Realization of responsibility is quit often frightening.
And at least, sobering.

"Steve Thomas" wrote in message
news
I had to make my back in dense fog about a month ago at dusk. No
radar, and
if not for GPS, probably would have stayed out until it lifted a bit.
I
never thought of the autopilot as a safety device, but you are right
about
the disorienting effect of a lack of visual cues. The instant I look
away
from the compass, the boats heading changes, and my sense of direction
fails. It still *feels* like I am going on the same course, even
though it
is way off. I find that it takes a force of will to trust your
instruments
when your gut is screaming something else.

Steve