DOES HE KNOW SOMTHING

You want a smoking or non-smoking cave?

Oct 12, 9:54 AM ET

There's no room service, no swimming pool, no microwave oven, no coffee machine, no television, no electricity.

But the accommodations do include mattresses and wood stoves.

An 89-year-old retired construction worker this month began advertising cave stays in east-central Idaho for $5 per night, or $25 a month.

Richard Zimmerman, also known as "Dugout Dick," said his dwellings can double as bomb shelters and serve as mining sites for people who bring their own picks.

Zimmerman, himself a cave resident, has spent decades carving out a dozen quarters from a hillside overlooking the Salmon River rapids.

Now he said it's time to break from his labors and help jump-start tourism in this remote mountain community.

The caves stretch as far as 100 feet into the hillside and are bolstered by rocks, peeled fir poles, mud and straw.

So far, a few tourists from overseas -- one from England, another from Spain -- have taken him up on the offer. Zimmerman said they did not take to life underground.

"It's not for everyone," the self-styled Salmon River caveman acknowledged. But "I expect the trade will pick up anytime now."

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After reading the news article I became curious about Dugout Dick so I did some research and
here he is. I like his cave much better then the one I posted above. Five bucks, hmmm I may have to rent one. I think I'll take the luxury cave for $25.00. After all he seems to think they are going to be in demand and you know what they say, "Wisdom comes with age". Anyone for Idaho?

The
Salmon River Caveman







Richard Zimmerman was born February 26, 1916 in Milford, Indiana. Richard Zimmerman, or "Dugout Dick" the Salmon River Caveman, is the name he has earned from the nature of his existence, and it is a euonym for this remarkable old man.
Since 1948, Dugout Dick has been literally chiseling out an existence in Elk Bend, Idaho. Above the banks of the Salmon River, and visible from Highway 93, a homestead of unusual appearance beckons the curious to visit this Flinstone-like hillside. Dugout Dick is a modern version of Barney Rubble. His rubblework is amazing!

Dick had worked for farmers and ranchers and served in the military for fourteen months when he received a reprieve to come home. An Idaho dairy farmer needed his help. Dick decided to begin searching for a place he could call home. He found many places along the Salmon River suitable, and in 1948, he decided on a location 18 miles south of Salmon, Idaho and staked out his claim.

Working with a team of mules, Dick cleared the land while he lived in a tent. With the closest bridge a mile away, he built his own road to the bridge in order to get out for supplies. He started a garden and over the years he improved the soil and now grows enough vegetables for himself and some to sell at the local health food store in town.

Dick has dug many caves along the banks of the river, using only a pick, shovel and prybar. The one Dick lives in is dug about 12 feet wide and 30 feet deep into the hillside. He has no electricity or modern heating or plumbing, and no telephone. A natural ice cave provides a place to keep cool drinks and other perishables.

Dick has ingeniously used old automobile windshields embedded in the rubblework for windows that let in light and heat. Old cookstoves provide heat for the winter and for cooking.

Dick has dug so many caves, that he now offers them for rent to tourists or people down on their luck. He rents them for $10, $15, or $20 a month. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter, this may be a great bargain. Dick also gives guided tours of his Dugout Ranch. Those who have rented a cave are required to allow his guests to see their cave when he brings tourists by.


Here is the front of Dugout Dicks' real cave.