Got a call from Mark Anderson this AM to confirm my Quetico entry permit and nail down a few details for my trip.

Got a new skim coat on the bottom of my canoe, picked up a new food barrel and harness, finishing off a new tarp for this season.

Canoecopia is now 2 months away.

This all means paddling season is "just around the corner."

Anyone else headed to Madison March 9-11?  I'll be around from Friday to Sunday, so I'd love to meet up with any and all that will also attend (white baseball cap with QJ logo on the front and "DentonDoc" on the back).

dd

Haven't decided on Copia but leaning towards going.  I still have a half price hotel offer because of a problem last year.  (The cleaning folk left the door open - for most of day.)

We can't come this year.  We will miss seeing you guys!  (We'll just be getting back a cruise in Australia and New Zealand on the 8th or 9th.)

Spartan2 wrote on Jan 9^th, 2012 at 10:06pm:

We can't come this year.  We will miss seeing you guys!  (We'll just be getting back a cruise in Australia and New Zealand on the 8th or 9th.)

Hmmm.  That will be my excuse NEXT year.  Hope you have a wonderful trip.

dd

have never been to Copia

by all reviews, it looks like a worthy event

I would assume there are plenty of hotel rooms in Madison for late attendees

I think the hotel has been reserved and I am looking forward to it.  See ya there.

I'd really like to go this year. It would be a first.

Looking forward to seeing you there again DD ;) and all you other fine trippers.....

DEFINITELY will be there.

Yes, Magic, we're good to go at the Sheraton!  It will be nice to be right on top of things at the convention center.

A few of us will need to coordinate re: are we doing BOTH a QJ luncheon AND supper OR just one or the other.

Whatever we end up doing, it's generally a pretty darned good time and the main reason I even go to Copia.  Bring maps!!

Jimbo  8-)

Copia again already?!! Looking forward to seeing you all again in my fair city!

I'll be happy to host a gathering at my house again for anyone who will be here Friday night again, if folks are interested. I'll also line up lunch at the Coliseum Bar again, if you guys liked that spot.

KF and I can hook up about a Saturday night dinner venue again, if folks are interested in something other than the Gray's spot (although that's a pretty good choice!)

We have a couple of months to ponder the event, but let me know what your thoughts are. I'm happy to hel in any way I can. (For example, DD, if you need a pick-up from the airport, I'd be happy to help out.)

Time does indeed fly!

You can count me in for Copia 2012. I think the Coliseum Bar and Gray's worked out well last year. I vote for reserving both again.

58 degrees and sunny here in Davenport, IA today. Heck, guys are playing golf and it is January 10th!!!!

MuleLars
That was very nice of you last year.  It made another chance to get together with like-minded people and discuss our favorite places.
MagicPaddler

Lunch and dinner were great.  But it would be nice if we could find some place that didn't get so noisy.
Westwood

I'm planning to be there. While not sure of exact plans yet, I would do both lunch & dinner whereever they are held. I appreciate KF and Mulelars for their work in putting together these awesome gatherings. Am looking forward to seeing whomever can make Copia.

Poor Spartans! Maybe next year they can get their priorites in order.  ;D ;D

It's a possibility this year but I doubt it as things are right now.  Son graduating Nuke School, Navy, in Feb and I doubt I'll be able to take any more time away from my business that soon.  Although it's needed, these 6 -10's are killin me.  Getting to old for this crap. 
qp

I'm in for lunch, but not supper

I will be in Madison...did not get room yet but will in the next few days...last year stayed at Clarion.  I will be looking for you folks :).
I will be there Friday Night, Saturday, and go home Sunday (I think).  I am getting together with the BWCA.com folks Saturday night, but will look for you all at Copia.  I will Have a Red Hat that say Nebraska on it. Doubt there will be many wearing those there :)  Looking forward to seeing you all.
SunCatcher

Leather Alaskan bush pilot hat here... and probably a long-sleeve QJ stickman shirt.

Jimbo   8-)

Hey folks I think I am going to try and make it to 'Copia this year. Might bring the old man along with me.

I'll be there all weekend.  Room reserved at the Holiday Inn across the street.  Hope to run into a few of you that weekend.

I'm a scratch. There's some pheasant and partridge that need to be shot that weekend.

What's our status on the Coliseum Bar (lunch) and Gray's (dinner)?  Since I've not heard anything in a while, I thought I'd stir the pot a bit.

dd

Drewfus wrote on Jan 27^th, 2012 at 8:11pm:

I'm a scratch. There's some pheasant and partridge that need to be shot that weekend.

Where can you hunt pheasant in May???  Both my dog and I are very curious!

prouboy

...thought it was March 9-12...  Still no hunting-maybe crow?

DentonDoc wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2012 at 12:30am:

What's our status on the Coliseum Bar (lunch) and Gray's (dinner)?  Since I've not heard anything in a while, I thought I'd stir the pot a bit. dd

As of early this week our group has been offered a room at Gray's Tied House for the Satuday evening of the Copia weekend, March 10. We have been offered an upgrade from previous years that may provide less noise. We will not be competing with a St. Patrick's day celebration at Gray's that weekend however, there will still be a band starting at 9pm.
The cost of the room even with the upgrade will still be $75 and I've been told that this year prime rib will be available on the menu.
I have not heard of significant alternatives to or complaints about Gray's so at this point I am inclined to secure the reservation and will do so by week's end unless someone else wants to take over this responsibility.

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As for lunch on Saturday: a decision will have to be made about whether the group wants to return to the Coliseum Bar   (You need to Login or Register or return to the Badger Bowl   (You need to Login or Register
There were advantages to both places. Mulelars handled the arrangements last year after the Badger Bowl became unavailable and I suspect he may want to weigh in here.

That's for handling the Gray's reservation, KF!

I'll be happy to line up lunch again. I'll check with Badger Bowl and see if it's available this year. I thought the Coliseum worked fine, but that little room in the back of the Badger Bowl is pretty nice, if it's quiet. I'm good for either, and will check on both. You guys weigh in on which you prefer, and I'll lock it down. (And I'll report back to let you know if Badger Bowl is even available this year.)

And as I said earlier, I'm happy to host an informal gathering again for those of you who venture down here on Friday. Either that, or we can hunt down some good single malts--I know some good spots  ;)

I will be in town Friday night so if people are going to gather some place I would most likely attend.  What you set up last year was great but if you would prefer name a place and that will work. 
I prefer the Badger Bowl but either place works well. 
Thanks to MuleLars and Kingfisher.
MagicPaddler

Magicpaddler wrote on Feb 4^th, 2012 at 1:37am:

I will be in town Friday night so if people are going to gather some place I would most likely attend.  What you set up last year was great but if you would prefer name a place and that will work.  I prefer the Badger Bowl but either place works well.  Thanks to MuleLars and Kingfisher. MagicPaddler

That's pretty much a "ditto" for me.

Jimbo   8-)

Gray's and either Coliseum or Badger Bowl fine with me.

Here's the the update on lunch. I checked out the Badger Bowl, and they are indeed again hosting the state bowling tournament, including 'copia weekend. Kurt was very nice, but if we want to guarantee the back room, there's a fee. Plus it'll be busy. And further plus, they serve only off of their "special events" menu, that included about 10 choices.

(And Kurt let me know that their hosting of state is going to continue for at least 4 more years...)

So I went over and booked the Coliseum Bar. I set it up for noon, in that same space we were in last year. I gave him a count of 25, which I think pretty much covered it last year, so we should be in good shape.

If there is a huge goundswell to book the Badger Bowl and pay the room fee, I told Kurt I'd call him. But I suggest we stick with the Coliseum.

As for Friday night, I will stick with hosting a gathering. I really enjoyed the group and the conversation, so I'm very happy to host again. I'll provide beverages (although if DD was willing to hide a small dram from Oban in his travel bag... :)). I think we started at 7:00 last year, so let's stick with that.

Anyone who is going to be here Friday night is most welcome. If you're interested, PM me, and I'll give you my address, rather than give db a heart attack by posting my address for the world to see  ;D  Flamingoes will again point the way!

Looking forward to seeing everyone and catching on on everybody's 2012 trip plans!

MuleLars -

You might have a little competition re: Friday night.  The Copia speaker line-up for that evening is looking pretty good to me (for a change).  I, for one, am likely to be at one of the programs through about 8:30pm, and possibly showing up a little later if you guys are still going at it.

Even Saturday's lunch will have some decent competition from Copia presentations this year.  Rob Kesselring is doing a "How to Plan a Far North Canoe Trip" beginning around 12:30pm.  That has some appeal for me.  I'll probably still opt for the QJ luncheon, though.

Choices!  Choices!  Some pretty decent programs are listed this year.

Of course, Saturday supper is a no-brainer... no matter what the competition might be.

Later,

Jimbo   8-)

Good point, Jimbo. I haven't even looked at the schedule yet! I should probably do that  ::)

It probably makes sense to move the lunch reservation to 11:30, since that 12:30 presentation sounds like a good one! I'll do that. I'll keep the space booked until 1:30 still, so people can come when it's convenient.

And I'll keep Friday open. We'll see how the plan develops.

Now, I'd better go check the copia schedule...

We have the Barley Room (upstairs) reserved at Gray's Tied House. We have the room for the whole evening March 10. I would like to have an approximate idea of how many we need to prepare for, so if you plan to attend please post here or send me a PM. As always you are welcome and encouraged to bring guests just let me know how many.

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I plan on being there.

Hey all,

I plan on being at Copia, and at the Tied House with a guest.  Looking forward to it!

I'll be there (and at lunch also).

dd

I will be there for supper. Thanks for setting it up.

Hey, is there free lodging at the Capitol Building again this year?

KF -

I'll be there.  No guest planned, at this point.

Jimbo   8-)

Can't make it this year.  I'll be in Bokeelia, Florida, fishing!  (Couldn't resist, sorry.)

prouboy

Quentin wrote on Feb 7^th, 2012 at 3:55pm:

Hey, is there free lodging at the Capitol Building again this year?

Ummm, Yes and no. We passed a new law. Four or more need a permit. To get one you'll need to post a bond for any extra law enforcement, cleanup, anticipated damages... I'm not kidding.

The good news is, no tractor parade this year!  ;D

(Sorry I couldn't resist.)  :)

I'll plan to be at both lunch & dinner. I'll likely stay at Roadstar Inn, thus saving a Capital spot for Quentin.

Thanks to KF & Mulelars for setting this up.

I'd like to provide a little door prize for your dinner.  How should I get it to you?  Whom do you trust?  :-)

Darren, thank you very much for the gracious offer. I would be happy to take charge of your "gift" if you cannot be there yourself. I will send you a PM.

Darrel

Door prizes?!?!?!! 

Well then count me in!  :D

Seriously tho, I'll be there as usual.

bummer ... I was informed by my wife that I will be attending my nieces wedding in Hopkinsville KY the weekend of COPIA. Wish I going to Madison instead. I was really looking forward to attending a few seminars and of course, meeting up with fellow QJ'ers for some good conversation over some eats and a few beers.

Hi, Everyone--

Thought I'd chime in, as we're getting closer!

I haven't moved the lunch back to 11:30 yet, but please let me know if there are sufficient numbers who'd want to do that. This would help folks who want to go to the 12:30 presentation(s). I was thinking, the Coliseum isn't going to be jam-packed, and since we have the space reserved for noon, if a handful of people wanted to go over at 11:30 or so, there would certainly be room for you.  Anyway, let me know if you think it would be a good idea to move it officially back to 11:30.

Now, as for Friday night, I'm working hard to get out of a conflict that I may now have that night. If I can't get out of it, I'll be tied up until 9:30 or so, which would make a gathering at my house not really possible. BUT, I'd be very happy to meet up at a local establishment, if you Friday-nighters are interested. I'll be able to give you full details hopefully by the end of this week on the status of Friday night.

Oh, and KF, I am coming to Saturday dinner and I realize I haven't mentioned that yet  ;)

So that's where things stand now. Let me know your thoughts, or PM me if you have any specific questions, etc.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!

I'm good with whatever time you set, but I think it would be a good idea to decide on an 'official' time, so that those who want to visit with other QJers, will know when to gather. I'm also thinking it would help the wait staff for their needs.

Great points, OS. I will set the "official" time as 11:30. We have the space until 1:30, so we can linger. But for folks who might want to make the 12:30 session, this will help.

We'll make the final meeting plans when we get closer.

Again, looking forward to seeing everyone!

For the QJ members attending the show, please drop by the Red Lake Outfitters booth (Q5), and say hello.  We're located beside the Ontario Parks booth!  Also doing a draw for 2 free complete outfitting packages at the show so don't forget to enter!

See you all there!

So..., what is the door prize? And what time is dinner? Inquiring minds want to know...

Looking forward to seeing everyone there. 8-)

Old Salt wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 1:17am:

.....what time is dinner? Inquiring minds want to know...

What time do you want it?

Kingfisher wrote on Mar 4^th, 2012 at 5:08am:

Old Salt wrote on Mar 2nd, 2012 at 1:17am: .....what time is dinner? Inquiring minds want to know... What time do you want it?

I'd vote for 7ish?

dd

Since I'll be at Copia til about 6pm, I would favor 7pm or so.

Ditto.

Jimbo  8-)

RSVP to whom?
I am in for 2.

Hello, everyone-- Here's the final info on Saturday's lunch. We're booked for 11:30 at the Coliseum Bar (   (You need to Login or Register if you weren't with us last year). I have the space until 1:30, so feel free and come when you can. We moved it up to 11:30, since there's a 12:30 presentation that's looking popular.

Let's plan on heading over around 11:15; we can meet up at the eastern end of the building, so plan on being over there in time to leave at 11:15 or so.

And it looks like I won't be able to make a Friday night thing happen this year   :(. Can't get out of the conflict, and I'll be booked until 9:30 or 10:00 -- too late for us old guys to give 'er hell anymore  :P  ;D.  Next year, hopefully.

Any questions, PM me. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!!

ML (Scott)

These are the people that I have confirmed for dinner Saturday evening at Gray's Tied House. The Barley room is upstairs and will be available to us beginning at 6 pm and we will plan to have dinner at about 7 pm.
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Kingfisher + 3
Fishnbuddy + 1
Jimbo
Denton Doc
Magic Paddler
Quentin
Snowdog
Old Salt
Mulelars
Marten

If I missed anybody please post or PM me again. Last minute guests are always welcome, there is plenty of room. I look forward to seeing all of you there!

Hey All,

Looking forward to Copia', the "official" start of the season.  See you at the show Sat. morning, checking out all the new gear which I really don't need, but may not be able to walk away from...
Kingfisher, I am a +1 for the Tied House.

Q

OH my did this creep up on me. 
I am actually home this week and have cleared my calendar, so someone please post times ect.  I will drag gf along although I told her no more winning kayak's  :o....although a canoe would be nice. ;D
If anyone needs some advice on places to go, stuff to do send me a pm.   8-) 

KF, See you guys Sat evening.
JJS + 1

If I remember I'll bring some old Che-mun journals along for you and Jimbo. It's Arctic tripping stuff.
I'm moving and doing some purging.

Purging some old BWJ (2000-current) and In-Fisherman mags too. Let me know if anyone's interested. Better than sending to the re-cycler.

Much obliged re: the Che-Mun journals, Jim J; the Arctic is still on my "list"!

Jimbo  8-)

Hey,can anyone recommend any  ' must see' presentations or lectures,booths,etc. I might be able to get up there saturday. I 've never been there and want to put my time to it 's best use. (it"s a  three hour drive each way). As always, much obliged...

knafelc wrote on Mar 8^th, 2012 at 2:28pm:

Hey,can anyone recommend any  ' must see' presentations or lectures,booths,etc. I might be able to get up there saturday. I 've never been there and want to put my time to it 's best use. (it"s a  three hour drive each way). As always, much obliged...

Of course this is very much a matter of perspective & personal taste.  When I attended presentations at all in recent years, I mostly headed to those dealing with places I intended to visit in the near future (example: presentations led by Supt. Doug Gilmore and/or Martin Kehoe re: Woodland Caribou Park).  These are great opportunities to get first-hand information.  Otherwise, a first-timer would do well to catch either Cliff Jacobsen or Kevin Callan; they're presentations are of dependable quality and generally most-talked-about (though I haven't attended either in years).  A newbie fisherperson in the park might want to sit in on Captain Redbeard's show, I suppose.  If cooking or photography is your thing, there are some decent offerings there, too.

Perhaps if you mentioned a few particular interests of yours, those with Copia experience could make better-fitting recommendations for you.

Presentations I have attended have mostly been of fairly decent & standard quality but personal interest most often dictates what I typically find particularly enjoyable.

Good luck!

Jimbo   8-)

I appreciate the response. I'm primarily hoping to learn a bit more about efficient tripping and camping. High tech stuff does'nt really interest me much. Ideas on how,where,and when are what I'm looking for. I'm not new to camping,but canoe tripping is still a whole new world to me. I've been on half a dozen or so BWCA triips and am learning that there's a whole nother world up there. To be able to meet the challenges more comfortably,safely,and satisfingly are goals of mine. To be able to share some of the beauty with friends and family is as important as getting off by myself. Fishing is secondary,but that's just because I've had so little success. I like the simple primitive stuff. I used to be into black powder and still travel by motorcycle when I can.

If you can join us for lunch and/or dinner, you may learn more from some chit-chat with us than in most seminars. Bring your maps if you have them, some of us may show you places you'll never read about on the site.

Welcome to QJ! 8-)

I would suggest you check out Cliff Jacobson. He has so much practical information that you should check out his books also. Forty-five minutes will only give you a hint of what he has to share.

Hey,thanks for the kind welcome,Old Salt...and thanks for the suggestions,Marten and Jimbo. Who is Kevin Callen?         I've practically memorized all three of Cliff Jacobon's books, as well as, Beymer's,Pauly,Furtman,the Buckleys, and the BWJ since '04. I have the bug. I appreciate the guidance. Maybe circomstance and time will allow me to get over and meet some of you folks. I,d like that.

Regarding Kevin Callan, he has a really good read on Q and other ontario parks with respects to paddling and I believe he is a regular writer for Explorer - Canada's outdoor mag. You can read more on   (You need to Login or Register

That's my 2 cents and sorry for butting in... ;D

Semour...thanks. I didn't know who he is.I'll try hard to hear him speak. This is just the kind of info I was looking for.     ...hey,Jimbo-Louis L'Amour is my hero.

Missing you guys and wishing we were at 'Copia today.  Sort of.  But we returned from our trip very late last night and we are 'way too jet-lagged to have made a trip to Madison today!

See you all next year!  Hope you had a great time!   :D

Spartan2 and Spartan1 (just back from "Down Under")

Say,I really enjoyed meeting some of you all saturday. Putting a face to some of the mythic images your web names had suggested,relieved me of my insecureties about continuing in this passion I've developed. Though,no doubt,a determined ,thoughtful,and competent bunch,I was happy see that y'all are flesh and blood and not some sort of hard cases. I hope to be abe to pick your brains in the future,share in your adventures and experience through this site, and to hoist a pint (or two) in the future.       Hey,Sparten 2,sorry I missed meeting you...hope your trip was grand. ( Did the toilets really spin backwards?)

knafelc wrote on Mar 11^th, 2012 at 1:20pm:

Say,I really enjoyed meeting some of you all saturday. Putting a face to some of the mythic images your web names had suggested,relieved me of my insecureties about continuing in this passion I've developed. Though,no doubt,a determined ,thoughtful,and competent bunch,I was happy see that y'all are flesh and blood and not some sort of hard cases. I hope to be abe to pick your brains in the future,share in your adventures and experience through this site, and to hoist a pint (or two) in the future.       Hey,Sparten 2,sorry I missed meeting you...hope your trip was grand. ( Did the toilets really spin backwards?)

Jeff,

It was nice to meet you, SunCatcher & others I had not really met before.  It was also neat to reconnect with so many familiar folks with whom I have shared so many great times and special places... and with whom I hope share plenty more.

Thanks to Scott & to Darrel for setting up our gatherings!

Jimbo   8-)

Spartans

Trip report please.  Got a down under trip planned for next year at this time.

dd

Great gathering, as always!  Honestly if it weren't for the lunch and dinner get-togethers, I doubt I'd bother to make the trip.

It really was great to see you folks at lunch and put a name to a name to a face. My wife and I were the late comers to the lunch gathering and it really was the best part of the day. I do apologize for not saying 'hi' to everyone; our loss. Knafelc used all the right adjectives to describe the group.  Thanks to Scott for organizing.

It really is the best part of the event, getting to know more of you. At the end of one program it was neat to make introductions for people who had been conversing on here for a long time.

Wow, Nice to meet you all of you.  I have known Ben for a while, and he called me and wanted us to stop by and have lunch.  My son Nick, was at his first copia.  He has taken two trips to the BWCA with me, and enjoys the Adventure.
Thanks for all the help all of you give folks, without it, it is difficult for folks to learn anything for their tripping.
Take Care,
SunCatcher

dd--here is an abbreviated trip report.

Jet-lagged now and trying to sort through far too many photo files.  Don't figure to go there again, so I shot a lot, bracketed more than usual, and now have a lot of garbage to delete, duplicates to delete, and decisions to make about which one to keep.  It will take DAYS!   ::)

We did a 16-day luxury cruise on Oceania Lines and it was very comfortable, although the weather was a bit nasty for a couple of the days when we were crossing the Tasman Sea.  The day we were to anchor and tender in at Akaroa we ended up not being able to go ashore, and we sailed away early, as the anchor wouldn't even hold.  Lots of 'rock and roll' that night!   :P

We had a good time.  Beautiful sights, fun experiences.  We particularly enjoyed having the chance to see "The Magic Flute" in the Sydney Opera House, and some lovely wineries, a kiwi farm, a train trip out of Dunedin in NZ, and of course sailing along the fjords in New Zealand.  New Zealand is a beautiful country.  I might like to go back there if there were a way to get there besides those brutal airline flights!!

The end of February/first of March is the beginning of Autumn down there, and we might have enjoyed a bit warmer weather overall.  It was hot in Sydney when we arrived, quite warm in Melbourne, and from there on we needed jackets most of the time.  That was a surprise.

Our ports of call were Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart (Tasmania), Dunedin (NZ), Akaroa (aborted), Wellington, Napier, a great cruise past the active volcano, "White Island", Tauranga, and Auckland.

Spartan2, how jealous I am!  What a lifetime trip.  I hope some pics will be seen.  You have guts to take on that flight.  I'm deathly afraid of flying and anything over an hour is almost undoable.

Like Snowdog, I probably would not come over, unless we have the lunch and dinner. Visiting with old friends, and making a few new ones is the highlight for me. I really enjoy visiting with everyone. Kudos to Darrel and Scott for organizing this. A thought for the future is to push all the tables into a large rectangle so that we are all sitting together.

One idea that Snowdog and I discussed on the way home was the possibility of organizing a 'rendevous' in a future year on Kawnipi, where those who wish too, could meet on McKenzie bay for a night or two. Since many loops run through there, from a variety of entry points, it could be very doable. Any thoughts? 8-) Don't confuse this with the fishing contest thread...

Great seeing everyone Sat evening. Scott & Darrel, thanks for making the arrangements. It was nice meeting several new faces.

S2, NZ is on our bucket list. Hope to hear more.

I'll echo all of the thoughts on the gatherings as well. It indeed is the highlight of the weekend to re-connect (and make new connections!)

Glad everyone made it home safe and sound. We look forward to having you all back in our fair city in a year! (Except dd, who will be making the down-under trek. I am HIGHLY envious of you and the Spartans for making one of my bucket list trips!)

And I like your idea, O_S! I had a great time on one of those island sites on McKenzie Bay several years ago, and would gladly pass through there again!

Thanks again to everyone for their participation this year!

Scott

Many thanks to Scott and Darrel for getting the lunch & dinner arranged.  As usual, it is the highlight of the trip.  Unfortunately, the time is too short and I don't get to spend half the time with many of the people at events as I would like.  (I simply have to start doing a better job of circulating.)

Again, thanks to all that made this another wonderful experience and HAPPY PADDLING on all of your trips this adventure season!

dd

Sorry I missed the lunch this year. 

I'll be at Midwest Mountaineering's Outdoor Adventure Expo this year,

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and would be happy to tip a pint with any QJr that comes my way. 

I am beginning to think that while their facility isn't as nice as Canoecopia's, the Midwest's focus is more on wilderness canoeing.  I also like the entrance fee -- FREE. 

I'm curious if any of you thought the 'copia event this year continued the trend (IMO) toward the world of kayaks, or was that just my impression from the '11 copia event?


prouboy

I did not do a tally to see what the mix was. Part of my problem is that I have seen too many of the same speakers too many times. They are excellent presenters and draw the crowds. I have just been around too long. Then there are always the pleasant surprises. I went to see the Hudson Bay bound girls. The computer quit, the replacement made a jumble of their pictures but they grabbed the guitar and did a great job in the face of the adversity.

I know the feeling.... Geezerhood has its challenges.

prouboy

Marten, First let me say it was a pleasure to meet you. You're as easy to talk to as you are to read, please keep writing.

About your speakers and shows comment. You might try the WCS in Toronto,,each year in early Feb. Myccr site should give you plenty of info. You'll get a good feel of what arctic tripping is like compared to WCPP. Nothing for sale, just good speakers and the audience has heard and seen many shows too.

That goes for others interested or curious about arctic tripping, Jimbo etc.

Old_Salt,

Wish I could have made Copia this year but I had to attend my nieces wedding in Hopkinsville, KY. Missed visiting with fellow QJ'ers over a few beers.

I surely would meet up with QJ'ers on Kawnipi. It is one of my favorite lakes and always camp in McKenzie Bay when we go.  I usually go to Quetico the last week of June and over the 4th of July. I was thinking of going into Quetico from the north next year as I have never entered from this direction before.  Will have to see. Have a lot on my wish canoe/fishing list like  WCPP, NW Territories ....someday...