It took me several years to get used to reading the maps around Harriman/West Point. The key for me was to ignore the rock (at first) and pay attention to contours instead. Then rocks as needed. You'll get there!
I have spent a fair bit of time crying on Harriman and West Point maps. Once, as I was floundering around and crying, I came across my mom, who was also floundering and crying! Between the two of us, we finally figured out where we were and went our separate ways. It is a very humbling area.
I will feel like a superstar if I ever have a clean run at Harriman or West Point!
There's a good reason we hosted the World Champs in that terrain!
Anne, I finished just two minutes under the three-hour limit. :-P But, yes, I was happy (and relieved) to finish!