TB: How long have you been camping and RVing? Who introduced you to it? Tell us how it all began.
J&J: As a family we started RVing about 6 years ago when our youngest daughter was 2 as we realized her severe food allergies were going to limit our ability to vacation (ie dining out and hotel allergens). We looked at it as an opportunity to take vacations while bringing our own food to make meals that were safe for our daughter.
TB: How did you first hear about Thousand Trails?
J&J: We first heard about Thousand Trails after a couple of years of weekend camping and looking into doing a cross country road trip. That research brought us to YouTube where we got introduced to full-time rvers that raved about the membership opportunities. We decided on a 2 zone Camping Pass to start us off and it worked out perfectly!
TB: What is one of your fondest camping memories? How about one of your fondest TT memories?
J&J: I think our fondest camping memory was taking Jerome’s 87 year old mother down to Orlando, FL for a 3 week Road trip. She got to see Disney for the first time along with palm trees, alligators and play many rounds of mini – golf with her grand daughters. It got her to take her mind off of recently losing Jerome’s dad after being married 63 years. Our fondest TT memory was this past winter in Soledad Canyon. We were able to caravan with 5 other families to this one location and we coordinated a huge potluck dinner, fire pit and movie night. Every family created meal’s that would not endanger our daughters life, kept it allergy free and it was all incredibly delicious. The evening capped off with songs around the campfire and a revelation that these fellow campers were not just Thousand Trails members but part of our permanent family. TB: Any funny camping or RVing stories?
J&J: The funniest moment was when we were attempting a family photo at the TT Orlando RV Resort. We had the camera on the tripod with the self timer. We gathered in a group along with our dog Cole and just as the shutter went off, thunder struck which freaked Cole out. Like a thoroughbred racehorse he took off running at an illegal rate of speed. Bobbing and weaving his way through campsites until he made his was back to our front door.
TB: What type of camper are you/what equipment do you use? What do you prefer and why?
J&J: We are definitely glampers who travel in our completely remodeled 42 foot fifth wheel. We don’t see ourselves as tent campers but love the wilderness and outdoor adventure hikes.
TB: Where have you gone that you wouldn’t have otherwise, if it hadn’t been for your Thousand Trails membership?
J&J: We probably would have shied away from the west coast if we didn’t have our Thousand Trails membership and that would have been a huge regret.
TB: What is your favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle?
J&J: Our favorite part about the outdoor lifestyle is waking up everyday and being reminded that you are somewhere new and each area has endless opportunities to explore. When you have your fill of an area you pack up and move to a new location and start the process again!
TB: Can you finish this sentence? I knew I was a TrailBlazer when…
J&J: One of our first campgrounds found us parked right along a riverbed with ridiculous sunsets and gorgeous morning dew. Perhaps it was the deer grazing directly across from us or the solitude we found within our own family, we knew we needed to do more of this.