I’m happy to announce that our 2017 ‘Copia gathering plans are coming together nicely!

We’re planning on what we basically did last year: a Friday informal get together with pizza and beer/soda; and a dinner Saturday night featuring the excellent barbecue from Smoky Jon’s!

We’ll again be in the main meeting room at the Country Inn & Suites, only this year we’ll be able to use it for both Friday and Saturday nights, so no confusion on pizza night this year.

We’ll likely have the room open around 3:00 Friday afternoon to begin the meet & greet social hour(s). Pizza will be ordered when the group size dictates, but I would think the first order will go in by 6-ish. More pizza will be ordered later, as necessary, so don’t feel like you have to be there at 6 straight up. As long as we have hungry people, pizza will keep coming!! Cost will be based on how many people we have, and what we want to order. I would think that $10 per person should be fine, as long as we don’t get too extravagant!

For Saturday night, we’ll head back to the hotel after Old Salt and Wally13’s ‘Copia presentation. I’ll take my time getting the food over there, so don’t feel like you have to fly out the door. I would think we’ll have the food ready by 6:30, to give everyone (including me!) enough time. I’ll need a headcount for the Saturday dinner, but I’ll post a new thread as we get closer. Cost will be based on numbers, but I would think it should be around $15 per person.

We’ll take care of getting the beer and soda/water, so we’ll include that as part of the meal costs.

As I said, I’ll post more as we get closer, but I just wanted everyone to know what the general plans areso you can start thinking about joining us. All are welcome!!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!!

ml

MuleLars, you're the man! Thanks so much for planning these great times. Having attended these, I can tell you that you will hear and share some great stories. We have a talented bunch here on QJ. If you bring your maps, it's a great time to gather and share pretrip intelligence. You'll get info you will never see on a public website. Campsites? Portages? Fishing? We discuss all of it. 8-)

We have a lot of QJERS in the Madison area. We would like to meet you! Come on out. 8-)

You do NOT need to be a motel guest to participate in these gatherings. Everyone is welcome!

I'll be there.   (You need to Login or Register; This is the best BBQ in Madison. Well worth it. 8-)

Thanks for handling the logistics, MuleLars! 

You indicated that you'd like to get a sense of headcount.  Please count me in for all activities mentioned.

I reiterate what Old Salt had to say about QJers (& significant others) not being shy about coming by for any of the festivities.  Try to give MuleLars a heads-up, if possible, but don't sweat it if it's not.  We have a good time, compare notes, share a lot of useful information, pick up new paddling party members, arrange for rendezvous's in the parks, and sometimes we even swap or sell gear.

With that last note in mind, is anybody in the market for a pink canoe "Wind Sail"?  For a case of "Spotted Cow" or maybe a lightweight serviceable camp chair, you can call it your's!

Jimbo   8-)

We really need the headcount for Saturday dinner. The more folks we have, the more variety we can order. We will have at least 2 meat choices. 8-)

If Jimbo is there, you WILL be entertained. ;D

I think you already have me counted

I will be there for the Sat. barbecue feed.

We would like those who may have previously posted to post here for the Saturday BBQ Dinner. That way we have an exact total. Family and friends are welcome, just give us your party number. We appreciate cash for payment. We can take reservations through March 8, as we need to give them our order ahead. If you don't want to post, you can email or pm MuleLars or me. Thanks. 8-)

Sorry for the confusion on the Saturday count request. I was planning on making a separate post in a few weeks, as everyone nails down their plans.

You can continue to reply here and I'll compile all of it, then I'll do a reminder post in a few weeks and list everyone who has replied up to that point.

Spread the word!!
ml

Ok, Ill be there for Sat. and Sunday.  Count me in for the dinner.  I'll be solo as of now.

So, I finally made my commitment to head home and visit some relatives and oh, by the way, swing by 'Copia while I'm there.  Great excuse to visit the family.  I'm planning on being there for pizza Friday and glad to hear we won't be sitting in the lobby trying to figure that out again!  I may also come by for a bit of conversation on Saturday, but am joining some Ely friends for dinner again.  Not sure where I'm staying yet.  I hope to see OS and W13's road show, but not confirmed yet.

pd

I am in for Friday Pizza and Sat BBQ for sure.

Do you guys generally go off in different directions during the day?  Being solo Sat and Sunday I'd like to join up for lunch if you guys gather for that.

TomT,

Usually a number of us will gather near the entrance (where they take your ticket) at some pre-designated time prior to Noon.  After assembling, we migrate over to a local place together to grab a bite for lunch.  It's usually within easy walking distance (I'm too cheap to pay their stiff price for parking twice in one day!).  In years past we marched over to the Badger Bowl but in the most recent couple of years we've walked over to a spot  in the other direction (Coliseum Bar & Banquet on East Olin???).  Chances are that we'll let MuleLars "lead the way" since he knows the area best (any excuse to make someone ELSE the leader usually works in QJ circles).

As far as traipsing about the show together, well, birds of a feather often find themselves flocking to similar presentations and vendor displays.  So, I'd say groupings occur more by happenstance & common interest versus by premeditation, at least in my experience. 

Personally, chances are I'll wear a QJ "Shut Up & Paddle" shirt just to have a plausible entree for conversation with other QJ'ers that might stumble across my path.  I suppose one of the many "flamingo" shirts that I have been given over the years by paddling friends would also serve that purpose in my particular case.  Oh, and I'm fond of wearing a brown leather Alaskan Bush Pilot hat.  Anyway, if you see such a character on the premises, chances are it's me.

I really only attend the actual show on Saturday.  I bounce between presentations that interest me and vendor surfing in the exhibition hall.  This year it looks like Old Salt & Wally13's dog & pony show will keep me there later in the day than is my norm.  Since walking that hard floor tends to give me an aching back, I might actually show up a little later in the morning; I typically don't need a full day to take in the events, gadgets & gizmo's I'm interested in.  Mainly I go to Copia to B.S. with the QJ crowd and plan possible rendezvous's in one of the parks.

I used to tell myself, "I'm not going to Copia this year because it's so much of the same thing every time."  While that statement is partly true, my way of thinking about it has evolved a bit. For one, I find I LIKE the "so much of the same thing" aspect.  There's a certain reassurance in the ritual.  For me, it sort of feels like I am touching first base en route to the canoe trips that wait for me a little further along the base path.  Also, every year I've found there are at least a few surprises... usually good & memorable ones.

I expect this year will be no exception.  I am looking forward to visiting with folks and having a good time.

Jimbo   8-)

We don't have an organized QJ lunch plan for Saturday. We decided a few years ago to focus on the two evening meals.

However, I'm sure we can work out a plan to meet somewhere for lunch. We all need to eat, right? The easiest way is to trade cell #s and call or text to meet up. We can trade pm to do that. Looking forward to seeing you. 8-)

I go with my wife and we don't even stay together as our interests vary.  If you wear a shirt or something that identified that you are with QJ, someone will say hi to you.  I find it easier to eat at the show rather walking to a local eatery.

Jimbo wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2017 at 7:16pm:

TomT, Usually a number of us will gather near the entrance (where they take your ticket) at some pre-designated time prior to Noon.  After assembling, we migrate over to a local place together to grab a bite for lunch.  It's usually within easy walking distance (I'm too cheap to pay their stiff price for parking twice in one day!).  In years past we marched over to the Badger Bowl but in the most recent couple of years we've walked over to a spot  in the other direction (Coliseum Bar & Banquet on East Olin???).  Chances are that we'll let MuleLars "lead the way" since he knows the area best (any excuse to make someone ELSE the leader usually works in QJ circles). As far as traipsing about the show together, well, birds of a feather often find themselves flocking to similar presentations and vendor displays.  So, I'd say groupings occur more by happenstance & common interest versus by premeditation, at least in my experience.  Personally, chances are I'll wear a QJ "Shut Up & Paddle" shirt just to have a plausible entree for conversation with other QJ'ers that might stumble across my path.  I suppose one of the many "flamingo" shirts that I have been given over the years by paddling friends would also serve that purpose in my particular case.  Oh, and I'm fond of wearing a brown leather Alaskan Bush Pilot hat.  Anyway, if you see such a character on the premises, chances are it's me. I really only attend the actual show on Saturday.  I bounce between presentations that interest me and vendor surfing in the exhibition hall.  This year it looks like Old Salt & Wally13's dog & pony show will keep me there later in the day than is my norm.  Since walking that hard floor tends to give me an aching back, I might actually show up a little later in the morning; I typically don't need a full day to take in the events, gadgets & gizmo's I'm interested in.  Mainly I go to Copia to B.S. with the QJ crowd and plan possible rendezvous's in one of the parks. I used to tell myself, "I'm not going to Copia this year because it's so much of the same thing every time."  While that statement is partly true, my way of thinking about it has evolved a bit. For one, I find I LIKE the "so much of the same thing" aspect.  There's a certain reassurance in the ritual.  For me, it sort of feels like I am touching first base en route to the canoe trips that wait for me a little further along the base path.  Also, every year I've found there are at least a few surprises... usually good & memorable ones. I expect this year will be no exception.  I am looking forward to visiting with folks and having a good time. Jimbo   8-)

8-) 8-)

Westwood, I hope you're planning to join us at the motel again this year. It's fun getting together and swapping a few tales. 8-)

We also hope you guys will consume your share of the pizza and BBQ. ;)

Me: "Excuse me, are you Jimbo from the canoe board?"...... "No"........."Excuse me, are you Jim?"......."No, why?".......... "Excuse me, would you be Jimbo from the canoeing message board? ...... (gives dirty look).........

Me: cups hands to mouth and shouts "JIMBO!!!!!!" "Oh, there you are!"  :D

Tom,

Too funny! I understand you envisioning that scenario. I will pm you my cell. We'll connect. 8-)

I agree with Westwood; the QJ shirt jumps out at people.  Someone will say hi.  There aren't all that many of us wearing such shirts.

Hmmmm... maybe for this occasion I should put on the 8 foot tall pink flamingo suit (which I intend to wear during Old Salt & Wally13's presentation, anyway)?  Electing THAT option would likely jump out at people even more so than the QJ shirt (& take the crowd's mind off of the inevitable audio-visual issues we will be experiencing up front).

Of course, wearing that outfit for identification purposes presents a scenario where, even if there was NO doubt as to WHO I was, an inquisitive individual would rather not wish to be identified with a pink peckerhead.

Eh, I guess there are pluses & minuses for each mode of attire....

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo wrote on Feb 4^th, 2017 at 12:43pm:

Hmmmm... maybe for this occasion I should put on the 8 foot tall pink flamingo suit (which I intend to wear during Old Salt & Wally13's presentation, anyway)?  Electing THAT option would likely jump out at people even more so than the QJ shirt (& take the crowd's mind off of the inevitable audio-visual issues we will be experiencing up front). Of course, wearing that outfit for identification purposes presents a scenario where, even if there was NO doubt as to WHO I was, an inquisitive individual would rather not wish to be identified with a pink peckerhead.

Or someone might contemplate having pink chicken for dinner.   ;D

dd

Maybe one year, if there is sufficient demand, I can brew up a pot of my world-famous Pink Phlamingo Stew for our annual dinner...  :-/  :o

I know there is a pic around here somewhere. ;)

I don't want to create jealousy among the Aluminum Chef crowd. ::)

Old Salt wrote on Feb 4^th, 2017 at 4:10pm:

Maybe one year, if there is sufficient demand, I can brew up a pot of my world-famous Pink Phlamingo Stew for our annual dinner...  :-/  :o I know there is a pic around here somewhere. ;) I don't want to create jealousy among the Aluminum Chef crowd. ::)

I think crow is my table fare. After having visions of all of my friends here clamoring for just one more bowl of pink stew, for the memories, not a single request. :( I get it.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled topic, " Who is planning to attend our annual QJ dinner?" No pink stew will be served. But we will have some awesome BBQ!

If others want to meet up on Saturday for lunch, also post here. We look forward to our Rendezvous with fellow QJERS. 8-)

Jimbo, put the QJ shirt on OVER the pink flamingo suit, then no-one will miss you or QJ's presence. ;)

I can certainly get us in the direction of the Coliseum Bar.

You'll either be sad or happy to hear that if they haven't already, they're about to tear down the Badger Bowl. Its been closed for quite a while.

And QJ shirt or no, Jimbo is pretty famous from all of those photos he took of himself that have appeared in the BWJ. You can't miss him  ;D
ml

Tearing down the Badger Bowl!!! The travesty of their folly  :'( refusing the QJ crowd a few years ago. Never refuse QJERS, no matter how cheap we are!! :-*

I believe they sold it to a car dealership. So maybe they'll be selling canoe trailers  :thumb

But yes, the karma of tossing out the QJers in favor of the Wis. state bowling tourney caught up with them.  ;)
ml

MuleLars wrote on Feb 6^th, 2017 at 6:56pm:

And QJ shirt or no, Jimbo is pretty famous from all of those photos he took of himself that have appeared in the BWJ. You can't miss him  ;D ml

MuleLars -

Yeah, it's happened a few times, now, hasn't it? 

I do it all with mirrors.  I may not be a very talented photographer but I sure am tricky as all hell!

Jimbo   8-)

I'll attend a QJ dinner --- thanks for organizing! Lunch is a possibility for Saturday.

HighnDry wrote on Feb 8^th, 2017 at 8:51pm:

I'll attend a QJ dinner --- thanks for organizing! Lunch is a possibility for Saturday.

Which one? The headcount is for Saturday BBQ 🍗. Hopefully, we'll see you at both. I need to pick your brain for a trip this summer. Thanks  8-)

Anyone else for the best BBQ in Madison? The more we have, the better our choices. 8-)

HighnDry wrote on Feb 8^th, 2017 at 8:51pm:

I'll attend a QJ dinner --- thanks for organizing! Lunch is a possibility for Saturday.

UPDATE: I'll try to make a Friday pizza thing if that is still happening at the Country Inn. I'll see what the plans shake out to be for the Saturday lunch. There are a few presentations I'd like to make and hopefully they won't run into lunch! I am 90% on the Saturday night gig---what is the start time for that?

The BBQ should arrive about 6:30 pm Saturday.  ;)

On Friday we will order pizza periodically as needed, since it is more come & go. Get there when you get there and there will be pizza. 8-)

I made reservations at Country Inn and Suites for my wife and me for Friday and Saturday night.  I plan on attending both Friday and Saturday nights.

I got a room at the Howard Johnson Plaza Fri. and Sat.  I was thinking of stopping by Rutabaga on Friday before doors open.  Is that a good idea?  Lots to see there? Never been.

TomT,

They won't be open.  Rutabaga closes it's doors something like several days (a week?) before Canoecopia to prep for all the stuff going on with that production.  Essentially, they box up and move the entire store over to the convention center and that literally becomes their store.  Same for a couple days after. 

Last year, to kill some time before the show opened, I stopped by local spirits maker Yahara Bay Distillery.  Neat place and they do give free samples.  They have some good products, FWIW.

pd

Thanks on the heads up PD. 

What are the details for the Friday night pizza?  Where will it be  and will beverages be there?  Thx.

Friday night pizzas 🍕 will be at the Country Inn & Suites in Menona, right behind Rutabaga store in the meeting room. As you enter, the checkin desk is on your left. Look to the right, in the breakfast area and you will see the QJ banner marking our room. Come on in. We will have name tags available. Along with the 🍕 we will have beer, pop, and water available. Give $10 to MuleLars to cover pizza and beverage costs. He's a nice guy, but he can't afford to feed this crowd. We will order pizzas periodically, whenever we want more, as folks can come and go. Bring your maps if you want to talk canoeing or fishing. Trips often get planned at these times. 8-)

You do NOT need to be a motel guest to participate. Just come in like you own the place. ;)

May I ask how many years you guys have been doing this?  Sounds like everyone's got the drill down.

Well, here's a pic that goes back to 2006.  From right to left: my son Ben (a young collegian at the time), me (looking at camera in my QJ shirt), Quetico Passage (minus his signature cigar), Yellowbird (trying not to laugh at whatever BS QP was spinning), db (listening to my son talk about the very first Bushwhacker's Jamboree), & (just barely) Kingfisher (I think, probably doing the same thing as db).  I'm pretty sure this photo was taken during luncheon at the Badger Bowl.

Seems to me that a few of us got together, similarly, for a few of the years before then.  I guess I'm just too lazy to do a "QJ Search."  In any case, I KNOW we have done this every year since.  I invite the recollections of other past attendees whose memories may be better than my own. 

The crowd varies in composition and size from year-to-year but it is generally a pretty good time.  LOTS of trips & rendezvous's planned.  TONS of experience shared & ideas for future trips hatched.

Jimbo   8-)

---

I think we started doing the Friday pizzas about 4-5 years ago. The Saturday dinners have been going for as long as I recall attending Copia, maybe 10-12 years or so. We added the Friday evening to give another option to connect.  8-)

If someone wants to take the lead on Saturday lunch, that's fine too. I have a full plate, but I will eat lunch. :o

We just started renting the meeting room at the motel last year. That part is new. As always, we welcome input on what you like or don't like... 8-)

Ok, TomT's post finally inspired me to actually do a QJ search. 

Here's how I went about my research: Since the max results you can retrieve on a search is 35 posts and Copia-related posts must number several hundreds, I had to figure out a way to narrow down the field.  Figuring that QPassage was involved in the very earliest get-togethers, I researched HIS posts on the subject and found 28 of them, in total, dating back to 2003.  However, his first post actually referring to groups of posters getting together - in conjunction with the Copia event - is in 2004.  I suspect those initial meetings he refers to may have involved mostly members from the other canoeing websites.

My best guess is that it was in either 2005 or 2006 when a gathering that was uniquely "QJ" actually started to take shape.

Did I ever mention to anybody that my Master's Degree work was in Early American History?

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbos research sounds right. I think the important point is that it is these gatherings that are the highlight of copia. 8-) While the speakers and exhibits are fun, the folks I see and meet are the main attraction. 8-)

OS,  I am trying not to be an ongoing pain in the butt, although now days I seem to fail frequently.  I would still like to say hello to  some QJ folks, but  did not think about your Friday night event.   What is the time span for the evening?  Do you need a firm commitment or can someone stop in, donate some cash and have a beer?

MossBack

Mossback, we will enjoy having you stop by on Friday.

For everyone's benefit, QJ will have a meet n greet on Friday in the meeting room, marked with QJ banner, 3-6 pm.

That will seamlessly transition to our pizza around 6pm. We have the room until 10-10:30 pm. It's all casual and come & go. We will have name tags to assist all of us with association of names & faces. Wives/girlfriends are welcome. 8-)

You venture into this group at your own risk  ;D ;D ;D

Thanks Jimbo and OS for the history lesson.  I love old pics.  Musta had to scan it.  Or do like my wife does and take a pic of the pic. It works.

Since Anna is not going to be with us until Saturday late in the day, we will plan to join you for your Friday pizza time at 6 PM.  It will be nice to catch up with some of our QJ friends again.

The Spartans

The Spartans are easily recognized. Hope to see you.

Just to clarify, if we stop in, it will be fairly brief.  We will stop in a little before 6, but we want to be at Jerry's concert before 7:30 at Canoecopia.  One of our main reasons to go to 'Copia is to attend the "Paddle Songs" presentations.

I'm getting the second shot in my neck Friday noonish in duluth. I can't drive right away because they put me under. But I hope to be there nine or so. So if there is anybody still awake, I'll see ya.

We have the room until 10 pm or so, drive safe and stop in when you arrive. ;)

Spartan2 wrote on Mar 7^th, 2017 at 2:22pm:

Just to clarify, if we stop in, it will be fairly brief.  We will stop in a little before 6, but we want to be at Jerry's concert before 7:30 at Canoecopia.  One of our main reasons to go to 'Copia is to attend the "Paddle Songs" presentations.

I want to see Jerry on Friday too.  Never seen him yet.  There's also a show at 4:30 I want catch (canoeing with your dog) so I may show up early and late. Check in for me says 4:00 so that could be problematic.

Come about 3pm. You should be able to check in. ;)

That's my plan.  See you then.

OS and MuleLars,

I have a contribution for Friday pizza / Satruday BBQ or until it runs it out - who has the coolers?  I actually ran across some Leinie's Canoe Paddler while visiting my folks in Sparta!  I picked up a case for the gang. I'll be in Madtown around midday Friday and will check in the CI&S as soon as they allow. I have OS's mobile, but I'll pm you both mine so we can connect up.

pd

Hey, PD-

Excellent!

Just bring it down to the Country Inn and we'll have coolers iced up and ready to go. I have a variety of local offerings, but wasn't able to find the Canoe Paddler. So thanks!!

ml

Hi, Folks...been awhile since my last post as I've been "off the grid" for a couple of months.  Decided at the last minute to head to Madison again this year and am excited to see many of you again this weekend.  Thanks a bunch Mulelars, Old Salt, et al for setting things up again for us weary paddlers/travelers.

I hope to hit a couple of presentations Friday and will pop in for the Friday evening gathering around 9:00 pm on Friday. 

Definitely count me in for the Saturday BBQ as well....

Cheers!

Great to hear from you!!!

Looking forward to see everyone!

And in true 'Copia fashion, while we were in the 70s three weeks ago, we'll be lucky to hit 25 this weekend  :o :P

Pine Knot!  I was getting worried about you.   ;) See you there or wandering around the show on Friday.

Many thanks to MuleLars & Old Salt for planning & executing logistics for our well-attended & thoroughly-enjoyed QJ events held at the Country Inn & Suites on both Friday & Saturday evenings.  Food, beverages & company were all great! Trip planning and storytelling kept us going late both evenings.  Some stories told even seemed to have elements of truth in them!  My guess is that over 30 different QJer's & friends & family dropped in at one time or another.  All of us walked away with more than what we started having built relationships that, I expect, will mostly grow, over time. 

Thanks again, guys, for doing all the legwork & planning & making our get-togethers possible.  Speaking for myself, these are always the highlight of my CanoeCopia experience.  You have my sincere appreciation!

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo wrote on Mar 12^th, 2017 at 7:11pm:

Many thanks to MuleLars & Old Salt for planning & executing logistics for our well-attended & thoroughly-enjoyed QJ events held at the Country Inn & Suites on both Friday & Saturday evenings.  Food, beverages & company were all great! Trip planning and storytelling kept us going late both evenings.  Some stories told even seemed to have elements of truth in them!  My guess is that over 30 different QJer's & friends & family dropped in at one time or another.  All of us walked away with more than what we started having built relationships that, I expect, will mostly grow, over time.  Thanks again, guys, for doing all the legwork & planning & making our get-togethers possible.  Speaking for myself, these are always the highlight of my CanoeCopia experience.  You have my sincere appreciation! Jimbo   8-)

+1

Magicpaddler wrote on Mar 12^th, 2017 at 8:57pm:

Jimbo wrote on Mar 12th, 2017 at 7:11pm: Many thanks to MuleLars & Old Salt for planning & executing logistics for our well-attended & thoroughly-enjoyed QJ events held at the Country Inn & Suites on both Friday & Saturday evenings.  Food, beverages & company were all great! Trip planning and storytelling kept us going late both evenings.  Some stories told even seemed to have elements of truth in them!  My guess is that over 30 different QJer's & friends & family dropped in at one time or another.  All of us walked away with more than what we started having built relationships that, I expect, will mostly grow, over time.  Thanks again, guys, for doing all the legwork & planning & making our get-togethers possible.  Speaking for myself, these are always the highlight of my CanoeCopia experience.  You have my sincere appreciation! Jimbo   8-) +1

+2!

Yes thanks to the organizers. Sampled some real good food and loved the beer too! Never had a couple of those before. It was nice to put faces with board names.

Good time at Copia ... really enjoyed visiting with all QJ' ERS at Country Inn and Suites.

Special thanks to MuleLars and Old Salt for putting Friday Night and Saturday night suppers and beverages  and meeting room together.

See you all next year.

Thanks guys! We really enjoy putting the QJ Rendezvous together.

We plan to do it again next year with the same format. We encourage QJers to stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Menona. While it's not the cheapest lodging, when you factor in the free breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and you're dining with QJERS, it's really a great deal. No driving around on cold mornings to find breakfast, you won't go wrong. ;)

Another thing to consider, is if you share a room with another QJer, you can split the bill. Many of you met some new friends, so consider sharing a room. 8-)

We may add a lunch on Saturday for those interested.

I also had a great time this weekend. As Jimbo said, QJ Rendezvous is the real highlight of Copia. You will get information you won't get anywhere else. ;)

Thanks for putting it all together, it is the highlight of the weekend.

I appreciate the kind words! But it is a pleasure to make these events happen. And it's always great to see everyone.

Looking forward to next year. Maybe we'll have some decent weather for once. Then maybe not  ::)

Hope everyone has a great paddling season!!
ml

I was fortunate enough this year to spend a couple of hours on Friday in the company of QJ gang.  Very interesting group, full of helpful information, great stories and general good cheer.  I should have made this part of Copia a priority long ago, and I will make every effort to add another day next year so I can make the BBQ event on Saturday

Thanks for the hospitality to a mostly unknown member.

Regards,

MossBack

Thanks for organizing this get together.  Like MossBack, this was my first time attending as I was able to stop in for the Saturday night BBQ Event with my son.  It was nice meeting everyone and I came away with some great information and stories. 
I look forward to next year and will consider booking a room instead of driving down for the day as I have done in the past.

My thanks and appreciation to all that were involved, assisted, or just showed to tell fish tales!  Definitely a highlight of the whole trip.  It was great to share some Canoe Paddler with some canoe paddlers!!! ;D  Very good to see some old acquaintances and meet some new ones.  Also, I think I set a new record for the numbers of times I ran into Mossback this year!

BTW....winter showed up again in VA last night with about 5 inches of snow.  It was 70 a week ago and 80 the week before....darned groundhog....

pd

Anyone else experience this?  You come back from Copia and think nonstop about the upcoming canoe trip.  Going to paddle Planner, pulling out maps, making lists of things still to buy, thinking of menus ....  Should I bring the dog or not....... 

Yep, I got a case of QB.  (Quetico Brain) :-/

Then, after talking to Marten I'm starting to get Atikaki Brain!  Watched three of his videos yesterday. Wallace to the Bloodvein.  Beautiful!  :)

TomT wrote on Mar 15^th, 2017 at 10:11pm:

Anyone else experience this?  You come back from Copia and think nonstop about the upcoming canoe trip.  Going to paddle Planner, pulling out maps, making lists of things still to buy, thinking of menus ....  Should I bring the dog or not.......  Yep, I got a case of QB.  (Quetico Brain) :-/ Then, after talking to Marten I'm starting to get Atikaki Brain!  Watched three of his videos yesterday. Wallace to the Bloodvein.  Beautiful!  :) After a weekend of QJ Copia Rendezvous this is a normal phenomenon. Take two aspirin and resume your planning. ;)

arnesr,

If you are heading to Quetico Lake this summer this is the group to ask for advice. Many on this site have traveled that lake far more extensively than I have. Lots of pearls of wisdom and helpful suggestions from this bunch!