Photo: Corte Madera Mountain

Hello Hikers!

That wet stuff falling from the sky is called rain, just in case you’ve forgotten. It looks like should clear out tomorrow, and then we will have 100% perfect hiking conditions for the rest of the week. Hooray!

I hope you are fortunate enough to have Thursday and Friday off this week for Thanksgiving, because there’s a lot going on. Once again this year, there is a big push in the outdoor community to eschew the Black Friday phenomenon and “Opt Outside” for “Green Friday.” (There, I think I got all the requisite catch phrases in!) Here’s what you need to know:

• San Diego County Parks and Recreation is waiving Day Use Fees at all county parks and preserves on Friday. They’ve got 10 different activities including hikes, volunteer projects, and animal encounters planned at various county locations on Friday. Check out the schedule.
• California State Parks is offering a limited number of free passes to state parks for Friday. You need to reserve and print your pass ahead of time, and some locations (including Palomar State Park and Torrey Pines) are already sold out, but for the moment there are still available passes for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and several of the local state beaches, Head on over to www.greenfriday.org to get your pass ASAP.
• There is a Naturalist Hike scheduled for 8 am Thursday at Daley Ranch. Join Naturalist Lee Dezan on a slow-paced 4 mile hike lasting 3-4 hours. Routing: RH Road, Sage, Mallard, Diamondback, Coyote Run, East Ridge and Creek Crossing. Recommend a wide brimmed hat and treaded footwear. Water on the preserve may be limited so bring at least 1 liter. Binoculars are always handy as we usually see many birds. Dog friendly hike (leashed). Free parking in the La Honda lot. RAIN NEVER CANCELS. Vist the City of Escondido’s web site for more information.
• Many more hikes are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday – visit our Events Page for the full list!

And the freebies don’t end this weekend! Anza-Borrego Foundation is sponsoring free day-use admission to Borrego Palm Canyon one weekend per month from now through March 2017. Head on over their website for more information and to get your pass. Free passes are limited, so be sure to reserve in advance. This trail is part of the 5 Hikes for 50 Years Challenge, so make sure to get a selfie!

The National Park Service has announced 10 fee-free days for 2017, so mark your calendars.

Last week Congress unanimously passed the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act. “The act would expand the number of trails that could be maintained by requiring a national strategy to maximize the use of volunteers and partners while addressing liability concerns that restrict outside groups and individuals working on the trails.”

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

• 25% Off Select CamelBak Products
• 25% Off Select Osprey Packs
• Save Up to 50% on Columbia Apparel for Men, Women, and Kids
• Save Up To 60% on Columbia Cold Weather Apparel
• Up to 40% off select Columbia hiking and fishing apparel
• Save on Coleman Sleeping Bags
• Save on Coleman tents and accessories
• I Go A1FA02 Expedition First Aid Kit with Nylon Case Red $11.00
• Camp Solutions Lightweight Self Inflating Air Sleeping Pad $27.99
• Up to 25% off adidas clothing
• Save up to 25% on Pearl Izumi

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Photo: French Valley Trail at Palomar Mountain State Park