My family was recently generously hosted for two nights at Maine Forest Yurts, located on 100 private acres along Runaround Pond in Durham. We were definitely in need of a little family getaway, but since we didn’t want the girls to miss much school, we opted for a staycation. A little time away “glamping” seemed appropriate to reconnect as a family. So we packed up and away we went!
When you stay at the yurts, there is no need to pack much. Every yurt sleeps 6 and you only need to bring bedding, since the beds and pillows are already there. All 3 yurts also have a gas stove/oven for cooking, a wood stove for warmth, dishes, silverware, pots and pans and most everything else you can think of as part of a stocked kitchen. Just bring the food and beverages (and a cooler, as there is no electricity). Battery-powered lanterns hang in the yurt, as well as a solar-powered light. Of course, the dome at the top of the yurt and the numerous windows allow so much natural light, you really don’t need to use anything until it is dark out. Speaking of solar power, there is also an outdoor solar shower for your use. I only braved it to wash my hair, however, as the sun wasn’t that strong while we were there, and the water was still quite chilly. You can complete the picture of this little gem in the woods with a deck that includes seating and a grill, a clean outhouse, a fire pit and hardly any neighbors to be seen or heard. Are you ready to go yet?
When we arrived we were greeted by Page Crowley, daughter of the owners Bob and Peggy Crowley, and she took us up to the Zen Den Yurt that she and her boyfriend, Jake, had just built last fall/winter. As I mentioned above, the accommodations are extremely inviting. After a quick introduction to all of the quirks of the yurt, Page left us to enjoy our experience. Of course, she was only a text away at any time if we ran into any difficulties. The Crowleys are very hospitable, yet appreciate your privacy and allow you to experience the property in your own way.
While the unique allure of the yurt is substantial and I wouldn’t have minded simply snuggling up by the wood stove with a good book or a board game, Maine Forest Yurts has much more to offer. There is a man-made pond in which you can swim when it’s warm enough. We preferred to walk along the edge finding frogs and frog eggs. We were told there were a bunch of newly hatched painted turtles, but we didn’t find any. Maybe you will when you go! Then there are lots of mild hiking trails that go throughout the property and along Runaround Pond, where you can enjoy a little exercise throughout the woods. We tried our hand at identifying plants, birds and other wildlife using the identification guides that were provided in the yurt. We didn’t see many birds or other wildlife, but the girls did identify quite a few plants based on the guides. They might have been missing school, but they were having a science lesson anyway! Then they had an orienteering and navigation lesson when I had them use the map to get us back to our yurt. Fortunately, it’s not too large of an area and we successfully made it back with only a couple of detours. After a little snack, we headed to the Fairy Village where the girls added their own fairy residences to the collection.
Eventually we were ready to enjoy some dinner on the grill and then sit by the fire, making s’mores. With full bellies and dark approaching, the smell and warmth of the fire, and the sounds of the geese, owls and peepers, we were lulled into sleepiness. We decided to turn in for the night. I must say, looking up at the stars through the yurt’s dome and listening to the animal sounds outside was a refreshing way to fall asleep. We did learn that it is quite tricky to regulate a wood stove, however--steaming hot for half the night and quite chilly for the other half. Now we know not to build it too much, but also to not let it go out! Oh well, live and learn.
We thoroughly enjoyed being guests at Maine Forest Yurts. We ran out of time to try out the canoes and kayaks along Runaround Pond, but we sure did enjoy all of the other aspects. Maybe next time we’ll bring bikes and fishing poles and stay a little longer. I could get used to “glamping” with the family.
To learn more and to make your reservations, visit www.maineforestyurts.com. You won’t be disappointed! And when you go, don’t forget the bug spray, and say hi to Phil in the tiny house for me!
