Educate Me on CDT Please

[Gambit McCrae]

Here I go again on my own!
After a lot of consideration I have decided to hike the CDT next.
I just got back from Colorado and that just solidified my choice.
The point of this thread is to get general knowledge of the CDT and its drastic contrast to the AT.
My entire hiking world and experience has revolved around the east coast, so this is a whole new world to me.

Here is what I know so far:

• Water will be a new game. Not as frequent, not great quality, get it when you see it, carry more than AT expectations
• Resupply logistics are further off trail, and less frequent?
• There are alternate routes/ fire closures. I am strict on walking every mile of a trail when I hike it, but I also understand that fire issues could result in having to skip miles. I would assume that if there is a fire issue, as a section hiker I would be better off to reschedule the trip altogether rather then try to jump around it due to the smoke?
• Zip off pants, long sleeve shirt, sunbrella, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, Chapstick....all a MUST

Things that immediately come to mind that I don't know:

• Rain...Bring rain gear? Tarp + mesh sufficient?
• Best Month to hike in New Mexico?
• Mileage expectations (My AT average from GA-ME was 15 miles per day however I pulled countless 20's so I know my 15 is skewed by half days)
• Trail Resources....Hostels, shuttles, trail angels...How does it size up compared to the AT? Don't care about trail magic, just resources.
• Best part of the CDT?
• Worst part of the CDT?

Current CDT Miles Complete: 0.1 LOL