Hello.
I'm starting my thru-hike this April and I was wondering how you all (veterans and prospects) plan your distance for the hike. I have an idea of where I want to be in the first few days from the start, but after that, I have no idea. So I have some questions that maybe you can help me with.
Distance:
I plan to keep my beginning mileage somewhat low (around 10/day). Once I acclimate, I have no idea how many miles I'll want, or be able, to hike. Should I not worry about it? If I come up a few miles short of a campground/shelter, will I be able to just pitch wherever I want? Or do I have to make the mileage work?
I plan to meet family in Harper's Ferry (I'm from MD), but there is no way I can accurately decide on a date right now. Maybe it's best to call when I'm a week away and not worry about it until then?
Mail:
I don't expect to use many mail drops; they'll mostly be for mailing myself new shoes, trade out gear, and geting a luxury food item refill, that sort of thing. My concern is this: if my mileage isn't really planned, how can I ensure that my mail drop will get to me when I need it? I remember reading that USPS only holds for 30 days, and I'm hoping that hostels, etc. hold for longer. I'm hoping to hear something along the lines of, "You won't be 30 days off."
Resupplies:
Living in a society where we can have anything we want whenever we want, it's a little hard to let go of that and think, "I only need a few days worth." I suppose this concern piggybacks off of my distance concern. Not really a question here, just looking for some encouraging anecdotes
Otherwise, planning is going well. I just don't know how to get my mind around daily distance expectations. Looking forward to your responses.