This short video shows some of the chinking work being done here at the lodge.

While the snow is falling outside I’m working on repairing chinking inside the lodge.

Most of the chinking throughout the lodge is in great shape however there are a few spots here and there that are in need of attention. Some areas are simply cosmetic repairs and other areas are in need of being completely re-chinked. As you can see in the photos there has been damage to the chinking along the fireplace and chimney.

Read more about making white chinking

Things have been a bit crazy as of late. Every so often one needs to stop and watch the clouds pass.

This is a quick individual serving of rigatoni and pancetta - you want to make two? use two pans.

What you’ll need:

One small ladle clarified butter
Pancetta
Mushrooms
Green Onion
Marinara
Heavy cream
Kosher salt
Pepper
Garlic
Grated romano
Grated asiago
Grated fontina

Read more about Bearfort rigatoni and pancetta recipe

I’ve been gone for quite some time and have been working with a few people as to incorporating video into the website to provide how-to videos of some of the projects that are happening around here.

In an effort to provide better information as to the restoration progress around Bearfort Lodge and improved instructions and demonstrations of some of the projects this first video is simply an introduction.

This is a simple recipe for orecchetti.

Cook your orecchetti and set aside

In a saute pan place a splash of olive oil and shopped pancetta and saute.

Add a hand of freshly chopped mushrooms and a handfull of freshly chopped green onions, and season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and granulated garlic.

read more about Bearfort's orecchetti recipe

Here is a great email from Andy.

Bought some property 3 years ago in Southeast Texas. On it, a log cabin actually built in the 50’s with telephone poles. (Pine) Insert Air Conditioning plus poor design causes some pretty extensive damage though more facial, in some cases, half way through. After determining the damage, I formulated a plan to re-brace the wall at bottom (open), remove the rotted portions, buy treated logs (pine) which are actually used for corner bracing for large fence areas, split and replace rotted area’s. I thought (think) the best way to brace each replacement to the remaining log was to I bolt with curved metal brace. Not sure it will be that aesthetically pleasing but then….Im a rookie. Large nails? Screws? Your thoughts.

Read more about log face replacement

Seafood lovers will absolutely love this light yet rich ravioli dish from the kitchen of Bearfort Lodge.

Fresh lobster meat
Fresh crab meat
Fresh shrimp
Fresh Scallops
Parsley
Ricotta cheese - well drained
Asiago cheese - grated
Romano cheese - grated
Three eggs
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Chopped spinach

Read more about Bearfort's seafood ravioli

Sue recently asked a question with regard to chinking and exposed logs in a bathroom.

Hi there,

I just discovered your Bearfort website and want to thank you for the interesting reading and the recipe and process for chinking.

I want to ask your advice regarding my old farmhouse. Unless you went to the attic, you wouldn’t know that it is an original hand hewn log house since it is covered with brick and clapboard externally. I am not certain of the exact date of construction, but the PA deed goes back to 1810.

My dilemma comes with the need to replace plaster walls due their extreme deterioration. I have salvaged plaster in all the public rooms but then we come to the current downstairs bathroom which the previous owner “remuddled” in the 1970’s. Log home magazines never seem to dwell on bathroom interiors.

Read more about this bathroom project

This is a delightfully savory cream soup recipe and one of the most requested soups here at the lodge.

Fresh Parsley
Fresh Basil
Fresh Tarragon
Fresh Chives
Chicken Stock
Butter
5-6 Egg Yolks
Heavy Cream
Salt & Pepper to taste

read more about Bearfort's savory cream soup