Oh the things you can see on a February Saturday morning in Ely
A belated March 2 Happy Birthday to the legendary Dr. Seuss!
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...”
~ Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
Ely was a bustling place to be a week ago. Although the dog sled races had to be cancelled due to a lack of snow, there were still so many places to go.
If you start your Saturday by turning on polka music to get your feet tapping, then that is a time when you won’t be napping.
This past Saturday was a Saturday like that.
For 50 years the Pioneer Mine has been silent yet on this day there was plenty of commotion. The Pink Ribbon Riders with their colorful snowmobiles were ready to be in motion.
Before the groups took off to explore by lakes and by trail, a short speech lamented the evils of cancer and prayers were given for those who ail.
Then off the sleds went, on Polaris, on Ski Doo, on Yamaha and Arctic Cat. You see, even without a lot of snow, Pink Ribbon Riders know how to do that.
Next up was the Ely Jaycees and their annual broomball tourney over at the Ely Rec Center. Despite the cold temps, the laughter was loud and no one showed their distemper.
Instead of a puck, a small ball is what each team tries to get in the goal. It’s kind of like hockey, but with boots the players fall down more don’t ya know.
Another competition was taking place just a few blocks away. The Frozen Mud Monkey was for youngsters who like to be outside when they play.
An obstacle course was set up outside Studio North for the kids to traverse. They ran over snowbanks, up pallets, through tires and not one of them cursed.
There was hot chocolate and cookies and medals for the winners. You can be sure many of the monkeys took a nap before dinner.
All of this took place in Ely, Minnesota on a chilly Saturday. You see, up here in the north, we don’t let the cold scare us away.
