29. May 2009 Objects in mirror are further than they appear!
2 Comments Published in Let me say... by SimonAustralians have an amazing habit to understate long distances. What we call ‘Just Around the Corner’ is a major expedition for most people in Europe.
We are leaving in a couple of weeks away on our big adventure, and recently posted a map showing our intended route (one way only!). I’ve taken the time to roughly map our journey in Google Maps, and the distance is about 11,000km. What does this figure really mean?
I thought I’d try and put it in perspective by asking the question: Where does 11,000km get you in this world?
Perhaps if our states and territories were different countries complete with language, currency and cultural differences we’d think differently about our interstate holidays. We Australians live in a large country with a low population density and we are used to travelling long distances without much thought, hence our almost comical understating of travel distance.
Let me give you a few examples: Back in 1998 I drove from Sydney to Melbourne with my PC in the boot, solely to attend a large gathering of geeks who played computer games all weekend. Then I drove home thinking nothing much of the 2400km round trip involved.
Similarly, last month whilst testing all our equipment we casually ‘popped over’ to Wagga Wagga, visiting a school mate of mine. We had a great weekend thinking very little of the 950km journey. Sure its a 6 hour trip (one way) but its still in NSW right? It’s just around the corner, mate!
So, I hope it’s understandable that the prospect of 11,000km over 2 months didn’t really phase me.
Google Maps has the ability to dispel all of these illusions about distance. I’ve created custom maps in both Europe and the United States to see where 11,000km can take you. I’ve tried to pick major cities, and have routes that map to major roads.
Needless to say, I was a little surprised, and quite humbled.
Paris to Hong Kong via Iraq: 11,873km
View Paris to Hong Kong in a larger map
Seattle to Los Angeles via New York and Miami: 11,055km
View USA 11,000KMs in a larger map
… and the real kicker is our 11,000km trip is just one way. More on this in another post.
11k one way, but the return trip down the coast really is just around the corner – maybe 2.5k? Easy!
You’d think that would be the way we’d come home wouldn’t you. That would be smart…. however Marianne’s sister is meeting us in Cairns and will do our entire trip IN REVERSE. Yet to be determined whether Marianne joins in for that, but the car at least will do at least 11,000km on the return leg to Sydney.