Summer 2019

Summer 2019

2019 SUMMER COASTMAGAZINE

Cumberland Island National Seashore A walkabout on the Southend Loop

Mountain Highs and Lows Wyoming's Bighorn

SUMMER FUN The Hideout Golf Club & Resort Brownwood, Texas Maple Grove Resort Randle, Washington TLC Wolf River Resort Pass Christian, Mississippi

Mountains and Bighorn Canyon

Choose your adventure with MembersOnVacation Travel the World

*Rate is per person, based on double occupancy, for check-in on August 19, 2019, in room categories noted & includes roundtrip coach air transportation from LAX or JFK as indicated. See General Disclaimer for terms and conditions of air- inclusive oƒer. 1 Age restrictions may apply. Unless otherwise indicated: rates quoted are accurate as of May 9, 2019, are per person, based on double occupancy and are for the lowest accommodation category. Gratuities, transfers & excursions are additional. Advertised rates are subject to additional taxes and surcharges, however, such amounts, if collected by Pleasant Holidays, are included in land-only and air-inclusive advertised rates. Daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out may apply; such fee amounts are excluded from advertised rates and will be advised at the time of booking. Rates may not be available on all travel dates. Airline tickets may be non-refundable. Additional restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to, baggage charges for first and/or second checked bag, advance purchase requirements, & blackout dates. Itinerary changes/cancellations are subject to Pleasant Holidays-imposed fees from $25 (for Canada or contiguous U.S. travel) or from $50 (for all other travel) per person, in addition to any applicable airline or other supplier-imposed change/cancellation penalties, plus applicable fare diƒerentials (certain changes involve pre- notification deadlines). Airline fees & policies may vary; ask our personal vacation planners for information. For baggage fees & other details, see www.iflybags.com. Rates involving roundtrip air transportation from other gateways may diƒer. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, government taxes, surcharges, deposit, payment & cancellation terms & policies are subject to change without notice. Cruise rates capacity controlled. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for cruise & tour providers listed. CST# 1007939-10. Copyright©2019 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 5 nights at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos • All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks 1 , snacks, activities and more • Ziva Suite Room • Complimentary Wi-Fi LAX from $930* per person JFK from $1,213* per person Riviera Maya 5 nights at Excellence Riviera Cancun - Adults Only • All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks 1 , snacks, activities and more • Junior Suite Room LAX from $1,416* per person JFK from $1,420* per person Sun & Fun in Mexico Warm, sandy beaches, sparkling ocean waters and endless sunny days make Mexico the quintessential beach vacation. Here you'll find something to fit every vacation style, from unforgettable family fun to secluded luxury escapes. All vacations include: roundtrip air from Los Angeles (LAX) or New York (JFK), hotel accommodations, taxes and more. Los Cabos

Sky Princess on the Horizon Sky Princess ® , the newest addition to the Princess Cruise Line fleet, elevates the distinctive, contemporary design and luxurious attractions of its renowned Royal-class ships to even loftier heights. You can look forward to the most exciting entertainment venues, the newest dining choices and award-winning chef partnerships, as well as more staterooms than ever, to relax in. And that’s just the start!

Eastern Caribbean Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale

7 nights from $919* per person

Mediterranean Barcelona to Rome

7 nights from $1,229* per person

Many more itineraries to choose from.

*Please note that prices are listed per person, non-air cruise-only and based on double occupancy. Third and Fourth guest fares apply to the 3rd and 4th guests booked in the same stateroom as the First and Second guests. Launch Fares are oƒering fares and may not have been in eƒect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are subject to change and Princess reserves the right to collect any increases in eƒect at the time of sailing even if the fare has already been paid in full. Prices are subject to change based on availability. Stateroom views are considered unobstructed unless noted otherwise. Photos, floor plan diagrams, and amenities represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom. Certain staterooms may vary in size, decor and configuration. Obstructions do not include certain nautical items like handrails, dividers or ship hardware. For balcony staterooms, the view is determined from the perspective of the balcony railing. Prices shown in USD. Please review Passage Contract for Cancellation Policy. Ask our personal vacation planners for more information.

CST# 2129700-40; Iowa: 1284; Washington: 603-561-512; Hawaii:TAR 7279.

Coast Travel Services

Call us today! 800-722-1410 Please ask for promo code PCDM753

Visit us at: www.CoastResorts.MembersOnVacation.com

CONTENTS

TRAVEL 14 Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Eight Great American Zoos BY DAVE G. HOUSER 20 Mountain Highs and Lows

GOOD SAM AND CAMPING WORLD CHAIRMAN AND CEO Marcus Lemonis [email protected] COAST TO COAST PRESIDENT Bruce Hoster [email protected]

14

MEMBER SERVICES 64 Inverness Drive E. Englewood, Colorado 80112 800-368-5721 [email protected] COAST TO COAST WEBSITE www.CoastResorts.com COAST TO COAST FACEBOOK Facebook.com/CoastResorts EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Dee Whited ART DIRECTOR Nicole Wilson

Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains and Bighorn Canyon STORY BY EMILY FAGAN & PHOTOS BY EMILY & MARK FAGAN 27 Cumberland Island National Seashore A walkabout on the Southend Loop STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAULA LOEHR

DEPARTMENTS 4 From the President 6 Member Matters 8 Resort Updates 33 RV Review

RESORT PROFILES 10 The Hideout Golf Club & Resort Brownwood, Texas 11 Maple Grove Resort Randle, Washington 12 TLC Wolf River Resort Pass Christian, Mississippi

Volume 38, Number 3. Coast to Coast (ISSN 1093-3581) is published quarterly for $14 per year as part of annual membership fees, by Coast to Coast Resorts, 64 Inverness Drive E., Englewood, Colorado 80112. Coast to Coast Resorts assumes no responsi- bility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any method without prior written consent of the publisher. ©2019 Camp Coast to Coast, LLC. Coast wing logo is a reg- istered trademark of Camp Coast to Coast, LLC. The GOOD SAM ICON, and Dream. Plan. Go. are registered trademarks of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC and used with permission. Unauthorized use of Coast’s or Good Sam’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA.

20

COVER PHOTO BY BY PAULA LOEHR CTC56820 - 0519

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

3

FROM THE PRESIDENT PUTTING MEMBERS FIRST A Taste of Summer

Summer to me means a lot of things, and chief among themmemoriesof campingwhereIgrewup inConnecticut and Georgia. I had some potato salad the other day for the first time in a while and was amazed how the first bite was such a powerful reminder of summer. It seems to me that there are some unique tastes, smells, and experiences that our mind associates so strongly with summer. My list includes things like fresh tomatoes (tomato sandwich anyone?), watermelon, corn on the cob, a hot dog grilled over a charcoal fire, snow cones, the sound of a baseball hitting a bat, any song by The Beach Boys, the smell of a fresh mowed lawn, cookouts with friends and family, hearing a hummingbird buzz by, and walking barefoot along a sandy beach. I am sure there are lots more. What’s on your list? Drop me a line at [email protected] and let me know. We can publish a complete list in a future issue of Coast Magazine. Just in time for your summer travel planning, Coast is proud to announce that we have updated the resort and Good Neighbor Park (GNP) profiles in the online affiliate directory on our website. The profiles now include a large main photo of each affiliate, and for affiliates that have provided us with multiple photos, members can now take a “virtual tour” of each resort by clicking through their photos. We have already collected photos for about 80% of our affiliates and hope to have close to 100% shortly. Above the large main photo is the Coast affiliate number, affiliate type, and rating. Beside the photo is important information like address, phone number, website address, season, and description. As you scroll down the page you will find information on amenities, policies, and rentals conveniently organized in the middle of the page, and the locator map and directions at the bottom of the page. There is also a link for directions to the affiliate using Google Maps. A few words about ratings. Coast is the only membership camping network that provides members with annual ratings of all our resorts and GNPs. Ratings are provided

by the same teams that inspect and rate over 12,000 RV parks and campgrounds each year for the Good Sam Guide Series (formerly the Good Sam RV Travel & Savings Guide). We also take member feedback into account, including member photos, when deciding on whether to keep or terminate an affiliate with low ratings. If you have any type of feedback on one of our affiliates, please email us at [email protected]. Coast makes the investment in these enhanced resort and GNP profile pages, and also in our annual ratings, to give our members the most complete information possible on our affiliated parks and resorts. We hope these new online profile pages will help you select the perfect resorts and GNPs to visit during your travels. As you begin to use these new online profiles, we welcome your feedback on ways that we can make the profiles and our website more useful to you and other Coast members. Email any suggestions you have to [email protected]. We hope you enjoy your summer travels using your Coast to Coast membership.

MARCUS LEMONIS Chairman and CEO Camping World & Good Sam [email protected]

BRUCE HOSTER President Coast to Coast Resorts [email protected]

FROM THE PRESIDENT

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

4

Simply send us a short testimonial of a great experience you had using your Coast to Coast membership.

Contest rules: Coast to Coast “Where Has Coast Taken You” SWEEPSTAKES ABBREVIATED RULES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Begins 01/01/19 and ends 12/31/19. Enter by sending a testimonial of a great experience you had using your Coast to Coast® membership to [email protected] or by mail to Coast to Coast, Attn: President, PO Box 7028, Englewood, CO 80155- 7028. One winner will be randomly selected each month during sweepstakes period from all eligible entries by the 10th of each month. For full Official Rules, by which this Sweepstakes is governed, gotowww.CoastResorts.com/ContestRulesby12/31/19. Voidwhereprohibited.ThisSweepstakesisinnowayaffiliatedwith,sponsored,endorsed,oradministeredbyFacebook®,andthereforeFacebook® assumes no responsibility or liability for its conduct or administration. Sponsored by Camp Coast to Coast, LLC, Englewood, CO. CTC55265 - 1018 You can even send us a picture with your entry, although it’s not necessary to send a picture to enter the drawing. Each month from the entries submitted that month we’ll draw a winner of the $100 Merchandise Certificate to use at Camping World, Gander Outdoors, or Overton’s retail locations. Send your entries, including your testimonial (and picture if possible) with your name and member number, to: Email: [email protected] Mail: Coast to Coast, Attn: Bruce Hoster, PO Box 7028, Englewood, CO 80155-7028 It could be about an RV stay at a Coast resort, a cabin rental, a condo vacation getaway or unique getaway booked through Hopaway Holiday, a trip or a cruise you booked through Coast Travel Services, or even savings you received using your Trip Plus Discounts. We will have a drawing each month during 2019 from all the entries submitted that month for a $100 Merchandise Certificate to use at Camping World, Gander Outdoors, or Overton’s retail locations. To enter, send us up to five sentences about your great experience using your Coast membership.

WeWelcome theseSevenNew GOOD NEIGHBOR PARKS TO OUR COAST TO COAST FAMILY!

MEMBER MATTERS MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR COAST TO COAST MEMBERSHIP Acacia RV Park Alamo, Texas – www.rvacacia.com

Whether it’s excitement or relaxation that you are seeking, you’ll find it at Cactus Rose RV Park. Once parked on your spacious site, you’ll discover plenty of old-fashioned Texas hospitality. In addition to many pull-through sites, access the clean restrooms and handicapped accessible showers. Play in the la- goon-style pool with a walk-in beach. Afterwards, make lunch at your barbecue pit and picnic table. Stop by the gift shop for some genuine Texas souvenirs. Crazy Horse RV Campgrounds Tucson, Arizona – www.crazyhorservcampgrounds.com

People say everything is bigger in Texas and when vis- iting Acacia RV Park you’ll find that’s a true statement when enjoying the park's hospitality. Take advantage of full hook-up sites, laundry and shower facilities, a clubhouse with full kitchen, billiards and other activi- ties. Many visitors return year after year and we’re sure you will too. Cactus Rose RV Park Mingus, Texas – www.cactusroserv.com

Every day of the year you can pull into the Crazy Horse RV Campgrounds to enjoy their Southwest-style hos- pitality. You’ll love the full hook-ups and pull-through sites with free Wi-Fi. The resort offers a full range of comforts such as laundry facilities, a swimming pool, and recreation hall. In 2018, upgrades included a new office and clubhouse. Earlier upgrades added solar energy and newly remodeled restrooms, showers, and facilities.

MEMBER MATTERS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

6

Duvall in the Smokies RV Campground Sevierville, Tennessee – www.duvallinthesmokiesrvcampground.com

Oakdale Park Glen Rose, Texas – www.oakdalepark.com

Oakdale Park has hosted travelers for almost 100 years. In 1925 it was a motor court with a large spring-fed swimming pool. In addition to RV sites, there are a couple dozen cabins and bunkhouses. For your conve- nience, there’s a propane filling station, a convenience store, and a coin laundry. The original swimming pool, the Plunge, is one of the largest swimming pools in Texas. Nearby are the Paluxy River, Big Rocks Park, a miniature golf course, and a snow cone shack. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll down the city’s pictur- esque Paluxy River Walk. Tamiami Village and RV Park

When you book a site at Duvall in the Smokies RV Campground, you can enjoy a free hour of kayaking or tubing. There are also corn hole games, swings, and hammocks hanging from the trees along the river. Kids can enjoy the barrel ride throughout the campground or watch the bald eagles through our telescope. Golf carts and bicycles are welcome. Most river sites are leveled, paved, and very well shaded with furnished patios, 30/50-amp service, water, sewer hookups, and campfire rings. If you love Dolly Parton, then this is

your chance to visit nearby Dollywood. Mesa Verde RV Park Wolfforth, Texas – www.rvlubbock.com

North Fort Myers, Florida – www.tamiamicommunity.com

If finding squeaky clean facilities in a gorgeous setting is important to you, head your rig to Mesa Verde RV Park. The clean, tiled bathrooms and showers have been called “The best bathrooms and showers ever.” Enjoy wide, spacious sites with full hookups, free internet, and free cable. Other amenities include a swimming pool, exercise room, RV supplies, and fenced dog runs. Located in southwest Lubbock only minutes away from Texas Tech and great shopping.

For fun in the sun, check into this Fort Myers RV park that features an active lifestyle with three swimming pools, two shuffleboard courts, horseshoes, two billiard rooms, two clubhouses, exercise room, and library. Meet new friends by joining in the daily activities. Bring your furry friend and access the spacious dog park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and full hookups.

MEMBER MATTERS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

7

RESORT UPDATES ADDITIONS AND CHANGES TO THE 2019 DIRECTORY The 2019 Coast to Coast Resort Directory is packed with everything you need to navigate the network of Coast to Coast Resorts and Coast Good Neighbor Parks. To keep members up-to-date, each issue of Coast magazine includes any updates that have occurred since the last issue. COAST PREMIER RESORT UPDATES COLORADO Colorado Heights Camping Resort, Monument (page 130) Email: [email protected] COAST DELUXE RESORT UPDATES CALIFORNIA Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Park, Bass Lake (page 124) URL: basslakeatyosemite.com TEXAS Holiday Villages of Medina, Bandera (page 170) Email: [email protected]; URL: hvmpoa.com COAST CLASSIC RESORT UPDATES ALBERTA Wilderness Village at Crimson Lake, Rocky Mountain House (page 194) Postal code T4T1A9 MISSOURI Wildwood, Steedman (page 150) Email: [email protected] TEXAS Bay View, Rockport (page 174) RV Notations: Credit cards not accepted

GOOD NEIGHBOR PARKS UPDATES MISSOURI Cozy C RV Campground, Bowling Green (page 206) RV Notations: Credit cards not accepted. NEW GOOD NEIGHBOR PARKS ARIZONA Crazy Horse RV Campgrounds, 6660 S Craycroft Rd, Tucson, 85756; Telephone: (800) 279-6279; Email: [email protected]; URL: crazyhorservcamp- grounds.com. Directions: From Jct of I-10 & Craycroft Rd (Ex 268): Take Frontage Rd to Craycroft Rd, N 0.25 mi on Craycroft Rd, park on L.; Latitude: 32.13072; Longitude: -110.87533; Check-in: 1:00 p.m.; Check-out: 11:00 a.m.; Maximum RV length: 40 feet; Maximum amp: 50 RV Notations: Special discount rate for Coast members. Rate includes 2 adults, 1 RV, 1 vehicle, full hook-up, 30 or 50 amp. Additional charges: Extra adult $4/night, add'l vehicle $4/night, tax 6.1%. Basic cable TV unavail- able currently being upgraded. Available: May 1 – Sep- tember 30. FLORIDA Tamiami Village and RV Park, 16555-A N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers, 33903; Telephone: (239) 997-2697; Fax: (239) 997-3037; Email: reservationist@tamiamicom- munity.com; URL: tamiamicommunity.com; Directions: From I-75 S: Take Ex 158 (old Ex 27), W to stoplight at US 41, turn L (S) and go 12 mi to park entrance opposite The Shell Factory entrance. Turn R into park, office on R. From I-75 N: Take Ex 143 (old Ex 26), W approx 7 mi to US 41 (Cleveland Ave). Turn R on US 41, go N 0.7 mi to park on L. Entrance is opposite The Shell Factory en- trance. Turn L into park, office on R.; Latitude: 26.6671; Longitude: -81.8894; Check-in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out:

RESORT UPDATES

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

8

11:00 a.m.; Maximum RV length: 48 feet; Maximum amp: 50. RV Notations: Special discount rate for Coast mem- bers varies by site selection. Rate includes 2 people, 30 amp, full hook-up. Additional charges: Extra adult $3/ night, extra child $3/night, dump service $25, tax 6.5%. Dry site includes 1 free dump. No tenting. Quiet hours: 10 p.m. - 8 a.m. Season: Year-round. TENNESSEE Duvall in the Smokies RV Campground, 1518 Dol- ly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, 37862; Telephone: (865) 440-2082; Email: [email protected]; URL: duvallinthesmokiesrvcampground.com; Directions: From I-40 E: Take Ex 407 to TN-66 S/Winfield Dunn Pkwy in Sevierville. Merge onto TN-66 S/Winfield Dunn Pkwy for 8 mi. L onto N Pkwy. L onto E Main St. Continue onto Dolly Parton Pkwy. L at Old Tennessee 35 N. Park on L behind Weigel's gas station at light #19. Latitude: 35.86562; Longitude: -83.50937; Check-in: Noon; Check-out: 11:00 a.m.; Maximum RV length: 45 feet; Maximum amp: 50. RV Notations: 2019 Coast rate $36.00 Non-Class A or $42.00 Class A. Rate includes: 2 adults, 1 vehicle, 1 RV, free Wi-Fi, free cable, full hook-up. Additional charges: Extra adult $3/night, extra child over 6 yrs $3/night, extra vehicle $5/night, tax 12.75%. Kids 6 yrs & under free. Max 8 guests per site. No homemade RVs. Only phone cancellations accepted. Quiet hours 10 p.m.- 7 a.m.; Available: August 1 – 31; December 1 – March 31. TEXAS Acacia RV Park, 89 E Business Hwy 83, Alamo, 78516; Telephone: (956) 464-4080; Email: [email protected]; URL: rvacacia.com; Directions: From I-2: Ex Val Verde go S on Val Verde. Turn R onto Bus 83 and go approx 1 mi to park on L. Latitude: 26.17824; Longitude: -98.09372; Check-in: 3:00 p.m.; Check-out: 11:00 a.m.; Maximum RV length: 46 feet; Maximum amp: 50. RV Notations: 2019 Coast rate $28.00. Rate includes: 2 people per RV site, full-hookup. Additional charges: Add'l adults $5/ night, add'l children $5/night, 50 amp $5/night. Sea-

son: Year-round Oakdale Park, 1019 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, 76043; Telephone: (254) 897-2321; Email: oakdaleparkinfo@ glenrosetexas.org; URL: oakdalepark.com; Directions: From Jct TX 144 & US 67: Go 1 mi SW on US 67, then 0.5 mi S on NE Barnard St. Park is on R. Latitude: 32.23958; Longitude: -97.74521; Check-in: 1:00 p.m.; Check-out: 11:00 a.m.; Maximum RV length: 45 feet; Maximum amp: 50. RV Notations: 2019 Coast rate $28.00. Rate includes 2 adults, 1 vehicle per site, full hook-up, free Wi-Fi. Additional charges: Extra vehicle $5/night. Quiet time from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Credit card charged 1st night site charge prior to arrival. $20 cancellation fee if within 48 hrs. Available October 8 - March 7. Cactus Rose RV Park , 115 W I-20, Mingus, 76463; Tele- phone: (254) 693-5976; Email: reservations@cactusros- erv.com; URL: cactusroserv.com; Directions: From Jct of I-20 & Ex 370: Go 500 ft W on S Frontage Rd, park on L. Latitude: 32.51334; Longitude: -98.36957; Check-in: Noon; Check-out: 11:00 a.m.; Maximum RV length: 60 feet; Maximum amp: 50. RV Notations: 2019 Coast rate $36.00. Rate includes: 2 adults per site, full hook-up, 2 vehicles. Free Wi-Fi hotspot and TV at Group Center/ Office. Wi-Fi at some sites (not guaranteed). Season: Year-round Mesa Verde RV Park, 503 E Hwy 62/82, Wolfforth, 79382; Telephone: (806) 773-3135; Email: mesaverde@ nts-online.net; URL: rvlubbock.com; Directions: From Jct W Loop 289 & US 62/82 (Lubbock): Go 5 mi SW on US 62/82 (Ex FM 179), then 1.25 mi N on E Service Rd. Park on R. Latitude: 33.51436; Longitude: -101.99803; Check-in: Noon; Check-out: Noon; Maximum RV length: 45 feet; Maximum amp: 50. RV Notations: 2019 Coast rate $32.00. Rate includes 2 adults, 2 children per site, or 3 adults no kids, full hook-up, free cable, and free Wi- Fi. Additional charges: Tax 8.25%. Season: Year-round

RESORT UPDATES

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

9

RESORT TYPE Coast Deluxe LOCATION Brownwood, Texas SEASON Year-Round WEBSITE www.thehideoutgolfclub.com

The Hideout Golf Club & Resort Fishing and golfing in the heart of Texas Hill Country

The Hideout Golf Club & Resort in Brownwood, Texas, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for golfers and their families. The 18-hole championship course features well placed bunkers, water features, and flawless bent grass greens providing a challenging, yet relaxing round of golf for all skill levels. Less than 10 years old, The Hideout has already gained a reputation as one of the top golf destinations in the area. But that’s not the only reason for visiting the resort. Amenities include an 11,000-square-foot lodge, a 66- foot by 95-foot swimming pool with spa, and a kiddy pool for the little ones. Set up your rig at a site that’s right across from the golf course. Enjoy volleyball, a playground, and paddleboats. And if you choose to travel without your rig, rent one of the six lodge rooms or one of the newly-built, fully-furnished cabins. There are 17 cabins and also 10 RVs available for rent with members enjoying priority

reservations. Or rent a lodge room that has either a single king bed or two queen beds. Leave the cooking to the executive chef at The Hideout Golf Club Grill that serves all three meals. The Grill is a farm-to-table steakhouse that uses their signature wood-fired grill to create beautiful and delicious food sourced from top produce and meat suppliers. Don’t forget to bring your fishing gear because nearby Lake Brownwood is home to a wide variety of fish— large-mouth bass, white bass, stripers, white crappie, yellow cat, perch, and gar. Camping, water skiing, jet skiing, and boating are available. Bring your boat and enjoy skiing and a variety of water sports. Bring binoculars and add to your birding life list: wild turkey, greater roadrunner, cactus wren, canyon towhee, rufous-crowned sparrow, Mississippi kite, black-chinned hummingbird, and painted bunting, to name a few.

RESORT PROFILES

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

10

RESORT TYPE Coast Deluxe LOCATION Randle, Washington SEASON Year-Round WEBSITE www.kmresorts.com

With Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams forming a triangle around Maple Grove Resort, adventure is never very far away. And with amenities like a 9-hole golf course, this isn't your typical camping resort. The nearby mountains provide opportunities to participate in all high-terrain sports, particularly snow skiing, cross- country skiing, and snow shoeing. There are also many trails for hiking, ATVing, horseback riding, and biking. But it’s not just the scenery that will keep you coming back to Maple Grove Resort. Amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, basketball, volleyball, golf on the 9-hole course, horseshoes, and a playground. The clubhouse provides another place to enjoy your visit. Take advantage of the 50-amp electrical and Wi-Fi at your site. Tucked into the Big Bottom Valley, a flat, 3-mile- wide stretch of quiet beauty surrounded by timber-clad foothills, this resort is a true South Cascades hideaway. The resort is located on 1,400 feet of the Cowlitz River Maple Grove Resort Where the fairways meet the foothills

where you can fish, tube, kayak, swim, or go whitewater rafting. The Cowlitz is the number one steelhead producer in the state of Washington for winter and summer run steelhead. The river starts at Mount Rainier and runs through the Cascade Range ultimately dumping into the Columbia River, which empties into the Pacific Ocean. The area has an abundance of wildlife including deer, bald eagles, osprey, and blue heron. In addition, there are more than 60 lakes within 40 miles of the resort. You couldn't ask for more majestic views. Kick back and enjoy the amenities of this comfortable, well-appointed RV resort, or unhook the Jeep and take the service road less traveled into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. What will you find? The other-worldly grandeur of Mount St. Helens' Windy Ridge Viewpoint and so much more. Enjoy the water? The gorgeous Cispus River, with its stunning falls and extreme whitewater kayaking, also flows just a few miles away.

RESORT PROFILES

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

11

RESORT TYPE Coast Premier LOCATION Pass Christian, Mississippi SEASON Year-Round WEBSITE www.tlcwolfriverresort.com

If you love water sports and southern hospitality, then you’ll love TLC Wolf River Resort. And just as the name suggests, plan on being treated with TLC—tender loving care—while staying at this Coast Premier resort in Pass Christian, Mississippi. You may relax at your spacious campsite with a view of a bayou of the Wolf River amid stately pines and majestic oaks, or stroll through the campground and get involved and meet new friends. This southern campground has more than a hundred full hook-up sites, Wi-Fi, and laundry. Because the lovely Wolf River is adjacent to the resort, you can plan much of your activities around water adventures. Bring your boat and access the boat launch. Swim or propel your own canoe or kayak or bring your fishing gear and try to catch the big one. Other activities include swimming and wading pools, mini-golf, and relaxing in the comfortable clubhouse. TLC Wolf River Resort is just minutes from the Gulf of TLC Wolf River Resort A river runs by it

Mexico and 26 miles of sugar white sand beaches. Stroll along the beach while a cool gulf breeze caresses you, have a picnic, or catch some excitement aboard one of the many local charter fishing boats. Afterwards, light up the night in one of the 13 casinos located along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Located about 11 miles off the Mississippi Coast are some of the last undeveloped barrier islands in America. These exquisite sand islands offer visitors the first high quality beaches for swimming and shelling east of New Orleans. The Ship Island Ferry makes the round trip from nearby Gulfport or Biloxi to Ship Island on a 22-mile jaunt over beautiful waters where bottle-nosed dolphins can often be seen surfacing near the boats along the way. One of the top attractions on Ship Island is Fort Massachusetts built around 1866. Guided tours are available.

RESORT PROFILES

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

12

Explore the great outdoors, or book a discount condo vacation to spend with family and friends.

Feeling a little more adventurous? Go beyond the ordinary and book a houseboat, tree house, safari tent

Select 7-night vacation stays – don’t miss out We offer locations around the world.

or even a Glamping cabin.

Looking for a last-minute break?

What’s next on your bucket list? Let us help coordinate your next trip. Log into CoastResorts.com look for Benefits and click Hopaway Holiday.

Be sure to check out FUN WEEKS for the biggest vacation savings.

Reservations: Call 800-380-8939

LIONS , TIGERS & BEARS ohmy! Eight Great

American Zoos

Malayan Tiger swimming at the Bronx Zoo. Photo courtesy of Bronx Zoo/Julie Larsen Maher

EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

14

Gaur Was Bison at the Bronx Zoo. They’re native of South and Southeast Asia. Photo courtesy of Bronx Zoo/Julie Larsen Maher

So it is becoming increasingly evident that zoos must be more than just entertaining attractions. No longer simply modern-day arks, most of the country’s accredited zoos have become vigorously proactive in conserving wild animals, restoring habitats, and breeding and reintroducing endangered species. Probing the ranks of America’s accredited zoos, we’ve identified the following eight that stand out among the best of America’s zoological parks—listed below from East to West. Bronx Zoo – New York, New York Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Bronx Zoo is one of America’s most historic zoos, dating back to 1899. It’s also the country’s largest urban zoo—home to more than 8,000 animals of more than 700 species— spread out across 265 acres. The zoo is a leader in naturalistic exhibitry and multi-species habitats such as JungleWorld, African Plains, and the Himalayan Highlands. On the entertainment side, the zoo features seasonal camel rides, a daily schedule of feedings and enrichment demonstrations, and the Treetop Adventure—a ropes and zipline course that leads visitors through a canopy atop the park. A recent

Map by William Tipton

EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS By Dave G. Houser

It’s hard to imagine a more entertaining and educational family outing than a visit to a zoo. Zoos help open our eyes, minds, and hearts to the wonders of the natural world. America’s first zoo opened in Philadelphia in 1874. Today, the Department of Agriculture licenses 2,800 “animal exhibitors,” of which 230 are accredited members of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), an organization that requires high standards of animal care and conservation. AZA’s high standards are important—and here’s why: Wildlife populations are declining at an alarming rate around the world. One in five species on Earth now faces extinction, and experts predict that by 2050 the extinction rate will rise to 50% due to climate change and loss of habitat. This is an unprecedented global crisis.

EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

15

The American Bison, also commonly known as the American Buffalo, is a native to North America. Photo courtesy of the National Zoo

Giraffe feeding at Zoo Miami is a crowd favorite. Photo courtesy of Zoo Miami

addition at the Bronx is the Butterfly Garden where visitors can mix with some of nature’s best works of art.

and jungle-like environment seems to please most of the 900 animals (500 species) that freely roam the park’s 750 acres. The zoo is an active leader in many global wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives and is currently involved in more than 36 projects taking place on six continents. For visitors, the best and most comfortable way to get around Zoo Miami’s 100-plus exhibits is to join a Safari Tram Tour where expert guides provide commentary on the zoo’s creatures. At the Kaziranga Camp Rhino Encounter a nominal fee gives visitors a rare opportunity to touch and feed a pair of massive Indian rhinos. www.zoomiami.org – 305-251-0400 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium – Columbus, Ohio Columbus Zoo is home to more than 7,000 animals representing about 800 species and draws nearly 2.5 million visitors annually. It has a worldwide reputation and has been regularly cited as one of America’s top zoos. This success is largely attributable to the efforts and influence of noted animal expert and TV personality Jack Hanna who, from 1978 to 1993, led the zoo’s development and continues to serve as its director emeritus. The animal exhibits, scattered over 588 acres, are

www.bronxzoo.com – 718-367-1010 National Zoo – Washington, D.C.

Part of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.’s National Zoo is scenically situated in Rock Creek Valley and was one of the first major zoos to be located in a spacious landscaped setting. More than 400 animal species roam among the tree-shaded trails threading through the 163-acre park. It’s a prime visitor attraction as well as a noted center for animal conservation, research, and education. Its most popular exhibits include the Asia Trail (home to the only giant pandas on the East Coast), Great Cats, Elephant Trails, and the Reptile Discovery Center, where visitors can watch voracious giant Komodo dragons feed. htttps://nationalzoo.si.edu – 202-633-4888 Zoo Miami – Miami, Florida Although there seems to be some confusion surrounding its name—it’s sometimes listed as Miami MetroZoo or Miami-Dade Zoological Park & Gardens—one thing is for certain, this is the only wildlife park in the United States located in a subtropical climate. The hot, humid weather

EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

16

Burrowing owls use open grasslands, deserts, prairies, and agricultural areas throughout North and South American. This one lives at the Bronx Zoo. Photo courtesy of Bronx Zoo/Julie Larsen Maher

Pygmy slow lorises at the Bronx Zoo are nocturnal and arboreal. Photo courtesy of Bronx Zoo/Julie Larsen Maher

The penguin enclosure at the St. Louis Zoo is a great place to cool off on a summer day. Photo courtesy of St. Louis Zoo

divided into eight regions of the world, ranging from polar regions to the heart of Africa. Far out of the ordinary (for Ohio) is Manatee Coast, the largest exhibit of Manatees outside Florida, and Discovery Reef, an indoor 100,000-gallon coral reef exhibit. It is home as well to one of the country’s best primate exhibits and is recognized worldwide for its lowland gorilla breeding program. www.columbuszoo.org – 800-666-5397 Audubon Zoo – New Orleans, Louisiana Managed by Audubon Nature Institute and nestled among 58 acres of ancient oaks and lush gardens in historic Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo offers an exotic mix of nearly 2,000 creatures from around the globe, hands-on animal encounters, and engaging educational programs. Audubon gets rave reviews from its guests for its daily animal presentations, chats, and feeds. For the most part, its animals are exhibited in their natural habitats, a factor that has led to Audubon’s consistent ranking among the country’s best zoos. Its most unique and highly acclaimed habitat, Louisiana Swamp, invites visitors to explore an authentic swamp environment—home to a congregation of mysterious white alligators—and, ever so appropriately, the

rustic Cypress Knee Cafe serving spicy Cajun dishes. www.audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo – 504-581-4629 St. Louis Zoo – St. Louis, Missouri A top attraction in St. Louis (second only to the city’s landmark Gateway Arch), the St. Louis Zoo occupies 90 acres in the heart of sprawling Forest Park. Recently voted Best Zoo and America’s Top Free Attraction by 10Best.com, the St. Louis Zoo is dedicated to connecting people to animals and it’s renowned for its innovative approaches to animal management, wildlife conservation, and education. Annually, nearly 3 million visitors enjoy free admission to experience the zoo’s 16,000-plus animals, many of which are rare and endangered. The zoo is configured in six zones—River’s Edge, The Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks, and Lakeside Crossing—each of which highlights unique animal habitats. Its children’s zoo is a big hit with younger devotees who can pet guinea pigs and goats and learn more about intriguing critters such as Tasmanian devils and Matschie’s tree kangaroos. www.stlzoo.org – 314-781-0900 Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska Nebraska doesn’t seem a likely location for a world-class

EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

17

Experience what it’s like to walk underneath swimming crocodiles at Zoo Miami. Photo courtesy of Zoo Miami

The Suzanne and Walter Scott African Grasslands at the Henry Dooly Zoo features breathtaking panoramic views of grasslands and African wildlife. Photo courtesy of the Henry Dooly Zoo

EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

18

Walk on the bottom of the ocean and come nose to nose with sea turtles as sharks circle above you in the 70-foot shark tunnel at the Henry Dooly Zoo Scott Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the Henry Dooly Zoo

Henry Dooly Zoo ambassadors make sure visitors get up close and personal to animals. Photo courtesy of Henry Dooly Zoo

zoo—but that’s precisely the case. In 2014, Trip Advisor proclaimed Henry Doorly Zoo the “world’s best zoo,” topping San Diego and Spain’s Loro Parque, based on an algorithmic assimilation of millions of reviews for 275 major zoos worldwide. Internationally renowned for its leadership in animal conservation and research, Doorly is equally acclaimed for its visitor appeal. It is Nebraska’s top paid attendance attraction and has welcomed nearly 26 million visitors during its 42-year existence. It is home to several of the largest zoo exhibits in the nation and the world. Its Cat Complex is the largest of its kind in North America, Kingdoms of the Night is the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, the Lied Jungle is one of the world’s largest indoor rain forests, and the Desert Dome houses the world’s largest indoor desert.

1,800-acre Safari Park in Escondido, 30 miles north of the city, it is clear that the San Diego Zoo protects and exhibits more animals than any zoological organization in the world. Popular exhibits at Balboa Park include African Rocks, a new exhibit in 2017 that highlights the biodiversity of Africa with six different habitat exhibits; Northern Frontier with its polar bears and reindeer; Elephant Odyssey, featuring both African and Asian species; and Panda Canyon, home to a pair of giant pandas. San Diego is one of only four zoos in the country to exhibit these loveable creatures—and was the first in the world to produce a giant panda through artificial insemination. Safari Park was designed to help breed endangered species and has seen some 20,000 animals born within its borders—including 176 rhinos, one of the world’s most endangered large mammals. https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org – 619-231-1515

www.omahazoo.com – 402-733-8401 San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California

It would be safe to say that San Diego is America’s best- known zoo and it certainly ranks among the two or three finest and most respected zoos in the world. If one were to combine the 3,700 animals of 650 species living at the 100-acre Balboa Park facility with the nearly 3,000 beasties representing 300 species roaming the zoo’s

EIGHT GREAT AMERICAN ZOOS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

19

MOUNTAIN HIGHS & LOWS Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains and Bighorn Canyon

Red rocks glow at dawn in Bighorn Canyon.

MOUNTAIN HIGHS AND LOWS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

20

Morning light at Bighorn Canyon.

The plateaus and valleys in these mountains are wide open ranching country where signs of humanity are few and far between. But after we traversed the range to the eastern side we were bewitched by the warmth and welcoming atmosphere we found in the small town of Buffalo. When we arrived in town it was a Saturday and a parade was just getting underway. The town was throbbing with excited people lining the streets, and we had to crane our necks to see over the crowd to the rows of horseback riders passing by in the parade. Suddenly, a blue pickup truck appeared with a cowboy standing in the back of it, and the crowd went wild. The woman next to me nearly swooned. After I quickly snapped a photo of the cowboy in the truck, I asked her if he was the mayor. "Oh, no!" She laughed, her eyes glittering. "That's Sheriff Walt Longmire!" WHO? It turned out that Buffalo was hosting a three-day celebration of the immensely popular TV show Longmire , and the entire cast had come to town to be part of the festivities. The fellow in the truck was the star of the show, Australian actor Robert Taylor, who played the beloved sheriff. The TV drama was developed from a series of novels that depict small town life in fictional

Crazy Woman Square in Buffalo is flanked by huge murals on the surrounding brick buildings that depict cattle ranching life in Johnson Canyon throughout the years.

MOUNTAIN HIGHS AND LOWS Story by Emily Fagan Photos by Emily & Mark Fagan

Up in the northern part of Wyoming, close to the Montana border, lie the Bighorn Mountains, a glorious range of towering peaks, sweeping valleys and deep canyons. Offering a seemingly endless array of things to see and do, this area impressed us so much during our first visit that we returned the following summer to explore it in more depth. The Bighorn Mountain Range runs on a north-south axis, and two scenic byways take motorists up and over thrilling mountain passes between the west side and the east. Our first glimpse of the Bighorns was on the southern of these two roads, the "Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway," which is US Highway 16—the easier of the two roads for big RVs. As we climbed higher and higher the views seemed to go on forever.

MOUNTAIN HIGHS AND LOWS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

21

Shell Falls on the Bighorn Scenic Byway.

Sheriff Walt Longmire waves to the crowd during Longmire Days in Buffalo, Wyoming.

Durant, Wyoming. It was written by local author Craig Johnson who based his stories on the town of Buffalo! At the same time the Longmire Days celebration was going on, there was a fabulous car show in town, too. We spent a happy few hours admiring antique cars and muscle cars and some wonderful old pickup trucks. One fellow showing off his beautifully restored 1946 Dodge pickup explained that his dad had used it on the family farm for a few decades and then it sat in a barn for a while. He had lovingly brought it back to life and it now looked brand new. How rare to see a restored antique vehicle that had been in a single family since it rolled off the manufacturing line. Buffalo is full of spirit, and everyone in town loves a parade. Not long after the Longmire celebration we found ourselves swept up in a completely different kind of festival honoring the traditions and history of the Basque sheep herders who settled the area over a century ago. The Basques immigrated from their homeland in the Pyrenees mountains along the border between France and Spain, and many of their descendants live in the area today. Sheep herding was a lifestyle the Basques knew intimately in their homeland and it was also a cheaper

business for new European arrivals to start than cattle ranching. We were fascinated to learn that the heart of the sheep herding lifestyle was the rolling wagon the shepherds used as their mobile home base out on the range. Shaped like an old covered wagon, these Basque wagons were basically a horse-drawn RV complete with bedding, cooking facilities, and storage for food, clothes, tools, and more. At night, to fight off the cold, the Basque shepherds could fire up a cast iron oven or woodstove to keep warm. One Basque wagon after another rolled past in this wonderful parade, some pulled by horses, some by antique trucks, and a few by modern vehicles. After the parade ended, the drivers circled the wagons in the city park and opened them for visitors to peer into. Ranging from barely renovated since its original use a century ago to fully modernized inside, each Basque wagon was a source of great pride to its owners and offered an absorbing glimpse into a special and little-known facet of Wyoming's history. Sheep farming is still important in Wyoming. At a later date, we attended a special 4-H event at the Johnson County Fairgrounds where kids showed off sheep they’d raised while modeling woolen clothing they’d made themselves. Buffalo has an inviting main street, and the town is

MOUNTAIN HIGHS AND LOWS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

22

A Basque wagon is pulled by an antique truck during the Basque Festival in Buffalo, Wyoming.

Buffalo, Wyoming, is a charming town with murals depicting its history.

A Basque wagon is pulled by horses during the Basque Festival in Buffalo, Wyoming.

A cowboy tests a rope on a fake bull at King’s Saddlery in Sheridan, Wyoming.

anchored by the elegant brick walled Occidental Hotel. We wandered inside through the classic Western bar to the antique-filled lobby of this historic hotel, gazing in wonder at the images on the walls of the many celebrity guests from long ago that stayed in the rooms upstairs. From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to Ernest Hemingway to Buffalo Bill Cody, this unique hotel has hosted both the famous and the infamous. A small plaque explained that the hotel had started as a simple shared creek-side campsite in 1878. It has been thriving ever since. The Occidental Hotel is perched on the banks of Clear Creek, and visitors can purchase a handful of fish food from a dispenser to throw into the water from the bridge. Our mouths dropped open when a young boy on the bridge reeled in a big fish and showed it off to us. A few steps away, Crazy Woman Square is flanked by huge murals on the surrounding brick buildings that depict cattle ranching life in Johnson Canyon throughout the years. A bronze sculpture of sheep celebrates the Basque history. Cattle ranching is still a big part of life around the Bighorns, and we had to smile when we literally bumped into it while driving on US Highway 16 one morning. There isn't much traffic in this area, but there were

suddenly quite a few brake lights ahead of us. We stopped and inched along for a while and then suddenly heard an incessant mooing as we rounded a bend. A few hundred cows and calves were slowly making their way up the middle of the highway toward a turn-off to new grazing areas. In keeping with ranching traditions, the cowboys driving the herd were on horseback and wore cowboy boots, and a few wore cowboy hats, too. But modern conveniences won out when it came to communication between the cowboy at the front of the herd and the cowboy at the back behind the mooing bovines: each rancher held the reins of his horse in one hand and a cell phone up to his ear in the other. One day we took our truck down rugged Forest Road 33 off US Highway 16 to head into the depths of Crazy Woman Canyon. As we drove through the gorge, jagged canyon walls rose high above us on either side, closing off the rest of the world behind sheer stone cliffs. Ice cold Crazy Woman Creek trickled alongside us. There are several different legends about how this canyon got its name, most involving murder and some involving revenge, but regardless who the Crazy Woman was and what made her lose her mind, there's no doubt she must have felt an overpowering sense of solitude in this austere and isolated place.

MOUNTAIN HIGHS AND LOWS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

23

A group of deer watches us at Bud Love Wildlife Conservation Area.

A cattle drive makes its way up US-16 in the Bighorn Mountains.

MOUNTAIN HIGHS AND LOWS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

24

The marina at Bighorn Canyon.

Sunrise at Lake De Smet.

A few miles north of Buffalo we found beautiful Lake De Smet where summertime watersports were in full swing. Boats of every description filled the lake, especially on the day of a big fishing tournament, and kids swam and played in the water near the shore. Lake Stop Resort restaurant's back patio deck had a view of the lake in the distance and was a great place for a leisurely burger and a beer in the fresh air. Taking our cameras on a wildlife expedition late one afternoon, we drove through the Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area. We were amazed to see huge herds of deer grazing in the grasses both near and far. Beautiful bucks with enormous racks raised their heads slowly to look at us, and one group with both fawns and adults paused to stare at our vehicle long enough for us to capture a fun family portrait of them right out the window. Sheridan, Wyoming is a lovely small town about 35 miles north of Buffalo. One of our favorite destinations in town was the western tack store and museum, King's Saddlery. Crafting gorgeous saddles since the late 1940s, this unique store offers an immense variety of ropes for ranchers as well as cowboy boots and hats and other western gear. When we walked into the store, we wondered why there were two odd looking pieces

of furniture with bull horns on them. Then a customer appeared with a few ropes in his arms, and one by one he tested each rope's characteristics by roping the bull horns on these two fake bulls. He apparently liked the feel of one particular rope and soon purchased it at the cash register. In an adjoining cavernous room, we discovered a museum filled with rows and rows of historic saddles that had been used by local ranchers and famous cowboys over the last century and a half. Some were ornate and some were quite simple in design, but all had been well loved and were well worn. Just south of Sheridan we visited the Brinton Museum, which features exhibits of western art and American Indian art. Built by a farm equipment entrepreneur and left in trust to his sister to become a museum, the property includes not only the art exhibit halls but a beautiful historic ranch house and a leather craft shop as well as a charming bistro for lunch or brunch. The townof Sheridan lies at theeasternendof theBighorn Scenic Byway, US Highway 14. Taking it westward, this winding and twisting highway took us high into the mountains on switchback after switchback. We drove it towing our 36-foot fifth wheel trailer but its steep grades are not for the faint of heart or for an RV with a weak engine. One of the highlights of this drive was a stop at

MOUNTAIN HIGHS AND LOWS

COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2019

25