Our family loves the outdoors.  It’s me, the mom, that most often takes the lead, but unfortunately my sense of direction is not always that keen.  Thank goodness for Google.  They have added hiking trails at Google Earth.  With just a click of the button I can find the trail that is the right length and right difficulty for our young family.

It may not seem like a big deal to have directions when you are hiking (or a map or a general idea of where you are going and whether the trails have changed since you were last there TEN years ago), but my children will tell you it’s vitally important.  Our last “quick” hike took over four hours because the trail had been moved and I didn’t know it (or admittedly didn’t ask). 

We followed an animal trail for a few miles before it stopped abruptly.  It was after turning around and heading back to camp that we managed to discern the trail we were SUPPOSE to be on.  Later that night, one of the other mothers told me about the trail change.  I never did confess my mistake to her, but my kids quickly found me out.

There are no more worries.  Google Earth’s new feature offers GPS marked trails and even notes on interesting sights to see.  I know that not every trail available to hike has been marked to date, but I plan to stay with the ones that are marked.  I know that my kids will see to it. 

Who knows, maybe this new Google Earth feature will compel my husband to get me a GPS system for Christmas.  Even he’s tired of complaining that I’ve gotten us lost once again.