How do I get to Moss Wood?
You can get here from where you are.
If you choose to drive to Cape Rosier:
From Portland, ME: 2 and ½ hours
From Boston: 4 and ½ hours
From Concord, N.H.: 4 and ½ hours
From New York metropolitan area: 8 hours
From Burlington, Vermont: 6 hours
From Washington D.C.: 12 hours
The address for Google Maps or Sat Nav:
220 Weir Cove Road, Harborside, Maine 04642
We can provide assistance on options in driving routes. Just ask.
The closest airport to Cape Rosier is Bangor International (BGR), which is served by many airlines.
Cars are available to rent from Avis, Budget, Hertz and Alamo.
We will also arrange transport from the airport to Moss Wood upon request.
You can also fly into Portland, Maine Jetport (PWM) and take the time to drive along the coast to Moss Wood. Direct driving time is approximately 3 hours, but that would vary greatly depending on your choice of routes and stops.
Flying into Boston can often prove to be the least expensive route. There is a comfortable bus that goes from the airport to Bangor, and transportation can be arranged from Bangor to Moss Wood.
On prior retreats, we have worked to connect guests who are flying with each other, and they have been able to car pool on arrival or departure. We are here to help and will do what we can.
Again, we will be happy to provide any advice on possible routes and areas of interest
Do I need to rent a car for a Moss Wood Retreat?
No, there is no necessity to have a car while at Moss Wood. You are able to walk from the house to the beach and dock where the boats are kept, either through the woods or along the road. It is also an easy walk to the hiking trails to the top of Blueberry Hill (for the wondrous view) and Bakeman Beach, and a pleasant but longer walk to the Good Life Center on the Cape.
The staff is ready to drop you off, whenever possible, should you need a lift.
However, if you want to wander further afield, you will need a car. If this is your first trip to this glorious part of the world, we recommend, if at all possible, that you travel about before or after the retreat. And as always, the staff of Moss Wood Retreats is ready, willing, and able to provide advice and assistance with travel arrangements in this region that we know and love.
Is it possible to attend a Moss Wood retreat without staying at Moss Wood?
Yes, we very much hope that those who live in the area will come. We welcome you.
The cost for a “day-tripper” to attend includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The expectation is that you will join us for the full schedule each day. There is no “one day” pass. Please feel free to contact the director with any questions and concerns you may have.
What spaces are available for writing?
There are any number of places for writing at Moss Wood. The main porch has two tables that are available for use outside of meetings and meals, and there is the large kitchen table. Some participants prefer to work on comfortable chairs, laptops to hand, and both the living room and the porch at Moss Wood have plenty to choose from. A desk can be supplied to your room upon request.
You will also want to investigate working next door in the dining room at Hiram Blake Camp, which we have arranged as quiet workspace. This handsome room is well known in the area for the books that fill the walls and hang down from the ceiling, a library sorted and catalogued by the Reverend Maurice Venno, grandfather of Deb Ludlow, one of the current proprietors of the camp.
The walls are covered in original art work, weathered maps, antique Asian musical instruments, as well as a Revolutionary War musket found on one of the islands.
You will have your choice of cushioned benches along the wall with tables for writing.
What about cell phone service? Wi-Fi?
There is Wi-Fi in Moss Wood. While internet access is satisfactory, cell phone service can be either adequate, or very patchy—the result is dependent entirely on your carrier. If you have concerns about phone access, we can provide the phone number of Hiram Blake Camp as an emergency back up.
I am interested in coming to a Moss Wood Retreat but am only able to attend two nights. Is it possible to come for a shorter time?
As much as we like to be flexible, we believe in the community aspect of a retreat that requires each participant to be present for the whole time. Our schedule is jam-packed as it is; think what you would be missing!
We will be happy to add your name to our mailing list, as we are considering shorter one or two day retreats. Please send your information to director@mosswoodretreats.com
Is it possible to come earlier, or to stay at Moss Wood beyond the Sunday check out?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to arrive earlier for Moss Wood 2024. If you would like to stay another night, please indicate this with your application.
If you want to explore the greater Down East area, and we heartily encourage you to do so, we will be happy to guide you with where to go, what to do and see, and to provide some assistance in making arrangements.
What about my question that is neither asked nor answered here?
Send it along, to director@mosswoodretreats.com and we will answer it a.s.a.p.