EISPIRATEN

Since I missed out on the lottery, I managed to snag an exit permit for July 27 and entrance via Kearsarge Pass on July 23. I've never done it from the North/West side, only dayhiked the main trail over the last 10 years. I'm a little excited and a little apprehensive, it will be my longest backpack outing and solo hike. Since most of it is on the JMT I know I'll never be exactly alone....
Seems pretty straightforward, just looking for any hidden tidbits of info from people that have done it before. Of course I'll bring a map but probably isn't really needed, right?
Any special places to stop and see? Best places to camp? How many miles a day do you plan for, or how many hiking hours?
I have a Osprey Atmos 50 pack, BV450 bear canister, 15-degree down bag, Jetboil PCS or Jetboil ZIP, LL Bean FS-1 tent and I wear New Balance trail running shoes.
I'm debating taking the rain fly for the tent, just to shave another pound off my back.

thanks in advance...