Honeymoon Creek Culvert clogged again

It’s been reported that the culvert at the Honeymoon Creek and the BPA Road is clogged again by a slide. How bad is unknown.

Update on Scenic Hot Springs

I thought I’d ramble just a little bit about what’s happening at Scenic Hot Springs.

Mike, the new owner of the property, is still jumping through the hoops of bureauacracy in order to get the permits to take the springs public and I have been accompanying him on almost a weekly basis in surveying the terrain of the property . . . charting the location of all the springs (we’ve discovered a dozen new sources of hot water so far) and figuring out how best to meet the needs of King County and the State with the least impact on the beauty and rustic-ness of the area.

It is winter and hiking the property is an exercise in misery. Wet and cold . . . but rewarding for me, personally. But then again, my major interest is in the geothermal science and processes of the area and this is a perfect, pristine laboratory for me. On top of that, I love to hike and rough it.

The one pool is still up there - divided down the center to make two pools fed from Lobster and the other springs. Temperature fluctuates. With all this rain and snowmelt, Lobster is running pretty cool which dampens any enthusiasm for taking a soak. The last time I measured Lobster it was running at a tepid 90 degs F. This has given rise to talk of having to provide for reheating or boosting the water during wintertime and now Mike has to consider pumps and propare heaters at the spring locations if he wishes to keep them open during the winter months. Mike assures me that is his desire.

Speaking of winter (and rain and such), this unseasonable weather has taken a toll on Scenic with lots of erosion and damage to the Forest Service road and the BPA Access road. To the credit of all those who labored to get those five water bars in place last fall, the actual trail up to the springs has faired well and is in excellent shape with little erosion. There are a few locations further up that beg the use of ice-cleats but all-in-all the trail is fine.

The BPA Access road is a different matter. A few weeks ago a significant slide buried the culvert that took Honeymoon Creek under the road, causing runoff to do a lot of damage to the road surface. BPA crews were in there later to repair the damage but the road surface remains in poor shape.

Emergency drainage measures were made in a lot of locations along the FS road to control all the water but these measures make access untenable except for high-clearance 4-wheel drives. I used to be able to make it up to the first BPA tower in my Civic (even in the snow). I won’t attempt that now until we can get in there with a load of drainage rock to make the FS road drivable.

Access was impossible last Thursday until we hacked down the snow berm blocking FS850 at Hwy 2. The plows will probably pile it up again when (and if) we get anymore snow. The short drive up to the gate is trecherous . . . slippery as hell with thick snow half melted with a slick semi-melted layer of water and ice. If you’re going to try it, 4wheel with the right tires (or chains). Mike ended up in a ditch just the other day and had to be pulled out.

We are looking for solutions to several problems. If you have ideas or expertise, speak up. Toilet systems: composting or septic . . . if septic, where can we put the septic field; structures (caretakers cabin, changing rooms, etc): designs, who to build them, where to site them; parking: this has become a real challenge . . . I spent most of my trips in the proposed lower parking area siting plans for parking and figuring out cut and fill requirements that don’t trigger massive stabilization issues. It is a long and involved labor of love. It gets pretty bad when you can recognize where you are by the shape of tree branches.

George has been right up there with us in the rain and snow, sliding on our butts down slopes and sloshing through mud. And I do thank those individuals (specifically Sushi Bob and Rocky) who are looking out for the upper pool by cleaning it and keeping up the integrity of the liner. Visitors continue to trudge their way up to the springs in even the worst weather and that seems to make Mike pause in the middle of a measurement on the lower slopes, stare at the distant shapes on the upper road and crack a smile. He really wants people to enjoy the springs.

Springtime is coming. And a lot more work. The springs remain open to those who respect the place. Let’s work together to help out in any way that will bring these springs florishing again.

Rick

banged_up_shins@yahoo.com

Taking the Plunge - The FAQ on Nudisim from the REC-NUDE Newsgroup

1. Naturist Etiquette

These are some generally accepted rules of Naturist Etiquette.

o Stay Out of the Dunes and other environmentally sensitive areas.

o Obey Parking Regulations and other posted rules.

o Help With Litter - bring along a trash bag. Carry out more litter

than you create.

o Don’t Go Out of Established Nude Areas. To wander nude into a

clothed beach or parking area will offend many.

o No Overt Sexual Activity. Leave exhibitionism to those attending

clothed beaches.

o Respect the Property of Others.

o Ask Prior Consent For Photography.

o Privacy Is Fundamental. Many are at a club or beach for quiet time.

Body language should tell you they don’t want to be disturbed. It’s

not wrong to look for new friends - but it is rude to intrude when

you’re unwelcome.

o Come Prepared. Bring beach supplies: beverage, food, sunscreen,

towel. Mooching is not a cool way to make friends.

o Speak Up for Standards. Don’t let some newcomer who doesn’t

understand the situation or our values cause trouble. Instead of

doing a slow burn, go talk, politely but firmly, to the couple

starting sexual activity, the can-tosser, the wanderer into the

dunes.

This list comes to us courtesy of the Naturist Society.

2. Taking The Plunge

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably interested in trying naturism

for yourself. Here are some tips for making your first naturist

experience as painless and enjoyable as possible:

2.1. Find a site

The best way to do this is to find an organization in your area and

ask for information. The readers of rec.nude can be of great

assistance in this area, as can parts II and III of this FAQ, as well

as the Site Reports FAQ

.

(NOTE: This sites FAQ is presently out of date by several years.

Due to the availability of information on sites from localized support

groups, the internet, and various commercial publications, this FAQ

appears to have been abandoned. DMK - 1-Jul-02)

When contacting an organization by mail, remember to include a self-

addressed stamped envelope for the reply - it’s polite and saves much-

needed funds.) As we said earlier, you might prefer a private facility

for your first time - or you might not. It’s up to you.

2.2. Don’t go alone

If you’re married, by all means take your spouse. If not, take a

friend of either gender. You can go alone if you want, but you’ll

probably enjoy the experience a lot more with some companionship.

(Also, you should know that some private naturist facilities will not

admit single visitors - generally, this policy is applied to men more

than to women. And many facilities frown upon one-half of a married

couple attending alone. These are old attitudes which are starting to

change, but they remain in some cases.)

2.3. Review Naturist Etiquette

Naturism is built on respect - for fellow naturists, for non-

naturists, and for the environment. Naturists have a few simple rules

of etiquette; read them, and remember that the respect is mutual. See

“Naturist Etiquette” above.

2.4. Come prepared

Bring a towel, a good sunscreen (SPF 15+), reading material,

sunglasses, food & beverage, etc., especially if you’re heading into a

remote area. You will not want to dress to return to your car, so make

sure you don’t forget anything! (And remember to take your trash out

with you!)

2.5. Allow plenty of time

You’re not going to want to leave! So it’s best to devote a day or

more to your trip. Give yourself time to enjoy the experience!

2.6. Make sure to pay fees, obtain permits, etc.

If you’re heading into the wilderness of a national forest, for

example, you may need a Back-country Permit. Don’t let legal

technicalities ruin your enjoyment.

2.7. Relax!

You are about to have one of the greatest experiences of your life!

Don’t worry about it!

When you arrive at your site, you should make yourself comfortable.

This may mean not removing all your clothing at once. That’s OK. Just

make sure you’re comfortable and that you appear comfortable. Relax

and enjoy the experience - don’t be tense and edgy.

Once you are comfortably nude and enjoying yourself, it’s easy to be

friendly and approachable. Don’t just sit off in a corner by yourself

- walk around, chat, etc. If people don’t want to talk to you, you’ll

notice, but a lot of naturists are very friendly and enjoy meeting new

people. Go for it!

Congratulations! You’re a naturist! (And it didn’t kill you!) Do you

see how good it feels? You’re already making plans to come back,

aren’t you?

3. Naturist Glossary

Following are some terms, abbreviations, and other things you might

run into in your naturist experiences.

AANR

American Association for Nude Recreation .

A national naturist organization of North America.

ADMIN:

“Administrative”. Put in the subject of rec.nude messages to

indicate that the topic is administrative - discussions about

the newsgroup itself, rather than discussions about naturism.

These posts are supposed to be kept to a minimum. See also

“RNEO” and “ObNude”, and the What is RNEO? topic in part 0.

ASA

American Sunbathing Association, the former name of what is now

“AANR”.

The Bulletin

The monthly publication of “AANR”.

Canuding

Canoeing while nude, a popular naturist activity.

CCBN

Central Council for British Naturism

A national naturist organization of Great Britain.

.

CO “Clothing optional.”

ENG

Eastern Naturist Gathering. See “Naturist Gathering”.

ESA (a.k.a AANR-East)

Eastern Sunbathing Association. The eastern regional subdivision

of “AANR”.

FANR

Florida Association for Nude Recreation. The Florida regional

subdivision of “AANR”.

FCN

Federation of Canadian Naturists . A

national naturist organization of English-speaking Canada.

FQN

Federation Quebecoise de Naturisme. A national naturist

organization of French-speaking Canada.

FKK

Frei Korper Kultur. A German term for naturism.

IMO, IMHO

“In My (Humble/Honest) Opinion”.

INF

The International Naturist Federation, an international

organization of national naturist organizations (e.g. “AANR”,

“TNS”, “FCN”, etc.) INF’s member organizations serve a

majority of the world’s nations.

MSA

Midwestern Sunbathing Association. The midwestern regional

subdivision of “AANR”.

N Nude & Natural, the quarterly magazine of “TNS”.

NAC

Naturist Action Committee

The political action arm of “TNS”.

Naturalist

One who studies nature. Although naturalists may be

“naturists”, and vice versa, the two are not fundamentally

related. Asking naturalist questions on rec.nude will make you

look silly, unless they are also naturist questions.

Naturist

See “Nudist”.

Naturist Gathering

(as in “Eastern Naturist Gathering”) One of several annual

regional meetings of naturists organized by “TNS”. Three or

four are typically held each year (one in mid-winter, the rest

in summer), in various parts of the country. Naturists converge

at these events to meet, greet, participate in activities,

listen to talks, and have fun.

Naturist Festival

Often regional meetings of naturists semi-sponsored by national

organizations but otherwise organized by local or regional naturists.

NEF

Naturist Education Foundation

The educational arm of “TNS”.

NIFOC

“Nude In Front Of Computer”.

Nudist

See “Naturist”.

ObNude

“Obligatory Nude”. Used by some rec.nude readers to introduce an

on-topic statement following an off-topic statement.

RNEO

Rec.Nude Eyes Only. A spam defeating acronym. When placed at the

beginning of a subject line it allows readers to easily locate

on-topic messages. replies under “RE: RNEO….” It may also be

used in conjunction with news program filters or search services

as an aid to locating topical material in the newsgroup.

(Removed from the FAQ file 1-Jul-02)

SO Significant Other. A spouse, partner, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.

SWSA

Southwestern Sunbathing Association. The southwestern regional

subdivision of “AANR”.

Thong

In naturist parlance, a G-string style swimsuit which exposes

the buttocks. Wearing only a thong is the next best thing to

being nude, in some naturists’ minds.

TNS

The Naturist Society . An

international naturist organization based in the United States.

Topfree

Lacking a top. What a non-naturist calls “topless”, a naturist

calls “topfree”; the “-less” suffix implies that something

important is missing, while the “-free” suffix implies a lack of

improper additions, such as a foreign piece of clothing. (Also,

“topless” is commonly associated with strip bars and other

commercial exploitation of nudity. “Topfree” has no known

negative connotations.)

WNG

Western Naturist Gathering. See “Naturist Gathering”.

WSA (a.k.a. AANR-West)

Western Sunbathing Association. The western regional subdivision

of “AANR”.

World Guide

The World Guide to Nude Beaches and Resorts

At by Lee Baxandall.

A very good and oft-quoted guide to naturist locations worldwide.

Published by “TNS”.

Note: Don’t use the term “nudist colony.” Most modern naturists

consider this term to be pejorative. Naturists live normally among the

rest of society, not in isolated “colonies.” Instead, refer to

nudist/naturist beaches, campgrounds, parks, clubs, resorts, etc.

4. What’s the difference between “naturism” and “nudism”?

Some people make distinctions between “naturists” and “nudists.” To

some people the differences (whatever they perceive them to be) are

quite important, but many people use the terms interchangeably today.

When asked to use one or the other, I usually call myself a “naturist”

because I like the association of that word with “natural”. (However,

in actuality I prefer neither term - I’d rather be known as “a regular

guy who likes to be nude.”)

The rest of this section, contributed by Durand Stieger, goes into

more detail (more than I did, anyway) about the differences between

“naturists” and “nudists.” Please note that I have not edited Durand’s

words - any opinions expressed are his, although I agree with much of

what he has to say.

While nudism has long been defined in dictionaries, naturism has not.

Indeed, the word “naturist” is only recently beginning to be added. In

the USA today, the words nudism and naturism may be best defined by

the two principal organizations representing these “-ism’s”: the

American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist

Society (TNS). Both organizations believe in the essential

wholesomeness, naturalness, and healthfulness of social nudity. AANR

has, since its beginning as the American Sunbathing Association (ASA),

represented nudists on private property — generally at its privately-

owned nudist campgrounds and resorts — and expects its members to be

“clothed when practical, unclothed when possible.” TNS has been the

primary champion of clothing-optional use of appropriate public lands.

And both organizations have some areas of overlap, both in activities

and membership.

However, most of us wonder less about the “-ism’s” and more about the

differences, if any, between nudist and naturist — and, more

particularly: which should we consider ourself to be? Nudist and

naturist can perhaps best be defined by their stereotypes, both of

which relate to their typical environments. Of course, all nudists and

naturists have that common belief in the essential wholesomeness,

naturalness, and healthfulness of social nudity.

The stereotypical nudist prefers to enjoy social nudity at enclosed

private-property sites, safe from prying eyes or harassment from the

law. She enjoys use of the facilities and amenities which these

campgrounds and resorts provide. She prefers organizational structure

— if not to participate in, then at least for the rules and

regulations afforded. And she enjoys the social structure and

activities which many private sites provide.

The stereotypical naturist prefers to commune with nature in the open

outdoors — e.g., at a lake, stream, beach, or wilderness setting –

without the feeling of being enclosed behind tall fences. She needs

few, if any, facilities or amenities — preferring, instead, an

undisturbed natural setting. She wants no organizational structure,

thank you, nor any list of rules or regulations imposed on her (beyond

basic beach etiquette, that is). And she needs no social structure or

activities; if there are some friends to visit with, that’s fine, but

it’s also fine to be alone or with just a companion or two. Further,

since the stereotypical naturist usually uses public lands for her

nude recreation, she realizes that these clothing-optional areas may

have clothed users as well.

Many of us nude recreators do not entirely match either above

stereotype; instead, we are somewhere along the continuum between

these two (and even extending somewhat beyond each). For example, if

half the time you prefer a naturist site on a beach or stream, while

the other half you prefer nudist activities at a resort with

amenities, then you are about halfway between these two on that

continuum.

Before Lee Baxandall formed The Naturist Society, “naturist” was the

European equivalent to the American word “nudist” (as in the

International Naturist Federation, the international nudist

organization headquartered in Europe). Americans formerly known as

“free beachers,” or just “skinny-dippers,” overnight became

“naturists” — when Lee then pulled the term out from under the

nudists and gave it new meaning in America. The former free beachers

readily adopted the new term, particularly as it emphasized the

aspects of “nature” and “natural” so dear to free beachers.

There are those of us who believe that the use of two different labels

for us, nudist and naturist, is divisive — and that we are really all

pretty much the same, so we should treat the two terms as synonymous.

While they are entitled to their synonymous-view opinion, they should

not take umbrage when others wish to use the two terms separately –

in reference to organizational and/or philosophical denotations.

Perhaps when the day arrives that AANR and TNS are either no longer

needed or have identical objectives, then a common label will suit

both.

Thus, each of us is free to choose whatever label for ourself that we

like best. Nudist, naturist, skinny-dipper, free beacher — whatever

— and we are free to use one label at one time and another at another

time, as our mood fancies. Some Naturists also see purpose to

considering Naturism as a belief, to be respected and afforded

protections, and these people (plus those of us who wish to show

respect for this view) use Naturist and Naturism in their capitalized

form.

Almost every adult in America knows (or think they know) what “nudist”

means, while very few know what “naturist” means. However, it is far

better and more accurate for us to identify ourselves as naturists as

we influence the public toward tolerance of appropriate clothing-

optional areas on public lands.

It is also vital that we steadfastly maintain, to ourselves and the

public, that overt sexual activity has nothing whatever to do with

naturism or nudism. A common public myth is that social nudity

involves or promotes sexual activity. And we also know that some

individuals and businesses, with sexual agendas of their own, see us

as a nude, liberal-minded, meat-market hunting ground for their own

purposes. Indeed, some swingers and others with sexual agendas have

infiltrated into our organizations — and some businesses, promoting

or allowing sexual activity, have masqueraded as nudist/naturist

businesses. These are cancers and must be removed; they are not us,

they hurt us, and they should never be considered part of us. We

cannot tolerate even a few.

5. What’s the difference between “nude” and “naked”?

Some people point out a difference between the words “nude” and

“naked.” The point made is that the formal definition of “naked”

implies that something normal is missing or that something

abnormal/improper is happening, while “nude” has no such connotation

(see “topfree” above.) I use “nude” most of the time for this

reason. (But, as with “naturist” vs. “nudist”, other people disagree

and think “naked” is preferable, and still other people see absolutely

no difference between the two. To each his/her own.)

The Naked Truth Of Freehiking

By Ed Jensen

as posted in Sports Magazine (Online) at http://www.sportsguidemag.com/features-freehiking.asp

“The best dress for walking is nakedness.”

Colin Fletcher, The Complete Walker III

A great deal at Amazon for a penny for a used copy)

A cool and breezy Sunday afternoon in May found me in Utah’s west desert at an obscure and trail-less canyon in the Stansbury Mountains. A mere 50 minutes from Salt Lake City, this place has provided me many times with all the solitude, serenity, and scenery that a naturist hiker could want so close to the big city. As far as equipment goes, I am about to participate in one of the most cost effective adrenaline addictions since the Greeks invented the Olympics. I’m in the mood to be nude. Devotees of the sport call it free hiking; a euphemism for hiking sans clothing… au naturel… free as a bird… the full Monty… stark raving naked!

With the exception of shoes, hat, and sunglasses, I eagerly strip down at the car, coat myself with repellant, and begin the 300 yard walk to the canyon’s mouth. Still within sight of the paved road, anyone with binoculars could observe my trek up the hill, but the only signs of human activity I can see are the dusty plumes from a couple of ATV’s a mile across the valley. Free of my clothes and laden with only a fanny pack and a small digital camera, I am still wearing far more than I care to. My fanny pack (now officially a “butt bag”) contains only the essentials of sunscreen, repellant, and water. Undaunted by the gathering clouds, I traverse the alluvial plain at the canyon’s entrance and enter its quiet realm.

I don’t even know if this place has a name. Once inside its broad limestone corridor, the V-shaped canyon twists itself upward toward the rugged Cambrian anticline that forms the spine of this arid range and the craggy peaks that were once islands in the ancient Lake Bonneville. The rocky, seasonal streambed that doubles as a trail contains the imprints of fossilized sea creatures now long extinct. I have never been to the end of this canyon, always running out of time, motivation, or daylight before I can get there.

The tactile sensations of being nude in nature bring out the hedonist in me, and I revel in the sensation of the desert breeze skipping and dancing its way down the canyon, pausing just long enough to tiptoe across my pale, pathetic skin before waltzing away to somewhere else. Springtime in the desert is breeding season for a trillion noxious insects, and without this breeze I’d be nothing more than a walking all-you-can-eat buffet. Emphasis on ALL!

It’s not always like this, of course. The insects here, although prolific in the springtime, dwindle away as the summer wears on, until by autumn there is hardly a biting insect to be found. It makes me wonder how they survive so far from water and with only the occasional naked hiker to feed on.

Mosquitoes, sunburn, and cold weather are the only real deterrents to free hiking, although such inconveniences don’t bother hardcore enthusiasts like Ben Miller. Miller is the moderator of a free hiking Yahoo group and has over 300 free hikes under his belt, as it were. Unlike me, he doesn’t always seek out the most desolate desert locations, preferring on occasion to hike the shady alpine trails of the Wasatch Front in nothing but his birthday suit. In so doing, he has become an unofficial ambassador of free hiking etiquette and good will.

While the legal ramifications of free hiking can vary by jurisdiction, Utah State Law trumps agencies like the BLM and Forest Service with regard to perceived obscenity violations. With some of the most provincial nudity laws in the country, Utah is a difficult place to be a nude recreationist. Frequent practitioners of the sport know this, and go out of their way (literally) to avoid confrontations with “textiles.” Fortunately, there is an unspoken code amongst trail users of all types, and an encounter with a naked hiker often results in nothing more than a smile and a nod. Others react with confusion.

Miller chuckles as he recalls the following run-in with a textile hiker: “We (I was in a group) encountered a man on the trail. He looked at us and said ‘That’s one way to avoid tan lines!’ I was still in the habit of getting dressed when encountering others, but I was laughing so hard at that comment that I couldn’t pull my shorts on! He didn’t really seem all that bothered by it, just amused. From that day forward I realized that most people are not as irrational about nudity as the vocal (and obviously “hung-up”) minority would lead us to believe.”

On another occasion, Miller surprised a male hiker who, looking totally perplexed, asked “Hot today?” Miller smiled and replied “EXTREMELY hot!” Says Miller, “I do try to avoid these situations. But when and if they are inevitable, I try to make the best of them. I try to leave the impression that I mean no harm. I’m just there to be myself and nothing more.”

One logical but erroneous assumption is that naturists in general are either exhibitionists or voyeurs or worse. I remember questioning my own desires to enjoy nature in the buff, but it wasn’t until I discovered that I was not alone in this pursuit that I dismissed those notions. After meeting other like minded folks, I have come to the conclusion that we just enjoy a good outing more than most people do, trading the imposition of shame and social restriction for the chance to experience life through eyes of renewed innocence and a heightened sensory awareness.

An avid free hiker from Virginia explains it this way: “It is hard to explain why I enjoy (free hiking) so much. Clearly it feels good to be without clothing now and then, provided the weather is cooperating… One certainly feels more alive when naked outdoors… It is a very healthy thing to do, mentally as well as physically.”

As I wend my way across the hardscrabble ground, I feel the sun at my back, the earth beneath my feet, and a sense of belonging. For the moment, I am a part of this place: alone but not lonely, naked but not vulnerable, unseen but not invisible, wary but not worried. I have never seen another soul here, but the occasional beer can or gum wrapper tells me that this is someone else’s sanctuary too. Actually, I’m not totally alone, for I can hear muted gobbles from the flock of wild turkeys that live here, concealed by the sagebrush and juniper trees that line the dry, eroded banks. I frightened them once, and they burst into a collective cloud of feathered hysteria, squawking and fleeing in flightless desperation. I wasn’t much better off, for we surprised each other, and it took me a few moments to get my heart rate back to normal. I can’t see them today, but I am reassured by their presence.

Using my self-timer, I capture a few images of myself in this place. If they pass the censorship test, one or two of them may adorn this article. The rest will serve as wintertime reminders of hikes past and hikes yet to come.

I got here late, and as the sun crouches below the jagged horizon, I reluctantly begin my journey back. Even though I am in no hurry, the car comes into view all too soon. As I drive away, still undressed, still happy to be away from a world of convention and pretense, I wonder about the people who would perceive my actions as some sort of perversion. Why do I have to drive so far to avoid being seen by them? What are they so afraid of? What’s the big deal? Still, in the interest of prudence, I pull on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before entering the Interstate, and drive home through the desert darkness.

I will spend the next five days toiling away in anonymous servitude, a corporate prisoner in a cubicle cell, chained to the promise of a paycheck and my image as a civilized citizen. But I’ll just smile, content in the knowledge that the trail awaits, and that underneath the clothes they make me wear, I’m still very naked!

Guidelines For Freehiking Responsibly

1. Drink lots of liquid. Damp clothing is an indicator of how much you’re perspiring. Without clothing, you may not realize how much liquid you’ve been losing to evaporation. Use an effective sunscreen to avoid burning.

2. While hiking bare, keep a towel or pair of elastic shorts in hand (or under your hat!)

3. Try to avoid confrontations with other trail users who

may not appreciate your desire to be bare. When chance encounters do occur, be polite, use humor to put the other party at ease, and continue on your way. Remember that modesty is a state of mind and not a state of dress. Some people will be offended no matter what, but you may just make someone’s day!

4. Hike in hot weather. Fewer people hike on extremely hot days, and those who do will be more understanding about your wanting to be bare.

5. Never use freehiking as an excuse to be lewd or vulgar.

If you’re into that sort of thing, buy yourself a raincoat and hang out on Main Street.

6. Give back to the sport by participating in organized trail

restoration projects. At the very least, leave every trail better than you found it by picking up litter along your way.

Taking the Plunge - The FAQ on Nudisim from the REC-NUDE Newsgroup

1. Naturist Etiquette

These are some generally accepted rules of Naturist Etiquette.

o Stay Out of the Dunes and other environmentally sensitive areas.

o Obey Parking Regulations and other posted rules.

o Help With Litter - bring along a trash bag. Carry out more litter

than you create.

o Don’t Go Out of Established Nude Areas. To wander nude into a

clothed beach or parking area will offend many.

o No Overt Sexual Activity. Leave exhibitionism to those attending

clothed beaches.

o Respect the Property of Others.

o Ask Prior Consent For Photography.

o Privacy Is Fundamental. Many are at a club or beach for quiet time.

Body language should tell you they don’t want to be disturbed. It’s

not wrong to look for new friends - but it is rude to intrude when

you’re unwelcome.

o Come Prepared. Bring beach supplies: beverage, food, sunscreen,

towel. Mooching is not a cool way to make friends.

o Speak Up for Standards. Don’t let some newcomer who doesn’t

understand the situation or our values cause trouble. Instead of

doing a slow burn, go talk, politely but firmly, to the couple

starting sexual activity, the can-tosser, the wanderer into the

dunes.

This list comes to us courtesy of the Naturist Society.

2. Taking The Plunge

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably interested in trying naturism

for yourself. Here are some tips for making your first naturist

experience as painless and enjoyable as possible:

2.1. Find a site

The best way to do this is to find an organization in your area and

ask for information. The readers of rec.nude can be of great

assistance in this area, as can parts II and III of this FAQ, as well

as the Site Reports FAQ

.

(NOTE: This sites FAQ is presently out of date by several years.

Due to the availability of information on sites from localized support

groups, the internet, and various commercial publications, this FAQ

appears to have been abandoned. DMK - 1-Jul-02)

When contacting an organization by mail, remember to include a self-

addressed stamped envelope for the reply - it’s polite and saves much-

needed funds.) As we said earlier, you might prefer a private facility

for your first time - or you might not. It’s up to you.

2.2. Don’t go alone

If you’re married, by all means take your spouse. If not, take a

friend of either gender. You can go alone if you want, but you’ll

probably enjoy the experience a lot more with some companionship.

(Also, you should know that some private naturist facilities will not

admit single visitors - generally, this policy is applied to men more

than to women. And many facilities frown upon one-half of a married

couple attending alone. These are old attitudes which are starting to

change, but they remain in some cases.)

2.3. Review Naturist Etiquette

Naturism is built on respect - for fellow naturists, for non-

naturists, and for the environment. Naturists have a few simple rules

of etiquette; read them, and remember that the respect is mutual. See

“Naturist Etiquette” above.

2.4. Come prepared

Bring a towel, a good sunscreen (SPF 15+), reading material,

sunglasses, food & beverage, etc., especially if you’re heading into a

remote area. You will not want to dress to return to your car, so make

sure you don’t forget anything! (And remember to take your trash out

with you!)

2.5. Allow plenty of time

You’re not going to want to leave! So it’s best to devote a day or

more to your trip. Give yourself time to enjoy the experience!

2.6. Make sure to pay fees, obtain permits, etc.

If you’re heading into the wilderness of a national forest, for

example, you may need a Back-country Permit. Don’t let legal

technicalities ruin your enjoyment.

2.7. Relax!

You are about to have one of the greatest experiences of your life!

Don’t worry about it!

When you arrive at your site, you should make yourself comfortable.

This may mean not removing all your clothing at once. That’s OK. Just

make sure you’re comfortable and that you appear comfortable. Relax

and enjoy the experience - don’t be tense and edgy.

Once you are comfortably nude and enjoying yourself, it’s easy to be

friendly and approachable. Don’t just sit off in a corner by yourself

- walk around, chat, etc. If people don’t want to talk to you, you’ll

notice, but a lot of naturists are very friendly and enjoy meeting new

people. Go for it!

Congratulations! You’re a naturist! (And it didn’t kill you!) Do you

see how good it feels? You’re already making plans to come back,

aren’t you?

3. Naturist Glossary

Following are some terms, abbreviations, and other things you might

run into in your naturist experiences.

AANR

American Association for Nude Recreation .

A national naturist organization of North America.

ADMIN:

“Administrative”. Put in the subject of rec.nude messages to

indicate that the topic is administrative - discussions about

the newsgroup itself, rather than discussions about naturism.

These posts are supposed to be kept to a minimum. See also

“RNEO” and “ObNude”, and the What is RNEO? topic in part 0.

ASA

American Sunbathing Association, the former name of what is now

“AANR”.

The Bulletin

The monthly publication of “AANR”.

Canuding

Canoeing while nude, a popular naturist activity.

CCBN

Central Council for British Naturism

A national naturist organization of Great Britain.

.

CO “Clothing optional.”

ENG

Eastern Naturist Gathering. See “Naturist Gathering”.

ESA (a.k.a AANR-East)

Eastern Sunbathing Association. The eastern regional subdivision

of “AANR”.

FANR

Florida Association for Nude Recreation. The Florida regional

subdivision of “AANR”.

FCN

Federation of Canadian Naturists . A

national naturist organization of English-speaking Canada.

FQN

Federation Quebecoise de Naturisme. A national naturist

organization of French-speaking Canada.

FKK

Frei Korper Kultur. A German term for naturism.

IMO, IMHO

“In My (Humble/Honest) Opinion”.

INF

The International Naturist Federation, an international

organization of national naturist organizations (e.g. “AANR”,

“TNS”, “FCN”, etc.) INF’s member organizations serve a

majority of the world’s nations.

MSA

Midwestern Sunbathing Association. The midwestern regional

subdivision of “AANR”.

N Nude & Natural, the quarterly magazine of “TNS”.

NAC

Naturist Action Committee

The political action arm of “TNS”.

Naturalist

One who studies nature. Although naturalists may be

“naturists”, and vice versa, the two are not fundamentally

related. Asking naturalist questions on rec.nude will make you

look silly, unless they are also naturist questions.

Naturist

See “Nudist”.

Naturist Gathering

(as in “Eastern Naturist Gathering”) One of several annual

regional meetings of naturists organized by “TNS”. Three or

four are typically held each year (one in mid-winter, the rest

in summer), in various parts of the country. Naturists converge

at these events to meet, greet, participate in activities,

listen to talks, and have fun.

Naturist Festival

Often regional meetings of naturists semi-sponsored by national

organizations but otherwise organized by local or regional naturists.

NEF

Naturist Education Foundation

The educational arm of “TNS”.

NIFOC

“Nude In Front Of Computer”.

Nudist

See “Naturist”.

ObNude

“Obligatory Nude”. Used by some rec.nude readers to introduce an

on-topic statement following an off-topic statement.

RNEO

Rec.Nude Eyes Only. A spam defeating acronym. When placed at the

beginning of a subject line it allows readers to easily locate

on-topic messages. replies under “RE: RNEO….” It may also be

used in conjunction with news program filters or search services

as an aid to locating topical material in the newsgroup.

(Removed from the FAQ file 1-Jul-02)

SO Significant Other. A spouse, partner, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.

SWSA

Southwestern Sunbathing Association. The southwestern regional

subdivision of “AANR”.

Thong

In naturist parlance, a G-string style swimsuit which exposes

the buttocks. Wearing only a thong is the next best thing to

being nude, in some naturists’ minds.

TNS

The Naturist Society . An

international naturist organization based in the United States.

Topfree

Lacking a top. What a non-naturist calls “topless”, a naturist

calls “topfree”; the “-less” suffix implies that something

important is missing, while the “-free” suffix implies a lack of

improper additions, such as a foreign piece of clothing. (Also,

“topless” is commonly associated with strip bars and other

commercial exploitation of nudity. “Topfree” has no known

negative connotations.)

WNG

Western Naturist Gathering. See “Naturist Gathering”.

WSA (a.k.a. AANR-West)

Western Sunbathing Association. The western regional subdivision

of “AANR”.

World Guide

The World Guide to Nude Beaches and Resorts

At by Lee Baxandall.

A very good and oft-quoted guide to naturist locations worldwide.

Published by “TNS”.

Note: Don’t use the term “nudist colony.” Most modern naturists

consider this term to be pejorative. Naturists live normally among the

rest of society, not in isolated “colonies.” Instead, refer to

nudist/naturist beaches, campgrounds, parks, clubs, resorts, etc.

4. What’s the difference between “naturism” and “nudism”?

Some people make distinctions between “naturists” and “nudists.” To

some people the differences (whatever they perceive them to be) are

quite important, but many people use the terms interchangeably today.

When asked to use one or the other, I usually call myself a “naturist”

because I like the association of that word with “natural”. (However,

in actuality I prefer neither term - I’d rather be known as “a regular

guy who likes to be nude.”)

The rest of this section, contributed by Durand Stieger, goes into

more detail (more than I did, anyway) about the differences between

“naturists” and “nudists.” Please note that I have not edited Durand’s

words - any opinions expressed are his, although I agree with much of

what he has to say.

While nudism has long been defined in dictionaries, naturism has not.

Indeed, the word “naturist” is only recently beginning to be added. In

the USA today, the words nudism and naturism may be best defined by

the two principal organizations representing these “-ism’s”: the

American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist

Society (TNS). Both organizations believe in the essential

wholesomeness, naturalness, and healthfulness of social nudity. AANR

has, since its beginning as the American Sunbathing Association (ASA),

represented nudists on private property — generally at its privately-

owned nudist campgrounds and resorts — and expects its members to be

“clothed when practical, unclothed when possible.” TNS has been the

primary champion of clothing-optional use of appropriate public lands.

And both organizations have some areas of overlap, both in activities

and membership.

However, most of us wonder less about the “-ism’s” and more about the

differences, if any, between nudist and naturist — and, more

particularly: which should we consider ourself to be? Nudist and

naturist can perhaps best be defined by their stereotypes, both of

which relate to their typical environments. Of course, all nudists and

naturists have that common belief in the essential wholesomeness,

naturalness, and healthfulness of social nudity.

The stereotypical nudist prefers to enjoy social nudity at enclosed

private-property sites, safe from prying eyes or harassment from the

law. She enjoys use of the facilities and amenities which these

campgrounds and resorts provide. She prefers organizational structure

— if not to participate in, then at least for the rules and

regulations afforded. And she enjoys the social structure and

activities which many private sites provide.

The stereotypical naturist prefers to commune with nature in the open

outdoors — e.g., at a lake, stream, beach, or wilderness setting –

without the feeling of being enclosed behind tall fences. She needs

few, if any, facilities or amenities — preferring, instead, an

undisturbed natural setting. She wants no organizational structure,

thank you, nor any list of rules or regulations imposed on her (beyond

basic beach etiquette, that is). And she needs no social structure or

activities; if there are some friends to visit with, that’s fine, but

it’s also fine to be alone or with just a companion or two. Further,

since the stereotypical naturist usually uses public lands for her

nude recreation, she realizes that these clothing-optional areas may

have clothed users as well.

Many of us nude recreators do not entirely match either above

stereotype; instead, we are somewhere along the continuum between

these two (and even extending somewhat beyond each). For example, if

half the time you prefer a naturist site on a beach or stream, while

the other half you prefer nudist activities at a resort with

amenities, then you are about halfway between these two on that

continuum.

Before Lee Baxandall formed The Naturist Society, “naturist” was the

European equivalent to the American word “nudist” (as in the

International Naturist Federation, the international nudist

organization headquartered in Europe). Americans formerly known as

“free beachers,” or just “skinny-dippers,” overnight became

“naturists” — when Lee then pulled the term out from under the

nudists and gave it new meaning in America. The former free beachers

readily adopted the new term, particularly as it emphasized the

aspects of “nature” and “natural” so dear to free beachers.

There are those of us who believe that the use of two different labels

for us, nudist and naturist, is divisive — and that we are really all

pretty much the same, so we should treat the two terms as synonymous.

While they are entitled to their synonymous-view opinion, they should

not take umbrage when others wish to use the two terms separately –

in reference to organizational and/or philosophical denotations.

Perhaps when the day arrives that AANR and TNS are either no longer

needed or have identical objectives, then a common label will suit

both.

Thus, each of us is free to choose whatever label for ourself that we

like best. Nudist, naturist, skinny-dipper, free beacher — whatever

— and we are free to use one label at one time and another at another

time, as our mood fancies. Some Naturists also see purpose to

considering Naturism as a belief, to be respected and afforded

protections, and these people (plus those of us who wish to show

respect for this view) use Naturist and Naturism in their capitalized

form.

Almost every adult in America knows (or think they know) what “nudist”

means, while very few know what “naturist” means. However, it is far

better and more accurate for us to identify ourselves as naturists as

we influence the public toward tolerance of appropriate clothing-

optional areas on public lands.

It is also vital that we steadfastly maintain, to ourselves and the

public, that overt sexual activity has nothing whatever to do with

naturism or nudism. A common public myth is that social nudity

involves or promotes sexual activity. And we also know that some

individuals and businesses, with sexual agendas of their own, see us

as a nude, liberal-minded, meat-market hunting ground for their own

purposes. Indeed, some swingers and others with sexual agendas have

infiltrated into our organizations — and some businesses, promoting

or allowing sexual activity, have masqueraded as nudist/naturist

businesses. These are cancers and must be removed; they are not us,

they hurt us, and they should never be considered part of us. We

cannot tolerate even a few.

5. What’s the difference between “nude” and “naked”?

Some people point out a difference between the words “nude” and

“naked.” The point made is that the formal definition of “naked”

implies that something normal is missing or that something

abnormal/improper is happening, while “nude” has no such connotation

(see “topfree” above.) I use “nude” most of the time for this

reason. (But, as with “naturist” vs. “nudist”, other people disagree

and think “naked” is preferable, and still other people see absolutely

no difference between the two. To each his/her own.)

The Naked Truth Of Freehiking

By Ed Jensen

as posted in Sports Magazine (Online) at http://www.sportsguidemag.com/features-freehiking.asp

“The best dress for walking is nakedness.”

Colin Fletcher, The Complete Walker III

A great deal at Amazon for a penny for a used copy)

A cool and breezy Sunday afternoon in May found me in Utah’s west desert at an obscure and trail-less canyon in the Stansbury Mountains. A mere 50 minutes from Salt Lake City, this place has provided me many times with all the solitude, serenity, and scenery that a naturist hiker could want so close to the big city. As far as equipment goes, I am about to participate in one of the most cost effective adrenaline addictions since the Greeks invented the Olympics. I’m in the mood to be nude. Devotees of the sport call it free hiking; a euphemism for hiking sans clothing… au naturel… free as a bird… the full Monty… stark raving naked!

With the exception of shoes, hat, and sunglasses, I eagerly strip down at the car, coat myself with repellant, and begin the 300 yard walk to the canyon’s mouth. Still within sight of the paved road, anyone with binoculars could observe my trek up the hill, but the only signs of human activity I can see are the dusty plumes from a couple of ATV’s a mile across the valley. Free of my clothes and laden with only a fanny pack and a small digital camera, I am still wearing far more than I care to. My fanny pack (now officially a “butt bag”) contains only the essentials of sunscreen, repellant, and water. Undaunted by the gathering clouds, I traverse the alluvial plain at the canyon’s entrance and enter its quiet realm.

I don’t even know if this place has a name. Once inside its broad limestone corridor, the V-shaped canyon twists itself upward toward the rugged Cambrian anticline that forms the spine of this arid range and the craggy peaks that were once islands in the ancient Lake Bonneville. The rocky, seasonal streambed that doubles as a trail contains the imprints of fossilized sea creatures now long extinct. I have never been to the end of this canyon, always running out of time, motivation, or daylight before I can get there.

The tactile sensations of being nude in nature bring out the hedonist in me, and I revel in the sensation of the desert breeze skipping and dancing its way down the canyon, pausing just long enough to tiptoe across my pale, pathetic skin before waltzing away to somewhere else. Springtime in the desert is breeding season for a trillion noxious insects, and without this breeze I’d be nothing more than a walking all-you-can-eat buffet. Emphasis on ALL!

It’s not always like this, of course. The insects here, although prolific in the springtime, dwindle away as the summer wears on, until by autumn there is hardly a biting insect to be found. It makes me wonder how they survive so far from water and with only the occasional naked hiker to feed on.

Mosquitoes, sunburn, and cold weather are the only real deterrents to free hiking, although such inconveniences don’t bother hardcore enthusiasts like Ben Miller. Miller is the moderator of a free hiking Yahoo group and has over 300 free hikes under his belt, as it were. Unlike me, he doesn’t always seek out the most desolate desert locations, preferring on occasion to hike the shady alpine trails of the Wasatch Front in nothing but his birthday suit. In so doing, he has become an unofficial ambassador of free hiking etiquette and good will.

While the legal ramifications of free hiking can vary by jurisdiction, Utah State Law trumps agencies like the BLM and Forest Service with regard to perceived obscenity violations. With some of the most provincial nudity laws in the country, Utah is a difficult place to be a nude recreationist. Frequent practitioners of the sport know this, and go out of their way (literally) to avoid confrontations with “textiles.” Fortunately, there is an unspoken code amongst trail users of all types, and an encounter with a naked hiker often results in nothing more than a smile and a nod. Others react with confusion.

Miller chuckles as he recalls the following run-in with a textile hiker: “We (I was in a group) encountered a man on the trail. He looked at us and said ‘That’s one way to avoid tan lines!’ I was still in the habit of getting dressed when encountering others, but I was laughing so hard at that comment that I couldn’t pull my shorts on! He didn’t really seem all that bothered by it, just amused. From that day forward I realized that most people are not as irrational about nudity as the vocal (and obviously “hung-up”) minority would lead us to believe.”

On another occasion, Miller surprised a male hiker who, looking totally perplexed, asked “Hot today?” Miller smiled and replied “EXTREMELY hot!” Says Miller, “I do try to avoid these situations. But when and if they are inevitable, I try to make the best of them. I try to leave the impression that I mean no harm. I’m just there to be myself and nothing more.”

One logical but erroneous assumption is that naturists in general are either exhibitionists or voyeurs or worse. I remember questioning my own desires to enjoy nature in the buff, but it wasn’t until I discovered that I was not alone in this pursuit that I dismissed those notions. After meeting other like minded folks, I have come to the conclusion that we just enjoy a good outing more than most people do, trading the imposition of shame and social restriction for the chance to experience life through eyes of renewed innocence and a heightened sensory awareness.

An avid free hiker from Virginia explains it this way: “It is hard to explain why I enjoy (free hiking) so much. Clearly it feels good to be without clothing now and then, provided the weather is cooperating… One certainly feels more alive when naked outdoors… It is a very healthy thing to do, mentally as well as physically.”

As I wend my way across the hardscrabble ground, I feel the sun at my back, the earth beneath my feet, and a sense of belonging. For the moment, I am a part of this place: alone but not lonely, naked but not vulnerable, unseen but not invisible, wary but not worried. I have never seen another soul here, but the occasional beer can or gum wrapper tells me that this is someone else’s sanctuary too. Actually, I’m not totally alone, for I can hear muted gobbles from the flock of wild turkeys that live here, concealed by the sagebrush and juniper trees that line the dry, eroded banks. I frightened them once, and they burst into a collective cloud of feathered hysteria, squawking and fleeing in flightless desperation. I wasn’t much better off, for we surprised each other, and it took me a few moments to get my heart rate back to normal. I can’t see them today, but I am reassured by their presence.

Using my self-timer, I capture a few images of myself in this place. If they pass the censorship test, one or two of them may adorn this article. The rest will serve as wintertime reminders of hikes past and hikes yet to come.

I got here late, and as the sun crouches below the jagged horizon, I reluctantly begin my journey back. Even though I am in no hurry, the car comes into view all too soon. As I drive away, still undressed, still happy to be away from a world of convention and pretense, I wonder about the people who would perceive my actions as some sort of perversion. Why do I have to drive so far to avoid being seen by them? What are they so afraid of? What’s the big deal? Still, in the interest of prudence, I pull on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before entering the Interstate, and drive home through the desert darkness.

I will spend the next five days toiling away in anonymous servitude, a corporate prisoner in a cubicle cell, chained to the promise of a paycheck and my image as a civilized citizen. But I’ll just smile, content in the knowledge that the trail awaits, and that underneath the clothes they make me wear, I’m still very naked!

Guidelines For Freehiking Responsibly

1. Drink lots of liquid. Damp clothing is an indicator of how much you’re perspiring. Without clothing, you may not realize how much liquid you’ve been losing to evaporation. Use an effective sunscreen to avoid burning.

2. While hiking bare, keep a towel or pair of elastic shorts in hand (or under your hat!)

3. Try to avoid confrontations with other trail users who

may not appreciate your desire to be bare. When chance encounters do occur, be polite, use humor to put the other party at ease, and continue on your way. Remember that modesty is a state of mind and not a state of dress. Some people will be offended no matter what, but you may just make someone’s day!

4. Hike in hot weather. Fewer people hike on extremely hot days, and those who do will be more understanding about your wanting to be bare.

5. Never use freehiking as an excuse to be lewd or vulgar.

If you’re into that sort of thing, buy yourself a raincoat and hang out on Main Street.

6. Give back to the sport by participating in organized trail

restoration projects. At the very least, leave every trail better than you found it by picking up litter along your way.