BWCA.com friends, time to start planning this spring's get-together. Since Lithuanian Park is no longer available, Bobbwca and I are looking to hold this year's event at Sugar River Forest Preserve.

There are both electric hookup sites in the campground and primitive carry-in sites by the river. Since not everyone will want to haul all their gear down to the primitive sites, we're assuming the best option is to grab a group of adjacent sites in the campground.

Unfortunately, the Winnebago County Forest Preserve doesn't take campsite reservations until May 1. Our best bet will be for Bob and me to get there early Friday and work with the campground host to find a block of adjacent sites.

With this in mind, the first thing we'll need to do is get a headcount. Who's in?

https://winnebagoforest.org/preserves/sugar-river/

I’m in

If I'm not turkey hunting ill be there. Not gonna camp overnight.....only 15 minute drive for me. Two boat landings up river for trips. One off the back side of Colored Sands on Yale Bridge road and another across the state line off Nelson Road.

I will try and make it. Do they have enough trees for hanging hammocks? Or are hammocks even allowed there.

Tony

Im in 50 %.
Went to doctor today. Gotta get a new knee. Not sure when. Blutofish. Tony look forward to meeting

Tony: "I will try and make it. Do they have enough trees for hanging hammocks? Or are hammocks even allowed there.


Tony"

Plenty of trees!

yogi59weedr: "Im in 50 %.
Went to doctor today. Gotta get a new knee. Not sure when. Blutofish. Tony look forward to meeting
"

Got both mine replaced in 2019. The new ones work great in the BWCA!

while this Lithuanian is sorry to hear the old place is gone, this looks pretty cool. I'm a "maybe" at this point.

Yogi59weedr,

I had both knees replaced last spring. Feb 6th and March 19th. The orthopaedic surgeon at Rush Memorial is one of the best in the country. He does minimally invasive surgery. I walked out of the hospital as out patient 3 hours after surgery. Highly recommend. He doesn’t take Medicare and I was retiring in June ... so I pulled the trigger on both knees. I was going to have to leave company insurance and go Medicare + Supplemental Insurance so I had to jam 2 knees in for replacement. Was one of the last patients to have knee replacement as Covid shut down all but essential surgeries starting March 20.

Only 3.5 inch scar and doing well. Don’t wait. With good surgeon and aggressive physical therapy... you should be good to go. In fact, I did a BWCA LLC no portage 2 week trip the last week of June and over the 4th of July.

Put me down to make it.

May try hammock hanging at this event after tenting in Quetico for 41 years. Hammocking not as tough on your knees I am told. LOL

I’m a “maybe”....looks like a very nice place

Wally, aka mike. Do you know where the MaIn Event in Bettendorf is?.
I'm just a cross the river in Hampton.

Looks like a good reason to fry up some fish

yogi59weedr,

Sure do know where the Main Event is. I know where Hampton is too. I didn’t know you were from the Quad Cities.

We should get together got a beer or coffee.

I am really in need of a wing event and looking forward to being there. I will confirm in April and will be hanging. And bringing a Warbonnet blackbird setup if anyone wants to try it out. I sleep in the ridgerunner now.

I'm in I'll try and drag a couple of my bwca buddies along we'll see.

blutofish1: " Looks like a good reason to fry up some fish"

I can't wait and looking forward to it. I hope you bring a bunch

mcsweem: "I'm in I'll try and drag a couple of my bwca buddies along we'll see. "

Mike, looking forward to meeting you in person after all these years!

George,

I believe I did meet you many years ago at one of your Rockford get togethers. I think it was at Lithuanian Club hangout. Had a great time meeting fellow BWCA paddlers over a few beers.

I wasn’t able to make your Rockford weekend camp outs. The calendar dates unfortunately overlapped with corn and soybean planting in NW Illinois. I was an agricultural chemical salesman for 40 years and the last week of April thru the 2nd week of May is one of the busiest times of the year for farming.

Well, I retired last year and I am now looking forward to making many NW Illinois Wing Nights. You have a great bunch of folks up there.

Karen and I will be there. We have camped there before. Nice place.

I'll be there, I live just down the road.

I am brand new to this group. You can blame Wally13. He invited me. I will plan to attend the 2021 Northern Illinois Wingnite 4/30 - 5/2.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Add me as a probably. ;-)

Gotta get to this one, its only a 1200 yard portage if I cut through the woods.

It will be great to meet some new faces as well as getting together with some not so new ones.

I agree Tony.

bump

I can probably come up with 10 or 15 pounds of crappie and bluegill.

Blutofish.

That would be awesome. My wife’s from Crawfordsville. I used to catch lots of crappie and bluegill on a small pond near Coatesville. I miss ice fishing around there too.

Looking forward to visiting with u at Wing Nite.

BOILER UP!

Only 20 minutes or so from Coatesville. I fish Catarac Lake a bunch. Last spring was the best its ever been.

Nice bunch of fish. Perfect for a fish fry.

I remember fishing Lake Monroe for slab crappie and bluegill back in the early 80’s. We froze em in water in 1/2 gal milk cartons. Big block of ice with filets mixed in. The best sweetest tasting fish ... firm flesh too when caught in the winter ice fishing with wax worms.

I can remember when my brother in law got one of the 1st Rapala electric filet knives. Now that was the cats meow. We could rip thru a 5 gal bucket full in no time. LOL.

I will have to trade you some Iowa or Wisconsin beer for a few of your fish. Should be fun.

Don’t laugh if you see an old guy struggling setting up his new hammock. Been a tenter fir 40 years and I have to learn some Hammocking tips.

Wally.
Got a appointment with the orthopedic specialist for February 25th....minimally evasive. Have you fished at Lost Grove lake for crappie?

If Tony is bringing pounds of bluegill, I'm there for sure. I remember last time we were all standing around grabbing pieces of fish off the plate as soon as he removed them from the oil. YUM!

If Tony is bringing pounds of bluegill, I'm there for sure. I remember last time we were all standing around grabbing pieces of fish off the plate as soon as he removed them from the oil. YUM!

Chicagored: "If Tony is bringing pounds of bluegill, I'm there for sure. I remember last time we were all standing around grabbing pieces of fish off the plate as soon as he removed them from the oil. YUM!"

I'll be making heirloom corn hushpuppies to go with the bluegill fillets!

Bonvicken: "

Chicagored: "If Tony is bringing pounds of bluegill, I'm there for sure. I remember last time we were all standing around grabbing pieces of fish off the plate as soon as he removed them from the oil. YUM!"

I'll be making heirloom corn hushpuppies to go with the bluegill fillets!
"

George, they were the best I've ever had. Can't wait.

George and Tony making fish and hushpuppies ... Friday Night Fish Fry ?

Ok, now the rest of us have to step up for a Saturday night supper.

Calling all chefs ... anyone have suggestions for the group meal on Saturday. I will help.

Wally13: "George and Tony making fish and hushpuppies ... Friday Night Fish Fry ?


Ok, now the rest of us have to step up for a Saturday night supper.


Calling all chefs ... anyone have suggestions for the group meal on Saturday. I will help. "

I’ll bring my weber bullet smoker & do a couple pork butts.

yogi59weedr,

No, I haven't fished Long Grove Lake in Eldridge for crappie. I bet its pretty good?

George,

Let me know how you like to handle group Wing Nite meals for the weekend?

Everyone bring a dish to share ? Some bring desserts, some will do breakfast ?

Lunch on your own ?

Didn't know if it was an organized effort.

Not speaking for George but, we usually have a pot luck on Saturday evening.

Oh, George's pull pork is very good as are his hushpuppies. Check his band out on youtube. Swingbilly RFD

We will probably get there on Wednesday or Thursday. Will shower facilities be open?

Canoe42: "We will probably get there on Wednesday or Thursday. Will shower facilities be open?"

I'll get out there a week or so early and check on the showers. Probably depends on the weather. If they're closed the river isn't far away!

Bump

bump

I'd like to try to attend if I am not working. Will follow this thread for more info.

I had a very vivid dream last night. I had forgotten the fish and I was running around Rockford trying to buy some bluegill. I don't know if I found any because I woke up.

blutofish1,

Too funny.

blutofish1: " I had a very vivid dream last night. I had forgotten the fish and I was running around Rockford trying to buy some bluegill. I don't know if I found any because I woke up."

I'm glad you woke up before arriving with no fish....there could have been bloodshed.

I am planning on making my 1st.
Plan on bringing some Italian beef made with venison.
If this stuff was a band it would be a rock star.

How is your knee doing?

Getting it replaced July 7th.
The earliest they were gonna do it was April 10th.
I said no way , that's not enough time for rehab .
Im not going to give up my overnight motor for Basswood.

yogi59weedr: "I am planning on making my 1st.
Plan on bringing some Italian beef made with venison.
If this stuff was a band it would be a rock star."

Never thought to try that. Do you follow a standard italian beef recipe or do you make changes.

Just a packet or two of this stuff in a slow cooker.

Hope to share these with everyone. Ms. fishing trip last week.

Im in.

yogi59weedr: "Im in."

Cliff, It was tough fishing, we probably only had 40 keepers in 6 days but, if you want that 3 pounder this is the lake to fish. No 3's but alot of 2's and 1 and a halfs.

Any up dates?

Drove by there today on rounds. Warned the farmer down the road that a bunch of crazy canoe people would invade the neighborhood in a couple weeks.

Wish I could join you all.
My highlight these days, is the grocery store.

Looking forward to my first wing thing....

My son and I will be attending.

Sounds like all the main courses are accounted for, so I will plan on bringing a dessert or 2 and maybe some snacks. ;-) At some point, an updated head count would be useful.

m

Gonna try and make it with the gf. She’s not the sleeping on a 1” air mattress type, so I might have to make an investment in something cozier that fits in my tent less than a king size bed. If sleeping arrangements can be figured out, I’m kinda hopin this could lead to some other camping trips to some spots in Wi. She’s not humpin a canoe over her head on a muddy portage trail, this I know, but if I can ease her into it, so to speak, it might pay some dividends and lead to some future fun adventures. We will def hang and party if we make it. That’s my plan for now. Put me down for an almost maybe. I know it’s a fun time.

Its looking like I will have the wife along if the weather is decent. Also, I noticed that there is a discount for seniors at the campground if we can use that in some way.

from scanning this thread, this is what I came up with regarding attendance:
awbrown 1
bhouse46 1
blutofish 2
bobbwca 2
bonvicken 2
Canoe42 2
Chicagored 2
cowdoc 1
DownStrm 2
giddyup 1 (maybe)
GloryDays 1
HowardSprague 1 (maybe)
Marten 1
McSweem 3
Portage99 1 (maybe)
scat 2
Tony 1
Wally13 1
Yogi59weedr 1
TOTAL 28 with 19 vehicles (!)
Just so everyone is clear, this will be the first time we've done this thing at a place other than Lithuanian Park. Lith Park was easy, as there were no rules/restrictions, just camp wherever you want and don't be an a'hole. This year will be different, as everyone will need to get a site. When I checked on site reservations earlier this year, I was told that reservations don't open up until May 1, but I just checked the website, entered April 30-May1 and there are plenty of reserveable sites. There are also primitive sites next to the river for those of us who want to be a little more 'backwoods-ey', you'll have to haul your gear down a path 100 yds or so. Carts/wagons are allowed.
Since there are so many individuals that are planning on going, it might be a good idea to double up on sites. Save a bit of $ and hang with your friends.
We've still got some logistical issues to figure out, i.e. where to do the potluck and what the canoe route will be. Regarding the potluck, there are shelters but they're not by the campground, so using a shelter might be a bit of a pain. Bob and I will look things over this weekend to see if there's a suitable spot at/near the campground.
Regarding the canoeing route for Saturday, if we want to take out at the park where we're camping, the best option is probably the boat launch across the state line in Wisconsin. Only problem with this is the take-out at the forest preserve is a bit tricky; the stern paddler usually needs to wet-foot it. Shouldn't be a problem for this seasoned crew.
Let me know if I've got the list and number of attendees correct. Looking forward to seeing everybody in a couple weeks!
George



Sugar River Camping.
Sugar River Campsite Reservations

George and Bob thanks for doing the leg work on this I looked at the site and I noticed the primitive sites are non-reservable so if you get there early can you book three or four sites or can you only book one? I can bring a couple cook custom sewing tarps if we want to make a tarp menagerie for the potluck.

Tony

River is very high right now. The Nelson Road landing may be under water. Should settle down by then. Very meandering river with lots of sweepers, side channels and oxbows. Pretty wild area...I don't think there is a dwelling along that stretch and only one bridge (Yale Bridge Road) where this is another boat landing.
Its not that far by road and looks even shorter as the crow flies but the number of curves in the river adds up the milage. Current is pretty quick right now but should slow as the river drops.

IMHO, with this large crowd, it might make sense to get a shelter. Would prevent us from disturbing other campers and it would give us plenty of space.

Chicagored: "IMHO, with this large crowd, it might make sense to get a shelter. Would prevent us from disturbing other campers and it would give us plenty of space."

Good call. Bob and I are going out to the park Saturday afternoon to try to get a handle on logistics. There's a really nice shelter there, built of stone probably by the CCC back in the day. It's a bit of a distance from the campground, but not far by BWCA standards!

cowdoc: "River is very high right now. The Nelson Road landing may be under water. Should settle down by then. Very meandering river with lots of sweepers, side channels and oxbows. Pretty wild area...I don't think there is a dwelling along that stretch and only one bridge (Yale Bridge Road) where this is another boat landing.
Its not that far by road and looks even shorter as the crow flies but the number of curves in the river adds up the milage. Current is pretty quick right now but should slow as the river drops.
"

Thanks for the info, Cowdoc. I've been listening to the NOAA broadcasts, and the Pec just below the mouth of the Sugar at Shirland is supposed to crest at 11.5 feet later this week (flood stage is 12). The Sugar at Brodhead crested yesterday at 3.17 feet (flood stage is 5) and is dropping rapidly. Hopefully things will calm down by the end of the month. If not, we can camp, eat, drink beer and tell stories!
Pec at Shirland

Sugar at Brodhead

George and I went out and looked at the campground today. I reserved site 45. Its next to a outhouse and a hiking trail. If we reserved sites 42 through 47 and sites 8, 9, 10, and 11 we will have this area to ourselves.

The shower house will be open. We also looked at the shelters. The only problem with them is we would need to leave the campground and drive about 5 minutes to get to them. Every camp site has a picnic table and it might be better to just bring a few tables together to use for the potluck.

Hope this info helps.

I reserved campsite 46. If anyone wants to share the site let me know. We can have up to 3 tents on one site.

I reserved site 43.

Chicagored: "IMHO, with this large crowd, it might make sense to get a shelter. Would prevent us from disturbing other campers and it would give us plenty of space."

I checked out the ironwood shelter and it's 50.00 a day. A couple bucks per person if that's what we want to do.

George and Bob,

Any idea on the tree situation for hammock hanging on campsites still available ? I am going to try out my new Warbonnet Hammock for the 1st time.

Three other guys coming are planning on Hammocking too ( magicpaddler, bhouse46, and glorydays).

This is a pic of the site I reserved (43). Looks like a lot of choices for hanging. If anyone who is not a loud snorer want to share with a hammock, let me know.

m

Chicagored: "This is a pic of the site I reserved (43). Looks like a lot of choices for hanging. If anyone who is not a loud snorer want to share with a hammock, let me know.


m



"

Same here

Wally13: "George and Bob,


Any idea on the tree situation for hammock hanging on campsites still available ? I am going to try out my new Warbonnet Hammock for the 1st time.


Three other guys coming are planning on Hammocking too ( magicpaddler, bhouse46, and glorydays). "

There are plenty of trees for hammocks.

Wally13: "George and Bob,


Any idea on the tree situation for hammock hanging on campsites still available ? I am going to try out my new Warbonnet Hammock for the 1st time.


Three other guys coming are planning on Hammocking too ( magicpaddler, bhouse46, and glorydays). "

There are plenty of trees to hang. Pretty much any campsite you choose will have trees. I'll be sleeping in my Blackbird XLC. Love that thing, I sleep better in it than my bed at home.

Tony: "George and Bob thanks for doing the leg work on this I looked at the site and I noticed the primitive sites are non-reservable so if you get there early can you book three or four sites or can you only book one? I can bring a couple cook custom sewing tarps if we want to make a tarp menagerie for the potluck.

Tony"

Tony, I'm not sure on the multiple reservation thing, not sure where you're going with that. Yeah, bring the CCS tarps in case of rain. Bob and I decided NOT to reserve the shelter, it's quite a ways from the campground and it'd be kind of a pain to haul everything over there to eat and then haul it all back. We'll be able to set something up. If anyone's got any easy-ups, bring them. We'll carry some picnic tables to whatever common location we choose for the potluck, I think that'll work ok.

Confirmed site 42 this morning. Wally13 and I will be setting up Friday afternoon. Magic Paddler is also joining. All Warbonnet hangers.
I will make an egg bake in 2 qt dutch oven for breakfast Saturday.
With several hangers in the group I hope we can share what we are doing. Some kind of show and tell guided tour?

i reserved Site 44

Sounds like fun, but I can't make it this year.

Credit Card for Online Purchases Only)

Sugar River $15/unit $25/unit
Senior (62 and over) & disabled $13/unit $23/unit
Electric hookup (additional) $8/unit $8/unit
Primitive $13/unit $23/unit
Primitive-Senior (62 and over) & disabled $11/unit $21/unit
3 unit per site maximum (Tent-max of 3; RV-max of 1 & up to 2 tents)
FYI The fees in the campground are listed as per unit and not per site. Each unit (tent etc.) will probably pay the unit fee. This can be checked out so there are not last minute suprises. I noted some mentioned sharing a site to save $$.

We just reserved #9

Dave ... cool trailer setup

nojobro: "Sounds like fun, but I can't make it this year. "

What Nola did not mention is that her daughter is going through a very serious and very expensive medical situation. There is another thread in the general discussion group that discusses this in more detail. While there is insurance, the ongoing treatment has clearly created a severe financial strain on the family. A go fund me account has been established for her benefit that has not yet reached its goal. Nola and her family are all good people and I would urge any of us who can afford it to throw a few dollars her way.

https://gofund.me/d2359765

mitch

Canoe42: "We just reserved #9
"

Is That a TC?

blutofish1: " I reserved campsite 46. If anyone wants to share the site let me know. We can have up to 3 tents on one site."

I would be interested in sharing your site with you if you have room I will have my hammock. I would hate to reserve a site just for one hammock.

If it's no trouble could you pick up two 12 packs of yuengling beer for me I will pay you when I get there.

Thanks see you in a couple weeks well actually I think it's about a week.

Tony

Not a problem at all. We need to check and see if there is any additional charge for a hammock. I will pick up the beer for you.

Tony: "

blutofish1: " I reserved campsite 46. If anyone wants to share the site let me know. We can have up to 3 tents on one site."

I would be interested in sharing your site with you if you have room I will have my hammock. I would hate to reserve a site just for one hammock.


If it's no trouble could you pick up two 12 packs of yuengling beer for me I will pay you when I get there.


Thanks see you in a couple weeks well actually I think it's about a week.


Tony"

Keep the beer in your trunk. It's illegal to drink beer in the Forest Preserves.

Called the folks at the Forest Preserve. Very friendly and helpful. To clarify units per site and fees.
Each sleeping unit, hammock or tent is charged the appropriate fee. Having 3 units, tent or hammock will require payment of the fee for 3 units. See Martens fee list above. She advised there will be staff in the area to make any adjustments on site.

The website reads alcohol is allowed but intoxication is not.

bhouse46: "Called the folks at the Forest Preserve. Very friendly and helpful. To clarify units per site and fees.
Each sleeping unit, hammock or tent is charged the appropriate fee. Having 3 units, tent or hammock will require payment of the fee for 3 units. See Martens fee list above. She advised there will be staff in the area to make any adjustments on site."

I just sent them a message and they responded the same.

I reserved site 47. However, the website rejected my attempt to reserve it for 4/30, so I only have it reserved for 5/1. It was 12:01 AM when I finalized my request. It rejected 4/30 for being inside of the 7-day-advance requirement. I still plan on arriving on 4/30.

If you are going to reserve a campsite for the night of 5/1, you need to do it, today, April 24th. (before midnight!)

Blatz: "

Canoe42: "We just reserved #9
"

Is That a TC?"

Yes

DownStrm ... good to know. Thanks for reservation update. Looking forward to meeting you and other paddler/campers this weekend.

Tony, give me a call. 317-272-0172

I just spoke to Tony and wally 13 on the phone. What great guys, I've camped with Tony but, never met wally13. What a great conversations we had. You all are awesome. Pardon my hillbillyness. I am from Indiana.

DownStrm: "I reserved site 47. However, the website rejected my attempt to reserve it for 4/30, so I only have it reserved for 5/1. It was 12:01 AM when I finalized my request. It rejected 4/30 for being inside of the 7-day-advance requirement. I still plan on arriving on 4/30.


If you are going to reserve a campsite for the night of 5/1, you need to do it, today, April 24th. (before midnight!)


"

If you need a place to stay I'm on site 46 with a big tent.

Is there an outdoor grill at each campsite?

Was thinking of bringing some charcoal and grilling something Friday or Saturday night or lunch.

Wally13: "Is there an outdoor grill at each campsite?


Was thinking of bringing some charcoal and grilling something Friday or Saturday night or lunch. "

Each campsite has a table and fire ring. I haven't seen grills in the camp area. I'm planning on bringing a small charcoal grill for same reason. Bring a small bag of charcoal and you can use it.

Thanks Bob

Wally13: "Is there an outdoor grill at each campsite?


Was thinking of bringing some charcoal and grilling something Friday or Saturday or lunight nch. "

Don't think you will need to cook anything Friday night. Unless you don't like fish and hushpuppies. Looks like I have about 15 lbs. of crappie and some bluegill for reserve. Great talking to ya yesterday. You can fix my lunch Saturday if you wish.

If conditions are right, what time will people want to go paddling?...on Saturday?

blutofish1: " The website reads alcohol is allowed but intoxication is not."

Guess it's been a few years since I got a ticket. Used to be they didn't allow any liquor. That makes things a bit more tolerable.

blutofish1: "

Don't think you will need to cook anything Friday night. Unless you don't like fish and hushpuppies. Looks like I have about 15 lbs. of crappie and some bluegill for reserve. Great talking to ya yesterday. You can fix my lunch Saturday if you wish. "

Right now, I am planning to arrive between 4:30 and 5:00 on Friday. What time were you thinking for your Friday night fish fry? Don't want to miss it!!!

blutofish1: "

DownStrm: "I reserved site 47. However, the website rejected my attempt to reserve it for 4/30, so I only have it reserved for 5/1. It was 12:01 AM when I finalized my request. It rejected 4/30 for being inside of the 7-day-advance requirement. I still plan on arriving on 4/30.



If you are going to reserve a campsite for the night of 5/1, you need to do it, today, April 24th. (before midnight!)



"

If you need a place to stay I'm on site 46 with a big tent."

Blutofish1,
Thanks for the kind offer. Hoping to set up on 47.

I plan on fixing some baked beans to add to the fish and hushpuppies for Friday.

Chicagored: "

blutofish1: "

Don't think you will need to cook anything Friday night. Unless you don't like fish and hushpuppies. Looks like I have about 15 lbs. of crappie and some bluegill for reserve. Great talking to ya yesterday. You can fix my lunch Saturday if you wish. "

Right now, I am planning to arrive between 4:30 and 5:00 on Friday. What time were you thinking for your Friday night fish fry? Don't want to miss it!!!" I plan on being there around 4 or so. We will set up camp then. We will wait on you.

You are the man. ;-)

Hi everyone,

I was hoping to meet everyone. The school where I work moved up their graduation to this weekend. We are required to attend the graduation. So, unfortunately, I cannot make it! Maybe next year. I hope everybody has a great time.

Portage99,

Sorry you can't make it to Wing Night 2021. Hope to see you next next year.

Just weighed my fish
15 lbs. I'M so looking forward to this. You are awesone, can't wait.

Room for one more???? Trip planed for 3 months just went down the crapper. Guess that means I can come hang out with this group of "wing nuts" ! I see there is still a couple of sites in the group but cant reserve due to 7 days advance. I'm a hanger, hoping to squeeze in on a site if I cant get one Friday. Anything we are short for the pot luck I could bring? Any last minute equipment needed?
Will be great to see everyone again!
Frank

Frank, pretty sure you can get a site. If not I’ll be at site 46. Be good to see ya

Flatlandpaddler: "Room for one more???? Trip planed for 3 months just went down the crapper. Guess that means I can come hang out with this group of "wing nuts" ! I see there is still a couple of sites in the group but cant reserve due to 7 days advance. I'm a hanger, hoping to squeeze in on a site if I cant get one Friday. Anything we are short for the pot luck I could bring? Any last minute equipment needed?
Will be great to see everyone again!
Frank"

Frank, sorry bout the trip but glad you’re coming. I’m hanging as wellsnd didn’t nake a res. Planning on squatting on Bob’s site!
Im sure you won’t have a problem finding somewhere to hang. The walk-in sites by the riverare non-reservable and kinda cool if you don’t mind walking a bit.
See y’all tomorrow! 15 lb of bluegill, holy shit! I’ll be grinding corn tonight for hush puppies. Yummmmmm!
Geo

Thanks George. Sounds like an epic fish fry this year! If you and Tony need a fry cook i'm always in. Trips come and go but there's only one Rockford Wing Weekend!

25-30mph winds, gusts to 40 for Saturday. Think ill skip canoeing and just chat with a beer.

I see that wind advisory too Cowdoc.

Umm. Should I skip our paddle ?

I'll have my racks on and will be happy to shuttle 2 canoes and 4 people up to boat ramp for those who still want to go.

Great weekend . WOW, what a great group of people we have, Kirk and I have to start fishing so we can do this next year. Thanks everyone for all the great food. What a group effort we had. P.S. I have more jerky Dave. Frank, I found an unopened BELL'S amber ale left at the campsite and I'm drinking it as I type this

blutofish1: " Great weekend . WOW, what a great group of people we have, Kirk and I have to start fishing so we can do this next year. Thanks everyone for all the great food. What a group effort we had. P.S. I have more jerky Dave. Frank, I found an unopened BELL'S amber ale left at the campsite and I'm drinking it as I type this "

OMG still laughing!

One of the best times I've had.

Did anyone smuggle a camera into this illustrious outdoor event?

blutofish1: " Great weekend . WOW, what a great group of people we have, Kirk and I have to start fishing so we can do this next year. Thanks everyone for all the great food. What a group effort we had. P.S. I have more jerky Dave. Frank, I found an unopened BELL'S amber ale left at the campsite and I'm drinking it as I type this "

Tony my friend I would expect nothing different! I'm so glad my other plans fell through. One of the best get togethers yet! I hope my brother Kirk in now a reguler. Food was amazing and plentiful! Bob and George thanks for the scouting and getting this together!

What a great group of people and great way to kick off the paddling season!

Really enjoyed our Northern IL Wing Night this weekend. Great food, great weather, and best of all ... great comaraderie.

I didn't take any pics but I took a video on my IPhone . However, I don't know how to download a 164 MB video in this thread. So I picked out some single shots from the video.

I only have about half of the folks at the Wing Night in my pics. Hope someone has some other pics of our event.

Again great time.

Forgot Bob ...

Looks like a great time. Sorry I missed it!

Had a great time at this year's Illinois wing night thanks to George and Bob for hosting the event and thanks to everyone who showed up. I can't believe how many hammockers we had at this wing night. I think I counted seven or eight hangers. Hope to see you all again next year.

Tony

Anita and I had a wonderful time. It was great to see all of you. It was amazing how normal it felt to get together with so many good friends for the first time in more than a year. And a hearty well done to both George and Bob for planning a weekend with such great weather!

Chicagored: "Anita and I had a wonderful time. It was great to see all of you. It was amazing how normal it felt to get together with so many good friends for the first time in more than a year. And a hearty well done to both George and Bob for planning a weekend with such great weather!
"

Thanks for posting the photos, Mitch!

Anybody do any paddling? The wind was fierce on Saturday.

Great shots. Looked like a lot fun in a nice area to be outdoors.

Hi Mike,

Sent you an email, but your facebook account appears hacked.

I note to Wally13 - will you be circulating the list of names and email addresses that you collected? Curious minds want to know...

Couple more pics.

I will be circulating...