A whole lot of us on this board live in the Chicago area. Any interest in a wing night among us?

Yes If other things did not interfere I would attend. Put me down as a 60% chance of attending.
MagicPaddler

I might come.

I'd attend.

I would make every effort to be there. It all depends on the night and location, I live two hours west of Chicago but am in the area on biz all the time so I could plan to make it.

Keep us posted and give enough advance warning and I will make plans.

What nite works best, weekends or during the week. What part of the area?

Ah, there's the rub. Our friends over at Canoe Country occasionally hold a platyfest (long story) and have generally found that a location in the Western Burbs plays best. Downers Grove. Awful for me (I live North) but perhaps a resonable compromise. Week nights seem best.

I'm in. Not too bad of a drive from NW Indiana.

I'd probably make it depending on the night.

As Beemer mentioned, a west location has been used for canoe country platyfests (a wing night under a different name). This has been handy for many and there are restaurants/bars that have given us a room to ourselves. But, I will try to make it where ever and when ever you so choose. Just let us know....bring your maps, pictures, and stories and let's exchange ideas and dreams!

I am with beemmer from the north but anywhere will work for me. Thursdays are the only nite i can not make it because of school. But other than that i'm all in.

How about April 22nd. It is a Wednesday, a few weeks after Easter. It is also Earth Day so a great day to celebrate great times in the boundary waters! Sounds like there is a potential for a dozen or so people. Lets pick a date then firm up the location to suit all!

I'm originally from chicago and come up there all the time. If I'm in the hood I'll be there

That could be alot of fun. I'm north burbs-Lake Villa-But so what? I'll keep watching.

If you guys are considering meeting somewhere north of Chicago, you could almost call this a Chigago/Milwaukee area outing.

I live in Wheeling, wouldn't be a chore to attend. Let me know.

April 22 works for me, my birthday, but what the heck. To old to remember how many it is anyway. How about everyone else the 22nd work for you. How about 7:30. Traffic may cause some to have a hard time getting there any earlier. Anyone from the Downers grove area and know of place along the I 88 corridor.

Not sure if the 22nd will work for me. I travel a lot and have a trip planned for the 21st thru the 23rd. But who knows, plans change all the time. I'll plan on going if I'm in town.

I am too far South for a mid-week. Have fun!!

What about Peoria? That is fairly close to Chicago!

........Just kidding........

April 22 works for me.

I will be gone to Puerto Rico on a mission trip with my son returning the 22nd. Obviously, that date is out for me. But, have fun and enjoy your time! I will look forward to the next one for sure.

Ok -Puerto Rico is out for me- If there is a north side push, I'm for Palatine or maybe Schaumburg-(Schaumburg's actually not a bad idea.) Doesn't matter actually. We're sposed to be paddlers right?

Im out in Naperville, to the west of Chicago. Count me in if not flying.

There's got to be a Buffalo Wild Wings or a Hooters close enough so everybody can attend.

There is a Buffalo Wild Wings in Lombard on Roosevelt Road in between HW 355 & Rt 83. Or there is a Hooters on Butterfield Road near Hw 355 & Hw 88. Other wise there is a Hooters in Schaumburg near Hw 53 and Hw 90 near the Ikea. Or another Buffalo Wild Wings in Elmhurst near Hw 290/Hw 294. Most are easily accessible from the Highway for people coming from farther away. I can not say for certain either place has an area for bigger groups. But both are larger places with lots of tables. Either place potentially could be busy with the Cubs and Sox both playing night games along with the potential for playoff hockey. An early start would be benefical.

April 22 works for me. There is a new Buffalo Wild Wings in Waukegan just off I94, but that may be too far north for some. Beemer, we could car-pool from Lake Forest if you want.

The 22 works for me also, it looks like canoe42,beemer,spottedowl and myself (crutch 5)could all car pool. lake bluff, lake forest, lake villa, and gurnee. That's a hell of a crew!!

Sign me up too.
I'll take the drive down.
Did I hear Gurnee?

Gurnee is about half way between Milwaukee and Chicago. If that is to be the spot, I suggest reposting the title of this thread, and drawing some of the Miklwaukee area members down.

I live west in St Charles. I don't know if the 22 will work for me but will try.

if thats the case, this milwaukee member would be down to go. but being around that time, it will still be very up in the air for me. april 22nd may end up working for me, cause i dont think i have any exams around that date. i'll have to see what happens though. kip, and izzy. possible carpool?

I have discussed a slightly different plan with daket and he said to ask the board. I have posted this idea on QJ and have some interest but it would be better if more people showed up.

Fun day Agenda
10:00 Meet in a park where you could show off your non boat gear and see others gear. What ever you use for canoeing, fishing or camping. I would hope some hammocks would show up and the place I am thinking about has many places to hang hammocks.
12:00 Eat your bag lunch and pack up your gear.
01:00 Move to the river for a paddle 2.5 miles away. This would be to paddle your own boat unless others offer to trade crafts for a while. We can go up stream about 2 hours then turn around and come back.
3:00 - 04:00 we load up and get off the river.
05:00 Arrive at restaurant and have a beer burger pizza or what ever.

People could come for all or any parts they wanted.

This would need to be on a weekend. The only place where I know of that would accommodate the 3 activities is near Lemont IL (Near I 55 and I 355).

Which would you be more likely to attend.
1 A : wing night B: Fun Day C: Both if they were more than a week apart.

MagicPaddler

I am not seeing a lot of interest yet in the Week/end thought so I will go ahead with plans for the 22nd of April @ approx. 7pm. I will get a venue in the western burbs so that no one has to drive extra far.....I hope. Hey you guys from Wisc., Ind., and Iowa are certainly welcome.

OK Crutch-but are you sure you Lake Forest boys could slum it? I'll designate drive my wifes' explorer (a moment of weakness-that's another story) if it works. Lake Villa to Gurnee to Lake Forest is logical. ROAD TRIP. Any day-anytime-anywhere.

OK I just called Buffalo Wild Wings at 207 East Roosevelt Road in Lombard. Its just of I-355. Just google it or go on the BWW website and search. They said if someone gets there about a 1/2 hr ahead they can set up enough tables to accommodate us. By the way they asked to make it a No Trace left behind. So come one come all. Sounds like spotted owl will make it a memorable evening.

I grew up in Lombard, I'll definitely try to make it.

sounds good spottedowl. Hey, did you grow up in this area? I am a life long resident of the lake villa antioch area and your name sure sounds familar. I guess we can wait and see if canoe42 and mister beemer are in. talk to ya later crutch.

I'll be there. Bring your maps, stories, tall tales and pictures!

Crutch- Arlington Hgts-St Viator grad. Been up here about twenty years. There is another guy with same last name around here.

I could get there before hand to make sure there is some tables saved. Just need to know how many approximately. Dalet, Let me know if you need any help coordinating or getting there early.

I will be there.
Dalet thanks for doing the leg work and all.
MagicPaddler

I could get there beforehand as well-like two days in the pub-just kidding- so, is it firmed up for the 22nd?

I do remember that last name and i think i have met the other kenney before but i think it was spelled Kinney. You must be an Irish laddy! I guess the party is on!!! I will keep in touch and shoot you an e-mail as the date draws near.

A st viator grad huh! My son graduated from carmel four years ago and Viator was a huge rivalry.

Lots of fun at the football games!!

Later Crutch.

thought I would bump this to the top, in case some have not seen it and would like to join us.

Just to firm up it's on the 22nd where now?

Buffalo Wild Wings at 207 East Roosevelt Road in Lombard. Its just of I-355. Just google it or go on the BWW website and search.

hey crutch, ya got room for your old apprentice?

I will certainly try to make it. I'll see if I can weasel my way out of work early to get there. Someone's got to keep an eye on Wolf to make sure he doesn't get out of hand. It will be great to match faces with the names I see on this site and swap some stories and info. I second the thanks to Dalet. I'm looking forward to this.

Well Bill you won't have to worry, I won't be able make it. I have a class on Wednesdays Nights. Have fun & do get to carried away Bill, you know what happens when you do.

Mister pork eater, i have had many old apprentices. I always have room for another. I looked up your profile and you do not have your personal info on there. Who are you, Who Who, Who Who, i really want to know!!

If needed, we could take my Yukon XL from Lake Forest. It seats 8. I will probably have 2 going, so there is still room for 6. Is there a time set yet?

The rest of you guys had better start a helluva fire in front of the eating joint cause DaleT couldn't find his arse in in a pair of Dockers....I know he had us lost for 7 days last summer in the Quet. Be sure and ask him about his tackle choices for the trip. We pulled a second canoe for tackle that never saw the light of day. Dale is my Brother by another mother we had agreat time as friends always do . Enjoy the wings and company......Joe G

I'm Lake Villa and don't mind driving. Nice explorer at my call. I'm thinking Crutch is with me, but will take a couple hikers. Should be alot of fun.

Crutch it's chris

Whaaaats Up Cris. I thought that was you but i had to be sure. Pretty cool site huh. Hey i was trying to find that lake you were talking about by the moose lake scout camp. According to my maps,it looks like it could have been flash lake or sommers lake but that is kind of a haul from the camp.

Thought I would bump this to the top as a reminder that the Chicago area wing night is only a week away. April 22 at 7 PM at the Buffalo Wild Wing at 207 Roosevelt Road in Lombard. It will be just east of I-355. If I could get a roll call of those who think they may be able to attend I will get there early and get them to put some tables together.

canoe42 with be there. Leaving from the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff area with room for 6. cya there

I went by Buffalo Wild Wings tonight and it is 1.3 miles east of
I-355, on the south side of the street. See you all there.

How many rods?

Count two of us in!

I'm 90% sure I'll be there. My better half might be in tow too. I'll bring my cool rock to pass around.

canoe42 will be there 4 sure. If anyone wants to catch a ride and duff it, send me an e-mail. we will ship out at 6pm.

Because of the non stop rain on Tuesday (today) I will need to put in an 11 or possibly 12 hour workday on Wed. I'm most definitly out now. Too bad, I was looking forward to it.

Tom T....sorry to hear that I was looking foward to meeting the you, but making a living comes first.

I was going to make the drive North but I have a long workday as well. I would have enjoyed meeting everyone.

C

I will be unable to attend due to prior commitments, but would definately be interested in the next one.

I'm still planning on being there. How will we know where our group is? Small camp fire maybe. Do we need name tags?

It was a great evening talking with other people who have a passion for canoe tripping. I enjoyed meeting each of you. In attendance were Beamer, Dale, 2 for Camoe42, and me.
MagicPaddler

Was really great to meet everyone last night at the wing night. Wish more could have made it. Beemer thanks for the info on my trip area you shared. Magic, I was in awe of your feats. And canoe42 it was great to meet you both and I am envious of your family memories you have built over the years canoeing. I learned a lot from each of you last night. I would hope we could do this again.

I was planning on going, but that nasty four letter word (work) got in the way. Maybe next time. Looking forward to it.

Hopefully next time it can be on the weekend.

i recognize beemer...whos who beyond that?

From right to left in the picture.

Magic paddler, Beemer01, Dalet, Mr. and Mrs. Canoe42.

By the magic I read the article in BWJ today about your trip. Very awesome, my hat is off to you.

thanks dalet.

Yeah, I read that BWJ story about bushwacking into the Q and that was pretty cool. Some real adventurin' there.

It was just bad luck I couldn't make this one. It's the busiest time of the year with my business now. We should try to do another around July.

That was a cool article magicpaddler, what a bushwhack!