You'll see from the graph on this page that you probably don't
have much of a chance to get 5 years at 290uA, even more so
with the occassional 3A blast.

http://www.rayovac.com/busoem/oem/specs/lith7.shtml

It would be a good idea to have a separate battery to supply
the 3A. I think Lithiums are the best choice vis a vis shelf-
life and self-discharge. As you say, they are long-lasting, but
only if you aren't drawing any current ;-) Putting whatever you
can to sleep is definitely a good idea

==============================================

By the way, anyone notice that Google's graphic has been
changing in step with the events at the Olympics ? Cute

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