Great trip report! I still think the easiest way to the put-in is along Barren Hollow. May be longer but you don’t gain any elevation. Start at the gate off hwy D/county road 618 and drag/carry your boat 2-3 miles.
Btw, on that first D I still remember scouting a drop & parting the weeds with my paddle and seeing a copperhead. Rapids are Copperhead, Upchuck, Slimslide.