Hello, all.

One of my staff (Woody, a.k.a. Ghost Paddler), recommended this forum, and I'm so glad he did!  I'm already learning a lot just perusing the different threads.

To introduce myself--my name's Darren and I'm the Chief Paddling Evangelist of Rutabaga.  Been there 21 years, owner for ten.  I love it.

Since a bunch of you are coming to Canoecopia, I thought you'd be interested in the following:

- 51,059 show guides being mailed out Friday
- Over 700 rooms reserved for Canoecopia room blocks
- 121 manufacturers
- 15 paddling clubs
- 35 outfitters
- 17 chambers of commerce or destinations
- 7 publishers
- 29 non-profits
- 10 Public or Government Agencies
- 16 direct vendors of cool stuff  :)
- 102 speakers
- 15 pool demonstrations
- 127 temporary staff
- 1 great team.

Anyway...if there's anything I can do for this group, let me know. You are the real deal...

Darren a.k.a. Canoelover (   (You need to Login or Register)

P.S.  Got a permit for August - Missing Link.  Just me and da wife.

Welcome aboard, this will be my 3rd trip to Madison for your big event...thanks for all the hard work, Madison is not on the way to anywhere from Nebraska.  :)
I really enjoy Canoecopia and have a story or two about my experience's because of coming to Copia.
SunCatcher

Darren welcome! It will be nice to have a man from "behind the curtain" of Copia on board at this time of year. Feel free to soak up all the goodness this site has to offer and add your 2 cents when possible.

Ditto.  QJ'ers convening at lunch, supper & during presentations over Copia weekend has become a valued tradition for many of us.  LOTS of trips get planned & paddling parties get filled out.

A significant amount of Spotted Cow gets consumed, as well....

Welcome!

Jimbo   8-) 

Welcome aboard, Darren!!  I was just in your store on Sunday  ;) The missus had to drag me out  ;D

Seriously, for those of you from out-of-town, it's definitely worth the stop at Rutabaga's.

Some of us go for a paddle the day after Canoecopia.  Anyone want to go?  It's how we say "screw it, we're done working" after an 80 hour week.  We often finish at a nice greasy burger joint.

Suncatcher, where are you in NE?  I've always wanted to paddle the Niobrara.  When I cut across NE I often take Hwy 20 as an alternative to the I-80 ribbon of boredom.  Lovely state.

canoelover, come on down....I am 2.5 hours from the start of the Niobrara, River.  I do it every year. IN THE FALL, when NO one else is out on the paddle.  2 day paddle if you do it right.  Come on down, and I will go along.
SunCatcher