I'm trying to get others thoughts for inexperienced pilots like myself.
Please comment on ceilings, winds, and visibility.

I live in central PA, where the airports are usually in the valleys
and the ridges are typically a thousand feet higher, so I won't set
out on a VFR cross-country unless the ceiling at the airport is at
least 2000. If it's less than that, I file IFR.

I'll also file IFR if the viz is less than six miles; it may be less a
few miles from here.

The ridges are aligned 060-240. A NW wind at 20k or more can produce
serious turbulence (but also produce excellent soaring conditions). A
SW wind of the same velocity is not as turbulent.

vince norris