Stewart Kissel wrote:

However if the effort to do the badge flight pushes
your limitations in a safe manner, then by all means
use them to open the door to the beauty of cross country.

I think this is the best reason for pursuing badges or records. For me,
the focus on a task (Badge, record, or contest), with it's planning and
commitment, is a pleasant change from the rambling exploration I
normally do about 70% of the time.

This year, I discovered a very enjoyable combination some of the best
features rambling and a task: the OLC (Online Contest). It lets you go
off in any direction you like at any time, since a task isn't declared,
but some planning before the flight and a little strategy (mainly, keep
the first 3 legs long) during the flight can yield a much higher score.

This year I focused on doing long O&R flights to visit as much new
territory as possible (after 30 years of flying from Richland, WA, the
first 100 miles in any direction was becoming a "commute"). Inspired by
pilots like Kempton Izuno and Gordon Boettger, and empowered by Dr.
Jack's Blipmaps, I had a very successful season. No badges or records
yet, but some great flights. Next year I will continue to pursue long
O&Rs, and also distance flights if the weather is good or better at the
turnpoint.

All to be placed on the OLC, of course, hoping others will be inspired.
I'd especially like to see motorglider pilots become more adventurous.

--
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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA