Lori: great post - was the newbie overweight (goes along with diabetes, sometimes); that can make a difference, as I know from personal experience.

Comment about condensation triggered a memory of my niece and brother's first trip: loaned them a Hubba Hubba; despite my advice, they insisted on sleeping inside sleeping bags, with tent fly on and fully zipped, in July in Ohio. Next morning, niece asks, "Did it rain last night? Our tent's all wet." I explained how condensation worked, and that tent would have been wet outside if it had rained, not inside. Also told them they could keep the tent.

I'd elaborate, but I'm leaving in a few hours for 4 nights on the AT, so I'm a little short on time; try to write more when I get back.

But great story, well told!