It sure has been an unusual winter here in the U.P. Up until this past week, we were over 100” behind the normal snowfall here in the Keweenaw, so there has been numerous opportunities for natural ice rinks, both on backyard ponds and lakes. Today’s photos were snapped by 906 Images at the Lower Harbor in Marquette. They didn’t have the snow the Keweenaw received, but did have cold temperatures that froze the ice around the old ore dock, which attracted skaters to carve up that clear ice.

906 images commented that it doesn't happen very often at the Lower Harbor in Marquette, saying there were about a hundred or so skaters. Families out with their kids enjoying this rare opportunity. People walking on the ice, figure skating, kite skating, and playing hockey, enjoying the fresh air and smiling faces.

Schools around the Keweenaw don’t have outside recess when the temperatures and wind chills get too frigid. So, after a week of not being able to go out in the playground for recess, Barkell Elementary students in Hancock, were captured on the school camera as they made their way outside again. Principal Daniel Vaara shared this video with teachers, parents and us. Even with no sound, you can see the joy of being out doors again. It didn’t take them long to track up that untouched snow!

The great memories of kiddome came rushing back.

Neato pix! The video was really cool, but I had an
irresistible desire to grab a can of Raid.

Oh what fun to watch those kiddos having the time
of their lives!! They do bring back great
memories when I was a kid. I think I'll go
romping in the snow in my back yard. Maybe the
neighbors won't notice :)

Great pics & video.... I don't ever recall being
able to skate in the lower harbor in the late
seventies... I'm trying to remember if it was still
in use back then?? I don't recall. A few speed
skating laps around the ore dock and I could get
back in shape!! But.... like that ore dock... that
ship has sailed too!! I don't think I'd trust
myself on skates again!! lol

Alex, Hilarious on the can of Raid!!

UC...how's the vaccine shot coming along? I heard
on the news today that there is a shortage due to
the cold weather lately. Personally, I'm waiting
until the weather is better and there are no long
waits.
Wishing you good luck my friend.

UC...I just read an article about two women who
dressed as grannies so they could get the shot. So
shave your legs, borrow a wig, a dress and a pair
of high-heels and go for it, dude.
https://www.wesh.com/article/video-women-dress-
grannies-vaccine/35566411#

What a video! Oh how I love that!

Hi
I've never been a good ice skater, and haven't
even had a pair on in 30 years. But, had I been
in Marquette under those conditions, I like to
think I would have given it a try. Surreal
pictures.

On second thought, checking out the pictures is
good enough. ;>)

Alex/UC,

I had my 2nd dose Tuesday morning. Unlike the 1st dose that just gave me a sore arm, I was riding the bed for 20 hours a day until this morning. After the first 12 hours my fever reached 102.4. The only symptom that they ask about that I did NOT have was vomiting (apologizes). After 3 days the fever has returned to almost normal and the remaining aches and pains are mostly subsiding. I would do it again so my advice to all is go for it.

Also, really try to avoid the NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) especially before and immediately after as it might reduce the vax's effectiveness. Tylenol is probably OK but don't take my word for any of it as I received my M.D. from the Reader's Digest.

I think the lack of skating in the past was due to so much excessive snowfall.

Thanks for the update, DA...all feedback helps.

UC, the lower ore dock was decommissioned on December 31, 1971 - well before we got to Marquette! But i don't recall anyone ice skating there either.

2nd shot this morning (Moderna), no issues yet,
we'll see what the night and tomorrow brings.

D.A. glad you're starting to feel better, which
vaccine did you get?

Jbuck, yeah I couldn't remember, however the lower
harbor wasn't really developed like it is today as
I recall.

Have a great weekend all!!

UC,

I also had the Moderna.

Almost 7 AM and feeling good! I echo the words of
D.A. get your vaccinations!! Having been
involved and selling around hospitals, working
with doc's and clinicians for over 30 years... I
didn't hesitate when it was made available to me.
I won't preach, however... I don't see myself not
wearing or taking my mask off anytime soon
either... plain and simple... they work!!

D.A. regarding the vaccine, I was told if you
have a strong immune system, your body is trying
to fight off the vaccine and that's why you feel
like crap for a few days... don't know if this is
true or not. Probably explains why I feel
alright, my immune system must be lousy, lol
Hey... it all started in 1976 in Marquette and
Jack Daniels & Stroh's was involved!! .. jk
Anyway, I'm thankful that I got the vaccine, now
I'm just dealing with my blood hemolyzing and
jaundice!! Doc's think it has something to my
med changes after surgery. Organs are all good
after Ultrasounds and I just had a bone marrow
biopsy to rule out cancer's, results next week.
Just going through a process of elimination to
find the cause and then develop a plan moving
forward. I feel good and I'm going about life as
normal. When everything is corrected, I would
love to spend a month or two or three in the
Keweenaw this year, we'll have to see about that.

Congratulations to everyone who has been able
to be vaccinated. I'm still trying to get
mine, but at least my 92-year mom has had her
first shot (Moderna).

Uncle Chuck, hope you feel better soon. Stay
safe; It takes a few weeks after the second
vaccination before your immune system has
defenses in place. See below:
"Health experts said it is not until two weeks
after your second dose does the vaccine reaches
its full potential.

“The drawback is that it is really good
protection but it does take some time in order
to build up that immune response because your
cells have to learn how to recognize it then
they have to make antibodies to it and that all
takes a little bit of time. After it has gone
through that process then the protection is
quite good,” explains Dr. Taison Bell, critical
care and infectious disease doctor at the
University of Virginia.