I was lower than 5000 most of the way over because of headwinds but coming home across SA I did a lot at 7500 where I caught some good tailwinds and I gave the FIA a heads-up as I climbed.
I didn't call as I crossed boundaries because the only and infrequent traffic was much higher than me and I could see the regular interrogation of my transponder showed ATC knew I was there. But I listened the whole time. I gave an inbound on the FIA frequency at PAG because an RFDS aircraft called 30 NM out but he was on the ground before I got there. I think I was descending through 5500 about 15 NM out then.
Departing WMC. I couldn't make contact until above 7500 and even then had difficulty filing my SARTIME by radio (no mobile coverage). Velocity someone or other very kindly helped out along with another high flyer whose call sign I didn't catch.
I was very impressed with the RPT and scenic helicopter drivers at AYE...lots of courtesy and lots of checking in/notifying positions and altitudes.
Are you coming to Shepp?
Kaz