Is there an easy way to learn metes and bounds?

Answer 1

No easy way to learn. It is used in the original thirteen "colonies" now states in the US and Kentucky, Tennessee and W Virginia. Some deeds were at best "guestimates" in that they would use markers like a tree stump, rock pile or refer to a person that is no longer there.

See this for a good difinition:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metes_and_bounds#Difficulties

Answer 2

Not really. It's such a pain that even title companies and planning departments avoid it when they can. Thus: Subdivision Maps, Parcel Maps, etcetera.