Milestones

Westonka Snoblazers Celebrate 50 Years

MS Charity Ride, Luce Line Trail near Lyndale, February 1974. Voyageurs National Park, February 2022.

The Westonka Snoblazers celebrated the club’s 50th anniversary this past year with a record number of active members participating in a variety of annual events and, of course, riding together throughout the sledding season. What started as a desire by club founders to promote the growing sport of snowmobiling in and around the western shores of the Lake Minnetonka area has steadily grown over the past five decades. The founders’ emphasis on promoting safer sledding, fostering goodwill and friendship, and sharing in the riding experience hasn’t been lost on the club’s current vision. In coordination with Southwest Trails Association, Snoblazers routinely supports local trail marking and maintenance tasks. Together with Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol, the club members plan and actively participate in hosting annual Snowmobile Safety Training. Every January Snoblazers support the Midwest Ride-In event as the sight and sounds of vintage sleds brings back fond memories to many of the members.

Riding locally when conditions allow, the club also plans several trips throughout the greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan trail networks each season. This year’s rides include the Emily/Outing area, Lake Vermillion, Big Fork, Orr/Voyageurs National Park, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP). As a not-for-profit club, the Snoblazers also contribute annually to local charities. Outside of the sledding season, members stay engaged with other activities that include summer deck parties, boat tie-ups, river kayaking and canoeing, Adopt-a-Highway cleanup, and a holiday party each December. Please visit www.snoblazers.com for more information.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS! THUNDERBIRD LODGE

On Beautiful Rainy Lake A SNOWMOBILE DESTINATION

Excellent Winter Rate Cabins Perfect for Large Groups Legendary Bar & Restaurant Open Everyday, All Day Gas & Oil On Site with Helpful Attendants Connected to 100s of Trails Snowmobile Rental & Guided Tours Available

CALL TO BOOK: 218-286-3151

Experience the Trails of St. Germain, Wisconsin

Visit Our Property at: hillervacationhomes.com/blue-jay-getaway

Just a 2-mile ride to Hiller’s Radar Run — the Largest Winter Lake Race & Bikini Run in the Midwest! February 3rd & 4th, 2023 Welcome Snowmobilers!

– Open-concept 2-acre lake home – Sleeps 15, 7 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths – 120’ of shoreline on Lake Content – Connected to Big Saint Germain Lake – Just 100 yds from the Bo-Boen Trail Immediate access to 4 trailheads linking 500+ miles of groomed trails in Vilas County stretching into Michigan’s Upper

Peninsula. Large Groups Welcome!

Blue J Getaway

Book by Phone 1-800-445-5370

Our Unsung Heroes

Safety is a cornerstone of what MnUSA stands for, and for riders for generations and generations to know how to be a safe and responsible snowmobiler in Minnesota, it takes education. Who are these dedicated teachers we call instructors who have given tirelessly of their time to accomplish this monumental task? Those that teach DNR snowmobile safety training, and those that assist, are the unsung heroes that have stepped up to the challenge. Last year alone, according to DNR Statewide Recreational Vehicle Coordinator Bruce Lawrence, volunteer instructors taught 7,900 students between the ages of 12-15 and 2,500 adults born after December 31st, 1976. We owe all of you a huge debt of gratitude for your dedication to keep youth safe. For those that have taught students for over 30 years, we give a special salute in this issue of Milestones. Some of those members include:

Earl Klersy Jerry Hanson Mark LaBaw Scott Wakefield Larry Shepherd * Mary Lou Clevenger Marie Linn

*46 years