{"id":30976,"date":"2017-09-27T00:16:27","date_gmt":"2017-09-27T04:16:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=30976"},"modified":"2017-09-27T12:58:25","modified_gmt":"2017-09-27T16:58:25","slug":"the-wonders-of-ice-mountain-and-capon-bridge-wv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/the-wonders-of-ice-mountain-and-capon-bridge-wv\/","title":{"rendered":"The wonders of Ice Mountain and Capon Bridge, WV"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ice Mountain Preserve<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Heading east from Romney, after about a 30-minute ride, you\u2019ll find yourself in a sleepy little hollow known as North River Mills. It\u2019s here, that you\u2019ll find the mysterious Ice Mountain<\/a>.\u00a0 Two very hikeable paths here will take you to the Ice \u201cvents\u201d or to the top of the peak, called Raven\u2019s Rocks.<\/p>\n

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Both require a hike halfway up the mountain, then you can choose to continue up to Raven\u2019s Rocks or go down to the ice vents. The path is not handicap accessible and hikers should be of average to better condition physically.<\/p>\n

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At the bottom of the hill you\u2019ll discover multiple openings in the side of the mountain, formed when boulders collapsed, trapping vast amounts of chilly air inside and which flow out, forming a constant air-conditioning effect, often 15\u00b0 or more below the ambient temperature. You\u2019ll also discover boreal plants that typically only grow in upper Canada or Alaska, but are quite happy in the immediate vicinity of the ice vents.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019d like to go, be sure to schedule a tour as the area traverses private property and you can only go with a docent. Trained volunteers are available and can be scheduled at this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Capon Bridge\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h1>\n

Heading east and then south, we came upon the small town of Capon Bridge and The River House<\/a> along the shores of the Cacapon River. Open Thursday through Sunday each week, this nonprofit venture is both a venue for local artists as well as a laid-back restaurant featuring home-made dishes, pastries and coffee.<\/p>\n

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At various times, you\u2019re liable to find artists singing, doing readings or presenting art classes. Many events are free, like monthly sing-alongs, open mic nights and storytelling.\u00a0 Community groups meet weekly for drawing, photography and knitting clubs. Lining the walls, you\u2019ll discover some of the most interesting pieces of local art available for sale. Their motto, \u201csit and stay awhile\u201d is very appropriate, as everyone is welcome and conversation comes easily.\u00a0 With rare Wi-Fi in these hills, some people just stop by for a coffee and their daily dose of<\/p>\n