Thanks for all of the suggestions! (We just got back from a week of boondocking in the Sierra, thus the long delay in expressing my gratitude.) This has given me a lot to think about. Now the planning starts!
And Crosscheck, you are right that backpacking would be a game-changer. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen -- DW is very clear about that. I can't hold that against her -- she is willing to boondock in the darndest places and will put up with very spartan conditions for long periods of time. I feel very lucky that she is so adventurous. So we will remain day hikers, with limited range.
