Dover in January: A Quiet Place to Be

There's an abundance of snow in Dover, although it's warmed up quite a bit, and melting has begun. This past Saturday, January 10th, it snowed nearly all day, covering the old snow with an inch of new downy flakes.
Although it's quiet, there are still people around--those who come for the weekend as well as a few full time residents. Every day the fitness club has at least a few guests. We purchased memberships this past weekend and now are enjoy their crisp, clean, and well furnished workout room and outdoor jacuzzi. The outdoor pool's heater wasn't working, but should be by next week.

One of my family's favorite winter activities is walking along the trails. Snow shoes work best, but we slosh, sink, and lumber along, looking for moose, beaver, and the remaining waterfowl. It's much more enjoyable listening to the forest's noises than hearing hearing guns, snowmobiles, or trucks. An occasional chainsaw engine can be heard traveling across the lake, which reminds me of growing up on Hayden Lake. I'm glad we didn't purchase in Sandpoint. While I love the town, I'm much happier biking or driving the two miles that separate Dover from the "big city."

You may purchase a daily pass to the fitness club at the Dover Bay Marina store, . The first person is $10, the next is $8, and I believe the third person is $6. Not terrific prices, but perhaps worth it after a day of skiing. If you do buy a pass, bring a towel and something to drink, as neither of these items are available inside the fitness room. As I'm not a skier, I worked out twice while my husband and son skied at Schweitzer. And speaking of Schweitzer, I highly recommend the shuttle. It runs on the half hour and costs a mere $2 for adults (children six and under are free). It's quick, safe, and a great way to save gas.

Late Summer, Early Fall, The Most Beautiful Season

We left Spokane for a four day mini Dover vacation unprepared for the heat. It's been in the 90s all week, and tomorrow's supposed to set a record.

This is my favorite time of year in north Idaho. My family and I wake to warm mornings and sit on our deck, enjoying tea and lattes, reading the newspaper (which we purchase at the now open Dover Store, walking distance away) checking email, watching (and listening to) our neighboring osprey family teach their fledglings to fly and catch fish in the pond, the starlings bathing in puddles, and the geese families graze on clover.

I love the hot days, mainly because Lake Pend Oreille is just steps away.

Today we biked to Sandpoint, where we browsed the farmers' market and ate lunch at our favorite coffee and sandwich shop in the Cedar Street Bridge mall. Then we biked to the lake for a short swim, hopped back on our bikes and rode out to Springy Point for another dip in the lake.

Welcome to Dover Bay Retreat,
our condominimum near Sandpoint, Idaho
Available for short and long term rentals

• We are located approximately 2.5 miles to Sandpoint, Idaho, and twelve miles to ski resort Schweitzer
• Two bedrooms and two full bathroom
• 1360 total square feet second story (top) unit, four total units per building
• Located in the small town of Dover, Idaho, located
  along the Pend Oreille River, approximately three miles west of Lake Pend Oreille
• Our condo is surrounded by over nine miles of walking and biking trails, including a
  paved biking/walking trail to Sandpoint
• Fully furnished and air conditioned
• We are pet friendly
• Smoke free
• Private and quiet
• Owned by a private family living in Spokane, WA
• Contact http://www.sandpointvacationrentals.com/ to
  inquire about availability and rates
• Free wireless high speed internet
• Flat screen 40 inch television, cable and 40+ DVD collection for your private use
• Single car garage with opener, ski/snowboard racks, enclosed front entrance
• Washer, dryer, gas range, ice maker, purified water, microwave, dishwasher, blender,
  toaster, internet radio, gas fireplace, coffee maker, blow dryer, large deck, natural gas barbeque

Questions? Comments? Post here

Guests and others interested in Dover Bay and/or our vacation rental, please post here.

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Dover Bay, Idaho