this post reminds me of my 3 leg solo cross country . The weather was VFR with 7 miles in haze. After reaching my cruise altitude, I discovered my forward vis was u/s, but down was OK.
Unknown to me at this time, my rudder trim was out [C152] by 10% and therefore I was tracking of course. realizing I was lost, I contacted London, ON. ATC who provided me with a DF steer.
This was 22 years ago. Somethings you never forget.