Thank you everyone - a lot of great responses-

I'm already scheduled to spend two weekends at the end of the month
with a very experienced mountain instructor. I'm also obsessive about
safety (and a rather avid outdoorsman), so I would not dream of flying
outside of the bay area (if not above a major interstate) without an
'unexpected camping trip' pack that I'm currently putting together
(half dozen MRE's, tent, blankets, GPS, ELT, handheld radios, butane
stove+pot, etc, all in a single bag secured with heavy-duty velcro.)

As for planes... The Cardinal is still tempting, as is the Navion (with
the Cherokee-6 being my dream)... unfortunately, my current budget
doesn't allow for examples of either of those that I would be willing
to fly. Fortunately I'm patient, I'll wait until I have the money and
spring for a ship that will suit my needs.

Thanks again

-Scott