TRAILS
WEST RETREAT, located in Washington County at 10900 Mayer Cemetery Road, Burton, Texas 77835 is a
facility devoted to a concept of allowing its guests the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature, its peace, quiet,
serenity, and above all, to a have a great woodland experience. It is a place where one can relieve the stress of
city life and simply relax and enjoy rolling hills and flower filled woodland meadows.
At
Trails West Retreat, the guest does his own housekeeping and cooking, except at our Eagle's Nest Lodge where a continental
style breakfast is served. We strive to fully stock and provide essential elements that might have been forgotten. Please
feel free to use them but refrain from taking them home with you so they will be available for the next guest to enjoy.
In
order for this campground to remain in this lovely state, it is necessary for its guests to maintain a certain amount of respect
for what God gave us that we now share with you. We have therefore set a list of rules that we expect to be firmly
adhered to or the guest will not be allowed to return.
1. NO LITTERING
anywhere, anytime. Trash cans are provided. Use them! NEVER throw things in the creek! Leave the
campground, facilities and cabins as clean as you found them.
2. NO SMOKING
is allowed inside the cabins or in any building on the premises. Smoking is permitted outdoors, unless the campground
is under a fire ban. Do not throw cigarette butts into the water or onto the grounds.
3.
FOOTWEAR REQUIRED. Wear tennis shoes or appropriate footwear. It is OK to put your feet in the water but there
are sharp and slippery rocks. Never go barefoot in our Serenity Creek. The water is generally 1-3 feet deep but
occasionally after a heavy rainfall, it can be swift and in places over your head. Small children should NEVER
go in the creek unless accompanied by an adult.
4. PETS
are permitted. Keep your pet on a leash until it is established that the pet will not be upsetting to other
pets or guests. If your pet is disturbing or hostile to others, you must control it. If the pet is not controlled,
the guest will be asked to remove the pet from the premises, and it will not be allowed to return. Do
not leave pets unattended in your cabin when you leave the premises. We provide a kennel with dog
house located at our Eagle's Nest Lodge if you do not bring your own carrier.
5. WATCH YOUR
CHILD: Keep your child under your supervision at all times. There are numerous hazards to small
children. Some areas have cliffs that are as high as 18 feet.
6. FIRES: Fires
are allowed only in fire pits, grills or designated areas. At some especially dry times during the year, we
do have fire bans, so only charcoal cooking fires will be allowed at those times. Bring your own charcoal
and starter for the grills. The grill and picnic tables at the pavilion are available to all guests.
7.
CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL is allowed on the premises but all cans must be placed in appropriate waste containers. Public
display of intoxication will NOT be permitted, and a guest who displays this condition may be asked to leave, if necessary,
by legal force. Minors are not permitted to consume alcohol on the premises. TRAILS WEST RETREAT will not be held
responsible for infractions of this rule.
8. STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS, PATHS OR ROADWAYS. Cutting
across gardens or open meadows can destroy the vegetation and wildflowers that grow abundantly here. Please do not pick
the flowers or walk inside the garden areas!
9. NO
ATVs are allowed in use on the grounds except for motorized toddler toys. Bicyles are allowed. There
is ample room to park your boat or a trailer with an ATV.
10. BY RESERVATION ONLY: The cabins & campground are
available by reservation only. Reservations must be made no less than 24 hours in advance and can be held paid for through
Paypal at a small administrative charge. Cash or check is the preferred method of payment. Unless, you lease the entire
campground for an occasion, please respect the rights of other guests.
11. DAMAGE
AND/OR THEFT. Certain amenities such as coffee, tea, paper towels, toilet paper, cosmetic and toiletry
items are provided for the use of the guest(s). Use what you need but please do not remove them from the premises. Destruction
to or theft of property belonging to Trails West Retreat shall be prosecuted by law. Damage to property caused by the
guest(s) or his/her pets will be charged to the guest. Trails West Retreat furnishes all linens and towels, cooking
utensils, dishes and flatware.
12. DEPOSIT: We do not accept credit cards.
We take cash, check or money order. The deposit is equal to one night's stay in advance. We can bill you
in advance if you prefer through PayPal, however there is a 3% Paypal administrative charge.
13.
TRASH: When leaving, please place trash in the large can outside of the cabin. In case of large
parties, there is a $75 charge for trash haul-off. This will be waived if trash is removed from the premises
provided the guests have cleaned the property and grounds. If your children have water balloons, please pick them up
and do not let the children throw things into the creek.
14. NOISE:
Soft, easy listening music is great. Noise is not! Feel free, however, to bring your guitars or musical instruments,
and play around the campfire. Keep the volume at a pleasant level. Loud music will NOT be tolerated except in the
case of a professional band or musician(s) with approval of Trails West Retreat staff.
15.
CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a non-refundable $25 cancellation fee during normal times.
This may be used on a future stay at Trails West if cabin/room is leased. There is a $50.00 cancellation fee if
cancelled within one week of reservation during normal times. There is a $100 non-refundable cancellation
fee in the case of Antique Festivals, MS150, holidays and special events. If the cabin or room remains
unrented, the guest is responsible for the full amount. In the case of Antique Festivals, payment is expected in full
two weeks prior to reservation date. In regard to these events, 6 weeks notice must be given for
the Antique Festival dates, however, the $100 deposit fee will be forfeited. During Antique Festivals, Friday
rentals must include Saturday night unless, the rental is for 3 days or more prior. If sufficient time is given
to re-lease, the client may not be charged for the full time. All other holiday and events require two weeks
cancellation notice otherwise the guest will be charged the full amount of the stay. A partial refund may
be given if notice is received by phone within the time frame stated if TWR is successfully able
to re-lease. If the whole facility has been leased, and sufficient cancellation time is not given, there will be a $200
charge plus the lease amount.
16. LIABILITY: Trails
West Retreat will not be held liable for accidents or injuries received on the property. Trails West Retreat is a natural
area with many different possible hazards including, but not limited to, water, land, animal, insect and plant life, any of
which could contribute to an injury or death. In addition, the decks and bridges are built for the enjoyment of the guest(s)
but can be a possible source for accidents. Travel the trails at your own risk! The trails and bridges
are at times crude and primitive. Always watch for snakes, insects, cacti, vines, sticks, poisonous plants, stinging
plants, rocks and limbs. There are several cliffs on the premises. Making a reservation with Trails West Retreat
constitutes reading, understanding and agreeing to the RULES and to the Waiver of Liability as posted on the website at www.bettystrails.com.
17. CHECK-IN:
Normal check-in is 2:00PM, 3:00PM during Antique Festivals. No early check-in during Antique Festivals. At normal
times, check-in can be earlier if permission is granted ahead of time. Unless you have paid in full or discussed arrival
in advance, please come by the Lodge office located at 10770 Mayer Cemetery (across the creek) at the corner of Mayer Cemetery
& Muske-Ullrich Roads. Payment is expected in advance of your stay. If you know that you will arrive
after 7PM, please notify the office in advance. We will have your cabin open with key on the table. Late arrivals
need not check-in at the office at night. Please come by the office the following morning to settle your account if
you have not sent the full amount of your stay previously by mail.
18. CHECKOUT: Checkout
time is 12:00 noon, 11:00AM during Antique Festivals. During Antique Festivals, the check-out time
is STRICTLY enforced. Please be out at that time because there is a high turnover during that period. During normal
times, if the cabin is not rented for the following evening, the guest(s) may stay until 5:00 PM with permission from the
Trails West staff. We want you to stay as long as you like within reason and not feel rushed in order to give you that
time to relax. When you leave, please do not make the beds. Leave towels in the tub or shower. Turn off lights, AC and
coffee pot. Leave key on table and do not lock door. If a guest stays beyond the check-out time without prior permission,
he may be charged for an additional day.
19. LOST KEY: There is a $15.00 lost key charge.
Please notify TWR immediately of lost key.
20. CLEANING:
No housekeeping is provided during your stay at Trails West Retreat. The guest is responsible for cooking,
etc. If you choose not to wash the dishes upon check-out, there will be a $25 cleaning charge. If you have a need
for any item that might be missing, please notify TWR at the Lodge Office.
21. No children under the age of 12
are allowed at the Eagle's Nest Lodge.
22. Only the Hangar has a VCR so please bring your own if you desire to watch movies,
however we may be able to provide you with one if you inquire at the Lodge office.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION
OF RISK & INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
WAIVER: In consideration of permission
to use, today and all future dates, the property or properties, facilities, staff, equipment and services of TRAILS WEST RETREAT,
I, for myself, my heirs, personal representative or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the
owners and/or directors of TRAILS WEST RETREAT, the employees, the owners of the property, and agents from LIABILITY from
ANY and ALL claims, including negligence resulting in personal injury, accidents, or illnesses (including death), and property
loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in activities, observation, and use of facilities, premises or equipment.
Assumption of Risks: TRAILS WEST RETREAT is a private park of 15.3 acres located
in Washington County, Texas in a rural and natural setting, which encompasses all facets of nature such as, but not limited
to, the possibility of the existence upon the premises of dangerous animals, snakes, reptiles, insects, poisonous plants,
fallen trees, brush, logs, thorns and vines. In addition, there are cliffs, rocky paths, elevation changes and possible water
hazards. The person signed below takes it upon his/her own risk to hike the trails of the premises with the complete understanding
that TRAILS WEST RETREAT has been designed to allow the customer to have a closer look at this beautiful, natural setting,
and that TRAILS WEST RETREAT, its owners or employees, will not be held responsible for any accident or illness related to
this natural setting. On occasion TRAILS WEST RETREAT leases certain other similar properties, specifically a farm and house
located at 759 HWY 109, New Ulm, Texas, and/or other facilities that may be used to accommodate the needs of the client. This
waiver applies to all such other properties under the same conditions as stated above.
Indemnification and Hold
Harmless: I also agree to indemnify and HOLD the owners and employees of TRAILS WEST RETREAT, Delbert L. Meischen and Betty
J Meischen, and the Partnership of Smith Realty, (principles Betty Smith Meischen, Arthur James Smith, Richard D. Smith)
HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s
fees brought as a result of my involvement at TRAILS WEST RETREAT and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred.
Severability: The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing waiver and assumption of risks agreement
is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the State of Texas, and that if any portion thereof
is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement, fully
understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that
I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily and intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of
all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law. Furthermore, if I am the parent or guardian of a minor under the age
of 18 who is accompanying me, or who is attending a function at the RETREAT alone, the said minor is also bound by the same
terms of this agreement through my signature. I have read the previous paragraphs, and I know, understand, and appreciate
these and other risks that are inherent at TRAILS WEST RETREAT. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that
I knowingly assume all risks for myself and all other members of my party.
Making a reservation with Trails West Retreat constitutes understanding and agreement with the rules and waiver
of liability.
ENJOY!