Cocktails and a tiki bar in the desert

It was shiny like a tin can, especially in the bright Arizona sun, but it dazzled me and for one night it was mine. The interior was decorated like Fiji, at least what I imagined Fijian décor to be. Colorful flowers dotted buttery yellow curtains that hung from tiny rods on top of equally tiny windows. Chairs covered in pale green fabric flanked a petite fold out table. On the miniscule counter sat a 1950’s radio along with period newspapers announcing the news of the day. While the bed was full sized, I giggled when I opened the bathroom door to reveal a space that was made for someone much smaller. It was quaint in every way; for the life of me I couldn’t understand how anyone could call my 1957 El Rey a tin can on wheels!
Having just arrived at the Shady Dell travel trailer resort, I stepped into another time and place. I stared in wonder at the trailers of different sizes neatly arranged in a tiny neighborhood complete with small grassy yards, white picket fences, and lawn chairs. The trailer I had chosen was a small one with an outdoor space that held a table and two lawn chairs. However, there were also larger trailers outfitted with small decks and even a hand carved tiki bar with wooden bar stools. Completing the park, a beautifully restored diner car served era-appropriate meals. Immediately I decided to have lunch at Dot’s Diner and that fortuitous decision set the stage for what was to come. I met a few other people that were staying at the park and as we easily chatted, plans were made to take advantage of the small community feel by having evening cocktails at one of the trailers.
Dusk descended and the whimsical outdoor lights clicked on. I joined my neighbors for cocktails at their outdoor tiki bar where the torches were lit and the old radio played 1960’s tunes. While sharing stories of travel and great adventure, our host mixed cocktails. In between stories and shared laughter, tours were given of the inside of the trailer. Others returned to the park from an evening out and were invited to join us for drinks. People brought their chairs over and our intimate gathering grew into an impromptu cocktail party. Collectively deciding on a progressive drink crawl, everyone took turns hosting a cocktail at their trailer. The evening was awash in warm feelings of friendships made during a unique shared experience. Lights twinkled above my head in the desert sky and I smiled at what can happen when you are open to possibilities.