Black Friday

Just a few of the maps on offer from the NYNJTC

The quintessential American holiday kicked off earlier than normal, starting in the evening on Thanksgiving.  The Pilgrims would be proud.  If you're like me and you have no use for the long lines, the pushing and shoving, all for the latest flat screen TV or other mostly useless product, then you stayed away from the madness. 

Since today is the day of consumerism, I figure, Why not plug something?  No, it won't be the latest iphone or flat screen.  Instead I'll try to persuade you to buy New York New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) Maps.  A great way to avoid the madness is to get out into nature.  The maps will hopefully make life much easier to get out.  When I bought these maps a long time ago, it opened myself up to a whole other world.  I had absolutely no idea there were as many trails as there are.

Chris Hiker doing some planning

What can I say about these maps?  The NYNJTC puts out maps for much of the Hudson Valley Region.  The territory ranges from North Jersey up to the Shawangunks and the Catskills.  The east side of the Hudson is also covered: The Taconics and the Hudson Highlands (Mt Beacon area).  And of course, "the greatest park in the world", Harriman State Park.   

The maps have everything one would want.  Trailhead parking is easily marked.  Points of interest are marked, like waterfalls, monuments and viewpoints are indicated with stars.  Trails are marked by their colors.  Elevation contours are clearly visible.  The maps are made of tyvek, so they can absorb a beating and survive a rainy day (mine have).  Both the AMC and ADK put out great maps for their regions of coverage (the White Mountains of NH and the Adirondacks).  I find the NYNJTC maps to be the best.  For the Catskills, the magnetic lines are provided making compass bearings a lot easier and takes the error out of the equation. 

So do yourself a favor this holiday season, get a map of the region you're interested in exploring.  Get outside and away from the crowds of madness and into the woods.  Enjoy.