Another lesson in “don’t rely on Google”

In a couple of weeks, we’re flying to Long Beach, California, to visit with a few cousins and other old friends. My dad grew up in Long Beach, and his younger brother’s daughters stayed in Long Beach, and his sister’s sole surviving son lives only a short drive away.

So as part of our planning, I asked Google something that seemed pretty straight forward. I searched for “Elks lodge closest to Long Beach California.”

Google quickly returned a direct answer. The closest Elks lodge is located in downtown Long Beach, according to Google. Elks Lodge 1937.

Just one small problem with Google’s answer.

Elks Lodge 1937 is located in Long Beach, Washington. That’s more than 1,000 miles from Long Beach, California.

Different state. Not even a contiguous state.

I’m finding out that every answer I receive from Google needs to be independently vetted.