Those hot, humid, dog days of summer will be upon us soon enough. Escaping the heat when the temperature is in the eighties and the dew point passes seventy can be a challenge. You could go to the beach and ouch your way across the sand to the cool water filled with other like-minded people. You could take a more sedentary course by going to the movies where you and the kids can sit and stare at a movie screen for almost two hours consuming expensive calorie laden junk food.
Or you could go mining! That may sound like a strange activity for cooling off. But not if you take Rte 4 to Grafton and drive up to that "mine in the sky," otherwise known as Ruggles Mine. Bring protective eyewear and a hammer. Regardless of what the thermometer reads, bring a sweater. A byproduct of mining created a unique AC system -- lots of naturally cool tunnels! Some folks think they are downright chilly.
A trip to Ruggles Mine is educational and the kids will love it. Where else can a kid use a hammer and take home the object of his hammering without getting into trouble? What could be better than that? Perhaps exploring those "cool" tunnels!
History of Ruggles Mine
Ruggles Mine is a real mine that has been in operation for almost 200 years, located atop Isinglass Mountain in Grafton, New Hampshire. In 1803, farmer Sam Ruggles began the first commercial production of mica in the United States when he realized that his land contained an abundant supply of the mineral. At that time mica was a valuable mineral used to make lamp chimneys and stove windows. At first, the Ruggles family did the mining, and the mica was hauled down the mountain to Portsmouth by horse and buggy at night. From there, it was shipped to England. Since his mine was the only source of mica at the time, Ruggles decided to keep it a secret from other US mining companies, which accounts for his clandestine mining and shipping methods.
Ruggles Mine Today
Today, this is not a trip you want to make at night. The drive up Isinglass Mountain is a steep one. When you reach the top, you will be treated to a gorgeous panoramic view that stretches out for miles. Another incredible sight awaits you as you walk down into the main pit. When the sun shines on the walls of the pit, the feldspar and white quartz take on the pristine look of alabaster. It's stunning.
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