when the pressure becomes too much, and we long for the peace and freedom of the natural wilderness. Since 1972 Adam has offered this refuge to world-weary men at The Bunkhouse Lodge, a gay lodge three miles (5 km) north from Breckenridge in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Originally a miner's cabin, the structure has been expanded until now the compound can accomodate over 14 men.

The interior has a warm, lived-in look, with simple, comfortable furnishings. The walls are covered with brick-a-brack and photos of past and present friends and guests. There are also bear rugs and an upright piano. There's a Western communal dining area where everyone gathers for country breakfast and home cooking. The lodge includes an interesting TV room, a full-size bar (BYOB), that leads to an enclosed patio with an outdoor hot tub. It has a video loft, a sauna and big stone fireplace and several private rooms. There are unique mini-rooms, accessible by ladders, and outfitted with oversized bunk beds constructed of old mine timbers and pull drapes.

When you arrive at the well maintained compound it's as if you've left the rest of the world behind. You enter through a high-walled stockade which surrounds the central structure and forms a courtyard which is reserved for sunbathing and convivial gatherings. The lodge is set in an area of exceptional beauty and wide open spaces, and a visit at any time of year is an outdoor experience.

Central Colorado is a land of deep canyons and steep mountains, summer meadowland ablaze with wild flowers, refreshing waterfalls, meandering streams and crystal clear lakes. And, there is an abundant variety of wildlife. Regardless of the season you visit The Bunkhouse Lodge, all of the activities of the area are available to you.

From springtime through fall, horseback riding provides an opportunity to experience the tranquil beauty of the Rockies. Windsurfing and sailing on the 25 miles (40 km) of beautiful Lake Dillon and jeep expeditions to abandoned gold mines and deserted ghost towns add to your enjoyment.

Other activities available include hiking, mountain climbing and swimming in the soothing hot springs. Guest have full use of the Athletic Club, which provides an indoor swimming pool, gym with weight-lifting facilities and hot tubs. If you are energetic, you can experience whitewater rafting on the Colorado, Blue and Arkansas rivers, born in the snows of the Continental Divide.

Winter offers a wide range of activities including snowmobiling, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and a justly deserved reputation for some of the finest cross country and alpine skiing and snowboarding in North America. Breckenridge's three interconnected mountains provide 107 accessible trails on 1,480 acres (599 ha) of champagne powder snow.

After a full day of outdoor activities, you return to the compound for hot buttered rum around a blazing fire in the huge fieldstone fireplace. Or you may want to relax in the sauna or, one of the lodge's concessions to modern technology. You might want to enjoy both. There is always good conversation and videos in the evening... if you can stay awake after a day on the slopes.