You can't go wrong with Leigh Smith. He knows energy management forwards and backwards.
It would be great if you could meet up with the Flying Hawkes also. I know they teamed up together a few years ago, launched out of Hamilton, Mt, and made some pretty sweet videos!
He's pretty elusive these days but I know how he loves going to "Church". Pretty impressive what he has done with his stock 182 in the River of No Return Wilderness. He says there's "More To Do", but I think the "Cub Only" list is complete.
I thoroughly enjoyed Patrick Romano' s recent STOL Tips: Tricycle Gear Aircraft article. He nailed that one, and as a Flying Hawkes wannabe would say, "We have the proof" Just don't forget flaps

A takeoff prayer does wonders also!
It would be great if you could get a hold of a copy of Bound For The Backcountry - Richard Holm and read up on the places you intend to go. It's amazing to shut your airplane down after landing a remote strip, get out and feel the history of those pioneers who lived and loved or operated out of them in years gone by. Truly an incredible experience. Makes me want to get my 1960 182C finished...
Richard