Getting Lost

Gerry's internal directional compass, ordinarily superb, seems to malfunction completely whenever we are on an island.  (Long Island,  Martha's Vineyard,  Hilton Head Island).   When we first arrived on Hilton Head, we had a very hard time finding our resort!   Even Mapquest malfunctioned also!  The directions I had printed off were completely bogus.  When we got out the GPS,  we did find our destination.  We had not really needed it before, as the entire trip was made on just a couple of highways.  I also find the voice of our Tom Tom totally annoying  (unless we are really really lost!)

When I look at the picture below,  I recall exactly why it is that everything is hard to find.

When you are driving around the main roads, everything looks the same.   There was nothing on that island until the 1950's, so everything is relatively new.  The layout is clearly planned to blend in completely with the surrounding environment.   Most, (or all) buildings tend to be the color of sand,  and the roofs tend to be the green pictured above.  Wherever there are buildings, there is a lush growth of trees and other vegetation.

The signs are all at ground level.  A low sand-colored sign might be in front of a driveway saying "Port Royal Village", and you think it is a private entrance to a residence or resort, when in fact, it is a regular road leading to a variety of different kinds of establishments.   After following GPS directions to our resort, down winding roads,  it took us a while to figure out how to get back to a highway!   Even I will admit that it was very confusing.

I learned something about our relationship.  Since Gerry has little experience following my internal compass,  (even when I clearly know the way)  he was unable to listen,  even when he was lost!     I tried to laugh and keep my sense of humor about that.

It might have been better to just insist on driving myself!

I did exactly that for the last three hours driving home.   It was raining, sleeting, snowing, and very very slippery.  The closer we got to home, the more cars we saw off the road.  We got home safely.   Thank the Lord!