For many years, Campo Misterioso occupied prime real estate along 6 o’clock at Rte 66. But it wasn’t much beyond a shade structure, an archway, and a bar. Then, in 2015, Stuart got Pedro inspired when he had to tear down some old fencing.
“This weathered wood would go great with this old, saloon-style swinging door I have!” With that, a western bar was formed, stone-soup fashion out scrap materials from Stuart backyard and Pedro’s uncles Rio Vista farm. Suddenly, in a small corner of the playa was a classic, Hollywood Western saloon front, complete with an out of tune piano, a bar serving rot gut whiskey and beers, lounge chairs and tables for card playing. People came in, attracted by the Hollywood Front, the sound of piano playing or Pedro’s “hippie trap” out front, but they quickly became infected and stayed to marvel, drink and swap stories.
In 2017, Jules and I joined Campo Misterioso and helped Pedro setup the massive front and interior. There was a think-big, can do attitude along with a deep sense of camp empathy seasoned with jackassery. Spending time and building with Pedro became one of the joys of our lives and, hence, the Wood Butcher’s were formed.