Issue 5, May 2012
YOUR ONLINE NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the Travel Resorts member newsletter! We hope you enjoy!
For any suggestions or comments on the E-Traveler, send us an email at: newsletter@travelresorts.com
In this edition:
Memorial Day is a Reason to Celebrate!
GENERAL REMINDERS
- We love to see you and your family enjoying your time at the resorts! Send us an email with a photo of you and your family enjoying the resort and you could be in the next Newsletter!
- Don't forget to join in on the Meet the Manager get together at your resort - Saturday Mornings! Check with your resort for meeting times.
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ROSCOE REFERRAL
Help Wanted!
We need your help with Roscoe's exciting referral program. To see how you can earn an E Z $500 visit: http://www.travelresorts.com/roscoe-referral.html or Email: roscoe@travelresorts.com
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sister ParksSister park arrangements with the following resorts with Saginaw Bay Resort, American Campground of Hartford, and American Campground of Kalamazoo have been terminated.
If you have any questions please contact guest services at http://www.travelresorts.com/contact.html
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RECIPES & CRAFTS
ULTIMATE PITA PIZZAS
You'll Need
Pita bread (2/person, the thin kind work better)
Pizza sauce (tomato paste works fine as well)
Margarine
Mushroom
Cheese
Onion
Green Pepper
Any other topping you like
Cooking Instructions:
- Cover pita with sauce.
- Apply desired toppings to half of pita, add copious amounts of cheese.
- Slowly fold in half so the pita does not break and spread margarine over one side. Place that side down onto the grill and cook slowly over coals.
- Spread margarine over the opposite side and flip when the pita is golden brown.
If you're like me you'll end up putting too many toppings on your pizza. If you're losing containment, place a small twig in the end of the pita to help keep it together. As the cheese melts you can take the twig out. Margarine or butter doesn't have to be used, although it adds significant favor and texture.Another option is not to fold the pita in half and cook open faced. If one chooses to do this, place a pot or metal plate over the pita to trap heat and melt the cheese.
Source: http://www.quietjourney.com/recipes/pita-pizza.html - Thanks to James P.
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BUTTON BRACELET
This sweet and simple craft features well-loved faces all in one place and makes a great gift for mom on her special day.
You'll Need
- Photographs or digital images
- Scissors or circular craft punch
- Colored beading elastic, available in the beading section of craft stores
- Buttons with recessed thread holes (to prevent the thread from wrinkling your pictures)
- Glue stick
- 3-D fabric paint or glitter paint
Instructions
- Select snapshots with faces that will fit on your buttons.
- Cut a piece of elastic about 2 inches longer than you'd like the finished bracelet to be. Thread the buttons onto the elastic as shown until the bracelet is the desired size, leaving an extra inch of elastic on each end of the bracelet.
- Using a coin or other round object as a template, trace circles around the faces and cut them out; you can also use a circular craft punch.
- Glue the photos to the buttons and decorate the edges with 3-D paint or glitter paint if you'd like. Tie the ends of the bracelet together and snip off the extra elastic.
Source: http://familyfun.go.com/mothers-day/mothers-day-cards-gifts/mothers-day-gifts/button-bracelet-670458/
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GREETINGS FROM GETTYSBURG RESORT
FROM RICHARD KELLERMANN, Resort Manager
Hello All,
It seemed like I just completed an article just a few weeks ago. Amazing how time appears to ‘travel at the speed of light'. May is here and I do believe Spring here. Of course, some of us were wondering if it would happen, when just two weeks ago we were under a burn ban and three days later snow was in the forecast. Fortunately, we received a slow drizzling rain instead, which was much appreciated and much needed and of course the burn ban has been lifted. Now I feel like I am back at a resort; I have to admit it was very strange to be out on a weekend during a cool crisp night and as I inhaled a deep breath, nowhere was the great aroma of a campfire.
So, what have we been doing this past month? Perfect example would be in our laundry room; there are now two carts to transfer laundry to the dryer. And since we have high efficiency washers it made sense to provide high efficiency soap detergent in our soap dispenser along with the other necessities you may encounter; not only that but the soap detergent is bio-degradable.
Another example would be the request for more clothing options and items with our logo for not only adults, but for all ages. Well, I can assure you that Barbara, Abi, Kathy, newcomers Donna and Jo Jo have been unpacking, inventorying, and stocking multiple items for retail. I would find it very hard for anyone to say the General Store is not well stocked.
The early spring has made everyone, (existing team and newcomers alike) excited for the new season this year. I would like to take this time to welcome our first two workampers for 2012: Jim and Donna Byle along with Peter and Jo Jo Augello. Jim and Peter both have been busily assisting all hands to prepare the resort for just about every aspect of the resort. As I mentioned earlier Donna and Jo Jo have been busily assisting in the General Store. I am sure you will be seeing more of them and a few more are still yet to arrive.
In closing, understand the names of our Team Members mentioned is just a few of the many familiar, and not so familiar, faces of this resort. Be sure to say ‘Hi' to as many as you can! We still wear the ‘Blue' for easy identification.
Until next time,
Happy Camping!
RESORT NEWS
Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
- Leroy and Doug have been continuing the upgrading of existing sites mainly by the addition of sewer.
This is Doug - Hi Doug! |
Here's Leroy measuring the old fashioned way. |
- Sam along with the newcomers have been taking big strides on the pool, the routine in the past is to have pool open by Memorial Day and that will always remain the latest; however this year it looks promising to have complete by mid-May. Right now the biggest hurdle is to serve the 'eviction' notice to a relative to the Aflac guru.
Any relation to Aflac |
Picture from our Duck Cam |
Jim prepping the filter |
- Mike and Mike, (not a misprint by repeat print), have been busy too. Mike Williams has made great progress with the recent lighting installation of the Pavilion and is now at the final stages of installing the ceiling fans. Mike Lam, the 'Stone-master', as I have called him previously, has been called again for his detailed expertise to help enhance the front the General Store.
Discussion of fans - clockwise or counterclockwise! |
Which Mike am I? |
ACTIVITIES
Upcoming Happenings!
May 12: CONSULTANT SHOWCASE
Come and see the latest and greatest products from some of the trendiest vendors. Visit us at the pavilion at 1pm.
May 11-13: Mother's Day Weekend
Join us as we give a special salute to mothers: Friday night kids and dads enter Mom's favorite appetizer or dish into the tasting contest. Saturday morning Mom is invited to a tea and Danish breakfast social. Consultant's showcase will be featured this weekend as well. We will wrap it all up with our annual Mother's day dinner.
May 19: REENACTMENT WEEKEND
Here is your chance to witness civil war enactments that bring history to life. While you're here you can also walk through time to explore the battlefield as it once was. Experience the historic town of Gettysburg and witness the beauty of the Pennsylvania countryside that surrounds them.
May 25 - 28: Memorial Day Weekend
Help us ring in the summer camping season! A HUGE obstacle course will be the main event and entertainment will be available for everyone's enjoyment. We will also be hosting a golf cart parade, get yours all decked out for it. As this is the last Sunday of the month, there will be a FLEA MARKET - Vendors; bring on the good stuff!
Saturday Entertainment: Together: Don & Roxie
Sunday Entertainment: 10Blade
If you have any ideas or would like to help with upcoming activities, please let Joy know via email at gbractivities@travelresorts.com.
» See the Full list of Gettysburg Battlefield Resort Activities
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GREETINGS FROM SYCAMORE LODGE
FROM MICHAEL TREMBLAY, Resort Manager
We had a very busy April. Our Easter weekend was well attended along with all of our other theme weekends. We have a full schedule of planned activities and events for May culminating with our big Memorial Day celebration which officially begins our summer season. We look forward to having a super summer season.
RESORT NEWS
Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
- The pool will be open in May with weather permitting, and we can't wait to see it finishing.
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| We're getting closer! |
- The concession stand will be available Friday and Saturday nights.
- Sycamore Drive-In every Friday night.
Drive-In Friday nights!
- Wednesday adult breakfast get together.
Operations News
Our major operations project going on right now is the completion of the pool project. We are running a little late due to materials not arriving on time but it looks like May still looks achievable.
We have also received and installed our new fire grills in the Forest area. We have had a good response about them.
ACTIVITIES
Hi ya'll,
We are looking at a busy May calendar. Hope ya'll are ready to have some fun. We are starting off with our Cinco De Mayo with some yummy Mexican food, and shag dancing. Then we are moving to our Mother's Day weekend where we pamper the moms with love and the kids will have a chance to find out how well they know their mom. Backyard cookout is going to be the weekend to show your cooking skills, we ask for ya'll to bring some yummy side dishes while we grill the hot dogs and hamburgers. Be ready for our flag football event on Backyard cookouts. Memorial weekend we'll be having 3 entertainments, softball tournament, cornhole tournament, and a parade. Fun-fun-fun!
We also have a concession stand available Friday and Saturday during our events. They offer hot food and snacks for your convenience! Please let us know if you have any suggestions for the menu.
Sycamore Drive-In will be open every Friday evening when the weather permits. The concession stand will be with us throughout the movie to have snacks available.
Join us Wednesday mornings from 10am- 11am in the Lodge for our Adult Breakfast get together. Bring your own coffee cups and come and meet your neighbors.
Flea Market and Chinese Auction will be on every 3rd Saturday of the month.
Volunteers are welcome for the Haunted Forest. We will be starting on the project in June, so if you are interested please contact us soon!
Recent Happenings!
April 21: Flea Market and Chinese Auction
We had a great turn out for the auction, and we'll be doing a flea market every 3rd Saturday of the month. Shadows of Elvis performed for the night entertainment.
April 28: Spring Golf
We played at Woodlake Country Club in Vass for our spring golf tournament, and had dinner after along with awards ceremony. Midnight Run joined us for the live entertainment.
May 5: Cinco De Mayo
We went south of the border. What a great time we had dancing, making crafts, busting piñatas and enjoying our social for this festive weekend!
Upcoming Happenings!
May 12: Mother's Day
Special craft for Mom, Pajama Day, Social, and Special events for Mom. We will have how well you know your Mom contest. The Breakers will be joining us for the live entertainment at night.
May 19: Backyard Cookout
We grill the hot dogs and hamburgers; members are asked to bring yummy side dishes. We will also be having our first flag football tournament. Our 2nd Flea market and Chinese Auction of the year. Adult craft. Micky Hardi will be joining us for the evening entertainment.
May 26: Memorial Day
We'll be having our first softball tournament of the season. Social and parade will also be on the agenda. Jimmy Zee, Bandana band and The fireman DJ Ronnie will all be joining us for the weekend live entertainments. We will also have a special Memorial Day service on Sunday. Corn hole tournament will also be on Sunday.
You can also email Jenny @ jmassey@travelresorts.com to sign up for the events. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/SycamoreLodge to keep up with the upcoming events and feedback.
If you would like to sign up for any events, or have suggestions, please don't hesitate to email Jenny at jmassey@travelresorts.com.
» See the Full list of Sycamore Lodge Activities
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GREETINGS FROM WALLY WORLD RESORT
FROM ROD JONES, Resort Manager
Hello everyone! It's that wonderful time of the year when the grass is growing, the leaves are forming and allergies are running wild!
We are getting all spruced up and ready for the masses. I have sent along some pictures this month of recent improvements including the freshly sandblasted and painted pool (filling with water as I write this), erosion control efforts along the river bank, the new TV viewing area and some of the new changes in the store/registration area. Don't forget to check out all of the clothing items and candy options in the store. It's going to be a great season!
I look forward to meeting with everyone soon and safe travels.
RESORT NEWS
Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
- Erosion control along river bank
- Potential tree hazards cut down
- Pool repainted
Operations News
Upcoming Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
Renovation to playground areas coming soon.
- Roof remodeling of pavilion soon.
- Pool and hot tub opens
- Extra restroom facilities behind pavilion
ACTIVITIES
Upcoming Happenings!
May 12: Mother's Day Weekend
Come relax along the river and see what special treats the kids have made to show how much you mean to us all
May 26: Memorial Day Weekend
Great Bluegrass music from the Wood Brothers - Live from Dollywood
If you would like to volunteer for any activities, need more information or have any comments or suggestions for activities and events, please contact our Recreation Director Mary Alice at mlogue@travelresorts.com or just drop by her office.
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GREETINGS FROM ROCKY FORK RANCH RESORT
FROM MARK SHAMBAUGH, Resort Manager
Howdy from Rocky Fork Ranch. Remember those spring wild flowers I mentioned last month; well, the cool nights have prolonged the season so I would still encourage you to take this route either coming or going. It is particularly spectacular in the early mornings when the sun is just beginning to the colorful forest floor. It was really nice there this morning so I took a couple of shots with my phone as I drove by. So, if you can't drive through the area in the next couple of weeks you can check out the pictures. Hope to see you soon it looks like spring has finally sprung.
RESORT NEWS
Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
- We now have the water turned on in all the campsites.
- Several turkey hunters are here enjoying the spring season at nearby hunting areas.
- The old "premier" camping trailers are being retired. (U-25, 26, 27, and 28) These sites can now be used as full hook-up campsites for weekenders.
- The Rocky Fork Store has a bunch of new product lines, please come by and check us out!!
- Watch out for the "wet paint". We will be re-painting several structures, signs, etc. throughout the campground.
- The 7200 Volt Primary Electric Service has been completed but for reclamation of the ditch line. We are hoping for a little rain to help with that.
- The Seasonal Camper count is 31 and counting! Come and join in on the fun and convenience of having a seasonal site.
Resort News
The Announcer's booth at the Riding/Rodeo Arena has been completely renovated and re-stained. New windows, ceiling fan, and other improvements were made for the 2012 season. The first Rodeo is scheduled for May 19th. Come on down and check it out. The youth rodeo is great fun to participate in or just watch.
ACTIVITIES
Hello from Rocky Fork Ranch Activities! This past April was a great success we had record numbers for our Easter Feast with 110 for the Easter Egg Hunt and 78 for the egg coloring and more, with every weekend after being very busy.
Recent Happenings!
April 14 & 21: Spring Bonanza
Our adult craft was a spring jar light. They were all very nicely made. We also watched family matinees; and then played kid's board games. It was a nice weekend for everyone!
April 28: Sausage Making
Our sausage making weekends are always popular. We made Italian and sage sausage and they always sell out!
Upcoming Happenings!
May 12; Mother's Day Weekend
Mother & Daughter Tea Party, Kid's Craft, Mother's Day Dinner is just some of the fun you can enjoy with us on Mother's Day!
May 19; Youth Rodeo Clinic
If you know of someone interested in participating in the Youth Rodeo this year call Bonnie Gill at 740.525.0258 for more details.
May 26; Memorial Day Weekend
Spend your Memorial weekend with us and participate in the golf cart parade, texas hold'em tournament, scavenger hunt, dance, teen hang-out and more!
If you would like to volunteer for any activities, need more information or have any comments or suggestions for activities and events, please contact our Recreation Director Sandy Dinkins at sdinkins@travelresorts.com or call (740) 498-4614.
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GREETINGS FROM PYMATUNING ADVENTURE RESORT
FROM LIZETTE BRADLEY, Resort Manager
Hello from Pymatuning!
Once again, I'd like to introduce myself as your new Resort Manager. I'm slowly getting to know the operation and we have been VERY busy improving your resort. For many of you reading this newsletter, you may remember that I come from the land of Texas. I've been here since Mid January now, and have been welcomed with warm Texas weather! Thanks for making me feel at home, Ohio. I understand that Ohio has had a very mild winter so I'm blessed that I came during your warmest winter in a while and am feeling very comfortable as we move into spring and summer. My husband and I have moved into a house locally, and are getting acquainted with the local flavor and history of Andover and the surrounding area. I look forward to meeting you and making new friends at the Resort.
It's time to start planning your camping trips and we're ready, willing and waiting to answer your phone calls. Cabins and sites are open and ready for your arrival. The Travel Resorts of America Corp office has been working on our new reservation system and transferring all of your existing member numbers into new membership numbers. Once the initial transfer is completed, you will be getting documents in the mail with information on how to access the reservation system. It's coming, please be patient. Until then, we're ready at the Pymatuning office to help you make your reservations over the phone.
Be sure to look us up on Facebook and "friend" us. There you can also get highlights for upcoming events and special activities. But we're only a phone call away, so don't feel shy about calling us.
If you're going to arrive in your RV you can go directly to the Welcome Station (the security station) and they will register you there. If you don't have a reservation when you arrive they can still assist you there, but the registration might take a little longer. They will register your arrival and departure dates then check you in and send you to your campsite. When you arrive at the Welcome Station and there is not a staff member there to greet you please use the intercom or phone to call us. A designated staff member will come assist you immediately.
You still need your member card and gate card when you visit Pymatuning. If you have misplaced your gate card, please come to the store and get another. The fee for gate card replacements is $10.00 each. Remember that your gate card is your personal security key. Please don't give it away to visitors or non-members. It's important that all members and guests register upon arrival so we know who is at your resort. Unless you have more than 10 people on your site, your guests are free anyway. Just make sure that you pre-register them so we know they are visiting you. Thanks for your cooperation and I look forward to your comments and suggestions this summer.
RESORT NEWS
Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
April has been a very hectic month at Pymatuning. We have many ongoing projects and now, also, spring has sprung...Yikes! The waterslide is our largest and most immediate project. There are considerable upgrades to the existing slides that are in progress to be completed by May 22nd. Officially, we must be ready for the inspections on that date. Once we are inspected then we can put the water in the slides and get re-inspected before Memorial Day. This happens each year in order to open the waterslide, but the additional slide repairs and painting create a real sense of urgency.
In addition to the slides repairs and painting by May 22nd, we have a few other projects underway.
- New changing stalls
- Deck, roof, and sidewalk repairs & painting are all in process before Memorial Day
- General landscaping around the water park and resort
- Furniture that will be replaced and repaired.
Upcoming Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
Once we get our slides "whipped" into shape we're going to start working on other projects in the campground. I can't tell you which will have the first priority, however the following projects are all on our plate:
- Campsite renovations
- Bath-house renovations
- Furniture replacement
- Water drainage renovations
- Cabin remodeling
Water park deck with new fencing |
New changing rooms |
Slide sanding is a dirty job. |
Nick and Grant hard at work sanding. |
Don't paint yourself into the corner! |
Blue slide undergoing transformation. |
ACTIVITIES
Recent Happenings!
April 21; Spring Into Fun & Beach Party
We made flower pots that the kids decorated and planted flowers for spring. We had a great beach party we made party drinks and we danced our little legs off.
April 28; Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Planting
We had fun with the flower planting. Though the tree was not planted that day due to a deep frost coming in that night but we did get it planted a few days later.
Upcoming Happenings!
May 12; Mother's Day Activities
The kids will be making crafts for their moms and we will be having a Mother's Day Dinner Potluck. The guys need to make their best chocolate dessert for their wives. The chocolate dessert making is a contest so make it your best. Later tonight we will be having a Mother/Child Dance in the party room.
May 13; Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast
Mothers eat free. Children under 3 eat free. Everyone else is $3.00 a person. In the afternoon we will be having a Mother/Child tea and luncheon the cost is $5.00 per person.
May 19; Kid's Lock-in and Slumber Party
We will be having a slumber party for kids 8-12 the kids 5-7 can come until midnight. Please bring a snack to share along with your pillow and sleeping bag. We will be playing games and dancing the night away.
May 25-28; Memorial Weekend
Hot dog roast & hayride, teen dance, bonfire, horseshoe tournament, bike parade & balloon launch, waterpark opens for the weekend, potluck dinner, and a Memorial Service.
Mr. and Mrs. PAR Contest
Saturday- bring your talents and show them off in the contest! Later enjoy the PAR Prom to show off Mr. and Mrs. PAR.
If you would like to volunteer for any activities, need more information or have any comments or suggestions for activities and events, please contact our Recreation Director Marjie at paractivities@travelresorts.com or just drop by her office.
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GREETINGS FROM TWIN LAKES RESORT
FROM WADE MASTERS, Resort Manager
Hello All,
This month I just wanted to talk about how unique Twin Lakes Resort really is. What stands out most is our location. An hour from some of the most talked about beaches in the world, half hour to the Alabama border and it's down home atmosphere and southern hospitality. And an easy day trip to Biloxi or even the Big Easy! Twin Lakes is a great place to launch your next vacation.
ACTIVITIES
Upcoming Happenings!
May 5; May Day Fest
The 6th annual May Day Fest &BBQ cook off will be held on May 5th at the Wee Care Park in DeFuniak Springs. There will be softball, entertainment, family fun and the Mossy Head headliners. Call 850-520-4290 for info.
May 11; Songs of the Lawn
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Music Festival announces "Songs of the Lawn," Featuring David Ryan Harris and Michelle Malone in the outdoor listening space or Ruskin Place Park. Call 850-622-5970 for details.
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NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS
Share your recipes, news, stories about your stay with us or some photos with your Travel Resorts of America family! Just send an email to newsletter@TravelResorts.com. If submitting photos, please also include a brief description of your photos and the name of resort where your photos were taken.
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1059 Sycamore Lane
Jackson Springs, NC 27281
Member Reservations:
1-800-790-1599
|
1960 Emmitsburg Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Member Reservations:
1-800-790-1599
|
16121 CR 23
Loudonville, OH 44842
Reservations:
1-800-790-1599
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74978 Broadhead Road
Kimbolton, OH 43749
Reservations:
1-800-790-1599
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7652 S Pymatuning Lake Road
Williamsfield, OH 44093
Reservations:
1-800-790-1599
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580 Holley-King Lakes Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Reservations:
1-800-790-1599
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RESERVATIONS INFORMATION:
Visit www.travelresorts.com to make your reservation online.
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort Reservations:
888-568-7641
Sycamore Lodge Reservations:
800-370-1645 Ext. 1412
Wally World Riverside Resort Reservations:
419-994-4828
Rocky Fork Ranch Resort Reservations:
888-613-4368
Pymatuning Adventure Resort Reservations:
440-293-7744
Twin Lakes Resort Reservations:
850-892-5914
Resort Reservations Hours of Operation:
Sun-Sat, 9 AM - 5 PM EST
Visit www.travelresorts.com to make your reservation online.
Reservations System Questions:
800-790-1599 Mon - Sat 9 AM - 9 PM EST
Maintenance fees may be increased by the percentage of incresase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index (1967's 100) specified for "All Items"for "All Urban Consumers, south Region" which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. All resorts must rely on membership fees to maintain and operate their facilities. This is the same with Travel Resorts. www.travelresorts.com or call 800-318-2945
1930 North Poplar Street
Suite 21
Southern Pines, NC 28374
1-888-417-0297
Visit Travel Resorts at www.TravelResorts.com
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