Looking back, I cannot remember having such a good time doing photography on a trip in recent memory. I honestly think the pictures I have from the trip are the best I have ever taken. And since I’m the only judge in that respect that matters, then they are the best set of pictures I’ve ever taken.

Is too much freedom a detriment to my creativity and leave me with no foundation to build upon?

Your aesthetics, knowledge, and taste changes over time. Don’t delete those “non-keepers.” There might be a winning photo in there.