"God willing and creeks don't rise" I'll be getting up there for the very first time; YEE-Haw! Found out that my time off was "Approved" and so my better half and an old paddling friend from Texas is coming up to travel with us and pick up his new Northwind solo canoe.

So, I have friends in the Madison area, however; I hate to, and will not, impose upon them. I KNOW what they say about the comparison between house guests and fish (LOL)! So where is the best place to stay so I can get some reservations in the next day or two? Also Jerry (Onematch), you need a couple "Roadies" (LOL)?

I really am hoping to meet some of you up there!

That's great! The Clarion is definitely the most convenient. It is attached to the convention hall. Not cheap but handy!

Great! Hope to meet ya in person. Try an make it to Angelos Saturday for dinner assuming it on again.

butthead

Great to hear you are coming, see you there. I haven't checked this year, but the Canoecopia web site has had links to local motels and other information that will help. You can also check out the exhibits, presentations and purchase tickets in advance saving money and time.
And while it imposes on locals, I sure hope someone sets up the Angelo's dinner again.

Well, Spartan2 told me about the pace they're staying, the Hilton Garden Inn in Middleton, WI so the Webbs and my paddling buddy from TX will be there. Looking forward to meeting many of you, and seeing some familiar faces!

Alrighty then!!! So glad to hear you're finally heading up for this.

I do highly recommend the Clarion as it makes it soooo very easy and convenient to go to and from the Expo. Yes, it costs a bit, but I still think it is worth it.

(and yes! I'll have you as a roadie this year, thanks!)

PS - remind me to introduce you the "other Ozarkpaddler" when you're there. And we'll need some time to chat about my return to the Ozarks this summer.

I'm gonna do my best to make it this year. I just checked the Clarion and it says there are no rooms for a Friday check-in, but there are rooms for Thursday. $162/night for a single Queen.

I'm wondering what Ozarkpaddler will buy ! or if he is taking his bookkeeper M along.

The only time I went to Canoecopia I flew.. That keeps the buying down.

yellowcanoe: "I'm wondering what Ozarkpaddler will buy ! or if he is taking his bookkeeper M along.


The only time I went to Canoecopia I flew.. That keeps the buying down."

(LOL) If I win the LOTTO, I'm going NUTS Kim (LOL)!
Oh, and Margaret IS coming too!

Jerry, I've met Marty before years ago and tasted the excellent chili he makes and "Ooohhed and Ahhhed at his pictures!"

When is Copia this year?

March 8-10

Portage99: "That's great! The Clarion is definitely the most convenient. It is attached to the convention hall. Not cheap but handy! "

I tried last week and the Clarion was already sold out. Since I couldn't get the ideal place, I decided to go for the cheapest. I'm doing Motel 6, a couple miles away.

My wife and I will miss Canoecopia this year. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, we booked our Mexico vacation to start that weekend. We'll be back next year.

Jackfish: "My wife and I will miss Canoecopia this year. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, we booked our Mexico vacation to start that weekend. We'll be back next year."

Oh no, I was really looking forward to meeting you!

OK are there any RV parks open? Might just might be tempted . We leave Florida on the 4th and its 21 hours to Madison.. ( dragging a trailer this means three days)
We need no services. I am assuming camping in the parking lot with a 20 foot TT is a no no

There are some nearby state parks. Don’t know when they open. Could be snow at that time of year.

Jackfish: "My wife and I will miss Canoecopia this year. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, we booked our Mexico vacation to start that weekend. We'll be back next year."

Boy, that’s a long Mexican vacation! Haha!

nctry: "

Jackfish: "My wife and I will miss Canoecopia this year. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, we booked our Mexico vacation to start that weekend. We'll be back next year."

Boy, that’s a long Mexican vacation! Haha!"

Ha! Ben, you really made me re-read my post! Unfortunately, we'll be back in Wisconsin a week later, but we'll be back to Canoecopia in 2020. :)

Bannock: "

Portage99: "That's great! The Clarion is definitely the most convenient. It is attached to the convention hall. Not cheap but handy! "

I tried last week and the Clarion was already sold out. Since I couldn't get the ideal place, I decided to go for the cheapest. I'm doing Motel 6, a couple miles away."

I intend to call intermittently, in case of any cancellations. Seems there are always some, just a matter of luck checking at the right time. (For me, it's always, "I'll check on the next payday")

ozarkpaddler: "

Jackfish: "My wife and I will miss Canoecopia this year. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, we booked our Mexico vacation to start that weekend. We'll be back next year."

Oh no, I was really looking forward to meeting you!"

Sorry Terry... I was thinking the same thing. Great opportunity to get together and chat for a while. Hopefully you'll enjoy Copia so much (and who doesn't?) that you'll be able to come back next year.

Jackfish: "

ozarkpaddler: "

Jackfish: "My wife and I will miss Canoecopia this year. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, we booked our Mexico vacation to start that weekend. We'll be back next year."

Oh no, I was really looking forward to meeting you!"

Sorry Terry... I was thinking the same thing. Great opportunity to get together and chat for a while. Hopefully you'll enjoy Copia so much (and who doesn't?) that you'll be able to come back next year."

Well, since there are 52 weeks in a year, unless Canoecopia changes their weekend it will be on my weekends off on this new job. So, fingers crossed and maybe I can detour to stop by on the way up if we get to go north this year? Have fun in Mexico!

Cooke Custom Sewing will be there this year, and I should make it this year. Looking forward to reconnecting to all.

yellowcanoe: "OK are there any RV parks open? Might just might be tempted . We leave Florida on the 4th and its 21 hours to Madison.. ( dragging a trailer this means three days)
We need no services. I am assuming camping in the parking lot with a 20 foot TT is a no no"

There is a Walmart a few exits west on 12/18 and I believe they allow rvs to park overnight.

DanCooke: "Cooke Custom Sewing will be there this year, and I should make it this year. Looking forward to reconnecting to all."

Looking forward to meeting you, Dan! I was toying with a "Special order" on a couple small tarps for either side of our teardrop so we can use our big CCS for "Normally." Is it too late for that?

I forgot. is it 10% discount on canoes? I know other merchandise is 15%

yellowcanoe: "OK are there any RV parks open? Might just might be tempted . We leave Florida on the 4th and its 21 hours to Madison.. ( dragging a trailer this means three days)
We need no services. I am assuming camping in the parking lot with a 20 foot TT is a no no"

Two different friends have stayed overnight in the back lot of Alliant Energy Center (Canoecopia venue) in their self contained rv's without any problem. As noted earlier there is a Walmart just off Hwy 12/18 a few miles from the show. I stayed there during the show a few years ago with one of my buddies in his rv. So consider trying the lot behind the center, if you get run off there is always the Walmart parking lot.

Just an FYI for BWCA.com members attending Canoecopia 2019! There will be the annual BWCA.com dinner party at Angelo's Italian Restaurant on Saturday evening, March 9th, 2019.

Details to follow soon!

Hans Solo

...the infamous vegetarian pizza picture....strikes again.

HighnDry: "...the infamous vegetarian pizza picture....strikes again."

By golly, looks pretty good even without "REAL" pizza ingredients (LOL)!

Jackfish: "My wife and I will miss Canoecopia this year. In a moment of extremely poor judgment, we booked our Mexico vacation to start that weekend. We'll be back next year."

Well, I guess I won't be giving you the skinny on those northern tier of lakes in Quetico on a face-to-face basis then! But I know what you mean about family trips getting in the way of 'copia. I was in Thailand during last year's show (50th Wedding Anniversary ... had a fantastic time ... even made it to Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia).

I'll give you a shout before your August paddling trip!

dd

HansSolo: "Just an FYI for BWCA.com members attending Canoecopia 2019! There will be the annual BWCA.com dinner party at Angelo's Italian Restaurant on Saturday evening, March 9th, 2019.

Details to follow soon!

Hans Solo
"

That's our favorite fiddle playin' foodie, Amberly Rosen. Unfortunately, she can't make it this year but I've got a good one filling up her shoes. See ya there!

dentondoc - you're welcome to fill me in on the northern tier Quetico lakes in person. I'm hoping to be up there this summer.

Got my wristbands on order. Got the Sheraton across the street reserved. Now, just have to wait impatiently.

OneMatch: "

HansSolo: "Just an FYI for BWCA.com members attending Canoecopia 2019! There will be the annual BWCA.com dinner party at Angelo's Italian Restaurant on Saturday evening, March 9th, 2019.

Details to follow soon!

Hans Solo
"

That's our favorite fiddle playin' foodie, Amberly Rosen. Unfortunately, she can't make it this year but I've got a good one filling up her shoes. See ya there!"

Far as I can tell, you'll be bringing up your 6th (?) different fiddle player to Canoecopia. Maybe one of these years you bring up all six, and it'll be "Jerry & the One Match Fiddlers".

I plan to be at the BWCA.com dinner again this year. Bringing a group from Indiana part of the Central Indiana Wilderness Club (CIWC). When more is posted, I'll confirm the number.

HowardSprague: "

OneMatch: "

HansSolo: "Just an FYI for BWCA.com members attending Canoecopia 2019! There will be the annual BWCA.com dinner party at Angelo's Italian Restaurant on Saturday evening, March 9th, 2019.

Details to follow soon!

Hans Solo
"

That's our favorite fiddle playin' foodie, Amberly Rosen. Unfortunately, she can't make it this year but I've got a good one filling up her shoes. See ya there!"

Far as I can tell, you'll be bringing up your 6th (?) different fiddle player to Canoecopia. Maybe one of these years you bring up all six, and it'll be "Jerry & the One Match Fiddlers"."

Well, let's see -- then and now:
2012: Suzanne Rohrer - got married and having babies
2013: Steph Gertken - out on the road with major label artist Easton Corbin
2014 & 2015: Catrina Campbell - playing long hours on Nashville's Lower Broadway circuit
2016: Anne Buckle - just married
2017 & 2018: Amberly Rosen. - steady gig playing on Nashville's General Jackson Showboat

That makes 5 so yes, #6 is on the way. BTW, her name is Lacie Carpenter.

Speaking of 6 fiddles, here's a fun night in Nashville just last week:

What you really want is six banjos and one fiddle. Yeah baby!

Not gonna make it this year.....new schedule, my weekend to work

DanCooke: "Cooke Custom Sewing will be there this year, and I should make it this year. Looking forward to reconnecting to all."

That's great to hear Dan! I'll stand next to your booth and shout praises for your gear all day long for free!