Trees Ranch

This past weekend (09/03/04) Dick and I had the opportunity to visit Trees Ranch.  Instead of giving a detailed report on the run which was extremely enjoyable, I'd like to give people an idea of what to expect when they arrive. 
 
The ranch is 3rd generation owned by Mr. Trees.  It encompasses 5,500 acres of moderate to extreme rock terrain.  Driving up the main drive, we veered off to the left onto a dirt road that came up and around the backside of the main ranch house.  As you approach, there is plenty of open area on top of the hill that is available for camping, trailers, etc.  A little further on is what I like to call the "Barnyard surround".  I call it that because everything connects.  The fence connects at this end of a large barn (where the white screen is set out for outdoor movies) this way to the extra covered stock pen/storage, continuing to the right to Bunkhouse #2, around the main ranch house to the right and front side and back to the other end of the barn.  Within this fenced in area is Bunkhouse #1.  Bunkhouse #1 has been mainly used by the guides and their families.  It is a little more improved upon since they have been staying there while they've been working on the ranch for the past few years.  It is equiped with indoor plumbing and shower and partial kitchen.   It is surrounded by a small wood fenced yard that leads out into the "barnyard".    Just behind it to the left is Bunkhouse #2.  This bunkhouse is also surrounded by a small cedar pole fence, has indoor plumbing/shower, electricity, kitchen (no stove), currently an outdoor barrel bbq pit, refrigerator and bunks for approximately 20-25 people.  There is another shower on the outside (barnyard side) to the left.  Inside the bunkhouse, there are two tables, two sofas and a chair for visiting.  There is no air conditioning, just fans.  Please remember, this is still a work in progress and most definitely not a cushy place.  Bunkhouse #2 has only been worked on this year.  All the provided mattresses should be sprayed for bugs prior to putting down any bedding.  We did have an incident of a lodger waking up with his bed full of ants.  There is an abundance of milkweed, stickers, all kinds of weeds.   On the plus - there is hot and cold clean running water.  The bathrooms/showers is for everyones use that includes campers. 
 
Michael Thompson gave us a little history that I would like to share with you.  This ranch is an exotic game ranch, allowing hunting year round.  Their agreement is that beginning about February, the off-road group goes to the ranch about once a month to do things around the ranch for Mr. Trees such as building roads to blinds, feeders, etc.  In exchange for work done by Michael and their offroad group, Mr. Trees allows them to set up certain dates each year to hold events.  Michael did say that anyone willing to come work is more than welcome and appreciated.  They usually work a good portion of the day, but wheel the rest.  I do believe he said they still have to pay the $25 per driver & $5 for passenger.  As I said before Bunkhouse #2 still needs work and if you can get ahold of any building materials that may help, everything is appreciated.  Contact Michael or Kenneth Wright for more information. 
 
My suggestions when you go to Trees Ranch (pack for primative):
Carry good bug spray (deet) to spray mattresses (daily)
You will need your bedding/sheets/pillow
Toiletries - plenty of toilet paper - biodegradable/septic tank desired
Towels
Good bathroom deoderizing/sanitary spray
Cleaning products for the kitchen, floors
Bug spray for around the outside of the bunkhouses - there are plenty chiggers & ticks (not to scare you off)
Bug spray for your shoes/socks before you head out
Food
Cooking utensils/dishes
small air conditioning unit
Trash bags
lanterns/flashlights

The rules to follow for the ranch can be seen at http://www.treesranch.homestead.com/.  They need to be followed to the fullest.  Mr. Trees is an extremely nice gentleman, I understand he did a lot of research before allowing us on his property.  I think we can all agree that to be able to continue to wheel on his ranch, we need to give him our utmost respect and keep his property as pristine as it is now.  
 
My apologies for being so long winded, but its always good to know what your up against before getting there.
 
Ingrid
President
TX4WD.org