The Overlook Yurt sits on a hill about 1 1/4 blocks from the Birch Resort most important 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 far-off.
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, certainly one of three backcountry yurts at Birch Resort, is positioned 1 1/4 miles from the principle lodge. Photograph by Kerry Kish
Step by the door of the Overlook Yurt and you will find a wooden range entrance and middle, with a comfortable fireplace lit by the resort workers earlier than your arrival for welcome heat. There’s additionally a big log of cut 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 house.
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 may have to deliver your personal sleeping bag). With these easy facilities, this modern canvas cabin will really feel like house very quickly.
On the Overlook Yurt, you may discover the facilities crucial for a snug night time’s keep within the snowy forest. Photograph 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 most important lodge and 15 rustic seashore cabins had been constructed of hand-hewn logs by a French Canadian logging contractor within the Nineteen 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 essentially the most accessible Overlook Yurt. Photograph by Kerry Kish
Jack of all trades John Willard has owned and operated Birch Resort because the Nineteen Eighties. The sports activities camp has been within the household since 1969. Photograph by Kerry Kish
Completed floatplane pilot, forester, clothing store 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 fans can enterprise far and broad throughout the Birch Backcountry panorama, the place you are extra more likely to see wildlife than individuals. On not less than certainly one of your visits, you may wish 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 includes a fieldstone hearth, snug sofas and a small library of books and video games. It is a candy place to chill out with a drink after a superb day trip on the paths. As a part of your meal plan, take into account 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 standard 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 company. Rental skis and snowshoes and equipment may be organized on the lodge, whereas Uber-friendly workers are joyful to supply info (plus just a few good laughs) and a path map that will help you get round. Willard is out and about usually, so in case you see him, introduce your self. John has a deep, abiding love for this nice land and lots of tales price a superb pay attention.
To e book a snowy yurt journey, go to birches.com. Or name them at 207-534-7588.
Kerry Kish of Desert Island is an American Out of doors Writers Affiliation Award winner. His newest, “Beer Mountaineering New England,” can be printed in March. Observe extra of Carey’s adventures on Fb and Instagram @careykish
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