I have an uncanny sense of direction, I really do. Unfortunately I also have a condition that when extreme fatigue sets in, so does any mental acuity or focus. Case in point:
Drove to NJ to meet up with a friend for a hike from MOC to DWG. I left home at 3am to get there for a 7:30 meet at DWG, and we had a wonderful 10 mile hike finishing up around 5pm. From there we stopped at Hot Dog Johnny's to refuel, and parted ways....her to home in eastern NJ and me to southern NJ to visit friends.
I started feeling the effects of the long day about halfway to Trenton, but since it was a pretty straight shot, I just continued on these familiar, often-travelled roads. It wasn't until I was less than 2 miles from my destination that the "fog" hit. I had absolutely no idea where I was. I pulled over, called my friend, told him what I could see in front of me, and he spoon-fed me directions to the house. (I was sent to bed immediately upon arrival...no unpacking, no greeting, just rest).
A few hours later I was fine and we laughed over my senior moment and I was chastised accordingly for allowing it to occur.
So, I claim again that I have a great sense of direction, but if tired enough, I can get lost crossing the street. Rote behavior and personal emergency training (and little things like bread crumbs) represent lifelines for me when there's no one to call. I would not have the faculties to interpret GPS or read a map. I rely on methods that do not require analysis, just obedience.
Either that or I give up hiking, and we know THAT'S not going to happen.