You will soon no longer be able to get a Q permit anywhere other than at a ranger station. Apparently two outfitters left in program for a little while longer.

Which two?

QJ had a nice turnout, best Friday in my memory. It was fun catching up with everyone. MuleLars came through with the best pizza I've had in a long time. We scored two free larges to boot. Many thanks MuleLars!! 8-)

We were there with you guys in spirit, if not in reality.  Heck, we even had pizza here, as we watched our Spartans beat Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament game.

It is hard not being at Canoecopia, but I just wasn't ready for the trip.  This knee replacement was more painful for me than the first one, and I have a ways to go yet, but I am beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

bstrege wrote on Mar 12^th, 2016 at 4:42pm:

Which two?

Canoe Canada and Voyaguer Wilderness - undetermined for how long going forward.

Also all Mack Lake fly ins may have the permit issued by the outfitter.

I like this changed, which basically requires more or eventually all campers or at least one member of the party to have face time with a ranger.

quote]I like this changed, which basically requires more or eventually all campers or at least one member of the party to have face time with a ranger.
[/quote]

That's fine for newbies or people that want to do that, but I hope it's NEVER become a requirement for everyone to have that facetime with a ranger.

I usually go in before park official opens, but one time I went thru a "lecture" about the Q when I got my permit at park office in Atikokan. Even though I told her I had been many times and solo most of them, she "insisted" I listen and so I did.

Good stuff for newbies, just old hat for experienced paddlers.
Next year it was same gal and even though she recognized me, she wanted me to hear it again. I declined, she wasn't happy.

I wouldn't want to be "required' to listen and IF there was enough people going in or getting a permit, I could see that could become a time/space issue IF they make it mandatory?

I said I thought it was a good idea, but it was NOT my idea.  Please don't kill the messenger.

Quote:

Please don't kill the messenger.

That was NOT my intent at all.
Just a observation based on MY personal experience.

MuleLars knocked it out of the park once again with the BBQ. Great stuff. One of the best parts of Copia for me is the friendships that are developed with other QJ paddlers. I look forward to these dinner time evening gatherings. By doing it at the motel meeting room, it was quiet enough to be able to visit. By staying there, we didn't need to get out in the weather, which poured rain, and drive. We are truly blessed with a great group of guys and gals at QJ.

If this sounds like a fun way to connect, it is. Copia 2017 is March 10-12, so plan now to gather with QJERS in Madtown. 8-)

Wish I could have been there maybe next year.  Just way to many irons in the fire right now. 

Ahh, 2am and finally home. Thanks all for a great time. Let the paddling begin!

Many thanks to Old Salt and Wally13 for all of their contributions--it certainly wasn't just me.

Now if I can find my way into canoe country this year!!