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Above is one of the first photos of what was to become Betty's Waterfall on our Serenity
Creek
Here are a few comments on what our guests said... “Del & Betty,
I can’t express how much these 2 days have been for me. I came here to find some peace and quiet
and to find God’s will for my life. I found out that I didn’t find God here, but that God found
me here on your majestic and beautiful oasis. God has touched me here over the last 2 days and really uplifted
my heart and mind. I really needed that, especially after returning from 12 months in Iraq.
So for me to say thank you, would not be enough. I want to say Praise you and your ministry here.
God bless you.” ~Chaplain Bankston September 2009 Fort Hood Army Base, Killeen,
Texas
~~ Good afternoon Betty, Thank you for the delightful place to hold our Reunion. Everyone enjoyed
it. The kids loved having the freedom to roam and explore your land. The parents loved having the worry free place for
their children to play. Personally I loved the close proximity of the cabins to the Pavilion. My children and family
loved the fire box at Rebecca's cabin, especially with the cooler weather. You are very
talented and it showed in the decoration in the cabins and in the gardens, the decorations were beautiful.
Loved the wild flowers and the garden paths. Like I told Del, I could live in one of the cabins. They were great.
I do appreciate all you and Del did,
the weekend was a success. I do want
to buy your book and I will look on the web site to order. I also enjoyed talking with
you about the genealogy. Thanks again, -- Ginger Mosely May 19, 2008 (Stephenson Family Reunion--26 adults and countless
little kids spent Saturday night. They had a big turnout between 75-100. Parking was no problem.) ---- Dear Betty and Del, We had a wonderful time at Del's Retreat! We gave you a list of the
19 birds that we identified while we were there. There are a lot of birdwatchers around, and they would find your place
full of wonderful birds; just in case anyone asks. We saw a huge flock of cedar waxwings across the bridge in a grove
of trees. They were gorgeous. Also, we did find one more bird for the bird list, to make it an even 20.
We saw Chipping Sparrows on the road out of your place, so you might want to add that to the list. and also... Thank you both
so much for your hospitality. The cabin was wonderful for our son in the wheelchair.... It is absolutely the best
cabin we have ever seen that we could get our son into. I was so excited when I found you on the internet, saying you
had a ramp! We will definitely be back, and my sister and her grandchildren had a ball, as well. We are considering
having a family reunion some time in the future, and we would probably need the whole property. We will, of course,
get with you to see if it is available. Thanks again, Betty and
Del! --Margo, David, & Kyle Engwer March 24, 2008 --------- Written to his disc golf friends... Speaking of B&Bs, Here's a place to get away to. I play disc golf. Not very often anymore, but there's
a tournament I play in on a private ranch every October. Most people camp. I used to, but last year, I decided to look around
for a bed and shower in the area. I found a place called Trails West Retreat. It has several cabins to rent and it's a very
relaxing place to get away to. The cabins even have direct TV if you want to watch a movie in the evening. The owners
are very nice as well, and it's dog friendly. Charlie loves it. There's a creek for him to swim in. Kent
Bray Houston Monday,
September 29, 2008
We loved your cozy cabin and beautiful setting!
It's a great get away with comforts. Thanks so much!
--JoLyn Brown, Kenai, Alaska March 30-April 2, 2005 (Our very first
visitors!)
What a beautiful property you have! I love looking out from the porch/deck down
through the trees to the bridge. Thank you for your hospitality. I liked all the natural entertainment--the frogs, birds and
lightning.
--Vicki Kimball, University Place, Washington.
Thanks for being so
accommodating. Your place is beautiful and we had a great time.
--Bryan, Kera and Carter Deaton, Conroe, TX, May 28,
2005
Thanks for the shelter from the storm. We enjoyed our stay here very much and enjoyed the peace and
quiet.
--Carl, JoAnn, Daniel, Debbie Jaeger, Rebecca Beard, Blessing, TX (refugees from Hurricane Rita)
Had a great time! Thanks!--Linda Arriaga, We had a wonderful stay in the country...Thank you so much-- Mandy
Calhoun, Oct 2 2005
Del & Betty, I had a wonderful relaxing stay. Loved the peace
and serenity of the cabin blending with the outdoors. You've done a beautiful job on creating a very lovely and inspiring
place. You thought of so many details everywhere both inside and outside, I can't wait to bring my family here with me next
time! Betty, I enjoyed reading your book too!.. Thanks for everything.
--Cathy Peterson, Riviera, TX 10-9-05 (Now a repeat
customer who joins her girlfriends from the four corners of Texas to chat around the campfire)
What a wonderful
oasis in the world you have created! "Retreat" is a perfect way to describe the beauty of this environment and the
solitude it promises. My friend and I appreciate all of the thoughtful touches in the cabin and the environ, a perfect backdrop
for our reunion. We hope to visit again!
--Cristen & Milena, Houston and Austin, TX 10-16-05
Truly
enjoyed our stay at Trails West! The cabins are wonderful and so comfy. Walked theentire property at night by moonlight and
morning sunrise. Enjoyed our talks and will definitely be back. Thanks.
--Danny & Liz Phillips, Houston, TX 3-12-06
We have really enjoyed being here once again. The Del's Retreat is so cozy and romantic.
It was perfect for us. We are trying to work on our new relationship and this was just perfect. We enjoyed cooking on the
deck & building a wonderful fire in the chiminea. We grilled steaks, fish, crawfish and ate to the glare of the fire.
We layed out on the deck and looked at the moonshine through the trees and we enjoyed the wonderful sounds of the wildlife.
We will be back soon! When we decide to tie the knot, we are looking forward to doing it here. Thank you for giving us these
three special days together.
--Adolfo, George West, TX & Irma, Sugarland 5-3-06
Irma and Adolfo are our lovebirds
who "fly" into our retreat monthly now.
What a sweet place you have created.
We thank you for your gifts-- the gardens, the homey touches, the creation of this tranquil spot where Del's Retreat sits,
the bridge is a work of art. We will be back. (Draws a Heart)
--Laurie & Scott, FT Worth, formerly Santa Fe, NM,
5-7-06 Laurie is a poet and was attending a Poetry Seminar at Festival hill.
Thank you so much for having
such a nice cabin and such a peaceful place. We really enjoyed ourselves and look forward to coming back. Thanks again.
--Jackie, Larry & Rocky (their yellow lab)
And the great comments
just keep coming...our guest books are filled with similar thoughts. We have
had visitors now from England, Equador, France, Scotland, and Mexico as well as most of the states in the USA!
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Looking toward Jacob's Crossing--solid rock and a good
place to get your feet wet!
Guest comments on Woodview Cabin--
Thank you so much for sharing your "little cabin
in the woods" We had a wonderful time. You have a beautiful property with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. Thank
you for having us. We will definitely return again.
--The Hargroves, Houston, Tx, 3-19-06
Woodview cabin is very
cozy and comfortable. I loved the little special details in the decorating and the landscape. Its so nice to comeher and
forget about the worries and stress of the city. Can't wait to come back again!
--Cathy Peterson, Riviera, TX 3-26-06
"Be
Still & know that I am God" is the Scripture that comes to mind. Indeed the handiworks of God are all around. The cabin
is darling!! So comfortable. Looking forward to the next time. It's a perfect place!!! Thanks for sharing with us.
--The
Duhon's, Louisiana, 4/2/06
We really enjoyed the cabin, the property, the deck. It was all so wonderful. We enjoyed
walking all through the area and hope that we can make it back real soon. We will definitely stay here every time we come
over here. We just loved it!
--Adolfo & Irma 4-4-06
What an enchanting place! My daughter and I have been coming
to Round Top Fair for 5 years and this is by far the best time we have had. The cabin is perfect and you have thought of
everything aguest would need to be relaxed and comfortable. The property is beautiful and so peaceful-- a great relief from
everyday craziness! We look forward to many return visits. Thank you. P.S. We had a lovely serenade by some cows one evening!
--Sharon
Powell, Melissa Lambert, San Antonio
Trails West is an awesome place!! Way better than the Holiday Inn any day! This
place is so serene and quiet. We had a great time--even as short as our stay was. You've done a gret job here!! God Bless!
Ken
& Jess, Galveston 7/14/06
Thanks for sharing Trails West with our family and friends. Everyone woke up Sunday morning
refreshed and ready to head to Austin. We look forward to visiting y'all again--to share stories, see the building progress,
and perhaps enjoy all of it by daylight! Best wishes and God bless!
--Team Hanley MS 150, April 22, 2006
--Denise Hanley,
Clark Hanley, Phil Ratisseau, Paul Nixon, The Hanzliks, Brenda Helyer, The Wildemans, Doug Hillany, the Browns and Mark Walner.
(They came from all over Texas to ride in memory of a friend and brother who died from MS. They rented all the cabins and
ate on the tables under the Pavilion.)
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