Summer 2022

Summer 2022

COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

OUTSIDE YELLOWSTONE PRECIOUS JEWELS

FOR THE BIRDS Exploring Central Florida

ON THE WISCONSIN WATERFRONT

Rushmore Shadows Resort Rapid City, SD SUMMER DESTINATIONS

Country Maples RV Resort Chemainus, BC

Abita Springs RV Resort Abita Springs, LA

Pick up your FREE 2022 Coast Directory Inside the 2022 Good Sam Campground & Coupon Guide!

The new 2022 Good Sam Campground & Coupon Guide that includes the new 2022 Coast to Coast Directory is available to Coast members at no charge at any Camping World or Gander RV location. As a valued Coast member you were already sent a coupon, via either email or regular mail, good for a complimentary 2022 guide. To claim your FREE copy simply take your coupon to any of the nearly 200 Camping World and Gander RV locations and exchange it for your FREE 2022 Good Sam Campground & Coupon Guide containing the 2022 Coast Directory. To find a store location, visit https://rv.campingworld.com/locations. The enhanced 2022 Good Sam Campground & Coupon Guide, the top North America campground directory and a $29.95 value , has been combined with the new 2022 Coast to Coast Directory for the first time ever. The guide is redesigned to give you everything you need to navigate the Coast to Coast network, as well as over $1,500 dollars in coupons and information on thousands of other RV parks and campgrounds. Plus in 2022 Coast to Coast is celebrating 50 great years of making our members’ travel dreams come true, so this is a very special commemorative issue. Questions about your coupon? Or can’t find your coupon? Call Coast Member Services at 800-368-5721 or email us at [email protected] .

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CONTENTS

TRAVEL 13  PRECIOUS

CHAIRMAN OF CAMPING WORLD HOLDINGS Marcus Lemonis CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Tamara Ward PRESIDENT OF GOOD SAM MEDIA AND EVENTS Vilma Fraguada BUSINESS MANAGERS Christine Distl & Christina Din MARKETING COORDINATOR MaryEllen Foster COAST TO COAST PRESIDENT Bruce Hoster [email protected] MARKETING DIRECTOR Kristin Moser EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Dee Whited ART DIRECTOR Aubry Meyer COAST MEMBER SERVICES 64 Inverness Drive East Englewood, Colorado 80112 800-368-5721 [email protected] COAST TO COAST WEBSITE CoastResorts.com COAST FACEBOOK PAGE Facebook.com/CoastResorts VOLUME 41, 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 responsibility for unsolicited manu­ scripts or artwork. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any method without prior written consent of the publisher. ©2022 Camp Coast to Coast, LLC. Coast wing logo is a registered 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. COVER PHOTO BY EMILY & MARK FAGAN CTC62107 - 0522

JEWELS OUTSIDE YELLOWSTONE Have an Outside-the-Park Adventure Story by Emily Fagan

19 FOR THE BIRDS

Exploring Central Florida Story by Dee Litten Whited 27 ON THE WISCONSIN WATERFRONT Milwaukee’s RiverWalk, Madison’s Twin Lakes, and Door County’s Great Lake Getaway Story and photos by Richard Varr 19

DEPARTMENTS 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT 6 RESORT UPDATES 36 RV REVIEW

RESORT PROFILES 9 RUSHMORE SHADOWS RESORT Rapid City, South Dakota 10 COUNTRY MAPLES RV RESORT Chemainus, British Columbia 11  ABITA SPRINGS RV RESORT Abita Springs, Louisiana

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COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022 | 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT PUTTING MEMBERS FIRST Two New Resorts Join the Coast to Coast Network Members always want to know if we have added any new resorts to our network. This issue we are pleased to introduce two campground resorts that have recently joined the Coast to Coast Resort Network. Country Maples RV Resort, part of Holiday Trails RV Resorts, is now a Coast Deluxe Resort. This charming resort is near the town of Chemainus, British Columbia, on southern Vancouver Island in Canada. It is conveniently located just off the Island Highway approximately nine miles north of the city of Duncan. Country Maples is nestled along the Chemainus River and tucked away among an old-growth forest. This big-rig friendly resort features 175 full and partial hookup RV sites (including 8 pull-throughs) with 15, 30 and 50-amp electrical service. A variety of camping areas are available with both treed and open sites. First-class amenities include playgrounds, dog runs, clubhouse, arcade, fitness room, laundry facilities, washrooms with showers, general store (seasonal), heated outdoor swimming pool (seasonal), 18-hole mini golf course, basketball and hockey court, horseshoes, and more. When you are ready to explore the surrounding area, you’ll discover nearby golf courses, great hiking, and ocean beaches. Plan a trip to Country Maples RV Resort to experience the idyllic island life at this friendly RV resort. We are equally thrilled to announce that Harmony Lakeside RV Park & Deluxe Cabins is now a Coast Deluxe resort. Harmony Lakeside is outdoor camping at its best.

Discover this pet friendly, peaceful retreat located on Mayfield Lake in Southwest Washington where you can enjoy a host of outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, trout fishing and more. Bring your boat or rent a party boat, fishing boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and tour the lake. Spend the day fishing for dinner or sunbathe on the shore. Close to Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier, Harmony Lakeside is centrally located between Seattle and Portland off Interstate 5. Enjoy open or wooded sites, including pull-through RV sites, that are also big-rig friendly with full hook-ups. The resort’s fabulous amenities including boat rentals, boat ramp, playground, dog run, hillside gardens, laundry, fire rings, and a recreational area for guests who want plenty to do. Harmony Lakeside RV Park & Deluxe Cabins is part of the RV Inn Style Resort group. RV Inn Style Resorts is committed to providing best in class RV resorts for their guests, and they currently operate ten properties across Oregon and Washington. Their properties all provide a unique experience, and above all else, world class hospitality To learn more about both of these new Coast Deluxe Resorts, view their updated listing using our online directory at www.CoastResorts.com.

MARCUS LEMONIS Chairman and CEO Camping World & Good Sam marcusvip@ goodsamfamily.com

BRUCE HOSTER President Coast to Coast Resorts CCRPresident@ CoastResorts.com

FROM THE PRESIDENT

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RESORT UPDATES The 2022 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. Harmony Lakeside RV Park & Deluxe Cabins , 563 State Road 122, Silver Creek, 98585. Phone (877) 780-7275, email office@ harmonylakesidervpark.com, website www. rvinnstyleresorts.com/washington/harmony- lakeside-rv-park. RV notations: Rate includes full hook-up, TV, Wi-Fi. Additional charges: Add'l person $5/night, add'l vehicle $11/night, tax 9.8%. Max 6 people per site. No tent sites. 1 night deposit required for reservation. $29 cancellation fee less your deposit if cancel 14 days or more prior to check-in. Full deposit fee if cancel within 13 days or less of arrival. No shows charged entire reservation fee. Quiet hours 11 p.m.-8 a.m. Season: Year round. NEW DELUXE RESORTS WASHINGTON BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA Country Maples RV Resort - Holiday Trails Resorts , 9010 Trans Canada Highway, Chemainus, V0R 1K4. Phone (250) 246-2078, email [email protected], website www. htr.ca. RV notations: Please call resort ahead of reservation to prepay all amenity fees. Rate includes 4 adults, 30 amp, full hook-up. Additional charges: Extra person over 5 yrs $4/ night, each pet $3/night, Wi-Fi $3/night, 50 amp $3/night, tax 5%. Drive-ups not accepted. Season: Year round.

DELUXE RESORT TERMINATION ALBERTA, CANADA Bridgeview RV Resort - Holiday Trails RV Resort, Lethbridge (page 156)

NEW GOOD NEIGHBOR PARKS ARIZONA

Pioneer RV Resort , 36408 N Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, 85086. Phone (800) 658-5895, email [email protected], website www. arizonarvresorts.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate $39.55. Rate include 2 adults and full hookups. Additional charges: Tax 7.25%. Season: Year round. 88 Shades RV Park , 575 W Main St, Quartzsite, 85346. Phone (928) 927-6336, email [email protected], website www.88shadesquartzsitervpark.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate $31.55. Rate includes 2 adults per site, full hook-ups. Additional charges: Tax 21.1%. Season: Year round. GEORGIA Lake Pines RV Park , 6404 Garrett Rd, Columbus, 31820. Phone (706) 561-9675, email [email protected], website www.lakepines. net. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate 15% discount. Reservation must be made 2 weeks prior. Rate includes 2 adults and full hookups. Additional charges: Tax 8%. Season: Year round. River Vista RV Resort , 20 River Vista Dr, Dillard, 30537. Phone (706) 746-2722, email Relax@ RVMountainVillage.com, website www. rvmountainvillage.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast 15% discount available Dec 1 - Mar 30. Rate includes 2 adults per site, full hook-ups. Additional charges: After 4 people add’l person $10, add’l vehicle $10, tax 8%. Season: Year round.

RESORT UPDATES

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Talona Ridge RV Resort , 723 Highland Parkway, East Ellijay, 30540. Phone (706) 636-2267, email [email protected], website www. talonaridgervresort.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate 15% discount. Two-night minimum. Rate includes 2 adults per site, full hook-ups. Additional charges: Add’l adult $5, pet fee $25, add’l vehicle $5 - $10, tax 10%. Season: Year round. Lake Park RV & Campground , 5300 Jewell Futch Rd, Lake Park, 31636. Phone (229) 559- 6555, email [email protected], website www.lakeparkrvcamp.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate $50. Rate includes 2 adults per site, full hook-ups. Additional charges: Add’l adult $10, add’l child $5, pets $5, add’l vehicle $10, tax 15%. Season: January 1 – May 6. TEXAS Abilene RV Park , 6195 E Hwy 80, Abilene, 79601. Phone (325) 672-2212, email [email protected], website www. abilenetexasrvpark.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate $33. Rate include 2 adults and full hookups. Additional charges: Add'l adult $1, tax 8%. Season: Year round. Sam Houston RV Park , 5260 Hwy 150W, New Waverly, 77358. Phone (936) 767-5108, email [email protected], website www. samhoustonrvpark.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate $38.25. Rate includes 2 adults per site, full hook-ups. Additional charges: Tax 8.25%. Season: Year round.

Camper's Paradise RV Park , 4242 US Highway 287, Sunset, 76270. Phone (940) 872-2429, email [email protected], website www. campersparadisetexas.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate $32. Rate includes 2 adults and full hookups. Additional charges: Add'l adult $3, add'l child $3, tax 6.25%. WASHINGTON Silver Ridge Ranch , 182 Silver Ridge Ranch Rd, Easton, 98925. Phone (509) 656-0275, email [email protected], website www.silverridgeranch.com. RV notations: 2023 Coast rate $40 available Mar-Nov. Additional charges: Add’l vehicle $5, dump fee $10, tax 8%. Season: Year round. GOOD NEIGHBOR PARK UPDATES NEW MEXICO Hidden Valley Ranch RV Resort (page 175) Changed website address to www. hiddenvalleyrvranch.com GOOD NEIGHBOR PARK TERMINATIONS CALIFORNIA Pilot Knob RV Resort , Winterhaven (page 164) FLORIDA Luna Sands Resort , Orange City (page 167) Ducky’s Day Off RV Park , Zephyrhills (page 167)

GEORGIA Twin Oaks RV Park , Elko (page 167)

RESORT UPDATES

COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022 | 7

“ IF YOU’RE NOT HAPPY, I’M NOT HAPPY. ” "If you're happy, I'm happy."

Need anything? I’m here to help. CALL MY OFFICE 866.232.8790 or Email me at [email protected] I'm here to help. Call my office 866-232-8790 or email me at [email protected]

Marcus Lemonis Chairman and CEO

Marcus Lemonis Chairman and CEO Camping World and Good Sam

Camping World and Good Sam

CTC60136 - 0221

RESORT TYPE: Premier LOCATION: Rapid City, South Dakota SEASON: May 1 – October 23 WEBSITE: www.travelresorts.com

RUSHMORE SHADOWS RESORT South Dakota Camping Among the Presidents

Tucked in the Ponderosa Pine foothills of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rushmore Shadows Resort offers monumental fun. Located conveniently on Hwy 16 just minutes from Rapid City, Keystone, Hill City, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore, Rushmore Shadows is the premier RV camping destination in the Black Hills. With so many attractions so close, there are many places to visit offsite, but there’s no reason to leave the comfort of your scenic site at the resort. You can choose to just sit back and relax or discover all that’s available to you in this private and secure resort. Jump in and cool off in the pool that’s for kids and adults. Challenge your family or new friends to a game of mini-golf. Throw some shoes at the horseshoe pits or roast some marshmallows at the bonfire. For a little more exercise, rent a bike and tour the area. If you’ve brought your best friend of the four-

legged variety, check out the enclosed dog run, which ensures that those furry family members stay safe and love Rushmore Shadows as much as you do. The resort is home to cabins and full hookup RV sites (30 & 50 amp), pine trees, and lots of family fun. There are family activities, a pool, nearby hiking trails, a camp store, playground, and sports courts. The staff prides itself on providing a fun atmosphere in a quiet and secure setting. This makes Rushmore Shadows an ideal next vacation destination. In addition to being near Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, another must-see site is the Crazy Horse Memorial. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the memorial is the world's largest mountain carving. It is considered The Eighth Wonder of the World in progress. It depicts the warrior Crazy Horse, riding a horse, and pointing to his tribal land.

RESORT PROFILES

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RESORT TYPE: Deluxe LOCATION: Chemainus, British Columbia SEASON: Year-round WEBSITE: www.holidaytrailsresorts.com

COUNTRY MAPLES RV RESORT Go North to this Beautiful Island Resort

Take an opportunity to visit this brand new Coast to Coast resort located on Vancouver Island near the town of Chemainus, British Columbia. It’s the perfect place for either a destination or stop- over stay with the Chemainus River alongside and buffered by a lush old-growth forest. You can choose from a variety of spacious RV sites including treed and open sites. There are even some pull-through sites for those of us who are challenged by backing into a spot. Choose from many activities and amenities to keep you busy onsite. Check out the playgrounds, an arcade, a heated swimming pool, and an 18- hole mini-golf course. Keep clean at the onsite laundry and pick up any forgotten items at the general store that’s open seasonally. With close by golf courses, great hiking, and ocean beaches you are sure to build memories

season after season while experiencing idyllic Island life at this quaint RV resort. The activities department adds so much enjoyment by planning movie nights, pancake breakfasts, bingo, and special dinners. Also on Vancouver Island is Butchart Gardens, a group of floral display gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada, located near Victoria on Vancouver Island. The gardens receive over a million visitors each year. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. If you’re looking for adventure, look no further. Climb up trees, balance tightropes, and zipline through the canopy. Adventure parks on Vancouver Island allow you to see the region from a whole different perspective, whether that’s way up high or down below.

RESORT PROFILES

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RESORT TYPE: Classic LOCATION: Abita Springs, Louisiana SEASON: Year-round WEBSITE: www.oceancanyon.com

ABITA SPRINGS RV RESORT Vacation Along Scenic Country Roads

Once you’ve pulled into your spacious scenic site, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to visit this lovely Louisiana resort. The pine forests, the pure air, the mineral waters at Abita Springs, and the many services at Abita Springs RV Resort assure visitors of an enjoyable vacation. The resort is located in St. Tammany Parrish, where the hubbub of interstate highways and city life has been transformed into scenic country roads and a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy some peace and quiet at the private fishing lake or take a stroll on the walking trails around the lake. Relax or exercise at the heart shaped adult pool or alongside the perfect-for-the-little- ones kiddie pool. Meet new friends at the large clubhouse with activities for all ages. Resort amenities also include a friendly staff providing Southern hospitality, wireless Internet, planned activities, and artesian springs. Nearby enjoy the area’s surrounding trees and lakes, exceptional Cajun and other cuisine, as well as world-class

fishing and boating. Take in the history and grace of area plantations; have fun participating in water sports, and heel-kicking Cajun dancing. Explore the lake that is home to ducks, herons, egrets, turtles, and fish. In the charming town of Abita Springs make time to visit the Art and Farmers Market where you’ll find fresh locally grown produce, wild caught seafood, local honeys, jellies, and baked goods. Tammany Trace is a 31-mile bike path that stretches from Covington to Slidell. The trailhead sits right on the trace and is the perfect spot to go biking, running, roller blading, or to take a leisurely walk. Your four-legged friend can enjoy the safety of the dog park, and you can plan some summer reading at the resort’s library. If you travel without your rig, rent one of the comfortable cabins.

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FAMILY FUN PACKAGES SUMMER

Take advantage of exclusive member benefits and the best vacation rates

Guaranteed Lowest Hotel Rates for 2022 Hawaii Package Vacations Book complete vacation packages including convenient flights, exciting activities, travel protection coverage and more. Plus, the guaranteed lowest room rates and EXCLUSIVE added values such as guaranteed room upgrades, free daily breakfast for two, and discounts on spa services at these hotels: Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Aston Kaanapali Shores, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Escape to Adventure + Exclusive Bonus Offer

Upgrade Your Fun! Opt-in for the fun, endless laughter, amaz- ing destinations, and memories for a lifetime on your Carnival® cruise vacation. Book now to receive a 3-category upgrade + up to $100 onboard credit!

Book your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation in a balcony cabin or above and receive a complimentary specialty dinner for two. Book a Junior Suite or above and receive the dinner and a complimentary spa treatment.

Book now, start planning your dream vacation. Email Coast Travel Services today at [email protected] coastresorts.membersonvacation.com

Benefits of using a Coast Travel Services Advisor:

Comprehensive safety and travel restriction review

Industry access to amenities, upgrades, and activities

Support before, during, and after your vacation

Offers are land or cruise only, based on double occupancy, in select categories, capacity-controlled, and subject to availability and change at any time without notice. Valid on new bookings only. Blackout dates and other restrictions apply. Ask our personal vacation planners for details. Pleasant Holidays: Bookings valid for travel through 1/3/2023. CST# 1007939-10. Pleasant Holidays is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel ST#37983. Copyright©2022 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Royal Caribbean: Offers expire on 12/31/22. Carnival: Offer valid from June 1 - August 31, 2022. ©2022 Carnival Corporation. Carnival® and the Carnival logos are trademarks of Carnival Corporation. All rights reserved. Used under license. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas, Panama, and Malta. Seller of Travel: CST# 2129700-40; Iowa: 1284; Washington: 603-561-512; Hawaii: TAR 7279. © 2022 Corporate Travel Management North America Inc. DBA Allure Travel by CTM. All rights reserved.

PRECIOUS JEWELS OUTSIDE YELLOWSTONE

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Fifth wheel trailer on the Beartooth Highway

1800s, it boasted 1,180 residents by 1892. Today the population has nearly doubled to just over 2,200 people, but that grows by as much as 50% in the summertime when tourists come to relax in the stunning scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Red Lodge hosts a wide variety of special events throughout the year, from rodeos to music and songwriting festivals to races and rallies of all kinds. However, we enjoyed the simple pleasure of strolling down the main drag, Broadway Avenue, and poking our heads into the boutique stores. Back Alley Metals is a unique shop filled with beautifully crafted metal works, and a clerk told us she'd moved to Red Lodge so she could ski as much as her heart desired at nearby Red Lodge Mountain. She said she particularly loved spring skiing, which starts after Memorial Day and continues through the end of June. Skiing is such a beloved sport in this area that one of the park benches we saw around town was made from old skis. The front window of the adorably named shop "Lewis & Bark's Outpost" features an image of two dogs paddling a canoe, and that store caters to visitors of the four-legged variety. There are lots of inviting bistros and coffee shops to choose from in town. We savored a tasty morning brew at the Coffee Factory Roasters and a delicious evening brew along with a burger at the Humphrey Bogart themed Bogart's Restaurant.

Drive along the picturesque Chief Joseph Highway

PRECIOUS JEWELS OUTSIDE YELLOWSTONE Story by Emily Fagan Photos provided by Emily and Mark Fagan The Beartooth Highway is a spectacular scenic drive through the mountain peaks of Montana and Wyoming that is so awe inspiring it has been given the well-deserved designation of “All American Road.” Few roads in America have been singled out for this distinction, and since the others we've been fortunate enough to drive have all knocked our socks off, the Beartooth Highway became a "must see" for us. The lesser known but equally stunning Chief Joseph Highway branches off the Beartooth Highway, and two lovely towns and a small village offer delightful hospitality at the starting and end points of each of these drives, making the whole region east of Yellowstone National Park a fabulous place to visit. RED LODGE, MONTANA - WESTERN CHARM We began our adventure in Red Lodge, Montana, a small town with an enchanting vibe. Founded as a coal mining town in the late

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An alpine lake on the Beartooth Highway

Wildflowers on the Chief Joseph Highway

BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY - SNOWCAPPED MOUNTAINS

We ventured out onto the snow in one area and as I watched my husband, Mark, walk into the bewitching landscape with our puppy ahead of me, it seemed as though they were walking into a painting. What a backdrop. What a place. Back in our truck, we drove through this picture postcard landscape to Beartooth Lake. There wasn't a breath of wind and the surface of the water looked like a mirror as the early morning light reflected the mountains in the water. When we passed this same spot later in the day on our return trip, the water was ruffled by a steady breeze and the reflections were gone. The last stop on the Beartooth Highway before the road enters Yellowstone National Park were the twin villages of Cooke City and Silver Gate. We'd arrived early enough in the morning that the villages were just waking up and only a handful of shops were open. After meandering about on foot for a while, we headed out in our truck again to immerse ourselves in another dose of sensational scenic views as we drove the Beartooth Highway back to Red Lodge. If there is a motorcycle heaven, the Beartooth Highway has to be it. As the sun rose higher in the sky, bikers and bikes of all shapes and sizes carved the hairpin switchback turns with sheer delight. Unlike the rest of us who were hanging out the windows of our vehicles as we drove,

Fueled up and ready to go, we hit the Beartooth Highway at 6:00 the next morning. We had been advised that if we started any later than that we'd likely encounter tourist traffic along the roadway. Despite visiting this 5,500-foot elevation town in mid-June, a blizzard had blanketed the highway and mountains with snow just a few days before our arrival. As we climbed toward the heavens on the steep grade leaving town, the views of the mountains and valleys grew ever more dramatic. Many of the peaks are over 12,000 feet high and seeing them capped with snow was icing on the cake for us in more ways than one! In no time we were at the Red Creek Vista Overlook where we could stop and walk around a bit, taking our time to admire the majestic beauty of the mountains and valleys around us. This was just a warmup, however, and the views became even more stunning as we continued the drive. Perhaps the most eye-popping vistas came after we crossed into Wyoming. Small lakes and ponds began to dot the landscape. Vivid royal blue water was surrounded by pure white snow and green trees in breathtaking panoramas. The patchwork of snow on the craggy mountains made beautiful shapes and patterns.

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Map credit: William Tipton

Beartooth Highway Scenery - View at Red Creek Vista Overlook

Wildflowers on Chief Joseph Highway

the bikers' views were unobstructed in every direction. The world was fully awake now and the pullouts were getting busy. At each stop we found ourselves surrounded by grinning tourists wielding cell phones and taking selfies. As we rounded one bend, a ski chair lift suddenly came into view. With our truck windows rolled down, we could hear the voices of happy skiers ahead of us. Then we saw a hillside that was absolutely covered with skiers. Many were in shirt sleeves, warmed by the sun and relishing the spring When we chatted about this incredible drive over dinner in our fifth-wheel that night, we decided we had to check out the Chief Joseph Highway, too. The next morning we moved our home base to Cody, Wyoming, towing our fifth-wheel trailer on the much less suspenseful Wyoming Highway 120. Cody is bigger than Red Lodge, but it is still a small town at just under 10,000 residents. Founded in 1896 by "Buffalo Bill" Cody and some partners, most of the town's original land lots were purchased by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad with an eye toward building a spur line to bring passengers to Cody and Yellowstone National Park from Toluca, Montana, 140 miles away to the northeast. In 1912, oil was discovered near Cody and the combination of oil drilling and tourism have been the mainstays of the town's economy ever since. This is a town that skiing we had heard about in town. CODY, WYOMING - THE WILD WEST

celebrates its history and the local newspaper, the Cody Enterprise , which started in 1899, is still in print today. Cody has many tantalizing things for visitors to do in town, from firing a real Civil War-era Gatling gun at the Cody Firearms Experience to exploring every aspect of the area's human and natural history at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West. For rodeo fans, the town proudly calls itself the Rodeo Capital of the World, and there are boutique shops and eateries galore. However, our eyes were locked onto the sights to be seen outside the town limits and we couldn't wait to take in the views and hikes along the Chief Joseph Highway. CHIEF JOSEPH HIGHWAY - RED ROCKS AND WILDFLOWERS The Chief Joseph Highway begins about 17 miles north of Cody and it follows the route that Chief Joseph took in 1877 as he led the Nez Perce tribe out of the recently established Yellowstone National Park and into Montana as they attempted to evade the United States Cavalry and escape to Canada. We drove through rolling hills that were lush with greenery after recent heavy rains. We were shocked when we turned a corner and saw a huge red rock formation bursting out of the verdant earth, framed by dark storm clouds and shafts of late afternoon sunlight. This was nothing like the snowy peaks we had seen on the Beartooth Highway. Farther

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Welcome to Red Lodge, Montana

An exciting way to travel the Beartooth Highway

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Wildflowers on Chief Joseph Highway

Sunrise at Dead Indian Summit on the Chief Joseph Highway

on, as darkness began to settle over the land, we came to Dead Indian Summit where dark green mountain peaks and valleys filled our view. We promptly decided to return to see Dead Indian Summit at sunrise the next morning, and when day dawned we were blessed with a soft pink sky that kissed the craggy peaks and made them glow. If a dazzling sunrise in a magnificent setting weren't enough glory for one day, we then drove a little farther on Chief Joseph Highway and saw meadows overflowing with vibrant wildflowers in the peak of bloom. A two-track trail crossing a meadow and heading into the woods lured us out of the truck for a hike to see these flowers up close. The meadow was alive with busy bees, and the flowers lifted their pretty faces to the warm sunshine. The two-track road took us deep into the forest where we found massive bouquets of wildflowers forming a carpet of color between the trees. It was a wildflower display like you'd see in brochure photographs and quietly mutter, "That can't be real." But it was. Gold, magenta, azure, lavender, scarlet, and white wildflowers of all imaginable shapes and sizes filled the fields and forests, and we wandered among them for hours. As with the Beartooth Highway, we stayed in this area for several days and explored different aspects of the Chief Joseph Highway each day. Both of these scenic highways and their anchor towns are truly mesmerizing. Being located

next to America's oldest and possibly most famous National Park, not to mention having Grand Teton National Park next door to that, this lesser-known neighboring area is an unsung hero in the world of travel. If you take your RV to this corner of America, allow some time to drive these two highways and feel your spirit soar. SIDEBARS Completed in 1936 after 5 years under construction, the Beartooth Highway is a 69-mile- long section of US Route 212 that goes between Red Lodge, Montana, and the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Heading west from Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway ascends over 5,700 feet in just 12 miles and ultimately reaches a peak of 10,947 feet above sea level. The Chief Joseph Highway is Wyoming Highway 296, which runs for 46 miles between US-212 and Wyoming Highway 120. Both highways feature tight switchbacks and steep climbs and descents. It is best to use other roads for traveling with your RV to your destination and then admire these scenic drives as daytrips in your tow vehicle or toad.

FOR MORE INFORMATION See the map at: goo.gl/maps/wYhCoakJoy5JAyCPA www.redlodge.com/beartooth-highway.asp enjoyyourparks.com/Chief-Joseph-Scenic-Byway.html

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FOR THE BIRDS EXPLORING CENTRAL FLORIDA

Belted Kingfisher (female)

FOR THE BIRDS

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Tricolored Heron

We could have chosen to see the wintering-over birds throughout fall and winter, but the warmer temperatures in mid-February were preferable for us after enduring some cold winter days up north, which was exactly what the birds were doing. How smart for these avian visitors to over winter in beautiful Florida before heading to their spring, summer, and fall homes in the north. Once united, the four of us planned our itinerary for the visit. We first spent a few days touring the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern coast. We saw beautiful and varied shore birds and were mesmerized by undulating waves. We saw some intrepid surfers and exciting paragliders. We also passed a sign warning us that we may see some nudists and, instead of turning around, kept going, thinking it may be too cold for such activity. We were wrong. So, beware.

The loop is perfect for a leisurely ride

FOR THE BIRDS Exploring Central Florida Story by Dee Litten Whited Photos provided by L. Michael Whited

How appropriate that our trip to the airport on this cold February morning would be accompanied by a driving snowstorm. It certainly made us anxious to be on our way from freezing Virginia to the sunny climes of Orlando, Florida. We were going to be true snow birds for exactly one week in search of the real snow birds of Central Florida. Once seat-belted in the cabin of our sleek airplane, we had one unexpected stop at a “de-icing station” to assure us that the ice on our wings would be thawed to achieve proper airflow. Something we certainly wanted. Soon my husband Michael and I were airborne and looking forward to not only reacquainting ourselves with our favorite birds, but also a long- awaited visit with brother Chris and sister-in-law Diane. They were not only fantastic hosts, but consummate bird watchers. We were a quartet ready to explore Central Florida.

We had prime viewing seats

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Cooper’s Hawk at Avian Reconditioning Center (ARC)

Osprey

Fortunately for us, my brother’s home in Apoka not only provided us with sunny warm temperatures but is also strategically located within a few miles of two of our favorite haunts. Our primary target was a loop trail on the north shore of Lake Apopka. Formally named St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka North Shore and Wildlife Drive, it’s more commonly referred to as the Lake Apopka Loop Trail. Through the 1940s, Lake Apopka was one of Central Florida's main attractions. Anglers traveled from throughout the United States to fish for trophy-sized bass in Lake Apopka, which is the fourth largest lake in Florida and lies 15 miles northeast of Orlando. Being so close to Orlando made it a playground for residents and vacationers. Unfortunately, in 1980, a local pesticide manufacturer improperly disposed of significant amounts of DDE, which then spilled into the lake. DDE is a persistent organochlorine that is produced by the metabolic breakdown of DDT. The US Environmental Protection Agency designated the area as a Superfund clean-up site. Through the efforts of many organizations, the lake today has nearly recovered and flourishes with myriads of floral and fauna. On February 20, 2014, the Lake Apopka Loop Trail was opened to the public, which is a one-way drive through

wetlands levies and canals. It’s become a premier location to watch birds in the Southeast United States. The driving portion of the trail is open to vehicular traffic from Friday to Sunday. Other days of the week, it’s a delightful bike ride or leisurely walk without the inconvenience of automobiles. With all our camera equipment, we nixed the idea of riding a bike, although I can see how exciting that would be. There are more than 360 species of birds documented on the 50,000-acre eco system, located directly in the middle of the state, which makes it highly attractive to birds migrating through Florida. In 1998, the annual one-day Christmas bird count identified 174 species of birds, which was the highest species count for an inland count for North America north of Mexico in the 115-year history of the Christmas bird count. The best times to bird watch are in the fall, winter, and spring. An exception is the mid- July spectacle of the Swallowtail Kites foraging over the north shore prior to their migration to South America. Peak counts of more than 1,500 individuals can occur during that time. We rode in style in comfortable camp chairs in the back of my brother’s truck, armed with our Cannon cameras and several lenses including a 400 mm that gets us up close without disturbing

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Red-Shouldered Hawk

Red-Tailed Hawk at ARC

A Limpkin stalking Michael

our targeted species. It was a beautiful day and we saw a great variety including Ospreys, Anhingas, Gallinules, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Red-shouldered Hawks, Tri-colored Herons, Snowy Egrets, Glossy Ibis. We were surprised by flocks of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and Fulvous Whistling Ducks. The Fulvous Ducks were enjoying a swim, but the Black-bellied Ducks were resting on the bank. I imagined that maybe they’d just eaten and needed to rest before returning to the water. Of course, that’s probably not the reason, but it was interesting. Probably our favorite was a female Belted Kingfisher, who happily posed for us as we drove under her, exposing the beautiful “belts” on her breast. Kingfishers are so elusive that we seldom get off a good photo as they fly away when they see us. One species that made me glad we rode in the truck were the alligators. They came in all sizes. Some were sunning on the banks and some were swimming where we could only see their eyes above the water. Alligators are at the top of the food chain on Lake Apopka. There are also mammals including bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, armadillos, rats, mice, and otters. Very occasionally you may see hogs and bears on the property. Also, there are a great number of amphibians including frogs, toads, and salamanders.

Additionally, many reptiles call this place home: turtles, lizards, and snakes. The most common type of snake is the water snake, either the banded water snake or the brown or green water snake. These are all non-venomous snakes. And then there’s everyone’s favorite reptile, the alligator. Alligators play an important role in the eco-system as top predators because of the abundance of food on the lake Apopka shore. Visitors to the north shore usually have a lot of questions. The most common being “how big can alligators get?” Well, the Florida state record is 14 feet 3.5 inches. The abundance of wildlife is evidence of an active food chain where birds eat fish and alligators are the top predator. These animals are a natural part of this system and they belong. Alligators do not naturally prey on people but if you want an up-close photo, use a long camera lens. Even closer to my brother’s home is the Avian Reconditioning Center (ARC) at 323 Lester Road, Apopka. The center is open on Saturdays starting at 10 a.m. weather permitting for viewing a wide variety of raptors either being reconditioned for eventual release or permanent residents because they are unable to fend for themselves in the wild due to injury. At 3 p.m., birds on view are taken back to their home cages.

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Bald Eagle

White Ibis

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Double-Crested Cormorant

Anhinga

ARC is located on 10 acres with the main public display area in an open-air building. There is also an indoor classroom and library and an indoor gift shop with restroom facilities. The center includes wildlife education, falconry, and raptor rehabilitation. As of August 28, 2021, 171 raptors of 14 different species have been admitted. They are proud to have released 110, with eight cases still pending and five transferred to other facilities. Species include Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Barred Owl, American Kestrel, Great Horned Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Barn Owl, Coopers Hawk, Eastern Screech Owl, Mississippi Kite, Crested Caracara, and Swallow-tailed Kite. The Avian Reconditioning Center receives no Federal or State funding and is staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers. If you’d like to help support this amazing center, check out www. arc4raptors.org/adopt-a-bird.html. It was heartening to see so many teens volunteering. They have a variety of duties including cleaning cages while the birds are on display. Within 30 miles of Apopka is the 1,650-acre Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, Florida. The park is a man-made wetland designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and other local cities.

The park is located in Christmas, Florida. Visitors can visit the wetlands park seven days a week, between sunrise and sunset, to enjoy primitive and passive activities including: photography, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking (non-motorized), horseback riding, and guided tours. The Orlando Wetlands Park is a great place to visit, relax, get back to nature and enjoy the scenic sunsets. Nature enthusiasts will be greeted by acres of hardwood hammocks, marshes, and scenic lakes. There are more than 20 miles of roads and woodland trails suitable for hiking. The most popular activities include bird- watching, photography, jogging, and bicycling. More than 220 different species of birds have been observed at this site. It has become a model for other communities throughout Florida. The open waters of the lake and marshes attract wintering waterfowl, including Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Common Moorhens, and American coots. Wood Storks, White Ibis, Black-crowned Night Herons, and other wading birds are common during the cooler months. Bald eagles, Limpkins, and Red-shouldered Hawks, Black Vultures, and Turkey Vultures are year-round residents. Raccoons, river otters, white-tailed deer, and bobcats may also be seen along the roads and hiking trails. The Orlando Wetlands is home to more than 30 species of wildlife that are listed on the Florida Wildlife

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Conservation Commission's Threatened and Endangered Wildlife list. We enjoyed the leisurely pace of the flat roads and the plethora of birds and alligators. They are presently building a large educational center that should be open the summer of 2022 adding to the appeal. Christmas, Florida is also a great place to get your Christmas cards stamped by the local post office. While in the town, take in local history by visiting Fort Christmas Historical Park. On December 25, 1837, a force of 2,000 U.S. Army Soldiers and Alabama Volunteers arrived near this spot to construct a fort, which was aptly named, Fort Christmas. This fort was only one of more than 200 forts built during the Second Seminole Indian War, 1835-1842. The fort houses exhibits and a video presentation about the Seminole Indian Wars. The fort and houses are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except December 24 and 25. Entrance is free. FOR MORE INFORMATION Lake Apopka: https://lakeapopkawildlife.us/ www.traillink.com/trail/lake-apopka-loop-trail Avian Reconditioning Center: www.arc4raptors.org www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/ Wetlands-Park www.nbbd.com/godo/FortChristmas `

Crested Caracara at ARC

Great Blue Heron

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Glossy Ibis

Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks

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ON THE WISCONSIN WATERFRONT

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Milwaukee River and RiverWalk

leather jacket, blue jeans and slicked-backed hair—looking as he appeared on the Happy Days TV sitcom and the Laverne & Shirley spinoff about two roommates capping beer bottles in a fictitious Milwaukee brewery, the sitcom that helped put the city on the map for many, including me. No doubt Milwaukee has come a long way from that image a half century ago. The view from the Lake Michigan waterfront, for example, reveals a skyline of glass and steel towers. The lakeside Milwaukee Art Museum sports futuristic architecture with its curving façade and enormous Brise Soleil rooftop wing flaps serving as sunscreens to regulate indoor temperature. And downtown’s museum-like Saint Kate-The Arts Hotel mixes luxury and creative inspiration with specialty guest rooms smothered with local artists’ designs. Lobby galleries showcase eclectic modern art and life-sized caricatures, oddly enough, sitting among those who stop by for a drink or dinner, often triggering a double take or two. Yet Milwaukee is still beer and brats, cheese lovers, and “cheeseheads” and remains proud of its Harley-Davidson roots. The Milwaukee Brewers baseball team wows fans with its Famous Racing Sausages, where runners don bratwurst, hot dog, chorizo, and Italian and

The Milwaukee RiverWalk and Fonzie statue

ON THE WISCONSIN WATERFRONT Milwaukee's Riverwalk,

Madison's Twin Lakes, and Door County's Great Lake Getaway Story and Photos by Richard Varr Skyscrapers tower over the gentle currents of the downtown waterway, my view draped by the purple-tinted petals shooting up from a flowerbed and the shimmering reflections of a modern cityscape. From my vantage point, the Milwaukee River looks more like a canal with a few sputtering motorboats and a string of decorative streetlights along the smooth-paved RiverWalk. Outdoor cafes, bars, and restaurants line the walking path, but it’s not until I see a grinning Fonzie—double thumbs up, of course— that I feel the essence of the city. Actually, it’s a bronze statue of the iconic American greaser, spot-on with his likenesses—

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Schlitz beer served in a bar in Schlitz Park

The 1894 Pabst Mansion has 37 rooms

Polish sausage costumes and race during games within retractable-roofed American Family Field. And with beers in hand, visitors can join 45-minute tours in and around the brewing tanks at Lakefront Brewery. The city’s most notable brewing legacy can be seen at the Pabst Brewery Complex, once the largest lager beer producer in the world. It’s where 30 or so mid-19th to early 20th-century brick buildings, some with square towers and battlements, remain today, although now housing offices, retail businesses, and residential space. Similarly, the “Cream City brick” buildings in nearby Schlitz Park, once home to the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company where “The Beer that Made Milwaukee Famous” was made, as the saying goes, also leases office space. The Brewhouse Inn & Suites occupies the former Pabst brewery building—a spectacular reuse with the tops of original copper brewing tanks spiffed up and shining in the hotel’s second floor atrium. Crushed beer bottles make up a lobby counter, with sharply-cut beer bottle bottoms studding the walls by the reception desk. Born in Saxony, Germany, in 1836, Frederick Pabst came to America at 12 years old and eventually became a ship captain, thus earning a title he would use for the rest of his life. He married

a daughter of the president of Best Brewing Company and bought into his father-in-law’s business, later renamed in Pabst’s honor. Pabst’s former corporate offices are now “Best Place,” an event venue and gift shop named after brewery founders Jacob and Phillip Best. A statue of a goateed Captain Pabst stands in a courtyard. Owner Jim Haertel says Best Place looks like a 17th-century hall and calls it the “Sistine Chapel for Beer” because of the frescoes on the walls. “I love the history and the breweries,” he says. “There’s just a part of me that wants to preserve this piece of Americana and share it.” The 1892 Pabst Mansion, a grand Flemish Renaissance Revival-style home with 37 rooms and 14 fireplaces, remains open today. Its lavish interior includes gold-leaf woodwork and moldings in Mrs. Pabst’s French Rococo-style parlor used as a ladies’ retreat after dinners, and Captain Pabst’s “Smoking Room” with oak and walnut decorative German Renaissance panels as a tribute to his heritage. “Milwaukee was 60% German and this street was about 90% German,” notes tour guide Gary Strothmann. “There were about two dozen German newspapers to about a dozen English-speaking. So, this was kind of like living in Germany.” Milwaukee also boasts its proud heritage founded in the city: Harley-Davidson

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Serial Number One in the Harley Davidson Museum

A life-size statue of Fonzi at the RiverWalk

Bobbleheads in the National Bobblehead Museum

Motorcycles. At the Harley-Davidson Museum, the first thing I notice are the pristine white tires of “Serial Number One,” circa 1903. Looking more like a belt-driven bicycle, it’s the oldest Harley-Davidson in the world and perhaps the crowning jewel of the museum’s 140 displayed bikes on two floors. “You know how those old cars would start by cranking the handle to kick- start the engine—same here,” explains museum tour guide Christina Grev. “You put the kickstand down and peddle really hard to kick-start the engine and the belt would go around.” The motorcycles with their shiny wheel guards, gas tanks, steel exhaust pipes, and tires still brimming with thick tread—even the old bikes— are mostly brand new. That’s because starting in 1915, the company took a bike off the assembly line every year. “It’s pretty amazing that the company so early on decided to build and start their collection,” notes Grev. That collection includes Harley-Davidson’s iconic 1936 EL model with its cream-colored fenders and the 1954 KH model painted in bright “Anniversary Yellow” to mark 50 years in business. At the end of the tour, visitors can sit on brand new Harley-Davidsons and imagine revving them up while posing for photos. Milwaukee’s quirky side emerges with a visit to the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and

Museum featuring the world’s largest collection of up to 10,000 dolls. “Who doesn’t like a bobblehead?” exclaims museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar. “They have that motion that gives them that extra aspect of fun—part of pop culture—and they’ve remained the same since they were introduced.” Yankee sluggers clutch bats and Star Wars caricatures grasp their lightsabers, while past presidents with their beards and long coattails stand side by side with modern day politicians and first ladies. Sport figures dominate the collection, including Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks bobbleheads, but shelves also feature the likes of Marilyn Monroe, the Three Stooges, Flintstone characters, Reformer Martin Luther, and even Jesus. Another quirky attraction is the venue that makes the Dairy State’s famous wedge-shaped hats, where visitors can make one, too, from liquid polyurethane. “We have the original cheesehead hat that you see at the Green Bay Packers games,” says Peter Waldron, Director of Tours and Corporate Sales at the Foamation Original Cheesehead Factory. “It’s just a quirky fun thing.” Wisconsinite Ralph Bruno started the company in 1987 in response to the somewhat derogatory name becoming popular with local sports fans. “Ralph invented his cheesehead hat

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