Roughing it can be done in style at a B&B

Sun | Outdoors

I usually spend my leisure time in the great outdoors, slapping at mosquitos and biting flies, dodging raindrops or trying to plug the leaks in my tent or truck camper.

But recently, I discovered a new and far more pleasant way to enjoy the great outdoors. It involves spending part of the time in the great indoors, and I am here to report that I have discovered a part of the indoors that is truly great.

You've probably already discovered that part. Many people have -- it is called the "bed and breakfast."

Now, I know that bed and breakfast establishments have been around for a long, long time. But none have been around as long as me, and as you might already be aware, old guys resist change.

It doesn't seem to matter that change is often good, or that change might be more comfortable. I believe that resisting change has something to do with intimacy.

For years, I have intimately known such things as biting bugs, tent and camper leaks. They aren't particularly nice things, but once you get to know them, you are reluctant to try a new thing.

Beyond that, I've always felt that if you are going to enjoy the great outdoors, you have to be outdoors. It's a paradox to be indoors in order to enjoy Mother Nature.

So slapping at mosquitos and dodging raindrops is something I came to accept as part of Ma Nature. It simply never occurred to me to come in out of the rain or bugstorm.

Call me stupid. Many have and many more will.

Anyway, there are dozens of bed and breakfast establishments around our neck of the woods that can make your outdoor experience more enjoyable. Hundreds more are just a weekend away.

Here's how to make the outdoors more enjoyable by moving indoors: pack your favorite outdoor toy -- a mountain or tour bike, kayak or canoe, daypack or Vibrams. Next, Google yourself all of the bed and breakfast establishments near that part of the great outdoors you plan to visit.

Pick one that sounds good and make a reservation. When you get there, head for the great outdoors to hike, bike, paddle or fish; then head indoors and enjoy the unique hospitality and comfort you find at a bed and breakfast establishment.

B.B. Hardbody and I found Eric and Rosalynd Wurmlinger's River Cove Bed and Breakfast in Post Falls, Idaho, offered that unique hospitality and comfort. Eric whipped up a delicious diet-busting blueberry French toast for breakfast and just out his door, we could paddle on the Spokane River or ride along the 30-mile Centennial Trail that stretches from Spokane to Coeur d'Alene.

Check it out. Visit

Finally, I should point out that Eric did not know I'm a newspaper columnist. We paid for our stay there and I did not ask, nor receive, any consideration for this shameless plug -- it was simply a fine indoor place for enjoying the great outdoors.