One Hell of a Ride, The Life and Times of Lou Federico [Paperback]

Lou Federico (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 13, 2004

Can you imagine a novel with General Douglas McArthur, John Wayne, Miss San Francisco, Jayne Mensfield, corrupt Mexican officials, and a fast-food mogul who rules over parties from Mexico to Hawaii with a toilet plunger? In "One Hell of a Ride," Lou Federico proves that truth is indeed stranger than fiction, for you'll find all the above in this true story of a man who served under Admiral Chester Nimitz in World War II and went on to tame a wilderness in Baja, California.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It isn't every Baja book whose cover photo shows the author at age four and a half riding the fender of his father's new Packard in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But that's Lou Federico, a living Baja legend, who has just published his memoirs, One Hell of a Ride: The Life and Times of Lou Federico. There probably isn't one Baja aficionado in a hundred who can say why Federico, now 79, is so important in the history of the peninsula, but suffice it to say he's the man who built Hotel Punta Chivato, the legendary remote resort south of Santa Rosalía, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in 1966 and, before that, Mulegé's Hotel Rancho Loma Linda in 1961. To appreciate these accomplishments, you need to keep in mind that the Transpeninsular Highway was not completed until 1974; the brown-ochre decorative stone used at Punta Chivato was ferried by barge from the hills behind Mulegé. Ultimately, Federico lost his financial interests in both properties through the most blatant Mexican estafos (land title frauds) you'd ever want to read about, and he names names and pulls no punches in describing the characters involved in Mulegé, at Punta Chivato, and during a hair-raising coerced trip to Mexico City, escorted by gun-toting government thugs. For anyone interested in the mysteries of Baja's Golden Age, this book comes as a revelation. I read the best parts two or three times, savoring Federico's first-person knowledge and brutal frankness. This is one hombre that minces no words. All the requisite celebrities are there, of course, Duke Wayne in his declining years, Jayne Mansfield in a sad, sad travesty of a wedding ceremony, and Erle Stanley Gardner arriving with not one, but two, helicopters just to name a few. And there are the important but mostly forgotten Mexicans Chi Chi and Quirino Mesa, and their sister, Chayo, who speared giant snook in the Mulegé River with Ray Cannon; the faithful, double-duty hooker-maids who offered their bodies in an effort to sa --Gene Kira

Your book was just great and a wonderful insight into the creation of Punta Chivato. Went out to Punta Chivato a year ago and I was very impressed. You and your workers did a magnificent job and I plan to return someday. Again, thank you for your story and I hope someday you write another book for all of us to enjoy the adventures of your life in Baja, or wherever your journeys take you. --Terry Bold

Your book is incredible reading. Wow! Love reading that stuff about what you pioneers went through. Thanks for one hell of a ride. --Jonathan Roldan

About the Author

Lou Federico is an outdoorsman and entrepreneur who pioneered Baja, California, in the 1960s and 1970s in order to build resort hotels frequented by the likes of John Wayne, Fred Astaire, Jayne Mansfield, Edgar Bergen, and many other celebrities and powerful men and women.

Product Details

• Paperback: 255 pages
• Publisher: Adventure Publishing, Inc.; 1ST edition (March 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586301136
• ISBN-13: 978-1586301132
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,291,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars a "Baja Renegade", December 15, 2009

By 

Victoria (Silicon Valley) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: One Hell of a Ride, The Life and Times of Lou Federico (Paperback)

A compelling story of a "Baja Renegade" whose determination to build in Baja has left his legacy and paved the road for others. Lou's candid story telling gives a glimpse into the heart aches and passions that fueled his dream. He writes of his life in life Italy, serving in WW11, and living in San Jose, California prior to embarking on his journey to Baja. As capable as he was, the undertaking of his dream to build the hotel "Club Aero Mulege" encountered every possible obstacle including unexpected dealings with the Mexican government and the trials of managing his building crews. Despite the setbacks, Lou went on to build an even grander hotel (Rancho Loma Linda) at Punto Chivata. His life on the Sea of Cortez in the enchanting Golden Era was marked by stories of love and friendship, loyal workers, parties, celebrities, prize fishing, and good times at a remote location reachable only by airstrip to the rich and famous. His life with the 'tell all' stories was grand enough to have been a screen play. I found this book by searching "tags" of baja and it was truly an historic gem. I would have loved to meet Lou Federico in person. A baja icon!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One hell of a read, May 6, 2006

By 

McVega "D." (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Hell of a Ride, The Life and Times of Lou Federico (Paperback)

I ran across this book in Mulege Mexico. It is a fantasic book, full of adventure. Lou Federico is an amazing man. This book tells of his life. He has traveled to many places, suffered many heartbreaks, enjoyed great fun, and adventures. I could really relate to this book because I also enjoy Mexico. Lou tells of Mexico in the 50's and 60's and it is amazing. He is a very inovative man who enjoys a challenge. He has some spectacular stories to tell and I am waiting for his next book