I need a 29er and some help with forks.
 

Wanting a 29er front suspension for riding up and down a rough mountain road and paths full of fist-sized rocks. More rock than dirt. I ride almost exclusively on the street right now.

I don't want to race, jump or become a youtube star. Just be fairly comfy, stable and get some exercise on a reasonably sturdy bike. If it works out, it will be an almost daily ride.

I am 5'10" weigh about 150, a and may have up to 10-15lbs. on my back on the way down.

I really only ride on the street right now, I've tried the above roads on a fully rigid 26er and it was near impossible for me, the shaking, bouncing and out-of-control feeling. No surprise.

Looking at REI's ~$1K bikes. Would pay up to $1500, if need be. Feel like I should be focused more on the shock's qualities right now, but not sure what to look for. I assume overall geometry is another thing that can greatly effect stability. Being stable at slow to moderate speeds is my main concern.

Thanks for any guidance.

where are you riding in Austin that is so serious sounding?

I actually work in North Cali for part of the year, caretaking on a ranch. This will be to keep from riding an ATV or drivng my truck around so much. A MTB is also my only way to keep cycling regularly while there, lost a lot of my abilities last year. Not all of the ride is that rough, but way more of it than I want to walk a bike on regularly.

I walk the trails some and tried to smooth them a bit gradually, but new rocks come down off of the sides regularly and it's really just more rocks underneath. going to be a fact of life there.

Most large bike companies have geared 29er hardtails in that price range. I do not think some stand out more than others that much, though I would want at least a TORA or Manitou Drake for suspension, and avoid the dart3 that come son lower end bikes.

the gary fisher's look nice,
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/x-caliber