Canoecopia

They came from all around Wisconsin, from other states, and from Canada, too. Paddlers, canoe people, kayak people. Those with years of experience; those who’ve never set foot in a canoe or kayak.

They all converged on Madison, Wisconsin for the annual Canoecopia billed as the “World’s largest Kayak, Canoe and Outdoor Expo.” The Rutabaga Store in Madison sponsors the event and it hauls thousands of paddling enthusiasts out of their winter doldrums into the promise of spring and another season of on-the water fun.

There were umpteen opportunities for learning as well, with speakers sharing everything from wildlife photography to paddling Alaska’s North Slope, from kayak fishing to river trails of Wisconsin. Something for everyone, especially those looking for a little outdoor adventure and an opportunity to leave behind cellphones, laptops, and ipads.

I shared a bit of our adventures in the Boundary Waters Canoe area where my son, Steve and I have canoed for more than 25 years—stories from my book, Campfires and Loon Calls. Lots of interest; lots of story sharing.

THE OLD TIMER SAYS: There is more to be gained from paddling a canoe than merely going from here to there.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 11, 2:00 p.m. Book talk and signing, Arcadia Bookstore, Spring Green. (Garden Wisdom)

March 17, 10-2:00 p.m. Rock River Gallery and Coffee House, Jefferson. (Garden Wisdom)

March 24. Central Wisconsin launch of Garden Wisdom at Patterson Memorial Library Wild Rose. Dinner at six. Contact the library for reservations: 920-622-3835. Presentation and book signing to follow.

March 31-April 1. Morton Arboretum (Thornhill Education Center), Chicago area. Presentation on vegetable gardening, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on March 31. Sunday, April 1, 1:30-3:30 features a vegetable gardening workshop, with tips on planting and caring for a vegetable garden. Additionally, Ruth will discuss preparing vegetables and fruits for canning and freezing.

April 12, 7:00 p.m. Mcmillan Library, Wisconsin Rapids. Garden Wisdom

April 13, 11:00 a.m. Larry Meiller Show, Wisconsin Public Radio. Broadcasting at Fox Cities Book Festival. Garden Wisdom.

April 13, 2:00 p.m. Fox Cities Book Festival, Neenah. Garden Wisdom

April 14, 10 a.m.-12 a.m., AAUW, Lacrosse, WI (Garden Wisdom)

April 15, 12:30 p.m. -2:00 p.m. Barnes and Noble, LaCrosse (Campfires and Loon Calls, and my newest book, Garden Wisdom)