Resources

These are my favorite resources for maps, books, and items related to geography found on Amazon.

• If you want more information about US National Parks, this Atlas has maps, photographs and information about your next park adventure: National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks.
• A home is not complete without a World Atlas. This book does not only include geographical information but social, historical, environmental maps and visualizations: National Geographic Atlas of the World, 11th Edition.
• If you already started traveling around the US and would like to keep track of your travels, I suggest you get this display map, to mark your visits.Push Pin Travel Map with Black Frame.
• There is something about a globe that nobody can resist. You can always find a new interesting place or rotate it and play with it. This globe has the extra feature, when it is off, it has different biomes, but when you turn it on, it brights up a room and shows political divisions! Replogle Odessa - Blue Ocean, Illuminated World Globe, Raised Relief, Up-to-Date Cartography, Made in USA(12"/30cm Diameter).

If you plan on visiting National Parks in winter these are my favorite picks, found on Amazon.

• Because many paths will have uneven terrain, I suggest you use these boots.. They will provide comfort, while you reach your destination. Merrell Women's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot.
• In case you encounter some snow in your visit, these snowshoes may prove helpful: FLASHTEK 21/25/30 Inches Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth Kids, Aluminum Terrain Snow Shoes with Trekking Poles and Carrying Tote Bag.
• For cold hikes and climbs, I suggest you get this Columbia Men's Big & Tall Timberline Triple Interchange Jacket.

Parks are not just about climbing and snow. If you plan to head South, these are my favorite water sports items.

• Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, 1-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump: Is ideal for those who like to ride alone. As it is inflatable it is easy to pack and travel with.
• Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet, Green: I saw this Kayak for the first time at Morrison springs. It was quite popular with the local kids. They use it as a kayak, and stand on it as a paddle board. It keeps them busy and active in cold spring waters. It is not inflatable but easy to carry and travel with.
• Lucear Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board (6 inches Thick) with Durable SUP Accessories & Carry Bag Standing Boat (Green). This is all in one, as it can be used in rivers, lakes and calm coastal shores. Easy to deflate and carry to your next destination. Because it is inflatable it takes a bit longer to learn how to use, but a definite plus for trips.
• Sieco Design AQUAVUE Voyager, Clear Bottom Inflatable Raft, for Kids and Adults: This is an incredible find. This is a small inflatable boat with a transparent bottom. Ideal for kids to look through clear waters, observe fish, and find aquatic plants.

To enjoy or take advantage of the night skies, wheather you are in your backyard or in a natural park, I suggest the following items found on Amazon.

• This is a beautiful star map in smooth satin paper. What makes it special, is that it displays the night sky of a significant life event: Custom Personalized Night Sky Star Map Poster, Unframed Print with Black Background
• Omegon Star Tracker Mini Track LX2 N - Mechanical Travel Mount for Astrophotography with DSLR and Lightweight telescopes: This mini tracker is ideal if you are interested in photography. Once you have traveled far, you probably want to show off the beautiful skylines you have found. This tracker attaches to your tripod and camera, and rotates with the Earth to get the most of the stars, in the sky. It is lightweight and does not require batteries.
• Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope: this is a beginner's telescope. Easy to carry and portable. Ideal to take to some of the sites depicted on the maps. With this telescope you can observe Venus and Jupiter, complete with four of its moons.