Archive for January, 2007
Olympic Hot Spring Update
Road closed at Lake Mills Dam (28-Jan-07) due to instability. Round trip hike is now ~12 miles.
Add comment January 29, 2007
Olympic Hot Spring Update
Road closed at Lake Mills Dam (28-Jan-07) due to instability. Round trip hike is now ~12 miles.
Add comment January 29, 2007
Lewis Creek to Heybrook: Nude Snowshoeing
The view of Jumpoff Ridge from halfway up the Lewis Creek Road
The Lewis Creek Road as the snow deepens enough for snowshoes
This past weekend was rather balmy . . . a respite from the lousy weather we have been getting. The morning I spent battling eight foot and higher snowdrifts to get up to Scenic Hot Springs and check out the conditions there. Closer to Stevens chains are required, even to get as far as the SnoPark area of the BN railyards next to the Surprise Creek Trailhead. The amount of snow up at Scenic was also not very friendly to getting in some nude time. But the weather stayed good so I stopped by Lewis on the way back in the afternoon. Surprisingly, as I hiked up the trail the temperatures got absolutely warmer (probably a high pressure temperature inversion); and with no wind, snow or rain it wasn’t long before I shucked the clothes and was soon trekking in nothing more than a hat, boots, gaiters, snowshoes, poles and my pack. My thermometer said the upper thirties but it felt more like mid forties. Great nude snowshoeing weather . . . and I had the trail all to myself!
Nude snowshoeing on the Lewis Creek Road
Others have been on this trail recently . . . a few days old by the look of the tracks. None within a couple of days. Animal tracks abound: some small canine, probably a fox, deer and really surprising at the lower elevations . . . unmistakable bear tracks, and those were recent. I kept and eye on those tracks until they wandered off into the a cul downslope by the river.
The snow deepened fast and by a thousand feet mine were the only human-style tracks left. With no wind I was more than comfortable, even when it started to drop snow from the approaching afternoon clouds far above. I dallied and enjoyed the quiet, serenity of ice cascades and listen to the steady ‘crunch-crunch’ of warmed Cascade Concrete beneath. My snowshoes are new . . . replacing a bulky set of MSRs that weighed a ton. This are light and easy to manuever on steeper inclines. The gaiters are new as well. I don’t often wear gaiters but I splurged for a top-off-the-line pair with an insulating liner. I’m sure the gaiters had a lot to do with keeping me warm . . . my feet were toasty and absolutely dry!
Displays of icicles everywhere
Near the top of Heybrook Ridge you pass under the BPA powerlines and intersect with FR 6022, a nominal maintenance road for the BPA. The snow is really deep here, three to four feet even on the road surfaces. Fortunately it is heavy snow and self-packing. To the right is Heybrook Lookout . . . maybe a quarter mile through the ridgetop canopy. To the left and east is the start of a trek down FS 6022 and eventually re-emergence on SR2 opposite the town of Baring. I snowshoe for another half mile east and then back as I’m losing elevation which means I have to climb on the flip-flop. Besides, I want to check out the Lookout Tower again.
Building a nude snowman
As popular as the Heybrook Trail has become, there are no tracks marring the pristine snowfield surrounding the Lookout Tower. I only regret that I was too lazy to remove my snowshoes and climb up . . . but daylight was failing and it was time to head back after a coffee break from my ever-present thermos. It was also beginning to cool down as the sun got lower. But not enough that I wasn’t able to make it all the way back to my car nude and still feeling comfortable.
Heybrook Lookout Tower
Add comment January 22, 2007
NAC Advisory: Florida House Bill 269
ADVISORY
http://www.naturistaction.org
DATE : January 21, 2007
SUBJECT: Florida House Bill 269
TO : All naturists and other concerned individuals
Dear Naturist,
The Naturist Action Committee (NAC) wishes to make you aware of an important situation involving legislation in the state of Florida.
Newly elected state legislator William Snyder of Martin County has introduced House Bill 269 in the Florida House of Representatives. The bill proposes troubling changes to portions of state law that are of direct concern to naturists.
IMPORTANT: NAC IS NOT CALLING FOR YOUR ACTION AT THIS TIME
Naturist individuals, clubs and groups can be a tremendous asset in dealing with legislation. However, conditions are NOT PRESENTLY APPROPRIATE for making contact with lawmakers on this matter. Please wait.
NAC believes you should be advised and informed, but this is a case in which premature action could be damaging. Watch for further NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this topic.
DISCUSSION
Section 800.03 of the Florida Statutes addresses the exposure or exhibition of sexual organs in a public place. Based on the existing wording of the law, 800.03 has been held by Florida Courts to make such exposure illegal only when it is done in a lewd manner. [see also http://www.suncoastnaturists.org/NudistLaws.htm - Rick]
House Bill 269 proposes changes to the wording of 800.03 that could jeopardize the protection for naturists afforded by current judicial rulings. The bill would add increased penalties under 800.03 in certain locations and during certain times of day.
Although HB 269 could also be used as a vehicle for other legislative language unfriendly to naturists, the bill’s initial text is hostile enough by itself to deserve our attention.
WHAT IS NAC DOING?
The Naturist Action Committee is working closely on this matter with local naturists and with representatives of Florida naturist clubs and groups. Deserving of special acknowledgment in the early stages of this issue are South Florida Free Beaches / Florida Naturist Association and Central Florida Naturists.
The Florida legislature is currently in special session. The regular 2007 session officially begins March 6. NAC and its allies are taking House Bill 269 very seriously and are focusing on the most effective and efficient ways to protect the interests of naturists. As is frequently the case, there are things to be done behind the scenes, and that’s exactly what’s happening at this point.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
This is an informational advisory only. The Naturist Action Committee is specifically asking that you do not take action at this time.
NAC anticipates an upcoming appropriate time and circumstance for contacts with lawmakers on this issue, but that time is NOT RIGHT NOW. Please watch for further NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this topic.
MORE INFORMATION
You can access additional information on the Web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
Select “Alerts, Advisories and Updates.” Under Current Advisories, you’ll find the text of this NAC Advisory, along with links to the complete text of HB 269, an updated legislative history of the bill and existing Florida law.
PLEASE HELP NAC HELP LOCAL NATURISTS
The Naturist Action Committee exists to advance and protect the rights and interests of naturists throughout North America. As the nonprofit volunteer political adjunct to The Naturist Society, NAC is a vigorous force at work on behalf of naturists.
The Naturist Action Committee relies entirely on your voluntary support. Please donate generously with a check to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or use your credit card to make a direct donation online through NAC’s Web site:
http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Morley Schloss
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) – PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton – execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Morley Schloss – morleynaturist@hotmail.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick – naturist@sunclad.com
Technorati Tags: Nudism Legal Advisories
Add comment January 22, 2007
Lewis Creek to Heybrook: Nude Snowshoeing
The view of Jumpoff Ridge from halfway up the Lewis Creek Road
The Lewis Creek Road as the snow deepens enough for snowshoes
This past weekend was rather balmy . . . a respite from the lousy weather we have been getting. The morning I spent battling eight foot and higher snowdrifts to get up to Scenic Hot Springs and check out the conditions there. Closer to Stevens chains are required, even to get as far as the SnoPark area of the BN railyards next to the Surprise Creek Trailhead. The amount of snow up at Scenic was also not very friendly to getting in some nude time. But the weather stayed good so I stopped by Lewis on the way back in the afternoon. Surprisingly, as I hiked up the trail the temperatures got absolutely warmer (probably a high pressure temperature inversion); and with no wind, snow or rain it wasn’t long before I shucked the clothes and was soon trekking in nothing more than a hat, boots, gaiters, snowshoes, poles and my pack. My thermometer said the upper thirties but it felt more like mid forties. Great nude snowshoeing weather . . . and I had the trail all to myself!
Nude snowshoeing on the Lewis Creek Road
Others have been on this trail recently . . . a few days old by the look of the tracks. None within a couple of days. Animal tracks abound: some small canine, probably a fox, deer and really surprising at the lower elevations . . . unmistakable bear tracks, and those were recent. I kept and eye on those tracks until they wandered off into the a cul downslope by the river.
The snow deepened fast and by a thousand feet mine were the only human-style tracks left. With no wind I was more than comfortable, even when it started to drop snow from the approaching afternoon clouds far above. I dallied and enjoyed the quiet, serenity of ice cascades and listen to the steady ‘crunch-crunch’ of warmed Cascade Concrete beneath. My snowshoes are new . . . replacing a bulky set of MSRs that weighed a ton. This are light and easy to manuever on steeper inclines. The gaiters are new as well. I don’t often wear gaiters but I splurged for a top-off-the-line pair with an insulating liner. I’m sure the gaiters had a lot to do with keeping me warm . . . my feet were toasty and absolutely dry!
Displays of icicles everywhere
Near the top of Heybrook Ridge you pass under the BPA powerlines and intersect with FR 6022, a nominal maintenance road for the BPA. The snow is really deep here, three to four feet even on the road surfaces. Fortunately it is heavy snow and self-packing. To the right is Heybrook Lookout . . . maybe a quarter mile through the ridgetop canopy. To the left and east is the start of a trek down FS 6022 and eventually re-emergence on SR2 opposite the town of Baring. I snowshoe for another half mile east and then back as I’m losing elevation which means I have to climb on the flip-flop. Besides, I want to check out the Lookout Tower again.
Building a nude snowman
As popular as the Heybrook Trail has become, there are no tracks marring the pristine snowfield surrounding the Lookout Tower. I only regret that I was too lazy to remove my snowshoes and climb up . . . but daylight was failing and it was time to head back after a coffee break from my ever-present thermos. It was also beginning to cool down as the sun got lower. But not enough that I wasn’t able to make it all the way back to my car nude and still feeling comfortable.
Heybrook Lookout Tower
Add comment January 22, 2007
NAC Advisory: Florida House Bill 269
ADVISORY
http://www.naturistaction.org
DATE : January 21, 2007
SUBJECT: Florida House Bill 269
TO : All naturists and other concerned individuals
Dear Naturist,
The Naturist Action Committee (NAC) wishes to make you aware of an important situation involving legislation in the state of Florida.
Newly elected state legislator William Snyder of Martin County has introduced House Bill 269 in the Florida House of Representatives. The bill proposes troubling changes to portions of state law that are of direct concern to naturists.
IMPORTANT: NAC IS NOT CALLING FOR YOUR ACTION AT THIS TIME
Naturist individuals, clubs and groups can be a tremendous asset in dealing with legislation. However, conditions are NOT PRESENTLY APPROPRIATE for making contact with lawmakers on this matter. Please wait.
NAC believes you should be advised and informed, but this is a case in which premature action could be damaging. Watch for further NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this topic.
DISCUSSION
Section 800.03 of the Florida Statutes addresses the exposure or exhibition of sexual organs in a public place. Based on the existing wording of the law, 800.03 has been held by Florida Courts to make such exposure illegal only when it is done in a lewd manner. [see also http://www.suncoastnaturists.org/NudistLaws.htm - Rick]
House Bill 269 proposes changes to the wording of 800.03 that could jeopardize the protection for naturists afforded by current judicial rulings. The bill would add increased penalties under 800.03 in certain locations and during certain times of day.
Although HB 269 could also be used as a vehicle for other legislative language unfriendly to naturists, the bill’s initial text is hostile enough by itself to deserve our attention.
WHAT IS NAC DOING?
The Naturist Action Committee is working closely on this matter with local naturists and with representatives of Florida naturist clubs and groups. Deserving of special acknowledgment in the early stages of this issue are South Florida Free Beaches / Florida Naturist Association and Central Florida Naturists.
The Florida legislature is currently in special session. The regular 2007 session officially begins March 6. NAC and its allies are taking House Bill 269 very seriously and are focusing on the most effective and efficient ways to protect the interests of naturists. As is frequently the case, there are things to be done behind the scenes, and that’s exactly what’s happening at this point.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
This is an informational advisory only. The Naturist Action Committee is specifically asking that you do not take action at this time.
NAC anticipates an upcoming appropriate time and circumstance for contacts with lawmakers on this issue, but that time is NOT RIGHT NOW. Please watch for further NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this topic.
MORE INFORMATION
You can access additional information on the Web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
Select “Alerts, Advisories and Updates.” Under Current Advisories, you’ll find the text of this NAC Advisory, along with links to the complete text of HB 269, an updated legislative history of the bill and existing Florida law.
PLEASE HELP NAC HELP LOCAL NATURISTS
The Naturist Action Committee exists to advance and protect the rights and interests of naturists throughout North America. As the nonprofit volunteer political adjunct to The Naturist Society, NAC is a vigorous force at work on behalf of naturists.
The Naturist Action Committee relies entirely on your voluntary support. Please donate generously with a check to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or use your credit card to make a direct donation online through NAC’s Web site:
http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Morley Schloss
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) – PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton – execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Morley Schloss – morleynaturist@hotmail.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick – naturist@sunclad.com
Technorati Tags: Nudism Legal Advisories
Add comment January 21, 2007
How do you like the new look to my blog?
3 comments January 20, 2007
How do you like the new look to my blog?
2 comments January 20, 2007
Index-Galena-Beckler Loop
With spring and summer almost in our grasps, it’s time to think about arranging some camping trips. The embedded interactice map below depicts some of the camping areas I have pitched tent in the past . . . most of them all to myself or the party I was with andmost of the time enjoying some nude time with friends by the side of the river in some pretty awesome scenary. The full size version of the interactive map below can be seen by clicking on the title above. In case you haven’t played with Google-style maps before (where have you been?), you can move the map around (click and drag), zoom, click on various icons for information, and even see the map in various forms (including topos and sat images).
During this coming hiking and camping season, I plan to do a nude camping trip at least once a month as a base for nude hiking onto the many wonderful trails in the area. All bonifide naturists are welcome to join in planning and enjoying such a trip . . . or better yet, become a member of the SLUGS and partake of many more nude activities such as these.
Add comment January 19, 2007
Index-Galena-Beckler Loop
With spring and summer almost in our grasps, it’s time to think about arranging some camping trips. The embedded interactice map below depicts some of the camping areas I have pitched tent in the past . . . most of them all to myself or the party I was with andmost of the time enjoying some nude time with friends by the side of the river in some pretty awesome scenary. The full size version of the interactive map below can be seen by clicking on the title above. In case you haven’t played with Google-style maps before (where have you been?), you can move the map around (click and drag), zoom, click on various icons for information, and even see the map in various forms (including topos and sat images).
During this coming hiking and camping season, I plan to do a nude camping trip at least once a month as a base for nude hiking onto the many wonderful trails in the area. All bonifide naturists are welcome to join in planning and enjoying such a trip . . . or better yet, become a member of the SLUGS and partake of many more nude activities such as these.
Add comment January 19, 2007
