A Park Rapids-Walker Workcation

We were going to just go overnight on Saturday with Scott for a work trip. With a snowstorm in the forecast we left right after the kids were done with school. Meadow is still chugging away at her rug hooking.  

We stopped at the China Star buffet near St Cloud. They really upgraded the interior since we were here last. 

Don't worry about me. Just noshing on the green beans. Can a guy get more veggies in these buffets?

We ended up changing hotels and staying in Walker at the...Walker Hotel. The room was a bit old fashioned and TV a wee one.

But the pool had a slide, so that's a win. Right?

The falling snow outside the pool window made it slightly magical. 

Meadow got Theo's hair dry after we got ready to take a drive down to Park Rapids.

It doesn't look that bad, but it was nerve wrecking driving.

But I do have to say that the Escape PHEV did pretty well in the conditions. The slippery mode for snow and rain kind of rules even if we don't have 4WD.

We tagged along with Scott so we could check out some of the shops in Park Rapids. When we arrived everything was closed for the storm except for Revel Brewery. 

It could've been worse. They could've been closed as well.

The town was silent and barely got any snow compared to up by Walker.

When I met up with them at Revel we ordered a couple pizzas. The beers good and the pies are great.

Look at these G.G. Jrs.

Love the fair games just like their grandma.

Hard to believe a few hours ago there was a blizzard.

Christmas card candidate, we've got here. Don't let anybody tell you different, but this one in Akeley is the best Paul Bunyan in all the land.

Back in Walker we went to the Shingobee Recreation Area to do some sledding. 

We drove through a long drive way, but didn't spot the hill. So, we parked further down the road at a different parking lot.

When we got to the sled hill we realized the sled hill was down that first road.

This hill was intense.

Best sled hill in Minnesota? Right up there with the one at Frontenac State Park down in Southeast Minnesota near Red Wing.

Theo let us take the brunt of the snow whipping up in our faces.

Once you get to the bottom your face would be covered in snow. 

We got a good number of runs down the hill.

Back on the North Country Trail.

As we tend to do. This is where you're supposed to park, but we had to trudge through deep snow back to the SUV. Ewww...I never thought I'd say those words.

Back at the hotel we got in some more swimming. Another good mini vacation and a decent payday.