It's a bugs life.

Re-purposed Volkswagen Beetle

All that is missing is a rousing chorus of "Strawberry Fields Forever" by the Fab Four.  This iconic Volkswagen Beetle greeted us every time we went south to our favourite camping destination near Leavenworth, Washington.  There were always a number of familiar indicators which appeared rounding the corners on the curvy road, each one telling us we were almost there.  There was no need for the familiar question, "Are we there yet?", as evidence was mounting that, in fact, we almost were.

I always liked this road side distraction.  Someone had gone through a lot of work to take the old derelict, which would have embarrassed a scrap yard, and turn it into a fond memory.  The paint reminding the passerby of a ladybug; ironically a beetle in its own right.  Polka dots are, of course, a comforting design and popular with kids of all ages.  The eye lashes, lipstick, Uncle Sam and a bear inside the bug, and spiraling wind sock all added to that appeal.

If you look at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle you might be amazed.  It was designed in the early thirty's in Germany when You-Know-Who was in power.  He, in fact, placed the cornerstone for the factory's construction and was given the very first convertible Beetle out of that same building.  After WWII the British took over production, and the Beetle went on to become the world's most popular car, an amazing feat to be sure.  Then there was Herbie, a 1963 Beetle affectionately called "The Love Bug."

Sadly, Volkswagen has stopped production of the renewed model, and the familiar chassis will no longer be made.  There are many reminders of its fame though, and of this tough little car winning the hearts of so many.  The name "Volkswagen" means "people's car", and it certainly has been that.  Whenever I see one, I will always think of things like punch buggies, Herbie, and of course, that wonderful little Beetle near Leavenworth.

Information from:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/msolomon/2018/09/14/luxury-lineage-a-brief-history-of-the-volkswagen-beetle/#5d69ada75048