The good folks at Google Earth have obviously seen Al Gore's film and realise the benefits of trying to avoid using greenhouse gas producing fuels when traveling. They might have gone a bit overboard on it tho.
Now I know air travel is a big sinner in the CO2 stakes but things are a little ridiculous if you follow their directions. As an example, try using their directions from Newark Airport, New Jersey to Heathrow Airport, London. The result is a little unusual to say the least.
I will reveal it below the fold. Maybe you can add any unusual routes your satnav has found for you to explore.
You might think the obvious way to get from Newark to Heathrow is to take a plane. Not for Google Earth. Instead it directs you to drive through New York to Boston.
Take exit 24 A-B-C on the left toward I-93 N/Concord NH/S Station/I-93 S/Quincy
Merge onto Atlantic Avenue
Turn right at Central Street
Turn right at Long Wharf
Here things get even more interesting, if very green, as the next direction is:
Swim across the Atlantic Ocean
What is even more perverse is that Google's route lands you in Le Havre, FRANCE from there it takes you by road to the docks at Boulougne you where get the instruction.
Slight right at Dover - Boulougne-sur-Mer
go 30 mi.
As the 30 miles consists of the English Channel, you might have thought that Google would remember to mention the ferry.