Hello, all.

One of my staff (Woody, a.k.a. Ghost Paddler), recommended this forum, and I'm so glad he did!  I'm already learning a lot just perusing the different threads.

To introduce myself--my name's Darren and I'm the Chief Paddling Evangelist of Rutabaga.  Been there 21 years, owner for ten.  I love it.

Since a bunch of you are coming to Canoecopia, I thought you'd be interested in the following:

- 51,059 show guides being mailed out Friday
- Over 700 rooms reserved for Canoecopia room blocks
- 121 manufacturers
- 15 paddling clubs
- 35 outfitters
- 17 chambers of commerce or destinations
- 7 publishers
- 29 non-profits
- 10 Public or Government Agencies
- 16 direct vendors of cool stuff 
- 102 speakers
- 15 pool demonstrations
- 127 temporary staff
- 1 great team.

Anyway...if there's anything I can do for this group, let me know. You are the real deal...

Darren a.k.a. Canoelover ( (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links))

P.S.  Got a permit for August - Missing Link.  Just me and da wife.

Darren welcome! It will be nice to have a man from "behind the curtain" of Copia on board at this time of year. Feel free to soak up all the goodness this site has to offer and add your 2 cents when possible.

Welcome aboard, Darren!!  I was just in your store on Sunday  The missus had to drag me out 

Seriously, for those of you from out-of-town, it's definitely worth the stop at Rutabaga's.

canoelover, come on down....I am 2.5 hours from the start of the Niobrara, River.  I do it every year. IN THE FALL, when NO one else is out on the paddle.  2 day paddle if you do it right.  Come on down, and I will go along.
SunCatcher