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We plan to spend 6 to 8 weeks touring France from end of August accompanied by our two setters. We are new to MH, but are encouraged by our first three mini breaks over the winter. Heard that dog passports are now ready, so let serious planning commence.
We only had a vague notion of what we wanted to do - some time in Herault visiting relatives and meeting up with friends, then a week or so in the Pyrénées.
Had that is, until Pusser asked forum members for their top ten awesome destinations
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Brilliant!
Others on that post suggested constructing a route using the destinations that were recommended.
So I decided to give it a go - using the destinations that appealed to us.
As I am yet to decide on navigation software etc. I have used Google Earth.
This is at a very early stage and it is likely to evolve considerably over time as we learn more and our own priorities become clearer. The intention is to retain flexibility in terms of time in each area, but to have researched routes between the regions we decide to visit. The regions that currently appeal (thanks again to those who contributed to Pusser’s post) are: Alsace, French Alps, Avignon, Pyrénées, Dordgne, Loire and then return via Brittany & Normandy.
Attached are two Google Earth files - one for the destinations (with descriptions from Wikipedia attached) the second is a route with legs that join possible sites. With a couple of exceptions the sites have not been checked.
Thought others might find the information and technique of interest.
Any comments/advice welcome.
jem
______________________________________________________________ Words are so important.
If we cannot say or write what we mean; how can we ever mean what we say or write?
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Destination file was saved as a kml from GE v. 4.2.0205.5730. The routes file is actually a zipped kmz file from the same version of GE, that I renamed as a kml file. Both work on my version.
Reason for the need to rename is here
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Sorry that you had a problem - could be version of GE - if others have been okay.
Will attach as kmz file as some as am able.
______________________________________________________________ Words are so important.
If we cannot say or write what we mean; how can we ever mean what we say or write?
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Sue - I have no experience with a Mac and I cannot be certain that the Windows files I have attached will work with the Mac version of Google Earth (GE). They probably will - but other Mac users should be able to confirm.
I would first make sure you have the latest version of GE installed (from here
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).
When you have it safely installed & loaded, from the <File> drop down menu (top right) choose <Open> and select French Destinations.kml. This should then load into GE. Repeat for Routes.kml.
Best of luck.
jem
______________________________________________________________ Words are so important.
If we cannot say or write what we mean; how can we ever mean what we say or write?
The following members of MHF thanked jemshome for this posting
I have continued to use Google Earth as a means of collating information for our proposed trip later this year.
Attached is a KMZ file that contains what I have done so far. It includes modified versions of the destinations and routes files I posted earlier. To these I have added the camping sites that are the basis of the high level route.
Currently I'm adding local information into the camping sites locations, e.g. place to visit and distances.
I have also exported the camping sites into a spreadsheet together with distances.
Current expectation is 3000ml + local travel in 65 days.
Despite what it may seem, it is only a high level route. We may miss out some of the sites and although for planning purposes I have allowed 2 nights at most sites, again this is likely to change. I'm hoping that the relatively short distances proposed between sites, will enable us to retain this type of flexibility.
Given, that I'm taking a laptop, the GE approach seems to have a lot going for it: all the files will be available even without a connection to the servers.
I wonder just how much satellite imagery a really large hard drive cache could store - could it hold say 150ml route? For $20 per year GE Plus gives real time GPS tracking - I wonder if that works with the hard drive cache, if you're not logged into the GE servers?
Not expecting any answers, but rather for me to investigate.
If there is sufficient interest, I will continue to post an account of this approach - as well as what we actually did!
As always constructive feedback, much appreciated.
jem
______________________________________________________________ Words are so important.
If we cannot say or write what we mean; how can we ever mean what we say or write?
The following members of MHF thanked jemshome for this posting
Jeez, they invaded Iraq with far less of a plan than you have. Buy a map, have a look decide where you want to go and bimble down there. Oh, and relax.
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