Bayview quietly welcomes spring with Easter weekend activities

Sunlight sparkles across Scenic Bay. Boats from the various marinas slowly edge toward Hudson Bay Resort, towed by small kicker boats, waiting their turn to be de-winterized.

The quiet is so profound, you imagine the sound of fish swimming by. The long winter wait is over.

This resort, owned and operated by the McDonald family, features owner Jim McDonald, former state legislator, and is managed by his son, Gary.

At last, the sun has arrived in Bayview. Spring is here, and the village of Bayview readies for the summer season and the onslaught of tourists. Every year at this time, boat owners from Coeur d’Alene, Spokane and surrounding towns prepare their boats and float homes for the summer season.

Naval experimental vessels cruise back and forth from the Navy acoustical research base at the head of the bay, testing and developing new techniques for quieter, stealthier craft, both submarine and surface vessels.

Pile drivers and construction crews scurry about the old Bayview Marina as new owners tear down and rebuild the docks and shoreline.

The Buttonhook Restaurant recently reopened for the season, joining JD’s, Terry’s Cafe, a breakfast/lunch establishment and The Captains Wheel restaurant, operated by Michael McFarland, former Kootenai County commissioner. It’s Bayview’s only year-round dinner house and lounge.

Scenic Bay Marina, on the north side of the bay, teems with activity in the constant battle with nature – rebuilding and replacing older docks.

The Bitter End Marina, catering to sailboats, occupies the easternmost spot with hundreds of sail craft of all sizes. This marina is owned and operated by Dick and Shirley Hanson. Dick is a former Idaho Fish and Game commissioner. They also host a bed and breakfast, Dromore Manor.

Saturday kicks off Bayview’s Easter activities. The Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with three local businesses, will hold three Easter egg hunts.

The first, for children 4 years old and younger, will be held from 12:30 to 12:45 p.m. at the Captains Wheel, followed by a hunt for kids 5 to 8 years old from 12:45 to 1 p.m. at Terry’s Cafe and a hunt for kids 9 to 12 years old from 1 to 1:15 p.m.

All events will be on the lawn unless rain forces them indoors. Grand prizes donated by the Bitter End Marina will be awarded in each age group.

Easter Sunday will feature a champagne brunch buffet at the Captains Wheel from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The buffet will be prepared by Davena and yours truly.