On Day 3, the skies turned overcast and a light rain began to fall. We’d planned an outdoor hike, but the weather had other ideas. I reminded myself: vacations aren’t ruined by rain — they’re just a chance to pivot.
We wandered over to the resort’s clubhouse and event center, settling into a cozy corner near a window. I cracked open my journal and began scribbling impressions: “Rain draws out color in plants. The earth smells damp and alive here.” Others congregated; some brought board games, others laid out arts and crafts supplies from the resort’s craft room.
At lunchtime, I made a stovetop split pea soup: soaked peas, diced carrots, onion, and ham hock, simmered gently in water with a bit of salt. The scent filled the shared kitchen space. Someone passed around fresh rolls from a local bakery, and I traded bowls with a neighbor — swapping stories of Texas road trips, their grandchildren, and what brought them here.
In the afternoon, I drove into Mission to explore local shops and sample tacos at a family-run spot. The rain muffled traffic; I ducked into a small café, ordered caldo de res, and watched steam swirl on my spoon.
By evening, the rain had eased. Back at the resort, we grilled marinated flank steak and corn-on-the-cob under the awning. The night air was cool, a gentle change from the earlier humidity. As I lay in bed, I listened to rain puddle and drip, feeling safe and content in my little RV cocoon.
Sometimes, rain doesn’t ruin a vacation — it makes you pause and see places differently.