Safety, Rules, and Terms of Visitation
Terrain on the ranch is typical of the Edwards Plateau
area and ranges from wet and dry grassland slopes to steep, rocky cliffs and
rocky creek beds. Water depths in the
creek range up to 8 feet and footings along side are slippery when wet. Be
careful when walking along cliff and creek bed areas and anywhere else where
footings may be loose or slippery.
Wildlife on the ranch is typical of the Texas Hill Country and includes
white-tailed deer, coyotes, fox, rabbits, armadillos, skunks, opossums, and
raccoons. Although skeptics might tell us otherwise, we have also seen and
photographed the nocturnal ringtail cat. Numerous species of birds have been
seen on the ranch, and many of these are permanent residents. Commonly seen
larger birds include hawks, buzzards, herons, quail, doves, owls, roadrunners,
and wild turkeys. Sometimes ducks visit
the calm waters of Sycamore creek. We
caution our visitors to be aware of poisonous
snakes, which include coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths
(water moccasins) and rattlesnakes. Other common stinging critters include centipedes, scorpions,
and fire ants. Some lucky visitors
might experience a migration or sighting of the virtually harmless Texas cinnamon tarantula. Poison ivy
grows in several locations on the property.
Be nature-safe
Being
‘nature-safe’ means respecting wildlife and its place in the environment. It
means being aware of the living things around you. Nature-safety also means
knowing how to avoid unpleasant experiences with nature. Most plants and
animals have defense mechanisms to protect themselves and their offspring. A
defense mechanism might be anything from a wasp's stinger to Poison Ivy's
invisible oil that makes us itch for days. Each defense mechanism is meant to
scare off attackers. When we learn to understand we can turn fear into
fascination.
Safety in the Field
Since
venomous snakes and stinging scorpions are common in the rural areas of Texas,
it is important for ranchers, hunters, rural residents, outdoor enthusiasts and
others that frequent these areas to exercise caution.
- Be careful where you
put your hands and feet - don't reach or step until you can see the
bottom.
- Never step over a log
without first seeing what is on the other side. If you must move a log -
use a long stick or garden tool first, to ensure snakes are neither under,
on or around these favored habitats.
- Use a flashlight when
moving about at night.
- Animal burrows make
excellent habitat for snakes - don't reach in without first checking.
- Wear protective
clothing if occupying areas where you suspect snakes nearby. Heavy
footwear, snake-proof trousers and/or leggings will help reduce your risk.
- Freeze when snakes are
known to be nearby until you know where they are. Allow the snake to
retreat. If you must move, back slowly and carefully away from the snake.
How to Avoid
Learn
to recognize the snake species that are likely to be in the area. Please do not
kill a snake - even a venomous one - they serve a valuable function in the
environment. The majority of bites result from people taking unnecessary or
foolish risks with venomous snakes. Understanding what snakes look for in
suitable habitat can help you know when to be wary. Understanding their
behavior will help you know what to do if you encounter one. Snakes like tall
grass. Always wear shoes while outside and never put your hands where you
cannot see them. Be careful when stepping over fallen logs and rock
outcroppings. Take care along creek banks and underbrush. Snakes do not prey on
humans and they will not chase you, in fact they usually retreat or escape if
given the opportunity. The danger comes when they are either surprised or cornered.
Do not play around with a dead snake - they have been known to bite and
envenomate.
Preventing Snake Bites
Watching
where you step, put your hands, or sit down is one of the best ways to prevent
snake bites. Poisonous snakes live on or near the ground and often like rocks,
wood piles and other spots that offer both a place to sun and a place to hide.
Snakes avoid your huge body, but will definitely bite if stepped on or
otherwise trapped. Most bites occur in and around the ankle. About 99 percent
of all bites occur below the knee, except when someone accidentally picks up or
falls on the snake. The fangs of venomous snakes, though long and sharp, are
relatively fragile and easily deflected or broken. These fangs usually don't
penetrate canvas tennis shoes and almost never penetrate leather shoes or
boots. Watching where you step and wearing boots in tall grass can prevent most
snake bites.
Snakes are not something to be feared, but rather a creature to be respected as a fascinating member of the outdoors.
Enjoy your Visit, but Please Honor these Grounds Rules as a Guest at our Ranch:
- Visitation is by invitation or appointment only.
- Please stay within the marked / fenced boundaries of the property – respect the private property of our neighbors.
- Drive only on paved or designated parking areas. Do not drive on wet soil during or after a rainfall.
- Parents – please watch out for your children.
- We allow limited alcoholic beverages, but beware that unruly behavior due to intoxication will not be tolerated.
- No swimming, wading, diving in the creek. Wet areas are slippery and dangerous.
- No climbing – trees, cliffs and rock outcroppings.
- No open fires or gathering of firewood. Do not leave burning cigarettes on the ground. (pick up your own little butts)
- No horseplay – running or playing along cliff and creek bed areas.
- No Guns, No Hunting, No Fishing.
Simplified Legal Terms and Disclaimer or, ‘The Small Print’ (personal responsibility, respect for property
and others, and manners):
Guests
shall honor our minimum safety rules stated above and any other restriction
that might be written or verbally communicated as required by prevailing
conditions. Our clients are ultimately
responsible for their invited guests.
Guests are visitors by invitation from us or our clients (renters). We enforce zero tolerance for horseplay and
intoxication, and as these are private grounds and not a public park, we
reserve the right to refuse service at any time to anyone. We expect visitors to leave the property
immediately if asked to do so. Tex-Zen
Dreams and the Tex-Zen Ranch proprietors strive for the safety of their guests
and shall not be held responsible for personal accidents or adverse encounters
with the native wildlife. We kindly
request any guest or visitor who cannot agree to these terms not to enter the
property or to exit immediately. Your
presence on the property indicates your agreement to these terms and rules.
Guest Room Safety
The Tex-Zen Dreams innkeepers strive for the safety of
their guests. The B & B Cottage was
constructed with nearly fire-proof concrete materials for protection against
fire from the outside. While many of the
inside materials may be fire retardant, the drapery and bedding fabrics, carpet,
sub-floor, wooden furniture and cabinetry are nevertheless combustible
materials. There shall be no smoking
within the guest rooms. Absolutely no
candles or other open flames other than what might be provided by the
innkeepers are allowed. No cooking is
allowed other than the normal use of the in-room toaster and microwave
oven. With this said, each room is
equipped with a modern AC powered smoke detector and an approved fire
extinguisher can be found under the bar sink.
Sink areas are equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters and the
bedroom circuits are protected with arc-fault circuit interrupters for guest
safety towards electrical hazards. Both rooms are equipped with nightlighted flashlight. Shower entries are equipped with ADA approved safety grab bars. Ramps are available by request in place of step up to porch deck.
The entry door on each room is equipped with a keyless entry system for added security and so that guests won't need to keep track of a key. Unless prearranged at or after booking with your customized code, a security code will be provided at check-in.
Spa Safety/Rules
First Aid
Please notify us immediately for any First-Aid or
emergency. A first-aid kit is on hand at the residence.
Maid Service
Daily maid service is not provided. You are responsible for keeping your room clean and tidy as desired during your stay. The standard cleaning surcharge applies to normal room cleaning after your departure. Fresh towels, soap, or other depleted supplies are provided upon request. Mid-week linen change and lite cleaning is available at extra charge for weekly rentals and daily maid service can be arranged for extra charge at time of booking.
About Your Water Supply and Conservation
Unless otherwise notified or indicated, water at all faucets at the residence and cottage is
provided via an on-site potable rainwater harvesting system. City dwellers as well as country folks are
assured that the water is properly treated through settling, sediment and
activated carbon filtration, and ultraviolet purification, and will probably discover
that it is the softest and best water ever tasted! But our supply is not unlimited, so it is
mandatory that guests run water only as it is needed. Showers should be limited to a maximum of 8 minutes. Hot water may run out after this time period. Although we have a hard,
smelly, well-water backup system, we guarantee you won’t like it if we have to
switch over to well water or draw from the creek! The hose bib next to the electric meter at the SOUTH end of the Cottage-of-Dreams is supplied by well water. Ask your innkeepers for
more information on the rainwater collection and purification system.
Guest Room Smoking Policy
The Cottage-of-Dreams at Tex-Zen Dreams B & B is an annex of our home. If we ask you not to smoke in our home, well, you shouldn't. Ridding the rooms of obnoxious smoking odors is expensive and time-consuming. If our sensitive noses detect a smoking odor in our rooms, you will be asked to leave and your remaining nights will be forfeited. As with our other House and Grounds Rules, if you can't agree to these terms, please don't stay at Tex-Zen Dreams B & B.
Guest Room Children Policy
The Cottage-of-Dreams at Tex-Zen Dreams B & B is an annex of our home. The designer decor, antique furnishings, movie selection, and the ambiance we strive to maintain at the Cottage-of-Dreams are not suitable for children. We will at times make exceptions for children aged 11-17, and with apologies to conscientious parents and well-mannered teenagers, we require a damage security deposit to insure that potential minor damages in our home and guest cottage are paid. Guests with children aged 11-17 are required to post a $250 extra cleaning and damage security deposit. If we detect excessive damages at any time during your stay, you may be asked to leave and your remaining nights will be forfeited along with your deposit, otherwise the deposit will be refunded at check-out or within 10 days at our discretion. Children are not allowed to stay in our guest rooms unattended by an adult. Parents are responsible for movie censorship and viewing. We cannot accommodate children under 11 years old under any circumstances. As with our other House and Grounds Rules, if you can't agree to these terms, please don't stay at Tex-Zen Dreams B & B.
Thank
You
