Were not that far away from the wingnight/camp out! I'm starting a new post. The dates are May 3-5th. The location is 6802 42nd st. Rockford,IL 61109. I will have signs up directing you into the park. A weekend of canoeing the Kishwaukee River, and hanging out with other great people from this site! Saturday we will have a potluck dinner, so bring a dish to pass. If you're interested post here :)

We are in!

I am in!

Planning on it Bob. See ya'll there.

I drove over the river today on my way home from work. I think the drought is over. It looks more like Basswood Lake than a river!

quote bobbwca: "I drove over the river today on my way home from work. I think the drought is over. It looks more like Basswood Lake than a river!"

Ohhhhh-boy! I can't wait!

I plan on being there. Depends on how everything goes in the next month or so. Hopefully the wife will be joining me. I sure would like to meet everyone.

I think I can make it again. It was a good time last year.
Thanks Bob
MagicPaddler

Well...I'm going to be in and out of D.C. several times in Apr-May. If I'm here, I'll come up. As of now, I'm in Chi that weekend...

quote AndySG: "

quote bobbwca: "I drove over the river today on my way home from work. I think the drought is over. It looks more like Basswood Lake than a river!"

Ohhhhh-boy! I can't wait!"

Ooohhh boy!
(fixed it for you) ;)

Merri and I have a presentation for the DNR in Wisconsin Friday night so would most likely not be able to camp. Could we just show up for the paddling?

Mark

quote Mark2: "Merri and I have a presentation for the DNR in Wisconsin Friday night so would most likely not be able to camp. Could we just show up for the paddling?


Mark"

Yes! Come for as little or as long as you'd like.

I will be a +3 on this one. It was good seeing many of you last Saturday night in Madison. Seemed like a good time was had by all. I am looking forward to a few days of further inebriated important discussions.

All depends on if the Morels are popping up out west.

Bump! Come on folks, this will be FUN!

Being new to this forum, what is Spring Wing? What activities are going to be happening? Other info about it? Is it open to anyone?

quote OldFingers57: "Being new to this forum, what is Spring Wing? What activities are going to be happening? Other info about it? Is it open to anyone? "

As I understand it, this bulletin board grew out of on line conversations between a person in the military serving overseas and people he had never met. When the soldier returned home, he met his on line friends at a bar where they had buffalo wings. Those conversations morphed into the board in some fashion and whenever people arrange a get together through the bulletin board, it is referred to as a "wing night." Anyone can try to organize one, although in the past few years we have come to expect certain invitations. For example there was a wing night on Saturday during Canoecopia and we had a Chicago wing night about a month ago at a pizza place.

Last year, we had two weekend camp outs in the Illinois area, one organized by Andysg at a state park and one by Bobwca. I think Andy's will be moved to the fall. Bobbwca has access to what is a beautiful private park with pit toilets. Anyone is invited. You can stay and camp for the weekend or just come on Saturday and join the potluck dinner. There should be a canoe float down the river, starting at a public access point. People are free to organize any other activities. This is a very democratic organization. Otherwise we basically sit around and drink and eat and bs etc.

Anyone is invited, you can bring friends and family. Last year, there were several dogs and many children. I have been on the message board for about 3 years now and I personally have really enjoyed getting together a few times a year in person with the people I am talking to.

The only suggestion (not quite requirement) is that you post if you are coming and how many, so people have an idea how many will be attending the pot luck dinner on Saturday.

"Wing Nite" or weekends are joint efforts by members of this board to sit around the fire, eat, drink, and lie to each other!
The first such gathering was at a Buffalo Wing joint several years ago.
The sponsor of this particular conclave has a private park right on the Kishwaukee River at the southeast corner of Rockford IL.
There is plenty of camping space. If you have a boat, bring it along. Last year the folks paddled for a few hours on the river.
I arrived too late to paddle, but I definitely consumed my fill!

I am hoping that this years "Wing" or campout/get together what ever you want to call it, is as good or better than last years event! We will be doing a trip along the Kishwaukee River, most likely on Saturday. The campout will begin on Friday, sometime after 10 am. We will have food, a potluck of some sort,on Saturday, a nice campfire, and plenty of like minded people to hang out with for the weekend. If you can make it, come on out!

quote Canoe42: "All depends on if the Morels are popping up out west."

The Morels will be popping up at Bob's place, so you'd better be there for the harvest.

quote AndySG: "

quote Canoe42: "All depends on if the Morels are popping up out west."

The Morels will be popping up at Bob's place, so you'd better be there for the harvest."

I think you're confusing morels with beer cans.

If I still lived in Beloit, I would be there !!

For those with families...

For events like this, there is always talk about beer or drinking. And while there is beer and drinking, it's not a frat party. I bring my kids and am okay with it.

I did have to have a discussion with my older daughter after one of the Minnesota campouts, but actually it ended up being a good teaching moment, I think. I have been to quite a few wing events and that was the only thing I felt went a bit beyond (and I don't think this person posts here anymore).

Thinking about it

quote Woods Walker: "If I still lived in Beloit, I would be there !!"

I no longer live in Beloit, and I'll be there! :)

quote jcavenagh:
There is plenty of camping space. If you have a boat, bring it along. Last year the folks paddled for a few hours on the river.
I arrived too late to paddle, but I definitely consumed my fill!"

The way Winter is hanging on, Hot Chocolate, ice skates and toboggans might be more appropriate.

Hans Solo

I had planned on being there longer this year, but will only make it on Friday. Sat. is my husband's birthday and Sun. is my hometown's Firemen's breakfast, followed by our annual morel hunting day with the family. I can be there by 10:00 to help setup and spend most of the day. I'm thinking of bringing the snowshoes if this keeps up. (And yes, I remember finding morels in the snow several years).

quote QuietWaters: "I had planned on being there longer this year, but will only make it on Friday. Sat. is my husband's birthday and Sun. is my hometown's Firemen's breakfast, followed by our annual morel hunting day with the family. I can be there by 10:00 to help setup and spend most of the day. I'm thinking of bringing the snowshoes if this keeps up. (And yes, I remember finding morels in the snow several years)."

Looking forward to seeing you there Donna.

I was out there today. Heres some pics along the river.

It was so quiet out there, love this place!

quote bobbwca: "I was out there today. Heres some pics along the river.








"

Is the water up a lot right now? What kind of fish would one catch if one were to throw a line in there?

"Is the water up a lot right now? What kind of fish would one catch if one were to throw a line in there?"

The Kish is a jewel in a state that once used the Illinois River as a sewer for the city of Chicago! The Illinois DNR has designated it a Class A stream, meaning that the water is comparatively silt-free, for Illinois anyway. By no means a pristine stream but the fact that it supports a good population of smallmouth speaks volumes.

Besides smallies, it's pretty much a mixed bag...pike, walleye, channel catfish, carp, rock bass, crappie, and with the late spring you might catch the redhorse sucker spawn during the campout. Great fun for the kids (and anyone else who just enjoys plunking a bobber and a worm in the water and catching fish).

One problem recently addressed by the county is the preponderance of tubers abusing the river during the summer. Alcohol has been banned from the county canoe launches. I'm not anti-tubing and definitely not anti-drinking, but when they're throwing empties into the river without a care it gets my dander up, and I've seen it happen numerous times. Another tactic the DNR was using was issuing tickets to tubers at the take-outs for not having a sticker on their 'watercraft'! I got a huge kick out of that when I witnessed it while taking out at the Kish River Forest Preserve one summer Sunday! It was one pissed off bunch of drunks!

Interesting historical tidbit: The hostilities of the Blackhawk War began near the town of what is now Stillman Valley, named after Major Isiah Stillman, whose detachment of Illinois Volunteer Militia suffered a humiliating defeat by Blackawk's band. Blackhawk was camped along the river near what is now Rockford Airport, near the confluence of the Kish and the Rock. He sent a few warriors down to Stillman's encampment to parlay; the drunken militia shot and killed one of them and chased them all the way back to Blackhawk's camp, where they met up with Blackhawk's warriors en masse and were chased back to Stillman's camp. Upon arrival of the Sauk warriors, the militia fled south to Dixon's Ferry and a considerable number of them were killed and mutilated by the Indians. Among the burial detail arriving later was none other than future president Abraham Lincoln.

Battle of Stillman's Run

Apologies for the rant, I just have a special place in my heart for the Kish. See you at the campout, Bob made me promise to bring my guitar!

'The Kish'

Alcohol Ban on the Kish

So anyone up for giving me some fishing pointers? Cause I will admit, I suck at it.

Would also love to learn how to clean and cook one if I catch it!



Also does beer count for the Pot Luck?

Bob, do you know if we can fish from the property where it meets the river, or would it be from canoe or from somewhere else? (obviously we can fish from there....but is there a chance of catching anything?)

Old fingers 57, if you are still checking this tread: yes, it is open to anyone. Anyone, that is, who wants to hang out with a bunch of paddle heads. :)

Hope to see you there!

Would love to go as a first-timer to this board. I have an inflatable kayak, is that ok to bring or is that like bringin a knife to a gunfight? Was hoping to go to the BWCA this Aug. but it looks like I won't be able to so this may help make up for that.

quote bobbwca: "

quote Woods Walker: "If I still lived in Beloit, I would be there !!"

I no longer live in Beloit, and I'll be there! :)"

You may not live in Beloit, but I bet your closer than 460 miles away :)

I grew up in Beloit & moved to Northern MN, in 2001... when & where did you live in Beloit??

quote zooshooter: "Would love to go as a first-timer to this board. I have an inflatable kayak, is that ok to bring or is that like bringin a knife to a gunfight? Was hoping to go to the BWCA this Aug. but it looks like I won't be able to so this may help make up for that."

If your boat floats, join in.

quote Corsair: "So anyone up for giving me some fishing pointers? Cause I will admit, I suck at it.


Would also love to learn how to clean and cook one if I catch it!



Also does beer count for the Pot Luck? "

Beer is welcome for the potluck! As far as fishing goes along the river, I usually drown a worm with a heavy weight, something will bite it! Or you could cast a spinner bait like a Mepps, or a jighead with a mister twister type tail.

quote nojobro: "Bob, do you know if we can fish from the property where it meets the river, or would it be from canoe or from somewhere else? (obviously we can fish from there....but is there a chance of catching anything?)"

I have caught Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Catfish, Redhorse sucker, Carp, Northern Pike and a clam! There is a variety of fish in the Kishwaukee river. Nothing was very big, except for a sucker I caught that was about 24 inches.

quote Dennisal: "

quote bobbwca: "I was out there today. Heres some pics along the river.











"

Is the water up a lot right now? What kind of fish would one catch if one were to throw a line in there?"

The water level is back to normal as of now, Plenty of snow and rain so far this year.Read above post for types of fish in the river.

quote zooshooter: "Would love to go as a first-timer to this board. I have an inflatable kayak, is that ok to bring or is that like bringin a knife to a gunfight? Was hoping to go to the BWCA this Aug. but it looks like I won't be able to so this may help make up for that."

Bring your inflatable Kayak, I always wanted to see what they were like. I will hopefully be able to bring 4 canoes down. 2 solos, a SR-17 and my Alumacraft Voyager.

quote Woods Walker: "

quote bobbwca: "

quote Woods Walker: "If I still lived in Beloit, I would be there !!"

I no longer live in Beloit, and I'll be there! :)"

You may not live in Beloit, but I bet your closer than 460 miles away :)


I grew up in Beloit & moved to Northern MN, in 2001... when & where did you live in Beloit??"

I lived there from 1969 til mid 90's. Moved across border for work, and better schools for my daughter. I went to school at Aldrich, and Memorial.

quote zooshooter: "Would love to go as a first-timer to this board. I have an inflatable kayak, is that ok to bring or is that like bringin a knife to a gunfight? Was hoping to go to the BWCA this Aug. but it looks like I won't be able to so this may help make up for that."

You probably need a boat registration sticker to take it on the river.

Count me psuedo in. Kid has a meet that Friday and possibley one on Saturday. What time does the float down the river roughly start?

quote Chicagored: "

quote zooshooter: "Would love to go as a first-timer to this board. I have an inflatable kayak, is that ok to bring or is that like bringin a knife to a gunfight? Was hoping to go to the BWCA this Aug. but it looks like I won't be able to so this may help make up for that."

You probably need a boat registration sticker to take it on the river."

You're right, any and all kayaks in Illinois have to be registered actually. I sent in my app.....several weeks ago, maybe a month and a half ago now. I'll be paddling with my copy of the application though as I can use it as my registration until they actually send the stickers to me.

quote zooshooter: "

quote Chicagored: "

quote zooshooter: "Would love to go as a first-timer to this board. I have an inflatable kayak, is that ok to bring or is that like bringin a knife to a gunfight? Was hoping to go to the BWCA this Aug. but it looks like I won't be able to so this may help make up for that."

You probably need a boat registration sticker to take it on the river."

You're right, any and all kayaks in Illinois have to be registered actually. I sent in my app.....several weeks ago, maybe a month and a half ago now. I'll be paddling with my copy of the application though as I can use it as my registration until they actually send the stickers to me."

took me 3 months to get my IL sticker last year

quote Corsair: "

took me 3 months to get my IL sticker last year
"

You're doin better than me so far. Last year they sent it back and I didn't get around to getting the document that they wanted until just now. I bet they'll send it back again though.

Would my Wisconsin canoe need a registration?

From the Illinois Department of Natural Recourses
-------Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats will no longer be titled/registered with Illinois UNLESS they have a motor or sail; otherwise customers will be able to purchase a paddle pass at local vendors for $6.00 per stamp for the first three stamps. Any person who purchases more than three stamps receives each subsequent stamp for $3.00 each per calendar year. The stamps must be purchased at the same time in order to receive the discount. They will be available for purchase around June 01 and will be enforced on July 01, 2013.
***Non-powered watercraft means any canoe, kayak, kiteboard, paddleboard, float tube, or watercraft not propelled by sail, canvas, or machinery of any sort. The statute indicates: Any person using a non-powered watercraft on the waters of this State shall have a valid water usage stamp affixed to an area easily visible either on the exterior or interior of the device.-------
The way I interpret all the information I’ve received over the past year or more looks like this-
Up until July 1st 2013 we are still under the old law. All residents of Illinois must have the canoe titled, registered, and display the old style three year sticker. Out of state residents are exempt from this law if proper identification is provided (driver’s license).

After July 1st everyone, including out of state paddlers must have the new one year sticker.

The stickers will be available anywhere fishing and hunting licenses are sold.

The unofficial consensus among the IDNR and Conservation Police is that during this transition period, pretty much from now until July 1st, enforcement of the old law will be at the discretion of the ticketing officer.

Merri and I are still planning to come out and paddle with you all. I’ll ask for a meeting place and time when we get closer to the date.

Mark Morrall

quote nojobro: "Would my Wisconsin canoe need a registration?"

Not if its registered in Wisconsin.

quote AndySG: "

quote nojobro: "Would my Wisconsin canoe need a registration?"

Not if its registered in Wisconsin."

The way I've read it in the past, as long as the primary use is for out-of-state you don't need it registered here, even if you live in Illinois. I could be wrong though. I wish they'd do the same as most other states and not require kayaks to be registered.

Hopefully we wont have an issue with canoe or kayak registration. All my tags expired in 2012, and was hoping to wait on the new stickers for Illinois. I doubt id get the paper work back before then if I sent it in today.


I paddled the Kishwaukee river today from Newburg road, to Atwood park. It took me about 3 hours of paddling, approximately 9 miles. The river levels are good as of now. I found some shallow spots but never bottomed out. I even found a canoe submerged beneath some trees! I also saw 2 deer, a Great Blue Heron, a beaver, many geese and ducks, and watched a small sparrow walking in water along shore get eaten by a Northern Pike! Pretty cool day. Here are some pics.

Was it an aluminum canoe?

quote AndySG: "

quote nojobro: "Would my Wisconsin canoe need a registration?"

Not if its registered in Wisconsin."
Wisconsin does not register canoes.

The Illinois form requires that you send in one copy and keep a copy as a temporary registration. The Illinois DNR has always been slow, but in the last three years the budget has been cut back by almost 60% I've heard. A wait of months is no longer unusual. I'm not suggesting this, but one year, I paddled almost the whole year without a current sticker and used the "temporary registration." I was checked a few times at the Skokie Lagoons and had no problem. At the end of August, I was cleaning out my desk and realized I never mailed the form.

quote zooshooter: "Was it an aluminum canoe?"

Yes it was aluminum. The water is a bit cold to be trying to get it out tho.

quote bobbwca: "Yes it was aluminum. The water is a bit cold to be trying to get it out tho."

Quit reading my mind!

So, I don't need to register my (unregistered) Wisconsin canoe for this, but after July 1, if I paddle in IL, I will purchase something where fishing licenses are sold. Right?

Why can't the bwca.com sticker count for registration, anyway? :)

quote nojobro: "So, I don't need to register my (unregistered) Wisconsin canoe for this, but after July 1, if I paddle in IL, I will purchase something where fishing licenses are sold. Right?


Why can't the bwca.com sticker count for registration, anyway? :)"

Yup

quote Mark2: "From the Illinois Department of Natural Recourses
-------Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats will no longer be titled/registered with Illinois UNLESS they have a motor or sail; otherwise customers will be able to purchase a paddle pass at local vendors for $6.00 per stamp for the first three stamps. Any person who purchases more than three stamps receives each subsequent stamp for $3.00 each per calendar year. The stamps must be purchased at the same time in order to receive the discount. They will be available for purchase around June 01 and will be enforced on July 01, 2013.
***Non-powered watercraft means any canoe, kayak, kiteboard, paddleboard, float tube, or watercraft not propelled by sail, canvas, or machinery of any sort. The statute indicates: Any person using a non-powered watercraft on the waters of this State shall have a valid water usage stamp affixed to an area easily visible either on the exterior or interior of the device.-------
The way I interpret all the information I’ve received over the past year or more looks like this-
Up until July 1st 2013 we are still under the old law. All residents of Illinois must have the canoe titled, registered, and display the old style three year sticker. Out of state residents are exempt from this law if proper identification is provided (driver’s license).


After July 1st everyone, including out of state paddlers must have the new one year sticker.


The stickers will be available anywhere fishing and hunting licenses are sold.


The unofficial consensus among the IDNR and Conservation Police is that during this transition period, pretty much from now until July 1st, enforcement of the old law will be at the discretion of the ticketing officer.


Merri and I are still planning to come out and paddle with you all. I’ll ask for a meeting place and time when we get closer to the date.


Mark Morrall
"

So, I have a new canoe coming in a few weeks and I should wait until July 1st and not register it now?

quote Dennisal: "

quote Mark2: "From the Illinois Department of Natural Recourses
-------Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats will no longer be titled/registered with Illinois UNLESS they have a motor or sail; otherwise customers will be able to purchase a paddle pass at local vendors for $6.00 per stamp for the first three stamps. Any person who purchases more than three stamps receives each subsequent stamp for $3.00 each per calendar year. The stamps must be purchased at the same time in order to receive the discount. They will be available for purchase around June 01 and will be enforced on July 01, 2013.
***Non-powered watercraft means any canoe, kayak, kiteboard, paddleboard, float tube, or watercraft not propelled by sail, canvas, or machinery of any sort. The statute indicates: Any person using a non-powered watercraft on the waters of this State shall have a valid water usage stamp affixed to an area easily visible either on the exterior or interior of the device.-------
The way I interpret all the information I’ve received over the past year or more looks like this-
Up until July 1st 2013 we are still under the old law. All residents of Illinois must have the canoe titled, registered, and display the old style three year sticker. Out of state residents are exempt from this law if proper identification is provided (driver’s license).



After July 1st everyone, including out of state paddlers must have the new one year sticker.



The stickers will be available anywhere fishing and hunting licenses are sold.



The unofficial consensus among the IDNR and Conservation Police is that during this transition period, pretty much from now until July 1st, enforcement of the old law will be at the discretion of the ticketing officer.



Merri and I are still planning to come out and paddle with you all. I’ll ask for a meeting place and time when we get closer to the date.



Mark Morrall
"

So, I have a new canoe coming in a few weeks and I should wait until July 1st and not register it now?


"

To be completely legal you are still required to title and register it through the old process. It’s another slightly grey area but I understand that if you do this the three year sticker you receive will be honored and you won’t have to buy the new yearly one.
My advice off the record; since you’ll be receiving your canoe just a couple months before the new sticker system comes out; what some people do is print the form off the DNR website, fill out the “keep this copy as a temporary registration” and forgo sending in any money. It’s definitely not legal but I know of some paddlers who do it all the time and has always worked when approached by law enforcement.

Name withheld to protect the innocent.

Bob, I'm going to try and make it for your spring wingnight.

tony

quote Tony: "Bob, I'm going to try and make it for your spring wingnight.


tony"

Sweet. I still want the recipe for that salad you brought last year. :)

quote nojobro: "

quote Tony: "Bob, I'm going to try and make it for your spring wingnight.



tony"

Sweet. I still want the recipe for that salad you brought last year. :)"

Your going to have to refresh my memory. What was in it. I have a real bad memory.

tony

quote Tony: "Bob, I'm going to try and make it for your spring wingnight.


tony"

I'm going to try and make it to MN too. Depends on Carols school schedule. Finals are soon, after the wingnights.

quote Tony: "

quote nojobro: "

quote Tony: "Bob, I'm going to try and make it for your spring wingnight.



tony"

Sweet. I still want the recipe for that salad you brought last year. :)"

Your going to have to refresh my memory. What was in it. I have a real bad memory.


tony"

Um...black beans? And a bunch of other yummy stuff. Balsamic vinegar, perhaps? It wasn't a leafy salad, at least. Bean salad, I think...

BUMP! Its getting close and I predict good friends, good times, and good paddling.

quote nojobro: "

quote Tony: "

quote nojobro: "

quote Tony: "Bob, I'm going to try and make it for your spring wingnight.




tony"

Sweet. I still want the recipe for that salad you brought last year. :)"

Your going to have to refresh my memory. What was in it. I have a real bad memory.



tony"

Um...black beans? And a bunch of other yummy stuff. Balsamic vinegar, perhaps? It wasn't a leafy salad, at least. Bean salad, I think..."

I think I found the one you were looking for or actually two. one is a black eyed pea salad and the other is a white bean and pepper salad. It took me a long time to find the black eyed pea recipe but finally found it in the camping stuff in the basement. I will bring both for you.

tony

Tony, you are awesome. Thanks.

I have a few people coming out next week to cut and split some wood. If any locals feel like coming out, we will be out there after 10 am Saturday. If the weather is nice I might camp out.

Bob, is Rockford getting rain like we are up here? I'm wondering about the river levels.

And to everyone...I am pretty sure our older daughter is going to bring a friend to the event. So my family will have one canoe, but five people. Does anyone have an extra canoe we could use? If not, we can take a trip to my uncle's to borrow one, but sure would be easier if one just "magically" appeared on site for us. haha

Another question for Bob: do cell phones generally work on the property?

We are getting rain everyday this week. The water levels are good. I hope to have 4 canoes with me, but only one has up to date stickers as of now.

quote nojobro: "Another question for Bob: do cell phones generally work on the property?"

Depends on who your carrier is, my cell is good for texting, eventually I receive a message. If I go down by the river on the East side I can make a call, and up by the gate. Other people they have no problem. I have us cellular and its not much good out there.

quote nojobro: "Bob, is Rockford getting rain like we are up here? I'm wondering about the river levels.


And to everyone...I am pretty sure our older daughter is going to bring a friend to the event. So my family will have one canoe, but five people. Does anyone have an extra canoe we could use? If not, we can take a trip to my uncle's to borrow one, but sure would be easier if one just "magically" appeared on site for us. haha"

Nola, I have an Old Town Tripper you can use.

We are all set with firewood, and thanks to Quietwaters (Donna) our camping area is free of sticks, and branches. Was a great day to be out there. No rain! We also installed two park type grills. Thanks for everyone that came out and helped get everything ready. Bonvicken with his chainsaw, Ryanator, and all the rest that helped out. Less than three weeks away! Cya all soon.

quote bobbwca: "We are all set with firewood, and thanks to Quietjourney (Donna) our camping area is free of sticks, and branches. Was a great day to be out there. No rain! We also installed two park type grills. Thanks for everyone that came out and helped get everything ready. Bonvicken with his chainsaw, Ryanator, and all the rest that helped out. Less than three weeks away! Cya all soon."

It was great to be out after so many days of rain. Here are some pictures:


Guys hard at work.




bobbwca on right, taking a very brief break.


Kishwaukee, looking up river.


Kishwaukee, looking down river. The kayakers were moving fast with the current.

Thank you Bob for offering such a perfect place for wingnight and for all your hard work in getting it set up and ready. Thanks to all your other helpers also. May 3rd will be here soon!!

I was listening to the weather this morning and they said 3-4 inches of rain this week. Might need sand bags for our tent pads if it doesn't dry out soon!

Hello. I'm new here on the BWCA forum. I hope to be able to attend the Spring Wing.

sueb2b - bring your hammock fer sure! There are plenty of good spots to hang.

quote bobbwca: "I was listening to the weather this morning and they said 3-4 inches of rain this week. Might need sand bags for our tent pads if it doesn't dry out soon!"

That sounds a little ominous. Is it really that soaked?

zooshooter, the extreme drought that this region had last summer is definitely OVER and has swung the other way entirely. However, Rockford, right now, is not flooding, according to this website. (this precedes the next rain event over the next few days, of course.)

This flood outlook website gives the area a "possible" rating for flooding.

The camping area where we will be for this is way up from the Kiswaukee River, but it's a flat, grassy area and we all know what those can be like. We'll have to wait and see...but it's still a few weeks out.

quote sueb2b: "Hello. I'm new here on the BWCA forum. I hope to be able to attend the Spring Wing. "

Yes bring your hammock! There are many great places to hang!

quote zooshooter: "

quote bobbwca: "I was listening to the weather this morning and they said 3-4 inches of rain this week. Might need sand bags for our tent pads if it doesn't dry out soon!"

That sounds a little ominous. Is it really that soaked?"

It usually drains really well. Its on top of the hill above the river.

I'm new to this site also probably have 25 trips in the BW I live in the Quad Cities and this would be my first wing night looking forward to meeting new people its my friends I can't deal with

I drove out to the park this morning to check how high the river is. Guess its a good thing we're not having it this weekend!

Hopefully in two weeks it will look like this!

quote bobbwca: "I drove out to the park this morning to check how high the river is. Guess its a good thing we're not having it this weekend!

Quite the pile of wood you guys hauled and split. Bob is that the river behind the firewood pile. Wow that's really high if it is.

Are you going to have your trailer out there? It looks like you did a great job on putting the trailer together.

tony

quote Tony: "

quote bobbwca: "I drove out to the park this morning to check how high the river is. Guess its a good thing we're not having it this weekend!

Quite the pile of wood you guys hauled and split. Bob is that the river behind the firewood pile. Wow that's really high if it is.


Are you going to have your trailer out there? It looks like you did a great job on putting the trailer together.


tony"

Check the 3rd photo in that set of 3 and then the single photo. They have the same tree. Looks like the river crested over its bank and is sneakin up on the campground spot.

quote Tony: "

quote bobbwca: "I drove out to the park this morning to check how high the river is. Guess its a good thing we're not having it this weekend!

Quite the pile of wood you guys hauled and split. Bob is that the river behind the firewood pile. Wow that's really high if it is.


Are you going to have your trailer out there? It looks like you did a great job on putting the trailer together.


tony"

I'll probably have my trailer. The water is up to where Andysg was camped. On the news tonight it said it will take about a week to go back down. This is where you hung your hammock :)

quote bobbwca: "

quote Tony: "

quote bobbwca: "I drove out to the park this morning to check how high the river is. Guess its a good thing we're not having it this weekend!

Quite the pile of wood you guys hauled and split. Bob is that the river behind the firewood pile. Wow that's really high if it is.



Are you going to have your trailer out there? It looks like you did a great job on putting the trailer together.



tony"

I'll probably have my trailer. The water is up to where Andysg was camped. On the news tonight it said it will take about a week to go back down. This is where you hung your hammock :)



"

Well at least we will be able to canoe right up to camp ans won't have to haul the canoes up. Looks like I might have to find a different spot to hang the hammock.

tony

The water is going down good. We might get another inch by tomorrow night. By May 3rd it should be fine. Hopefully!

Need some snow?

And the weather watch begins! Will we have nice weather for two weekends in a row? Because it should be nice this weekend...crossing my fingers for the same for the next one...

Long range forecast looks good. Hope it holds up.

I was out there yesterday, and the river is down. The ten day forecast looks good!

quote nojobro: "And the weather watch begins! Will we have nice weather for two weekends in a row? Because it should be nice this weekend...crossing my fingers for the same for the next one..."

I'm off work that weekend, and so far every weekend that I've been off this year has had some sort of inclement weather. Every weekend that I've been on shift so far this year has had great weather (for the season). I think someone has it in for me.

quote zooshooter: "

quote nojobro: "And the weather watch begins! Will we have nice weather for two weekends in a row? Because it should be nice this weekend...crossing my fingers for the same for the next one..."

I'm off work that weekend, and so far every weekend that I've been off this year has had some sort of inclement weather. Every weekend that I've been on shift so far this year has had great weather (for the season). I think someone has it in for me."

Now don't be trying to jinx us buddy.

Its time to think about what to bring for the pot luck. Now that we're a week away, is it time to take a new head count?

I will be +3.

quote AndySG: "

quote zooshooter: "

quote nojobro: "And the weather watch begins! Will we have nice weather for two weekends in a row? Because it should be nice this weekend...crossing my fingers for the same for the next one..."

I'm off work that weekend, and so far every weekend that I've been off this year has had some sort of inclement weather. Every weekend that I've been on shift so far this year has had great weather (for the season). I think someone has it in for me."

Now don't be trying to jinx us buddy."

Have no fear. I most likely can't make it. My younger brother and I were supposed to do a potluck campout on the Illinois in late April, but the flood got us. They rescheduled it for this coming weekend. I guess I could maybe make it for Friday night, but Tinley Park to Rockford to Morris is quite a drive.

Chicagored has a good idea

I will bring hamburgers and buns.

My daughter plans on coming home for the campout. She will have to bring a liberty buddy in order to leave base. She might bring a few sailors along. I have one extra sleeping bag, if anyone else has a spare they could bring just incase its needed, that would be good. I have extra tents, just short on bags.

There will be five from my family. I will bring desserts.

quote bobbwca: "Chicagored has a good idea


I will bring hamburgers and buns.

My daughter plans on coming home for the campout. She will have to bring a liberty buddy in order to leave base. She might bring a few sailors along. I have one extra sleeping bag, if anyone else has a spare they could bring just incase its needed, that would be good. I have extra tents, just short on bags.

"

I can bring a couple of extra bags if you need them. Medium weight, should be warm enough.

If I made it with my dog at the last minute would that be ok? What is the camping fee? I'm not sure about work so that could hold me back.

TomT, there is no camping fee, but a donation to the club that owns the land is appreciated. (give your donation in any amount you feel is appropriate to bobbwca).

Show up anytime, and your dog is welcome, too. Bring a dish to pass (or a bag of chips or whatever) if you'll be there for the pot luck.

Looks like the wife and I can finally make it. Getting off work at noon and on the road by 1. Should be there between 5 and 6 Rockford time. Gotta figure out what to bring for pot luck. Can't wait.
Hopefully nothing goes wrong this time.

On Saturday, lets plan on canoeing around 11 am. That will give us time to have breakfast, and get everything together. We can put in at Newburg road. It takes about two hours to get back to the park. If any want to go further down the river we can set that up also. Atwood park is about 40 minutes further, i'll have to check whats after that as far as exit points.

I'm up for heading under the I-39 bridge and down the gorge. It should be beautiful with the trees budding.

I'll bring my little river tandem. I can go solo or take a passenger if someone needs a ride. I'll also pack an extra sleeping bag and pad.

Thanks Bob.

quote AndySG: "I'm up for heading under the I-39 bridge and down the gorge. It should be beautiful with the trees budding.


I'll bring my little river tandem. I can go solo or take a passenger if someone needs a ride. I'll also pack an extra sleeping bag and pad.


Thanks Bob."

I'm game if you don't have a passenger Andy..

thinking...........

quote izzy: "thinking..........."

90 minute drive?

quote bobbwca: "On Saturday, lets plan on canoeing around 11 am. That will give us time to have breakfast, and get everything together. We can put in at Newburg road. It takes about two hours to get back to the park. If any want to go further down the river we can set that up also. Atwood park is about 40 minutes further, i'll have to check whats after that as far as exit points."

Merri and I are still planning to join you for the river paddle. I don’t mean to change your plans, it all sounds great to me but, have you noticed that there’s a nice Forest Preserve landing just upstream from Newburg Road? It has great parking and an easy approach to the river.
It’s off State Street (Business 20), at the end of Distillery Road.

"


Merri and I are still planning to join you for the river paddle. I don’t mean to change your plans, it all sounds great to me but, have you noticed that there’s a nice Forest Preserve landing just upstream from Newburg Road? It has great parking and an easy approach to the river.
It’s off State Street (Business 20), at the end of Distillery Road.
"

There's also an excellent put-in at Belvidere...

quote Mark2: "

quote bobbwca: "On Saturday, lets plan on canoeing around 11 am. That will give us time to have breakfast, and get everything together. We can put in at Newburg road. It takes about two hours to get back to the park. If any want to go further down the river we can set that up also. Atwood park is about 40 minutes further, i'll have to check whats after that as far as exit points."

Merri and I are still planning to join you for the river paddle. I don’t mean to change your plans, it all sounds great to me but, have you noticed that there’s a nice Forest Preserve landing just upstream from Newburg Road? It has great parking and an easy approach to the river.
It’s off State Street (Business 20), at the end of Distillery Road.
"

Thanks Mark. Ive never been to distillery rd. Sounds better than putting in at a bridge, plus its not that much further away. Lets plan on that for enter point.

quote bobbwca: "

quote Mark2: "

quote bobbwca: "On Saturday, lets plan on canoeing around 11 am. That will give us time to have breakfast, and get everything together. We can put in at Newburg road. It takes about two hours to get back to the park. If any want to go further down the river we can set that up also. Atwood park is about 40 minutes further, i'll have to check whats after that as far as exit points."

Merri and I are still planning to join you for the river paddle. I don’t mean to change your plans, it all sounds great to me but, have you noticed that there’s a nice Forest Preserve landing just upstream from Newburg Road? It has great parking and an easy approach to the river.
It’s off State Street (Business 20), at the end of Distillery Road.
"

Thanks Mark. Ive never been to distillery rd. Sounds better than putting in at a bridge, plus its not that much further away. Lets plan on that for enter point."

I may have spoken too soon. I just heard a short portion of the access road has been washed away with the latest flood. The last gate is closed. You can still use the put-in and parking lot but there is a short portage to the water. But aren’t we used to portages anyways? They close the gate during the winter too but we still use it regularly, the walk isn’t very far. You may want to take a look and judge for yourself though.

Ill take a look on way home tomorrow

Looks like the weather will not be to bad on Saturday... Wish I could stop, but I have to be at Crossville TN by Saturday. I'll be cruising through Rockford on Friday. Have fun!

Ill bring two 10x10 ez-up shelters incase it rains. Hopefully we wont get too much rain.

Bob, do you have a headcount?

Wondering for the pot luck. :)

Anyone have room in a canoe for me?

tony

quote Tony: "Anyone have room in a canoe for me?


tony"

I'll have my Advantage tuffweave you can use, or my alumacraft

quote nojobro: "Bob, do you have a headcount?


Wondering for the pot luck. :)"

Here's what I have so far:

Me +2
Miketheflyguy
AndySG
Blutofish1 +1
Magic Paddler
Chicagored +3
Mark2 +1 (Sat)
Quietwaters
Bonvicken
Tony
Yogi59weedr


Possibly coming

Jcavenagh
Canoe42
Oldfingers57
Hawbakers
Dennisal
Corsair
Zooshooter
Sueb2b
Stargazer11 if she can find someone to get off base with.

Mark2,
I stopped out at Distillery road. We can start there. Much better parking. It looks like they repaired the road, lot of fresh gravel. The gate is still locked, maybe 30 rds to the river.

quote bobbwca: "

quote nojobro: "Bob, do you have a headcount?



Wondering for the pot luck. :)"

Possibly coming


Jcavenagh
Canoe42
Oldfingers57
Hawbakers
Dennisal
Corsair
Zooshooter
Sueb2b
Stargazer11 if she can find someone to get off base with."

I should be able to come. My previous plan that was going to take precedent has been postponed again due to lingering flooding on the Illinois River.

To everyone who wil be eating breakfast during the wingnight: I will be bringing 3 dozen eggs from my backyard flock. My group has 5 people, and after that, the eggs are up for grabs. You cook. :)

I'm in. The wife is worried that she is going to be the only female there. Help me out please.

quote bobbwca: "

quote nojobro: "Bob, do you have a headcount?



Wondering for the pot luck. :)"

Here's what I have so far:


Me +2
Miketheflyguy
AndySG
Blutofish1 +1
Magic Paddler
Chicagored +3
Mark2 +1 (Sat)
Quietwaters
Bonvicken
Tony
Yogi59weedr



Possibly coming


Jcavenagh
Canoe42
Oldfingers57
Hawbakers
DennisalBlutofish is in...
Corsair
Zooshooter
Sueb2b
Stargazer11 if she can find someone to get off base with."

quote bobbwca: "

quote nojobro: "Bob, do you have a headcount?



Wondering for the pot luck. :)"

Here's what I have so far:


Me +2
Miketheflyguy
AndySG
Blutofish1 +1
Magic Paddler
Chicagored +3
Mark2 +1 (Sat)
Quietwaters
Bonvicken
Tony
Yogi59weedr



Possibly coming


Jcavenagh
Canoe42
Oldfingers57
Hawbakers
DennisalBlutofish is in...
Corsair
Zooshooter
Sueb2b
Stargazer11 if she can find someone to get off base with."

Blutofish, I'm female and am bringing two daughters. Quiet waters is female. If sueb2b, stargazer11, and hawbakers come, they are all female. I am not sure who ChicagoRed is bringing, but possibly women. The +1 of Mark is a woman. So while there are more men, there's plenty of women, too.

quote nojobro: "Blutofish, I'm female and am bringing two daughters. Quiet waters is female. If sueb2b, stargazer11, and hawbakers come, they are all female. I am not sure who ChicagoRed is bringing, but possibly women. The +1 of Mark is a woman. So while there are more men, there's plenty of women, too. "

Looks like I'll be +2 at this point. My wife only camps under perfect conditions, but my twenty something daughter and her friend will be coming(I'm not allowed to call him a boyfriend for reasons I don't totally understand)

I just made secret ingredient chocolate chip cookies for the pot luck. You're welcome.

(I will freeze them so they're fresh on Saturday, never fear)

I’m wondering if a handful of you folks that will be attending would be interested in being filmed for a scene in a video we’re working on. What we’re looking for are a half dozen or so sitting around a campfire debating the subjects of; ground cloth- inside or under, wet foot vs dry foot, saw – hatchet or both, and methods of dealing with bugs.
The mood we’re after is funny and light hearted, just a bunch of friends sitting around the campfire arguing.
We could do it after the paddle during “happy hour” if you’re game.

The morels might be arriving this weekend. So, don't know if I will be coming or not....

quote bobbwca: "Ill bring two 10x10 ez-up shelters incase it rains. Hopefully we wont get too much rain."

That's good I just looked at the forecast and it looks to like a wet weekend. I will have to pack my raingear.

tony

quote Mark2: "I’m wondering if a handful of you folks that will be attending would be interested in being filmed for a scene in a video we’re working on. What we’re looking for are a half dozen or so sitting around a campfire debating the subjects of; ground cloth- inside or under, wet foot vs dry foot, saw – hatchet or both, and methods of dealing with bugs.
The mood we’re after is funny and light hearted, just a bunch of friends sitting around the campfire arguing.
We could do it after the paddle during “happy hour” if you’re game.
"

A bottle of jack and a liter of coke would go a long way to getting to yes.

p.s. there's nothing to debate - inside, wetfoot, both, lots of deet.

Guys and gals, I am so pumped up. I can't wait to meet you all. Got all my chores done and I'm ready. See ya in Rockford....

quote Chicagored: "

quote Mark2: "I’m wondering if a handful of you folks that will be attending would be interested in being filmed for a scene in a video we’re working on. What we’re looking for are a half dozen or so sitting around a campfire debating the subjects of; ground cloth- inside or under, wet foot vs dry foot, saw – hatchet or both, and methods of dealing with bugs.
The mood we’re after is funny and light hearted, just a bunch of friends sitting around the campfire arguing.
We could do it after the paddle during “happy hour” if you’re game.
"

A bottle of jack and a liter of coke would go a long way to getting to yes.


p.s. there's nothing to debate - inside, wetfoot, both, lots of deet."

Hmmmm...inside, yes, but dry foot, neither, permethrin and picaridin.

:)

quote nojobro: "I just made secret ingredient chocolate chip cookies for the pot luck. You're welcome.


I will not be able to stay for the potluck on Saturday, but I am bringing cookies to nibble on Friday. Nola, no secret ingredients in mine, except for the spice I spilled in one batch. I think everybody will be able to figure it out after one bite.....

Dennisal, I was hiking with my daughter at Apple River Sun. No evidence of any morels yet.
I've heard they can be found at Blackhawk Springs F.P. which is very close to Bob's park and I believe some were found there last year ( Bob's). Come on over and we could put together a short field trip to Blackhawk Springs.

Looking forward to seeing and meeting with everybody.