Because Bentsen Palm Village sits near water systems and natural areas, we decided to bring along our inflatable kayak. On our sixth morning, we loaded it onto the car roof rack and drove a few miles to a quiet river access point near the Rio Grande Valley.
We launched before noon and paddled upstream, gliding past reeds, reeds trembling with dragonflies, herons stalking from shallow banks. We paused to lean over the kayak edge and see fish dart in the clear water, watching turtles sun themselves on half-submerged logs.
By midafternoon, we returned and treated ourselves to cold drinks and sandwiches by the pool. Later, we took a short drive to Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum to learn about irrigation and water history. It was unexpected but fascinating — the region’s agriculture depends heavily on water engineering, and the museum tells that story with old pumps, displays, and historical artifacts.
That evening, I built a small campfire (inside allowed fire rings) and grilled shrimp skewers marinated in lime, garlic, and cilantro. I grilled fresh vegetables on the side (bell peppers, zucchini). We dined al fresco, listening to crickets and soft rustles. Afterwards, we roasted marshmallows and made s’mores.
Under a wide Texas sky, I felt small and vast at once. The stars overhead, the crackling fire, the quiet — this is why we travel.