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Your best bet sounds like it would be to rappel in, leave the ropes, and ascent out when you're done. Learn to set good anchors and to ascent and that should cover it. Go ahead and buy Freedom of the Hills now because thirteen other people will tell you to get it.

I'll bite...

Johnny, you brought up "mentor," and in my opinion thats a pretty critical part of the progression. Finding someone in your local area that can answer your questions and give "beta" (relevant info) will save you a lot of trouble. Is there a climbing gym in your town? Thats the classic way to befriend potential mentors. You can do partner searches for your zip code on this site and try to bribe experienced climbers to show you some techniques. Just be discerning and know that not every climber knows what they are talking about, so make sure you learn from someone with a LOT of experience.

If that doesn't work, enroll in a climbing course with the local gym, or an outfitter like AMGA etc. Climbing is pretty damn safe, but only when you REALLY know what you're doing. Otherwise things can go south in a hurry.

When you asked "Are we crazy?" my first reaction was "well, yeah." What you're describing sounds like an epic (semi-disastrous outing) just waiting to happen. But what do I know?? Not knowing all the details of your described overnight trip, I can't really say whether its a good idea or not. But if you plan to rappel in with overnight gear (which gets heavy real quick), getting all that gear back out, as well as either climbing out or ascending the rope, will take a lot more techniques than you may realize. But again, I don't really know, cause I don't know the specifics around this canyon of yours.

Obviously, its possible. The question is whether you have the skill set now, or if it would be better to wait for that skill set to develop before a trip as committing as what you describe.

I'll second Austin's advice for reading "Freedom of the Hills." Its an excellent resource. But do not think that reading that alone will provide you with the skills you need. Solid mentorship or professional instruction is critical to keeping you from getting yourself, and your girlfriend, in trouble.

Kinda lame advice, but I hope it helps.

johnnyrig wrote:We'd like to rappel into a canyon, explore/fish/gold pan, stay the night, and climb out the next day.

Linville Gorge, NC is a great place to get some adventure as you describe. Can toprope, scramble, trad lead, rap stuff usually also with walkouts or walkoffs. Plenty of multipitch easier stuff with an out there feel, but still can escape to the rim in 2-3 hours from most places. Checkout Shortoff if you're intent on rapping into the gorge, though I have never done this. Can practice rapping at "the Chimneys" When rapping your biggest danger is going to be loose rock and sharp edges. Be prepared to leave gear. I was going to rap Razor's Edge into the gorge, but abandoned the idea when I saw lots of unavoidable horizontal knife edges. Scrambled gully with short raps instead. Miserable but character building.