River Trip thread!!!

>Total noob going solo edition
>Possibly in a dinghy but we'll see (I have backup secondary in case of unfixable damage)
My plan:
>Bring enough food for entire trip (suggestions on what that should be please) I'm thinking trail mix bags and sealed bags of rice to cook.
>For most water I will be boiling the river water, collecting the steam, and drinking the collected steam. Is this proper or should I be doing something else?
>Stop on the side of the river where it looks nice and camp for the night or to wait out rain
>Go down river until I get to a riverside community, find a phone and call friend for ride back (or bring a cell phone)
How exactly do you pack your stuff for a river trip, should I still use a rucksack?
Special cautions for keeping it dry?
What would you bring on a river trip?
Any tips on choosing spots on the river, or dealing with the bugs?
Do I need an anchor or grappling hook or will steering be enough?
Do I need anything for self defense?
Any good methods for getting back home? Right now my best idea is have a friend meet me at a riverside community a few hours away and drive me back.

Tell me about any river trips you've taken, what did you have to deal with, what you expected or didn't expect, whatever you want. The more stories the better!