Sole Of Houston: Now With Google Maps

For example, I asked it for the best way to walk from my house near the Palace Lanes on Bellaire Boulevard to my office here at the Press downtown, and it suggested that I head up to University and then Fannin, which is a pretty decent route. It also estimated that the trip would take about two-and-a-half hours, which is about right, unless I stop in some pubs.

But then I got to wondering…Let’s just say I wanted to walk to San Antonio. Google Maps comes up with a route that seems to carry you down the I-10 feeder road for much of the journey, and then claims that the estimated time is a hair under three days. I don’t think even the Pony Express could match that time.

And I would be lucky to make it even one-percent of the way if I followed Google’s suggested trail to my dad’s house in Nashville, as it advises I walk the entire length of Lyons Avenue on my way out of town. (To be fair, Google does advise its users to be cautious when walking in unfamiliar areas.) And then, should I make it through in one piece, Google Maps thinks I can hike the 857 miles to Nashville in 11 days and 16 hours.

Oh well, it is in beta.

-- John Nova Lomax