It wouldn’t be hard to make this a lovely place to stay. The yurt is roomy and clean and isolated, exactly what we were after. However, there were many oversights, which made for an uncomfortable stay. Here are some changes I would suggest improve the experience:
1. THIS IS NOT A “WATERFRONT” PROPERTY. We specifically sought a waterfront property. The yurt is listed as such and mentions a stream nearby. The “nearby” waterhole is, in fact, a 20 minute walk. It is pretty, but it’s not close.
2. Remove the junk from around the area. The NH-ME border is beautiful and the spot is remote. The big trailer and the gas tank stored right by the yurt don’t improve the property.
3. Check for and address infestation. Hey, it’s the great outdoors, there are gonna be bugs. But a yellow jacket nest under the stairs? I was stung twice. Justin stopped by and we told him about it. He gave my husband spray poison and suggested we spray at night “otherwise they’ll just get mad.” Is it me or is that something a host should take care of?
4. Outhouse. The outhouse was convenient and clean. It wasn’t too stinky and had few flies. Perhaps that was the result of the cedar chips which get tossed into the hole after each use. Our supply of cedar chips should have been replenished before our stay. Unfortunately, the deposits of previous guests piled up scarily high. Also, a step stool is needed. The seat was high enough to leave my feet dangling. It was downright difficult for our 8-year old to climb up there. Believe me, it’s not a place you want to lose your footing.
5. Fix the mosquito netting. One evening, I spent 20 minutes attempting to mend/secure the ragged netting in the doorway so we wouldn’t continue to be a mosquito buffet at night.
6. Provide a fan. True, the week we stayed featured some unseasonably warm weather but IT CAN BE REALLY HOT IN THAT YURT. Even a small, battery-operated fan would have done wonders for comfort.
When camping in the rough, we anticipate a certain degree of discomfort, and understand that it is up to us to make our environment comfortable. But, when paying this much, (extra for me – Justin did waive the additional fee for our son), it is not unreasonable to expect a bit more attention to these issues.
To end on a positive note, “Mo” and her crew at The Stow Corner Store were amazing, exactly as advertised – good food, better folks.
