Backpacking for Beginners from a Beginner - Introduction

I'm a lifelong lover of the outdoors, and I've been wanting do more backpacking ever since I made a few Sierra Nevada trips as teenager. Our family is fortunate to own a cabin in the Sierras at Pinecrest Lake in Tuolumne County, and we often hike in the area, especially in Emigrant Wilderness which borders the north boundary country of Yosemite. We've done just about everything we can in a day hike, and so the only way to see more is to get out and do what I've been dreaming about and putting off for 40 years!

If you're a beginning backpacker and want to read about what I've learned, or you're an experienced one who wants to laugh at my travails, follow me as I recount my progress through the decision to do this (and convince my wife this is a good thing to do), researching equipment and trips, and ultimately making my first few excursions as soon as the snow melts. I'll try to post every week or so until I reach the ultimate goal of a post-trip post.  On to the adventures!