Enjoy a country meal in Colville, Washington

B&B BOUND

Summer sunlight lingers till 9 o'clock this far north, less than an hour from the Canadian border-making our 40-mile après-dinner drive a little easier to digest. yes, you are still on the road to the winery, offers a clever sign, which we spy just as we turn off the two-lane county road onto gravel.

We're greeted by the idyllic lakefront grounds of China Bend Winery and B&B, our accommodations for the night. (Next time, maybe we'll boat in, as many visitors and wine tasters do.)

Hard to believe, but we're already looking forward to tomorrow's breakfast: fluffy eggs, fresh berries, homemade bread and jam, served on a patio by the vine-covered tasting room. Maybe an afternoon paddle too.

But tonight we savor the stars and the comfort of our two-room suite, swing open the doors on our private deck, tuck ourselves under country-style quilts, and let the warm breeze and crickets rock us to sleep.