39 FALL 2019 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 01 SNOWGOER . COM
40 sodas , burgers and fries for a fair price . The locally owned lodge also hosts weddings and other events , and offers a campground during the summer months .
It occurred to me that I had stopped here many years earlier , but only remembered it by the square-shaped bar which protruded out into the dining room , allowing patrons to either grab a table for a leisurely meal or solicit the bartender directly .
From Stompin ’ Grounds we exited the Paul Bunyan trail system , along the shoulder of Highway 64 into Akeley for a needed fuel stop before the ride back for the night . Fueled and ready to ride some more , we made our way on the Heartland Trail to head back toward our original starting point .
On the return trip we rotated sleds every 10 miles , or when the trail naturally provided a stopping point . It was a common sight to see the trail leader at the time bent over at a stop sign adjusting clicker shocks for suspension testing .
Rather than entering the Two Inlets trails for the final stretch from Park Rapids to Osage , we took Highway 48 toward Osage which provided a great opportunity to end the day with some legal ditch-banging along farm fields ( the open drifts provided just enough clearance for some playful jumps ).
I may not have remembered the trails like the back of my hand as I did in my youth , but I found it nostalgic how a distinct familiar feeling remained in many of the twists and turns .
Given the abundance of lakes in Minnesota ( more than 11,800 total ), many snowmobile trails either border or run across them once safely frozen .
SECOND DAY SIGHTS MEET PULL ROPE PROBLEMS
On the second day we decided we would ride trails to the north rather than the west after hearing local reports of another dusting overnight . With numerous trail systems to choose from that were within riding distance , we were blessed throughout our decision-making process .