“Directionally challenged” is how I describe myself almost daily. I do not know why my brain doesn’t work that well when it comes to figuring out where I am in relation to where I need to be. I have lived in my home for more than a decade and still have to think very hard about which direction I need to turn out of the driveway to get to the grocery store.

When people give me directions or locations telling me something is North, South, East or West I have no idea what that means in relation to where I am standing, unless the sun is rising or setting. Some people seem to have an innate ability to know where the north side of something is. I cannot tell you, ever.

It is not age, I have been like this my entire life. It has not gotten any better with the invention of google maps. Solo hiking for me is a challenge and often nerve wracking because I am always afraid I will get lost. While I do have the comfort of AllTrails maps and all of the other technology right there in my phone, I still struggle with anxiety when it comes to finding my way around.

I have come to realize the more I practice, the better and more comfortable I become. I know I need landmarks to find my way around and I create those landmarks as I hike, making note of particular points of interest to me as I walk. The sense of pride and accomplishment I feel when I make it back to the car, is worth it, even though I often add a lest a half mile to any hike trying to get better on relying on reason and memory to guide my adventure.

Inevitably when I mention this anxiety, someone will let me know about the old moss trick. Look for moss – they say – it grows on the north side of the trees. My initial response is – ok, then what? I assume I would have to know which direction I was heading or plan to head to put that tidbit of information to use.

But also, that information is wrong, or rather, is only sometimes right. My favorite places to hike are where rocks and water and trees all coalesce so I have seen my fair share of mossy trees. And you know what? Moss grows on all side of trees.

The thinking is, and understandably so, that moss likes damp shady areas. The north side of a tree is likely to stay shaded longer than the rest of the tree and more damp as well, so prime location for mossy growth. Deep in forests, with dense canopies and lots of moisture, moss is everywhere. If you are hiking in the southern hemisphere, the moss would be on the south side of the tree, so keep that in mind too.

To get around on those trails I am going to stick with the trail blazes and the trail maps, and just stop to admire the moss, it is gorgeous isn’t it, giving it a good pet whatever side of the trees it grows.