Google Maps: "Kayak across the Pacific Ocean"

share it

Google Maps: "Kayak across the Pacific Ocean"

by Dave MacLeay
posted Friday, September 17, 2010 at 2:46 pm

Earlier this week, I was trying to find out how long it takes to drive from Portland (Oregon) International Airport (PDX) to Mt. Adams, WA. Naturally, I turned to Google Maps, where I received a surprising answer:

A screen shot of Google Maps directions showing a 54-day trip crossing through Japan

Arguably, Google should be smart enough to figure out that by "Mt Adams, WA" I meant the 12,281-foot stratovolcano in nearby Washington State, not the small town in rural Western Australia.

But scrolling through the directions (114 turns!) I noticed these segments:

Directions: "Kayak across the Pacific Ocean 2,756 miles, entering Hawaii"

Regardless of the destination mix-up, how can you not like a mapping application brave enough to suggest nearly 10,000 miles of open-water paddling?

Link to the Google Maps search: "from: PDX to: Mt Adams, WA"

Filed under: Google Maps, paddling

Comments

gdurheim

0 reviewer rep
39 forum posts

September 18, 2010 at 9:22 a.m. (EDT)

They just knew you were the outdoorsy type who would appreciate the scenic route. :)

trouthunter

MODERATOR REVIEW CORPS

490 reviewer rep
3,292 forum posts

September 18, 2010 at 9:39 a.m. (EDT)

That's great Dave!

I guess that's the difference between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. Your not in Australia, so I figure you won. I have no doubt you could have made the trip though Dave.

kayakingdog

40 reviewer rep
71 forum posts

September 18, 2010 at 8:38 p.m. (EDT)

Thats a good one, sooner or later I'm sure someone will try it.

10,000 miles..........

thanks

C4B7

2 reviewer rep
66 forum posts

September 19, 2010 at 3:01 a.m. (EDT)

I love that they try so hard to get you there. They leave it up to you to have the will power to do it.

SnowGoose

3 reviewer rep
101 forum posts

September 20, 2010 at 12:41 a.m. (EDT)

If you paddled at a rate of 10 MPH, 24 HRS per day, it would take 41 days 16 hours to kayak the 10,000 miles. This leaves a leisurely 12 days 20 hours to complete the other 3500 miles. Sounds completely feasible!

Alicia MacLeay (Alicia)