Archive for July, 2006
This Past Week in PacNorthWest Nudism
Yahoo Nudism:
-Discussion about changing children poolside at public pools. Seems the prudes in New Zealand want mothers to send their little children off to same sex changing rooms by themselves rather than allow the mother to change the little tykes at poolside. Pool nazies fear perverts with camera are luking all over.
SeattleAreaPeopleWithoutClothes:
- A spirited discussion of the safety of swimming at Collins Beach on Sauvies Island in light of the recent newspaper articles on polution in the Columbia River. Consensus is that nobody has any problems.
NWNaturist:
- LARC NudieBlues scheduled for the 29th
- A round robin nude hike in the Mt Hood area
- Questions on how to shave the pubic area without getting razor burn
- Another round of questions about how to avoid chaffing of the inner thighs during nude hikes. The most common answer, apply a little vasaline . . . LOL
- A really silly proposed bylaw in a British town banning middle-aged men with shaved heads from going about topless.
RixPlace: (non-Yahoo moderated general nudism discussion forum)
- Major discussion of the merits and shortcomings of air conditioning at nudist resorts, with technical details of tonnage, humidity and temperatures in the nudist comfort range.
- Announcement of launch of Nudes in the News at http://www.bayareanaturists.org/news.html
- Link to a silly Bud commercial called Mr Nudist Colony Activity Coordinator
-News excerpt on the new suncreen product called Anthelios SX put out by L’oreal
-A great trip report of a social naturist walk in England where the Bobbies (police for us Americans) dropped by and in friendly conversation expressed interest in joining in on future walks.
ORCOBA:
-People are still wondering if Sand Island at Rooster Rock is accessible yet. Soon . . . Reports of water thigh-deep and more . . . trails very mucky
- A great trip report by Don, the NACAR for the Portland area and Collins and Rooster Rock on the TNS Western Gathering held last weekend at Laguna del Sol, near Sacremento. Next years Gathering to be at Lupin Lodge.
FreeUnderTheSun:
-Really good directions to Gunnison Beach on Sandy Hook, NJ if you ever happen to be out that way.
NWFunInTheSun:
- Lots of questions about camping at Sauvies, lots of get-togethers being arranged at Collins, announcements of upcoming events like NudieBlues at LARC, the Wreck Beach Bare Buns Run
- Discussion about the Yellow Flag program, the program of ORCOBA that attempts to put a safe and friendly presence on Collins and Rooster Rock clothing-optional beaches
-Invitations to attend clothing-optional figure drawing events in the Portland area
-A lot of discussion on the recent TNS Western Gathering which was just concluded
SLUGS: (restricted to members)
- The SLUGS are hiding out at FS tonight, watching the meteor showers.
- The SLUGS Annual Potholes Retreat was last weekend. We have yet to see a trip report . . . but I understand it was blistering hot . . . the kind of weather the presents high slug mortality rates
Myself:
- A great day spent at Collins Beach last Saturday; the tan is coming along nicely
- Lots of time spent up at Scenic HS hunting a black bear and her cub with my camera. Lots of time in the nude on those sun-soaked slopes. Article posted to the Scenic Blog here That’s me in the picture sitting there with binoculars for hours just waiting for her.
- Several short 2-4 hour nude hikes in the Enchanted Wilderness area and one long nude backpack overnight to Deception Pass.
- Answered four requests for information of nudist resorts in Washington by viewers of my Clothing-Optional Interactive Map
- Playing host this weekend to Eric (SoaksData) of North American Hot Springs in discussions of Scenic and Wind River Hot Springs for his upcoming publication and website database.
Add comment July 29, 2006
Barefoot Nude Hiking?
Good question and I really do have a good answer. If it were only the beach or a short, easy stroll I could easily go totally nude and be perfectly happy. But I get into some pretty rough terrain and my feet need the support for not only endurance . . . but safety.
But, I’ve looked at the link the reader suggested and I am intrigued. I have a pair of AquaSocks that cost me $40 and lasted the whole of one season before they fell apart. But $70 for a pair of FiveFingers? If they’re half as good at support and protection as the literature suggests I just may go in for a pair.
From the website:
FiveFingers™ is the first and only footwear to offer the exhilarating freedom of going barefoot—with the protection and surefooted grip of a Vibram® sole.
And that makes it ideal for a wide range activities you’d probably rather do barefoot—boating, kayaking, canoeing, canyoneering, coastal approach, even after-sport recovery.
FiveFingers gives you a gecko-like grip on slippery surfaces. They protect your tender feet from scorching sand and sharp rocks. FiveFingers helps to promote a more natural walking motion. They gently separate each toe, while stimulating and exercising the muscles of the feet.
Go barefoot—without leaving yourself exposed.
Dealers:
Kayak Shed,
6 Oak St,
Hood River, OR 97031 (Google Map)
phone: 541-386-4286
MEC – Vancouver Location,
130 West Broadway,
Vancouver, V5Y 1P3, Canada (Google Map)
phone: 604-872-7858
No dealers in Washington yet.
1 comment July 29, 2006
This Past Week in PacNorthWest Nudism
Yahoo Nudism:
-Discussion about changing children poolside at public pools. Seems the prudes in New Zealand want mothers to send their little children off to same sex changing rooms by themselves rather than allow the mother to change the little tykes at poolside. Pool nazies fear perverts with camera are luking all over.
SeattleAreaPeopleWithoutClothes:
- A spirited discussion of the safety of swimming at Collins Beach on Sauvies Island in light of the recent newspaper articles on polution in the Columbia River. Consensus is that nobody has any problems.
NWNaturist:
- LARC NudieBlues scheduled for the 29th
- A round robin nude hike in the Mt Hood area
- Questions on how to shave the pubic area without getting razor burn
- Another round of questions about how to avoid chaffing of the inner thighs during nude hikes. The most common answer, apply a little vasaline . . . LOL
- A really silly proposed bylaw in a British town banning middle-aged men with shaved heads from going about topless.
RixPlace: (non-Yahoo moderated general nudism discussion forum)
- Major discussion of the merits and shortcomings of air conditioning at nudist resorts, with technical details of tonnage, humidity and temperatures in the nudist comfort range.
- Announcement of launch of Nudes in the News at http://www.bayareanaturists.org/news.html
- Link to a silly Bud commercial called Mr Nudist Colony Activity Coordinator
-News excerpt on the new suncreen product called Anthelios SX put out by L’oreal
-A great trip report of a social naturist walk in England where the Bobbies (police for us Americans) dropped by and in friendly conversation expressed interest in joining in on future walks.
ORCOBA:
-People are still wondering if Sand Island at Rooster Rock is accessible yet. Soon . . . Reports of water thigh-deep and more . . . trails very mucky
- A great trip report by Don, the NACAR for the Portland area and Collins and Rooster Rock on the TNS Western Gathering held last weekend at Laguna del Sol, near Sacremento. Next years Gathering to be at Lupin Lodge.
FreeUnderTheSun:
-Really good directions to Gunnison Beach on Sandy Hook, NJ if you ever happen to be out that way.
NWFunInTheSun:
- Lots of questions about camping at Sauvies, lots of get-togethers being arranged at Collins, announcements of upcoming events like NudieBlues at LARC, the Wreck Beach Bare Buns Run
- Discussion about the Yellow Flag program, the program of ORCOBA that attempts to put a safe and friendly presence on Collins and Rooster Rock clothing-optional beaches
-Invitations to attend clothing-optional figure drawing events in the Portland area
-A lot of discussion on the recent TNS Western Gathering which was just concluded
SLUGS: (restricted to members)
- The SLUGS are hiding out at FS tonight, watching the meteor showers.
- The SLUGS Annual Potholes Retreat was last weekend. We have yet to see a trip report . . . but I understand it was blistering hot . . . the kind of weather the presents high slug mortality rates
Myself:
- A great day spent at Collins Beach last Saturday; the tan is coming along nicely- Lots of time spent up at Scenic HS hunting a black bear and her cub with my camera. Lots of time in the nude on those sun-soaked slopes. Article posted to the Scenic Blog here That’s me in the picture sitting there with binoculars for hours just waiting for her.
- Several short 2-4 hour nude hikes in the Enchanted Wilderness area and one long nude backpack overnight to Deception Pass.
- Answered four requests for information of nudist resorts in Washington by viewers of my Clothing-Optional Interactive Map
- Playing host this weekend to Eric (SoaksData) of North American Hot Springs in discussions of Scenic and Wind River Hot Springs for his upcoming publication and website database.
Add comment July 28, 2006
Barefoot Nude Hiking?
Good question and I really do have a good answer. If it were only the beach or a short, easy stroll I could easily go totally nude and be perfectly happy. But I get into some pretty rough terrain and my feet need the support for not only endurance . . . but safety.
But, I’ve looked at the link the reader suggested and I am intrigued. I have a pair of AquaSocks that cost me $40 and lasted the whole of one season before they fell apart. But $70 for a pair of FiveFingers? If they’re half as good at support and protection as the literature suggests I just may go in for a pair.
From the website:
FiveFingers™ is the first and only footwear to offer the exhilarating freedom of going barefoot—with the protection and surefooted grip of a Vibram® sole.
And that makes it ideal for a wide range activities you’d probably rather do barefoot—boating, kayaking, canoeing, canyoneering, coastal approach, even after-sport recovery.
FiveFingers gives you a gecko-like grip on slippery surfaces. They protect your tender feet from scorching sand and sharp rocks. FiveFingers helps to promote a more natural walking motion. They gently separate each toe, while stimulating and exercising the muscles of the feet.
Go barefoot—without leaving yourself exposed.
Dealers:
Kayak Shed,
6 Oak St,
Hood River, OR 97031 (Google Map)
phone: 541-386-4286
MEC – Vancouver Location,
130 West Broadway,
Vancouver, V5Y 1P3, Canada (Google Map)
phone: 604-872-7858
No dealers in Washington yet.
1 comment July 28, 2006
Sauvie Island Visit
It’s a three hour drive but worth it for a whole day of sunshine, though for awhile it looked like the sunshine had abandoned us. Overcast and cloudy until almost 3 pm at which time the sun finally overcame the clouds and burned down on us with a vengence.
The beach was full of people trying to escape the muggy 100 deg + weather. Volleyball games, parties and bbqs going on . . . kids splashing in the water. All great fun. If you haven’t yet visited Collins Beach on Sauvie Island you are missing a great opportunity to enjoy clothing-optional recreation in a no-stress, friendly and safe manner. Here’s a link to a description of Collins Beach from my Interactive Google Map
Add comment July 24, 2006
Sauvie Island Visit
It’s a three hour drive but worth it for a whole day of sunshine, though for awhile it looked like the sunshine had abandoned us. Overcast and cloudy until almost 3 pm at which time the sun finally overcame the clouds and burned down on us with a vengence.
The beach was full of people trying to escape the muggy 100 deg + weather. Volleyball games, parties and bbqs going on . . . kids splashing in the water. All great fun. If you haven’t yet visited Collins Beach on Sauvie Island you are missing a great opportunity to enjoy clothing-optional recreation in a no-stress, friendly and safe manner. Here’s a link to a description of Collins Beach from my Interactive Google Map
Add comment July 23, 2006
Bear Warning
It was reported to me that a couple sneaking up to the springs (with two dogs . . . pit bulls, one off leash) encountered the black bear on the upper BPA road near the second tower. Fortunately the bear wasn’t interested in them . . . just looked at them as they backed off. Unfortunately, this bear seems to have claimed the territory and is at home around humans and human scent. We have to remember, though, that this is a female bear with at least one cub and the potential for coming between her and her cub is high. I’ve had at least six sightings in the last week at all times of the day.
Bears are normally shy but will become extremely aggressive if they perceive a threat to their young. Be aware . . . make noise and make sure the bear knows where you are. Surprises cause bad encounters. If you are faced with a problem:
- DO NOT RUN! Running incites the chase instinct in bears. Stand your ground and back away slowly. Besides, a bear can sprint up to 35mph easily. You can’t.
- If you are stupid enough to bring a dog up (like this couple did), keep it leashed. A dog will want to face off against a bear and you will be the loser here when the bear responds predictably and aggressively.
- Speak in a deep, calm, measured voice. DO NOT SCREAM! Shrill sounds remind bears of their prey. Sound bigger and confident.
- Make yourself bigger . . . hold a pack over your head. The bear has no desire to fight unless it’s young are at risk. Make it think twice.
- Bear are great tree climbers; better than you. Forget that idea. However, bears are lousy at climbing the braces of the BPA towers. If you are close to one and the bear won’t back off, get up on a BPA tower . . . potentially high enough for your cell phone to work.
- As a last resort, fight back with everything you have, sticks, stones, etc. Do not play dead to a black bear (as opposed to a grizzly). Black bears will back off the moment threat is removed.
An observation . . . I went up there. Yeah, I’m crazy but careful. Noticed my warning sign on the gate had been torn down (thanks, you idiots). I followed the bear prints as best I could and they definitely went up the trailhead area. Bears are foragers, especially for the garbage we humans throw over the side of the trail. Think about that the next time you feed the wildlife up at the springs. Are we inviting troublesome bears to take up residence?
Bottom line? Well, you probably don’t belong up there on private property anyway, but if you are going to continue to ignore the signs please keep in mind that this area is forest and wilderness . . . this is bear territory. Be aware and Be careful!
Sightings? Let me know.
Rick
3 comments July 19, 2006
Good Intentions-Misguided Expertise
The main, upper springs are generally grouped as four sources:
- Lobster Upper
- Lobster Lower
- Bear Den West, and
- Bear Den East
Sometime last year, someone got the bright idea to go digging in the source fracture to increase the flow from the westerly side . . . hoping to increase the volume to the pool. Like I said . . . good intentions. So, he (or she) got down close and with chisels and hammers, widened out the hot seep . . . lo and behold . . . flow did increase and that person must have felt really copacetic about his (or her) accomplishments. They just improved the springs (not).
What they really did was mess things up. There is actually a fifth source . . . the aforementioned fracture to the west. It is a totally different spring and it’s water temperature changes at a radically different rate than the original spring did. All winter, spring and into summer I have been wondering why temperatures in the main spring (Lobster Upper) have been off by two to five degrees and slowly the story of this person’s misguided attempts has come out. The original spring is still there . . . and temperature consistent as always. Except now, we have a second spring mixing its waters just prior to egress from the bedrock. That second spring runs colder and brings down the fabled skin-reddening scorch of the original Lobster Pot.
It may seem a moot point in the middle of summer . . . but come fall, winter and spring those few degrees make all the difference in the soaking experience. Mike says it can probably be fixed but it won’t be easy . . . having to approach the spring emergences from below. For now, we have to defer the problem until after construction.
It also brings to mind how carefully we must protect the spring sources not only from accidental tampering or contamination . . . but also from well-meaning people.
Add comment July 17, 2006
Bare Buns Fun Run West this Sunday at FS
This Bare Buns Run is one of my favorite events of the year. You meet so many fun people, young and old, nudists and non-nudists (but naked for the day). Everyone is having fun. We had a great pizza feed . . . time in the hot tubs to soaks sore muscles, and if you’ve never swum naked before, you are really missing something. Rick
Bare as you Dare is the byline . . . and it’s great fun
Fraternity Snoqualmie hosts the first of the three official Pacific Northwest Bare Buns Fun Runs this coming Sunday.
15th Annual Bare Buns Fun Run (West)
Sunday, July 16th, 2006 11:00 A.M.
http://www.fraternitysnoqualmie.com/BBFR.html
CLOTHING OPTIONAL 5K FUN RUN & WALK
Be Brave, Be Tough, Beat the Mountain in the Buff
The Annual Bare Buns Fun West is sponsored by Fraternity Snoqualmie
Download the entry form as a PDF
http://www.fraternitysnoqualmie.com/images/bbfr2006.pdf
(2006 version)
It is a 5K (3.1 mile) Trail Run/Walk on beautiful Tiger Mountain. The challenging course runs over unpaved road, with a short section of cross country. Up hill to the turn around and back downhill. If you find the risk of sunburn challenging enough, the course is a serene walk through the forest.
Add comment July 13, 2006
Bare Buns Fun Run West this Sunday at FS
This Bare Buns Run is one of my favorite events of the year. You meet so many fun people, young and old, nudists and non-nudists (but naked for the day). Everyone is having fun. We had a great pizza feed . . . time in the hot tubs to soaks sore muscles, and if you’ve never swum naked before, you are really missing something. Rick
Bare as you Dare is the byline . . . and it’s great fun
Fraternity Snoqualmie hosts the first of the three official Pacific Northwest Bare Buns Fun Runs this coming Sunday.
15th Annual Bare Buns Fun Run (West)
Sunday, July 16th, 2006 11:00 A.M.
http://www.fraternitysnoqualmie.com/BBFR.html
CLOTHING OPTIONAL 5K FUN RUN & WALK
Be Brave, Be Tough, Beat the Mountain in the Buff
The Annual Bare Buns Fun West is sponsored by Fraternity Snoqualmie
Download the entry form as a PDF
http://www.fraternitysnoqualmie.com/images/bbfr2006.pdf
(2006 version)
It is a 5K (3.1 mile) Trail Run/Walk on beautiful Tiger Mountain. The challenging course runs over unpaved road, with a short section of cross country. Up hill to the turn around and back downhill. If you find the risk of sunburn challenging enough, the course is a serene walk through the forest.
Add comment July 12, 2006
