Nice one Lawyerboy, I know what you mean, it's a great feeling.. .. .Like Whirly, my solo wasn't a big deal as I had done a lot of gliding before (solo), but the cross country was a big step.. .. .I remember my second (I'd done a fair bit of dual nav by then) excursion out of the circuit - the instructor said "why not pop down to the Isle of Wight", so I did and it was a fabulous flight. Clear, smooth, no nav or r/t problems - it was a delight. I remember the view of the cliffs at St. Catherines Point from 3000 ft with a sea fog just creeping over the tops - magic. . .. .Did my confidence no end of good, too. How can you get lost when you can see where you are going and where you've been all at the same time, practically!. .. .SD