NPT questions

HI -

I am planning a thru-hike for the end of August and I have some questions (and will probably have more later).



Are there a lot of mosquitoes?



Am I expecting bridge-less stream crossings?



Is it swampy? (I read something about beaver dams)



Is is possible to camp at sites not designated on the map? (I read the general camping rules, but I am wondering more about there being flat cleared areas.)



Are there bear boxes at the lean-to's and / or campsites?



Also, does anyone know how crowded the trail is? I know it obviously depends on the time of year and the weather and the section of the trail... those of you who have thru-hiked, how many people did you mean daily on average?



Is there anything else I should know?



Thanks in advance :)