Comments on: 57 years ago today, Volkswagen drove a Beetle across Lake Chapala

By: John Pint

John Pint — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:16:26 +0000

In reply to Greg Custer. Greetings to you, Greg, and to the Lake Chapala Society. It would be an honor to speak at the celebrated Open Circle! Let's see what we can arrange...

By: Greg Custer

Greg Custer — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 01:28:26 +0000

John: Greg here from LCS. I’d just love you to come some Sunday and tell this story at Open Circle. Please contact me at gcuster@choosingmexico.com

By: John Pint

John Pint — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:24:15 +0000

In reply to Jorge of the castle. Thank you, Jorge. One sad result of the research was the discovery that Marcelo de Loza had passed away. De Loza was my mechanic years ago, but had never mentioned his crucial role in the lake-crossing story. It makes me suspect it was quite a scary experience.

By: Jorge of the castle

Jorge of the castle — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:49:34 +0000

John, what a great story hidden by time. You did a great job to research this story and to share with your readers.

By: jwdobie@yahoo.com

jwdobie@yahoo.com — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 01:40:58 +0000

Ah, the Beetles in the tropics. Dead broke, living in Vanuatu (was New Hebrides), I was given an old 6V Bug. One brake, one wiper, one headlight, rusted out floor (from the crushed coral roads) but it got us from A to B for two years. Mexico is full of Bug stories, sure there’s a book…🤪

By: John Pint

John Pint — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 19:17:57 +0000

In reply to Thomas Berry. Many thanks, Thomas. I, too, have fond memories of driving across the USA in the 1970s in a Beetle with a plywood platform in the back, just big enough for my wife and I to sleep—--all thanks to a well-thumbed, greasy copy of John Muir's useful and funny Manual for the Compleat Idiot: How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive.

By: Thomas Berry

Thomas Berry — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:14:34 +0000

Thanks Mr. Pint. Great story! And wonderful memories of my then new 1970 VW Beatle with one extra, a sunroof, I drove untio 1991 when I sadly sold it to my mechanic for partsl..the frame had rusted beyond repair thanks to winter street salting. But I still have great memories of it and our adventures together. Thanks again; I’ve enjoyed your writing for quite a few years.