Congratulations Geoff, you've well and truly earned the euphoric feeling you have right now . Flying aeroplanes and dead reckoning navigation are skills that none of us are born with , so they have to be learned from square one. Some people find it easier than others no doubt and the hands of time do play a part in the rate the skills are mastered, but clearly through your passion for flying and the determination and tenacity to work though the tough times you've been able to achieve your life long goal . Power to you , Mate . So go ahead and enjoy this new privilege of airborne freedom to explore our part of the country where you'll find all the regular flyins with new and interesting people to meet.
Blue skies and tail winds
Cheers
JimG