Ahoy, fellow wanderer! Buckle up, because I’m about to sprinkle some zest into your travel tale. 🚚🏕️If you are headed to Northern Idaho and want some camping, hiking, mountain biking and eating heaven this is the spot for you!

Springy Point Campground: Where Dreams Meet Mosquito Repellent

First stop: Campsite 22 at Springy Point Campground. It’s like the VIP section of nature’s nightclub. 🌳 For a mere $25 (or a pocket-friendly $12.50 if you’re Access/Senior Pass Holders), you get free showers, a kitchen cleaning area (because even campers need to scrub those marshmallow sticks), and a boat ramp that screams, “Launch me, Captain Adventure!” 🚤

And the dock? Oh, it’s fresher than a minty breeze. Dive in with the fam, do a little fishing, swimming, paddling or just float like a philosophical leaf. 🌊 But beware: mosquitoes are the uninvited guests at this soirée after the heat subsides. Bring your repellent, because they’re like tiny, airborne party crashers. 🦟

The Skinny why the move to Flatbed Truck Camper versus the small slide in: The Cozy Transformer

Why did we swap our OVE Camp M and Tacoma for this Four Wheel Camper and F350? Space, my friend! Imagine a TARDIS on wheels. 🌌 It’s roomier than a kangaroo’s pouch. SO MUCH STORAGE-in the camper, in the flatbed and in the backseat of the F-350 KingCab.  This trip we had our paddleboards, inflatable kayak, paddles and more in the backseat…Plus, it plugs into shore power—yes it has solar and batteries too!

But here’s the scoop: this setup isn’t Elsa-approved for snow and ice. It’s more “spring fling” than “winter wonderland.” So, when the dumping of snow, we’ll retreat to our snug little Camp-M setup. 🌨️

Pedal Power: Mountain Biking Extravaganza

Got wheels? Hop on your trusty steed (or mountain bike) and explore! 🚴‍♂️ Two trails to conquer:

1. Gold Hill North Trail: A 5.6-mile adventure that’s part birdwatching, part mountain biking, and all heart-pounding fun. 🌿
2. Mineral Point Trail: 3.6 miles of moderate challenge, with views that’ll make your eyeballs high-five each other. 🏞️

Sandpoint’s Culinary Circus: Where Pizzas Haunt and Ice Creams Tango

Pedal across the Longbridge to Sandpoint—a town so charming, it’s practically a Disney set. 🏰 Here’s the scoop (literally):

• Bernklau: Espresso, French crepes, German and Italian pastries, vino and charcuterie platters. It’s like Europe had a delicious baby. 🥐☕
• Bluebird Bakery: Croissants, cinnamon rolls, and sourdough bread. Your taste buds will do a happy dance. 💃 I am a cinnamon roll fan and the yummy sandwiches!
• City Beach Organics: Gluten-free treats, salads, sandwiches and teas. The Edmondson family knows their stuff! Their daughter kicks-butt in gluten free indulgences!🌱
• Local Yokel: Whole foods for everyone—vegans, vegetarians, and even meat lovers. No disappointments here! 🍔🥗
• Pend Oreille Winery: Local wines, thin crust pizzas, and gluten-free options. It’s like a flavor carnival! 🍷🍕 Surprisingly the house bistro red is yummy and the gluten free drunken mushroom pizza and Greek salad are the bomb!
• MickDuffs at the Old Federal Building: Haunted vibes, beer galore, and food that’ll make your taste buds do the Macarena. 🍺👻 Happy hour, live music and outdoor seating.  My favorites are the Wildwood Cedar Plank Salmon and Ahi Poke and Bahn Mi Rice Bowl.  Local tip-if you want a quieter dining experience try to get an outside table.
• And don’t miss the foodie parade: Evans Brothers Coffee, The Bistro, Fat Pig, The Bank, Barrel 33, Einhardt’s, Pour Authority, Baxters, and the ice cream fiesta at Panhandle Cone & Snack Shack. 🍦🎉

Hike Like a Boss: Trails That High-Five Your Calves

• Mickinnick Trail: 7 miles of switchbacks, rocky terrain, and tree roots. Crazy athletes run it, but mountain biking? Nah, it’s a big no-no and  it’s like asking a giraffe to salsa. 💃
• Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail: 3.3 miles of lakeside bliss. Pass the hotel and fancy condos to reach the trailhead. Let’s trace the edge of Lake Pend d’Oreille Bay like stealthy trail ninjas. 🌊
• Sandpoint Sandcreek Trail: 3.7 miles of flat, paved goodness. Wildlife views, bikes, speed walkers, skateboards, and scooters—oh my! 🛹🦉
• Pine Street Woods and VTT: 20+ miles of trails and 180 acres of wildlife enjoyment. Hike, Mountain Bike but watch out for the cougars and bears, we are in wild country here!

Schweitzer Resort: Last but Not Least -Where Gravity Takes a Day Off

• Downhill mountain biking, climbing walls, trampolines, zip lines, and horse rides—Schweitzer Resort is the ultimate playground. 🏔️ And that waterfall hike? It’s like nature’s confetti cannon. 🌊
• Not up for the 2.5-mile Nature Trail Hike? No worries! Hop on the scenic chairlift, lunch at Skyhouse, and behold the jaw-dropping view. 🚡
• There are a number of festivals and events all summer long.     

As a member and trail building volunteer of Pend Oreille Pedalers, you must try all the lower and upper basin mountain biking trails! Remember, fellow adventurer, life’s too short for boring trails. So go forth, explore, and high-five a tree (or a bear) for good luck! 🌲🤗