I know this is OT .. but you guys and gals should give WAZE (http://www.waze.com/) a try.

I thought of posting it on the GD board (Which I will) but since I am in DC I figured I post it here as well as the more we use it the more we benefit from it.

it is marketed as "Real-time maps and traffic information based on the wisdom of the crowd" .. so basically if you are using it, you can report speed traps, police hide outs ..etc

It has saved me TWO speeding tickets last week. That by itself paid for my hobby life style

Also it gives you real time traffic report which means you can get to your appointment ontime

not as good as google maps or any GPS app out there but people on this one can report police traps real time and also the system tracks their speed so you see real time the traffic.

Thanks for the advice Demon, but I prefer the low tech way. I try to depart for my session roughly 90 minutes before show time. I will usually arrive a little too early, but that is acceptable to me. I fill in that time with last minute grooming, donation, and clothing check. Comb? Breath mints? Envelope? Check.

The location will usually have a public bathroom. The restrooms in high end locations are almost always spotless. I use them for last minute necessities. If there is still more time on the clock, I call the provider to let her know I'm at the gate.

This will also save you from having to speed to your session and attract LE. Do your homework and know where the speed/red light cameras  and LE speed traps are in your area. I've noticed less cops with radar ever since speed cameras started popping up everywhere.

...is it better than google maps?

Be careful how you have it configured, I have friends who that app posts on their facebook automatically where they are heading to and what time they will be there.