Roger Watson rode up to Escaleras on horseback 12 years ago, long before the Costanera highway existed, and landed his opportunistic eye on a plot of land.
Shortly after, Watson became one of the first gringos to settle on the mountain. An intense businessman, Watson developed the property and opened Jolly Roger Bar. His goal was to create a place that was his reflection – simple, economical, efficient and cozy.
As Watson labored on his property, Costa Rica went to work on him. He became more peaceful, adventurous, inspired by nature and he learned patience. Escaleras became his place to escape from the grueling work schedule in Canada, and he became a fixture of the mountain. He was a man you could seek for help, a beer or one of his legendary stories. When Watson got rolling on a storytelling streak, wine in hand, it was an event many savored and many more lamented missing.
Watson passed away at the age of 79 on March 4, 2009. His belongings were taken away in a single bag, but Watson left much more than his things behind. His memory thrives through his stories, a bar that still bears his name and a changed mountain community. Watson is survived by three children, 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
