2017 Mesabi Daily News Medallion Hunt

Not too much information can be revealed in the first clue. However, “pits” refers to a campground’s fire pits; “crafty” alludes to the first annual craft fair; and “play” — well — the Eveleth Veterans Park is fun place to relax and play — from the playground to the volleyball court.

In this clue, “just like another, but not so in size” is a reference to Ely Lake and its namesake, the town of Ely. This will resurface in a later clue. There are “commonalities” between each — both are known for outdoorsy activities and you can have a fun time (a “field day”) in both locations. Also, a definition of “field day” is “a day for military exercises and display” — a subtle hint to the name of the campground, “Veterans.”

 

The Eveleth Veterans Park is open from May through September, and this clue is all about what campers can expect when May arrives. And if you live on the Range, you don’t have to “go far” for such experiences. Emerald is the birthstone of May. In the Native American culture, winter is associated with “north” and “east” with spring. This year’s medallion winners also pointed out that campsite No. 31 is located in the campground to the north and slightly east.

Also, campsites can be rented daily, weekly, or seasonally — “‘tis the season.” When the camping season begins, people from near and far (sightseers) will arrive, and many will look to the stars around campfires at night.

“Tandem waters” aims to get medallion seekers to St. Mary’s and Ely lakes. Lakes are not uncommon in the area, but Eveleth Veterans Park is known for its location near the two “pools. Of the two, Ely Lake has the public beach and is “outfitted with rules.” People are drawn to the campground for many reasons — to hike, to play at the beach (“the land,” “a day near the sand.” Others enjoy fishing there — “for others it runs deeper.”

“Silver bells” can be symbols of a wedding, and people often take wedding photos at the campground. The entire clue, also, is a reference to Eveleth and its notable Fourth of July celebration. “Ruby” is the birthstone of July. “Ruby red bands” — the stripes of a flag, which is also quite patriotic (veterans). “Watch the bling, lighting up the night sky” — the July 3 fireworks celebration, also known as the “Tunder over Eveleth” — “in the air there’s a rumble, it is said.” Additionally, the city’s sidewalks are busy during the Independence Day parade.

“Trek” here is a reference to trekking the trails. The clue also refers to the movie nights held at the campground three times each summer. Last summer, the “animated” movie “Sing” was shown. The song, “Hallilujah!” is featured in the film. “A little fame,” “north,” and “country” is also a subtle reference to the motion picture “North Country,” which starred famous actors and was shot, in part, in Eveleth. Also, “journey on your way” — people journey each year to vacation at the campground.

As an overall message, this clue warns medallion hunters that some words in clues are meant “confuse,” like “jackpot,” which simply means “winnings” here. “Trails,” again, refers to the trails, including the Mesabi Trail which runs right by the campground. There is much to do at the campground in one location, including playing volleyball at the beach — “much to do just within earshot.” The words “served” and “assist” are volleyball terms.

But we didn’t’ say the medallion is on the beach or at the volleyball courts, which are within “earshot” of the hiding spot. Remember, these hints are meant to get you to the general location, but also “to confuse.”

The word “gateway” is also a reference to the stately gates leading into the campground.

As the winners figured out, this clue alludes to the July “tradition” of the Beach to Beach swim, (“an athletic feat”) which distributes commemorative towels to participants. It takes a little “bravery” to attempt the 2.2-mile swim. “Brave guys and gals” is also a reference to “brave men and women” — veterans.

The medallion winners also caught on to this clue, which references this past September’s first-ever craft show at the campground — “paintings and photos and handmade attire.” Organizers are hoping for a bigger event (“even more buyers”) next year. The pavilion where the craft fair was held is a perfect — or “pitch-perfect” place to hold events (“rendezvous”). People staying at the campground can use the pavilion, or it can be rented for special occasions by anyone “whether here you stay, or you’re just passing through.” “Pitch” is also something you do to a tent in a campground. Additionally, “around the bend” — campsite No. 31 is just around the bend from the pavilion.

This clue aims to make sure you are looking in a campground — “happy camper.” There are many spots (campsites) to choose, but don’t “start too big or too small.” The medallion is not located at the smallest or largest of the numbered sites, but somewhere in the middle. One of the winners this year also said the word “damper” made her think the medallion was near a fire pit.

This clue aims to make sure you are searching the correct campground — Eveleth Veterans Park — located on Ely Lake. It’s been said that more people per capita served in World War II (“the great war”) from Ely, Minn., which is a northern Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness “gateway.” Again, there’s that word “gateway.” The medallion is “within view” of Ely Lake, the “namesake water nearly 60 miles away.” And the campground’s “name honors” veterans.

This clue gets you to to the exact location. The “figure” “ 31” means Campsite 31, a place “you may choose to call home” while staying there. The “cylinders” are the logs that “flourished a time ago” and are sitting atop a wood pallet. The medallion is located beneath them, tucked inside the pallet.