Resort bridge reopens

COEUR d'ALENE - Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse led the way, followed by some area youngsters, as The Coeur d'Alene Resort celebrated the reopening of the Boardwalk Marina bridge.

The event was Saturday, and about two dozen kids were there with moms and dads.

Mudgy, with Millie perched on his rack, broke through a giant poster that read "Bridge Closed," providing access to the boardwalk. Kids followed him along the boardwalk and up to the bridge.

Mandy Kuespert of Coeur d'Alene brought her twin 9-year-old daughters Rachel and Emily down for the reopening celebration and to see Mudgy and Millie in action.

Rachel said, "I wanted to see Millie in Mudgy's antlers. I love Millie."

The girls said they know the book from school.

Mandy said the cool weather wasn't about to stop her daughters from coming down to The Resort.

"We just saw the event in the paper and thought it would be fun to come down," Mandy said.

Amy Kidd of Coeur d'Alene brought down her sons, 3-year-old Tavin and 1-year-old Tristin.

"We're always pointing out the moose around town," Amy said.

"He (Mudgy) is cool," said Tavin.

The characters Mudgy and Millie are from a book by Coeur d'Alene author Susan Nipp. Proceeds from the sale of books and merchandise benefit the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

The previous Boardwalk Marina bridge was completed in the spring of 1985, and christened in front of a live TV audience on Good Morning America. Since then, an electronic counter on the boardwalk has recorded more than one million visitors per year.

The new bridge is built of Alaskan yellow cedar to extend its life over the original. The channel beneath the bridge provides the only means of access for all the boats in the marina, as well as for boating visitors.