The Overlook Yurt sits on a hill about 1 1/4 blocks from the Birch Resort fundamental lodge on Moosehead Lake, north of Rockwood. Because the winter skies darken, the chilly units in, and coyotes and owls are identified for his or her audible presence, this little round shelter within the snow takes on a wild character that appears so distant.
It takes a nice hour or so to haul a skier loaded with gear and provides for a number of nights to the Overlook Yurt. The Three Sisters Yurt is about 2/2 mile from the principle lodge, whereas the Poplar Hill Yurt is about 5 or 6 miles up the path.
Overlook Yurt, one in all three backcountry yurts at Birch Resort, is positioned 1 1/4 miles from the principle lodge. Picture by Kerry Kish
Step by the door of the Overlook Yurt and you will find a wooden range entrance and heart, with a comfy hearth lit by the resort employees earlier than your arrival for welcome heat. There’s additionally a big log of break up wooden and a 5-gallon bucket of contemporary water despatched by the firemaker, which he shovels down the trail to the yurt and close by non-public area.
Alongside the wall of the yurt are bunk beds, a futon, and a desk with chairs. There are additionally fuel lights, a two-burner Coleman range and a kitchen cupboard with pots, pans, utensils and different necessities. Sheets and pillows full the outfit (you will must carry your personal sleeping bag). With these easy facilities, this glossy canvas cabin will really feel like dwelling very quickly.
On the Overlook Yurt, you will discover the facilities crucial for a snug night time’s keep within the snowy forest. Picture by Kerry Kish
About 40 miles of machine-tracked cross-country ski trails cross the huge 10,000-acre forested space that features Birch Resort, which stretches from Moosehead Lake to Brasua Lake and north to Baker within the decrease half of unincorporated Tomhegan Township. A pond. Skiers can share ski trails or ski at will.
The attractive fundamental lodge and 15 rustic seashore cabins have been constructed of hand-hewn logs by a French Canadian logging contractor within the Thirties, and The Birches has been a standard sports activities camp year-round. The resort faces east throughout Moosehead Lake with full views of the 1,789-foot Mount Kinyo within the background.
Open to winter campers, Birch’s three backcountry yurts take a enjoyable hour or so to ski or snowboard in probably the most accessible Overlook Yurt. Picture by Kerry Kish
Jack of all trades John Willard has owned and operated Birch Resort for the reason that Eighties. The sports activities camp has been within the household since 1969. Picture by Kerry Kish
Achieved floatplane pilot, forester, clothes shop and Grasp Maine Information John Willard has owned the place since 1969 when he purchased the camps from his father who had owned them. Northern Paper Firm to guard this magnificent Maine Woods as a nature protect.
With any of the loop choices, ski and snowboard fanatics can enterprise far and large throughout the Birch Backcountry panorama, the place you are extra prone to see wildlife than folks. On not less than one in all your visits, you will need to cease on the lodge with an exquisite view to heat up and decide up some nice soups, salads, and sandwiches.
The lodge’s lounge contains a fieldstone fire, comfy sofas and a small library of books and video games. It is a candy place to loosen up with a drink after an excellent day trip on the paths. As a part of your meal plan, think about donning your headlamp and night time hike to the lodge for a scrumptious home-cooked dinner within the eating room. There is a particular each night time: Saturday nights characteristic the wildly in style prime rib, and Sundays characteristic roast turkey with all of the fixings. Vegetarian choices are additionally out there.
Bathe room, sauna and scorching tubs subsequent to the principle lodge; All can be found to yurt-dwelling visitors. Rental skis and snowshoes and equipment might be organized on the lodge, whereas Uber-friendly employees are joyful to offer data (plus a number of good laughs) and a path map that will help you get round. Willard is out and about usually, so if you happen to see him, introduce your self. John has a deep, abiding love for this nice land and plenty of tales value an excellent pay attention.
To ebook a snowy yurt journey, go to birches.com. Or name them at 207-534-7588.
Kerry Kish of Desert Island is an American Outside Writers Affiliation Award winner. His newest, “Beer Mountain climbing New England,” will probably be revealed in March. Observe extra of Carey’s adventures on Fb and Instagram @careykish
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