Utah Conservatisim: Anatomically Correct is Offensive

Offended neighbors get Utah park statue moved

By Paul Foy, Associated Press Writer

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah state park moved an American Indian-inspired statue of a humpbacked flute player Thursday after objections that it was offensive because the male figure is anatomically correct.

Officials at Edge of the Cedars State Park moved the sticklike figure from in front of its museum to a spot behind it so it can’t been seen from the street, park manager Teri Paul said.

The park, in Blanding, is the site of an ancient Pueblo Indian ruin, as well as the modern-day museum.

The sculpture is a modern interpretation of a Hopi symbol of a flute player. Made by artist Joe Pachak, it has welcomed visitors to the park for 19 years.

It raised objections only recently from a group of Blanding’s more conservative residents, who were concerned that the figure has male anatomy, Paul said.  [read the article at USAToday]

Sunlight as a palliative …

I came across this piece in a magazine I was reading the other day while waiting for coffee at the corner espresso joint.  What caught my eye was the description of the physiological and emotional effects sunlight has on the skin and body.  Just the day before I’d emerged from my bedroom to the sunlight on my back deck and decided to lay out in the sun instead of staying in that darkened room recuperating from my latest round of therapy.  When I finally came in near the end of the afternoon I felt more energized and feeling good about myself than I have in weeks.  

What particularly seemed right was the statement about UV encouraging the release of endorphins . . . the ‘feel good’ hormones.  Particular to my condition . . . UV also is responsible for Vit D production . . . particularly important to strengthening the bones.  But most of all it just felt so incredibly great to be in the embrace of the sunlight.

Rick

Sunbathing on my back deck

Sun tanning process : Understanding the physical and psychological benefits

Actually sunbathing is very relaxing, sensual – giving off a feeling of having a solar massage and leaving us with a kind of sense of unwinding and happiness and perhaps even peace. 

(Note: this may be related to an increase in the release of endorphins after a dose of ultraviolet rays). 

The sun tanning process feels good on a psychological level too. A number of sensual affects have been noted..women may feel more physically attractive-even thinner, men may feel more masculine, and emotional good health is boosted. 

The skin is a medium for emotional expression:

Also, interestingly enough – the skin is essential to self-esteem, the skin is a medium for emotional expression, sun tanned skin could suggest wealth; success and tanned skin could lead to social advantages. Looking at this we can see that having a tan is tied in with how we see ourselves and also with how we think other people see us. It’s like a fashion statement. 

There are several goals in mind among the sun tanning population when they go to tan. 

Health is not the only benefit of sun tanning:

There are a variety of reasons people who want to tan, also want to tan quickly. 

• there are people who tan to play outdoor sports
• there are those who want to prepare their bodies for a beach holiday
• some folks who just simply want to look good and feel good
• people who seek relaxation
• then there are those who are aware of the health issues and have skin conditions from psoriasis and acne.

Don’t you think too, that the modern urge to sun tan may well be a form of compensation?

Some of UV’s positive effects: Production of Vitamin D

Many people now live under semi-permanent protection from Ultra Violet rays leading perhaps to a ‘UV deficit’. Scientific findings on some of UV’s positive effects such as the production of Vitamin D necessary for healthy bones, improved blood flow and the easing of certain skin conditions, seem to support our feeling of ‘urging’ to tan as form of compensation. Some practical reasons also motivate people to tan. 

Boosting the skin’s protection 

A program of seasons indoors boosts the skin’s protection mechanisms, building up the naturally occurring melanin and the thickening of the skin’s ‘horny’ layer. A surprisingly number of people have sensitive ’skin type 2′ and wish to have a controlled and gentle tanning programme (like me). Unfortunately ’skin types 1’s’ are not allowed to tan at all.

Mainly, to tan is do what comes naturally. If we approach it sensibly we have nothing to lose. The body itself has its own defences, as we’ve seen, the main one actually being the tan itself, guarding our skins health by moulding us to our environment.

New health benefits are appearing each year in reports made by scientists discussing biological effects of light, not just UV rays by invisible light. Some findings are . . . Sunlight is vital for good health. Sensible use of UV rays (solarium and sun) are far more beneficial to health than previously realised. Although unacceptable risks do exist they are usually from over- exposure or abuse. More serious health threats come from under-exposure. UV light could be described as ‘natural medicine’. UV light brings down high blood pressure. Vitamin D oral supplements not found effective, only vitamin D produced in the body from UV rays. (Boston summit USA 2001-39 lectures-60 scientists). 

Interesting stuff. Let’s wait for the next summit.

Article: Everyone’s a Little Bit Nudist

Originally published in the Feb 27, 2009 issue of  the Garfield Messenger, a local Seattle High School Newspaper.  Members of the SLUGS (myself included) were interviewed for the article.

Everyone’s a Little Bit Nudist

Show yourself, you little textile!

Kate Guenther

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By CELIA GURNEY

Published February 27, 2009

Some people regard nakedness as a private matter. They shower naked—alone. They dance naked —alone. They receive a buttocks-focused massage while naked—with the massage therapist, but otherwise alone.

Others find a certain dangerous appeal in nakedness. These thrill-seekers run naked through the streets at night, teasing neighbors with glimpses of their pale, fleshy secrets.

Still others see nakedness as a lifestyle. They go without clothing in the belief that the practice nurtures the mind, body, and soul.

These are the naturists.

Naturists believe that the human body is not bad, ugly, or illegal. They enjoy the world at its most natural by experiencing nature in the nude. Unlike the term nudist, which merely indicates a preference for being nude, the term naturist indicates the choice of an active, natural lifestyle that includes indoor and outdoor clothing-optional recreation.

In Mount Vernon, the Lake Associates Recreation Club (LARC) boasts hiking trails and waterfalls. Kaniksu Ranch hosts the annual Bare Buns Fun Run. Forestia Snoqualmie, near Issaquah, offers the annual Nudestock, a naked day in the park with live music. Featured bands include the Boys of Greenwood Glen, a “drinking band with an Irish problem.”

Unfortunately, most resorts in Washington aren’t open year-round, and the temperature at Oregon’s legal nude beaches isn’t always ideal for bare skin. Naturists have to look elsewhere during the winter months. They often look to nude recreation events clubs, which provide the events without the vacation price tag.

Sun Lovers Under Gray Skies (SLUGS) is a Pacific Northwest club devoted to clothing-optional activities. The SLUGS website features an events calendar filled with nude swims.

Naturist websites frequently refer to the welcoming environments of their respective resorts and clubs. Richard, current president of the SLUGS, said part of being a naturist is recognizing that people come in all shapes and sizes.

“Feeling ashamed of your body is a learned behavior,” he said. “It is not healthy.”

The modern quest for less shame and more health began in Germany, where nudist colonies sprouted up in the early 1900s. Then, in 1929, a German named Kurt Barthel moved to the U.S. and founded the American League for Physical Culture. It was the first nudist organization in the U.S. and still exists today, although it operates under a different name—the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). The AANR and The Naturist Society (TNS), founded by Lee Baxandall in 1980, are the two leading naturist organizations in the U.S.

Today, the AANR has more than 50,000 members in North America; TNS has 182 members in its Facebook group and an unknown (but presumably great) number of actual members.

Despite the popularity of both, recruiting for naturist activities can be tricky.

The AANR website references those universal experiences of young nudism —skinny-dipping and streaking. It promises that participating in clothing-optional activities will renew that carefree feeling. It also includes pictures of attractive nude families treading water in sparkling cerulean pools.

The LARC website provides reassuring testimonials from first-time nudists. One woman wrote that she felt safe at the LARC because “where would anyone conceal a gun?”

In another testimonial, a woman named Alice Anderson assuaged many a first-timer’s fears when she wrote, “They [the nudists] looked me in the eyes when we spoke.”

Anderson also wrote of the shame she felt toward her body for decades. After years of unhealthy dieting, she decided to attend a clothing-optional barbecue with a new friend. Upon arrival, she was amazed to see people of all ages having family-friendly fun together without clothes, embarrassment or judgment.

It didn’t take long for her to join in.

To be clear, the fun at AANR- and TNS-associated clubs and functions is always locker-room appropriate. All laws still apply. Lewd acts in public are still illegal, although the porn industry may imply otherwise.

Michael, a member of the SLUGS, said that the club is strict regarding public displays of affection, but that some non-AANR resorts allow suggestive dancing and other questionable activities.

Outsiders might believe that naturism itself is a suggestive activity. But Michael said the erotic appeal of being nude with nude people faded within ten minutes of his first naturist experience. After that, he simply had an overwhelming feeling of “being home.”

“I knew what the rules were and the rules made absolute sense for the first time since childhood,” he said. “I was free to be the child I once was.”

Michael praised chaste social nudity as a way to combat the media’s ever-sexual portrayal of women. He said television, magazines, and movies teach boys that the female body is always erotic, turning curiosity into sexual perversion.

Richard said that textiles, or people who prefer to remain clothed, react in one of three ways when he tells them he is a naturist. Some react in a negative, uninformed manner; some say they don’t see anything wrong with naturism but wouldn’t participate; and some are impressed with the courage necessary for the lifestyle.

Fear of the first reaction is why many naturists don’t publicize their preference for nude recreation.

“Some employers have codes of conduct that limit the activities they allow their employees to participate in,” Richard said. “They might misjudge the naturist activities for something lewd.”

But as they say at TNS, “nude is not lewd.” Nude is also not crude. Even naturists’ babies aren’t allowed to defecate on public property—so they wear (gasp!) diapers.

“No one wants a rampant pooper decorating the place,” Richard said. “Necessity for clothes is not lost on nudists.”

Shirley Gauthier, longtime AANR member, echoed Richard’s sentiments about necessary clothing. Her lifestyle is “nude whenever possible and clothed when appropriate, with behavior I never have to apologize for.”

Gauthier volunteers for the AANR Government Affairs Team (GAT), which works with communities to protect, preserve, and promote nude recreation.

“Often a piece of legislation sponsored by a concerned legislator and directed toward a strip bar will have potential unintended consequences for family nude recreation,” she said. “We then approach the legislator to consider the impact that the bill might have on nude recreation.”

Efforts like Gauthier’s make it clear that naturism is more than just a secondary hobby.

“I wish I could better explain the enormous emotional release and healing that my experiences with SLUGS have brought me,” Michael said. “I feel more spiritually and emotionally healthy than I have for most of my life.”

Event: UNCLAD – The Fine Art of the Figure

“UNCLAD – The Fine Art of the Figure” is an annual exhibit celebrating the nude figure in art. This highly anticipated annual event draws thousands of visitors together each year for an experience that is unexpected, somewhat provocative, and highly engaging. The intrinsic nature of the subject has motivated artists to explore and push their boundaries, producing a show that inspires, opens minds, starts discussions, stirs emotions, and touches lives.

 

Since its inception, UNCLAD has been a phenomenon that has taken on a life of its own. Eight years ago, Gayle Picken, who was married to a sculptor and managed their Camano Island gallery, decided to celebrate her husband’s birthday in an innovative fashion. She invited several local artists to participate in a nude art show at their gallery and, much to her surprise, her phone started ringing off the hook. Artists she didn’t even know asked if they could be in the show, excited they had found a venue for displaying nudes. That first year, 29 artists participated, crowds poured into the gallery, and the show was born.

 

Since then, the show has grown exponentially in terms of numbers of participating artists, quality and diversity of the artwork, and attendance. Last year the show featured artwork by 95 artists from across North America and attracted over 3000 visitors. More than 30 volunteers helped with planning, promoting, setting up, and greeting visitors during the show. 

As UNCLAD expands to become a festival known throughout the country, the core idea remains the same as it did during the very first show. The stark-naked truth is — that this show called UNCLAD is all about having fun in the business of art. For so many people–artists, art enthusiasts, and the community in general–UNCLAD provides excitement, pleasure, anticipation, and a great source of inspiration. 

MISSION

Our mission with UNCLAD: to create a beautiful art event that engages people in the world of art and inspires artists to push forward.

 

When:

Nude Showing will be on Saturday March 14th from 7PM to 9PM

 

Where: 

Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center

Address: 27130 102nd Ave NW, Stanwood

Driving Directions: View Map

1. From I-5, take Exit 212 (Stanwood – Camano Island) and head West.

2. In about 7 miles, you’ll come to a light at 102nd Ave NW (Bank of America & Bob’s Market). Take a RIGHT on 102nd Ave NW.

3. The Floyd Norgaard hall is 2 blocks on your left. Parking is available at the church lot behind the building.

Where to Stay in Stanwood:

 

The Medallian Inn in Arlington is only 15 minutes from the UNCLAD 2009 show. For reservations call: 360-657-0500. Mention the UNCLAD art show for a special rate!

Experience 4-star luxury at the Tulalip Resort featuring 170 spacious rooms and suites, delicious dining choices, the world-class T Spa and the outstanding work of Tulalip tribal artists. Only 30 minutes south of the Unclad show. Reservations: 866-716-1762 or www.tulalipresort.com

 

Over the Mark Clark Bridge on Camano Island, there are several Bed & Breakfast Inns to choose from. Turn your visit into an island getaway!

 

For more information about the other fine Bed & Breakfast Inns on the island, see Camano Island Lodging 

 

This message was sent by:

AANR-NW.org eNews

PO Box 1522, Bothell,

WA, 98041,

United States.

Goldmyer HS Alternate Route via Snow Lake

With the closure and uncertain repair future of the Middle Fork Road, access to Goldmyer Hot Springs seems problematic.  However, there is another route from the Alpental Ski Area via the very popular Snow Lake Trail (#1013). At this time of year you need to check with the Forest Service on avalanche conditions.

The hike into Snow Lake is one of the most popular in the Mt Baker/Snoqualmie Forest . . . therefore not exactly a good trail to hike nude on . . . assuming the weather improves enough for nude hiking.  However, once beyind the far shore of Snow Lake you are on unfrequented trail.  Doff the clothes all the way to Goldmyer and enjoy the hike.

The route is just under 12 miles making this a backpacking overnight visit to the springs.  As always, check with the Goldmyer web site for reservations and conditions at the hot springs.  My most recent (2001) GPX file of this route is available for download upon request.

Positive Journalism Heads-up

I’ve read a draft of an article by a local high school student on the subject of nudism and found it to be very positive. Look for the article in an upcoming issue of The Garfield Messenger. Members of the SLUGS were interviewed for the article.

When it does get posted I will cite it here.

ACLU Action Alert for Wash State Residents: DNA Collection

Shades of Big Brother!

Do we really want our government to collect this highly private data from us?   What has this alert got to do with nudism?

Well, besides being none of our government’s business, this bill essentially authorizes (in fact, mandates) the collection of DNA from any person arrested for any crime, including gross misdemeanors.  Indecent Exposure is a gross misdemeanor under some circumstnces in this state . . . so if the police decide to arrest a participant in the World Naked Bike Ride instead of ignoring it, they are going to have their DNA collected and sent to a database.  They don’t have to be charged . . . they don’t have to be convicted . . . they simply have to be arrested.  And in the state of Washington the police do not have to have a warrant to arrest someone for indecent exposure . . . merely a complaint or probable cause.

You’d be naive to believe assurances that data will be removed if you are cleared.  Once in the blackhole of a governmental database (and shared with federal and other state databases) your DNA profile will always be there . . . with the reason why.  Say ‘no’ to this one.  Click the ‘Take Action’ button at the bottom of this post and write your legislator.

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ACLU Action Alert

DNA Collection Bill HB 1382

House Bill 1382 would expand mandatory DNA collection to include people who are merely arrested for a crime, whether or not they are ever convicted.

People Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty

One of the bedrocks of our society is that a person is innocent until proven guilty. This bill would allow an unreasonable search and seizure of an innocent person’s most personal information. Many people who are arrested are never charged with a crime, and even more are never convicted of a crime.

DNA Is Your Most Private Information

Unlike fingerprints, DNA can be used for far more than simply identifying individuals. DNA is your most private information. It includes information about your susceptibility to diseases and mental illnesses, as well as about your blood relatives and ancestors. Given how sensitive this information is, the government should be allowed to collect it only in very limited circumstances.

DNA Information Can Be Misused

As long as your DNA sample is available, it is susceptible to misuse, as has happened in many other databases across the country. Creating a larger database of DNA samples will tempt the government to use your DNA for ever-expanding purposes.

Expanding DNA Collection Is Not an Effective Crime Solver

Expanding the collection of DNA to include everyone who is arrested is not an effective way to solve crimes. By adding the samples of thousands of innocent people, it will overburden the capacity of our crime labs and create large backlogs. And because people of color are disproportionately arrested, they will also be overrepresented in the DNA database.

DNA Collection Is Expensive

Testing, analyzing, and storing DNA from everyone who is arrested would be very expensive. It would cost millions of dollars in a time of budget crisis. Our resources for criminal justice would be much better spent on more effective measures.

This action alert is for residents of the following states only: Washington

Money Creek Clearcut Nude Snow Hike

This could be a ski slope . . . but it’s all mine today

Finally got out for a nude hike on Tuesday upon hearing that the temperatures would be in the mid-50s . . . which usually means lower to mid-40s in the Cascades (which average 10 degrees cooler than Seattle). Indeed, that was the case as I passed Sultan on the way up. The reader-board sign said the temperature was 57F at 10:30am. Unusual February temperatures but who was I to argue. Somewhere out there there was a nude hike waiting to commence.

The Old Cascade Highway plowed but nowhere to park

I already knew a lot of my favorite locations would be out of the question . . . simply for lack of access. The Index-Galena Road had been plowed but no one had paid any consideration to leaving the pullouts unblocked of snow berms. No-go down there unless I wanted to hike a mile or so clothed to get to a likely hike. Besides, this time of year the N. Fork of the Skykomish River valley does not get much direct sunlight. I would have to go higher into the Cascades.

Further west the Beckler River Road was unplowed. Some intrepid 4×4ers had breached the snow berm across the entrance but it was not something I was willing to try in my Civic. I headed into Skykomish for lunch at the Cascadia Inn and to mull over some ideas. After a great meal (as usual) I decided on checking out the Money Creek area . . . an area I haven’t hiked in several years, and never in the winter.

An eastbound BNSF Train passes as I get ready to hike

I got lucky at the east edge of Skykomish with this plowed pullout on the main road. Plenty of room to park and close to an obscure trail entrance that locals have used for years. Well, not actually an established trail as it is more of a shortcut to old logging road further up one of the flanks of Sobieski Mountain overlooking the town of Skykomish. The area up there is popular with the locals for horseback riding . . . the pullout a place often used to park the horse trailers. The equine trail is a little ways back. Much too open to the Old Cascade Highway that serves as the main road through Skykomish. Behind me is that cross-slope, under canopy route with few visual cues as to where to go. In it’s favor, it gets to a large clear-cut rather quickly and, if I undress quickly and get into the entrance, affords me the opportunity to hike nude from the git-go. Last thing I want to do is startle a happenstance passing car coming or going from normally-conservative Skykomish. I like and know a lot of people who live there.

Alas, though no cars came by while I was in a semi-state of undress (in a wintery month), as I was packing the last of my supplies in my backpack wouldn’t you know it but a BNSF freight train slowly churns by on it’s way the the Cascade Tunnel. I stood my ground, waved at the crew, took their picture, and then nonchalantly turned and strode off naked into the thick cover of the evergreens behind me. Bet they are still wondering about the sanity of the folk who live out in this area. Sometimes it just does the psyche good to say ‘tough, I’m hiking nude’ and let others deal with it. Besides, they would soon have other things more important on their minds and soon, many miles away. Meanwhile, I had a hike to get underway, a little cold weather acclimatization to suffer, and a some memory-jogging to recall the best cross-country route to take under these trees and intercept the switch-backing horse trail way up the slope.

Into the shaded canopy I go

Once under the trees and onto deep, but solid snow, the road is no longer visible behind me. It is quickly forgotten along with cars, trains and the rest of the accouterments of civilization. I’m in nature here. There is little sound other than the delightful crunch of my boots making perfect imprints in the crisp snow crust. The skins tightens . . . a response to the crisp cold air. Body hairs stand on end and it’s all a delightful tickle as I take the lower reaches at an easy amble to get muscles stretched and warmed up. I’m in no hurry . . . all of it is good.

There has been significant melt, refreeze and consolidation in the snowpack over the past two weeks. My weight is easily supported with some careful route-seeking. Meander . . . avoid the obvious washes for potential weak spots over creeks . . . stay to the higher ground. At least snowshoes are not required . . . yet!

Tough going on these steep slopes

The whole point of taking this route is to get to the sunlight of the clearcut in a mile or two instead of three to four times that distance. That means some steep travel ahead. Now I’m really happy I don’t have to deal with the snowshoes. Dig the toes of the boots in . . . gain purchase . . . and step up another foot or two. The heart pumps and I’m actually beginning to feel overheated.

Coming out of the canopy into clearcut

It’s quite some time before suddenly I trudge out from under the trees at the edge of the clearcut. The slope softens here . . . snow deeper. Still, the boots hold on the surface.

An uncharted service road makes the going easier

The straight course of an uncharted logging or service road makes going real easy. I don’t know where this particular road goes but who cares as long as I can find my way back to where I came out of the trees. Eventually, everything opens up. The clearcut.

Enjoying the bright sunlight before heading back

The clearcut is not large but it is wide open to the sky and the delightful sunlight falling warmly on my skin. There are tracks of a lone cross-country skier but otherwise I have it all to myself. Up a little higher I find an ancient tree stump, clear it of snow and set down to bask in the sun. Truly a nice day to just be there and enjoy while sipping hot coffee from my thermos.

As the sun dances with the western ridges on it’s way to bed I reluctantly start to head back . . . before I lose too much light to find my own trail in. The afternoon has been great but by the time I get back to the car I know I’ll have sore muscles later on. Still, it was worth it.

Goldmyer Hot Springs: Feb 2, 2009 access conditions

From Beth:

It is now almost a month after the Big Flood of this winter. Because of snow cover and the number of damaged areas, flood-caused damage assessment is just beginning to be realized in the Middle Fork Valley. This flood almost, but not quite, surpassed the previous Big Flood of 1990 in cubic feet per second of river flow, but it apparently has caused more damage in the Middle Fork Valley. King County and the Forest Service are currently working together to plan repairs. The Forest Service tells us that they wiill be repairing or replacing the cement bridge that crosses the Taylor River, although timing is unknown at this point. Depending on its condition, they might be able to do some sort of temporary fix. Nothing can be known for sure until the engineers can survey the situation. Meanwhile, King County officially has the road closed at the end of pavement which is 20 miles below Goldmyer.

Nude Hiking Areas near Las Cruces, New Mexico

Also passed two female rangers. They chatted with me for a few minutes. They reminded me that technically nudity is prohibited, but then told me that they, too hike it naked when not on duty.  From a posting in the Yahoo Naturist Hikers group by Jon on Jan 26th, 2009.  Images and links added by myself:

The question asked . . . “Where are there good [nude] hiking spots in southern New Mexico near Las Cruces?”

To the East, Just south of Alamogordo is a Great spot. If you go to Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, you can go many directions from there. you can cimb the mountains, explore the spring, or explore the valley below. I arrived there about Noon, and stayed nekkid the whole rest of the day. There were only 2 other sites occupied, and even the old-man ranger was cool with it. The next morning, I hiked the spring again, and even “showered” in it. Then I went to the WhiteSands National

Monument. Had to hike out a ways to get away from the crowded areas, but once in the dunes, no problem. Didn’t see a soul for over an hour…just get about a mile from the road.

To the Northwest of Las Cruces, The Silver City area has many Wilderness hiking areas. Head North from SilverCity on Hwy 15 into the Gila National Forest. There are Hundreds of trails…very few people, and nobody blinks an eye at the sight of a naked hiker. If you follow the road all the way to the Cliff Dwellings, There is a place called

Light Feather Hotsprings. (ask at the visitor center for directions). 

The springs are about 140 degrees, so ya need to divert thestream to cool it down. I hiked the trail naked, passed 6 other hikers in about 4 hours. Also passed two female rangers. They chatted with me for a few minutes. They reminded me that technically nudity is prohibited, but then told me that they, too hike it naked when not on duty. I was the only one at the springs, so very peaceful!

If you head Northwest on Hwy180 from Silver city to Glenwood, then turn on Hwy 174. This will take you to the “Catwalk“…An incredible gorge thru on old silver mine. The hike is only about a mile to the top, and fairly busy on the trail, so I stayed dressed… but there is a swimming hole at the base of a waterfall…and nekkid people abound in that area. I hiked the whole thing up, then came back to the hole, and got nekkid, swam, and stayed nekkid for about two hours. many people came and went. some got nekkid, some didn’t. Nobody cared. The hole is visible from the trail above (about 50′ up the stairs), and most who passed by, did stop, smile, wave, and take pictures. But again, nobody has any concerns.