Frequently Asked Questions
Print the FAQ document here
Q. Exactly how furnished is Bear Canyon Lodge?
A. Bear Canyon is fully furnished such that you need only to bring your personal clothing and items. The kitchen is stocked with pots/pans, serving dishes, utensils, plates, silverware, etc. for serving large groups of people and large meals. (Our family has Thanksgiving there. You can have as many as 16 or more people without a problem.) In addition to the usual appliances, the kitchen even has a crock pot, bread maker, hot chocolate maker, blender and mixer. Should you stay there and find anything not present that you would have liked, please let us know, and we will usually furnish it for the future. Of course, all linens and plenty of towels (including towels for the hot tub) are furnished. There is even a play-pen for young children, and books (including books on tape), games, videos and DVDs.
Q. How are the bedrooms and beds arranged?
A. The master bedroom is on the main floor (which is actually the split-level second floor) and has a king-sized bed. Bedroom #2 is on the split-level first floor and also has a king-sized bed. Bedroom #3 is likewise on the split-level first floor with a double bed. The loft, which is actually quite roomy and our kids' favorite place to hangout and play, has a king, a double, and two single beds. In addition, there is a fold-out couch in the living room and two fold-out couches downstairs. It should also be noted that the split-level first floor does not connect to the rest of the house without going outside and walking up a simple flight of stairs. Many families have actually preferred the extra separation and privacy.
Q. Does the loft have restrictive headroom or a claustrophobic feeling?
A. No, not at all. Most of the loft has a very high ceiling and is a favorite for all the kids who are usually with us to hang out and play. However, the third bedroom downstairs, with the double bed, does have a low ceiling. This one works great for kids. Even adults do not usually have a problem, because it has its own living area with couches immediately outside the bedroom. Adults can simply hang out in that area until bedtime.
Q. How are the bathrooms and showers arranged?
A. There are three full bathrooms. One is part of the master suite. The second full bathroom is also on the main floor. The third full bathroom is downstairs. The best part is that Bear Canyon is equipped with a state-of-the-art Rinnai® tankless hot water system that will never run out of hot water. You can run back-to-back-to-back showers for as long as you wish. There is a limit to how much hot water can be produced at any given time. Our experience is that it will probably run two showers simultaneously okay, but three may be pushing it. The downside to the bathroom arrangement is the full bath downstairs. Due to the peculiarity of design and a raised up tub, it has extremely limited head room. It is not at all comfortable for anything but a child, although it would be more than adequate for a bath or sit-down shower. We usually have our guests simply use one of the other showers.
Q. Is there a nearby grocery store?
A. South Fork, which is 1.5 miles away, has the Rainbow Grocery. It is amazing what is stocked in that location - groceries, sporting goods, hardware, etc. However, it is a "small-town grocery store." While it will meet most of your needs, we usually stop in Alamosa on the way into town and make our major grocery run. There you will find a better selection and lower prices. Alamosa has a large City Market (Kroger subsidiary), as well as a Super Walmart. Rainbow Grocery will certainly be sufficient for replenishing and for things you did not remember to bring with you.
Q. Are there restaurants nearby?
A. South Fork has five or six restaurants (depending on the time of year) ranging from a family-style budget restaurant (The Hungry Logger) to a nice steak house (Rockaway Inn) and finer dining in The Chalet Swiss or the Rio Grande Country Club (restaurant and golf course are open to the public).
Q. What is there to do in South Fork and the surrounding area?
A. Too much to list here. Visit www.southfork.org or call the Visitors Center at (800) 571-0881. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call or e-mail me. I will be happy to give you what insight or suggestions I can provide.
Q. What happens if there is a problem at the cabin?
A. We have a property manager nearby, as well as a handyman on call. You will be provided with their names and telephone numbers prior to your arrival.
Q. We stayed at your place several years ago. Have you made many changes?
A. We bought Bear Canyon in 2005 and have made at least one major improvement or repair each year. We have replaced the old hot tub with a new hot tub, added the Rinnai® tankless hot water system, replaced the electric heaters with more efficient and user-friendly propane heaters, replaced the downstairs carpet with tile, and added a new staircase with better gripping during the snow. This year the gray paint was sanded off the logs and resealed to look its natural color. We also try to continually add inside items such as a bread maker and hot chocolate maker and more humidifiers.
Q. How do you feel about renting out Bear Canyon Lodge?
A. At first, we were very nervous about sharing one of our beloved treasures with strangers and did so only out of financial necessity. However, it has actually been a very enjoyable experience. Almost without exception, all of our guests have been model tenants with no problems. Even though we are no longer under the financial necessity of renting out the cabin, we actually enjoy knowing that it is being used by others rather than sitting empty most of the year.