a year later, and having just logged my 79th through 83rd dives this weekend
it's nice to chime back in on this topic

and report that
my navigation skills have improved dramatically!
practice practice practice!
...some times, like anyone else though, I do get turned around....
but I have a much better sense of how far I've traveled as I swim,
and that, combined with trusting my compass (and my ability to follow it),
much more often than not i can get back to right where I started
(or where I planned to go)!
....and for those low vis situations....I have taken the helpful suggestion and purchased a reel!
....and with that...again...
practice practice practice!! I'm getting pretty good with that too!