As I write this, spring seems far away, but as we know, it will come to the North Country sometime over the next few weeks.

Several of us have been considering the option of having a QJ Dinner in conjunction with Midwest Mountaineering's Spring Outdoor Adventure Expo, set for April 15-17. More info at: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) . The dinner would be somewhere in the Twin cities metro area on Saturday evening, April 16.

We are considering a couple of ways of doing this.
1) If the number is small (less than 15), is to just do a reservation at a restaurant, where we could push tables together in a quieter corner.

2) If the number is larger (more than 15) we could look into reserving a room, where it would be quieter and we would have privacy. If we choose this option, you need to know that rooms typically charge a rental fee, and we would need to divide this among those attending.

We will likely discuss this more at Copia lunch & dinner in an attempt to guage interest & committment, but we know that not everyone on QJ will be at Copia or the QJ meals.

We do NOT want this proposal to be competition for the planned lunch & dinner at Copia, but it appears by now, most folks who are planning on Copia have already done so.

If you would attend such a dinner in the Twin Cities at that time, please post here or PM me, along with the number you would bring, if more than yourself. If there is sufficient interest, we will do more planning following Copia and post details here. Also, if you have suggestions about a good restaurant in the metro area, please post or PM me.

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at Copia, and if this works out, at a MN QJ Dinner.  

I'd be in for one more... maybe two...

We'll shoot for more exact totals closer to the time, in early April.

Market BBQ sounds good.  It's near downtown, about 3.3 miles away.  Count me in for 2 people.

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Rumor confirmed. Claire Q from WCPP will be joining us for dinner. If you bring your WCPP maps, she may be able to give you some intel on your trip.

OS,

I hope to attend.  It will likely be just me as my wife is travelling on business.

Jimbo   

I'd love to attend but it's a long trip from Chicago, I just spent weekend (and too much money)  at Copia, and it's council jamboree weekend for the scout troop I work with.  Have fun!

As of now, we have the following planning to attend. Others are welcome to join us, but please post here or PM me so that the restaurant can be prepared. We could probably add some at the last minute if there is a need.

We have:

old salt
Snowdog
Claire Que (WCPP)
Jimbo
Prouboy
marlin 55388 + 1 guest
MNAdventurer
Rocky + 1 guest
nctry Ben + 1 guest

Total: 11-12. It would help if those bringing guests could confirm with me that they are still planning to attend.

We can gather at the Market BBQ at 6:30pm, and will order at 7:00pm. We can linger after dinner to visit, talk trips, etc.

It looks to be a fun day with many speakers, exhibits, etc. If you have QJ apparel, plan to wear it, so we can find each other. I will wear my QJ t-shirt & 'Quetico' cap.  

maybe the neighborhood is scaring people away, not an easy area to get to or find a place to park, expensive if you do

Zara

Certainly not the "worst" neighborhood. There is parking behind the place as noted in the link. If you are concerned about finding the rendezvous we can meet at the canoe event and you and yours could follow us over, pm me if you would like. My son will be attending, so the seasoning of much needed youth will be there consuming rootbeer and gobbling down BBQ! See you all Saturday!

M

I will be at the Expo on Saturday with a tripping buddy of mine. Won't stick around for dinner but maybe next year (hard to turn down BBQ). I will keep an eye out for anyone with QJ stuff on. You can spot me by looking for a younger guy with no dreadlocks and not wearing a kilt, got to love those young kids at midwest mount. Looking forward to the speakers and trying to pick out that crazy Marlin out of the crowd.
Andy

Those of us who were there had a great time visiting about planned and past canoe trips. Some were able to assist others in their planning for this year and beyond. Two things were decided by this years group.

1) We will plan to do this again annually.
2) It will be at a restaurant within walking distance of Midwest Mountaineering.

Each year, admission and parking is free, if you know where to park. I parked about 1 block away.

I also enjoyed the Q History presentation by Jon Nelson, the 50 Routes by Kevin Callan (he's a hoot!), and WCPP by Claire.

While this is different than Copia, each has it's own flavor & personality. I like both!