As in the past, we will have Pizza on Friday night. We will poll those present about 6 pm and order. We will order periodically through the evening until everyone is satisfied. We will have a meet n greet starting about 3 pm until Pizza and continuing through the evening. We do not need a count for Friday. The cost is whatever you order.

On Saturday, we will cater in Smoky Jon’s BBQ, the awards winning best BBQ in Madtown. We will gather starting about 6 pm, and the food will arrive about 6:30 pm or so. We will have a variety of meats and sides, including pork, brisket, ribs, and turkey. We will do our best to keep the cost reasonable, but the price will depend on the number eating. The more the better. Please sign up for this one and include the number you are bringing. If you are reading this, you’re invited. We always have great food, and a great time! 8-)

MuleLars has done a fantastic job once again putting this together! Be sure to thank him. 8-)

We will post a price once we have an idea of how many will attend. 8-)

As always, this is a great time to gather intel for upcoming trips or to share about past trips. Bring your maps and you will get info available nowhere else. ;)

Count me in for Saturday.

As in the past, we will have a ‘Donation Can’ available to cover costs of meeting room rental and the craft beers. The beers are supplied by MuleLars, Wally 13, and portage dog. I will be bringing regular and diet pop and water. Our suggested donations are $5 per person, per night for room rental, and $1.50-$2 each for the beers 🍻. If everyone does their part, we can continue this QJ tradition for many years to come! 8-) If you haven’t attended our QJ festivities, plan to attend this year!  8-)

I love hearing "pop" used instead of soda.  I grew up with pop but it's trending towards soda around these parts.  Now, will we be sitting on the couch or the sofa?  But I digress.  ;)

“Pop” is the term I’ve always used. Glad to amuse. It’s the same as soda.

Some have asked about lunch on Saturday. There is nothing planned, but it might be a good time for a planned or chance Rendezvous. Kind of like when a QJ friend paddles up to your campsite. Many QJERS gather at The Coliseum across the road. If you head over about noon or so, chances are you will find some of us there... 8-) Pull up a chair... 8-)

If you are waiting to sign up until a price is posted, it will likely be similar to last year, which I think was about $12. give or take. Again, the more we have, the better for everyone. BBQ is cheaper in bulk prices. 8-)

We will miss seeing you guys this year.  I am scheduled for my long-overdue hip replacement on March 5th.  Hooray!

Spartan2 wrote on Jan 27^th, 2018 at 12:31pm:

We will miss seeing you guys this year.  I am scheduled for my long-overdue hip replacement on March 5th.  Hooray!

Some folks will do anything to avoid association with the QJ bunch. ;D Get well granny! We will miss you! Do your therapy! 8-)

Yup.  I have been arguing with doctors about this hip for the past 18 months (more than one doctor) and now, finally, someone is listening.  Just in time to keep me from my annual trip to Madison.  And I am not about to wait any longer to do something about this pain!

I have already done two knee replacements, so I know about the PT.  I'll be a good patient.  Thanks.   ;)

Spartan2 - wish you all the best with the hip replacement and a fast recovery!  Sorry you will miss out on 'Copia this year, but no doubt that is the better decision for you.

pd

Spartan 2,  If you have enough grit and determination to get the Docs thinking your way, I am sure you have enough to get through the procedure and rehab.  Get up and moving as soon as they will let you.  Best of luck and prayers your way.

MossBack

Less than 6 weeks to Copia! Anyone joining Tom and me? 8-)

How late will Friday likely go?  I'm planning on Friday evening sessions that go to  8:15; was not sure you would be there still.

Also, please be sure desk knows you are there - several of us did not find the pizza room until after a long wait in lobby last year.

Sorry for the confusion, Bill. We do inform the desk. We have no control over what they tell folks. You’re not the only one who has reported this. From the front desk, if folks look to the right through the breakfast room, our QJ banner should be plainly visible. Just head towards it and through the door. We will be there starting at 3 pm for our annual meet n greet.

We are usually there past 10 pm and Pizza can still be ordered. We look forward to seeing you! 8-)

Bill, I think that was two years ago and the QJ gang was upstairs.  I was sitting in the lobby with you and a couple others, I believe, until we noticed some pizzas walking by and decided to follow them? MUCH easier to find the gang now that the conference room opposite the front desk is being used.  OS, I'll be there for pizza with you and TomT.

pd

That sound right - it was upstairs in a room  so must have been two years ago.

I plan on being there Friday through Sunday morning.

I will be there for the Sat. evening meal.

I thought I would post a BBQ dinner count. In have a few invitations out there. This is for everyone, regardless of lodging. Please feel free to invite others, regardless of QJ participation.

Here are the ones I know about. If you’re not listed and want to be, please post and we will add you. If you are listed in error, please let me know. I know we’re gonna have a great time! 8-)

Old Salt
Wally 13
Tom T
Marten
Magic Paddler
High N Dry
MuleLars

We hope to see you! 8-)

Thanks for posting the list, OS.

Friday is pretty free-wheeling, so advance count isn't really necessary.

Saturday, we've been bringing in food from Smoky Jon's Barbecue. We've had enough in the past to order bulk, which we could do again. But if the numbers are small, we can order off the menu, or decide on some of the family dinners, or whatever seems like a good idea. You can look at Smoky Jon's website here:   (You need to Login or Register

Let me know if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
ml

I will be there no Saturday, pretty new to quiet Journey.  I look forward to seeing Marten again, as well as meeting the rest of you.

Bob B.

Bob, We're looking forward to meeting you as well. You're on the list. Do I remember you from a previous QJ gathering at Copia? I think I do. Any friend of Marten's is a friend of ours.

Some time ago, I posted that we would have more info regarding costs. This is what we have decided.

It makes sense to order bulk meats & sides if we have 12 or more. Otherwise, it makes better sense to order from the menu. I feel confident that we can have 12 or more at our dinner. I have invited a couple of presenters that I know you will enjoy becoming better acquainted with, and we could benefit from learning from them about trip possibilities in some really remote areas. As of now, they have not accepted our invitation, but I'm hopeful they will. If we have 12 or more, we will order bulk, and the dinner will cost $12 each. If we do not have that number, we will order from the menu, and, of course, you can get exactly what you want, and the cost will be whatever you order. To see their menu, go to   (You need to Login or Register .

When I get affirmative responses, I will let you know who is coming to dinner to join us. As we indicated before, we will have some Madtown area craft beers, regular & diet pop, and bottled water for beverage choices. MuleLars, Wally 13, and portage dog are providing the craft beers, and any donation you can provide will defray their costs. The other beverages are free.

We always look forward to these annual modern-day Voyaguer Rendezvous'. If you're still on the fence, make your plans now to join us. While the deadline for responding to the Saturday dinner is Friday night at our Meet N Greet, we would appreciate knowing soon if you can come. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to invite and bring friends and family members.

Once again, MuleLars has graciously volunteered to be our catering boss, and he will pickup and deliver the food. We need to collect funds on Friday, if possible, to enable him to make payment. 8-)

Bob B. wrote on Feb 20^th, 2018 at 2:48pm:

I will be there no Saturday, pretty new to quiet Journey.  I look forward to seeing Marten again, as well as meeting the rest of you. Bob B.

Bob, do you own a Visla?

Old Slat, we have met and I caught your presentation last year, looking forward to talking fishing again with you.

Yes Tom, I do own a Vizsla, Jake.  We met last year and have communicated a bit on other boards.  I also ordered a jacket for Jake last week from D-fa dogs - thanks for the suggestion  8-)

I would like to talk with you about the Jessie lake area in the Q, that is my trip this spring.

Bob.

Bob B. wrote on Feb 21^st, 2018 at 2:29am:

Yes Tom, I do own a Vizsla, Jake.  We met last year and have communicated a bit on other boards.  I also ordered a jacket for Jake last week from D-fa dogs - thanks for the suggestion  8-) Bob.

Ahh, because of the different board names I wasn't sure.  It will be good to chat again!  Also, which coat did you get Jake?  I love the one I have, it's basic but just high quality.

Bob B. wrote on Feb 21^st, 2018 at 2:29am:

Old Slat, we have met and I caught your presentation last year, looking forward to talking fishing again with you. I would like to talk with you about the Jessie lake area in the Q, that is my trip this spring. Bob.

Bob,

Jesse is a great choice for a base camp!  Lots of nice reefs and excellent wildlife-sighting possibilities.  I'm sure there will be guys at the QJ dinner who can help you out, including Old Slat.  If OS starts telling you about the healthy population of pollyhumpers in that lake, however, beware!

Wish I could join you guys for the festivities but it ain't happenin' this year.  Enjoy!

Jimbo   8-)

Tom,
I ordered the wool jacket to use under his wind, rain coat.  I am excited to get it.  I forgot about the different screen name,  I am glad you pieced that together.

Bob.

Old Slat = real board ?  :D

Old Salt wrote on Feb 21^st, 2018 at 6:32pm:

Old Slat = real board ?  :D

OS, I kind of liked the sound of it, so I went with it, too.  Here's what the dictionary has to say:
****

noun
1.
a long thin, narrow strip of wood, metal, etc., used as a support for a bed, as one of the horizontal laths of a Venetian blind, etc.
2.
Aeronautics. a control surface along the leading edge of a wing that can be extended forward to create a gap (slot) to improve airflow.
3.
slats, Slang.
the ribs.
the buttocks.
(initial capital letter) a nickname for a tall, slender man.

***

I'm thinking "Old Slat" is preferable to "Old Buttocks"... but that's just MY opinion.

Jimbo   8-)

Whatever definition you choose, a slat is able to carry weight. It’s a supporting member. Something to rely on, when you lay down at night, you trust it. I don’t think it’s a good idea to carry this too far, but you get the idea... Thanks for the compliment.  8-)

Enough about Old Slat, who is coming to dinner? 8-)

I have some great news!

Bill Voight, who is presenting ‘Wood River Lakes, Alaska’ at 12:30 pm in Voyager room at the Clarion will be joining us, along with his 3 canoe buddies for BBQ. You won’t want to miss his presentation. He and his friends have paddled many northern rivers in Canada and Alaska. If these adventures are on your radar or bucket list, they can help you plan that epic adventure.  8-)

Additionally, Snowdog will be joining us both evenings.  8-)

That brings our dinner count to a level that we can order bulk and the price will be $12 per person for dinner. 8-) We do request $5 per person per evening to cover meeting room rental. Thanks  :-*

More good news: Harlan Swartz of Red Lake Outfitters is going to join us too! He is bringing two others.

Woo hoo!! 8-)

Far north Canadian & Alaskan rivers.
WCPP
We’re gonna have a lot of expertise in that room!

Harlan will be presenting on Friday and Saturday morning! I plan to start my Saturday with his presentation! 8-)

I had planned to do the same on Sat. morning.  I can give my BBQ money to you then if you like since I won't be there Friday.  Nice to have these guys for dinner.  Kudos on that!

MuleLars is our unofficial treasurer, so you can give him the money whenever you see him. ;)

If any of the cheeseheads are feeling Surly about their beer supply, let me know and I'll be sure to get you Furious. Hell, you can even go on a Coffee Bender with Todd the Axeman for all I care.

Also, 'tis Abrasive Ale season in case anyone cares to find out just how many hops can fit into a can.

Copia dinner in 2 short weeks!  8-)

Hello all.  I'm new to the site.  There will be two of us attending the dinner on Saturday evening.  Looking forward to meeting some of you folks.
........Mike

With the risk of looking like the village idiot, just where are the pizza (Fri) and the dinner (Sat) get togethers going to be?
.......Mike

Mike,

Welcome aboard to QJ!

Our gatherings take place at the Country Inn & Suites, 400 River Pl, Menona, which is east of the Alliant Center behind the Rutabaga store. On Friday we have a Meet N Greet starting about 3 pm. As you enter the motel, you will see the front desk on your left. If you turn to your right and head through the breakfast area, you will see the meeting room with a QJ banner hung by the door. Just come on in. Most of us are friendly and have had our shots ;) . We look forward to meeting you. This is a come and go informal bunch and we are usually around until 10 pm or so. We start ordering pizzas around 6 pm and continue ordering as long as folks are hungry. We will have coolers of craft beers, pop, and water. 8-)

Many plan their trips at these gatherings, so if you have something in mind bring your maps and we will mark them. ;) 8-)

Thanks!   I'm going to try and make it to both the pizza and dinner, but the dinner (2) for sure.  Once again, looking forward to meeting some of you!
......Mike

Slight menu adjustment. We will have plenty of pulled pork & beef brisket, along with baked beans, potato salad, & coleslaw, buns, & sauce. Cost is $12 per person for the best BBQ in Madtown! Don’t miss out! 8-)

If you prefer to pay one price for room rental, dinner, and beverages, $20 will cover it. Thanks! 8-)

Thanks to MuleLars for settling this up and being our BBQ gopher. 8-)

You can still get in on the fun! 8-)

There will be only me at the dinner.   Wife backed out.  If you already ordered food for her, I'll pony up for it.  See you for pizza as well.   
Thanks........Mike

My friend Kevin will be coming for the bbq on Sat.

Mike, no worries. We’re just looking to break even. We will look forward to meeting you.

Marten, Kevin is added.

Anyone else? 8-)

OS,
I will be there with one friend early Friday afternoon and will stop in for the bull session before we go to the show that evening.  We will not be able to attend the dinner Saturday as we are always short on time and heading back home Saturday around noon.

Look forward to seeing everyone again.

Regards,

MossBack

Mossback,

Half a loaf is better than no bread at all. We’ll look forward to getting better acquainted and sharing pizzas and brews. 8-)

Hey OS, all,

It has been a while, but I'll see you for the dinner Sat. , and hopefully the festivities on Friday.
Quentin

Quentin, it has been a while, welcome back. 8-)

Well, I head north in 20 minutes. I plan to get to pizza tonight if not too tired. There's a last session I have penciled in to see so 8:30?

Safe travels Bill. Tonight is a come n go thing. We know that some want to go to the show on Friday. 8-)

I had a great time visiting with everyone.  Old Salt, thanks for assisting with my maps and fishing.  It was nice visiting with Marten, Tom, Mike and the rest of the bunch.  The food was Awesome!!  I really look forward to the 'Copia show - for visiting as much as the seeing the speakers and meeting new folks.  Already looking forward to next year.   8-)

Bob.