Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm horribly out of date now -- and I always camped in my younger days -- where do you guys stay when in the Bend? One of the motels around Study Butte or Terlingua? Suggestions on a clean room would be very welcome. I'm planning on heading over next Tuesday. Maybe I'll see some of you guys. Thanks. --Henry W.

Wild horse and wild horse only never a problem with what we are doing and herp friendly from day one talk to Louise Hammer, charlie

I'm not sure why more herpers don't stay at Terlingua Ranch; it's several miles east off 118, but worth the extra time and effort IMHO. The rooms are clean, quiet and reasonable, there's good chow at the restaurant and the pool is handy for killing time on a hot afternoon waiting for the sun to go down.
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Bill Cope
O'Brien, FL

You wouldnt know the room rates by chance would you?
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To you im just the crazy snake guy, but to some I'm a 'Herp'.

$50 for one person and $60 for two people. You can get more information at their web site.
Terlingua Ranch

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Gerald Keown
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research
www.southwesternherp.com

"While we rarely see snakes in the lodge area, they are assuredly present from time to time. Rattlesnakes, copperheads, and others can present a real danger to the unwary. Please keep these hints in mind: always look before you step and do not attempt to move, approach or kill any snake. Notify the office or ranch personnel if you see a snake. Never put your hands into places where you cannot see. ALWAYS carry and use a flashlight while walking at night."

I think this place sounds great....
Terlingua Ranch - Things you need to know page

Sounds like a good place to base from. But the website kinda makes it unclear if the rooms have showers & toilets... Do they?

.. but the basics are there including showers and $hitters. The beds are comfy and the AC works, too. The Ranch roads and surrounding hills are good for early AM herping.
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Bill Cope
O'Brien, FL

The "S&S"... Are they IN the rooms or out? Makes a diff to the lady. Me, I wouldn't care. I'd rather pee behind the bush than into a can anyday!

There are up-to-date, in-room amenities for your lady, and plenty of greasewood, lechuguilla, yucca and other-type bushes outside for you.
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Bill Cope
O'Brien, FL

Bill, where's Obrien? We're in Tallahassee. Looks like Terlingua is where we'll be this time next year.

Nevermind. Just googled the map. North of Branford. Spent lot's of time diving that area of the Suwannee for Indian artifacts & fossils.

Hi Bill:

Are these private roads on this ranch, so as to be exempt from the new regs,if they go through??

I had hoped to go in July for my first Texas trip, but don't really want to be illegal. If staying on the Ranch gets you use of the roads,it might be a solution.
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Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

Hey Lloyd - I'll be there early next month, maybe our paths will cross. The Ranch roads are as public as any other in the state, so technically they're bound by the same regs. However, due to their remoteness and condition (some make Pandale dirt look good), they're rarely patrolled. I've been stopped by Highway and Border Patrol on 118 a few times but not on the Ranch proper. Hope this helps.
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Bill Cope
O'Brien, FL

Thanks,I'll have to check work commitments next week before I decide.Sounds like I need to think about renting a 4 wheel drive?
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Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

What camping opprotunities are there in the Bend? I don't think you're talking about Big Bend SP because of all the snake hunting gear you would have and all.

Alida, the Ranch manager, is herp-friendly and has told me of pictigaster on her property - now if I could just time it to be there when they are. I've got 30 acres on the Ranch near the back road to Marathon/BBNP and am giving a lot of thought to moving there when I'm done here @ UF (Titletown --- Go Gators).
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Bill Cope
O'Brien, FL