I always thought dashboard compasses were a pretty ridiculous idea. What in the world would you need to have one of those in your car for? Could your sense of direction be that bad... on the highway? That's what I thought anyway.

Until yesterday morning.

I was up in Norway (Maine, that is) on business (yes, I do have a day job). And when I was done I drove back out to Route 26, turned right and headed happily back to Portland.

Or so I thought.

I drove for a minute or so and suddenly realized that I didn't recognize a thing. Two lanes, double yellow line. But that's all.

This isn't right the direction, I thought, so I turned around.

Now, I've traveled up and down Route 26 more times than you can shake a stick at and thought I knew every mile, every building, every tree.

I drove the other way for a bit, but recognition still didn't come. And I started to get a weird feeling inside.

I found my way back into Norway--a significant accomplishment at this point--and pulled over for a moment. Sigh.

Ok, back out to a main road. This one looks like Route 26. So off I go.

Soon enough I came to a road sign that read "Route 26". NORTH.

I turned around. Again. And proceeded SOUTH, thoroughly embarrassed.

Maybe I will buy one of those dashboard compasses. A little one. I'll keep it hidden away in the cupholder, and put it up on the dash only when I really need it.

Like yesterday.

No one would have to know.