Big Springs & Addision TX 11-9 thru 11-10, 2018

We start our road trip from Dallas towards Big Springs to visit some family and stop along the way for lunch at a rest stop near Santo TX, clear but a cold wind. Big Springs TX is about 290 miles west from Dallas but in our Mini Cooper it was a comfortable drive even though the scenery was pretty much flat farm land, wind mills with oil rigs sprinkled in between. We arrived late in the afternoon to the Sleep Inn which was built not too long ago. Hotel pickings are tough in this town that has certainly had its ups and downs. I found this one on Priceline my favorite go to for most anything travel. The parking lot was full of oil company trucks with hard working guys trudging thru the hotel foyer with muddy boots and tired looks on their faces. The hotel was contemporary friendly and comfortable.

Our goal was to visit our nephew who was in FCI , if you have not visited a Federal Prison it’s no joke, they have very stringent rules about clothing you wear, timing of when you can get in. You arrive sometimes hours before they open the area for visitors parking, there is an unofficial line of cars off prison a few blocks away, this line gives you pecking order to get to the visitors parking area when 8:00 am arrives, first in line goes first, you are greeted by officers who hands you paper work to fill out that identifies who you are and who you are going to visit and numbered. Once you have filled it you wait to her your number being called by a loud speaker belting out numbers across the parking lot. They only allow so many people in during visiting times so to assure you get in you better be there early. You watch the single women and families preparing in their cars with the window cracked listing intently for their number. Once you here your number you get out and walk to the building where you will be processed. This is where they determine if you are dressed appropriately, you have the correct ID and you are carrying only $20 worth of quarters for the vending machines. I have been turned away for not having the right color pants in other facilities, I have seen others turned away as well. Once you have been approved you then go thru the scanners to wait in another room until they escort you to the community visiting area. Inside I remember feeling almost claustrophobic only because there was no easy way out. I remember once I was kidding around with Angela at another facility and the guard looked at me and said knock it off or you will lose visiting rights. Our visit went well and we loved seeing our nephew even it was only for two visiting periods.

We did find a great restaurant called Cowboys Steakhouse, The place was busy always a good sign in a small town. Their salad & soup bar was very good as if you needed any more food as their portions were huge.

Back on the road to Dallas for a night’s stay in Arlington TX on the south side of Dallas. Priceline again found us a place for around $75 plus breakfast, Hawthorne Suites. It’s raining out and time for some dinner, there are a number of restaurants around us and we have been told Saltgrass is a great restaurant so we give a shot. We were impressed from the time you enter they make you feel at home and the décor is hip western. Our waiter is a seasoned lady with personality and sincere attentiveness. The menu is mouthwatering, we choose tacos and chicken fried steak, yes desert of pumpkin cheese cake. We could barely make it to the car. I know you are telling yourself this website is more about food than RV’s but realize this is our story that will be filled with side trips, food, RV knowledge and most of all adventures.