Google Earth!

I downloaded and installed the Google Earth application. They have a free download and souped-up pay-for application. I first heard details about Google Earth from an online friend at BookCrossing in the chit-chat forum. It made me very curious so I figured I'd give the free download a spin.

I love it!! It's so cool! I've explored the areas around Area 51 and Las Vegas, Parry Sound in Canada, my hometown area of Ashland, Wi on Lake Superior and last night I wandered from the Outer Banks off the eastern coasts of Virginia and North Carolina down to the Florida Keys. I plan on going further south here in just a little while by exploring the Bahamas.

Google Earth includes photos and descriptions of places in little dialogue boxes that pop up when you click on different icons as you slowly move around. The pop-up boxes also include links for more information on whatever it is you might be looking at.

So far, I've stayed mostly in the continental US. But I'm seeing that there are so very many places I can explore using just the basic, free application that my mind is full of far-flung places such as Russia, Germany, Japan, and many many more.

I haven't explored many of the features in the program because I've been too busy viewing the sights! But so far it's been easy to figure out and easy to use. There are a few errors as to location of exact places maybe because the actual place one is looking for is simply not there so it takes you to the location it *does* have. But it's still fascinating and it will suck you in like ice cream on a hot summer day.

Enjoy!