Women in general do not seem to have as good a sense of direction as men. I wonder if this was part of the problem.
Yes, they say women navigate based on landmarks, relative navigation, while men rely on cardinal directions, absolute navigation. Seems obvious which method is going to be better when you are lost in an unfamiliar area.
I’ve backpacked many times in the East and a little in the West. My sense of direction is not too bad but there have been times in the thick woods where I tried to retrace my steps and was on a very wrong azimuth. The thickets look different going back.
I enjoy bushwhacking (hiking where there is no trail) but it is tricky.