Ok, TomT's post finally inspired me to actually do a QJ search. 

Here's how I went about my research: Since the max results you can retrieve on a search is 35 posts and Copia-related posts must number several hundreds, I had to figure out a way to narrow down the field.  Figuring that QPassage was involved in the very earliest get-togethers, I researched HIS posts on the subject and found 28 of them, in total, dating back to 2003.  However, his first post actually referring to groups of posters getting together - in conjunction with the Copia event - is in 2004.  I suspect those initial meetings he refers to may have involved mostly members from the other canoeing websites.

My best guess is that it was in either 2005 or 2006 when a gathering that was uniquely "QJ" actually started to take shape.

Did I ever mention to anybody that my Master's Degree work was in Early American History?

Jimbo   

OS,  I am trying not to be an ongoing pain in the butt, although now days I seem to fail frequently.  I would still like to say hello to  some QJ folks, but  did not think about your Friday night event.   What is the time span for the evening?  Do you need a firm commitment or can someone stop in, donate some cash and have a beer?

MossBack

You venture into this group at your own risk 

Since Anna is not going to be with us until Saturday late in the day, we will plan to join you for your Friday pizza time at 6 PM.  It will be nice to catch up with some of our QJ friends again.

The Spartans

Just to clarify, if we stop in, it will be fairly brief.  We will stop in a little before 6, but we want to be at Jerry's concert before 7:30 at Canoecopia.  One of our main reasons to go to 'Copia is to attend the "Paddle Songs" presentations.