Nancy wrote --

>  JM> On Interstates its miles
>  JM> and miles before one can back track.  One reason I hate them so.
> 
> But at least on interstates there generally is a lot more warning for
> needing to be in a particular lane...   (But often more traffic,
which doesn't help, admittedly...)

  I have found that if I want a particular street, turn off, whatever
there is almost invariably someone to my left or right (which ever way
I'm  turning) who wasn't there a second before.

>  JM> With my phone, Apple Maps on the car and finding a hot spot I
>  JM> sometimes use their directions. 

> You are better off having a real map... so that you can just see that
> what you want is just a block away.... 

  I prefer real maps as well.
  I have a general idea where I am going, from point A to point B, but on
a real map I'll see something and think that looks interesting.
  I will lay the map out and plot my course circling various roads, etc.
 That that is copied to paper as route "x to y, l/r to 123" and so forth. 
  I can then glance at that paper and know where to turn, etc.

>  JM> I like it when people give landmarks where to turn.
>  
> I always find that knowing what to watch for, if nothing else, gives
> reassurance that one is at the right place

   I have always used landmarks of some sort when giving directions. 
It's a lot easier to say x blocks from this or that building, rather than
"turn left at the tiny corner grocery store" as well as give other
landmarks along the way, like you wrote, so the driver will know they are
in the right direction.

>  JM> Joe (in Hannibal, MO, 
 
> Moving right along there, you are...  

  I'm now in Pecos, TX, oil country!
  I don't know half the time where I am, what day it is or what time it is.
  I was on MDT for several days and would think "it's 5 a.m. but in REAL
time its 7 a.m."  My watch and laptop are on real time but the car and
phone are on whatever time zone I'm in.
  Joe  (where am I and when did I arrive?)
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