Al, can you use GPS to navigate on your cross country, or do you have to do it the old fashioned way?.
You are right about the first solo being something you never forget. With mine the C.F.I. was down to do circuits with me as my normal instructor called in sick. (Supposedly) after a couple of touch and go's the C.F.I. said "stop here" At the end of the runway and he got out!! "do one circuit and bring it back to the hangar" and he walked off!!
After the initial shock and panic I took off and did the best circuit and greased the landing.... The next half dozen landings were shiite.
This was about forty five years ago in a Cherokee 140.