After our great gatherings at Copia, I'm really getting fired up for the paddling season ahead. If you are looking ahead to your Paddling opportunities, I encourage you to consider the upcoming Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo. Check it out on their website:   (You need to Login or Register

When you click on the speakers and topics, you will see why I'm excited. Kevin Callan is speaking on Ontario Wilderness Canoe Routes. Kevin, along with Cliff Jacobson, Pete Marshall, and Bob O'Hara will conduct a Roundtable discussing Expedition Canoe Trips. I think we may hear a story or three from them. Lonnie DuPre, a world-class dog musher and climber will share his experience of climbing Denali in the dead of winter.

Additionally, there is the annual canoe & kayak auction. Are you buying or selling? Dan Cooke will be doing his informative tarp demos and have a booth. Harlan Schwartz representing WCPP, Bruce Hyer and Uncle Phil Cotton have great information on Wabakimi.

What I find mind-blowing is that I have been invited to present two topics on Alaska.

On Saturday, I will be presenting: Alaska DIY: Four Great Trips to The Great Land! I will cover highlights of the Inside Passage in SE Alaska; Prince William Sound, Valdez, and Glennallen; the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska's Playground; and Denali and Talkeetna.

On Sunday, I will be presenting on Alaska DIY: Traveling the Alaska Highway, recounting my road-trip last summer, driving the only overland route to and around Alaska. I will cover the three major routes to Dawson Creek, BC, and then embarking on the wildest road trip ever. It was truly epic!

If you missed Copia, and need your Spring fix, I know of no better opportunity. Mark your calendars and plan to come. Grazing the lineup, my advice is to come early to hear your favorite speakers. Everything is on sale, and admission is free. 8-)

I am working on organizing a QJ gathering on Saturday evening, April 28, at a downtown BBQ joint. I hope you will consider joining me. Details will be posted when known. 8-)

Rich Williamson 8-)