B O W L D E R L O D G E . C O M

So, how did I come to end up at BowlderLodge ? Fate ? Luck ? probably a little of both.....

Late in 2001 it became clear that my position with Kessler Rehabilitation would be changing. I would be giving up the sunny, warm Florida lifestyle to come to New Jersey where our corporate offices were located (and would of course be asking my family to do the same). This meant that, for the last quarter of 2001 and the beginning of 2002, I would be "commuting" between Florida and New Jersey working two weeks in NJ followed by one week in FL.

The biggest question that the family had was "does anyone live in New Jersey by choice ?". Our view of New Jersey (as it is with many not from this state) is one that was formed from our travels up and down the Turnpike and from our flights in and out of Newark International. Needless to say, this could really leave a poor impression - it was definitely not the environment that we wanted for our family. The search for a solution was on.

So it began one cold Saturday morning in November 2001. I was in New Jersey for one of my two week stays and directly behind my hotel was a plaza with one of the local real-estate chains. I bundled up and wandered over to get a feel for what was available. Being from Florida, I was definitely in for some sticker shock ;-) I was greeted by one of the employees, who once she found out my "budget" and what I was looking for, seemed not as interested as she originally was. She suggested that I page through some of the MLS books and once done, she had a homework assignment for me. The books didn't show much and didn't offer any insight on the communities, so I decided that it was time to leave and find a different agency. As I put on my jacket, she told me that my assignment was to find a bar called Kroghs in Lake Mohawk. I only half paid attention, thanked her for her time and left.

I spent the rest of the morning driving around some of the local towns and around lunch time decided that I should head off to find Lake Mohawk. After thirty minutes on a variety of back roads, I ended up on Route 181 at a small gas station where I hoped I could get further directions (as I had not purchased a map of the area yet). As the attendant took my credit card (New Jersey is one of a few states left where consumers are not allowed to pump their own gas) I asked if he knew of a place called Lake Mohawk.
"Sure do"
"Can you give me directions ?"
"See that big wooden sign across the street that says Lake Mohawk ? Turn in there"
Hey - just call me Magellan.... (and order me a pair of glasses)

As I turned onto Winona Parkway (the entrance to Lake Mohawk) I immediately noticed the architectural change. As I entered the plaza, I found myself looking into a village right out of some Bavarian storybook. I knew almost at once that this was the place - I could feel an aura (later to be described by my daughter as Pleasantville syndrome) and felt immediately at home. The interior of Kroghs served to reinforce that feeling - a warm, inviting tavern / pub with painted log walls and a fire roaring away in the fireplace. The food that day and since has been great - between that and the custom brewed beers, this continues to be one of out favorite spots.

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