Deano,
When I took my wife on her first trip (before we got married) she had never done anything of that nature.  She had never used the bathroom in the wild before or anything of that nature.  We did 14 windy miles in on day one, and battled the wind most of the trip.  On one occassion while we were Island hopping to get back to camp against a stout wind, and after she had busted her knuckles on the gunnels for the upteenth time she turned to me and said, "this is not a damn vacation... this is worki!!"  She survived, went ahead and married me, and has gone back with me since.  She understands it is my get away from dealing with high school students and parents for 10 months of the year and something I need.  
On our next trip she better prepared and we took it easier, althought we did 19 miles on day one from EP 16 to Iron Lake, and she did great!  She is now a very experienced paddler, and is already getting in shape for our trip next year.  Says she can't wait for some fresh walleye fillets sauteed in a little butter and oil with just a little sea salr for flavoring.  As a matter of fact, neither can I.  Another thing that helps is that she loves to catch smallies too!

Good Luck and I hope both of you have a great time, be sure to include her in all phases of the planning.  Also allow for some shopping time in Ely.

Bruce