Looks like its on for this upcoming year and back at the energy center.  Will there be a gathering from the QJ group? 

MB

I sure hope so MB.  Initial plan is to be there and I see no reason not to invade the Comfort Inn and Suites as in the past.  I won't throw Wally13 under the bus, but I do hope to see some pics from the grand trip down the mighty Miss.  Jimbo - you could use this as a opportunity to cache some gear for next summer's trips up north in case you cannot manage it all down to two checked bags and a carryon.

pd

Thanks PD....I find myself already looking for ways to suffer through the hard water season.  MB

I am looking forward to getting together again. 

It would be great to gather again. Then again, it's easy for me since I'm already here  ;D

We'll explore alternatives after the first of the year.

ml

1000 miles but I'm planning on it.

I hope so. We are settling into our new home in the hills of Tennessee. It will be a long drive.  8-) 8-)

I think we were at the Country Inn & Suites, but that was three years ago… 8-)

I do hope we will be at Canoecopia in '22 and we will look forward to dropping in for pizza with you on Friday evening.  :)

I’m sure there’s interest in a QJ gathering. We can assume that previous posts to this thread are in. If you’re planning to attend and interested in a gathering or two, post here. I can help but I’m not going to organize as in the past.  8-) 8-) The dates are March 11-13, 2022. Hope to see you in Madtown.

I am planning to be at Copia 2022.

I completed a 2,000 mile Mississippi River kayak trip this past summer from Hastings, MN to the Gulf. I planned to start at the Headwaters at Lake Itasca, but because of extremely low water levels in Northern MN caused by lack of winter snow and spring/summer rain … I had to abort that start plan.  So I am going to finish my Mississippi River trip in late May 2022 from Lake Itasca through Minneapolis to Hastings. Should take about 20 day’s.

I would prefer to do a short presentation about my kayak trip at 2023 Copia, so I can cover the entire length of the Mississippi done in 2021 and 2022, but will consider giving a presentation at 2022 if QJ’ers desire.

Congratulations Wally13 8-)
That was one helluva trip I'll wager [smiley=cool.gif]

Wally 13,
I would attend any presentation you would do. I think the advantage of two presentations is that you can have time to cover more details. Also, you can discuss the challenges of water levels at various times of year. 👍👍

Surely, you have more than enough material from your trip from Hastings to the Gulf of Mexico.  You can give the trip report from the headwaters to Hastings the next year.  In your second report you could compare the two trips and repeat some of your first report.  Not everyone in the group in 2023 will have attended your 2022 report.  Additionally, the old adage of a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.  No telling what can happen from now until spring of 2023.  You may have told us before, but are you retired or do you have a really understanding employer?

I retired June 2020 @ age 65

Just and update on our get together at Canoecopia in March. 

In early December I'll be contacting Country Inn and Suites in Madison to get the lodging and meeting room situation in order.  As soon as I get pricing and availability I'll pass the info along. 

Wally13 is our social director this year and hopefully MuleLars can be our Madtown "go to" guy. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!!

Later.......Mike

Thanks guys! 8-) I’m glad that the Madtown tradition will continue. Looking forward to our annual gathering! 8-) 8-)

I have been to Copia three times, but always pressed for time to return home.  This year  I plan to stay from start to finish, so if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know.  MB

I'm in!
ml

I contacted Country Inn & Suites today.  They quoted me a discount rate of $119/per night for two queen beds on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12.  I tentatively told them we would need about 10 rooms.  I also booked the meeting room for Friday and Saturday evening. If we fill 10 rooms the meeting room is free.  Otherwise there's a sliding charge based on how many rooms we fill. They will hold the rooms till Feb. 25.  This sounds pretty much the same as the last time we were there.

When making reservations mention that you are with the Quiet Journey group.

I'll be reserving one room for myself (and perhaps my supervisor) for both nights.

If you're planning to either stay there or attend the "after Copia get together " in the meeting room just post here and we'll start the ball rolling on food/drinks, etc.  Wally13 will be doing a presentation on his epic trip down the Mississippi one of those evenings!

Country Inn & Suites
400 River Place
Madison, WI 53716
608-221-0055
Mention Quiet Journey

Again......looking very forward to seeing all y'all again!

Mike … Thanks for organizing Copia hotel arrangements.

Count me in for a room both nights.

I called earlier today and reserved rooms at the Country Inn & Suites, for the nights of Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th.  Let me know what I can do to help.
  MossBack

I won’t know until sometime in January. If I can make it, I’ll get a room for both nights. 8-)

mpeebles wrote on Dec 3^rd, 2021 at 8:53pm:

I contacted Country Inn & Suites today.  They quoted me a discount rate of $119/per night for two queen beds on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12.  I tentatively told them we would need about 10 rooms.  I also booked the meeting room for Friday and Saturday evening. If we fill 10 rooms the meeting room is free.  Otherwise there's a sliding charge based on how many rooms we fill. They will hold the rooms till Feb. 25.  This sounds pretty much the same as the last time we were there. When making reservations mention that you are with the Quiet Journey group. I'll be reserving one room for myself (and perhaps my supervisor) for both nights. If you're planning to either stay there or attend the "after Copia get together " in the meeting room just post here and we'll start the ball rolling on food/drinks, etc.  Wally13 will be doing a presentation on his epic trip down the Mississippi one of those evenings! Country Inn & Suites 400 River Place Madison, WI 53716 608-221-0055 Mention Quiet Journey Again......looking very forward to seeing all y'all again!

I'll be there and will take a room...god willing.

HighnDry....sounds good!

I just read that the popular 2022 ALL CANADA Show in St Charles, IL has been cancelled. Dang Covid.
Hope Copia 2022 will go on as planned.

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less than 2 months!

I’m planning to present, Slammin’ Alaskan Salmon! Fishing Alaska Style. I will plan to join the party @ the CI&S. I will book a room next week. According to the information I received, they will require masks, and they’re planning for virtual. It’s on til it’s not. Stay flexible.

My previous post may have created some confusion. I’ll try to unmuddy the waters. Copia is planning for both a live and a virtual event. They are encouraging presenters to prepare virtual presentations, as well as live ones. I have informed them that I lack the technology to go virtual.

Bottom line is that the county governs the event center and Copia has to follow their regs. If Copia is cancelled, it will be because of either the county or state. Copia is not planning to cancel anything. I’m planning to come and hopefully you will also plan to come. 8-) 8-)

Booked. 8-) Looking forward to our gatherings. One of the nice perks is included breakfast. Nice to visit before going to the show.  8-) 8-)

My Dog Jake and I are planning on being there, looking forward to visiting with you guys again. 

Bob.

Bob's dog Jake said I could share his bed so I will be there for the weekend.

I was just looking at the presentation listings on canoecopia.com. Quite the variety. I’m looking forward to several of them. Makes me wonder how many are planning to attend? Post if you will be there. Hopefully, we’ll have our annual QJ dinner? 8-)

The presentation schedule will be posted Monday. Don’t miss out! The deadline for the QJ price is coming soon. We hope to see our QJ buds soon. ;) 8-) 8-)

Apparently there has been a small delay in releasing the presentation schedule. It should be up soon. Keep checking. It’s a great schedule. I’m presenting ‘Slammin’ Alaskan Salmon’ on Saturday at 2:30pm. If fishing Alaska is on your bucket list, you don’t want to miss it. I guarantee fish if you follow my advice. ;) 8-)

I did look at the presenters list yesterday and noticed a number of names I recognized, like you and Jackfish.

Just out of honest curiosity though, anyone know whatever happened to Nibi Mocs? Larry.

Don’t know about Larry. I’ve been off bwca.com for a couple years or so, since I got banned by them. Don’t know why. Anyway, we hope you can join our party in Madtown.

I assume we’ll have a QJ dinner or something?? If not, we’ll do plan B… 8-)

Greetings from Madison!

I went to the Home and Garden show at the Alliant Center this past weekend--always four weeks before Canoecopia. It was the first time I'd been in that building in a very long time.

I'm happy to report that everything is looking good! It will be nice to have the show in person again finally.

As for a QJ dinner, I'm sure we can get our heads together shortly.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!
ml

Room booked!  I'm coming in Thursday afternoon and staying three nights, flying home Sunday afternoon.  I will be having dinner with some Ely friends Saturday, I believe, but in for the usual 'pizza night' Friday and post dinner maps and fish stories following dinner Saturday.  I'll try to rustle up some Leinie's Canoe Paddler for the gang once again.

pd

It'll be nice to see you all again!  I'm thinking we should draw straws to see who gets to sleep with Jake :).  Not to worry, we'll get some food stuff figured out.  One of our team members, Wally13, is away on business ::)

Hey Marten, would you bring your Attikaki "stuff" along? 

Thanks.....Mike

Happy birthday QJ! 8-)

PD, I am counting on you to steer me in the right direction if I am found wandering aimlessly around the show or the Country Inn.  MB

Old Salt wrote on Feb 23^rd, 2022 at 1:46am:

Happy birthday QJ! 8-)

Ha!

Perhaps I misspoke at some point. Close enough and thanks but I just dug out the actual paper birth certificate.

24-FEB-1999

For a moment there, I thought the site may have turned 22 on 2/22/22 and that would have been pretty freaking special but alas, no cigar...

I will bring my Atikaki info along. The new frontier for mid-west paddlers.

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db wrote on Feb 23^rd, 2022 at 4:56pm:

Old Salt wrote on Feb 23rd, 2022 at 1:46am: Happy birthday QJ! 8-) Ha! Perhaps I misspoke at some point. Close enough and thanks but I just dug out the actual paper birth certificate. 24-FEB-1999 For a moment there, I thought the site may have turned 22 on 2/22/22 and that would have been pretty freaking special but alas, no cigar...

My bad! Happy birthday tomorrow! 8-)

Hi all... I'll be a presenter this year for the first time.  (Thanks DB for the mention a few posts ^^^above^^^.)  I'll have two presentations - one on Friday at 3:30 and one on Sunday at 1:30.  My session is geared toward paddlers who want to go to Quetico for the first time, but any paddler should enjoy it (I hope).  Would enjoy having you sit in.   

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db wrote on Feb 15^th, 2022 at 7:32pm:

I did look at the presenters list yesterday and noticed a number of names I recognized, like you and Jackfish. Just out of honest curiosity though, anyone know whatever happened to Nibi Mocs? Larry.

Larry is active on on YT these days:   (You need to Login or Register

I'm hoping to catch one of Jackfish's and Oldsalt's presentations at Copia this year.  I'm still working out what day my son and I might drive down as he might have to work that weekend.  Hopefully we can crash one of the get togethers at the Country Inn.

Roger that Mossback!  I've got yer 6!   ;)

pd

So what at QJ garhering plans? Sorry I didn't find it above. Friday last session ends at 7:15; Saturday at 5:15. 

Alas, I will not be attending this year. 
I'm currently recovering from a second cranioplasty, so I'm sticking close to home for a bit longer than anticipated.   

No cause for alarm as surgery went well and I was out of the hospital sooner than expected.  I just need some healing time and time for the stitches to dissolve.  Hopefully next year!

Oddly, I was back in the hospital this time on the anniversary date of what put me there one year ago.

DD

Glad that you are doing well, DD, but sorry we won't see you this year at 'Copia.  Continue to heal.  The Spartans.

Jackfish. Planning on attending your presentation 👍

I just saw this tonight:

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This is the place we’ve ordered the last several QJ dinners. The place is still carrying on, but still some sad news on a young guy.

Looking forward to the show.

I'm thinking that our group will do pretty much the same as the last time we met at Country Inn.  We'll get together after the show at Country Inn as we did the last time we met there.  One Friday evening we can order a few pizzas and on Saturday evening we can order some bbq.  We're gonna meet in the same room as we did previously.  Wally13 will be doing a presentation of his paddle down the Mississippi at one of the meetings.  Gonna be nice to see everyone again and so some high level planning for trips this year!

Sounds like a plan!

Kevin Kalkenbach will be joining our Sat. evening dinner

Bob Plewa (jazzman) and Mike Wenholz will be joining Saturday night. We'll have some Atikaki PP info too.

We will plan to drop in Friday evening and have a piece of pizza with you.  Getting ready to leave home now on a snowy morning.

Enjoy folks. Drive safe.

Good times were had by all. Great seeing old and new canoeing faces. Even learned some new tricks and maybe a trip or two.

Yeah.....it was really nice seeing everyone again.  Lot of laughs and a chill time!  Great to "get out" again!

Best three days I have had in the last two years !

I drove two days to get to Copia, and it was worth it. The best part is socializing with friends who share QJ interests. On Friday Wally 13 shared about his adventures paddling the Mighty Mississippi. On Saturday, mpeebles took us from paddling to pedaling as he shared his adventures pedaling from coast to coast. Others shared their adventures and plans for the coming year. Most of you live less than a two day drive and are blessed. 8-) If you live in the southeast US, let’s talk. We can probably share the drive next year. 8-) I concur with Mossback, most fun I’ve had since the pandemic. 8-)

One thing that became evident is that many of us share interests beyond paddling. That’s a good thing. Maybe we could start a category about Other Recreational Pursuits. That sounds like fun. 8-)

We don’t come as far as Old Salt, but the drive is substantial.  And always worth it.  I would come to Canoecopia just for the chance to hear three presentations by Jerry Vandiver and the One Match Band, which we did again this year.  Loved every minute of that!

Jackfish had an excellent presentation on Quetico, and we also greatly enjoyed hearing Old Salt talk about fishing in Alaska.  We attended two sessions by John Bates that were very interesting (Wild Wisconsin Lakes, and At Home in the Northwoods.). As always, loved the humor and fun of Aluminum Chef Competition. 

We attended other presentations and got something out of every one.  You don’t have to still be doing wilderness canoe tripping to find fascinating information at Canoecopia.  And we walked the floor, looked at all of the merchandise, and just enjoyed being there.  I got my “fix” (finally) of the Zanzibar Chocolate ice cream—it’s a good thing we don’t have that in Horton or I’d weigh 300 pounds!

Still, when all is said and done, the best part is seeing the people.  Canoecopia feels almost like a family reunion.  We spent time Friday evening with our QJ “family” and Saturday evening with our BWCA.com “family” and we are thanklful for all of it.

I have some photos I would like to add but we are still in Madison and all I have is the iPad.  Don’t know how to size them small enough to add to this message, so I’ll have to do that when I get home.

Mike (Wally13)—will need your contact info so we can give you a call when we are in the Quad Cities this summer.

Agree with all that has been said. It was great seeing everyone again, and hearing about those tremendous accomplishments of last summer from Wally13 and mpeebles!!

And like the others,  I also felt as close to "normal" as I have in over two years.

Great weekend!!
ml

The gathering at The Country Inn and Suites is like a good whiskey, its getting better as it ages. No offence anyone!!

Amen Marten !

Definitely worth the haul from VA!  And the best is the people - especially the QJ crowd!  I spent very little on purchases (couldn't find anything I don't already have 3-4 of...  ::) ) and most of my time just talking with folks. Thanks for the fellowship paddlers!  And thanks to Mike & Mike for setting up the logistics at the CI&S and sharing their adventures!

pd

I didn't take many photos, but I did snap this one.

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And we had someone take this one of the two of us.  Our granddaughter made the sweatshirts for us a few years ago; helps us be identified, especially when we were masked most of the time.  We wore them on Saturday.

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Cool sweatshirts Lynda.