Break down what you got to spend, then look at the distance. Average it out as best you can, and send your self $40-$60 in travelers checks to each town youu plan on stopping at after you have done the breakdown.
This will not afford you hotels(unless you spilt them up), but it will cover all food till next drop, laundry, a shower, and a good meal, and give you a few dollars to leave town with just in case you hit a random soda machine, or want to get something before your next drop.
Hiker boxes are loaded down with stuff most of the time. Check them first, you will find gold a lot of the time, most of the time, grits and mashed patatoes, but gold occasionally.
This amount should cover hostel stays, some of which you can work for stay, but do not expect that, ever…take care of the hostel folks, as they are our lifeblood when things are crazy…respect to them always.
If you do this, start a little later then others as well, I did it this way in 98, and enjoyed my trip in a totally different light.
It is different for all, depends on what you think you have to have…if you can live with skipping towns, do it, if not, stop in and do your thing…some towns are diffentaly worth visiting in.
Just take what you can, live how you can, and do all you can to enjoy it. lots of good people along the way, so take your time, even if you are not partying or stopping as much as others. It is worth doing, no matter how you do it.
LK
lionking