Lake Pend Oreille

Some panic has ensued over a TV broadcast which many boaters misinterpreted. Normal boating is OK as always. The no-wake zones are being patrolled more strictly, due to the water still being a few inches above normal Summer level. Water police will be present to take care of thoughtless boaters. The rest shouldn't even notice.Scenic Bay, is totally a no wake zone, as it has been for many years.

The flooding of last week has receded, parking lots and dock accesses are free of water. The only additional restriction the state has imposed is that instead of the usual 200 foot no Wake zones that are always in force, they have imposed a 500 foot buffer. That just means speed boats need to stay out further from shore, so as not to send damaging wakes into floating docks and low lying buildings.

It all boils down to common courtesy. Go out there, have a lot of fun, remember fireworks are Sunday night this year. Party at the Captain's Wheel, which recently reopened, as well as the floating patio and the Buttonhook. The 'Hook will go back to more upscale menus, since with the Wheel, there are lower price options out there.
Don't forget the Bay Cafe for breakfast and lunch as well as the always interesting and entertaining Ralph's Coffee house featuring a beer garden and food all day long.

None of the newly opened facilities has had time to shake out the newness, so please, have patience. It's been a long two years, and we are within a few weeks of normalcy, whatever that is in Bayview. Come on down, bring your boat, have fun in the sun. The weather forcast is excellent, unlike last year, where visitors wore coats.The day of the parade, Sunday the 3rd, the temps should be in the 80's.