).

Nearby South Mountain Fairgrounds hosts the National Apple Harvest Festival from Oct. 2-4 this weekend and next. At the farm there will be an apple pie contest and an Oktoberfest dinner with brats and sauerkraut. Enjoy the beautiful sights of the fall season at Lake Whitney (TX) on Oct. 17. There will be kids crafts, nature walks and much more. It is Fall Foliage Weekend Rondout Valley (NY) from Oct. 16-18 and the colors are at their peak this week. Take walks on our groomed trails and get back to nature. Apple picking is still in full swing, so run to our local orchards and pick the best apples anywhere!

Potluck

At Thousand Trails, we love to share, so here are the potlucks happening this month!

On Oct. 3 at Russian River (CA) is the Fall Homemade Soup Potluck. We invite everyone in the park to bring a homemade soup to this potluck event. We will provide bread and beverages, and you bring you best homemade soup! It’s Desserts Galore at Carolina Landing (SC) on Oct. 17 so cook up your favorite dessert and share with your neighbors today to celebrate fall! Hungry travelers can join us for a Potluck Dinner each Thursday evening in the Clubhouse at The Oaks (SC). Please sign up by 5pm and plan to share a dish for six. Plus, don’t be chilled to the bone. Bring your favorite pot of chili to Lake Minden (CA) on Oct. 30-Nov. 1 for a Chili Potluck Social and Halloween Weekend. Saturday we’ll have a “scarier by the hour” movie marathon, Halloween Candy Bingo, an Ice Cream Social, and a Trick or Treat Hay Ride. We’ll also give a prize for the best “Halloween” decorated site.

Some events may require a participation fee.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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Activities and Events – Local

LOCAL

OF

CALENDAR events

Colorado River (TX) Oct. 2-4 Oktoberfest

Oompah bands, German Food, art show, booths, and much more. It is well worth the 140 mile trip. oktoberfestinfbg.com

Scotrun (PA)

Oct. 10-11 5th Annual Last Fling Pumpkin Sling Fling – Sling Competition, hot Air tethered balloon rides, hay rides, vertical ventures jump unit, crafts, food, kids activity tent and more! Adults $10; kids $6; under 5 FREE. pumpkinsling.com

Verde Valley (AZ)

Oct. 10-11 Sedona Arts Festival A favorite in the Southwest, the festival showcases 126 juried artists, the Gourmet Gallery, an international guest artist, and KidZone, as well as great music, food, and raffle prizes.

Admission supports arts education in our community. sedonaartsfestival.org

Oct. 17 Sedona Community Pool Bring your bathing suit and join your friends at the best pumpkin patch in Sedona.

This unique event is fun for all ages. Pumpkin Splash is limited to the first 300 people. Everyone entering the pool facility, adults and children alike, must pay a $4 entry fee. sedonaaz.gov

Oct. 17 Sedona Main Street Paint Out See thirty nationally recognized Plein Air Artists along sidewalks and plazas in Uptown,each completing a painting in 2.5 hours. sedonapleinairfestival.org

Oct. 24 Taste of the Verde Valley Wine Harvest Festival This show is an oldfashioned, small town arts & crafts show with lunch and a bake sale.All items are handmade. Find a large variety of offerings including fine art, ceramics, garden decor, baskets, gourd art, wearable art, greeting cards, and more! sedonamuseum.org

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Oct. 24 Día De Los Muertos Celebration at Tlaquepaque Music, food and beautiful altars will be on view starting at 2:00 p.m.Watch fire dancers and visit our thematic face painting booth. Costumes are encouraged. Ofrenda or Offering, in the traditional Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos,is created to remember the dead and to honor ancestors. tlaq.com/event/detail/id/162

Oct. 31 29th Annual Safe & Fun Trick or Treat Merchants welcome ghouls and ghosts at storefronts for treats! Free event coordinated by Sedona Main Street Program plus Costume Contest in partnership with City of Sedona.Tickets are $6. sedonamainstreet.com/events

Orlando (FL)

Oct. 3 Pasco Pet Fest From 11 to 3, enjoy wine tasting, music, food, vendors, adoptable pets, and beautiful Pasco County with your dog(s).

Oct. 31 Monster Challenge Mud Run Participants claw their way through 4 miles of 28 grueling obstacles designed to make you wish you had stayed home in bed. monsterchallenges.com

La Conner (TX)

Oct. 3-4 Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms Participate in educational exhibits, farm tours, harvest markets, gardening demos, free samples, kids activities, corn and hay mazes,animal exhibits, pumpkin patches, scenic tours and more! festivaloffamilyfarms.com

Lake Gaston (NC) Oct. 5 Lake Gaston Seafood Festival

The menu for the Lake Gaston Seafood Festival includes shrimp, steamed or raw oysters and fish, along with hush puppies, baked beans, slaw and beverages.

Musical entertainment will be part of the festival!

Proceeds go back into the community supporting other Lion’s charities. lakegastonguide.com

pascopetfest.com All events, times and dates are subject to change.

lakelandtheatrenc.org

Lake of the Springs (CA) Oct. 2-4 Celtic Festival & Marketplace

KVMR’s Celtic Festival & Marketplace is a trip to the past days of the Celtic Lands with 2 stages of music and tons of Celtic actors in authentic costume. Come for the Music, Stay for the Magic! kvmrcelticfestival.org

Oct. 9-11 International Harvester Sierra Fall Rally Tour the local gold mining historical sports or brave an off-road trip up the Fordyce Trail. Peruse vendors and sponsors, kids for games, food and an awards ceremony. ihsfr.org

Timothy Lake (PA)

Oct. 10-11 Autumn Timber Festival Catch a glimpse of nature’s splendor at beautiful Shawnee Mountain Ski Area during prime fall foliage time in the Poconos! Join us for this action packed autumn event including lumberjack competitions, Blacksmithing demos by Jim Doherty, chainsaw sculptures, live music, kids’ activities, and food & craft vendors galore. shawneemt.com/s_ autumntimberfestival

Oct. 17-18 Pocono Food Truck Festival Join us for a weekend of delicious street eats that will satisfy the savory, sweet and hard to please taste buds.The Pocono Food Truck Festival will also feature two live bands, Monster Truck Shows, scenic chairlift rides and Mark Clark’s Juggling Show. shawneemt.com

Pio Pico (CA)

Oct. 2-3 La Mesa Oktoberfest A tradition for our community is the annual Oktoberfest.Add great food, entertainment and of course, good old German brats and cold beer, and you have an event that has something for everyone!

Approximately 15 miles from the preserve. lmvma.com/seasonalevents/ oktoberfest

Ponderosa Resort (CA) Oct. 8-11 Coloma Gold Rush Live

Experience life as it was during the 1850 California Gold Rush era in the place where it all began. Enjoy live music, live history tent encampments, historic trade demonstrations and historic reenactments. Only 1 mile from the preserve! coloma.com/calendar/colomagold-rush-live/

Harbor View (VA)

Oct. 8-11 2nd Annual Bike Fest Don’t miss this Harley Davidson demo fleet, vendors, food, custom bike show, poker, bike raffle, wing challenge, music all day! Music is free! colonialbeachbikefest.com

All events, times and dates are subject to change.

Chehalis (WA)

Activities and Events – Local

Oct. 16-17, 23-25 Squabbles (Comedy) A father in law is pitted against a mother in law in this laugh-out-loud pay, Squabbles.

Oct. 10-11 Model Train Show & Swap Meet Sponsored by the Lewis County Historical Museum and the Lewis County Model Railroad Club, the Semi-Annual Model Train Show & Swap Meet will bring the family a wonderful day of fun with trains of all sizes! lewiscountymuseum.org

Oct. 31 Family Friendly Haunted Night at the Historical Museum FREE admission for a family-friendly haunted house plus games for kids like pumpkin bowling, witches hat toss, and more!

Come in costume or win a bowl of dirt and worms. chamberway.com

Rancho Oso (CA)

Oct. 1 The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill, Kenny Sears & Ranger Doug Green Multi-nominated Grammy Award group playing bluegrass and Western swing. Fundraising concert for the maintenance and operating expenses of Solvang Festival Theater. solvangfestivaltheater.org

Oct. 17 35th Annual Day in the Country Starting with the popular early morning Fun Runs, the action packed day will also include a country-themed parade, a climbing wall and a zip line sponsored by Nature Track, more than 100 booths featuring crafts and gourmet foods, live music and a variety of activities suited to the entire family. visitsyv.com

Oct. 9 Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest This year’s Scarecrow Fest, sponsored in part by Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, will include the “SYV” communities of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and the town that started the original Scarecrow Fest.

Medina Lake (TX)

syvscarecrows.com

lovecreekorchards.com

Every Sat, Sun & Mon in October The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch Enjoy unlimited hayrides, hay bale maze, giant hay stacks, petting zoo, storytelling and sing along time, paint a mural, play an instrument in The Great Hill Country Symphony.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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WANT TO BE A

LUCKY WINNER? Lucky winners,

Keith and Beverly McDaniel from Sidell, IL were camping at Horseshoe Lake, IN when they were presented with a $1,000 gift card!

Pictured left to right: Keith and Beverly McDaniel

Thousand Trails is offering members the opportunity to win a

$1,000 Visa® Prepaid Gift Card

To earn entries into our monthly drawing, simply pay your 2015 dues on time and camp at your favorite TT Preserve.

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

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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The unit is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your ear... only you’ll know Less than 1 ounce Excellent: Optimized for speech

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you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so soft sounds and distant conversations will be easier to understand.

Try it for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Some people need hearing aids but many just want the extra boost in volume that a PSAP gives them. We want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself. If you are not totally satisfied with this product, simply return it within 60 days for a refund of the full product purchase price.

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Out n’ About

by Joan Rykal

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From the Alamo to San Benito, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas encompasses many neat little towns that are rich in history and offer tons of unique things to see and do.

With ten Encore RV Resorts located in the Rio Grande Valley, you can visit a blend of everything Texas.

KINGSVILLE While most people head to Kingsville to visit the King Ranch, a working ranch spread across 825,000 acres and home to thousands of Texas cattle, the town of Kingsville has some other highlights, including the 1904 Train Depot Museum (www.kingsvilletexas.com), that houses railroad memorabilia from the early 1900s through the 1960s. Don’t miss the operational telegraph!

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▼ Palo Alto Battle exact replica canon Photo Courtesy of Launa Clarke

▲ Hidalgo Mexican architecture

BROWNSVILLE

HIDALGO

Located on 31 acres in Brownsville, The Gladys Porter Zoo (www. gpz.org) offers 377 species of animals and 225 species of plants. Divided into four areas; (Africa, Asia, Tropical America, and Indo-Australia), visitors can expect to see Galapagos tortoises, tree kangaroos, kookaburras, crocodiles, zebras, camels and more. Visit during the weekend of December 4-5 when the zoo presents a dazzling display of lighted animal and holiday fixtures along with 800 luminarias lighting pathways throughout zoo.

Built in 1909, the Hidalgo Pumphouse provided irrigation for the thousands of crops in the area drawing water from the Rio Grande. It operated, first by steam and eventually by coal and electric, until an all-electric pumphouse was built in 1983.

Visitors can tour the pumphouse and see the machinery that once powered the pumps. As part of the World Birding Center, the pumphouse is surrounded by trails and is an ideal spot to view some of the valley’s sub-tropical birds. For information, visit www. cityofhidalgo.net/pumphouse.

The Palo Alto Battlefield was the site of a battle between US and Mexican troops in 1846 during the US-Mexican War. The site is now part of the National Park Service and provides visitors with the history of the war. For information, visit www.nps.gov/paal.

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▲ World Birding Center wetlands Photo Courtesy of Michael Klotz

EDINBURG The Rio Grande Valley is known for its birding and is home to the World Birding Center. Within this is the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands (www.edingburgwbc.org), a 40-acre wetland oasis that is a setting for birds, butterflies, and other waterfowl. Thirteen species of duck flock to the wetland in the winter months.

Another Edinburg highlight is the Museum of South Texas History, which features the Rio Grande Legacy exhibit and tells the story of the area from prehistoric times to present. The museum is also home to the Will Looney Legacy Park which features several beautiful sculptures. Visit www. mosthistory.org for more details.

The town of Hidalgo has the distinction of being noted as the spot where killer bees crossed from Mexico into the US. Hidalgo’s mayor decided to make the most of this footnote and worked with the city to commission a sculpture of the World’s Largest Killer Bee. This one of a kind piece of art stands ten feet high while the body is 20 feet in length and sports four foot antennae.

This harmless sculpture sits at the entrance to the Hidalgo City Hall.

▲ Port Isabel Lighthouse Photo Courtesy of WriteToast

MCALLEN Held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the New McAllen Public Library, the McAllen Farmers Market features locally grown fruits and vegetables, free range farm egg, grass fed meats, baked goods, health and beauty items, as well as handcrafted goods including jewelry. Stock up and bring your treasures back to camp and get cooking.

PORT ISABEL Built in 1852 to guide ships through the water passage between Padre Island and Brazos Island, the Port Isabel Lighthouse is the only one of the sixteen lighthouses originally constructed on the Texas Coast that remains open to the public. Climb the winding stairs and enjoy the wonderful views, including those of South Padre’s beaches.

LOS FRESNOS All hail the king, and in this case, the king being Elvis Presley. Los Fresnos resident, Simon Vega, has turned his home into a shrine to

the late King of Rock and Roll, who was also an Army buddy of Mr. Vega. Elvis memorabilia, including many personal photographs, are on display at the museum which is open from 10 to 11 a.m. Plan your trip to be there for Elvis Festival 2016, set for Jan. 9. For information, visit www.littlegraceland.com.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND There are more than just beaches to South Padre Island, so you’ll find yourself coming back again and again. For birders, there’s the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, the only place in the world you can see a baby Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle in captivity.

Plan to visit during the 28th Annual Sandcastle Days (October 2-4)that welcome 30,000 plus fans to watch the World Championship Sand Sculpting event.

For more information on all of our Rio Grande Valley resorts visit RVontheGo.com. ▲ Bird blind on South Padre Island Photo Courtesy of Dave Wilson OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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America’s National

Wildlife Refuges More Than 550 “Wild” Places Across the Country Spread across the country – as well as nearby and far-flung oceans and seas – America’s varied national wildlife refuges encompass more than 150 million acres of land and water from the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean to Alaska and out into the Pacific. Wherever you are in the United States and its territories, you’re likely near an iconic sign of the flying goose – the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The National Wildlife Refuge System falls under the realm of the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – which itself originated in 1871 as the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries and was formed as today’s Service in 1940. The Refuge System is dedicated to conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats and it also helps ensure environmental protection of clean air and water. The mission statement of the National Wildlife Refuge System is, “To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

In 1997, the landmark National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act further specified the mission of the 22

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Refuge System and also created several areas of wildlife dependent recreation that were deemed appropriate for refuges: hunting; fishing; wildlife observation; photography; environmental education and interpretation. Wildlife refuges are also working diligently to meet conservation challenges like climate change, habitat fragmentation, urban encroachment, water quality degradation, and constantly increasing demands for energy development and extraction.

The Refuge System provides habitats for approximately 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species, and an incredible 1,000-plus fish species.

More than 380 threatened or endangered plants and animals find homes on refuge lands and, annually, millions of migrating birds use refuges as rest stops along the thousands of miles between their summer and winter homes.

President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida’s tiny Pelican Island on the St. John’s River near Sebastian on the east coast as the first national wildlife refuge way back in 1903. The Refuge System has since grown to include 563 national wildlife refuges, 38 Wetland Management Districts, and many other protected areas. Today, as the world’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants, there is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and U.S. Territory – and at least one within an hour’s drive of most metropolitan areas.

▼ Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, AR Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Bennett

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For administrative purposes, there are currently eight regions that include all of the states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and outlying Pacific islands.

They range from the Southeast Region to the Mountain-Prairie Region and the Pacific Region, plus the stand alone Alaska Region – where there are more than a dozen diverse refuges.

”

The word “diverse” aptly applies to the entire Refuge System.

National wildlife refuges in the great arc from Virginia to Texas feature stunning wetlands, including coastal marshes, bayous with bald cypresses draped in Spanish moss, coastal marshes, and bottomland hardwood forests that all serve as home to wintering waterfowl and a host of year-round wildlife.

The Northeast’s varied refuges, bogs, and other wetlands provide protected areas for bald eagles and nesting grounds for ducks, piping plovers, and more. Out in the Midwest, wetlands serve as migratory safe havens in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and other states, while – further west – refuges straddle both sides of the Rockies from the Canadian border all the way down to Mexico.

From California to Alaska and out into the ocean, refuges in states and territories that touch the Pacific Ocean provide even more diversity, ranging from temperate rainforest to high desert, glaciers, arctic tundra, and more.

We conserve an amazing array of ecosystems: tundra, deserts, forests, great rivers, vast marshes, small prairie potholes, mountains, coral reefs, and remote islands – our mission is wildlife conservation.

Our goal is to serve people.

”

Martinez began her career as a student trainee in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Arizona State Office in Phoenix and served as the deputy chief of the Refuge System from 2012 to 2015. During her career, she’s also served as an assistant field supervisor working on endangered species issues, as a fish biologist, leading

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▲

Cynthia Martienz, chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System

Cabeze Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, AZ Photo Courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service

▲ Fen Wetland Restoration, MT Photo Courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service

the Service’s “Conserving the Future” and “Urban Wildlife” initiatives, and as manager of the Desert National Wildlife Complex in Nevada – one of the largest wildlife refuge complexes in the continental United States.

Of the appointment, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe said, “Cynthia is a great fit for this position. She possesses a diversity of experience working within the Service and National Wildlife Refuge System. Cynthia also demonstrates the strong leadership and innovation the Service needs as we continue to introduce new generations

of Americans to conservation.”

Martinez and her husband Kenny have a daughter and a son and now reside near the headquarters offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Refuge System in Falls Church, Virginia – where the nearest refuges are less than just under 20 miles away (Occoquan Bay and Mason Neck national wildlife refuges in Virginia). With more than 47 million visitors annually, “recreation” is a key component of the Refuge System. The varied offerings include: varied fishing and other watersports (including canoeing and kayaking, piers, and boat launches); lots of

hunting possibilities; land and water trails; auto tour routes, birdwatching, and other wildlife observation, and photography; camping; and lots of educational activities and offerings, plus special programs and events.

Fishing in national wildlife refuges is incredibly varied at more than 270, ranging from snook in the mangroves of Florida to grayling in remote Alaska. Found online, their comprehensive “Guide to Fishing on National Wildlife Refuges” highlights dozens of fishing possibilities, including where certain popular fish (bass, catfish, perch, redfish, salmon, OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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▲ Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, DE Photo Courtesy of Pontla

sea trout, striped bass, sunfish, trout, and walleye) can be found on refuges. There’s also information on boat launching, motor restrictions, and disabled angler facilities. There are even tips on the tradition of ice fishing in many parts of the country! Other watersports possibilities include personal boating and guided tours, canoeing, kayaking, and more. Visitors can bring their own boat or rent one at many refuges.

There are more than 1,000 miles of marked water trails in the Refuge System, ranging from the calm waters of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana to the outback adventure 80-mile route through Alaska’s Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Hunting is available at more than 330 refuges. Along with fisherman, hunters have been at the forefront of addressing dangers to wildlife – establishing conservation organizations and being instrumental in the establishment of many national wildlife refuges.

In fact, more than 200 non-profit independent organizations – called Friends of wildlife refuges – are essential to national wildlife refuge recreational offerings and more. This includes raising funds,

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building community ties, hosting special events, and leading educational programs. More than 36,000 volunteers also donate about 1.4 million hours to the Refuge System.

Also available online, the comprehensive “Guide to Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges” helps hunters find the perfect place to hunt by species (including deer, turkey, waterfowl, upland and migratory birds, big game, and exotics), by state, and by specialty (including accessibility and hunting for youths). There’s also information about the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, state and federal hunting regulations, and hunting on national wildlife refuges in Alaska, the nation’s largest state and home to the country’s largest refuges. Many of the trails on refuges are nationally designated for their scenery, recreational value, or history.

Trails are classified by state or level of difficulty on the Refuge System’s online directory, where auto routes are also outlined. The possibilities range from bringing a smartphone to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge near Naples, Florida, to link to

▲ Bull Elk at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Perserve, CO Photo Courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife Service

▲ Waterlillies at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL Photo Courtesy of Carole Robertson

▲ Finch Lake Upper Oachita National Wildlife Refuge, LA Photo Courtesy of Scott Whitlock

videos while walking the iNature trail or listening to cell phone messages along the auto tour in the Wisconsin portion of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Cycling and mountain biking are also quite popular at some national wildlife refuges. Bike routes can range from flat to hilly, coastal to desert, savannahs to mangroves, and more. Some of the best possibilities include: Florida’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge; South Carolina’s Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge; Virginia’s Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge; Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts; Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Wisconsin section); Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge; Wyoming’s National Elk Refuge; Washington’s Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge; and California’s Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Come winter, cross-country skiing is a possibility in many refuges,

including Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge near Saginaw, Michigan; Rydell National Wildlife Refuge in northern Minnesota; and Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in western New York State, and several more across the country. Snowshoeing is available at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Maine; Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho, and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, among many others.

Birdwatching and other wildlife observation and photography can often be awe-inspiring at national wildlife refuges.

Congregations of birds on refuges can include tens of thousands during peak migrations periods, but individual sightings can be equally impressive – including bald eagles, nesting plovers, and much more.

Wildlife spottings can range from herds of caribou to manatees and so much more. Nature trails, observation decks, and photo blinds all make the spottings – and pictures – more accessible and possible.

Varied camping opportunities at refuges also abound. There are currently more than 45 refuges that offer camping, ranging from primitive sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups.

These campsites are often popular with refuge volunteers.

A wide range of special events – like the Festival of the Cranes at Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico – highlight the best times to view particular species. Other ‘wild’ possibilities throughout the year might include: sea turtles at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Florida; herds of bison grazing the grasslands in Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska’s Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, and Montana’s National Bison Range; and the giant brown bears that congregate each summer at Alaska’s Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge when the sockeye salmon are spawning.

National wildlife refuges often feature varied educational activities and offerings listed in their calendars for visiting groups, families, and individuals.

About 100 refuges also have visitor centers with interactive exhibits and helpful staff, guides, and volunteers. Some refuges can even lend binoculars or backpacks filled with guides and tools to enhance a visit.

Given all of these options, it’s easy to find a national wildlife refuge practically anywhere you are in the United States or its territories. With more than 560 ‘wild’ places to choose from, there’s likely a sign with a goose on it just around the next bend.

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#100DaysofCamping Thanks to everyone who participated in our #100DaysofCamping promotion!

We loved keeping up with all of our favorite campers from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Our rally towel even found its way to international locations.

Thanks for sharing your summer camping memories with us and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

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TrailMix

CORN MAZES FROM COAST TO COAST Fall has arrived and it comes with a whole new set of fun outdoor activities. But this month, we’re taking you on a different kind of trail, one that is designed to turn you around, get you lost, and, of course, induce a whole lot of laughter and fun. Don’t be afraid to get a little corny because we’re taking you to some of the best corn mazes located near TT campgrounds!

by Annie Berman

NORTHWEST Though we don’t think our Pacific Northwest visitors ever get tired of hiking, biking, skiing, and canoeing along the Deschutes River, it is fun to switch things up, too. Located just under an hour drive from Bend-Sunriver RV is the Smith Rock Ranch where they’ve got pumpkin picking and a new corn maze every year! The Smith Rock Ranch is also a dog friendly park, just keep your pooch on a leash or let them hang out at the onsite dog park! Other activities on the ranch include a pumpkin cannon, archery, live music, pony rides, barnyard golf, and much more! Visit smithrockranch.com to see some of the past maze designs, including the 2014 Godzilla design!

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MIDWEST If you’re hanging out at Diamond Caverns, a 90 minute drive will take you to Devine’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Harrodsburg, KY. This family owned farm opens up to the public every year to present their awesome corn maze and the 2015 maze design is a celebration of Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah! Don’t miss out on the other activities they offer at the farm including a spooky maze on Halloween weekend or the zipline courses featuring over 600 feet of soaring fun! The farm is open until October 31 and remember to visit devinescornmaze.com for more information.

Fun Facts about Corn Mazes • Corn mazes are often designed to a specific theme and vary anywhere from two to 40 acres.

• They are called “Maize Mazes” in England • The maze created by Cool Patch Pumpkins (USA) in Dixon, CA, was verified as the largest temporary corn maze by the Guinness Book of World Records on October 3, 2014.

SOUTHWEST Located an hour and a half from Turtle Beach is Dixon, CA, home to the largest corn maze in the world created by Cool Patch Pumpkins!

They strive to create a bigger and better corn maze every year and were dubbed the largest temporary corn maze by the Guinness Book of World Records on October 3, 2014.

This maze is open until November 1.

NORTHEAST Sauchuk Farm is a vegetable and berry farm located in Plympton, Massachusetts, and is open seasonally to the public for various activities. In September and October, it’s all about corn. The Sauchuck farm is located less than 30 minutes from Gateway to Cape Cod and they encourage you to not only get lost in their corn maze, but also participate in other activities like a corn cannon, indulge in their sweet kettle corn, take a haywagon ride, and much more! Visit sauchukfarm.com for more info.

Temecula, CA, is so picturesque that if you stop to awe at its beauty for several hours rather than head to the corn maze, no one would blame you. But, if you do make it for a maze, check out the one at the Big Horse Corn Maze & Harvest Festival, which runs until October 31.

This event is just over an hour drive from Idyllwild RV Campground or 90 minutes from the Palm Springs. This festival has several weekend events, as well, like their “OldFashioned Farm Days” featuring butter churning and pig races. Be sure to check the website, bighorsecornmaze.com, for more info.

SOUTHEAST Located just under 30 minutes from Lake Tawokoni, you can step back in time at Yesterland Farm. This nostalgic farm hosts school field trips, big top parties, and fireworks!

They’ve also got over 30 other activities, including a three acre corn maze. Make sure to visit yesterlandfarm.com to plan ahead!

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THIS

TAKING FLIGHT WINTER

by Joan Rykal

Go ahead. Just do it. You’ve been thinking about

W

e’re talking about spreading your snowbird wings and taking flight to warmer climates once winter rolls around. Of course there are things to do before you fly the cold coop, most importantly, picking your sunny winter destination.

And honestly, that’s the easy part because if your plan is to

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stay stateside, no matter what source you consult, you’re guaranteed to find Arizona, California, Florida and Texas head the top of any list. The other easy part is to choose the Encore or Thousand Trails location in these states that suits the lifestyle you’re looking for as you soak up the sun.

▼ Fiesta Key RV Resort

it since last winter…so why not give it a try?

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ARIZONA

▲ Monte Vista Village RV Resort

The Phoenix-Mesa area has plenty of choices of Encore RV Resorts and if you are a baseball fan you might want to book your spot now. Fifteen Major League, Baseball teams comprise the Cactus League making the area a very popular spot for winter destinations. Throw in the scenery, amenities (both onsite and offsite), and an average winter temperature of 72 degrees and it’s a no-brainer.

Mesa Spirit RV Resort in Mesa was recognized by the Arizona Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (Arizona ARVC) as the 2015 Mega Park of the Year for delivering extraordinary guest experiences. Mesa Spirit is ideal for the snowbird who wants to mix relaxation with entertainment. Pickleball, tennis, mini-golf, shuffleboard, and horseshoes are some of the offerings at this great resort.

Monte Vista Village RV Resort in Mesa has been busy making a great experience even better.

A fully-renovated fitness center and pool area awaits snowbirds and the plan is to unveil six new pickleball courts as the winter season gets underway.

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Set on 80 acres at the base of the Superstition Mountains, the views are breathtaking and the sunsets are as unforgettable as the memories you’ll make this winter.

Viewpoint RV and Golf Resort in Mesa is another gem that combines a serene setting and an active lifestyle. Ten tennis courts, ten shuffleboard courts and a “player friendly” 18-hole Championship Golf Course are just a few of the amenities that make this a popular snowbird destination. Socializing at Viewpoint is a sport in itself with live music events, dancing, including square, line, round and ballroom, plenty of planned activities and a variety of creative arts and crafts classes offered.

You do the math – if Tucson averages 350 days of sunshine annually, then the likelihood of a sunny winter stay here is guaranteed indeed! And, Encore offers another award-winning resort in the sunniest city in the US. Voyager RV Resort and Hotel was the recipient of the Arizona ARVC Mega Park of the Year award in 2014. With three swimming pools, a day spa, tennis courts and a 24-hour state of the

art fitness center, guests enjoy a top-notch experience.

Don’t forget your sunglasses if you plan to spend the winter in Yuma – another Arizona location with a distinction when it comes to sunshine, recording more than 90% sunny days annually. And don’t forget your spirit for adventures as Yuma’s geography lends itself to outdoor experiences that are unparalleled.

Take your pick of seven Encore RV Resorts in this desert paradise (there’s even a resort called Desert Paradise!). Capri RV Resort and Mesa Verde RV Resort offer onsite hiking trails, while Araby Acres runs weekly jeep tours of the area that leave from the resort.

If shuffleboard is your game, take note that the Yuma Encore Shuffleboard, or YES, is a group of guests at the Encore resorts that play weekly throughout the season which ends with a tournament. And, don’t miss the entertainment scheduled at the Yuma Art Center for the winter season which includes tribute bands, comedy shows, and more.

Shuttles to and from the Center run from the resorts, as well.

CALIFORNIA

▲ Palm Springs RV Resort

▼ Palm Springs RV Resort

There’s so much to do in the outdoors in Palm Springs that the 350 days of sunshine and blue skies the area averages annually are definitely put to good use. Just enjoying the natural landscape itself can be an activity in this area where desert, mountains and palm trees combine for a spectacular setting.

Plus, there are film festivals, music festivals, varied and storied architecture and possibly a celeb sighting or two to look forward to when you winter here.

Two resorts are here to call home – Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort in Cathedral City and Palm Springs RV Resort in Palm Desert. Palm Springs RV recently completed renovations to the pool area, sports courts, and billiards rooms and has four new pickleball courts that are fast becoming the most popular spot at the resort. Palm Springs Oasis sits at the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountain ranges so a “room with a view” is guaranteed. Enjoy the onsite hiking trails to explore the spectacular landscape.

While in Palm Springs, don’t miss Indian Canyons, a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

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FLORIDA

▲ Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina

▼ Kayaking in the Florida Keys

Pull out a map of Florida, close your eyes and put down a finger and chances are you’ll land on an Encore or Thousand Trails resort.

Both coasts, central Florida, and the wondrous Keys can all claim a resort, or two (or more). Stay put at one or explore the Sunshine State with 36 Florida offerings from Encore and Thousand Trails this winter.

▲ Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort

On both coasts, you’ll find resorts from north to south.

Central Florida locations include Clermont, Kissimmee, and Wauchula while the Keys have two locations. We’ve highlighted several here, but for a full listing and details on each resort, visit www.thousandrails.com.

Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort in Bradenton is close to the award-winning beaches of Siesta Key as well as Busch Gardens and the Ringling Museum.

Ramblers Rest in Venice boasts a beautifully updated pool area and a brand new splash pad that’s fun for all ages.

You might forget you’re in Florida when you stay at Peace River RV in Wauchula which is set on 75-wooded acres. Instead of the ocean, you’ll enjoy kayaking, fishing, and canoeing river-style on the Peace River. Serenity? You bet!

Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort in Clermont is home to an onsite 18-hole golf course set on the resort’s 287 acres. With a proshop, an onsite golf pro and instructional classes, the resort is a duffer’s dream.

Space Coast RV Resort is a newcomer to the Encore family of resorts. Located in Rockledge, it is near Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Atlantic coast beaches.

Florida’s Treasure Coast was named because of the numerous Spanish galleons that were shipwrecked off the coast but we guarantee you’ll find your own treasure at Sunshine Travel RV Resort in Vero Beach. Miles of pristine beaches, plus the quaint town with its shops and restaurants are the perfect mix for making treasured memories.

Take a drive to the Indian River Lagoon and see if you can catch the manatees frolicking.

Spend the winter island style and choose from Encore’s two Florida Key resorts, Fiesta Key RV Resort in Long Key and Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina in Big Pine Key. Miami Everglades RV Resort in Miami will have you living life among avocado, mango, and palm trees. Everglades National Park is less than 10 miles away and the fabled city of Key Largo is less than an hour’s drive. Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to see how industrialist James Deering wintered in the early 1900s.

Fiesta Key, which has been quite busy with their renovations, has an onsite marina, a beach bar, and fabulous oceans views. Plan to watch the sunrise and sunset and spend the hours in between visiting local attractions, including Long Key State Park and the Dolphin Research Center.

Located in the Lower Key, Sunshine Key is a water-lover’s paradise, offering onsite fishing opportunities, and boat dock and marina, as well as land-lover fun such as horseshoes, pickleball, and volleyball. Nearby Bahia Honda State Park is great for photo ops.

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▲ Southern Comfort RV Resort

▲ Victoria Palms RV Resort 38

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▲ Paradise Park RV Resort

The Rio Grande Valley is known for its birds… both the avian and human kind as snowbirds flock to the area each winter to enjoy this popular South Texas hotspot.

Encore Resorts has 10 resorts in the area and each offers a unique experience while providing a home base while you explore (check out our Out and About feature on page 18 for a listing of things to see and do). Plan to participate in the Annual Encore Games, which brings all the resorts together for some good spirited competition (watch future issues of TrailBlazer for more details).

Birdwatchers take note – the town of Alamo is home to the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge as well as Encore’s Alamo Palms RV Resort. Surrounded by citrus groves and soaring palm trees, it’s a tropical paradise. The resort offers tennis courts, a swimming pool, two large ballrooms for social butterflies and plenty of dancing and entertainment to fill your days and nights.

The nearby Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge welcomes more than 150,000 tourists annually who delight in sighting the 400 species of birds, plus butterflies and other wildlife.

Rock around the clock at our Harlingen resorts which include Lakewood RV Resort, Paradise Park RV Resort, Sunshine RV Resort, and Tropic Winds RV Resort. Each offers a full range of amenities and a very active activity agenda with tournaments of all sorts. Discover the history of the town through the largerthan-life-sized murals painted on the walls of local businesses. By the way, Harlingen’s most famous resident was Bill Haley, who along with his band, The Comets, made “Rock Around the Clock” a very popular tune of the 1950s.

Doesn’t the name say it all – Fun-N-Sun? Located in San Benito, the resort features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a driving range, bocce and shuffleboard courts, and is less than an hour from the beaches of South Padre Island.

Weslaco and Mercedes are two more great locations for Encore Resorts (Paradise South RV Resort is in Mercedes while Country Sunshine RV Resort and Southern Comfort RV Resort are in Weslaco). Take in a drive-in movie at the Wes-Mer Drive In, one of the only drive-in movie theaters still operating in Texas.

A sprawling resort on lush grounds with just about every activity you can imagine is what you’ll find when you stay at Victoria Palms RV Resort in Donna, Texas. From dinner theater to organized bike trips, plus a full round of classes to bring out your inner artiste – including wood working, ceramics, quilting, and stain glass making.

So, does this provide a clearer picture of where you’ll be spending the winter? Does it make leaving your comfortable, but soon to be cold, nest a bit easier? Spread your wings, take flight, and enjoy the sunshine, little snowbirds!

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On The Road

Thompson

Square

by Lynn & Cele Seldon

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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 Keifer Thompson, half of country music duo and love birds, Thompson Square.

Traveling most of the year isn’t easy. But when you get to spend those days with your spouse in a selfdesigned motorhome with all the bells and whistles, it makes it a lot easier. At least that’s what husband and wife country music duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson tell us.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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M

arried for sixteen years and performing together for the past ten, the singer/songwriters from smalltown Miami, Oklahoma, and Chatom, Alabama, know a thing or two about making a home away from home. And creating awardwinning music.

With the recent release of their new high-velocity video and song, “Trans Am,” the duo is putting the finishing touches on their upcoming third album – due out in 2016. And with three #1 hits to their credit, six Top 20 hits, seven mainstream industry awards (including ACM and CMA “Vocal Duo of the Year” nods, Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and more), and more than 25 award nominations, the love birds have officially hit the big-time. But their greatest achievement may be the impending #1 bundle of joy that’s due to arrive in January.

Tell us about your bus.

It’s a 45’ Prevost XL3. We designed it from top-to-bottom. It’s really cool with lots of personal little touches. It’s got lots of cabinets and open space. We’ve got a table and chairs instead of a banquette.

It feels like a real high-end hotel room. It’s very clean and bright and it feels more like a hotel than a bus. And it’s got our logo on the door. [The T2 bus was new at press time and they hadn’t had a chance to get photography].

How much do you travel on it annually?

We’ll probably spend 150-160 nights on it. And we’ll log something like 60,000-70,000 miles.

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

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

We don’t have to move our crap.

Let me tell you – hotel rooms, we’ve had some doozies over the years. There’s something kind of funky about a hotel is that someone else has slept in that bed. It just kind of creeps us out.

All of our stuff is on this bus. All of our clothes, our dogs, we can shower on the bus. We’re just over the whole hotel thing. We’ll pull up to an extremely nice hotel sometimes and just stay on the bus because the bus itself is a really nice hotel room. You don’t have to move anything. We’re just kind of used to it. The dogs are used to it as well.

What kind of dogs travel with you?

We have a chocolate Yorkie, his name is Barkley, and we have a Schnauzer Yorkie mix, and her name is Etta. They have their own little world. On this bus, we designed all kinds of things for them. They have their own private door into their crate and they have all their toys and their beds in there. Their crate is huge – it fits the whole length of the bus. They’ve got it made as far as the canine thing goes.

What are your three favorite things onboard?

Shawna. She told me to say that.

Obviously, our dogs. My cooktop.

We have a convection microwave and we have a cooktop as well.

I like to eat as lean as I can so I’m up in the morning cooking breakfast. Probably one of my favorite things is to be able to cook on here. One of my really favorite things, too, is our icemaker.

Dealing with bags of ice that get

a little warm and solidify and becoming an iceberg is a pain.

It’s so amazingly convenient to be able to get fresh ice all the time.

What are a few favorite destinations and why?

We absolutely love it out west.

There’s something about the mountains and prairies as you are going across South Dakota and the Badlands, and out through Joshua Tree National Park and Sequoia. We really love that area. They just have something out there we don’t have in the Midwest and the south. I grew up in Oklahoma so we didn’t have any of that stuff. It’s just wonderful.

Portland, Oregon and the extreme Northwest – it just feels amazing out there. And then Florida.

We love Florida as well. We live in South Alabama so the climate is about the same. We’re talking extreme aspects of the country but when you grew up in the Midwest you want to go anywhere else but there.

We hear you do a lot of writing while onboard.

What else do you like to do while enroute?

That’s about it. We’re either writing or editing songs, or learning new technology. A little bit of reading. 95% of the time we’re traveling at night so we’re usually sleeping.

Do you take the highways or scenic routes?

You know, I don’t know. The fastest way to get there, I’m sure.

So probably the highways.

What’s your favorite meal to make onboard?

I do pretty much all the cooking on here. I like to make breakfast – I’m a huge breakfast guy. It’s usually eggs and oatmeal and protein shakes. It usually revolves around breakfast.

Did you ever camp before hitting the big-time and living on a bus?

I grew up camping. We had a little super tiny camper. We’d do the tent thing too. We’d go camping all the time. I think Shawna did too when she was a kid.

Your new video, “Trans Am,” showcases one of your loves – hot cars. What are some of your favorites from your personal collection?

I’m more of a motorcycle guy.

I’ve got a couple of those. But my favorite car that we own right now is a 1971 Ford Bronco that I’ve just had restored. I can’t quite get enough of that thing. Shawna’s dream car was a Volkswagen bug so I got her one for Christmas a few years ago. She loves it, but she never gets to drive it. It’s a 2012 and I think it’s got about 6,000 miles on it.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

43

Updates & Upgrades

s e g a t t o C t r o s ! e e R l b a l i a v A w o N Make unforgettable memories at The Reserve at Lake Conroe.

11720 Thousand Trails Rd. Willis, TX 77318 44

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

The team at Lake Conroe celebrated our ribbon cutting ceremony of The Reserve. This new development features waterfront sites for your new resort cottage. Be one of the first to secure your waterfront site and enjoy all that Lake Conroe has to offer including a spectacular pool, sports courts, boat docks and more! Limited sites available call today!

Take part in all of the great amenities and activities that Lake Conroe has to offer like our upgraded sports courts, fishing, mini-golf and more!

Purchase a Resort Cottage today, and take advantage of all the great amenities.

With three models to choose from and limited waterfront sites, there is something to fit anyone’s unique vacation cottage needs.

For more information or to book a tour call (844) 350-0035

Who’s in the kitchen with

TrailBlazer?

Roast Pork Sandwiches with Apple-Jicama Slaw and Onions SERVES 8 | 30 min (plus 1¾ hrs to chill and cook) Much of the immense appeal of Bell Street Farm is the attention Jamie Gluck gives to his ingredients. Jamie and his husband didn’t come to Los Alamos to relax; they came to make something beautiful, tasty, and community-oriented. I urge you to borrow a page from their book and find a source of sustainably raised pork, preferably from a heritage breed. Your taste buds, your friends – and the planet – will thank you.

Ingredients Apple-Jicama Slaw • 2 tbsp. white vinegar • 2 tbsp. each sour cream and mayonnaise • ¼ tsp. fine sea salt and sugar each • ½ cup of fresh finely chopped parsley • 6 oz. jicama, thoroughly peeled and cut into fine matchsticks • 1 large apple, like Fuji, peel/core/cut into fine matchsticks Pork on 8 Ciabatta Rolls, split • 3 lbs. boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt) trimmed • 6 garlic cloves, peeled/minced • 2 medium shallots, minced • 3 small sprigs of minced rosemary • 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves • 1 tsp. ground fennel seed • 2 tsp. fine sea salt ▲ Per Serving 621 Cal., 28% (174 Cal.) from fat; 55g protein; 19g fat (5.1g sat.); 56g carbo (3.9g fiber); 3,175mg sodium; 84mg chol.

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

• 1 tsp. pepper • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Directions 1. Make the slaw: In a large nonreactive bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, sugar, and parsley. Add the jicama and apple and toss to mix. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours, to allow the flavors to marry.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the pork: Remove the pork from the refrigerator and let stand for 1 hour at room temperature, so it will cook evenly.

In a bowl, combine the garlic, shallots, herbs, fennel, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil. (Alternatively, combine whole garlic and shallots with the remaining ingredients, minus 1 tbsp. oil, in a mini food processor, and pulse to a chunky paste.) Rub this mixture all over the pork, working it into all the nooks and crannies.

3. Preheat the oven to 450°. Place a large, heavy ovenproof pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop until it is very hot (about 2 minutes); add the remaining 1 tbsp. oil to the pan. Place the pork fat side down in the pan; reduce the heat to medium and sear until deep golden brown, about 6 minutes total, turning over once or twice. Turn the pork fat side up and poke a heatproof meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Transfer to the oven with the thermometer facing the glass oven door and roast for 15 minutes.

Reduce the oven temperature to 325° and roast 40 minutes more. Now, turn off the oven but do not open the door.

Leave the pork in the turned-off oven for 35 to 45 minutes, monitoring the temperature through the oven window; it should reach 150°. (If it does not, turn the oven back on to 325° for 5 minutes more.) (For the full Bell Street effect, make the sandwiches right away with warm pork; reheat it slightly if necessary, but do not allow it to dry out.)

4. To serve: Hollow the tops and bottoms of the rolls slightly with a fork, reserving the crumbs for another use.

Carve the pork across the grain about 1/4 in. thick. Lay slices on the base of each roll, dividing evenly between the rolls, then top the pork with some of the slaw and pickled onions. Sandwich the halves without losing any of the filling, and compress each firmly.

Steamed Clams with White Wine and Green Onions SERVES 4 | 25 min Around the world, wherever great clams are found, there is a tradition involving wine, fire, and quick cooking.

In fact, many clam dishes vary little, because there’s not too much you can do to a bucket of perfect clams without screwing them up. At The Sea Chest, possibly the most atmospheric little seafood joint for hundreds of miles around, you can drink in the upclose-and-personal view of the Pacific while you drink down the outrageous liquor left in the bowl after dispatching the bivalves.

Ingredients

• 4lbs. live clams, such as Manila or Littleneck, in shells, scrubbed • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil • 6 green onions, white and light green parts only, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 3 cups dry white wine • 1 tbsp. unsalted butter • ¹⁄ 8 tsp. fine sea salt • ¼ tsp. pepper • 2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley • crusty bread, for serving

Directions 1. Discard any clams that are slightly open and do not close immediately when tapped with a finger. Place a very large sauté pan or a stock pot over medium heat and add the oil. Add the green onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the clams and white wine and cover the pan. Increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until each shell opens, stirring the shellfish once or twice.

With a skimmer, lift out each clam as it opens and set aside on a platter.

Discard any shellfish that have not opened after 5 minutes.

2. When all the clams have been transferred, simmer the wine and clam broth rapidly to reduce by about half, about 10 minutes. Return the clams to the pan, with all the juices from the platter, and add the butter, salt, and a few turns of the peppermill. Simmer for 1 minute, stirring occasionally with the skimmer, just until the clams have warmed through. Sprinkle with the parsley and ladle into bowls, giving everyone plenty of juice and some bread to soak it up.

▲

Per Serving (without Bread) 245 Cal., 74% (182 Cal.) from fat; 18g protein; 15g fat (3.5g sat.); 10g carbo (0.7g fiber); 634mg sodium; 53mg chol.

WIN THIS COOKBOOK!!

Last chance to send in your entries to win one of our West Coast Cookbook. We’ve been lucky to highlight a few of the great recipes from this cookbook, but we want five lucky readers to win a copy of this delightful cookbook to use in their kitchen. See details on page 62.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

47

ASK

RVBILL

YOUR TECH QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Q

Hi Bill, I upgraded to a 2014 Ford Expedition with the tow package (9200 max towing) and a Heartland High Trail 32RLTS, gross weight 8600 lbs.

I am using an Equalizer model #90-00-1000, hitch max weight 10,000 lbs. and max tongue weight of 1,000 lbs. The vehicle has full time RSC and I have had the right rear brake come on several times when being passed by large trucks or in windy conditions. What would you recommend for possibly a better sway control hitch? Or, do I need to get a heavier duty hitch?

I have read about the Hensley and the Husky Center Line HD.

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

Q

Bill, In the last TrailBlazer, you mentioned you’d had success with the DB Pro cell phone booster. Exactly how did you set it up? We have a motor home and I’m curious as to how to place an antenna and what to use for protection if at all if it is set up for outside use.

Thanks, Stephen Ryter

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OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

I never had this problem towing a Passport Ultra Lite 285RLS with a 2008 Explorer with the tow package.

Thank you, Jerry Arsenault

A

Jerry, The Equalizer four point sway control hitch is one of the best on the market today. The key to its effectiveness is proper set up, so I’m assuming yours is set up as close as possible to the manufactures specifications.

The Hensley would be the best of all hitches bar none. It sounds like the RSC anti-sway system

A

Stephen, As I am answering this question, my wife is on Facebook with thanks to our DB Pro Signal Booster. Just outside our trailer however, we are in a full on “no service” zone. Living on the road and working from the road would not be nearly as convenient without this excellent cell phone signal booster. The key when installing is that the exterior antenna and the interior antenna need at least 25 feet of separation to be effective. Mount the exterior antenna of The DB Pro on an aluminum bracket on the rear seam of your roof. You might have to visit a building supply to acquire the necessary materials needed to complete this

is doing its job. The question is, why are you getting that sway from a passing truck or the wind?

The Equalizer hitch is not easy to set up. Perhaps, carefully go over that again and make sure it’s exact. Have you weighed the trailer? As improper tongue weight will give you similar readings as wind disturbance. Load the trailer as you would for a camping trip and weigh the trailer at the scales. Have separate results for the total weight on the tires and the total weight on the tongue jack and compare this with the manufacturers specs. If you do want to make a change, I would definitely recommend the Hensley.

installation. Run the coax cable to the front of the coach and install the interior antenna and the booster unit in the front, overhead cupboard. Leave the interior antenna loose so you can move it to a location where you commonly sit when using the phone or the internet if you hope to tether your laptop to your phone. The antenna works better when your cell phone is within a few inches if the booster. In the instruction booklet, carefully read the section about adjusting the gain, as dialing it in is a bit tricky. Depending on the area where you are camping, you may have to adjust this once in a while for maximum signal strength.

Q

Hello Bill, Thank you for helping your readers with excellent advice. I have owned two Class C motor homes over the last 15 years.

My current 2011 Winnebago Aspect has a lower profile and is more aerodynamic than my previous Coachman 2001 Santara.

While grateful for slightly better gas mileage, the downside is less exterior storage and a major increase in “bottoming out.” I’ve done the best I can in regard to adjusting how I make turns or traverse over “dips”, but I am still experiencing this problem fairly frequently. Do you have any suggestions about changes I might be able to make in regard to the suspension to help alleviate this?

Even an inch or two might help the situation. Thank you.

Gratefully Yours, Jeffrey E. Stoutenburg

In the July 2015 issue of TrailBlazer, fellow Trailblazer, Don, had an odd problem of backing his 26’ trailer in his 9% grade uphill driveway and having to park it that way – securely. Having grown up on a farm in Illinois, we welded equipment or used baling wire – no duck tape in the 50’s and 60’s.

My friendly suggestion, in a case like this is for Don to take pictures of a good stand depicting what he needs, and pictures of the trailer from the front and side showing the

BILL’S TIP

A

First, may I say how much I appreciate not only your RV question but the spot on quote from Alexis de Tocqueville about the greatness of America in the closing of your email. Amen! And may we not grow weary in doing good! As far as any changes you may be able to make to help alleviate your problem with “bottoming out”, I suggest adding a set of air bags to the rear of your coach. Hellwig makes a set for your E450 chassis part no.6102 for verification, check their website.

There are some differences depending on the model motorhome you have and there could be a different part number.

Q

I have a Class C 2006 Jayco GreyHawk – 10 Cylinder that needed smog. I started on my way when in about 3 miles my instrument indicator

hitch, parked the way he needs to in his driveway. Then go to quality welding shop and ask them to make him a solid stand that provides the stability, adjustable height and security he needs for his RV. They can even weld hooks on the base so he can use a chain hooked back to part of the frame and/or tongue on the trailer to keep the bottom of the stand from sliding down his driveway. Any good welder can fix him right up with a strong and stable stand. They can even put wheels on the bottom of the stand

needles went dead. 500 ft. later the engine stopped. I tried to restart and just got a clicking sound. Tried again in 1 min and no clicking sound at all. The Tow guy checked the battery and it was fine but said my Starter Solenoid was fried – burnt rubber insulation and metal on the solenoid. Simple remedy or do i have a major problem?

Please help!!!, Alex Gomez

A

Alex, The Ford V10 starters have been very reliable. They can have troubles from time to time and it sounds like your problem is just simply a bad starter. Take it to a reliable shop and have the starter changed. At that time they will inspect all of the wiring as well as the battery cables.

The shop should know what to check for regarding your particular symptoms. Hopefully that will solve your problem. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

to be dropped down for moving it out of the way when not in use. He can be creative to meet his needs.

By the way, even though we don’t have an RV, but stay in the Thousand Trails rentals for our vacation, I so enjoy reading the questions and your answers in ASK RV BILL. You have a lot of knowledge and resources at your fingertips!

Thanks, Larry Brickman

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 64.

Get in Gear!

• Hats • Sweatshirts • T-Shirts

ThousandTrailsGear.com

e or m d an

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• Koozies

58

ACROSS 1 “___ Abner” 4 Aleutian island 8 Vishnu’s serpent 12 Father: Arabic 13 Banana genus 14 Plant of the iris family 15 Computer chip 16 Raw 18 Coptic clergyman 20 Defiant shout 21 Abstract being 25 Sputnik dog 29 Emery 32 One 33 Pack down 34 Eur. finch 36 Celsius (abbr.)

37 Husband of Jezebel 39 Easy job 41 Of punishment 43 Of birth 44 Youth 46 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (abbr.)

49 Lade (2 words) 55 Adjusted gross income (abbr.)

56 Spruce 57 Husband of Halcyone 58 Pitch 59 Glacial trough 60 Madame Bovary 61 Woman: obs.

DOWN 1 Byron poem 2 Dayak people 3 Sawyer 4 ___ Darya River 5 Press for payment 6 Shak. contraction 7 Kernel (pref.)

8 Haw. island 9 Scot. alder tree 10 Give (Scot.)

11 Annex 17 Mulberry of India 19 S.A. herb 22 Explosive letters

23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 35 38 40 42 45 47 48 49 50 51

Killer of Castor Red dye Arriagn Bleaching vat Tamarisk salt tree Poor-quality goods US dam Ancient weight To yield profit Aesir god Vehicle compartment Resin Carplike fish Irish writing Ireland Limited (abbr.)

Gold (sp.)

Eastern church chalice veil 52 Rapid eye movement (abbr.)

53 Sports hall 54 Oxygen (pref.)

4

paws ROAD ON THE

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

by Jenn Gehr

Q + A

Jenn, This is now the second time my dog, Bits, a 25 pound Mini Aussie has been stung by a bee and has had a significant reaction. Her sweet face swells up sooo much and she gets welts all over her belly and her legs. With each sting, I have carefully used either my fingers to flick off the stinger and poison sack to be certain not to break off the stinger or squeeze any more of the poison into Bits’ body. Per the vets rx, I have used Benadryl – 25 mg every 4-6 hours to help reduce the facial swelling and it works but it takes at least ½ hour to see results.

My friends dear dog just died from a bee sting and now I’m a little more worried that if this were to happen again, there could be a chance that my over the counter med would not “bee” enough to help Bits distress.

We are out traveling this summer and will not return to our hometown and regular vet for another three months. Both of these bee stings happened when I walking Bits in my horse’s pasture where the clover is thick. Needless to say, that is now an off limit area for the dog! Thanks for your thoughts in advance.

Heather Parks Dallas, TX

JENN Heather and Bits, Warding off an anaphylactic reaction is critical to your pet’s safety. I highly suggest that you call your vet today and see if they might order Bits several dosages of an injection of intramuscular Epinephrine to go along with your suggested histamine blocker. Just like an Epi-Pen used for a human with such allergies, the dose needs to specific to your sized animal and in this case, would be a pediatric human dose.

Your vet will help you get Bits all set up and I appreciate you sharing this common, life-threating situation with our readers. The vet knows best! My dog, Ginger, is allergic to bee stings as well and had been stung on two separate occasions where the Benadryl just barely helped keep her from not being able to breathe. I was so concerned the last time that after she recovered, I took her to the vet to get a Epi-Pen as I know it just might save her little life one day.

I’m hoping that Murphy’s Law will kick in and now that I went to the trouble of acquiring the pen, I will never need it! I have found that when I’m hiking with a preloaded Epi-Pen, they travel well in a dark colored toothbrush case, secured with duct tape. Epinephrine needs to be kept out of direct light and the toothbrush case accomplishes this while keeping the syringe safe from becoming crushed or the plunger depressed. Remember to always carry more than one of your recommended Benadryl dosages along with you as well!

Thanks again and “bee” safe!

Hi! I was wondering if you might suggest anything to help keep my dog, Sky, a 2 year old Aussie Mix, from vomiting in the car when we travel. We usually leave early in the morning for weekend trips and several hours into the trip (or less) she hurls her entire breakfast. Other than seeming to enjoy her car rides, she is calm and sleeps when we are in motion.

Thank you, Ruby and Tyler Grand Corvallis, OR JENN I understand first hand the frustration and concern watching a dog routinely become car sick.

Thank you for letting me know that this is a common occurrence and that Sky’s seems to be calm when she’s in the car despite getting excited to go along with you.

It doesn’t sound like she’s nervous – any heavy panting, drooling, weaving, pawing or barking would be a strong indicator of such concern. I suggest simply not feeding Sky the morning that you plan to travel. This includes omitting any food treats. An empty stomach will be less likely to become upset and you can always give her a meal once you reach your destination. By then, she will be ready to eat, go for a walk and enjoy your new camping location.

Please let me know how this plays out the next time you trip plan with Sky.

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

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PREFERRED RV DEALERS

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

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

USA A&L RV Sales TN - Christiana, Johnson City www.alrvsales.com A Great Outdoor RV Center TX - Canton • www.agorv.com

Floyd’s RV OK - Norman • www.floydsrvs.com Camperland Trailer Sales TX - Conroe • www.camperland.net Campers Inn CT - Union; FL - Leesburg, Jacksonville GA - Macon; MA - Raynham NC - Kings Mountain, Mocksville NH - Kingston, Merrimack PA - Hatfield www.campersinn.com

Freedom RV WA - Liberty Lake www.freedomrvusa.com Funtime RV OR - Tualalin • www.funtimervinc.com

Campers Inn/PECO Campers GA - Tucker • www.pecocampers.com

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

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

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

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

Al’s Trailer Sales OR - Salem • www.alstrailers.com

Charlie Obaugh RV VA - Staunton www.charlieobaughrv.com

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

Action VR QC - Saint-Nicolas • www.actionvr.ca Affinity RV AZ - Dewey, Prescott, Prescott Valley www.affinityrv.com

American Family RV VA - Chesapeake www.americanfamilyrv.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 60

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Clear Creek RV WA - Silverdale www.clearcreekrvcenter.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 Curtis Trailer Center MI - Schoolcraft www.curtistrailercenter.com Economy RVs MD - Mechanicsville www.economyrvs.com Ellis Travel Trailers GA - Statesboro www.ellistraveltrailers.com

Haylet RV MI - Coldwater www.haylettautoandrv.com J&M Camper & Marine ME - Augusta • www.jmcamper.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 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

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

Scott Motor Coach NJ - Lakewood www.scottmotorcoach.com

Véhicules Récréatifs JD QC - Sherbrooke www.vrjdrv.ca

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

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

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

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

Seguin RV TX - Seguin • www.seguinrv.com

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

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

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

Paul Evert’s RV Country AZ - Bullhead City CA - Fresno NV - Laughlin OR - Coburg WA - Fife, Milton, Mt. Vernon www.rvcountry.com

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

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

Strickland Marine & RV SC - Seneca www.stricklandmarineandrv.com

Horizon Lussier QC - Maryville www.horizonlussier.com

Sunbelt RV Center TX - Belton • www.sunbeltrv.com

JCS Entreposage QC - Trois Rivières www.entreposagejcs.com

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

Snyder’s RV VA - Virginia Beach www.snydersrv.com

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

Sundown RV Center CA - Atwater • www.sundownrv.com

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

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

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

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

Roy Robinson RV WA - Marysville www.royrobinsonrv.com

The Trail Center SC - North Charleston www.trailcenter.com

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

Vancouver RV & Park Model Center Wa - Vancouver www.vancouverrv.com

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

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

RV’s For Less TN - Knoxville • www.rvsforless.net

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

RV Value Mart PA - Lititz, Manheim www.rvvaluemart.com

Western Travel Sales WA - Lynden www.westerntravelsales.com

Safford RV VA - Thornburg • www.saffordrv.com

Wilder RV WA - Port Angeles • www.wilderrvs.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

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

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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Nature’s Precious Treasures

Adopt-A-Manatee® for the Holidays

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

Cooking Tips with the West Coast!

Be one of five Lucky Winners to receive Eating Up the West Coast featured on pages 46-47. Simply send a postcard with your name, address and email to TrailBlazer Magazine.

Winners will be drawn in a random drawing in November and will be notified by mail or email.

Terms and Conditions for 2015 Referral Promotion from page 4.

Entries must be postmarked by 10/31/15 Win the West Coast Cookbook TrailBlazer Magazine Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606

This promotion is sponsored by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606.

Cookbook has a retail value of $24.95. The odds of winning the drawing depend on the number of entries received and are not expected to exceed 5:69,333.

For each Eligible Referral (as defined) through October 31, 2015, you will receive a $50 Visa Prepaid Card. In addition, for each Eligible Referral through October 31, 2015, you will receive one entry in a drawing for the following prizes: (i) Grand Prize is either a trip to Hawaii or a 7 night Caribbean Cruise, valued at $4,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Hawaii or Florida, and one hotel/cruise room for 7 nights; (ii) Second Prize is a trip to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando, valued at $2,000, that includes roundtrip coach airfare for two adults from the continental United States to either Las Vegas, San Francisco or Orlando and one hotel room for 4 nights and (iii) ten (10) Third Prizes waiving payment of the winners’ annual dues for 2015, not to exceed $545 each. The trips do not include taxes, meals, beverages, transfers, gratuities, activities and other personal expenses.

Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash. The drawing will be held at our corporate offices on or about January 7, 2016. The winners will be notified by telephone.

The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of entries and are not expected to exceed 1:10,000. For this promotion, an Eligible Referral is a person who (i) purchases a new Zone Camping Pass from us between January 1, 2015 and October 31, 2015, and (ii) lists you as the referring member. This offer is only for members in good standing of Thousand Trails and its affiliates. Due to legal restrictions, (a) residents of AZ, FL, NV, and PA are not eligible to participate in the drawing and you will not receive an entry in the drawing for purchases made by residents of AZ, FL, NV, or PA, and (b) residents of AZ and PA are not eligible to receive a $50 Visa® Prepaid Card and you will not receive a $50 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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y l l a R It’s Time!

Calendar

CLUB OCTOBER 2015 Bounders United (BUTTN)

Northwest

Wagonmaster will be Jerry and Yvonne Codde, contact information (209) 207-8184 or jycodde@comcast. net; Bounders United/TTN are TTN members who own Bounder motorhomes and belong to Bounders United. For more information, contact Darlene Spalding at (951) 741-3881 or email at wrkerbees@yahoo.com.

Oct. 23-25.......................... Seaside, OR Nov. 27-29.................... La Conner, WA We also have new contact people and email, phone numbers: WagonMaster Daphne Bailey (Oregon) (503) 590-8566, daphnebailey07@ comcast.net. Secretary Dottie Michel (Washington) (360) 941-3126, ttnw_sec@yahoo.com.

TT SINGLES Central California

TT Travelers Southern California

Oct. 23-25 ������� Lake of the Springs, CA Dec. 4-6 ������������������������ San Benito, CA Contact Jane Davis at (209) 986-1088 or email to janedjd@pacbell.net; Becky Staffeld at (408) 253-6995 or email to bstaffeld@att.net.

Lewis and Clark TTN

Oct. 15-19.......................... Seaside, OR Roger Beausoleil: President Lewis and Clark TTN chapter of FMCA. Contact person, Roger Beausoleil (503) 390-4753 or rogerabeau@msn.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.

Oct. 5-7....................... Rancho Oso, CA Nov. 2-4.................... Palm Springs, CA Dec. 7-9.............Wilderness Lakes, CA Jan. 11-13........................ Pio Pico, CA Feb. 1-3.............Wilderness Lakes, CA Mar. 7-9...............Soledad Canyon, CA Apr. 4-6.................... Palm Springs, CA We meet Mon, Tues, Weds, mornings for coffee and those evenings for potluck and games. For more information, contact Wagon Master Jeff Hazelton (503) 583-3426 or jeff@nocciola.com.

TTN So Cal Weekenders

Oct. 2-4 �������������Oakzanita Springs, CA Nov. 6-8 �������������Wilderness Lakes, CA Dec. 4-6 �������������������� Palm Springs, CA We are a group of TTN members who meet once a month at Southern California preserves. All ages welcome; we have both working and retired members. No dues, just fellowship.

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

TTWest/FMCA

Nov. 13-15 �����������������Lake Minden, CA (rally follows FMCA West Rally in Indigo)

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

TT of Texas/FMCA

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.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

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BOOK REVIEW

{ Pictorial Guide to RVing

by John Brunkowski & Michael Closen Schiffer Publishing, Ltd www.schifferbooks.com ISBN: 978-0-7643-3546-4

Answers – Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 62.

$24.99 Postcard collectors, RV enthusiasts, and history buffs John Brunkowski and Michael Closen have put together another great book for like-minded RVers.

This unique book presents vintage RVs through more than 350 postcards, with accompanying text that spans RVing from the early 1900s through the 1970s — including rare images from 20-plus countries.

Topics covered through postcards and words include: early car and cycle camping; RV campgrounds through time; travel trailer advertising; Airstreams; motor homes; roadside RV scenes; amateur radio and RVing; and RVing fun and humor (which is also extensively covered in the previously reviewed Camping & RV Humor from the same authors and publisher).

In the Introduction, the authors say that every postcard in the book is part of their personal collection. This definitely lends even more expert authority to their accompanying captions and the approximate value placed on the colorful and historic postcards.

Other interesting Schiffer Publishing books by the authors include: the aforementioned Camping & RV Humor; AIRSTREAM Memories; Amateur Radio Goes Camping & RVing: The Illustrated QSL Card History. We plan to review more of their books in coming issues.

Lynn & Cele Seldon 64

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

Answers – Crossword puzzle can be found on page 58

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!

Sue Jackson

of El Segundo, CA found the tree on Page 28 of the August Issue.

Did you find the tree in this issue?

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

Postmark deadline is Oct. 31, 2015

and remember – the tree could be a different color and size.

325 /month September & October

$

425 /month November & December

$

Where getting away feels like coming home.

Book by November 1 at select Florida parks. To find a participating park near you, visit carefreervresorts.com/specialoffers.

Not valid at Dunedin, Sun-N-Fun, Riptide or Pelican.

OCTOBER 2015 TRAILBLAZER

65

On Location

Wings Over Water Festival October 20th - 25th

G

ather up your cameras and your binoculars! This October, snag tickets to one of the most fascinating bird-watching events of the year – the Wings Over Water Festival. This festival, which takes place over five days (Oct 20-25) in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is a chance to see the migration of over 400 species of birds and waterfowl pass through the Atlantic Flyway. The festival offers all kinds of events – from birdwatching to bird photography courses; kayak tours and keynote speakers.

Plus, the organizers have added an “encore weekend” in December (Dec 4-7) so attendees have a higher possibility of catching more flocks of migratory birds.

The Wings Over Water festival is also a fundraiser for the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, a nonprofit that exists to support the National Wildlife Refuges via grants and helps to maintain wildlife refuges by providing volunteers and staff essential to the operation of the regional National Wildlife Refuge visitor centers.

Make sure to visit them online at wingsoverwater. org to book tickets and reservations and remember to book your stay at Lake Gaston RV & Camping Resort or Twin Lakes RV & Camping Resort, both located about 3 hours of the Outer Banks!

For more information on staying at Lake Gaston or Twin Lakes:

1-800-443-7301 ThousandTrails.com

NO ONE DOES IT BETTER

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

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

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

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