My son and I enjoyed the Friday evening gathering and those we were able to meet.  We regret not being able to stay for part of the Saturday gathering before heading home.  We left right after the Aluminum Chef competition and driving home looked like flying the Millennium Falcon at light speed, lots of blowing snow coming at us, though we made it home safe.

I only purchased a couple of maps at the show.  We mainly talked to a few vendors and attended presentations throughout the day.   I enjoyed Bryan Hansen's seascape photography presentation and hopefully will remember to use some of his tips in the future.  It was also nice to see Jim Baird(History Channel-Alone winner) back doing presentations again this year after his first appearance last year, he does a nice job presenting.  We saw Cliff Jacobsen and Kevin Callan and a few regulars as well, and though I may not have learned anything I had not already seen in one of their other presentations, it's always entertaining listening to them tell their stories. 

I noticed that Ontario did not send a representative for the second year in a row.  It was a pleasure to visit with Quetico superintendent Trevor Gibb in years past, and I had hoped their booth would return this year.   It's also nice to be able to purchase an overview map of the park that it seems no one else sells at the event.  Hopefully they will make a return next year if budgets will allow.

The evening get together is without a doubt the most valuable part of the show for me as I learn about great fishing spots, presentations and campsites I need to check out, as well as share some great stories.  Thanks MuleLars, Wally13, Old Salt & mpeebles for putting it together!