littlepink, personally I'd throw the book at it and try the lot!
Sorry if tmi, but for me, fertile cm is still clear. Lots of it, quite thick, stretchy and slippery and would strand between my fingers if you tried. It often is described as egg white cm, or ewcm on the conception boards. The white stuff comes after OV for me. When I've had the ewcm, I've done a opk, and it has come up positive. I think the text book guide is that you are most fertile a few days before OV,
to about 2 days after... Sperm can live for about 5 days, and eggs for about 2. I'm often most interested in sex at this time too.
I never tried temping, but I think it can be a really good way to understand your cycle, particularly if you are ovulating at a more unusual time like pebs. I also know some people try it and don't like it, but I'm not the best person to ask.
Also, others might have something to add, or might have different experiences...
My personal opinion is that the more info you have, the better. When ttc, I used to feel very aware that there is just this little window once a month, then you have to wait forever to find out if you're pg, or to
try again. Not a patient person really :)