The property is secured by an electronic gate. To open the gate from the outside, enter the 4-digit code provided to you via email on day of check in, followed by the # sign.
To open the gate from the inside, you can: 1) drive your vehicle towards the gate and the vehicle sensor will open the gate automatically; or 2) use the remote control provided for you in the cabin. You're welcome to take the remote with you to come/go in the car, just please remember to leave it in the cabin when you leave.
We want you and your pet to have an awesome time during your stay. To make everyone's stay enjoyable, please observe the following:
Please pick up after your pet. Poop bags are provided on the cabinet under the tv.
Please do not put poop bags into the trash inside the house. There is a small garbage pail on the front porch for bag disposal.
If your dog/s have an accident in the cabin, please clean it up using the cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. If you cannot get the stain completely out, please let me know so I can use our professional cleaner.
While our property is fenced, it will not contain a dog. You are responsible for making sure your dog is visible to you at all times. There are a LOT of fun things to smell and chase around the property. Make sure your dog doesn't get away from you. When in doubt, use a leash!
There are also 1-2 other dogs that roam the neighborhood and may visit you during your stay. They are friendly and usually just want to sniff around for a bit, then go back home. They shouldn't bother you, but you may encounter them at some point during your stay. If they DO bother you, feel free to shoo them off.
Please try to keep your dog/s out of the pond.
Please do not let your dog/s chase or disturb the local wildlife.
Note that during certain times of the year, stickers can be plentiful in the back pasture. If you see that your dog suddenly stops or limps. It's likely he's got a grass burr/sticker in their paw.
As a reminder, here are our pet policies:
You may bring up to 2 dogs (no cats) during your visit.
Our insurance excludes the following breeds from entering the property: Pit Bulls (or any variation of Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, or any combination of these breeds), Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler and Chow Chow.
Dogs with any prior incident of biting another person or animal or dogs with any prior incident of attacking or setting upon any person or animal with violent force are not allowed.
Your dogs should be well-behaved and well-socialized with people and other dogs. We have 2 small dogs of our own and there are other (friendly) dogs that roam the neighborhood and will likely visit during your stay.
Guests agree to be responsible for the entire amount of any and all damages caused by your pets as well as the entire amount of any injury to individuals, other pets or property.
The wrap-around porch is our favorite thing about the cabin. We hope you enjoy it too!
Naughty Neighbor Dogs
We definitely appreciate guests that don't wear dirty/muddy shoes in the cabin; however, we do not recommend leaving shoes out on the porch for any length of time. The neighborhood dogs LOVE to steal shoes! There is a shoe scraper by the stairs for excess mud/dirt if you need it.
Supplies
The following supplies for grilling and/or the firepit are provided for you in a plastic bin on the porch:
Fatwood Fire Starters (only need 2 to start a fire)
Firewood
Lighter
Firewood Tongs
Marshmallow/Hot Dog Roasting Sticks
Outdoor Lights
The light by the front door is on by default and protected with a plastic cover. This switch powers both the porch light as well as the lights to the fire pit. The light by the door can attract bugs and can also be bright if you're trying to watch TV or sleep in the living room. If you need/want to turn both set of lights off, there is a slit in the plastic covered that allows access to the switch. A pencil or toothpick works great. Please turn it back on when you're finished.
Lights to the fire pit are controlled by the switch on the porch next above the supply box. Please turn them off when you're finished using the outdoor area. Please note that these lights are tied to the switch for the light next to the front door. If you turn that switch off, the outdoor lights will not work.
The pond is stocked with a few fish, turtles and regularly hosts several breeds of ducks, cow birds and a great heron. To help us keep this a safe and vibrant space for our scaley and feathery friends, please observe the following:
No fishing.
No swimming.
Do not disturb the wildlife.
Please note that during certain times of the year, the water level of the pond may get low due to the heat and lack of rain.
Under the kitchen counter (behind the curtains), there is a sealed container of fish food. You may feed the fish one bag of food a day during your stay; however, please be sensitive to overfeeding--especially when they are stressed in the hot summer months. There are 2 extra large carp, 5 catfish and numerous perch. If you stand near the edge, they'll swim right up to you and gobble up the food!
Please do not feed the birds.
Please do not throw rocks or sticks into the pond.
Behind the cabin is a fire pit for you to use. When using the fire pit, please be courteous of our neighbors and refrain from loud music. If you need any help with starting a fire or have questions, please let me know.
Safety Precautions
In case of a fire emergency, there is a water hose near the outside AC unit and a fire extinguisher inside the cabin under the counter near the barrel.
Do not build a fire if it is very windy outside.
Do not burn anything in the pit except firewood. Do not burn any construction-grade lumber or any chemically treated materials.
Do not leave the fire unattended. Children should always be accompanied by an adult.
Keep chairs and other heat-sensitive items at least 2 feet away from the pit.
Do not build a fire if Grimes County has issued a burn ban. (We will notify you in advance about this.)
Starting a Fire
To make the best (and easiest to start) fire, we suggest you watch a quick video to review the basic steps. We have included fatwood (seen in the video) as an all-natural fire starter. The fatwood is located in the plastic bin on the porch. You'll only need a couple to get you started. If you need/want kindling, feel free to use any fallen branch or stick from anywhere on the property. Do not cut firewood from any tree or shrub on the property.
Extinguishing the Fire
When you are finished using the fire pit, be sure to extinguish all flames completely. Use a stick or metal tongs to spread out the embers. Stop adding new materials about an hour before you plan to go inside and let the fire burn down naturally.
Lights
The lights to the fire pit are controlled by the switch on the porch next to the glider. Please turn them off when you're finished using the outdoor area. Please note that these lights are tied to the switch for the light next to the front door. If you turn that switch off (please don't), the outdoor lights will not work.
You are welcome to access the back pasture during your stay. Simply follow the gravel road into the owner's section and cross the bridge into the pasture. There are a few things to note:
We do our best to keep the fields mowed, but since it takes over 8 hours for us to mow, we only do it 2-3x a season. We do our best to keep a path mowed for walks that cuts directly through the center of the field.
Please do not enter the creek area on either side of the bridge.
Please do not enter the area when the trailer is located.
Please do not climb the fence or enter our neighbor's property.
Though we have never had a problem, it must be noted that there are all kinds of things that could injure, bite, sting or chase you in the pasture. We cannot be responsible for your safety when you're out there. You enter the pasture at your own risk.
For your safety, please maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from the beehives.
For your safety, please maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from any structure, automobile, piece of farm equipment/attachment, electrical stations, water pumps, tools, etc. found in the Owner's section.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Things to do in the pasture:
Take morning/evening walks.
Throw a frisbee.
Play fetch with the pups (a ball and ball launcher is in the closet toy box).
Observe the wildlife (binoculars are provided on the shelf under the TV).
Take pictures!
Have a picnic under a tree.
Take a nap in the grass.
Watch the fireflies.
Look at the stars (bring your telescope!)
Sit and listen for the wolves at the neighboring wolf sanctuary. (~8am and ~7:30pm are the best time to hear them)
Take night walks with a flashlight (one is provided for you in the cabin).
There is a Weber grill located in the fire pit area. We supply tongs, a spatula and a grill brush (located inside the grill). Generally, there is left-over charcoal and lighter fluid; however, if you need additional charcoal or accessories, the Dollar General usually has plenty of BBQ supplies.
We use a number of security cameras throughout the property. In the guest area, cameras are located on the light pole approximately 75 feet from the cabin. They monitor the front gate, North side of the cabin, pond, and fire pit areas. There are additional cameras located in the owner's section of the property.