It's been a lot of fun planning our annual gatherings at Copia for the past few years. 8-) But the time has come for me to pass the baton to Wally 13. My wife and I are retiring and moving a greater distance from Madison and given the uncertainties of winter weather and travel, I feel the need to put the planning and coordination in the hands of someone who can be there with certainty. Mike is committed to continuing our traditions and making these gatherings a reason to come to Madtown 8-). I will continue in my role through the Copia 2020 event. To the extent I can, I will assist behind the scenes to be sure that Mike, Scott, and Mike are able to carry on. 8-)

Again, I appreciate each of you for making these gatherings a highlight on the QJ calendar! 8-)

And before any rumors start, I'm not leaving QJ.

Like with a few other threads around here, I find myself replying to myself. One of the unfortunate realities of this virus crisis is that our QJ gatherings were also cancelled. And unless someone volunteers, that is the reality we face.

With apologies to Wally 13, apparently I was premature in announcing that he would assume the planning role. He has informed me that he will not. Had we gathered in Madtown, I was planning to have a group discussion to put this out there to see where it goes. 8-)

When I agreed to this responsibility to plan and lead several years back, my thought was to do it that year and maybe one more. It's now been 5-6 years. It's time to pass the baton.

We have a great planning team of MuleLars, Wally 13, and mpeebles, and as far as I know, they are willing to continue. I am willing to continue as part of that team, but not in the lead role. We need a new volunteer leader for these gatherings to continue.

I am willing to have offline discussions, email or phone, with anyone who may consider taking this role to detail everything involved. If you research dialogue from this and prior years, you will have a pretty good idea. It's an enjoyable activity.

If you're wondering why, it's not any dissatisfaction with any on our team, I enjoy working with all of them and plan to do so in the future. I count them, and you, as friends. 8-)

Part of it is the distance. My wife and I are planning to move to the Grand Marais, MN area later this year. I will not arrive before Friday evening. We have a Paddlers Rendezvous that begins at 3pm. I won't be able to be there. Another part is that I plan to be a presenter on a regular basis for a few years and that is where I need to focus. There is a lot of mental and emotional focus that happens with public speaking, and I want someone else to handle the details of the QJ gatherings. 8-)

I don't plan to say much more about this here, but thought I should bring it up now while Copia is on our minds. If we have gatherings, I will plan to attend. I find them enjoyable. If you wish to talk offline, you can email me at: alaskadiyguy@yahoo.com , or you can post here. 8-)

As of now, there is no plan for next year. Hopefully, one of you will accept the challenge. 8-)

OS, I just want to recognize all the work that you and the planning team have put into these gatherings. I'll shoot you an email just to get a sense of what your planning process has been like. I can't speak for everyone but perhaps if a rough draft of the tasking and timing were put up, there might be a possibility to split up the effort between several persons to alleviate the burden. For example, I could contact the hotel to set up the rooms but I wouldn't be able to be there on Friday at 3PM (but somebody else could greet everyone with the customary Wisconsin paddler greeting of Ya HEY!).

Email on the way ;)

OS,

Since you seem to need a reply on this topic, I'll provide mine:  Don't let your shorts get tied up in a knot on the subject.

The QJ gatherings have gone on for years & years.  They will continue to go on, I expect, as long as the momentum for them exists.  Frankly, I do not remember any "vote" or group designating individuals who should be placed in charge of "organizing", anyway.  Why? Probably because none was really ever necessary.  Our gatherings have been very laid-back affairs since the inception.  I know; I was there.  Two or three individuals, so motivated, have typically stepped up in plenty of time to accomplish whatever "organizing" was required (secure a rate on a block of rooms, ask for a meeting room, put out a coffee can for "room donations", & maybe a couple other tasks I'm not thinking of right now).  Most of the rest is a few guys bringing beers and somebody ordering out for pizzas or something similar.  If so motivated, others may bring pictures, banners, posters, videos, etc.  I don't think it's rocket science nor do I believe it essential we have some sort of ongoing "administration" for QJ gatherings.

Me? I actually like it being informal. I certainly don't mean to be harsh or to minimize the efforts of those who voluntarily tackle tasks that need doing.  All I'm saying is: I'm confident whatever needs doing will get done. Don't worry so much about it.  As you say, you won't be there, anyway, so it's future really IS up to the rest of us. 

OS, you should feel free to retire in peace knowing we've got this covered... or not.  If the interest isn't there, it won't be covered.  The reason you are not getting replies right now is, in my opinion, because no one else is "concerned." I, for one, don't feel we need to be.  We'll overcome our inertia when the time is right and it will all come together... if it is meant to.

Thanks for whatever service you have graciously provided but there is no need to lose sleep over this.  It's a non-issue.  That's MY honest opinion, anyhow.  Personally, I doubt I'll think about it much until 2021 is at our doorstep.

Jimbo   8-) 

It’s easy to be misunderstood. No, there was no vote. When the previous organizer felt the need to give it up, we had a discussion about it and I liked what we were doing and wanted to see it continue. I volunteered for it. What he told me and I have learned is that there’s a lot of behind the scenes planning. I enjoyed that. I know how it started back then as I’ve heard you and others talk about it.

It may all work out, or not. My responsibility at this point is to give notice, which I have now done. Some folks start to look for a plan in January or so. Giving notice now is not an indication that my shorts are in a bunch, but simply an attempt to make a smooth transition. I don’t mean to create anxieties about it.

I have no expectations that things will stay the same. Changes are part of life. 8-)

Old Salt,

I didn't appreciate being called out for declining the "Planning Role" for COPIA on this forum. When you called me a couple of days ago,  you mentioned passing the baton to me and me taking on the "Leadership Role" for next year's Copia and future Copia's.

I always thought the Copia Gathering on Friday and Saturday nights was put together "BY COMMITTEE. " ... not by one person.  I told you that I would HELP "PLAN"  the event but not take the LEAD ROLE.

I agree with Jimbo  ... I really don't think it is that big a deal putting together our Copia gathering.  It doesn't take much time to secure rooms at the hotel, secure the back room for our gathering, figure out 2 supper meals, and setting up the room with banners , pictures etc.  Several of us bring beers and water for those QJ members attending ...so refreshments every year are easily handled.

I suggest that WE ask a few of the regulars who go to Copia each year ... who would like to help with planning for 2021 COPIA ?  ie  securing the hotel room block, the back room and 2 supper meals.

Wally 13,

I apologize for my mistakes. I apparently misunderstood our phone call in February and mistakenly thought you had agreed or I would not have posted it. I was attempting to correct my mistakes in this mornings post. There was no attempt on my part to call you out. I hope we can get past this.

Apparently, I’ve made multiple mistakes over the years I’ve been doing this. My only motivation was to facilitate our QJ gatherings. I agree and said that we worked as a team. I support the team approach.

Please accept my sincere apologies. I would never deliberately call you or anyone out.
I apologize for creating a small storm. I suggest we let it pass.

Since it has been decided that there’s no baton to pass, this thread can be concluded.