Lake Arrowhead Retreat

As I reclined on my sun lounge I suddenly became aware of the rustle of the breeze in the branches of the oak tree above me. The realization that this was a sound you rarely hear at our desert home in Las Vegas suddenly dawned on me. I watched as a Blue Jay paraded up and down the trunk of a nearby oak until a falling acorn crashed to the ground beside me. I was in Lake Arrowhead California, high up on Big Bear Mountain and away from the suppressing heat of the Las Vegas Desert.

My home for the next few days was Dawson Lodge, the private retreat of Author and International Key Note Speaker Roger Dawson. Roger is the founding president of the Power Negotiating Institute in California and is at present in China, teaching them how to beat us at the negotiating game we originated! I jest of course, but he has become much sought after with the emerging economy of the East.

I have called Roger friend for the past 20 plus years and we have played golf together in the 4 corners of the world. Malta, Spain, China, and Australia for a start. Roger has kindly agreed to allow me to hold my Children's Picture Book workshops here at Dawson Lodge later this year. Though I have enjoyed the Lodge on many occasions, the purpose of this visit was to check the suitability for my students who will spend 4 days learning how to create a Children's Picture Book in 3 days!

I digress however - back to Lake Arrowhead.

The place is picture book perfect. The winding roads and lakeside dining all contribute to an amazing atmosphere of fun and relaxation. Throughout the Big Bear region, well known for it's outstanding ski resort winter activities are peppered unique gift shops, yard sales and crafts of every description. Lake Arrowhead village offers outstanding lakeside dining and nonstop evening entertainment. Crowds of locals and visitors swarm in to enjoy visiting bands and entertainers every weekend. Stretched out on blankets and in picnic mode there is the definite atmosphere of a mini-Woodstock.

I ignored my GPS on my drive from Las Vegas, which wanted to steer me down I.15 from Barstow. I however chose the more adventurous route across the desert on I.247 and I.18 approaching Big Bear from the North. I'm sure I saved little time but the view as you climb the mountain of the vast expanse of desert behind you, makes the extra time in your writer's opinion, more than worthwhile. Accommodation at surprisingly reasonable rates abounds throughout the area and should not be a deterring factor when planning your next escape.

I leave here refreshed and anxious to return from my desert home, which thankfully is only a short 4 hours drive away.

If the opportunity presents itself don't miss a visit to Lake Arrowhead and the Big Bear mountain forest region.

As always enjoy you travels.

Dr. Peter J. Shield PhD, ARP (http://pjshield.com.)