As I write this, spring seems far away, but as we know, it will come to the North Country sometime over the next few weeks.

Several of us have been considering the option of having a QJ Dinner in conjunction with Midwest Mountaineering's Spring Outdoor Adventure Expo, set for April 15-17. More info at:   (You need to Login or Register . The dinner would be somewhere in the Twin cities metro area on Saturday evening, April 16.

We are considering a couple of ways of doing this.
1) If the number is small (less than 15), is to just do a reservation at a restaurant, where we could push tables together in a quieter corner.

2) If the number is larger (more than 15) we could look into reserving a room, where it would be quieter and we would have privacy. If we choose this option, you need to know that rooms typically charge a rental fee, and we would need to divide this among those attending.

We will likely discuss this more at Copia lunch & dinner in an attempt to guage interest & committment, but we know that not everyone on QJ will be at Copia or the QJ meals.

We do NOT want this proposal to be competition for the planned lunch & dinner at Copia, but it appears by now, most folks who are planning on Copia have already done so.

If you would attend such a dinner in the Twin Cities at that time, please post here or PM me, along with the number you would bring, if more than yourself. If there is sufficient interest, we will do more planning following Copia and post details here. Also, if you have suggestions about a good restaurant in the metro area, please post or PM me.

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at Copia, and if this works out, at a MN QJ Dinner.  8-) 8-)

Sorry for the delay OS, got lost in the shuffle...Maybe this will get the ball rolling a bit. The more people you know, well the more potential for greater potential... ;)

Count me in for 2-3 folks...let me know if there is anything that I can help out with....

There is a chinese restaurant...buffet style....on University between 280 and and the east bank campus....I believe it is called the U gardens....decent food and drink, good noise levels, many tables (as they do weddings), decent parking, and easy transport from Midwest.

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I'd be in for one more... maybe two...

I'm in!  For one or two people.  I can reply back with the exact number if you need it.

We'll shoot for more exact totals closer to the time, in early April. [smiley=dankk2.gif]

It has been decided that we will meet at Market BBQ on Saturday, April 16 at 6:00pm in south Minneapolis. It is a few blocks west of Midwest Mountaineering. We will gather at 6:00pm and order at 6:30pm.

Market BBQ
1414 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55403
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This will be a meet & greet dinner for any who can attend. Please feel free to bring maps, pics, & stories to share.

Post here or PM me if you plan to attend. Thanks! [smiley=thumbup.gif] [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Market BBQ sounds good.  It's near downtown, about 3.3 miles away.  Count me in for 2 people.

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Looks like I'll be there.  

Rumor has it that Claire (asst. park super for WCPP) has been invited and is planning to attend as well.

Rumor confirmed. Claire Q from WCPP will be joining us for dinner. If you bring your WCPP maps, she may be able to give you some intel on your trip. ;)

It's hard to believe that more QJers are not interested, given the speakers and programs listed thus far. Some of the speakers include Claire Q and Martin Kehoe from WCPP. Others include Jon Nelson, Stu Osthoff (BWJ), Rob Kessilrig, Robin O'Reilly (Q super), and Kevin Callan. There is a wealth of knowledge available about the BWCAW, the Q, and WCPP, among other North American paddling destinations.

Check out the website at:   (You need to Login or Register . We are making a slight change to dinner plans. We will gather at 6:30pm and order at 7:00pm. If you haven't signed up for our QJ dinner, there is still time.   (You need to Login or Register .

So far, I have:
old salt
marlin 55388, 2-3 persons
nctry Ben, 1-2 persons
Rocky, 2 persons
Claire Q
Snow Dog

Anyone else?? 8-)

OS,

I hope to attend.  It will likely be just me as my wife is travelling on business.

Jimbo   8-)

Adding Jimbo and prouboy to above list.

I'd love to attend but it's a long trip from Chicago, I just spent weekend (and too much money)  at Copia, and it's council jamboree weekend for the scout troop I work with.  Have fun!

All of the speakers are posted. IMO, this lineup beats Copia hands down. I have several on my list that I plan to see, including Claire Que from WCPP. If you are anywhere in the area, you should plan to check it out...

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If you come, plan to come for dinner afterwards.

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Post here to let me know. Thanks.

As of now, we have the following planning to attend. Others are welcome to join us, but please post here or PM me so that the restaurant can be prepared. We could probably add some at the last minute if there is a need.

We have:

old salt
Snowdog
Claire Que (WCPP)
Jimbo
Prouboy
marlin 55388 + 1 guest
MNAdventurer
Rocky + 1 guest
nctry Ben + 1 guest

Total: 11-12. It would help if those bringing guests could confirm with me that they are still planning to attend.

We can gather at the Market BBQ at 6:30pm, and will order at 7:00pm. We can linger after dinner to visit, talk trips, etc.

It looks to be a fun day with many speakers, exhibits, etc. If you have QJ apparel, plan to wear it, so we can find each other. I will wear my QJ t-shirt & 'Quetico' cap.  8-)

The confirmed total is now 12. I told them 12-15, so even if you won't know until the last minute, we can work you in. If you decide this week, please let me know. The reservation is under "Quietjourney". 8-)

maybe the neighborhood is scaring people away, not an easy area to get to or find a place to park, expensive if you do

Zara_Spook wrote on Apr 11^th, 2011 at 4:32am:

maybe the neighborhood is scaring people away, not an easy area to get to or find a place to park, expensive if you do

Just another portage.............will this be an annual event? I might could swing it next year.

Zara

Certainly not the "worst" neighborhood. There is parking behind the place as noted in the link. If you are concerned about finding the rendezvous we can meet at the canoe event and you and yours could follow us over, pm me if you would like. My son will be attending, so the seasoning of much needed youth will be there consuming rootbeer and gobbling down BBQ! See you all Saturday!

M

mastertangler wrote on Apr 11^th, 2011 at 11:22am:

Zara_Spook wrote on Apr 11th, 2011 at 4:32am: maybe the neighborhood is scaring people away, not an easy area to get to or find a place to park, expensive if you do Just another portage.............will this be an annual event? I might could swing it next year.

As for the parking concern, if you visit the website, you will see several options. Bring your ticket into the store, get it validated, and 4 hrs are free. Admission is also free. So, it can't be any more expensive than Copia, where you pay to shop.

Will it be an annual event? The event is an annual thing. We will discuss the dinner Sat night, gauge the interest level, & decide. We'll post something here to let you know. It's not too late for this year...

I will be at the Expo on Saturday with a tripping buddy of mine. Won't stick around for dinner but maybe next year (hard to turn down BBQ). I will keep an eye out for anyone with QJ stuff on. You can spot me by looking for a younger guy with no dreadlocks and not wearing a kilt, got to love those young kids at midwest mount. Looking forward to the speakers and trying to pick out that crazy Marlin out of the crowd. ;D
Andy

Look hard I am easy to miss, hard to find, and I have selective hearing... R u talkin to me?

Those of us who were there had a great time visiting about planned and past canoe trips. Some were able to assist others in their planning for this year and beyond. Two things were decided by this years group.

1) We will plan to do this again annually.
2) It will be at a restaurant within walking distance of Midwest Mountaineering.

Each year, admission and parking is free, if you know where to park. I parked about 1 block away.

I also enjoyed the Q History presentation by Jon Nelson, the 50 Routes by Kevin Callan (he's a hoot!), and WCPP by Claire.

While this is different than Copia, each has it's own flavor & personality. I like both!