Is there anyone who still uses a map? Is there anyone who remembers when the prerequisite for any trip was a Rand McNally Road Atlas?
I do.
I know I know, map reading seems to be a bit archaic, and to fold one is a lesson in origami, but I like maps, and I still use them. I think they are a great visual for vacation routes, and it’s fun to mark off cities and landmarks in the area you are traveling. For us, it’s part of the adventure.
But truth be known, when God was handing out gifts he decided to give someone else my sense of direction. And it’s ok, because sometimes all I need to know is the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. 
I learned from a young age how to use a map and my two daughters didn’t have a choice. At that time, our priority was getting to sporting events on time and in the right city. I graduated to MapQuest when my youngest daughter learned of it in Drivers Ed, but even with printed directions, the maps remained in the car, just in case.
And now grandchildren have a need to know. 
Today I am beholden to the GPS lady who always has my back. You know her. The one who asks: “How can I help you?” And the one you confide in at 5:30 AM. “I need coffee.” And then without judgement or expectations, 3.2 miles later she will let you know, “You have arrived at your destination.”
Unless, of course, you were not paying attention, and missed the turn. Then she graciously, and once again without judgement, comes to the rescue,” recalculating, please make a U-turn. I love her!
We all reach for technology these days, and while maps still contribute to a greater journey, we are fingertips away from navigating to and from faraway places with more efficiency and less time. 
Ah, yes, the convenience of technology in this busy world. Curious, I asked Siri her opinion about paper maps. What I learned was she has a sense of humor and most likely knows me very well. I love her too. 
The irony in all this technology for us these days, is we are usually trying to get off the beaten path, venture to places where the wifi is weak, and our phones say no service. So, yes, we use our navigation, but we still have maps…just for fun. 
Do you still use maps? Do you teach your children? Do you find fun in just letting the road plan your journey on some days?
Wind Kisses, Donna
Wind Kisses 
Yesterday, I went to Poland but the bridge about the Oder which I wanted to use was closed due to a marathon. The navigation system of my car and the one in my smartphone were confusing me, so after talking to a police officer who explained the closure of the bridge, I was happy to look in a real paper map again for finding another secure way like in the good old days.
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Hahaha. Yes. Good old fashioned maps, may not seem simple any more, but sure make life simpler sometimes. Poland? Love to visit there someday and see the architecture of the cities.
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I have lived most of my life with paper maps, they do not lead to digital dementia what tends to become a real problem today! Cheers @ Ulli
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Indeed.
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I love my Atlas! I like to see the big picture then highlight my route wit yellow or pink markers. I also then put my end in the navigation device so I can have the verbal….but I also like taking side roads and making my device reroute…sometimes though those darn navigators loose track in the mountains!
Yep! Love my Atlas!
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🙌🏼 yellow and pink for me as well. In so many ways it is a journal, isn’t it? I saved a few along the way, to revisit memories. It’s also helpful when passing info on to friends and family. Yes! Atlases…
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Hehe, that is a scary response. I don’t talk to machines, not yet, I suppose it’s coming. I do use the navigation but I only listen. I had some ugly experiences with being led to dangerously steep/tight/impossible roads so I’m taking it easy.
The last time I drove an hour away to a new place, I regretted not bringing my physical map. Oh yes, I have it right here, the map of Tuscany. It’s lovely, but a b—h to fold. 😀
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I would say in Tuscany it would be a necessity. 😂😂😂But my preference many times is to let the road guide , for a little while. Such a beautiful region. Such beautiful people full of soul. 😍.
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I still use a paper map occasionally. I also use the digital Mapquest maps, as well. I teach elementary students map skills, even though it’s not required. Even if a digital map is used, a base is needed that teaches the basics.
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I completely agree. I loved incorporating maps into my preschool classroom. My grandkids love making maps from their house to school, my house, etc. There is so much learning that goes into that, I’ll bet your school are excited and motivated. Ideas like that have a way of inspiring young minds.🤗
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Learnt to read maps as a Scout……..still love a paper map but will use the technology if I don’t have a real map 🙂
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Ya…technology is hard to beat, but maps are fun.
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Lots of fun 🙂
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Paper maps are preferred in our household! It’s ever so much easier to plot a course when taking a driving adventure. Who knows what you might see on a short side trip or intentional detour! But I have to admit to using internet mapping when needing directions to things like a niece’s soccer game in an unfamiliar town.
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Agreed! Yes the detours are more fun with the map. Thanks for stopping in Teressa.
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I still love maps but have found peace in letting Siri guide me too. I enjoyed your post – happy trails to you, Donna, always fun to stop in and see what you’re up to!
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Thanks Shelley. After this list I experimented with Siri. She really is quite funny.
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LOL – I can invision you laughing at her wit! 😉
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