THE maine event

SUMMER 2014 | staying connected
ENTEGRA COACH
CONNECTION
magazine
for the love of j
rally recap
One family's touching story
Branson, Missouri
the bucket list
THE RAMBLES
Roll into Sturgis, South Dakota
tripper planner:
Wyoming sparklers
THE maine event
Taste Rockland's salty breeze and fresh lobster
INDEX
A BIKER'S HAVEN
bucket list #6: ride on the wild side
BRANSON, MISSOURI
entegra entegra owners gather for a fmca-sanctioned rally
DEAR FRIENDS
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joyce skinner: cornerstone throttles
its way to top in 2014 sales
PUP CARE, PART I
owner guest column: keep your pet
safe during your outdoor adventures
MOVE OVER MAMA MIA
whip up pizza chicago style
J'S GIFT
family gives 25-year-old son a lifetime of smiles
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INDEX | entegra coach connection 3
TRIP PLANNER
ROCKLAND, MAINE
THE BEST WAY TO BEAT THE HEAT — A LOBSTER FEAST
By Julie Piotraschke
THE MAIN EVENT — THE MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL
WHERE: Rockland, Maine — Four hours from Boston and less than two from Portland
WHEN: Wednesday, July 30-Sunday, Aug. 3
FRESH-CATCH FUN
This summer, escape the sweltering heat. Head to a place where the hum of your
air conditioner is replaced with the chatter of seagulls, where watching the mercury
rise gives way to wild moose sightings and where your ice chip cravings are satisfied
with something better — fresh lobster from the mid-afternoon boat.
Ignore Horace Greeley's "Go West" advice and head to Maine — the most Eastern
part of the United States. "Here is the way life should be," says Kathleen Sullivan, who
MAP THIS LOCATION
works at Pinehirst RV Resort & Campground, nestled in the state's southeast corner.
"Some people like to come and relax, and others like to take day trips. It's whatever
you want it to be."
For those who choose to pull their rig to this out-of-the-way state, there are treasures
to be found in its many nooks and crannies. But don't worry- our most Northeastern
state offers plenty of wide-open roads . Some roads lead to the picturesque lighthouses,
the jagged coastline and the fresh catches of the Atlantic shore.
"We see a lot of RVs on the coastal routes, in the mountains and on Route 1, our main
highway," says State Rep. Chuck Kruger. "We are a pretty RV-friendly state. Our roads
are not choked with traffic, and they're wide enough to accommodate coaches. In fact,
trip planner continued
trip planner | entegra coach connection 5
WHERE TO STAY
Pinehirst RV Resort
Camden Hills State Park
Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort
7 Oregon Ave., Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
80 Belfast Rd., Camden, ME 04843
191 Searsport Ave., Bellfast, ME 04915
207.934.5526
207.236.3109
207.338.6860
pinehirstrvresort.com
campwithme.com
mooringscamp.com
About 45 minutes from Rockland and the
Camden Hill State Park, located about 15
This resort features a front-row seat to Maine's
Maine Lobster Festival, this resort features three
minutes from Rockland, is one of only two
spectacular ocean show. With sites along the
pools, a basketball court, a tennis court and
state parks that have adequate electrical
coast, a private beach and a kayak lunch,
other amenities. A trolley comes to take visitors
hookups for large rigs, says John Christie,
Moorings offers a northern escape. The resort is
to the downtown area. The resort's spacious lots
Camden State Park customer representative.
about 45 minutes away from the Maine Lobster
range in size from 42 feet to 68 feet.
"We have a spacious campground where you
Festival in Rockland.
feel like you're getting away but can be near
the summertime community of Rockland."
— Julie Piotraschke
'OUR FESTIVAL IS FIVE DAYS OF FEASTING AND FUN'
TRIP PLANNER continued ...
Held in Rockland on Maine's mid-coast, it features everything lobster,
including a quaint parade, lobster cooking, eating contests and fun runs.
we would love to see more here, so if you need special accommodations,
There's even the "battle of the claws" where people climb into giant
we'd be happy to arrange that."
lobster suits and "fight" until someone fractures their shell. (Sounds like
something your mom would tell you to not do.) The Maine Sea Goddess
Maine has more than 2,500 lakes, 5,000 streams, 30 state parks and
is also coronated, selected from 18 young women.
more than half a dozen mountain ranges that offer plenty of recreation.
"Of course this is the best festival in the state," says Nancy Jeffers,
"When most people think of Maine, they think of seeing lighthouses and
the volunteer director of the Maine Lobster Festival. "This defines the
having lobster," native Alicia Bagnall says. "But I think when they visit,
mid-coast area. It is the highlight of the summer and of the year."
they are definitely surprised by how much more we have to offer. There is
so much to do — during all four seasons — because we are
The event is held in August, the time of year when lobsters shed their
such an outdoor state."
shells. They go into hiding as a new one grows, re-emerging once their
new shell has hardened enough to protect them. Soft-shell lobsters are
Supplementing Mother Nature's offerings are festivals, from the
less meaty, but the softer shell can be broken open using your hands, and
big multi-day ones, like the North Atlantic Blues Festival, to smaller
the meat is sweeter. Over 20,000 pounds of lobster will be
one-day events, like the Orne's Candy Store International Rock-Skipping
eaten — approximately the size of a semi-truck. This year the festival will
Contest in Boothbay Harbor (with plenty of rocky road fudge, of course).
feature a visit from the US Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a barque providing
"We always have something going on," says Bengall, who also serves
cadets an unparalleled leadership experience at sea.
as the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce events director.
"Our festival is five days of feasting and fun on the fabulous coast of
Maine's breezy summers and varied activities will certainly engage,
Maine," Kruger says. "It is a great celebration of summer."
but you can't travel all this way without heading to the Maine Lobster
Festival. While it might sound a bit pedestrian, the festival is anything
but. It is a colorful, passionate five-day love affair — and rightly so —
with the state's premier crustacean.
Julie Piotraschke writes the Entegra Coach Trip Planner.
click the icon to email her your trip idea.
trip planner | entegra coach connection 7
“ We wanted to give J the best life possible.“
— neal hanger
LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE
ENTEGRA COACH FAMILY FILLS THEIR SON'S LIFE WITH ADVENTURE
But Neal and Tammy Hanger wanted to give their son the best life
by amy speer
possible. His laughter today is proof that they have.
Beneath a rumpled blanket, Neal Hanger feels the warmth of his
nearby son. They lay on the hide-a-bed together, and above them, the
THE CO-PILOT
ceiling's oval mirror casts a heart-warming image.
Around the campground, Randall Neal Jr. is best known as "J," and
anyone who knows him will tell you that the 25-year-old man has the
His 25-year-old son is laughing — again. Reflections tend to have that
heart of a boy with a knock-your-socks-off smile.
effect on him.
Then again, camping in the family's Entegra Coach Anthem 44DLQ
Neal's son, Randall Neal Jr., was born with Trisomy 8P, a rare
brings out the best in J — laughter and all. When he camps, he smiles.
chromosome anomaly. The abnormality was discovered before he was
And when he smiles, he sings. He has a popular three-word tune. "J's
born, and doctors said he we would likely be stillborn or die shortly
going camping," and it's a hit around the Hanger coach.
thereafter. After his birth, doctors discovered another abnormality
in his brain, so they recommended sending him to an institution to
When the Ohio family takes to the road in their Entegra Coach, only
receive care.
one person gets to be Dad's co-pilot, and it most certainly isn't Mom.
J has proudly taken over the captain's chair — after all, riding has
always been his thing.
pictured: Randall Neal Jr., better known as J, poses
with his mother, Tammy, outside the family's Entegra Coach
Anthem. J was born with a rare chromosomal abnormality.
j's story continueD
entegra coach family feature | entegra coach connection 9
CONTINUED: J'S STORY
As a child, J was often irritable, but one day, Neal discovered that
driving him around on 3-wheelers and quad runners on the family's
70-acres had a strange calming effect on J. As J grew, he liked going
faster. Eventually, the family added to their riding toys, buying a UTV
and later a Polaris Ranger. When J's sister, Nici, went off to college, the
Hangers joined the PRC Ranger Club. In time, they began camping.
"As we camped more and more, we realized we were more campers
than riders," Neal recalls. The Hangers' first RV was a fifth wheel, but
after 2 towable RVs- one being a toy hauler- the family realized they
needed a motor coach to make it easier to care for J during the journey.
So the Hangers bought an Entegra Coach Aspire.
Journeys became fun, but after awhile, the family wanted a larger
"We were the Cadillac of all campers," Neal laughs. "Not that we were
shower to better care for J. In January, they upgraded to the Anthem
trying to show off, but — well — we were showing off."
44DLQ. "The first shower in our Anthem," Neal laughs, "was the best
RV shower ever."
BUMPS IN THE ROAD
Life hasn't always been easy for the Hangers. There have been potholes
And while Neal is a fan of the spacious shower, J is fanatical over the
in the road — "small setbacks," the family calls them. But there's really
coach's many TVs, especially the exterior one, where J can draw a
nothing small about the bumps J has overcome.
crowd. "He's sort of a lady's man," Neal explains.
J has had 15 surgeries, including open heart repair at age seven. Most
But then again, maybe he's just like Dad. He likes a little attention
recently, he had a colectomy. But with a mother who works as a nurse,
every now and then. One of Neal's favorite Anthem memories was
and a father who runs an excavating company, there's no pothole too
when they showed up at PRC rally for the first time in their new coach.
large in this family's way. They've spent every day of their life trying to
j helps co-pilot the family's entegra coach anthem 44DLQ.
find ways to make J smile, laugh and sing. The family's favorite road trip
"J thinks it's funny to be around tools," Neal explains. "He finds the air
was to Colorado. "Our whole family made life-long memories on that
tools hilarious."
trip," Neal recalls.
And even though J is in a wheelchair, the Entegra workers give J the time
Lately, the family has had to stick closer to home because of work, but a
and space he needs to enjoy the tour. "I can't say enough about the folks
trip to Lake Erie is on the docket, and with so many riding enthusiasts in
at Entegra Coach," Neal says. "They've always been so understanding of
the family, the Hangers hope to head down to West Virginia for a steam
our situation."
train ride.
There's really only one word that can describe how the family has pulled
During their Entegra Coach adventures, the family has journeyed to
through time and time again. That one word is happiness. For J, there's
Middlebury, IN where J has smiled and giggled through three factory
nothing better than being a happy camper.
tours at Entegra Coach Headquarters.
entegra coach family feature | entegra coach connection 11
DEAR FRIENDS,
WITH WARM
REGARDS FROM
JOYCE SKINNER
know where we want to go,
“We
and we're determined to get there!
“
Hello Friends!
Determined, focused, excited — these are just a few of the adjectives that would describe our Entegra Coach
team right now. We're heading into the summer season after coming off a great year. The RV industry
thrived in 2013, and Entegra Coach — itself — had an amazing year!
We learned yesterday that Cornerstone was the No. 1 500-plus horsepower seller in the diesel pusher
category, capturing 28% of the market share. Anthem finished in 10th in the entire diesel sales model
ranking, and Aspire was 11th. Of the total industry sales of 450HP and higher, Entegra Coach had 25% of
the market share for 2013, and I’d say that is something to be proud of! Still, we're determined to see Aspire
and Anthem move closer to the top spot in the near future. Our focus hasn’t changed since the inception of
Entegra Coach — we know where we want to go, and we're determined to get there.
And as many of you already know, Tadd Jenkins is back with us as our President. With this change brings
renewed excitement because we love the passion and enthusiasm he has! While he may have left for a few
months to pursue other interests, his heart and soul never left Entegra Coach, and we are glad to have him
back. He has assembled a team that will allow us the growth we need to reach our goals.
I'm proud to say that our customer service team is growing as well. We added two new technical service
folks to assist with the care of our customers and Entegra dealers. They're ready to answers questions and
address concerns, and they can “hit the ground running” with a history of motorhomes on their side. Dave
Troxel is a former employee of Travel Supreme, and Jeremy Lehman is coming to us from the Entegra Coach
production side. I am confident that these two gentlemen will play a huge part in our continued quest to
provide you with the best customer service possible.
dear friends continueD
dear friends, from joyce | entegra coach connection 13
CONTINUED: DEAR FRIENDS
Looking back to 2010 when I joined the team, there were three of us (Don,
Jacob and myself), and now we have a team of 12. I can never praise my team
enough for all their hard work and dedication in ensuring that our customers
are well taken care of — I sure am lucky to work with them on a daily basis!
We also added some new dealers to our lineup as well — Beaver Coach in
Bend, Ore.; National Indoor RV Center in Lilburn, Ga.; and Paul Evert’s
RV Country in Fresno, Calif., to name a few. We are partnering with some
fantastic dealers and that will be a win/win situation for us and them — but
especially for you, our valued customers!
The Entegra Coach Summerfest II is just around the corner, and from what I
have heard and read, Tom and Regina Searle have done another outstanding
job in organizing this event so that those of you attending will have an
awesome time! I look forward to seeing you and, of course, will miss those
who are not able to make it this year. (When I turn in my article, I never
know when it will actually go to press, so it is possible that Summerfest will
occur before this is published). Regardless, there is never a dull moment
when the Entegra Coach family members gather together, so I'm looking
forward to many laughs, hugs and conversations!
In closing, I do have to tell you that we are now the proud grandparents of
We always want to be sure that you are having the best experience with your
coach as possible, so if there is anything that we can do to assist, please be
sure to let us know. We are here for you!
Wherever the road leads – go safely!
a very handsome baby boy. Bowen Dean Skinner was born on April 28 and
weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz. and was 21 in. long. He is the prince to go along with
our three beautiful little princesses, and we couldn’t be happier! With each
of our two kids having two children of their own, our family may now be
complete, but I guess time will tell ...
Joyce Skinner is Entegra Coach's Director of Customer Service. click the icon to email joyce.
A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Copy and behind-the-scene photos from the shoot to come.
CONTENT TO COME AFTER VIDEO WEEK
entegra coach news | entegra coach connection 15
the entegra coach owners association held its first-ever rally in branson, missouri.
BRANSON RALLY DRAWS 27 COACHES
The Entegra Coach Owners Association, a FMCA-sanctioned chapter,
NIRVC President Brett Davis attended the rally, and rally organizers wanted
wrapped up its first-ever chapter rally in Branson, Mo., a five-day gathering
to give Brett a special shout-out. "Many thanks for all you did, Brett," ECOA
tucked away in the Ozark Mountains. Twenty-seven Entegra Coaches
President Pat Bauer exclaimed.
rolled into
America's Best Campground in mid-May for some
Entegra Coach camaraderie.
Up next for the chapter? The FMCA International Rally is set for August in
Redmond, Ore. (Click the
page icon to jump to the rally calendar details.)
The rally was packed with catered breakfasts and dinners, and a fabulous
The chapter is also planning another event in October on the east coast, near
potluck and daily happy hours brought rally-goers together. Organizers held
Williamsburg, Va.. Details will be shared in the next Entegra Coach Connec-
an entertaining "Stump the Tech" session. The National Indoor RV Centers
tion or as they become available. In May of 2015, the chapter is planning a
of Lewisville, Texas and Liburn, Ga. provided technician expertise and
north Texas event. The chapter is working hard to build out its event calen-
detailing services during the rally.
dar early to draw more rally-goers.
next edition: watch for a summerfest wrap-up
In other ECOA news, the association elected Mario LaCute and Steve Hall to
complete the terms of two other members. Pat Bauer was elected to the position
of Alternate National Director, in addition to his duties as ECOA President.
— Amy Speer
ABOUT THE ENTEGRA COACH CHAPTER
The Entegra Coach Owners Association (ECOA) is a chapter of the Family Motor
Coach Association (FMCA). The group has grown to 154 Entegra Coach members
since it was chartered on Aug. 30.
Want to learn more about the Entegra Coach FMCA chapter?
click the icon to email ecoa's pat bauer.
entegra coach events | entegra coach connection 17
FMCA AREA
RALLIES
Entegra Coach Owners Association members mark
your summer calendars for these events:
Indiana
glamarama 2014
Great Lakes Area Rally
FIVE 4TH OF
JULY PARADES
WITH LOADS
OF BANG
June 11-15
Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds
Goshen, Ind.
by amy speer
Vermont
northeast area rally
July 17-21
Champlain Valley Expo
Essex Junction, Vt.
1
AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Washington, D.C.
There's no better place than Constitution Avenue to celebrate the
Oregon
fmca's 90th family reunion
place along the storied national monuments, featuring elaborate floats,
Aug. 13-16
Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center
Redmond, Oreg.
Nebraska
Fourth of July. In the heart of our nation's capital, this parade takes
midwest area rally
Aug. 27-30
Lancaster Event Center
Lincoln, Neb.
marching bands, giant balloons and celebrity guests.
2
GATLINBURG MIDNIGHT
INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Like a fairytale, the magic kicks into gear at midnight, but instead
of carriages transforming back into pumpkins, every float is brightly lit
for a spectacular procession. The first Gatlinburg parade took place in
click the icon for registration.
1976 to commemorate America's bicentennial.
HI-RES PHOTOS TO COME, HP WORKING WITH MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS TO ACQUIRE
above: old glory boat parade; left:
greeley independence stampede
3
OLD GLORY BOAT PARADE
Newport Harbor, Balboa Island, Calif.
For a splash of fun, just add boats to your parade. This southern
5
BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
Bristol, R.I.
Like aged wine, there's something wonderful about a parade
California event, which began in the 1950s, is a parade on water,
with some flavorful history. Bristol's annual celebration is the
featuring yachts, sailboats and dinghies.
longest in the nation with activities beginning on June 14 and
4
commencing with a 2.5 mile parade on July 4th. Established in
1978, the parade is 223 years old and counting. Not even the
GREELEY STAMPEDE
Great Depression could put a damper on this parade.
INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Break out your cowboy hat for this Western-flavored parade.
CARTOON TEASER TO GO HERE
CARTOON (RELATED TO 4TH) COMING 5.27
Billed as "The World's Largest Fourth of July Rodeo and Western
Celebration," a 110 head of longhorn steers and a U.S. Air Force
flyover kick off the start of this parade.
entegra coach events | entegra coach connection 19
NEED NEW INTERIORS FROM MY2015
A 2015 SNEAK PEAK
STEP INSIDE THE NEWEST ASPIRE 44B
featured floorplan | entegra coach connection 21
NEED NEW INTERIORS FROM MY2015
WILL RE-WRITE IF NECESSARY, BASED ON UNIT
THE ASPIRE 44B
OUR NEWEST SLICE OF HOME
The 2015 Aspire 44B has all the fixings of home with room to spare in this 45-foot coach.
Comfort starts in the living room with an L-shaped expandable sofa and a 50" Bose television.
An impeccable kitchen and half bathroom complete the main space, while the bedroom features
a king-sized bed with spacious vanity. Master bath adjoins the bedroom,
complete with mirrored wardrobe and washer and dryer.
NEED NEW INTERIORS FROM MY2015
FRIDGE
OHC
DESK
NIGHT STANDS
KING BED
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
W/FIREPLACE AND 50" LED TV
MED
SHOWER
OTTOMAN
OTTOMAN
EXPANDABLE SOFA
LAV
32" LED TV
WARDROBE W/SLIDING
MIRROR DOORS
WASHER/
DRYER
OHC
STEPS
VANITY & DRESSER
OHC
32" LED TV PANTRY
MICRO OHC OHC OHC
SHELF
OHC
OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT
CENTER WITH 40" LED TV
Click on the floorplan to view in detail.
Click here to view the 44B's options.
HIDE-A-BED OPTION
featured floorplan | entegra coach connection 23
TRAVEL TECH
SUMMER GADGETS
QUICK PRINTS
Smile. Snap. Print. Pringo, a WiFi portable
printer made by HiTi, allows you to print your
smartphone photos on the go. Photos print
on 2" x 3.4" high-quality photo paper. You can
add themed borders to your prints using Pring
Print it. Charge it. Cook it. Pump it. It's time to equip
yourself for some summer fun, and there's nothing like nifty
gizmos to turn you into a camping wizard. We found some
portable devices that bring new meaning to on-the-go fun.
App stamps. Click here to learn more about
Pringo. Want to order one? Click here for
your
Amazon purchase. Cost: $149.
SUN'S OUT? POWER UP
Solio BOLT
Soak in the sun all you can. The
battery pack and solar charger charges popular
USB powered gadgets, including your iPhone,
iPod, iPad, Kindle, GoPro camera and more.
This palm-sized device holds a charge for up
to a year, making it perfect for emergency kits.
With a 1-amp output, the average smartphone
can be re-charged in 90 minutes. Cost: $70.
BARBECUE TO GO ANYONE?
Forgo the bulky smoker with the
Cobb
CB042 Pro Portable BBQ Grill and Smoker.
Just 14"x14"x14", this portable charcoal cooker
can grill, smoke, bake, roast, fry and boil your
summertime feast. It cooks up to 500° F.
This grill is
available on Amazon. Cost:
$159-$189, depending on deal.
PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSOR
The Speedway 7-in-1 Powerstation Emergency
Inflater with battery starter and flashlight is a
handy tool for small jobs, from filling up bike
tires to topping off a spare tire. This portable air
compressor has a 260 PSI built-in inflater and
includes a 26" air compressor hose, ball needle
and two raft tips.
Click here to see its many
versatile features. Available for purchase on
Air Compressors Direct. Cost: $99.98.
— Amy Speer
ENTEGRA COACH CARE
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GENERATOR
PLAY
Learning the in's and out's of your generator can mean the difference between luxury camping and roughing it. Here's how to make the most of your generator:
TIP
1
TIP
The generator can help you maintain interior temperatures.
To kick on the heat, press and hold the START/PREHEAT
3
button on the generator.
will continue to run until they return to the correct level. It's
recommended to leave this on factory settings to ensure your
batteries are always topped off.
TIP
2
The generator also checks for amperage in your batteries and
The generator will communicate with the thermostat to
maintain the temperature you set. When the temperature
creeps above that mark, the generator sends a signal to the
thermostat, telling it to turn on the air conditioner. When
the temperature stabilizes, the generator shuts off the air.
TIP
4
To activate the automatic gen set, simply press AUTO GEN
and then press ENTER. Your generator set is now on, and the
generator will maintain whatever temperature you have set.
— Samantha Davies
TRAVEL TECH | entegra coach connection 25
share your pet photos
We love seeing photos of your four-legged travel buddies. Click the icon to share!
Pictured above: Meet Spock, the Searles' Alasakan Malamute. He's ready to roll!
Pictured right: The Searles' entire four-legged clan.
PUP CARE, PART ONE
GUEST COLUMN BY REGINA SEARLE | A TWO-PART INSTALLMENT
After several unexpected trips to the vet with the family dog, Entegra Coach owner Regina Searle,
a physicians assistant since 1978, sheds insight on regional bugs that might leave your four-legged
companion feeling under the weather in this two-part guest column.
T
om and I experienced a pet emergency last year on
Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is an infectious fungal
our way to the Entegra Coach Summerfest. Spock, our
disease. The fungi’s spores are commonly found in dirt, and
10-year-old Alaskan Malamute, became lethargic, short of
when wind or digging disturbs the dirt, the spores are released
breath and stopped eating while we were in Oregon. We
into the air. These spores can settle into the lungs if inhaled.
consulted a local veterinarian and were told he likely had
The symptoms, which occur 5-21 days post-exposure, matched
allergic bronchitis. He was put on prednisone and showed
Spock’s. A blood test and chest X-ray confirmed his diagnosis,
improvement in the first week, so we continued on.
and Spock was given an anti-fungal medication. Having successfully treated the illness, Tom and I were able to make it to
But once off the prednisone, his symptoms worsened, so we
Summerfest.
raced from North Dakota to Arizona to see our own vet. Spock
was diagnosed with a very common condition, Valley Fever,
The experience made us realize that our four-legged traveling
found in the low desert regions of Arizona, New Mexico,
companions can be exposed to unexpected illnesses. Common
southwest Texas and the central deserts of California.
regional illnesses can be difficult to diagnose as you travel
farther away from the exposure area- as was the case with
Spock. For us, one of the best aspects of RVing is sharing our
outdoor explorations with our dogs, and we’ve made it a habit
to watch for certain common illnesses as we travel from region
to region. Entegra asked us to share our story, and so for the
first installment, we're taking a close look at all things ticks.
pup care continueD
THE COACH LIFE | entegra coach connection 27
CONTINUED: PUP CARE
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT TICKS?
Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases. These small
Besides speaking with your vet about
arachnids feed off the blood of other animals. A variety of tick species
tick prevention agents, inspect your
exist. Be on the lookout for these buggers and the issues they cause.
dog after being outside.
Look between their toes and legs,
DEER TICKS AND LYME DISEASE: Deer ticks, infected with a bac-
peek inside their ears and feel the fur
terium known as borrelia burgdorferi, are responsible for transmission of
around the neck. If you find a tick,
Lyme disease, which can cause lameness, fatigue, swollen joints and swol-
removal should be done immediately
len lymph nodes. Symptoms may take months to appear. In worst-case
making sure to get all parts of the
scenarios, kidney failure can occur. There is a vaccine available for Lyme
tick’s body removed from your dog.
disease. Where to be on the lookout: California; northeast, mid-Atlantic
and upper central regions.
Click here to learn how properly
remove a tick.
BROWN DOG TICKS AND CANINE EHRLICHOSIS: Brown dog
ticks are responsible for causing a bacterial infection known as Canine
Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms can include fever, skin lesions, stiffness
Ehrlichosis. Similar to Lyme disease, the symptoms may take months to
and neurological problems. Where to be on the lookout: This condition
develop; however, symptoms may disappear only to reappear years later.
occurs through the Unites States but is most prevalent in California, the
Fever, weight loss, runny nose, depressed mood and bleeding from the
southern region and the Rocky Mountains.
eyes can occur. Where to be on the lookout: The Gulf region.
CANINE BABESIOSIS: The blacklegged tick can cause Canine
CANINE ANAPLASMOSIS: Both deer ticks and brown dog ticks
Babesiosis, bringing on anemia, fever and fatigue. Hypotension and shock
can cause Canine Anaplasmosis, a condition that causes arthritic joints,
can result in rapid death. Where to be on the lookout: Southern states,
high fever, lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and seizures. Where to
including Oklahoma, Arizona, and Arkansas.
be on the lookout: New England and California; northwest central and
mid-Atlantic regions.
While exposure to ticks sounds scary, being informed is key in making the
most out of your pets' adventures. We're happy to say that a few months
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER: The bite of an American
ago, a repeat blood titer showed Spock's Valley Fever has improved. He's
dog tick, Lone Star tick and Rocky Mountain wood tick can cause Rocky
looking forward to his travels with his brother, Prince, and sister, Rachal.
THE COACH LIFE
CARTOON TOPIC: FOURTH OF JULY
CARTOON TO COME 5.27
(THE CARTOONIST IS IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOVE)
click the icon to share the rambles
and their adventures on facebook
download it
THE COACH LIFE | entegra coach connection 29
The Taste of Chicago Food Festival is held July 9-13 at Chicago's
Grant Park, which stretches along the banks of Lake Michigan.
GRILLING CHICAGO STYLE
BACON AND RED ONION GRILLED PIZZA | By Julie Piotraschke
Come across a Chicagoan, and their tough talk just might convince you that the
Windy City — not Italy — is the proper birthplace of true pizza.
This city is where thin, crispy dough from overseas pizzas go
After creating the first deep-dish pie in 1943, Chicago keeps
when they want to grow up to be real pizzas. The kind of pizzas
layering on the goodness. The city now hosts the world's largest
that are 3 inches thick, covered with sauce and stuffed with
food festival — the Taste of Chicago — featuring more than
great things 'til it overflows. Say hello to the deep-dish pizza, a
200 different foods. So in the spirit of all things saucy and the
hunky piece of dough that makes you think those "pizzas" in
upcoming July taste event, we're introducing you to the Bacon
Naples are certainly overrated.
and Red Onion Grilled Pizza. Bon Appétit!
BACON AND RED ONION GRILLED PIZZA
Makes about two 9-10" pizzas, depending on whether you like thin crust or deep dish
shopping list
For the Pizza Toppings
♦ 1 cup tomato sauce
♦ 12 slices thick-cut bacon cooked
and cut into 1" pieces
♦ 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
♦ 2 cups shredded mozzarella
♦ 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
If you like to load up on the fixin's, add
more toppings. Pepperoni, cooked sausage
or grilled chicken are good additions.
Consider adding green peppers, tomatoes
or even pineapple for added flare.
For the Pizza Dough
♦ 1 1/2 cups warm water
♦ 1 tbsp. sugar
♦ 1 tbsp. yeast
♦ 1/2 tsp. salt
♦ 3-4 cups of flour
1
Combine water, sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until
the yeast begins to bubble.
2
Add salt and stir. Add 1 1/2 cups of flour and mix well. Slowly add more
flour until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the
bowl and isn't sticking to your fingers.
3
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise for
45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
4
Remove from the bowl and place on a lightly-floured surface.
Shape into whatever size or shape you'd like.
5
Drizzle a little olive oil on one side. Put the oiled side straight on the
grill. Shut the lid. Check in five minutes. Once it begins to puff and is
dry to the touch, flip your crust. (It should also have grill marks on the
bottom.) Brush with olive oil.
6
Cover your crusts with tomato sauce. Decorate with bacon pieces
and onions. Cover with mozzarella and red pepper flakes. Place on grill.
Shut the lid. Check every 3-4 minutes. If the cheese is melted and the
bottom is cooked, grab a spatula. You're ready to eat!
tips for cooking pizza on the grill
DOWNLOAD THE RECIPE
DOWNLOAD THe shopping list
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Use a little less toppings than normal. The toppings tend to stay
on easier that way, and they'll cook faster.
Preheat your grill to medium hot, or 600 degrees.
Instead of one large pizza, try smaller ones. They're easier to scoop.
Keep the lid of your grill closed so it can act like an oven.
For a gas grill with multiple burners, turn off the burner directly
below the pizza; leave the others on. For a charcoal grill, move the
charcoal to one side of the grill and place the pizza on the other side.
the coach life | entegra coach connection 31
6
BREAK OUT THE LEATHER
BUCKET LIST #6 — GEAR UP FOR STURGIS |
By Amy Speer
Jeanne Kangas can feel the pull of the open road. Miles away, the horizon
swallows up the stretch of asphalt. It seems the road ends, but Jeanne knows
otherwise. Adventure looms on the other side — after all, it's been said all roads
lead to Sturgis — our Bucket List adventure for this edition.
Come August, Jeanne and her husband, Mike, will embark
Whether Jeanne is riding her own Harley Davidson or
on their fifth Sturgis trip, partaking in the annual Black Hills
traveling alongside her husband in their Entegra Coach
motorcycle rally. It's a chance to hit the blacktop.
Anthem 44D, the horizon line has always provided them
with new possibilities.
"When you ride a motorcycle," Jeanne says, "you understand
why a dog sticks its head out of the window. You feel the
freedom of the road."
the bucket list continueD
the bucket list | entegra coach connection 33
share your sturgis photos
Conquering your bucket list is half the fun of owning an Entegra Coach.
Show us your Bucket List photos, whether they're from Sturgis or some
other adrenaline-filled adventure.
STURGIS
'YOU FEEL THE FREEDOM
OF THE ROAD.'
ENTEGRA COACH OWNER JEANNE KANGAS
GET READY FOR A SCENIC DRIVE: Thread your way to
Sturgis on one of
South Dakota's scenic byways. The Peter
Norbeck Scenic Byway flaunts a 70-mile stretch through Custer
State Park, considered to be one of America's most outstanding
byways with its rock-walled tunnels. In the northern Black Hills,
Anyone can be a part of Sturgis, Jeanne says. "I love to people
watch at Sturgis. You see everyone from lawyers and doctors to
mechanics and dog groomers," she says. "Everyone is on their bike,
doing their thing, and you can never tell what each person does in
the Spearfish Canyon byway is lined by towering limestone
palisades, while the Badlands Loop Road showcases dramatic
rock formations. Be ready to have your breathe stolen. Don't say
we didn't warn you.
the real world. In that way, we're all on the same level."
CATCH THE STURGIS ACTION: There's so much to see
This year, Jeanne and Mike will make the Sturgis trip in their
coach, but on two others occasions, they rode their bikes on a
coast-to-coast tour, stopping at the rally along the way.
The spectacular journey to Sturgis takes you through western
South Dakota, winding through the Black Hills and carving
through the Badlands. Motorcycle or not, it's a breathtaking
and do during the rally, it's no wonder Sturgis puts together a 230page interactive guide, a $23.99 download. With this guide you
learn about the "Rally Zones," discover traffic shortcuts, find the
most popular bars and scope out a comprehensive campground list.
Click here to learn more about the guide. (And for free info,
you can visit the official
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally website.)
drive you don't want to miss.
ELKHORN RIDGE RV RESORT: While there are a whole host
of campgrounds to choose from, few compare to the upscale
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort, located 10 miles outside of Sturgis.
Each site features level, concrete pads, with the shortest being
68-foot back-in sites. The pull-through sites vary with the longest
being 140-feet long. The resort features a variety of amenities,
including a heated pool, a lighted tennis court,
the Elkhorn
Ridge Golf Club and two historical venues, the Anderson Ranch
and the Courtyard Barns.
the bucket list | entegra coach connection 35
A simple promise to do what’s right.
EXTRAORDINARY MOTOR COACHES WITH EXCEPTIONAL GUARANTEES.
At Entegra Coach, we believe in doing what’s right for you. We call it unfailing customer service,
and it’s how we operate our business. From the Bontrager Family Promise to a host of exceptional
guarantees, we promise to provide unfailing service — before, during and after the sale.
After all, you’re part of the Entegra Coach family now.
2-YEAR
WARRANTY
3-YEAR
ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE
5-YEAR STRUCTURAL
PLATINUM LEVEL
A reputation for integrity isn’t built
Our family is proud to stand behind
We promise peace of mind in countless
overnight. It happens only after years
every Entegra Coach we build. That’s
ways with the Entegra Coach
of doing what you say you will do.
why we back our motor coaches with
Customer First Roadside Assistance
Over the last 40 years, the Bontrager
an industry-leading warranty. Below,
program, yours at no cost during the
family has remained committed to
we’ve included several useful resources
first three years of ownership. This
honesty, reliability, accessibility,
to help us make our services more
program gives you immediate access
responsiveness and thoroughness.
accessible to you.
to dependable roadside assistance.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE.
CUSTOMER SERVICE RESOURCES
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