zatatime wrote:

You need a GPS to follow a river for 3 miles with one of the biggest
cities in the world always to one side?! Yikes.

When I visually identify a reporting point, it's nice to
know my scan included confirmation on the GPS moving map. I
sure don't want to have my head buried in the cockpit
checking the chart while flying down the most crowded VFR
corridor in America. I also looked at some pictures on the
web so I'm better able to recognize landmarks. I estimated
cruise time between points and noted that on my chart. I
jotted down some emergency frequencies and drew some arrows
to the nearest airports at dfferent points along the route
in case of engine trouble. I drew some course lines with
magnetic heading. I studied the shape of the shoreline and
decided in advance where I'd make each turn and when I'd
climb or descend. Which of those preparations would you
*not* take (in addition to leaving your GPS at home)
simply because, in your humble opinion, navigation by
following the river is a snap?

Always do as much as you can in advance, particularly the
first time. Use all your assets, keep situational
awareness, keep your options open. Redundancy is a good
thing.