Hi, WW.
I am a planner. I put together alternative itineraries, checking on portage distances, paddling distances, pictographs, waterfalls, fishing opportunities, etc. Depending on conditions we often deviate from the plan. I agree with your easy last day before the drive home, so we always work toward that. That does sometimes result in a long penultimate day.

On the food front, I, too, tend to bring more than is needed. And I do plan out a menu by day based on what we are likely to do, how long we will travel, etc. I then pack the food with each meal in a separate ziplock bag. Staples, cleaning supplies, etc. are in other ziplocks. But we feel free to deviate from the plan, especially of the fishing is particularly successful or not. Or if we just feel like the pasta today instead of something else.

We have used outfitters and every one packs the food by meal, with each labeled as to the meal and day it is intended for.