When i did mine in California, I just got my camera out and took a million snaps. Forgot all about boring checks and the like. Had a bit of a shock when a War Bird flew past about 100m off, opposite direction, same level - I suppose I should have been keeping a better look out but hey, this was fun! I distinctly remember thinking "that was close" but that was in the days before other traffic scared me.
When I landed at the first airfield, there was no one there, so I went to the Cafe, I walked in, the place went quiet and I said "anyone here with a pilots licence". Some old boy replied "sure do sonny, ATP"...."Can you sign this please mate"....and he did.
Next airfield I collared an ATC bloke as he was entering the tower. "How was your landing" he asked "Excellent" I said...and thus it was so
it was a great day out, the return leg was along the coast so I just enjoyed the view....
When I did my QXC almost 30 yrs ago, I was taught how to navigate properly by an instructor who knew how to navigate properly
Now where did I put my Violin......