That's a solid fix for a tough spot. Been there with the sight-line method failing when the river just won't cooperate. Sometimes the cheap tool you have on hand is the exact right tool for the job. Getting it done fast is what matters, not how fancy the gear is. Sounds like you got the whole operation back on track without a huge fuss.

My parents have a fridge from the 80s that's still going strong in their garage. It's a total energy hog but it just won't quit. I tried to get them to replace it with a newer model to save money on their electric bill. They won't do it because they don't believe the new one would last half as long. I see their point, even if it costs more to run. Stuff was just built differently back then.

Totally feel that. Seems like there's too much focus on gear over taste sometimes.