150 Driver - Everyone else has forgotten about this so far on here. But why didn't you file an IFR flight plan and remain inside controlled airspace? Did your instructor forget?
You're flying IFR in IMC. Don't weave around in uncontrolled airspace unless you really have to or you'll just be treated like other VFR traffic where you get a service if they have spare capacity to work you and you're left picking up ice and flying lower with high workload and risk of hitting terrain and obstacles.
File an IFR flight plan inside controlled airspace instead. ATC works with you the whole way. From their core capacity. Not their spare capacity. After filing you will be able to obtain a whole route clearance to your destination! Incredibly nice, easy and seamless, and you can fly for hundreds of miles like this along the airway system.
Last edited by soaringhigh650; 12th Aug 2014 at 00:20.