h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

It is a curious fact that the ever looming presence of the mountains in the state of Colorado creates an imbalance in the otherwise flawless sense of direction of the native Homo Sapiens. Whilst in there own state, the locals can find almost anything so long as they have a decent set of compass oriented directions. The darker side of this is when hapless locals, most especially those Bred in the radioactive influence of a billion tons of granite, can't find a damned thing once they get to the flatlands. Simply crossing the mountains isn't necessarily hazardous, although it does make one feel all twisty inside. But put a Colorado local into the flatlands of say, Ohio or Florida, and the hapless fool will be hopelessly easy to lose. The condition is readily identifiable as the person will wander about in their new surroundings mumbling long streams of directions, trying to make it the five blocks to the store.

I do, of course, speak from experience. At first I thought it was only me, until I made a chance acquaintance with another Coloradan while we were both in Pensacola, Florida. (note, the ocean, while just as big, is not an effective replacement landmark) In attempting to get a lift home, I made the error of asking him which direction we were headed in, only to find he had even less idea than I.

There is hope, however: With enough time wandering hopelessly lost, one eventually discovers a new way to orient in the world, or finds enough of interest wherever they happen to be that they cease to care so much about knowning exactly where they're going.

Orange

It's even worse when you go to the other side of the Rocky Mountains and you get completely turned around!