As you found, I've also found that it's always a good idea to throw in some flexibility for contingency situations in the planning stage--and to be prepared for more en route!

I know that when I've made relatively inflexible itneraries in the past, they have had a tendency to come back and bite me.

Sounds like an interesting and fun trip, regardless!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey