Hosts: Beth Whiting & Bruce Hennessey
When: Any time
Length of stay: Up to the guest
Minimum number of guests: One
Fee: Yurt rental is $100/night (for first 6 people) minimum charge. $15/night per person after the 6th (10 person maximum capacity). Since we customize for every visitor it's impossible to say what the fee for your particular visit will be. However, to give you an idea of costs, our three-day, January-scheduled "Vermont Women's Winter Camping" costs $220, Our scheduled "Snowshoe Weekends" and Backcountry Ski Weekends" cost $225. For lone individuals and very small groups the fee will be somewhat more per person. We have a number of scheduled events where you can join with others, and these "packages" are the least expensive. A deposit of $45 is due to confirm your reservation. Full payment is due 2 weeks prior to arrival, otherwise your reservation may be cancelled.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nestled at the edge of open meadows on our 150-acre farm in Huntington, Vermont, we offer comfortable and rustic lodging in our two YURTS. You will sleep and eat in these fascinating round structures built with the same style as the nomads of Mongolia. Our yurts are 24' diameter insulated structures of wood and canvas with windows, a skylight and pine wooden floors. Each yurt features a wood stove, cooking area, table and chairs, bunkbeds with 7" mattresses (each yurt sleeps 10) and a tidy composting toilet facility just a few yards away. There is ample privacy for changing (curtains provided) although the yurt is an open floor plan. Camping here is experiencing the beauty and intimacy of simple living, where the basics are all we need to be comfortable. Candlelight, propane lanterns, and the wood stove light the yurt with a warm glow at night. The yurts' proximity to the Long Trail, Catamount Trail and VAST trail systems allows us to have unending terrain to explore right from the doorstep. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag, personal items and clothing (see complete enclosed packing list). We do not provide alcoholic beverages but it is permissible to bring your own.
PREPARATION:
Outdoor activities are physically demanding. You should be familiar with changing weather conditions and be adequately prepared. Bring maps, compass, extra clothing, and first aid on the trail with you. Each guest will be asked to sign a release form upon arrival. Check out is 11:00 am, unless special arrangements are made.
Location:
On The Loose is located 25 miles south of Burlington, Vermont, in the quiet town of Huntington at the base of Camel's Hump (one of VT's four highest peaks over 4,000 ft). Driving directions will be sent upon reservation. Proximity to resources: we are 8 miles from Mad River Glen Ski Area, 15 miles from Bristol, Vermont (closest grocery store), and 5 miles from Huntington (gas station/country store).
On The Loose services:
Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of creating a custom tour, which we can design specifically for your group. If you are interested in guidance with your daily planning including activities and/or meals, we would be happy to offer you our services of experienced guides and exquisite camp chefs. Rates available upon request. The property and activities are fully insured.
Suggested Maps:
- USFS Quad Maps "Huntington, VT" or "Mount Ellen, VT" (available at EMS or by contacting Northern Cartographic #(802)860-2886
- Long Trail Guide, Green Mountain Club #(802)244-7037
- The Catamount Trail Guidebook, Catamount Trail Assoc. #(802)864-5794
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
Fall Foliage Hiking Weekend
These weekends are special jewels among foliage hiking adventures - perfect for active folks who want an insider's view of Vermont wilderness and the glory of its fall leaves. Feast your senses on this colorful, exhilarating season, while staying far from the crowds. We will enjoy easy to moderate day hiking in Vermont's most hidden and stunning places, with options for those who seek more of a challenge. In the evening, we return to our simple yurt where we savor a delicious meal, an evening fire, games, cider and relaxation
Backcountry Ski Weekends
Come join us and ski away from the crowds of downhill ski areas and cross-country ski centers. We'll share our treasured, secluded routes and great views where hidden tracks and abundant snow are common in Vermont's Green Mountains. If you have already tried cross-country skiing and are ready for exploring more natural, un-groomed terrain to in the backcountry on skis this is the trip for you. All levels are welcome, whether you love flat-tracking or wish to build upon your Telemark skills. The terrain offers relaxing skis on nearby trails to a more extensive trek on a portion Vermont's Catamount Trail (a backcountry ski trail the length of Vermont). Partial or full-edged backcountry skis are required.
Women's Summer Backpacking
Looking for more than a weekend experience? This moderate-level backpacking trip is designed to reveal the natural beauty of Vermont's mountains during the height of foliage season. Moving at our own pace, we'll enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot, bright sun, cool nights, inspiring views, and the satisfaction and challenges of backcountry camping. Appropriate for the beginner or experienced backpacker, our 4-day route covers a beautiful and prominent section of the 265-mile Long Trail, this country's oldest established long-distance hiking trail. Traveling self-sufficiently, we'll explore the wilderness, summits and alpine ecology of the Green Mountains, keeping an eye out for moose, deer and other wildlife. Program includes all guiding and instruction, delicious food, group equipment, and fine company! Come on your own or bring a friend for a spectacular and memorable journey. Basic fitness and day hiking experience are requested.
Women's Winter Camping
Whether you are an interested beginner or seeking to build upon existing skills, this weekend offers wild winter fun, instruction and great adventure. Share a group spirit while learning techniques for safe winter camping. We will guide you in setting up camp, cooking fine outdoor meals and sharing our tips of living in a winter environment. Enjoy introductions to animal tracking, winter ecology and snowshoeing. The first night will be in the OTL yurt, then we'll head for higher ground to make camp in the mountains.
SAMPLE WEEKEND SNOWSHOEING ITINERARY
FRIDAY:
The feeling of escape begins on the first night, when we'll be serving dessert beginning at 8:00. We will meet together to discuss the weekend, review snowshoe equipment, and allow you to settle into our toasty Yurt. We are then free to enjoy a moonlit stroll in the snow, hot cider, music, cribbage, reading, and the pleasant company of new friends.
SATURDAY:
Start your day with scrumptious hot pancakes with our own Vermont maple syrup. We'll "shoe up" and set out for the first of two days exploring a variety of trails in the hills behind the yurt. We will have the entire day to explore our weekend homeland amidst the snowy trees of the Green Mountain National Forest. The level of challenge depends on the interests and ability of the group members offering routes for all skill levels. Today, we recommend warming up with a hike around our 150-acre farm or a visit to a shimmering frozen waterfall and exploring the Long Trail (Vermont’s 270-mile trail following the main ridge from the Massachusetts to Canadian border). Lunch may be out on the trail in beautiful winter sunshine, or back at the Yurt before heading out again. After a fulfilling day in the outdoors, come home to a carefully prepared hearty dinner by candlelight and a roaring woodstove in the Yurt. Put up your feet, compare notes about the day's adventures, and enjoy another fun evening.
SUNDAY:
Be ready for another hearty breakfast before we head out once again. Today, we point our snowshoes in new directions. After a day of acclimating to hiking in the winter environment, we may set out for more challenging terrain to the summit of Molly Stark Mt., or a short drive to either Camel's Hump or Mt. Abraham, two of Vermont’s most renowned climbs over 4000’. These summits all reward us with breathtaking vistas. We will enjoy a pack lunch on the trail as we keep a lookout to discover tracks and other signs of wildlife. At the end of our excursion, we will return to the yurt, pack up, bid farewell, and store our memories until the next adventure.
SNOWSHOE EQUIPMENT:
We have many pairs of snowshoes in different sizes for your use. If you have your own, please bring them. The best kind of boots to wear with snowshoes is an insulated Sorel-type boot. Regular hiking boots or L.L. Bean duck boots are not appropriate nor are they warm enough for extended time on snow. We recommend that you bring along a pair of X-C ski poles which will assist you on any steeper terrain we encounter as well as give you better balance. If you are going to buy snowshoes, we suggest Tubbs (made locally in Vermont). You can contact them at 800-882-2748 or www.tubbssnowshoes.com.
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