I Went to See the Ice Tunnel The last Sunday in July was the annual day the ice tunnel opened to the public! After a long heatwave and heavy rain a few days earlier, the organizers went to check on the tunnel just before the event to make sure it still existed. Compared with other years, some of the ice nearer the entrance had melted, so visitors picked their way—sometimes through the riverbed—toward the ice deeper inside. Even as we climbed over uneven ground and logs, cool air flowed up from the river, making it refreshingly chilly! I spent the day enjoying the coolness with a friend who had come along for the occasion, then we headed home. We rode a shuttle bus from town, so the trip there and back felt easy and relaxing—enough time for a nap. (*'▽') I’m already looking forward to next year’s opening day! #Nishiokoppe Village #Event #Summer #Ice Tunnel #Chamber of Commerce Youth Division #Cool Retreat #Refreshing