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A lugger is supposed to be a boat bearing two big sails. Having big ears is a family trait that gave Lugger's grand father, his Dad, his brother and himself, this nickname. In our eyes, it just makes him appear more friendly. You'll always find Lugger with his pipe and a great smile. "Always ready to look nice in pictures," as he points it out himself. His adventures into caving started more or less just like another way of having fun: Lugger and some friends went caving in 1962; the trip was a smashing success, and he enjoyed it so much that one year later he was a member of the Northern Cave Club. Ever since, he's been active, going on a couple of expeditions every week, and when that's not possible, he'll try to go underground at least twice or three times every two weeks.
Lugger has been caving a lot worldwide, on several expeditions in France, Spain, Yugoslavia, and of course Mexico. Years ago, he organized the first Caving expedition with Jonathan, which took them to Chiapas and, eventually, Cuetzalan.
Luggers makes a big point of telling us his experience of Mexico. Everything seems to be so different from what he's used to, especially the people. "Everybody are so kind here. You'll always find someone who will say hi, or wave at you. And one of the best things about this particular area is that after a tough caving trip, you'll always find a small shop where you can have a good Mexican refresco or sweet," he says laughing.
Besides the caves, he loves the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City, and also points out the vivid colours used in Mexican culture. "The way women in general mix the colours on their clothes is truly wonderful," he says. "Mole, the traditional meal from the Puebla area, is my favourite dish, and I declare myself a faithful fan." So now you know: if you're underground, Lugger is definitely the right kind of mate to have - his experience underground glows like the brightest carbide lamp, and it brings with it an aura of security. He's also given us a mission to fulfill with this article: The publication of a special message for Dali Oone: "I'll be home soon, and I've got a very special present for you. -Granddad Lugger."
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John
"Lugger" Thorp 
"The
great thing is that Wendy, my wife, enjoys caving as much as I do. She
is a great caver, as a matter of fact, and she has already been to Cuetzalan
with me four years ago. Unfortunately this time she wasn't able to move
some working engagements, and that's the sad reason why she's not with
us." 
So
why does he enjoy caving? "Caves are like people: each one is different
and has a personality of its own, they always try to transmit a different
message, tiny little things that you have to find out little by little
all along, while you listen and look and explore them. You'll never
be able to guess immediately, you can only suppose and hope things will
be the exact way you imagined them, and if not you have to keep going
ahead and face the encounter with the unknown."
As
Lugger has always been attracted by archaeology, he's always looking
for remains or artifacts. So far in the Cuetzalan area, he's only been
able to find some obsidian beads and a rock that he thinks has been
worked by man, but he's not sure. He's hopeful, though, about finding
something really interesting one day. His eyes start glowing when he
tells us of his first trips to the unexplored areas of Bonampak, Chiapas.