7th Dortmund Classic Days: Times of Olde for Old-timers
Schloss Westhusen -- Alloheim Senioren-Residenz, a senior living residence amidst the bustling of familiar scenes from yesteryear brought to life.
Sunny brilliance, a splendid venue and a sweet invitation of VIP resident guests
At the heart of the castle grounds: Schloss Westhusen, a very welcoming senior living residence.
Ah, yes. Before you crick your neck whilst on your very own exploration(s), here is a top tip early on: sort out your photography priorities (I will come back to this). First, the action shots -- Not exactly opportune, so just get to it.
'Just once?' ...
... 'Oh, no no no noo.' Many more.
No matter what you may have just spotted by the side of the road.
Or how adorable that rather pull-ly dog is:
Love a Ford Taunus.
With the event running on both the Saturday and Sunday (18th + 19th August 2018), we plod along the road surrounded by a castle's obligatory wooded area, 'forest' might be pushing it a bit far, we head toward the desired address Schloss Westhusener Straße 71. We were not to be let down.
All the while paying close attention to the road and not just via the camera lens -- best bring a spare set of eyes (perhaps in humanoid form) -- and with a bit of patience there may be a couple of pics you think decent or, at least, interesting and/or even rewarding...
'We were not to be let down.'
Der VW Käfer ['Beetle']
Super sweet Austin.
It may be hot but, nonetheless, a nigh-successfully captured rod.
A slow arrival at the gates and a sight characteristic of the region 'der Ruhrpott', with its long, winding roads, greets us (The Ruhr Valley in North Rhine-Westphalia, which used to be the industrial heart of Germany with its coal mines is a story for another time.) with motorcycles. The bicycles are a new feature to this region, though, as people round here are supposed to be notoriously unfit. Still are, broadly speaking, but with rising numbers in bikes it is evident that the respective bells are ringing the changes.
Missed it.
Tinny tones drift gently, delicately jangling toward us.
2 CV drop top.
The annual road trip avid motoring fans can book for the closing day of this endearing event is just on the go ... thick and ... not so fast.
VW Kübelwagen.
Feeling like no time at all, we find ourselves among gleaming gems.
A delightful VW 1500 Karmann Ghia.
Ever so pretty.
Closely followed by an area designated for cars for sale.
There's nought for it: Braving the sun, we turn back to the cobbled path.
Opel Rekord.
This would have had made sure you were flattened -- in style.
NSU.
Even if there may have been a bicycle involved.
Pride flatteringly illuminated by sun beams, cancelling out the increasingly nifty, furry photo-bombers.
Two exceedingly stunning bikes.
From brilliance to coming close to actual annoyance: the heat is effervescent.
'FLATTERINGLY ILLUMINATED BY SUN BEAMS'
The rays of sunlight and general lighting more than make up for it. The way the specks of dust and flecks of straw are caught in the sun, shadows of passers-by flicker and play with the contrasts of our optical nerves. Each angle gives rise to different shades of vibrancy, milk-washing it down to 50-something grades of opaque.
Scanning through our streaming eyes, we take refuge, tugging the not-so-pull-ly-anymore dogs along into the shade. Displayed are motors designed to race on sand tracks.
Back out into the sun. What a sight to behold!
The Edsel Corsair below is a surprise discovery.
Now: Priorities. They include the maintaining of the photographer's stance (the individual taking the picture, by the way. I am aware this does not necessarily mean that person is an actual photographer.)
Taking photos of the above MGA 1600 MKII, I squat down and take aim. Then, this happens:
Keep your fingers to yourself, honestly.
'ALAS, I KNOW IT'S TOO MUCH TO ASK: ABUNDANT ME-TIME WITH THE DESIRed'
Whilst explaining the special qualities of this well-kept original paint job, crucially: a red paint job used to be notoriously delicate, the prat in the cap stubs his sticky fingers on it. Alas, I know it is too much to ask for abundant me-time with the desired object in question. It is, however, not the damnedest least bit too much to demand to LEAVE the car ALONE -- unless invited by the owner or caretaker.
Back to priorities. Ignoring some quibble my fiancé has, I endeavour to take the picture again -- obviously ...
... click ... buzz ... 'Err...' Zzzz ...
Mayhap no stubby sweaty hands but they are still existent. At least the shadow of the woman taking a pic through a high-tech lens is slightly cool, no?
... Ouch. ... ... ... ow ... Arrgh!!
Photo or no photo, to roughly quote. An angry wasp, fearful of my looming arm, went for me: Got the photo. And a smarting triceps by now.
Right. Onward:
Action!
A fabulous Ford Taunus.
An unbelievably cute Lancia. It is somewhat reminiscent of the soon-to-be-extinct G-Wiz, no?
Swiftly from the sun into the soothing shade over yonder,
to a phenomenal Toyota Landcruiser.
Rotating 180°, a true beauty presents itself: the Lancia DELTA HF Integrale 16v.
Action! Put your beer down, stow away the dog, GO:
Back at the entrance, we spot a trailer branded 'Triumph'.
The Triumph Bobber Bonneville Black.
As the cherry on top, I was to be treated:
Astride the Triumph Bobber Bonneville Black. Though, they did seem to want to pack up.
On the way out: Action anew! BMW.
Time to say 'Goodbye' to the most wonderful 7th Dortmund Classic Days of 2018.
For more photos, videos and the lot:
And the link to the senior living residence:
Enjoy, yours faithfully,
Naomi Holmes
THIS VENUE ISN'T JUST OUTSTANDINGLY BEAUTIFUL. IT IS ALSO PUT TO A GOOD CAUSE. SUPERBLY CHARMING.
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Comments (18)
Beautiful venue ! And so much cool stuff
Wow! That must have been one hell of an event!
Yep. It was an absolute joy.
So many pictures, that was like being there! I've never seen a Ford Taunus, that was neat, but that red Audi station wagon is super cool!
I agree. Thank you, that is the effect I was aiming for.
Wow lots of awesome stuff! Looks like a great event!
Cheers, and, indeed, it was splendid.
Yeah I agree ! So much stuff!
That was definitely a very nice event to attend! Thank you for the insigt!
Thank you for reading :D