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I'm a sewer, a crafter, a voracious thrifter, potential hoarder, and owner of a 1984 Westfalia Vanagon. I'm a writer and a designer, but mostly just a secret cat lady. Learn more about me here.
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Category Archives: go westy!
The Westy Meetup via Diana. Dirty Diana.
Guys, don't tell, but sometimes I call my Diana "Dirty Diana." It's just in honor of Michael Jackon, you know?
Also, I have the best news. I'm leaving to Portland today! Whaaa? It's true, and I am wildly excited. I'm going to visit my lovely bff Emily for the weekend where we plan to thrift until we can't thrift anymore as well as sew our hearts out for something exciting we're planning. Kinda can't wait.
Anyway, back to Diana. I didn't want to overload you with Westy goodness last week, so I didn't post these. Also, I'm pretty sure I did overload you with Westy stuff last week. Sorry. Thank you for humoring me. And this will be the last of it for awhile. Maybe. Maybe?
These pictures represent yet another learning triumph with the Diana. I did a lot of double exposure madness out there because I haven't really had a chance to make those work quite yet. Again, the trick with the Diana: PLENTY of sunlight. Plenty.
(be warned. photo dump ahead.)
Pretty sure the above photo is the best Diana picture I've shot yet. I sure do love my Westy.
See my cool Syncro Solstice shirt? That's what I'm talkin about. I'm at Dead Horse Point here.
Any of you have a Diana out there? What's your secret to Diana success? And have you tried the 35mm back? I'm curious about that thing.
Have a fantastic weekend! Hopefully I'll have some Portland updates soon!
Posted in a little diana f+ lovin', go westy!
Tagged 120 film, diana f+, expired film, syncro solstice, vanagon, westy
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Westy Meetup Vol. 2
Can a Westy really go off-roading you ask? I give you a resounding YES! And Monique took it like an absolute CHAMP!
On Saturday we ventured out on the Mineral Point trail to see what Monique, our 1984 Westfalia Vanagon, could really do. And let me tell you what--homegirl can do A LOT.
The weather was right on the verge of rain, which made for a stunning contrast between the clouds and the red sand of Moab.
The following photos are all taken by Riley Onyon and they are absolutely incredible. I can't thank him enough for taking them and letting me share them with you here.
This one here MIGHT just be my favorite. Who doesn't love multiple exposure shots? The Westy with the lights on reminds me of a Jawa. Kinda love it.
Once we got to the top of the trail and saw the view overlooking the Green River, it was like the greatest Westy victory ever. Not only had Monique made it, but we were at the top of this crazy amazing view.
Honestly, there is nothing in the world that makes me happier than 6 Vanagons lined up in Moab. BEAUTIFUL.
You can see the view here. It looks almost smallish here, but the drop was HUGE.
And while I realize that Westy trips probably aren't as interesting to all of you as they are to me, here's a little 3-minute video I threw together of the off-roading trip. (All vids taken with the 8mm app!)
We also made a quick trip to Dead Horse Point before we left back to Salt Lake. Mitchell is either looking saucy or incredibly flustered to be in the 90-degree heat here. Not sure which.
Dead Horse Point is spectacular. And at this point, I'm going to go ahead and say that if you're ever in the market for an amazing camping vacation, come to southern Utah. Moab and Zion are definitely my two favorite hotspots here, and really the only thing cool about Utah. But that's a lie. The mountains are pretty much the best.
Sigh. I hate that it's over and can't wait until next year. I already miss our Canadian brother friends and the awesome van with the solar panels. I'm going to go ahead and say that the Westy was the best purchase we'll ever make as a married couple.
That being said, the only thing getting me through this Syncro Solstice hangover is to plan our next Westy adventure. Who wants to go camping?!
Ps--if you missed volume 1, go check it out here!
Westy Meetup Vol. 1
Alright, you guys. Here's the deal. This weekend at the Westy Meetup was easily one of the best trips we've ever taken. While I won't bore you with minute details (as most of you aren't Westy fanatics like we are) I do want to share some photos with you, seeing as 40 Vanagons in one campground really just can't be described with mere prose.
We pulled in Thursday night to see this. Vanagons back to back, pops all topped, ready to get their camp on. I about died with happiness right then and there. The best part about the weekend was the camaraderie between all of us Vanagon lovers. We're all driving 25+ year old vans and veer toward the fanatical side, so when we get together, it's REALLY exciting.
A bit of Americana for you as Mitchell and I prepare for our first drive through the La Sal Mountain Loop. I knew there would be tomfoolery in a creek later on, so this constitutes as my swim coverups. Navajo print gone wild!
Love these boys. That kid there on the right is our bff Riley, who is the amazing photographer behind the pictures with the little RO logo on them.
Love this boy. Hippie deep down inside but killer Vanagon pilot on the outside.
This little creek was definitely the best part. We spent both of our afternoons lazily lying on the red rocks and cooling off in the freezing water.
This night shot by Riley is fantastic. I would sell my soul right this instant to be back there. We spent each night at the bonfire catching up with other Vanagon crazies in our area. Nicest people you will ever meet.
Monique was completely and totally in her element this weekend. I'll be back tomorrow with part 2--our first off-roading adventure!
