Summertime launching on the Russian?

I love wading at Del Rio and catching smallies and pikeminnow.  Hoping to explore more of it with in the Cuda 12 freshly acquired from a fellow forum member.

What're good places to launch (without a buddy and without a cart) on the Russian where I won't have to shuttle.  Monte Rio looks pretty good with pavement right to the launch.  I was at Steelhead today (on foot) and with a 70 lb SOT, I'd need a cart to get it all the way to the launch.

Also, anybody use a brush gripper?  Got a recommendation?