Dirty Harry in Magnum Force " A man's got to know his limitations."
 
As a solo paddler, you definitely made the right decision. Having to pay for emergency pick-up IF you couldn't get out on your own would of been very expensive. Have you figured out why NRS boots bothered your ankle? Seems funny it was only the one side?
I like your Saw, what brand/name is it? Seemed to make short work of the downed timber. I like that you don't have to assemble, just pull from sheath.
Excellent pictures as well.