Happy "Nude Year's Eve"

Happy "Nude Year's Eve" everyone. (What a nice way to wish Skinny Trippers a great year of naturist life.)

(Now it's your turn. Please post a comment wishing those who read this a happy "Nude Year's Eve" from wherever you live.)

Kenfreehiker from Southern California.

The Perfect Place for a Naturist to Live

The Academic Naturist posted an interesting blog about finding and buying a private place, a piece of land, where he could practice naturism (see - http://academicnaturist.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-most-expensive-suit.html ).

In the post he asked, "Have any of you been through this before? Did you find the perfect place, where you can wear your best suit anywhere you want? Do you have any tips on what to look for, or what to do to find that perfect place? Any tips on dealing with neighbors? Any tips on bargaining with realters?"

Here is my comment about this:

We also searched for a perfect place for our "private" naturist home. Then we found our happy place at Olive Dell Resort, rented a site, bought a trailer, and decided our thinking had been wrong headed.

We discovered we weren't really trying to get away from others; we only wanted to live naked around others who understood and wanted to live the same way. Olive Dell was perfect for a number of reasons, including:

- It's inexpensive (about $300 a month)

- We have lot's of area to freehike and garden nude

- We meet lots of new naturist friends who come to freehike and visit our nude garden (Dellymaze Park)

- We can swim in the pool and soak in the hot tub whenever we want and not have any upkeep

- We easily get together with naturist friends often to sing karaoke, eat, play games, etc.

- Major shopping and dining areas are just minutes away if we want to get out for a clothed time.

- We have even been able to start a business with naturist friends.

For us, it was a real revelation when we stopped looking for our own naturist haven and moved to a wonderful haven for naturists that already existed - Olive Dell Ranch - our happy place.

Naked BBQ & Freehike Video

Naked BBQ & Freehike Video (France)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x96mla_randonue-carriere-sable-blanc_creation

Naked Life is Good at Olive Dell Ranch

Naked life is good at Olive Dell Ranch - even the weekend after Christmas.

Harrow and Kitty visited us at Olive Dell Ranch this weekend. Sunday we all weeded and cleaned up Dellymaze Park. It's looking great. We took time out for a naked lunch in the clubhouse. I dug some more on the Olive Dell Nature Trail. Later on we all hiked the trail.

Today I'll work a little more on the trail, and I think I'll take a freehike. Perhaps they'll all come along.

Nude Bike Riding

Has anyone reading ever taken a naked bike ride?

I was a kid when I last took a nude bike ride, late one night, down a well-traveled neighborhood street – crazy I know - I didn’t understand naturism then. However, for many people nude road and mountain biking is a totally acceptable naturist activity, as can be seen below. In fact, the World Naked Bike ride happens annually in mostly large cities around the world. (Here are a few links to photos of this event:

2009 World Naked Bike Ride - Madrid Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Jtyr1BmFA

2009 World Naked Bike Ride - London Photos http://picasaweb.google.com/duff2253/200906NakedBikeRideLondonStop# http://picasaweb.google.com/pixis140/WorldNakedBikeRideLondon2009# http://picasaweb.google.com/tart2000/NakedBikeRide#

2008 World Naked Bike Ride - Brighton Photos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAXK_W-M5Lg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIvjROMAcGM&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbSg8ZqSCGc&feature=related

2007 Vancouver WNBR photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/tijuanobamako/PRONAGEN#

Work on Olive Dell Nature Trail

I spent Sunday afternoon, Monday, Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday morning working nude on the new Olive Dell Nature Trail - removing brush, digging, moving rocks. I finished the completely new downhill section that ends at Dellymaze Park, and then moved over to the original section that has completely grown over. I modified this older section of the trail, making it better – less steep, and more interesting.

The new trail should be over a mile. I’m hoping to have the entire trail cleared/dug by mid-January. Then I’ll invite a local botanist from a community college to come help identify the vegetation. (It should be interesting introducing a professor to a naturist resort.) Finally, PJ and I will install signage, and hold a grand re-opening this coming spring.

I’m loving working on the Olive Dell Nature Trail (especially since I get to do the work nude). When it is complete it will certainly be the best nude nature trail at any resort in California. I hope many of my readers will visit us this year.

Valley View Hot Springs

“My wife and I go there [Valley View Hot Springs, Colorado] a number of times a year. The place is great. We are [free]hikers and do not find the trip to the upper pools difficult at all. I think it depends on the perspective if you are used to hiking mountain country or not used to it. The hike to the mine takes people from lower elevations 1 1/'2 to 2 hours up and less coming back. It is an old road for the first mile or more, and then finishes with a good hiking trail that climbs the hill to the mine. Seeing a quarter million bats come out is really something. . .

The kids will like the big swimming pool . . . The big soaking pool uphill from the big swimming pool usually has colored marbles and rocks for the kids to get (it is about 3 feet deep all over). . . There is a hot pool that is about 1 1/2 feet deep by the swimming pool and is the only "hot" pool there. They heat it with their self generated electricity. The other pools are usually 93-96 degrees. . .

The only drawback to Valley View that we find, is that there are a lot of "skinny dippers" as opposed to nudists. We call them skinny dippers because they only get nude in the pools. . . There are plenty of nudists too. We even sent the OLT folks an email several years ago (after our first visit) to ask it was really alright to go naked anywhere anytime. They said absolutely yes. Even the office is fine. . . We even went to the office the next trip and deliberately went to the office to become contributors and ask some questions. They never batted an eye. . .

My wife and I have been the only naked people in Oak House several times on winter trips . . . and nobody has ever acted funny or put out. We have also been in Oak House several times when nobody had clothes on. . .

Hiking nude to the mine or upper pools is all on the OLT property so is just fine. We have hiked with nude people to the mine in the afternoons . . . and we have hiked with clothed people while we were nude. Nobody cares, so do what you like. We like no clothes. They had a tour group at the mine once when we hiked up on a warm evening. They were not from VV but had been told that nude people were probable. We hung out nude with about 20 people with clothes on for over an hour. They had been told by their guide that no pictures of any people were allowed without the person's permission. Nobody said anything bad and they were all friendly, not put out.

We also hike on up the mountains sometimes and do it nude if the weather allows. Once you leave the OLT property you are on federal lands. In CO hiking nude on Federal lands is tolerated unless someone issues a complaint and then they have to follow up on it and find you to issue a small ticket.

On one warm hike we ran into a group of CO Mt College students that were there to work on the trail we were using (we usually stay off trails when nude hiking). We were worried for a minute and then one of them said rather loudly "looks like escapees from the hot springs." Everybody cracked up and we visited with them for awhile and hiked on up the trail with them a ways to where they were going to work next.

We have hiked nude with other folks that are like minded, and even hiked nude a whole day once with several others that never did get nude. It is nice to suit yourself about clothes and others can do the same. Should be that way all over.” – Jerry K.

Naturist Friends

I stopped for the night Saturday on my home from Idaho at Harrow and Kitty's house in the St. George area. It's always nuce being at a place where one can relax and enjoy life naturally without being judged. Naturist friends are the best!

I’ve found that naturism fosters friendship and love. Naturism is naturally less judgmental, and those who judge less are able to love more. Some people act as if they can only love those with common beliefs and standards. If a person doesn’t eat meat, for example, a person who eats meat must be wrong. If a person doesn’t drink alcohol, the person who does is wrong, and shunned. If a person prefers being clothed, the person who enjoys naturism must be immoral.

But these judgments do not indicate love, nor does trying to make people behave according to some ‘preferred’ personal standard, even if that standard is popular. At least with adults, loving someone means accepting them as they are, and since we were all born naked, we should love each other in that way; naturists can and do.

We love doing things with our naturist friends. When I was a textile most everything was done alone or with my family. As a naturist things changed; I have more friends of all types than I've ever had in my life - good, trustworthy friends who will last forever.

So thanks to Harrow and Kitty for being such good friends.

Family Friendly Naturist Review Video

Great family-friendly review of naturism (video) from Fance: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9ez1d_harmonie-respect-et-liberte_people

Nude Driving

Driving nude one must be careful – though other drivers seldom see you, the police may not appreciate the un-sexual aspects of naturism. Still, being careful, which one should be anyway when driving, naked cross-country is a wonderful way to go. PJ and I have driven naked often – mostly on longer trips from Utah to Washington and to California.

Has anyone else reading this ever driven nude? How about sharing a comment?

We just returned from a week-long vacation. I drove nude most of the trip from Idaho Falls to Olive Dell Ranch in Colton, California (about 13 hours). Though I sometimes wore an open coat because it was winter and anyone looking would expect that.

It's amazing how different the sensations are. You feel temperature differences immediately. You're more conscious of your speed and other cars around you.

I even drove naked except for the coat through the California plant inspection station.

When I got to Olive Dell is was nice to just drive in and be already in uniform (naked).

Nude driving isn't as enjoyable as freehiking, but driving naked certainly made the necessarily long drive bare-able.

Family Naturist Camping Video

This video of naturist families camping at Fox Bay shows naturism the way it ought to be. (Any idea where Fox Bay is located?)

Skinny Camping is so enjoyable. And of course freehiking is also a normal part of the outdoor naturist activities. Nude outdoors is such a wonderul thing.

http://groups.google.com/group/skinnytrippers/browse_thread/thread/e80ebf3a6df6cf77?hl=en

Families make such a big difference to real naturist practice. Adults only nudism can't compare.

Communing with Nature

“There is nothing better than communing with nature dressed as nature intended. A 5K nude walk in open countryside is just what the doctor ordered for de-stressing.” - Pete

Freehiking Everglades National Park

"I went to Everglades National Park. There are hiking trails in two areas of the park, "Flamingo" and "Pinelands." The former is bug-infested (the no-see-ums are worse than the mosquitos). The latter, however, is surprisingly bug-free. I freehiked for more than two hours on two separate trails in the Pinelands area and only saw one mosquito (and no people). On one trail the forest was slender Florida pines and short palmetto trees. The other trail was a raised former road through swampy terrain with sawgrass and with lots of birds. National Park Service literature notes that alligators and snakes avoid humans so even off-trail hiking is permitted, but you would have to be willing to get pretty wet. I stayed on the trails and stayed dry.” - Milt

Naturist Christmas Party

We finally got a vacation from work long enough for a trip from Southern California back to Utah and got together with our friends for a nude Christmas party on December 15, 2009. We shared a wonderful meal. PJ and I showed photos of Dellymaze Park. During the presentation we discussed the Bare Burro 5k that Olive Dell Ranch will hold April 18th next year (hope you can attend). We also played Trivia Toss, the new game we’ve developed and are beginning to market.

Naturist friends are the best friends.

PJ and I wish all our followers a Merry Christmas and a Happy Nude Year. Perhaps we'll meet freehiking in 2009? We hope so.

Austrailian Freehiking Report

“Today a group of 5 undertook the Wondabyne walk in the Brisbane Water National Park. The weather was mixed, but promised to be good enough for an enjoyable walk. We car pooled from Woy Woy station and parked at Staples Lookout. Heading back down Woy Woy Rd a bit, we headed off along the track. A short way down we got into uniform [nude], and continued along. Eventually we hit the point where the Great Northern Walk cut across the Thommos Loop Track. Heading out along the GNW, we eventually came to Kariong Brook Falls. Here we stopped for a rest and chance to cool off in the waters. A lovely little oasis in the middle of nowhere. It started sprinkling a little, but this just added to the beauty of the spot. Then it was time to head off up the track on the other side. We passed through another watercourse with dark clear water. Not quite large enough for a swim, but cooling none the less. As we set off along the track again, the landscape slowly changed around us, passing through the hanging swamp and beyond. We then met up with the main access road heading towards Wondabyne station. We followed this down to the end where we stopped for lunch. Down below were the stairs down to the station, and a view across Mullet Creek. We were briefly interrupted by another bushwalking group heading back to the station after a walk to a local cave. A quick cover up of our uniforms was required. Finally it was time to head down to the station. Climbing back up the other way would certainly be challenging. Once on the tiny platform we said our goodbyes as a couple of our crew were heading to Sydney, and the rest of us were heading back to Woy Woy. It was a great day out, lovely part of Australia to explore.” - George "Jorgi" Zamroz

Less Clothes, Less Weight

Now here’s a great reason to be an active naturist – to lose weight:

“. . . when you burn fat, you are burning heat energy, and this must be transferred out of your body . . . And about 75% of this heat transfer occurs through the layers of your skin. . . we can improve the effectiveness of this fat transfer by dressing in cooler clothes, not wearing hats, going barefoot more often, and not bundling up with blankets. Basically, anything to give our skin the best chance to transfer the body fat we are working so hard to burn. So make it easier on yourself, let your skin do its job of transferring your stored body fat back into the energy cycle, and you'll be leaner faster. While this may seem a little weird, you now know that shedding some clothes can actually help you shed body fat. . .” - Rob Poulos, Zero to Hero Fitness http://www.fatburningfurnace.com/

Winter Freehiking

“In winter, of course . . . I enjoy challenging myself to the experience of hiking this road in the nude - feeling my skin tightening and responding to the cold. When I started around noontime the temperatures where hovering right around 31F degrees, below freezing but surprisingly I didn't really feel the cold . . . As long as I kept moving I felt great. It had been a long time since I'd had a chance to get out and hike nude.” – Rick

Nude Practice Makes Perfect

"Welcome" to my new follower. Feel free to comment anytime - it's lonely writing and no one writing back.

As those who follow this blog know, my wife and I work and live in the Redlands, CA area, but maintain our "happy place" at Olive Dell Ranch (family nudist resort) where we spend most all of our free time.

So yesturday we got off work early enough to drive up to the resort (about 20 minutes). There was enough daylight (a rare commodity in December) for me to get naked and work on the trails in our Dellymaze Park. Several trails needed a little clearing (the recent rains had washed down some dirt).

I then walked up the nature trail and extend it another 50 feet or so - clearing brush, moving rocks, digging out rough spots. It should be at least a mile long when I finish clearing it. I will then invite an expert from a local college to help identify and mark the foliage and other natural features. (That should be interesting - inviting a (likely) textile to participate in creating a nude-use feature.) Before spring I hope to have it completed. It should be the best nature trail at any naturist resort. (A nature trail at a naturist resort makes perfect sense; don't you agree?)

Want a rewarding naturist experience? I'd certainly welcome some help on the trail. Just let me know when you'd like to come - I have a shovel.

After working for an hour or so I returned to our site and PJ and I walked down to the clubhouse for a shared shower (still one of the activities I enjoy most at a naturist resort). Naturists get their backs washed nearly every day - ah, heaven!

By-the-way, reading about naturism is no substitute for trying it. I'm totally convinced that naturism can't be understood fully until it's practiced. I welcome all to come visit us at Olive Dell Resort and tour Dellymaze Park. Nude practice makes perfect in so many ways. Just let me know you're coming and I can get you in for free. We look forward to meeting you, and sharing this wonderful approach to life.

Ken

Elave Advertisement (Video)

Perhaps you are familiar with this ad for Elave skin care products. If you are at a loss for holiday gift giving ideas, perhaps this add may offer some suggestions. And wouldn't this be a nice way to work - totally nude?:
http://www.mojnet.com/video-elave-lab/59038a975faeeb6dc078

Here is a link to an interview with Joanna Gardiner (CEO of Elave) about it:
Go to http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-454428/MDs-naked-ambition-lift-sales.html

And here's a clip of an interview with her, when she became entrepeneur of the year 2008 (in the end she tells about the ad):
http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DK2lOv_ZP4LU&usg=AFQjCNEyG_WRezorI4lo-PZtIMpxjaBbsA

Naked Hiking Day

Just thinking six months ahead. Anyone else thinking about a Nude Hiking Day?

Ken

“Every year on the first day of summer, a few outdoor enthusiasts nationwide expose virtually all of themselves to insects, scrapes and thorns for the pleasure of bonding with nature au naturel. They call it Naked Hiking Day.” – ABC Local

Starting a Naturist Business

This weekend has been cold in Southern California, so we've spent lots of time indoors working on a business we have been developing. By-the-way, we plan on making the business, at least aspects of it, clothing optional. Some workers will be able to work nude (we already do). It involves a game. Already, we have often worked with others producing the game, and have played the game with a number of nudists.

We plan on encouraging our future workers to get together before or after work and take a freehike or otherwise participate in nude recreation (naturism is healthy for the body and mind, and I believe this will create social bonds that improve worker satisfaction and retention.) Naturism will become part of our corporate philosophy and culture.

Anyone interested in working for a naturist company?

PS - It did get just warm enough today for me to work nude extending the Olive Dell Nature Trail.

How to Become a Freehiker

“There's no way to explain it [freehiking] until you experience it. . . It's not about being lewd and crude and all that. It's just enjoyment. . . I would walk around the house like that, and walking inside the house turned into walking outside the house, and then short little adventures through the woods. So the next thing I know, I've got a backpack strapped on and I'm walking down the trail.” - Andrew W.

Dellymaze Park Trails

At Olive Dell Ranch, PJ and I have been creating a nude garden - it’s large enough now to be considered a park, so we’ve named it Dellymaze Park. It’s really quit unique.

I’ve mostly been the digger and planter, making over a ½ mile of rock-lined trails, and planting a number of succulents. PJ has followed along and built many creative things to see. It’s nowhere near compete; it’s the work of a lifetime – but it is getting very interesting. We give a few tours to visiting naturists most weekends, and the residents and kids at the resort frequently visit to see what’s new and to play.

I find nude gardening so fulfilling.

I’ll share more about Dellymaze Park in future posts, but to start, here is a link to photos of some of the trails: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/dellymazeparkwalking

Ken

Freehiking is Easier

“. . . a year or two ago in the northern end of George Washington National Forest . . . was one of my more memorable outings. Perfect weather, perfect day. I got there just as it was getting light, as I always like to do. I hiked to the top of Signal Knob, not sure how many miles I covered, perhaps 8 to 10 miles. Easy hike if you aren't carrying much and it's always easier if you are unencumbered by clothing.” – Blue Train

Banged Up Shins Report

Though I post a number of my trips in my blog, I have certainly done a number of nude activities that I never got around to posting (not for lack of an interesting trip). The main thrust of my activities have been working on getting through the bureaucracy of permits for Scenic Hot Springs and in general, urging the owner of that beautiful property to keep it rustic and nudist-friendly. I'm happy to report that Scenic is close to it's final permits to allow reconstruction of hot spring pools, and that the owner, who already can see no other way to soak than to soak nude, is seeing the value of working with affiliated nudists and making his entire property a nudist-friendly area for hiking, soaking and eventually camping.

Through the year I have been active in advocacy issues through my local club (the SLUGS) and AANR-NW. Activities included cleanup events at Rooster Rock State Park and Collins Beach, Glassbar Island where interaction with Oregon's SOLV and local officials have resulted in good working relationships between nude beach users and those officials who have the power to allow or restrict clothing-optional usage at these popular locations in Oregon.

Closer to home in the Seattle area I have been corresponding with several county sheriff departments to better understand conditions under which they respond to complaints of public nudity in the National Forests, to educate those same departments in the respect local nudists and naturists deport themselves. Though there is a general cynicism amongst nudism vis'a vis law enforcement I generally feel it is better to be on friendly terms with LE and understand (and respond) to their concerns. Most deputies and officers do not see any difference between simple, expressive nudity and indecent exposure. It is my desire to change these perceptions . . . as the law already acknowledges (though obliquely in the definition of indecent exposure). My correspondence has been a mixed bag but at least I have contacts who are willing to talk and who do acknowledge (though off the record) that there are people who enjoy hiking nude in the mountains . . . and that they are not necessarily doing anything wrong.

Within the municipal limits of Seattle I've participated in several events that advocate of nudity within Seattle. I started the year with the Body Freedom Collaborative's Annual Polar Bare Dip in Puget Sound . . . for which we received some local publicity (and strategically pixellated news images). I also did the ORCOBA New Year's Day Polar Bare Nude Plunge in the Columbia River off of Sauvies Island. This year I plan of doing three Polar Bare Dips (The BFC in Seattle, the ORCOBA at Sauvies, and the AANR one off of Rooster Rock State Park).

Related to advocacy events, I missed the World Naked Bike Ride but did participate in the Fremont Solstice Parade by getting myself body-painted with many others and riding a small mountain bike the parade route down a gauntlet of ten of thousands of cheering parade spectators . . . spending an appreciable amount of the day nude. (Normally the SLUGS enters a giant SLUGS float in this parade where we move it down the parade route nude. Unfortunately, our float needed major repair, leaving me in the lurch . . . I rode a bike nude instead.)

The SLUGS had a number of events which I participated in. Several hikes which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, medical necessity kept me from participating in several nude campouts and our popular Doe Bay Retreat this year. Each month during the winter we have a nude swim at a posh, private facility. I have enjoyed these moments to get together with fellow members.
A major part of my summer was spent exploring the camping areas and riverside of the North Fork of the Skykomish River above the road washout on the Index-Galena Road. That washout has left a major portion of the river inaccessible to motorists and a major hiking effort to hikers. I've enjoyed finding secluded little sandbar beaches and having the area all to myself.

Finally, Merry Christmas to all of you. Have a great New Year . . . stay warm (preferably naked in front of a roaring fire with Christmas cheer and friends . . . as I intend to do). Hear's looking to many new Skinny Trips this coming year.

- Rick with the Floppy Blue Hat and Banged Up Shins Blog: http://nudehiker.blogspot.com
- C/O Map: http://www.communitywalk.com/clothing-optional-places

December 1st Morning Hike

Not much to write about this morning. PJ and I had to be at work by 11:00 am, so I got up early and took a morning freehike around the Loop Trail above Olive Dell Ranch (about three miles), starting at 7:30 am. It was only a little cool to start, and I warmed up nicely once I got going. I wore shoes and socks, and took nothing along. One doesn’t even need a water bottle when the weather is cool.

Along the way I scared up a flock of grouse (I counted 22). I heard a wild burro, but didn’t see any.

I returned via the new nature trail, and got back just in time to help pack, and then sadly get dressed and leave.

Still, it’s nice to have some naked morning exercise – freehiking is the best – and in December no less.

Ken

Olive Dell Ranch – November 30, 2009

Today was a nice, normal, naturist day for me. I arose early, stepped nude out the door, and proceeded to hike the Picnic Table Loop Trail (about three miles) – no pack, not even a water bottle - totally nude except for shoes and socks – warmed by the early morning sun - healthy exercise and totally enjoyable. I love freehiking from our place at Olive Dell Ranch!

On the way I walked up my new Giant Boulders Loop Trail, and returned via the overgrown Olive Dell Nature Trail that I’ll soon redo; it will be nicest nature trail at any resort in California when it’s redone. I think I’ll approach someone at a local university to come up this spring and identify and help tag the plants, etc. This will have the added bonus of being able to interest naturism to someone new.

After retuning from my freehike, I spent some time digging a trench and installing a decorative cement block boarder along the black path I’d installed earlier down to our trailer. Fifty yards below me an electrician was poised on a ladder at the top of a telephone pole installing a new telephone line. Another man was holding a safety line. Both were nude of course – just an every-day occurrence at a naturist resort. (It’s of course always more enjoyable working nude.)

Still later I mixed up cement and helped PJ secure an angel statue on a large rock in Dellymaze Park. Then we both spent some time on park maintenance.

Today was a relaxing, rewarding day at Olive Dell Ranch. We love our naked place.
Ken

PS – We’ll be traveling from Southern California to Idaho, December 13th to the 20th, and might have a little time in the St. George, Salt Lake City, and Logan Utah areas. Let us know if you’d like to meet.

PSS – I post Skinny Reports like this, as do other Skinny Trippers, on our egroup at http://groups.google.com/group/skinnytrippers. If you’re willing to post a profile, you’re welcome to join the group.

Nude Run

The Danish videos linked below reminded me that we are going to hold a nude 5k at Olive Dell Ranch the 3rd weekend of April, 2010, called the Bare Burro 5k. I think this will be California’s first nude 5k. Hopefully some of you will be able to attend. Mark April 17th on your calendar.

I’m not sure what the event is, but the Danes certainly understand how to hold a race (although it would have been much better if the audience was also naturist): http://jp.dk/jptv/kultur/?id=19291 and also http://jp.dk/jptv/kultur/?id=16309 and http://jp.dk/jptv/kultur/?id=12542

Olive Dell Ranch – November 28, 2009

It was cold and rainy at Olive Dell Ranch Saturday, November 28th 2009. Still, I took the chance during one of the few sunny breaks to work nude on a new trail off the entrance to the Olive Dell Nature Trail (which I am also revitalizing) at the back of Dellymaze Park. I discovered an area of giant boulders that look like huge dinosaur eggs, so I removed lots of brush and wound the trail down through the rocks, before looping it back into the Nature Trail. Another day digging and it should be completed. PJ and I haven’t decided on a name for this trail yet – any suggestions?

Also, it was nice to have Mike Springhiker visit us for the day – even though the weather was bad. PJ gave him a tour of Dellmaze Park, and then he and I took a three-mile freehike on the Picnic Table Loop Trail. Freehiking is enjoyable even when it’s a little cool. It was great talking and getting to know him better. We then ate a naked supper in the restaurant and watched a movie before he had to leave for the evening.

We love our naturist friends, and enjoy making new ones. You’re all welcome to visit us at Olive Dell Resort. You’ve got to see Dellymaze Park; it’s become quit the attraction. And let us know you are coming so we can get you in for free.

Oh, by-the-way, I’ve been thinking about starting up a Skinny Tripper group is Southern California that actually travels and visits places - gets together for freehikes, parties, etc. It’s great to be at Olive Dell, and we’ve been totally consumed with the resort and the Park when we’re not working, but I sometimes feel the need to get away as well. In Utah we planned organized freehikes twice a month. Twice a month sounds like a good plan - maybe one freehike, and then one Skinny activity of another type. Anyone interested is joining in?

It’s getting light and the day looks nicer. When it warms up I think I’ll try to finish the new trail (still looking for a name). Nude karaoke tonight, about 6:30 pm. Hope to see you all there.

Ken

Naturist Spa Party

We just returned from a Naturist Spa Party and potluck in Central California attended by 14 people of equal genders. The hosts were a doctor and his lady friend. They BBQ' d delicious ribs, served Margarita's, and were perfect hosts. They own a very secluded park like property on about 6 acres overlooking a canyon with a waterfall - very scenic looking from the pool and deck. One person drove drove 125 miles to attend the party. The other 13 were locals only driving up to about 30 miles.

M & P

Sounds like the perfect location for a Naturist Party. PJ and I would certainly attend if we lived closer. How about those who read this post?

Skinny Home Parties

Winter is a great time to practice naturism with others indoors. (After all, it’s too cold to go outdoors, at least in snow country.) In January 2009 PJ and I attended several skinny home parties with friends, and I thought it might be nice to share what home parties are like for those who might want to attend/hold one.

A naturist home party starts with an invitation. You may have naturist friends who will invite you to a party – get on the phone. If not, invite some friends over to your own skinny home party – get brave.

You’ll probably want to have something to do at your party, although just getting together to relax and talk is fun too. The parties we attended in January involved a few friends talking, eating, watching a slide show of past naturist activities, and soaking in a hot tub. (By the way, you don’t need a hot tub as an excuse to get naked at the party.) In the past PJ and I have often played UNO or done Nude Karaoke (the most fun nude activity of all in our opinion). Others like to get together to watch movies or sports. Some celebrate holidays - we enjoyed a Nude Thanksgiving with friends.

So want happens at a skinny party? Well, you go to the friend’s house (they usually answer the door nude - they’re naturists after all - or in a robe to avoid startling the neighborhood), take off your clothes, and join in the activities. Except for taking off your clothes, nothing is really different than a clothed party. Naturists live a naked lifestyle after all, so nude is simply how they are.

Of course, getting nude is the biggest hurdle for some people. They think that being naked with friends will seem weird or sexy somehow, and it might for first-timers, but for experienced naturists it’s just having fun with friends. So getting comfortable is easy - attend a few skinny home parties, and you too will be an experienced naturist.

I’m convinced naturist friends are better, closer, more dependable friends because there are no artificial barriers to stop communication. Some of our friends traveled for five hours to attend one party we attended. Naturists are like that. They are rare, so they are willing to travel to be with others who understand.

Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone understood? One of our friends introduced naturism to several people in their neighborhood so people could walk to the party. We've shared our understanding of naturism with friends from work, and a few have attended. We all should be more open about who we are and invite our textile friends to participate.

So I challenge all to invite their friends to a skinny home party while it’s still cold outside. Then we will know each other better when we all get together for Skinny Trips this summer. (In fact, that would be a great topic to discuss at a skinny home party – show some slides of past skinny trips and plan what might be done this coming year.)

Anyone willing to take me up on my challenge to hold a skinny home party?

Nude Parties

Nude Parties are fun, especially at Thanksgiving time, and this topic is especially relevant now that the weather is cooler.

We enjoyed a nude Thanksgiving day with PJ, Harrow, Kitty, and Lee in Southern Utah several years ago. We freehiked in the morning and after ate a great dinner. Last Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at the resort as well.

This summer many people visited our place at Olive Dell Ranch, and we often enjoyed playing board games on our deck (naked of course).

We’ve sponsored monthly Nude Karaoke nights at our place in the past, and have been holding Nude Karaoke at Olive Dell most every Sunday. Everyone is welcome to attend. In our opinion Nude karaoke is the funnest nude activity of all.

We’ve sponsored and attended many naturist parties. We’ll attend one again on the 15th in the Salt Lake City area.

Many of our friends enjoy Nude Parties. Here is what Cherie reports:

“I did just attend a fun nude superbowl party near Chandler, AZ. . . They have a really great labyrinth to walk through and benches in the center to sit on and meditate. We had a great time. It was sponsored by the Canyon State Naturists. . . So here's more details of the home party...it . . . seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere, but a great place with a posting (I can't remember exactly what it said) stating that it was a private nudist community. There were a few homes/mobile homes in the area, great space to walk, with a blocked fence all around for privacy. The labyrinth was made by a guy as a dedication to his deceased wife...I think it was cancer. Very well built. We walked it at halftime. Most people undressed, some partial, and some remained clothed. The air was a little cool, but being from Utah I thought it wasn't bad at all and remained nude the whole time, as the last person to remain nude the whole time! I'm a die hard, and will stay nude till the last possible minute. . . Earlier in January, I also attended another home party in Tucson with the Buff-A-Teers. Big lot, with cars parked strategically to block, we sat on lawn chairs outside. Ate great food, played home made very large Jenga (take a mallet and knock out blocks so that the next person makes the whole thing tumble). I was the one who made the whole 6 ft. tower of blocks tumble. It was fun. The guy who's house it was . . . had made a nice size pond with gazebo, sitting area, walkways, and soon a bridge across the pond that we all walked around. We did have to cover up as there was a neighbor across the way. We drew for gifts as another Christmas thing, ate some more, chatted, and went home. Very comfortable weather - not to warm but not too cool.” – Cherie

Anyone else enjoy Naturist home party events?

Naked Home Parties in Prague

"Since the weather turned south back in November here in Prague, I have hosted two naked home parties at my flat and both were a great success. As with last year, these are billed as "movie" nights. It's more about socializing than anything else but everyone has enjoyed themselves. We watch a new release and then just hang out and chat afterwords. No one has been in a real hurry to leave as, aside from the weekly nude swims, it is the only time we all have to be naked. "

Roger

Nude Gardening News Report (Video)

Nude Gardening News Report (Video):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6950000/newsid_6952200/6952289.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1

Family Swimming Pool

“This summer we bought a doughboy (sp) pool for our back yard. So for the months of June through Aug my children would go swimming at least once everyday. So in mid July I told my wife the Boys didn't really need to wear swim suits, to which she agreed. I said well if they don't need to then I don't, she said yeah that's true. While our backyard is not totally private (we have one European family's house that looks into our back yard), still all the rest are relatively blocked by landscaping. The boys for two months went swimming everyday nude and they LOVED it! I lead the way by stripping down first and then they shortly followed, (they are 5, 8, and 11) and continued everyday, I would usually only join them once a week or so.

My 16 yr old daughter wanted to join us but was afraid her mother would be to hard to live with so she would come out and watch but never dove in. She just kept saying I can't wait until I'm 18. So it wasn't great for her but it was definitely a good beginning and it was definitely a great summer of swimming! Who knows what this next summer will bring!!” - BC

Nude Pool - Money Well Spent

“. . . we decided that we would buy us a pool this year. After the financing of our huge 15' round by 3' deep pool, (100 dollars, Big Lots special) we realized it was going to be a wonderful summer. Labor Day weekend was the kickoff. Our friends . . . Pioneer, his wife and 2 kids came up and we had our inaugural soak for the length of the three-day weekend. It was fantastic. But so as to make it complete, we did do clothed activities as well. . . we were naked at least the majority of the afternoons, this summer and that the best money we spent was on that Hundred dollar pool.” – Kevin

Nude Lawn Mowing

Interesting experience from another egroup concerning backyard nudity in Logan, Utah. Anyone have an opinion or experience related to this incident? Anyone else mow the lawn nude? I have.

Ken

"A number of years ago I was mowing my back lawn in the nude. My back yard has a 6 foot wood fence and vegetation. A neighbor riding his lawn mower over a mound saw me and called the cops. When the police arrived they asked why I was nude and I replied I was a nudist and I will be nude in my home and privacy fenced back yard. To not be able to do so destroys my privacy and property rights. They told me that nudity in the house is ok but questioned outside. The decision of whether to file any charges or not would be the decision of the county attorney. The story made the front page of the Logan Herald Journal and radio the next day including locating my address to within a few hundred feet. I contacted the Naturist Society, AANR and an attorney. Nothing ever came of it and I still mow my back lawn nude but with a little more caution and even more vegetation."

Carl

Aside from the behavior of the neighbor in calling the cops, the most disturbing part of the story is that it made the front page of the newspaper. How pathetic that they don't have more serious issues to grapple with.

Milt

We Love Gardening Naked

My wife and I love naked gardening. We are building an entire naked garden called Dellymaze Park at Olive Dell Ranch in Southern California. We'd be happy to give anyone a tour.

Here's a video about the Pollards, another naked gardening couple in England: http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6950000/newsid_6952200/6952289.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1

Ken

Skinny Gardening

“My wife and I have been doing a fair amount of skinny gardening, as the weather has been perfect. The trees in the yard have filled in nicely, giving us some privacy from the neighbors, and allowing us to tend the tomatoes and vegetables in the raw (and to enjoy the hammock when we get hot).” – Kevin

Perfect Day for Nude Gardening

"Yesterday it was a balmy 75 degrees, a perfect day for nude gardening. Mowing and trimming trees are a lot more enjoyable when the soft breezes can whisk away the sweat from a naked body. It was great." - Milt

Naturism is Good for Families

Living at Olive Dell Ranch, my wife and I have witnessed many positive examples of family naturism. Here are a few:

“We’ve met several people who have lived at Olive Dell Ranch for years. The oldest current member joined in 1958. As I came back from a freehike I met and talked briefly with Al and Missy, barbequing nude, who have lived as naturists at Olive Dell for over 50 years. We soaked with David who has lived continuously at the resort for 25 years. We met a young couple who just had a new baby. The mom was raised at the resort. We’ve met several teenagers who have been raised as naturists at the resort. It’s a world apart, but in my estimation, a very good way to live.”

“Soon after we moved a trailer to Olive Dell, two local girls (16 & 5) came by to meet us. The oldest talked about her experience being raised a naturist her entire life. About a dozen kids of various ages live at, or come to the resort with their parents. She is being home schooled currently, but used to attend school in Redlands; she had invited her friends to the resort in the past and one had come. We envied her chance to group up as a naturist.”

“After reaching a healthy level of exhaustion gardening one evening, we drove down to the clubhouse, took a shower, and joined a small group of people in the spa – ah, how warm water relaxes sore muscles. Over time the spa filled with 25 people – many who we hadn’t previously met, and several first-time couples. Most interesting, three older children (9 and 10) joined us. They were received naturally without comment and were very well behaved. They enjoyed running from the spa to the (cold) pool where they jumped high into the air and landed with a splash – no swimming suits and no anxiousness about enjoying the water naked with several dozen adults.”

“We walked down to the pool for a swim, and a soak in the spa. One of the dads at the resort, Matt, was playing in the water with four children – baby, three, five, and ten. It was such fun watching a naked family at play in the water. The three-year-old was especially fun. He was so unconsciously natural splashing, looking through the fence, and playing hide-and-seek from his dad. Mom was also in and around the pool area.”

“There were quite a few people floating and talking in the pool today. Several ladies were visiting from Arizona, but it turned out they were very familiar with Olive Dell, having been raised here as a child. They laughed about the boys from her high school in the 1970s who would drive up and streak “clothed” through the resort. (When we had arrived this morning we noticed that the kids from the resort had slept out on the owner’s trampoline. They were now swimming and splashing naked with us in the pool. What a grand place to grow up.)”

“At times it’s wonderfully amazing living at a naturist resort. Yesterday I grabbed a shovel and walked down to hill to extend the trail from our garden. Even in the late afternoon heat I realized again how much I love nude gardening After about an hour I saw several kids walking up to hill to visit the garden. (They’re probably about 10 years old.) The boy was nude, carrying a towel. The girl wore an open-front sarong. Just two naturist kids enjoying each other’s company visiting our fun garden. They said hi, and explained how much they liked what we are doing. They especially liked the alligators hidden by the maze. Otherwise, they pretty much disregarded the naked old couple working in the garden. The girl took off her sarong and they laid on a large flat rock in the garden while they talked. After a while they got up and went to talk with my wife who was nude, painting on the deck by the trailer. They sat for some time on the deck, watching the birds – all three naked. After a while, the boy walked down the trail to examine my progress. Then they said goodbye and headed back to the clubhouse, carrying towel and sarong. Later in the evening I saw the two friends riding bikes. They had put on pants, but were both topless. What a wonderful way to grow up, playing with naked friends of both sexes, and thinking nothing of it.”

“After dinner my wife stayed to talk about dieting and exercise with Mary Lou while I returned to finish clearing a trail in our park. While I was working, two girls (age 10 & 12) came to the park to visit. We talked while I worked and they walked the new trail. Then they headed down the hill to play with several other children on the volleyball court below. It’s fun to watch naturist children who are so unconscious being with friends and adults without clothing. The world’s fears of nudity and abuse don’t even seem to cross their minds. The world would be a better place if everyone were raised as nudists.”

“It was very hot this July weekend, so we spent more time than normal in the pool floating and talking with other naturists. We met three ladies, a mother who was celebrating her 87th birthday, and her two daughters. They were from Arizona and Texas. It turns out they were long-time members of Olive Dell Ranch. The mother had lived at the resort with her husband and daughters, starting in 1965. It was fun listening to the daughters tell about good times they had growing up at a naturist resort. The daughter’s husbands will not attend a nudist resort. One is a bashful Texan, and the other thinks it’s sinful. They just made light of the situation mentioning how much their husbands missed, and how much fun they had as a mother and daughters. It's sad about the husbands, but inspiring to meet a family unit where naturism took.”

“One evening Mary Lou and David dropped by and sat naked around the table on the deck talking, eating cherries and popcorn, and drinking soda, until it got dark. I commented on how great it was to see the kids so unconsciously enjoying themselves as naked friends. Mary Lou seem a little surprised at my reaction, but commented how her kids were raised as naturists and thought nothing about being naked with the family. Why couldn’t I have been raised that way? Life is so short, and I missed so much – too bad. But it’s wonderful to have finally found a better, more natural approach to life.”

“Sitting on our deck, we enjoyed watching a visiting family (dad, mom, and two probably 12 year old twin daughters) play a game of tennis nude. Three kids (a boy and two girls about 10 years old) who live at the resort dropped by to visit and see progress on our garden. Unconsciously playing naked with good friends - growing up as naturists – a blessing I wish I’d experienced.”
“As we were walking a new trail in our garden, two of the kids (aged about ten) from the resort showed up for a visit. They joined us on our naked tour of the new trails. I’m always amazed how unconsciously kids at the resort accept nudity. They don’t even seem to think about it. It’s just natural for them as they have been raised as naturists. What a wonderful way to be brought up and to live.”

“David came by to discuss the game we’ve been developing together, and a 10 year old girl dropped by, so we enlisted her in trying out the game. She seemed to have fun – even though she had to play it with two old naked guys. (The dynamics at a naturist resort never cease to amaze.)”

Naturism and families; the two just go together in a very healthful way.

Get Out and Get Natural in the Woods

“I have a strong appreciation for the ‘nature’ in ‘natur-ism.’ Being naked in a rustic environment is like a vitamin for me. I can get by day to day without it, but eventually it ‘catches up’ to me and I have to get out and get natural in the woods. Long leisurely walks in the nude where possible are delightful.” - Van

Olive Dell Ranch - Oct 18-20, 2009

PJ and I arrived at Olive Dell Ranch just before 8:00 am and unexpectedly found Randall (a member of Skinny Trippers) already waiting at the gate to join our weekly freehike. Attendance at the group freehikes has been light lately so he and I hiked alone.

We took a little different trail, past the water tower, up the straightaway, clear to the top valley, and then down the ridge that looks out on Riche Canyon. It made for a great loop, though longer than I usually hike. (I’d definitely recommend this route for a little longer hike.)

The weather was perfect for freehiking. It was cool, but definitely warm enough for an enjoyable hike. There was hardly a cloud in the sky, with very little mist or fog, so we could see the entire valley and the mountains beyond.

It was nice talking and getting to know more about Randall as we freehiked. He’s apparently hiked all over the mountains in California, and to most of the peaks.

He mentioned that his wife had asked him to learn to slow down and relax, so he’d decided to become a naturist. I invited him to bring his wife (somewhat reluctant) up to Olive Dell on a cooler weekend when she would be unlikely to see “naked” people so she could meet PJ and I, tour Dellymaze Park, enjoy a meal, and play a game with us. Perhaps making naturist friends would help her feel less self-conscious, and help her understand we’re not a bunch of freaks.

(Everyone is welcome to visit us if that makes also makes sense for your reluctant spouse.)

Here are a few photos from the hike: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/olivedellocthike.

After eating a nice nude breakfast in the restaurant, Randal decided to hang out by the pool while I helped Dave clear a spot for a shed. (Working naked makes working a lot more enjoyable.) PJ worked in the Park.

As I was digging at Dave’s new site Andrew (another Skinny Tripper) drove by, and stopped to say Hi. It was great to see him again (we didn’t expect his visit either). I directed him to the Park so PJ could give him a tour of all that had happened since his last visit.

A little while later I walked up to the trailer for a drink, and visited with Andrew and also Randall who came up a few minutes later. It’s so enjoyable visiting with naked friends in the shade on our deck.

I then returned to working at Dave’s place. Randall stopped to say goodbye a little later. Fully worn down helping Dave, PJ and I walked down for a shower, and said goodbye to Andrew who was enjoying the sun on the deck by the pool.

(Did I mention how much I enjoy showering at naturist resorts? It’s one of my favorite activities. It’s especially wonderful to get your back washed by your wife every time you shower together.)

We then got dressed and drove into Corona to visit for the evening with F . . . and family. One of their daughters had a birthday party. They are naturists and briefly talked about their family (all six kids) vacation to La Guna Del Sol this past summer. We invited them to visit us at Olive Dell, and they said they’d like to, especially because it is so family friendly.

We returned to our trailer in time for a nice naked evening together watching TV.

Northeast Washington State

“I was able to take three camping trips in Northeast Washington State this summer. I camped at Canyon Creek Campground (a 2 hour drive north of Spokane) and then ventured out from there on my mountain bike. There are hundred of logging roads off of Highway 20 from Kettle Falls to Republic. This year I was able to ride my mountain bike on several of these deserted roads nude. I'm very cautious when it comes to wide open areas that I think I can be seen. I seldom ran into anyone because of it's remoteness (not sure that is a word). Many of the roads were pretty steep for me to ride, so I ended up freehiking up most of the hills. But the ride down was worth it. On Sherman Creek Road I saw a bear cub running across the road. I waited a few minutes to make sure the mother wasn't too far behind, but I never saw her. I was also able to go down to my favorite creek and spend a good part of the day nude. The last day there I noticed a big birch tree downed by a beaver. I realize that most of the readers here probably won't ever make it to this part of the USA, but if you do, it's worth the trip.” - John

Olive Dell Ranch - Sept. 13-16, 2009

PJ and I arose early to arrive at Olive Dell Ranch in order to arrive before the 8:00 am group freehike that we lead. No one was waiting for the hike at the chapel, so I hiked the Loop Trail above the resort by myself. Often people say they’ll come on a group freehike only to forget or chicken out for some other reason at the last minute, even at a nudist resort – strange.

Freehiking is such a wonderful way to start a day. The day was very overcast, with a cooler fall feeling in the air - perfect for freehiking. I didn’t see much wildlife, but did notice a few fall wildflowers. It’s hard to imagine why anyone would object to freehiking after having once tried it. Freehiking feels so wonderful and is such great exercise.

On my return I spoke to Sandy, naked, outside her trailer about today’s announcement of the membership board elections. She served on the board this year, and is up for reelection. We’re nominated, so I expect we’ll be elected. I’m not so sure that’s a good thing, but I do have plans I’d like to make happen.

Returning to the trailer, I watered plants in our Dellymaze Park. Then I spent three grueling hours digging a trail across the mountain, through a cliff; I ended up with lots of rock for lining trails. It was exhausting, but still enjoyable - naked makes difficult gardening wonderful. I wore out just in time to take a shower, eat some lunch in the restaurant, and attend the board meeting.

So, the results are in, and we are now members of Olive Dell Ranch’s membership board. We attended a “get going” meeting after the main membership meeting – it looks like we can have a fun time and help get lots done.

After lunch Dave showed up needing help moving the shed to our site. I spent the rest of the day, the next morning, and Wednesday morning helping him jack up the shed, get it on a flatbed trailer, and moved on to our site.

Hard work of any kind is almost better done naked. I went to bed totally exhausted, and PJ talked about her afternoon, which sounded much more fun.

A video producer/director was at Olive Dell this weekend shooting a pilot for a reality TV show following three nudist families, to be called “Naked Lives”. On Sunday afternoon they brought one of the children being raised at the resort to Dellymaze Park to shoot her at play. PJ explained how fun it was to watch her play naked in the Park as they shot video.

One of the producers, a young woman, had worked on the previous film they had shot at the resort in the Spring (her first time at a nudist park). She mentioned how she had since become a naturist at home, and enjoyed coming to the resort.

She also said that they loved the garden we are creating, and wanted to film us if the pilot gets picked up. We’ll definitely think about that. It sounds fun, but would certainly destroy any anonymity we have now.

As always, life is a happy place at Olive Dell Ranch.

Freehiking Visit to Olive Dell Ranch - Oct. 2009

“Was in LA for a conference and called Ken to see when they'd be at Olive Dell. . . I changed my schedule and headed up there, arriving late (about 10pm) on Sunday. Ken met me at the gate, and I parked near the bottom of the DellyMaze (amazing) park/series of trails with Disneyesque characters, niches, coves and surprises for kids of all ages. . . Got up early . . . for a 3 mile freehike beginning about 8:30 am. Ken knows the trails around there like the back of his hand. Saw some wild burros and great views of the valley below.” - Joe

My Labor Day Visit to Olive Dell Ranch - 2009

While having attended numerous nude swims in Salt Lake and spent a short time at a family nudist resort in Idaho, I never fully experienced or understood what true "naturism" was until my Visit to Olive Dell Ranch.

I was anxious to have new nude experiences over the the labor day weekend but wasn't sure where to find them. After hooking up with Ken thought the Yahoo nude Utah group I found my way down to California.

Olive Dell was not what I expected. I expected it to be a place where people visited on weekends to get naked and relax, but it turned out to be a place that many call home. Many people live there full -time. It is as much a "Nudist Community" than a Nudist Resort.

I spent my first day by the pool and attending the Nude Dance at Night. The Music was good but I did not dance because everybody was 40 years older than me. haha. I also was still getting used to the enviornment and was getting to know the people there.

Sunday (day#2) started off with a freehike with Ken. It was great to hear his perspective on naturism and how it has helped him in his life. It was my first time hiking nude and it felt great. I had no worry in the world.

The Hike was followed by a game of Nude Tennis with George, a really nice guy from San Diego area. I spent alot of the day chatting with him and his girlfriend poolside.

The Best part of this trip was making new friends (Ken, Jane, George) and gaining a greater understanding of Naturism.

I had a couple of insights during my trip:

1. I am more self-consious of my body when I am wearing a swim suit in public than when I am naked around naturists.

2. Sexuality of bodies dissolves as a person partipates in naturism.

3. Naturists for the most part are good, nice, and welcoming people.

4. People don't and won't inderstand naturism unless they themselves participate in it. This is the only way to understand it.

5. Most people look better with clothes on.

Jared

Freehiking on Public Property Sould Be Legal

“I think people should be able to hike nude on public property (particularly less travelled areas) where it is not specifically illegal as well.” - Don

Labor Day at Olive Dell Ranch - 2009

Labor Day weekend was especially nice this year. Saturday we had to work, but a new naturist friend, Jared, drove down to Southern California from Salt Lake City, so after lunch I drove up to Olive Dell Ranch to meet him and let him in. It was nice to get nude on a working day. We sat on the deck for a few minutes to talk and get to know each other, and then I took him on a walking tour of our garden (Dellymaze Park) and the resort. I told him he was welcome to stay in our trailer. Then I had to leave to return to work, but I understand he enjoyed the dance that evening.

As our guest, his visit was free. Anyone else interested in visiting us at Olive Dell?

Sunday we arrived just in time for Jared and me to take a morning freehike. We hiked the Loop Trail to the picnic table and back. The weather was beautiful and the skies were clear so we had a beautiful view of the Inland Empire cities and the San Bernardino Mountains. I showed him where I planned to build a nude disc golf course. He’s an experienced disc golfer, approved of the site, and said he work like to help design it. (Next year we should all be able to meet for a game of nude disc golf – any interest?)

Freehiking is such a joy, and it’s wonderful to share this joy with new friends.

Jared played tennis with George from San Diego. We ate a naked breakfast in the resort restaurant, swam, met friends, talked, and generally had a nice time.

Ralph and Jeanie from Fontana arrived for a visit after lunch – very nice folk. Naturist friends are the best! Katherine had planned to attend, but work got in the way so she was forced to miss.

That evening we all attended Olive Dell’s largest event of the year – the Luau. The food was great, and the Pacific Island dancers were fantastic. The dancers were dressed and the audience was nude - interesting. The performers didn’t seem to mind. What a great show; definitely worth the money. Everyone needs to attend next year if they can.

Monday morning Jared had to leave for Utah early. I took a freehike with George, and Fred, another new friend who’d traveled from Richfield Utah with his wife. George is quite a talker and very active (he has his own fitness business) so we kind of lost track of our speed and I think we about walked Fred’s feet off – sorry. We took the loop Trail again. Our freehike was very enjoyable.

I took George and Fred on a tour of Dellymaze park when we returned. Later they both brought their wives to visit the park. We definitely enjoyed these new naturist friends. Too soon they had to leave to return to their homes.

Our Labor Day weekend was great! We enjoyed a nice naked evening watching 24 again. Tuesday morning we got up early, watered the garden, and headed down to work as we had to get in early for a meeting. It’s always sad to leave our happy place to go to the “real’ world. Hopefully it won’t be long before we’ll be able to live full-time at the resort as we will likely soon have a new job.

Be warned Freehiking is Addicting

“I enjoy both canoeing (Canuding) and hiking in the nude. Be warned it is addicting. It feels so great to be a part of nature this way.” - Steve

Thoughts About Olive Dell Ranch - August 2009

We had arrived early in the morning of August 27, 2009, and I took my normal freehike from our trailer around the loop trail in the hills above the resort – about three miles. No one else came for the hike, but I go anyway. It is so relaxing – the mind is freed from all worries, and hiking nude is perhaps my most creative time to think. Today I considered those things PJ and I could do to contribute to the success of Olive Dell as board members. Eight things came to mind:

1. Continue at least weekly group freehikes at the resort.

2. Continue building Dellymaze Park. (This has already become quite an attraction at the resort.)

3. Sponsor the first annual “Bare Burro” nude 5k run/walk the spring of 2010 (probably the end of April – maybe Spring Break).

4. Revitalize Howard’s (an old member) nature trail. I’ve hiked it several time - it is overgrown and many of the vegetation identification signs have blown over, but it has the potential to be the best nude nature trail in California.

5. Introduce “Nude Deck Karaoke” to be held at least once a week on different resident’s deck. This could include those who enjoy paying instruments and drumming.

6. Build a Disc Golf course in the meadows above the resort. The site is perfect!

7. Start an “Afternoon in the Park” concert series (including perhaps a play) to be held in the outdoor amp theater at the resort.

8. Make Olive Dell more business friendly. This would start with installing high speed Internet, and encouraging naturist-friendly businesses. Several residents already work from the resort, and several actors live there. PJ and I are staring our own business enterprise from the resort. I suspect other naturist-friendly businesses could thrive at Olive Dell since it is so close to resources and major California markets.

What do you think of these plans? Any interest in attending or helping out?

First Freehike

“I remember my first freehike in Utah just a few years ago, and how amazing it felt to the have the sun on my skin, and being at one with the earth. I went with a group I didn't know very well, but that's the thing about being nude together, it's easier to get to know each other and be real. We all have this unique thing in common. I had so much fun and have been freehiking ever since!” - Namaste Naturist

Katherine’s Visit to Olive Dell, August 2009

After freehiking and nude gardening the morning of August 27, 2009, we relaxed on our deck, waiting for Katherine to arrive. Today was Katherine’s first visit to a nude resort. She is an administrator at the place we work. PJ and Katherine had become good friends, so PJ had confided that we were naturists. Katherine had expressed an interest in visiting. So this was the planned day.

She arrived mid-afternoon. PJ drove down to the entrance to meet her and guide her to our site. P\J had put on a t-shirt that didn’t exactly cover everything to help her feel comfortable at first. Though a little uncomfortable, I decided to stay nude. I wasn’t ashamed to being seen the way I really am, and after all, we’d told her we were naturists and kept a trailer at Olive Dell. I was sure nude was what she’d expect. When they got out of the car in front of the trailer PJ explained to Katherine that I would probably be buck naked – “so be prepared”.

They came around to the deck I was sweeping – yes buck naked. Katherine was totally clothed. At first she obviously avoided looking directly at me. I could tell she was somewhat uncomfortable being around a naked manager with whom she worked.

We took a walking tour of Dellymaze Park – our expanding nude garden. I walked first. Near the hilltop PJ said she was getting too hot and slipped off her t-shirt. When we returned to our deck we decided to extend our walking tour to the entire resort. Along the way we introduced her to a number of residents who were sitting outside their trailers. Most were nude. I was sure Katherine was getting coming to understand that naturism is natural and friendly.

After our tour, we headed down to the hot tub. It seems like water, especially a hot tub, helps introduce newbies to naturism most easily. Katherine finally got undressed so we could shower, before slipping into the hot water. (Water helps to hide things at first.) She was finally her own outgoing self; she’s was already a naturist at heart.

We soaked for a while, and sat on the side and talked when we got too hot. Then, Katherine expressed an interest is getting in the swimming pool. I was a little concerned it might be too cool, but it was actually quite nice, and it was especially nice that Katherine had introduced the idea. She loved swimming and floating as we continued visiting.

When we tired of swimming we walked back towards our place, and met David cleaning the tennis court (nude of course). He asked if we’d like to help, so all four of us naked folk pitched in pushing water from the court. I could tell Katherine was much more relaxed and really enjoying herself.

We then all retreated to our deck to eat a few snacks and watch the sun set. Sitting on a deck and enjoying a sunset with naked friends is a wonderful, truly joyful experience. Katherine and David clearly enjoyed joking about fun things that might be done in the future. Too soon, Katherine had to leave. David took her back to the entrance.

PJ and I finished the evening talking about how enjoyable it was introducing our friend to naturism – the lifestyle we love so much. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of our family and friends were open to learning how great naturism can be?

Nothing was said the next day at work, but I could tell Katherine felt closer too us. She had truly enjoyed becoming a naturist.

More Freehiking Places Needed

“I agree with the comment about being part of nature vs. observing nature. I wish there were more places to hike nude and skinny dip. One must go to remote places to avoid confrontation.” - Andrew

Olive Dell Ranch, August 23-24, 2009

I freehiked each morning we were at Olive Dell Ranch – Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Sunday I hiked the North Ridge Trail again, and this time took some nice photos of the resort and the weathered cliffs above it. I could also look down into the San Bernardino/Redlands area although it was too smoggy to see very much across the valley to the mountains. I saw two coyotes running up the hills. I turned back because there were motor cyclers in the distance headed my way, and I didn’t wish to offend.

After returning, I worked for a time in the garden, starting a new trail to the top of the hill. Later we enjoyed a nude meal at the restaurant. Later still, David came by to discuss the game we’ve been developing together, and a 10 year old girl at the resort dropped by, so we enlisted her in trying out the game. She seemed to have fun – even though she had to play it with two old naked guys. (The dynamics at a naturist resort never cease to amaze.) Otherwise, we didn’t do much Sunday because PJ was sleeping much of the time, so tired from working late nights at our job in Redlands.

Monday morning I freehiked the Loop Trail up to the picnic table (about three miles). It was a very pleasant morning for nude hiking. On the way back I explored the old nature trail at the resort. It had been mostly unused for years and hadn’t been improved. There were still poles identifying the vegetation, though many had fallen over. It has the potential to be the finest nudist naturist trail in any resort we’ve visited. I’m going to try to find a way to revitalize it. Anyone want to help?

Monday I shoveled out and leveled a spot to put a storage shed below our trailer. It was tough work - the dirt was very hard. We also mixed up some cement and put up several signs around our garden/park. It was wonderful taking a break to shower together and float in to pool, followed by a naked dinner. Nothing better at a naturist resort than that! While we were eating we told a 14 year old girl about the garden we have been making, and she got excited to see it so later that evening she brought her sister (5) and PJ led them around the resort. The kids were dressed, PJ was not – interesting. While they toured I played a little nude guitar. Soon the sun had set, and we were totally ready for bed.

Tuesday morning we arose very early and I took my morning freehike up to the picnic table while PJ collected our things. Freehiking is the best, the most amazing exercise. I returned via the old naturist trail – yes I’ll definitely have to get it cleaned up. It could be the best nude naturist trail in Southern California. Anyone want to volunteer to help with the nature trail project?

We watered the garden, took a hike around it, and to soon it was time to leave for work. There is never enough time when we go to the resort.

Here are a few photos from this weekend’s visit to our place at Olive Dell Ranch: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/olivedellaugust2008

As always, everyone is invited to visit us at our happy place.

Freehiking Feels Great and is Fun!

“I have hiked nude and would do it again. It feels great and is fun!” - (Another) Ken

Olive Dell Ranch, August 15-20, 2008

Several memorable events occurred this week while we were at Olive Dell Ranch:

I freehiked on two mornings to a different hills about ½ mile from our trailer, looking for a different source of rock for our garden. I found lots of rock, but nothing too interesting. The trail was nice however, and the freehikes were as enjoyable as always. I simply love freehiking. I always get a lot of thinking done. The exercise is important. And it feels great.

PJ and I spent lots of time working in our nude garden. We finished cementing model castles on hilltops in one section; now PJ is preparing to paint in grass and roads, etc. I finished rocking one section of trail, and then cut another trail through the brush to the picnic table hill above our garden park – an adventuresome activity done nude. A shower at the clubhouse always feels nice after several hours of hot, dirty nude gardening.

The next morning Mary Lou and Kammy walked their dogs (two women – 2 dogs - all four naked) down one newly finished trail. They stopped and visited for a while. I often hear people – guys in particular – talk about not being able to find a naturist spouse. I have come to believe that’s mostly because they are looking for love in all the wrong places. I’ve met nice single gals and guys at most every resort we’ve visited. At least seven single ladies and even more single guys are members at our club - Olive Dell Ranch in Southern California.

That evening we took the game we have been developing down to the clubhouse to try it out. It was fun playing Trivia Toss with our naked friends.

The next evening as PJ and I were freewalking a new trail in our garden, two of the kids (aged about ten) from the resort showed up for a visit. They joined us on our naked tour of the new trails. I’m always amazed how unconsciously kids at the resort accept nudity. They don’t even seem to think about it. It’s just natural for them as they have been raised as naturists. What a wonderful way to be brought up and to live.

We certainly love living even part-time at a naturist resort. We are making plans to be able to live at Olive Dell Resort full-time. Does anyone else have the desire to do the same?

Time to leave for a morning freehike before we have to go to work. Have a great nude day everyone.

Total Commitment with Freehiking Encounters

“My personal mode is generally one of total commitment. I am generally NOT prepared to cover my genitals during a hike without a substantial recovery effort, aside from relocating my hat during a day hike (dusk and pre-dawn jaunts to the hot springs are rather frequent). If I felt ashamed about it I guess I wouldn't do it, like everything else. Other people usually seem to "get" this during "REALISTIC" encounters like the ones I've had with dressed people.” - Jonathan W

Freehiking is Warmer than Clothed Hiking

Rich's Freehike to Scenic Hot Springs

The fog (or clouds) are thicker up here. The outside temperature gauge in my car says it is 46F outside. Not bad for a nude hike except for the warmth-stealing moisture of fully-saturated air. I had intended to hike up nude in any case and I saw no reason to deny myself the experience just because of some misty-looking clouds. So off I went . . . this time with the full nude-snow-hiking-backpack of clothes, food and the other paraphernalia I usually carry during cold-weather nude hikes.

The air was still which helped. By the time I reached the trailhead proper at 3,000ft, I knew I was hiking directly into the heart of a cloud latched onto the upper mountain slopes. It got heavier and moister the higher I hiked. I could feel the dew beading on my skin, but I was feeling comfortable and enjoying every moment of the slow stroll up.

I reached the springs right as the last of the day was slipping below the western ridges. Time to set myself up, pull out those trash bags to protect my gear from dew (and possible rain) . . . and get into that marvelous water to rewarm myself. Though I was by no means feeling the cold, immersion into 103F silky water has a decidedly sensuous rush to cold-tightened skin. The water was perfect!

Ken: Isn't is amazing how you can actually feel warmer freehiking than wearing clothes? Anyone else have that same experience?

I love to read Rich's descriptions of nude hikes in the Pacific Northwest. You can read more about this freehike and many others at: http://nudehiker.blogspot.com/2009/10/scenic-hot-springs-soakng-and-viewing.html?zx=2b179179caf30e5d#

Utter Lust Free Sensuality

“It's almost ironic; the pleasure of being naked on a hike is not sexual but it indeed rivals and even competes heartily with sexual pleasure, and even "release" over the course of a long enough outing. Utter lust free sensuality could be a term.” - Anon

Olive Dell Ranch, August 9, 2008

PJ and I arose early and drove up to Olive Dell Ranch to enjoy our weekend. What a relief to be away from work.

We arrived just in time for me to take a morning freehike in the hills above the resort. What a wonderful way to start a day, hiking naked, at one with nature. I saw rabbits, an owl, a hawk, and a flock of quail along the way. The vistas from the tops were beautiful. The sun and wind caressed my body joyfully.

As I hiked I thought about freehiking’s health benefits; just imagine how healthy one can become by regularly freehiking – soaking up vitamin D with your naked skin. Yet it seems that many people, prudes, conspire to keep us from healthy activities such as freehiking - but not today, at least for me.

On my return I walked past Karen who was out walking her dog. Then I spoke for a few minutes with Mary Lou who was also walking her dog past our trailer. A little later Dave drove up to our trailer to talk about a small business we are doing together. Sitting together naked on the deck is always enjoyable. It’s so nice associating with other nudists – the friendliest of all people.

I spent a few hours watering the plants and digging a new trail in our naturist garden – Dellymaze Park. Skinny Gardening certainly motivates one to work at creating a beautiful place, and it’s also wonderful exercise.

It’s always a joy to walk naked to the clubhouse to shower off the sweat and dirt form Skinny work, and to eat a meal, naked with friends.

Later, sitting on our deck, we enjoyed watching a visiting family (dad, mom, and two probably 12 year old twin daughters) play a game of tennis nude. Three kids (a boy and two girls about 10 years old) who live at the resort dropped by to visit and see progress on our garden. Unconsciously playing naked with good friends - growing up as naturists – a blessing I wish I’d experienced.

Still, life is so good at Olive Dell Ranch.

Freehiking - The Most Healthy Addiction Possible

“The experience defies simple description and must be enjoyed first-hand. I've never heard of anyone saying they tried naked hiking and regretted or disliked it! It is true that it is addictive. I personally believe it to be the most healthy addiction possible though. Clothed hikers I've seen have all been either neutral or understanding and accepting - perhaps even empathetic and intrigued.” - Anon

Andrew Freehikes Olive Dell

I have not been freehiking in a couple of months. If TNS saw my tan lines they would probably revoke my membership. But today I headed out to Olive Dell for the afternoon.

I checked out Ken's new trails. He's certainly been busy in the last two months. If he builds any more he'll need a traffic light. But seriously, it looks nice.

It was a hot day so I hung out by the pool reading for the first couple of hours. I wasn't wearing a watch (or anything else for that matter) but I'd guess around 5pm I decided to go out for a hike. So, it put on my hiking boots, filled my water bottle and hit the trails.

There are extensive trails to the south, but I decided to take a different path today. I headed east. I didn't see any wild donkeys, but I knew they were not far away, given the fresh tracks and droppings.

Eventually I reached a ridge that looked down on a large excavation site. The construction had ended for the day. It appears to be new streets and residential housing. So, I guess this trail will be "too visible" for nude hiking in the not too distant future. (This was Redland's lamd fill, so freehihing will alwat remain protected. - Ken)

I continued to hike north and found large white + signs on a couple of hills. I imagine this is a sign for helicopters, but they look too small for a landing sites. I wonder what they mean. I eventually turned around when I realized that the trail would not lead back to Olive Dell. So, I hiked back the way I came.

I was ready for a shower as I was covered in trail dust. Then I ordered a chicken wrap at the cafeteria. Good food at Olive Dell, and reasonably priced.

It was a very pleasant afternoon. I wish I lived closer. The only thing I dislike about Olive Dell is the culture of smoking, but I just kept my distance from the smokers.

Andrew

NEWT 2009 Freehike

“I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in the 2009 Naked European Walking Tour (NEWT), August 24-28, in the Austrian Alps. (“Walking Tour” doesn’t really capture it, since it was definitely hiking.) For the first day, we were six altogether - three Brits, two Germans, and myself - but the two Germans were only out for a day hike, so for the rest of the week we were a group of four English-speakers.

The first day we climbed more than 1100 meters (3575 feet), from the little town of Golling, south of Salzburg, straight up the mountainside. We pitched camp amid cows and horses at a high pasture area called Angeralm, and for the next three days we did naked dayhikes from there to various peaks and passes.

During those three days we only saw two other persons. The wildflowers, including the deep blue gentian, were in full bloom. We were very lucky to have rain only at night -- the days were all sunny and warm, perfect for naturist hiking. It was absolutely great.

All the details of our NEWT 2009 trip (and previous editions of NEWT dating back to 2005) are at www.naktiv.net. Check it out, and start planning for next year! (Also check out the beautiful coffee-table book of naturists in action, “Active Nudists,” put together by the NEWT organizer, Richard Foley.)” – Milt

Olive Dell Ranch - July 26-27, 2009

Nude is just how people live at Olive Dell Ranch.

We got up early yesterday, drove up to our trailer at Olive Dell, took off our clothes (relief), put on socks and tennis shoes (necessary), and watered the flowers and plants we’ve planted in Dellymaze Park (what started as our nude rock garden four months ago has grown to a nude park that people enjoy visiting).

Then I took a three mile freehike up the loop trail to the picnic table and back, climbing Ken’s Hill on the way. I collected a bag of white rocks for PJ to put in our Bug’s Life garden areas. Freehiking is such wonderful exercise for the body and relaxation for the mind.

When I returned, PJ was visiting with Dave on our deck. He’d arrived late for the freehike, so had stayed to talk with PJ while she painted her frog statue. She’d explained the senior game business we’d been planning. I sat down and joined in the discussion. Dave had some good suggestions and offered to help.

After, I spent several hours clearing some overgrown bushes and tree limbs from a trail I had been building at the top of Dellymaze Park. It was hot and dirty and sweaty work, but bearable without clothing. I love gardening naked.

When I finished cutting the brush, PJ and I walked down to the clubhouse for a shower and swim. I talked with Lorie as we showered together. Several dozen naturists were in and around the pool. We floated on noodles and talked with Penny and Cindy about our plans for visiting San Onofre nude beach next Sunday when NITOC is planning another BBQ as a fundraiser for NAC. It’s always nice talking with naked friends in the pool.

Then PJ and I ate lunch in the restaurant, along with several other couples, before returning to our trailer.

Later in the day we ate dinner in the restaurant with Dave and Mary Lou, and talked again about our business plan. After dinner PJ stayed to talk about dieting and exercise with Mary Lou while I returned to finish clearing the trail. While I was working two girls (age 10 and 12) came to the park to visit. We talked while I worked and they walked the new trail. Then they headed down the hill to play with several other children on the volleyball court below. It’s fun to watch naturist children who are so unconscious being with friends and adults without clothing. The world’s fears of nudity and abuse don’t even seem to cross their minds. The world would be a better place if everyone were raised as nudists.

While working on the trail Mark and Cindy arrived and I led them on a tour of the park. We also talked a little more about our plans to visit San Onofre next weekend. Then our neighbor Laura came home and talked to me as I worked (the new trail runs in the small valley below her trailer).

Just as I was finished clearing the trail, PJ and Mary Lou returned so we all walked back to the clubhouse to take a shower before it got dark. A group shower is one of the best activities at the resort.

Later, sitting on our deck, PJ and I watched a beautiful sunset and talked about how much we loved our place at the resort and our naked friends. As it got dark Laura came by and PJ talked for quite a while about her church. I worked on the computer. Then we retired for the evening to watch a movie.

I was awakened early by Mark out for his morning nude run, so I arose to type this report. Today I’ll probably talk another freehike and then work a few hours in the garden before it gets too hot. PJ will probably paint the game. I’m sure we’ll enjoy the pool again when it gets too hot and visit again with friends - another wonderful day in Paradise at Olive Dell Ranch.

Oh, did I mention that nearly everyone in this report was nude, and thought nothing of it, without any sexual thoughts or actions? Paradise – it’s a Garden of Eden.

Freehiking Near Las Vegas

“I constantly hike naked (some naked mountain biking as well) - every couple of weeks or so. Mostly to hot springs and on mountain trails (especially Mt. Charleston) near Las Vegas, NV. Around here the hiking season is pretty much year-round, with a couple winter months requiring clothing at times, and a couple summer months doing little but beckoning nakedness at others.” - Anon

Mothers and Daughters

One weekend in July 2009 it was very hot, so we spent more time than normal in the pool floating and talking with other naturists. We met three ladies, a mother who was celebrating her 87th birthday, and her two daughters. They were from Arizona and Texas. It turns out they were long-time members of Olive Dell Ranch. The mother had lived at the resort with her husband and daughters, starting in 1965. It was fun listening to the daughters tell about good times they had growing up at a naturist resort.

The daughter’s husbands will not attend a nudist resort. One is a bashful Texan, and the other thinks it’s sinful. They just made light of the situation mentioning how much their husbands missed, and how much fun they had as a mother and daughters.

It's sad about the husbands, but inspiring to meet a family unit where naturism took.

Freehiking to Hot Springs

“I have hiked to Ringbolt [AZ] many times, always nude all the way. It surprises me how clothed the area around the hot springs is, but I refuse to cover up unless so directed by a uniformed ranger. People just have to get used to seeing nude people in, around, and en route to these kinds of places.” – Patrick

Olive Dell Ranch - July 2009

Our day off finally arrived – it had been a long busy few days at work.

We got up early and drove up to our place at Olive Dell Ranch, arriving just in time to enjoy a naked breakfast at the restaurant; it was excellent. (We visited with Hap while eating – he’s 81 and going strong, personally remodeling his place and enjoying his nude garden - he invited us to visit.)

Then PJ went to bed as she’d worked the entire evening, and I met David for a freehike. As we hiked from the resort we talked for a few minutes with Mark and Cindy who were out working nude in their yard.

We freehiked up the Donkey Trail above the resort. We saw only one wild donkey.

(Of course you can’t tell on-line, but Mary Lou just stopped by to ask a question. She was out walking her dog, naked of course, both her and the dog, so we talked for a few minutes. Living at a nudist resort is amazing, so, back to the report.)

(By the way, she a very nice “single” lady in the 40s; a nudist resort is a great place to meet someone.)

It’s very dry now in Southern California but I still find it beautiful. The freehiking is great here. It’s wonderful to be able to hike naked from your front door. It was very hot so we really appreciated the feel of the breeze on our nude bodies. I can’t even imagine hiking any other way than free.

I picked up some white rock for the garden along the way. Dave and I talked about life. We freehiked about an hour and covered probably four miles. It was totally enjoyable. I love freehiking.

When we returned, Dave headed down to the Clubhouse to cool down (it was too hot for a game of nude tennis) and I gardened nude for a couple of hours. I moved some brush and worked on a trail. I saw a large tarantula; it was cool.

Then I walked down to the Clubhouse for a shower (I definitely needed it) and a swim in the pool.

There were quite a few people floating and talking in the pool today. Several ladies were visiting from Arizona, but it turned out they were very familiar wit Olive Dell. One was celebrating her 87th birthday. (I hope I can enjoy living at a naturist resort in my older years – it’s definitely the best place to retire. I contrast her life as a naturist with that of the residents of the senior community I manage, and there is no comparison. They are weak and sickly white and bored, with little purpose in life. She was tanned with tons of energy; her life was filled with friends and fun.)

Another of the ladies from Arizona, Jean, talked about growing up at the resort. She laughed about the boys from her high school in the 1970s who would drive up and streak “clothed” through the resort.

(When we arrived we noticed that the kids from the resort had slept out on the owner’s trampoline. They were now swimming and splashing naked with us in the pool. What a grand place to grow up.)

Well it’s about time for another freehike. Charon is now living in California, and is coming for a hike and a visit. We welcome all of our friends to visit us when they can.

Pacific Coast Trail Freehiken Ends

“After six months and 2,400 miles my wife Jen and I are back from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail! . . . On our way back, we had fun at Fish Brewing's brewpub in Olympia, WA. . . This was the first time though someone asked us if we were hiking the PCT in the nude! She was quick to say that her husband had hiked some of the trail happily sans clothing. The locals thought hiking naked was the only way to go! Woo Hoo!!” – Naked Words

Naturist Children

At times it’s wonderfully amazing living at a naturist resort. Yesterday PJ and I drove up to Olive Dell after work, arriving shortly after 3:00 pm. We immediately got undressed as is our custom, and I grabbed a shovel and walked down to hill to extend the trail from our garden. Even in the late afternoon heat I realized again how much love nude gardening, and can do it for hours.

After about an hour I saw several kids, W. . . and S. . . , walking up to hill to visit the garden. (They’re probably about 10 years old.) W. . . was nude, carrying a towel. S. . . wore an open-front sarong. Just two naturist kids enjoying each other’s company, and visiting the fun garden PJ and I are creating.

They said hi, and explained how much they liked what we are doing. They especially like the alligators PJ had hidden by the maze. Otherwise, they pretty much disregarded the naked old man digging a trail in the garden. S. . . took off her sarong and they laid on a large flat rock in the garden while they talked. After a while they got up and went to talk with PJ who was nude, painting on the deck by the trailer. They sat for some time on the deck, watching the birds – all three naked.

After a while, W. . . walked down the trail to examine my progress. W. . . and S. . . said goodbye, then headed back to the clubhouse, carrying towel and sarong.

Later in the evening I saw the two friends riding bikes. They had put on pants, but were both topless. What a wonderful way to grow up, playing with naked friends of both sexes, and thinking nothing of it.

Later in the evening Mary Lou and David dropped by and sat naked around the table on the deck talking, eating cherries and popcorn, and drinking soda, until it got dark. I commented on how great it was to see the kids so unconsciously enjoying themselves as naked friends. Mary Lou seem a little surprised at my reaction, but commented how her kids were raised as naturists and thought nothing about being naked with the family.

Why couldn’t I have been raised that way? Life is so short, and I missed so much – too bad. But it’s wonderful to have finally found a better way to live, and especially wonderful that PJ understands and participates.

We love living, even part-time, at Olive Dell Ranch.

Kenfreehiker Followers and Friends

I see my blog has a new follower - welcome. It's nice that people care about what I share on the blog, I get so little feedback that it does become a little discouraging; does anyone really care? So readers, please post a response or share a personal experience.

Ken

Freehiking the Yukon Territory

“A friend of mine made a comment in the summer of 2003 that applies nicely to nude hiking. He said that it's only skinny-dipping (or nude hiking) if you're with someone else. Otherwise, it's just swimming (or hiking).

I first discovered the freedom of hiking without clothes 25-30 years ago while living in Chilliwack, in the southwestern corner of the Canadian province of British Columbia. My passion has always been for wilderness travel, and this was a difficult, steep, off-trail hike in remote country on a hot day. It didn't matter how many layers I took off, I was still sweaty and uncomfortable.

As alone as I was in that valley, removing my shorts, though physically very comfortable, was psychologically rather troubling. What if someone saw me? Never mind the fact that there was virtually no chance of anyone being on this slope, or probably even in this valley, what if?

Following that initial experience, I starting choosing my hiking locations partly for their suitability for nude hiking. As the area became more and more crowded, though, finding those locations became increasingly difficult, particularly on weekends. But, the more I hiked that way, the better the experience became, and since moving to the sparsely populated Yukon Territory, I seldom hike or canoe with clothes on (on warm days!).” - Human