It's been discussed before, but now it's a reality. Two of QJ's resident inuks will be presenters at the coming show. Old Salt and Wally 13 will be teaming up to share ideas for 'Planning a Fishing-based Wilderness Canoe Trip". The rendezvous runs March 7-9 in Mad town. Hope many QJers will be there.

More info will be coming later, but you may want to begin making your plans to be there.  ;)

I am planning on making it to 'copia next year!

I'll be sure to heckle attend your presentation, OS.

Ranger  8-)

That's excellent, OS!!

I'm here on the ground in Madison for anything you and Wally need--muscle, limo service, etc  ;D

Limo service, hmmm... might be cheaper than parking. I like how you think, ML. Yes, we'll take you up on that. The muscle will come in handy to keep our fans under control...

We will come and heckle support, even though we don't fish.  It should be fun! It will be great to see all of you!

We're looking forward to seeing Ranger, ML, & Spartans. That's what the rendevous is all about, seeing friends and making new friends,

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! :)

I will be one of the several QJers engaged by Old Salt & Wally13 to show up in full-body pink flamingo costumes in an effort to spice up their program.  With our colorful head gear attached, we stand anywhere from 9' 3" to about 9' 8" in height.  Me & the rest of the flock will spend most of our time strutting the aisles & pecking away at peanuts or candy that we find on the floor as those two guys do their fishing presentation.  Really, we only start to get involved if Old Salt says something particularly witty, noteworthy or profound; then our duty is to cue audience applause by hooting, whistling and flapping our wings in unison.  Also, he's trained us to provide "cover" by cackling-up a ruckus in the event either he or Wally13 begin to slip and divulge confidential fishing hole information.  On our part, we birds-of-a-feather, plan for our entire side-bar performance to be remarkably realistic.  One anonymous (but notable) QJer  is bringing a large can of cream-of-chicken-soup and plans to do a "bird dropping" if he doesn't like the tackle recommendations made during the program.  A few Inukshuks are planning to bring a couple dozen eggs (extra large) and "lay them" whenever Old Salt's jokes don't go over so well.  We even have a few Moderators scheduled to police the event in costume, just in case the "Back to Civilization" crowd shows up and start throwing eggs at one another.

As for me, I credit Old Salt & Wally13 with an entirely novel & creative approach to running a CanoeCopia presentation.  Don't expect TOO much, however.  Remember, those of us in the bird suits are strictly amateurs; Old Salt is paying nothing but peanuts to do this job.

Speaking of avian matters, "Happy Thanksgiving", everybody!

Jimbo   8-)

That's almost enough to make me drive up from sunny southwest Florida.  Almost, but not quite!  I'm hopeful there will be some QJrs capturing with cameras/videos the pink group strutting. This promises to be an epic event worth documenting!

prouboy 

Hopefully Jimbo is back on the prozac by now. Sounds like his Thanksgiving was very exciting. We're looking forward to seeing everyone at Copia. ;)

OS -

Feeling much better & whistling sweet tunes today, thanks!

Rest assured you can count on QJers, like me, "flocking" to your presentation early on.  As you know 'tis the early bird (pink or otherwise) that gets the worm... but, of course, I expect you'll remind folks that form of bait is illegal in the Q.

Hope you don't mind when we chirp up with useful tidbits of information like that during your presentation.  I have all sorts of (bird brain) notions that might "enhance" your program....

Jimbo  8-)

No worries. We'll have a place for you. ;)

As promised, an update. Our 50 minutes of fame will be on Sunday at 11:30 am. We will be in the Algonquin room on the main level. Plan now to get your seat early. ;)

The entire front row has been reserved for Jimbo and his fellow hecklers. Rows 2-5 are reserved for our friends.

Also, if anyone has pics they would like to share, we welcome your submissions and will give credit. We are looking for big fish and pics of how you have modified your canoe for fishing. Thanks in advance.

Please send to both Mike and Rich.
mike.porter@syngenta.com    8-)
richwilliamson@bevcomm.net   8-)

Old Salt,

Sunday, huh?  Ugh!! 

Sadly, I may have to give up BOTH my front row seats AND my 10 foot tall flamingo costumes.  The flamingo migration is scheduled for crack-of-dawn on Sunday.  Hmmmm... may have to find some way to circumvent the flock's circadian rhythms so they can enjoy this treat.

Otherwise, we'll at least have to find someone to film this epic event!

Jimbo   8-)

The timeslot was not of our choosing, so we'll make lemonade...

We hope many will be able to layover and enjoy one of the lesser known highlights of Copia.  ;) 8-)

Filming of our show is strictly prohibited.

Any lunch or dinner get-together's this year?  If so, I'm in.

dd

OS
I see the front row is reserved for hecklers.  Will your friends in the second row have rain gear on?

All of our friends are always prepared for anything. They might even bring firewood.  ;D Are you predicting rain? :-/

Old Salt wrote on Jan 11^th, 2014 at 5:10pm:

;D Are you predicting rain? :-/

only in the front row.

Rain on the hecklers parade? Works for me. Guess we should alert the grounds crew... those needing rain gear should bring it.  ;D ;D

Hoping QJ lunch and dinner plans are being made... :)

im really hoping to get down there again this year, i missed you guys last time. i work that weekend so im trying to hammer out a deal to get me off at least for sunday

DentonDoc wrote on Jan 11^th, 2014 at 3:27pm:

Any lunch or dinner get-together's this year?  If so, I'm in. dd

I suppose if we make it so, it will be so.

We should probably get a count of those interested in either or both events first.  I'm definitely "in" for the evening event.  I'm likely "in" for lunch, too... depends on what seminars might be running at that hour.

Jimbo   8-)

I would attend a Saturday supper.

I'd be in for the lunch.

I'm all in for eating with friends. Lunch & Dinner for me.

I would be in for both lunch and Dinner.

I always wanted to go. Maybe this will be the year, but can't commit. Depends on the weather and how I feel at the last minute about making the 6 hour drive.

Copia is like doing a canoe trip. You don't wait until the last minute and check the weather to decide whether you're going or not...;)

I have other priorities but if all else fails, a Sunday brunch could could work for me.

db wrote on Jan 14^th, 2014 at 8:58am:

I have other priorities but if all else fails, a Sunday brunch could could work for me.

We could meet at the Denny's at 433 S Gammon at about 9am for anyone interested. We would need to leave by 10:30am to do our presentation. Let me know if you like this option...  8-)
It's near the Roadstar, where we are staying.

I am in for breakfast, lunch or dinner

I'll line up the Coliseum Bar for lunch again on Saturday. That seems to work out well. I generally book it for 11:30 to 1 or 1:30, to allow folks to drift in as their schedules permit.

Any interest in a Friday night gathering for those of you in on Friday? I'd consider hosting again, or recommending a good venue, if enough folks are interested.

Let me know how our fair city can make your stay more enjoyable  ;)

Sounds great!

Everything has gone live at   (You need to Login or Register . Check it out.   8-)

If there is enough interest, Dede and I can set up a room at Gray's Tied House again this year. It is nice to have our own space and we have it for the entire night. Last year the room cost our group $75 so we need at least a dozen people committed to really make it practical.

Looks like we're well on the way to having at least 12 for dinner. Here is my list. If I got anything wrong, please speak up. A few more and we're in.

Mr&Mrs KF
OS
Wally 13
Mule Lars
Magicpaddler
Marten
Jimbo
Denton Doc

Anyone else??? 8-)

Old Salt wrote on Jan 10^th, 2014 at 6:15pm:

Also, if anyone has pics they would like to share, we welcome your submissions and will give credit. We are looking for big fish and pics of how you have modified your canoe for fishing. Thanks in advance.

I sent along some photos to your emails, but W13 failed because size limit was exceeded. Feel free to use any photo I have in the QJ gallery:

  (You need to Login or Register

I'm going to make it if work doesn't interfere....

Count me in for the Tied House and the Coliseum.  Oh, wait, I owe someone  meal....

Old Salt-  what is your presentation titled  ?    Better yet,  who,what,where,and when ?

Planning a Fishing-based Wilderness Canoe Trip. It's being offered at 11:30am on Sunday in Algonquin room. Hope to see many of our friends there.

On another note, I'm working on a plan 'b' in case we don't have enough to get Gray's Tied House.

I certainly hope that more will sign up for dinner so we can get Gray's Tied House. But,...in case we don't, Here is a suggestion for plan B.

Meet at 6:30pm, Saturday, at Dickey's BBQ at 4833 Annamark Dr. in Madtown, 53704. It's located at 151 & I94 on a frontage road. 608-249-4205. They have great Texas BBQ with all the fixins. Several of us met there a year or three ago. They close at 9pm so if we want to go longer, we'll just reconvene at a TBD location. 8-)

I don't really need a count, though if we know you're coming, we may or may not wait... :D

Old Salt wrote on Jan 15^th, 2014 at 2:29am:

Anyone else??? 8-)

I'll be in for dinner on Saturday!

I'm in for Gray's  :thumbup

And unless I hear otherwise, I'll set the Coliseum for 11:30 - 1:30 to give everyone maximum flexibility.

ml

MuleLars wrote on Jan 27^th, 2014 at 6:57pm:

I'm in for Gray's  :thumbup And unless I hear otherwise, I'll set the Coliseum for 11:30 - 1:30 to give everyone maximum flexibility. ml

Thanks for doing the set up!

dd

Have we achieved critical mass for Gray's? It sounds like we have sufficient interest? Getting together with fellow paddlers is one of the highlights of Copia. 8-) :dankk2

Glad you'll be back this year, dd. We missed you last year.

If you're interested, I can recommend some good scotch venues for Friday night  ;)

Old Salt wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:44am:

Have we achieved critical mass for Gray's? It sounds like we have sufficient interest? Getting together with fellow paddlers is one of the highlights of Copia. 8-) :dankk2

We have about 12 people who have expressed interest in a room at Gray's Tied House. More would be better but I will proceed with reservations to secure a room for our group.
Details to follow.

Agreed! More is always better! Don't miss out on a great time! We might even tell you where the fish are. ;) 8-) :dankk2

Gray's Tied House   (You need to Login or Register
has increased their room rate to $125 but have agreed to let us have it on March 8 from 6:30 until close for $100. The room is reserved and the fee will be divided among those who show up. If there are objections please speak up either here or with a PM. We can still cancel.
Some good news: There is no band booked for that night so it should be quieter than usual.

Thanks for setting it up, kf  :thumbup

:thumbup :thumbup :dankk2

Thanks I am in.

Where else would I be?

IN.   :thumbup

Jimbo   8-)

Yes, of course!  IN!!!  :thumbup

If I am not already one of the 12, count me in KF.  And thanks for setting it up . Again!
Q

+1.   I am in for Grays

Hey fellow paddlers,
I can't join y'all for any gatherings as I have  bit to do that weekend.... (I work for Rutabaga, we tend to be a bit busy during those days).  I hope you all have fun this year.  I'll be holding down the boat registers over by canoe land.  Feel free to stop by and say "hi", I'd love to meet some of you in person.
Cheers,
Ghost Paddler aka Woody Osborne

I'm in for the coliseum....i just need an address....or someone with a paddle standing out front.. :)

The Coliseum Bar is at: 232 Olin Ave., across from the Alliant Energy Center. More info at:

  (You need to Login or Register; 8-)

Thanks. See everyone there!

I would expect that we will make it to the Coliseum for lunch as usual.  Hope to see a bunch of you then.

Wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it to Copia this year but finally got things straightened out with my schedule.  I'll be riding shotgun with Old Salt (or vice versa) to Madtown and back.  So I am in for whatever happens Friday night, lunch at the Coliseum Bar, dinner at Grays, breakfast at Tiffany's err...Dennys, and whatever other activities capture my attention.

Lunch at the Coliseum is confirmed for 11:30 on Saturday.

One FYI for this year's Copia experience--somehow or other, the calendars aren't lining up like they did in the past, and the Wisconsin state high school hockey tournament will be going on at the Alliant Center, next door to Copia. It shouldn't have too big of an impact, but at certain times it could be a zoo getting in and out of the parking, since the same entrance is used for both. I'll see if I can find the hockey schedule and post times to try and avoind going in. It's always been the weekend before Copia, but for some reason the hockey moved back a week.

Oh, and the hockey is done Saturday night, so it'll be smooth sailing on Sunday for Old Salt's presentation  :thumbup

hey QJ, I will be at the show Friday eve listening to some talks. If other QJ-er's are attending, and want to go out for beers there-after, feel free to drop me a line, or respond. We can go to some of the nicer downtown dives that Mad-town has to offer.   Not far from the show, and I'll drive!     ;)

If not, no worries.  Cheers,  --paw

I am planning attending Gray's on Saturday night if that still works. I may be later than 6:30pm, and if so, I'll fend for myself on dinner. Will be good to see you guys over a few beers and maps.

--Chip

It was my considerable privilege today to be asked to introduce Wally13 and Old Salt for their CanoeCopia presentation, "How to Plan a Fishing-Oriented Canoe Trip."  Frankly, I still can't get over just how good their presentation was!  The guys did a phenomenal job providing attendees with loads of invaluable trip-planning tips and solid resource information that the crowd could walk away with. 

They didn't give the crowd fish , they taught them HOW to plan to fish... where to start & how to do-it-yourself. 

They pointed to all the websites, magazines and resources that one could ever conceivably need in order to plan a trip of a lifetime.  Despite all the years I have been at it, I found out there was a load I didn't know... so I was taking notes along with most of everybody else!  An especially nice touch was their choice to liberally sprinkle fabulous big fish pics between each slide of learning points. 

This program was exactly the sort of presentation I hope to see when I attend Copia.  In fact, it was among the finest I have EVER seen at the show.  I will be absolutely shocked if they are not asked to return to do it all again next year.  Our Rutabaga host came up to me after the program raving about the excellence of their program.   The fine ovation the guys received when they finished was very well deserved.

Wally13 and Old Salt not only did good today, they absolutely nailed it. 

I look forward to seeing how these two fellas are going to top this performance next year.  What a truly EXCELLENT job!

:thumbup   :thumbup   :thumbup

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo, we could not have been given a better introduction than the one you gave us today. We were given instant credibility with you sharing that story about Charlie. I'm so glad that he was able to catch that laker.
If we are asked to return to do presentations, we will be honored to do so. Those who saw us should visit   (You need to Login or Register .

We also want to thank a few other QJ folks. Magic paddler ran the video for us, which we hope to post online soon. Denton doc helped us solve some technical issues, which helped everything flow smoothly. MuleLars made himself available to solve any tech issues if they came up. We're glad he wasn't needed. Spartan 2 came to do some photography. We all know how talented she is with a camera in her hands. Look for her photos soon. Snow dog was a late add to our team. He served as crash test dummy as he endured our rehearsal hours at the Roachstar Inn when he could have been at Copia. His advice helped to put the edge on the ax. We have quite a talented team at QJ.

While I'm at it, we had a fantastic gathering at our annual Saturday night gig at Gray's. I think there were about 23 of us which was double what was expected. It was just like an old voyageurs rendezvous. Many stories were shared and plans were made. It looks likely that we will drop the Saturday lunch to encourage attendance at the dinner. Thanks to Kingfisher and Dede for setting this up.

Thanks to Wally 13 for taking a huge risk by being seen in public with old salt. 8-)

Congratulations Old Salt and Wally 13 along with everyone who helped you guys pull it off. It sounds like you did a great job and helped some people learn how to have the fishing trip of their life.

Also, thank you to all who attended the dinner Saturday evening. Having 23 people attend assures that we will continue this tradition.

Old Salt and Wally13 did a fantastic job yesterday with their presentation.  I have a doctor's appointment this morning and once I return I will get my photos ready to put on the site.

It was a top-notch event and we were really glad to be there for their excellent show!!  Obviously there was a great deal of thought and preparation that went into it. 

I told Old Salt it almost made ME want to go out and buy fishing gear!   ;D

Spartan2 wrote on Mar 10^th, 2014 at 11:32am:

I told Old Salt it almost made ME want to go out and buy fishing gear!   ;D

That is high praise indeed!

I also thought the presentation was excellent.  It's quite possible I'm slightly biased, but based on the lack of people exiting 10 minutes into the presentation (a 'Copia tradition), I would say it was well received by all in attendance.

Also, it was great to see everyone at the various get-togethers.  Big  :thumbup :thumbup :thumbup to Kingfisher and MuleLars for organizing and reserving spaces for us at Erin's (Friday night), the Coliseum (Saturday lunch), and Gray's Tied House (Saturday night)!

Plus one on all of the comments. It was another excellent Copia weekend  :thumbup

Thanks to all who came out to the various events (and to be clear, Kingfisher gets all of the propers for setting up Gray's!) We can regather our thoughts as it gets closer next year, but I agree with OS that we should consider eliminating the formal lunch on Saturday and concentrate on getting folks to dinner. We can always do lunch if we want to, but with the timing of speakers, etc, it seems hard to pull it off.

And finally, I'll echo how much of a success the presentation was yesterday! OS and Wally13 did a great job. So if I don't nail the lunkers up there this year, I guess it will be operator error  ;D

Now lets get this ice melted and get out on the water!!

MuleLars wrote on Mar 10^th, 2014 at 1:23pm:

We can regather our thoughts as it gets closer next year, but I agree with OS that we should consider eliminating the formal lunch on Saturday...

I was wondering if maybe we should just plan to grab the bag lunches and eat at the show. Of course, the hard part would be finding an open table to accommodate the group. I thought the show was packed on Saturday!

Ditto on everyone else's comments - great to see all of you this weekend. Thanks to ML & KF for coordinating events, and thanks to paw for the tour / pub crawl downtown on Friday after the show!  :thumbup

Ranger

Thanks to everyone for doing all the planning for the get-togethers. It was great to see and talk to everyone at the Saturday supper.

I did not not drive back up to the show for Old Salt and Wally13's program because I don't fish but from what I hear maybe they would have changed that.

I am from Illinois where even the dead vote twice so I had no qualms about giving their presentation the highest marks.

It was great to meet everyone and put faces with names! I'll add my thanks as well to those of you who did an excellent job of organizing the social gatherings.  I'll be looking for many (if not all!) of you this summer up north. Happy paddling! 8-)