NatGeoMaps Goes North to Alaska

Outdoor enthusiasts in the Anchorage area can learn how to use a GPS with map software to plan hikes, hunts and other activities in a free clinic at REI this Thursday at 7 p.m.

Our Jeff Caulfield will take you through a simple trip planning exercise, discuss "on the trail" applications of GPS and give you tips on how to use GPS in the navigation process.

Jeff will have some freebies for attendees -- disks with a guide to Map & GPS use, trails, and GMU boundaries to add to yout TOPO! maps.

Navigating with National Geographic: Seattle Region

Outdoor enthusiasts in the Seattle area can learn how to use a GPS with map software to plan hikes and other activities in a series of free evening clinics at REI next week.

Our Jeff Caulfield will take you through a simple trip planning exercise, discuss "on the trail" applications of GPS and give you tips on how to use GPS in the navigation process.

Clinics begin at 7 p.m. Click on links for maps and directions to each store:

9.8.08 :: REI Tacoma, WA
9.9.08 :: REI Redmond, WA
9.10.08 :: REI Seattle, WA
9.11.08 :: REI Issaquah, WA

Navigating with National Geographic: DC Area

Outdoor enthusiasts in the DC area can learn how to use a GPS with map software to plan hikes and other activities in a series of free evening clinics at REI next week.

Our Jeff Caulfield will take you through a simple trip planning exercise, discuss "on the trail" applications of GPS and give you tips on how to use GPS in the navigation process.

Clinics begin at 7 p.m. Click on links for maps and directions to each store:

8.18.08 :: REI Timonium, MD
8.19.08 :: REI Fairfax, VA
8.20.08 :: REI Bailey's Crossroads, VA
8.21.08 :: REI College Park, MD

Bob Leonard, Navigation Professional

Our new NavPro program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in navigation skills and concepts. National Geographic NavPros are certified experts.

We're pleased to announce the first person to achieve a perfect score on the NavPro qualifying exam, Bob Leonard, Special Events Coordinator at REI in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Bob is a retired Police Officer from Beaverton, Oregon. He also consults throughout the U.S. in Community Policing and Problem Solving, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

He's been a Special Events Coordinator for REI for the last four years and instructs in a wide variety of outdoor recreation topics for REI, including: GPS Navigation, Map & Compass, Geocaching, and Backpacking.

Bob is an avid backpacker, hiker, outdoor photographer, kayaker, and as many other outdoor activities as he can cram into a day. He's also actively involved in Scouting with his Eagle Scout son. He instructs regionally and nationally for BSA, and is a Master Educator for Leave No Trace. Bob and his wife spend their spare time (?) traveling in a motorhome with their two dogs, while the kids are away at college.

Congratulations, Bob!

Think you're up the challenge? Join the ranks by taking the NavPro exam today.

GPS Navigation Day - Sandy, Utah

REI in Sandy, Utah is holding a GPS Navigation Day this Saturday, May 31st.

Spend a day outdoors and a few hours indoors with REI GPS experts and National Geographic Map Expert, Jeff Caulfield, learning how to use your GPS unit in conjunction with TOPO! digital maps.

Registration is required. Details here.

Nav Clinics Continue in California

NatGeo's Jeff Caulfield will present free Map & GPS navigation clinics again this week. Details on store links below.

Tuesday, March 18, 7 p.m. at REI Roseville

Wednesday, March 19, 7 p.m. at REI Fresno

Thursday, March 20, 7 p.m. at REI Folsom

Navigation Clinics in Northern California this week

Outdoor enthusiasts in northern California can learn how to use GPS with map software to plan hikes and other activities at free evening clinics this week in Concord and Mountain View.

Jeff Caulfield will take you through a simple trip planning exercise, discuss "on the trail" applications of GPS and give you tips on how to use GPS in the navigation process.

Everyone who attends will receive a free CD with Basic Map and GPS Skills, other helpful info, and trail overlays to use with TOPO! digital maps.

Clinics begin at 7 p.m. Click on links for maps and directions to each store:

Tuesday, March 11:
REI Concord

Wednesday, March 12:
REI Mountain View

Navigate with NatGeo @ REI

Outdoor enthusiasts in northern California can learn how to use GPS with map software to plan hikes and other activities in a series of free evening clinics at REI.

Our Jeff Caulfield will take you through a simple trip planning exercise, discuss "on the trail" applications of GPS and give you tips on how to use GPS in the navigation process.

Everyone who attends will receive a free CD with Basic Map and GPS Skills, other helpful info, and trail overlays to use with TOPO! digital maps.

Clinics begin at 7 p.m. Click on links for maps and directions to each store:

Tuesday, March 4:
REI Fremont
Wednesday, March 5:
REI Berkeley
Thursday, March 6:
REI San Carlos
Tuesday, March 11:
REI Concord
Wednesday, March 12:
REI Mountain View