COEUR d'ALENE — It was almost as if they knew this was the last hurrah of warm, sunny days in North Idaho.

On Monday, with temperatures likely climbing past the 70-degree marker for one final time, young and old took to the great outdoors.

They biked, walked dogs, paddleboarded, sat on downtown benches and played at McEuen Park.

"We're trying to soak up every last ounce of the golden sun," said Elyzabeth Lafica of Coeur d'Alene, with her children, Aveline and Caspian, at Coeur d'Alene City Beach.

She said it's been a gorgeous summer and the past three days of heat and sunshine made it feel like the glory days of July had miraculously returned.

But as her children chased seagulls and splashed in Lake Coeur d'Alene along the shoreline, Elyzabeth Lafica knew it was a brief break from reality and the moment couldn't last.

She is well aware of what's around the corner.

"I know that winter is coming," Lafica said.

Coeur d'Alene Climatologist Cliff Harris said Monday's high was 76.

"This was one of the nicest October weekends we've seen," he said.

Temperatures are about to begin a gradual decline, with highs the rest of this week in the lower 60s and 50s, and lows in the 40s and 30s.

While there will likely be some rain, there will still be some sunshine. But this weekend, you might want to stay indoors as a lot of rain is in the forecast.

"We'll be OK until Sunday," Harris said.

It could even snow in the mountains about 4,500 feet, he added.

So, was Monday the last 70-degree day of 2023?

Probably so.

"I don't see any after this," Harris said.

Which is why Jim Harris was out riding his bike Monday, joined by his furry companion, Heyu, riding shotgun in a basket.

"She's always with me," he said. "We ride all the time."

They were headed from City Park to the North Idaho Centennial Trail along Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive. He said he planned to take his time and enjoy the views — and hang onto the warmth of the sun as long as he could.

"It's a good feeling," Harris said.