Hey all! I'm back with more questions as my wife and I prepare for our first through-hike on the CT.
First, how many and which resupply options might be best for us? We are planning on completing the trail in 35 days (33 hiking days, 2 rest days). Initially, I thought re-supplying 4 times (I was thinking maybe Brec, Princeton Hot Springs, Monarch Spur, and ???) might be about right, but that could make the packs a bit full and heavy due to carrying up to 7-8 days of food right after a re-supply. I thought maybe it would be worth carrying more food to avoid having to use valuable time and energy to get off trail more often. What is common for CT hikers to do when it comes to frequency of re-supplies? I'm wide open to advice on resupply plans!
Second, what kinds of food are good for through hiking? I like granola and powdered milk for breakfast or oatmeal, naan or flatbread with PB or other nut butter for lunch, and quick and easy Mountain House or similar meals for dinner. I feel pretty good about the breakfast and dinner, but are there other foods for lunch that are more packable you guys like?
Also, should I mail food ahead for our re-supply or can I expect to find what I need quickly and easily in the stores? Maybe some of both? Having never done this before, I'd like to not worry too much about getting surprised by a box of spoiled food or a store that only sells cantaloupes or some nonsense like that!