skill
Ryan:
You've definitely got some skill with a saw.
I've never seen anyone bore above their head before.
Trivia, if I felt that boring the downhill side was necessary, I would have placed the face about a foot and a half lower. Making it more reasonable to bore. It almost looks like you started a face cut down there.
I realize there is a lot more cutting to do lower and that the wood is denser. However, working with cuts lower, provided risks above are not imminent, is a lot easier. FSBurt made a similar point about driving wedges.
Also, on steeper ground, it is impossible to do much without extensive springboarding.
I added the photo below just for admiration. I've never even seen an operation like this before.
At your local mills, do they require a flat butt?