Desert Freehiking

“The weather has improved enough to get back out to the desert. . . for a couple five mile hikes. It is still nice being able to leave everything in my vehicle and strike out nude. . . I've been drawn to a kumeyaay area where I've finally spotted some petroglyphs. There are a few desert flowers starting to bloom . . . I hiked out about 2-3 miles to a flat sandy area with a rock outcropping . . . I was again pondering the previous inhabitants and was looking at some rock carvings. The day was much more pleasant than yesterday and I was enjoying the warm breeze leaning on my hiking pole. . . my eyes were drawn upward to spy a golden eagle riding the thermals above me. I watched him in envy a few minutes and returned my attention to the hum which turned out to be a swarm of bees that were taking advantage of the early blossoms of the tall bush next to me. . . Even with the wind the temperature was not bad and since nude hiking opportunities are much appreciated by me I pressed on further into the desert. . . Much of the area is referred to as Badlands for it is desolate and the terrain appears harsh at times from a distance. I think it is only when you walk amongst it that the beauty and thriving life is evident if you’re open to it and being naked your whole body is open.” - Jay

I certainly had a good Bahama beach tan

“A few years ago my wife and I spent a year in the Bahamas. Not far from where we lived was a "nude beach." After visiting it a few times we decided it was called nude because it was nude of people. I had always wanted to be nude outside but the only chance I had was in our own private back yard. Now was my chance. . . Where we first started walking the beach there was a curve and as soon as we had rounded it I would slip off my swim suit and carry it for 3 or 4 miles while we collected shells and then when we returned I would slip it back on just before the curve. . . Then later I would lock all my clothes, shorts, tee, swimsuit and sandals in the trunk of the car. This was great! Then one day as we turned around to walk back we saw three couples walking down the beach toward us. There was no place to hide so I just "toughed" it out. Seems they were from a cruise ship and asked many questions about the island and life on it. Nobody seemed to care (except me) that I was the only completely naked guy among 8 people. We walked back the 4 or 5 miles to our car chatting all the while. Only as we were saying goodbyes did one of them mention that I certainly had a good tan.” - Beachnude

Chautauqua Gorge Freehike

“I met the Northcoast Naturists group . . . we hiked along the creek bank a bit until we arrived at the painted rock where we undressed . . . It was more of a freehike than a skinny-dipping outing. We didn’t spend a lot of time at the falls but it was refreshing to take a dip. . . At the point where we had originally come down into the gorge we . . . dressed and made our way back up to the top. Outside of walking some short trails in a nudist camp, this was my first freehike. I’ve never really had much of an interest in hiking but my hike through the Chautauqua Gorge was rather enjoyable. I could describe it in the usual terms: the warmth of the sun, the breeze on my skin and the cool wetness of the water but they don’t adequately convey what I felt. It’s something that has to be experienced firsthand to really be understood.” – Rick

DEEP CREEK FREEHIKE

SoCal Freehiker’s hiked to Deep Creek hot springs on Thursday, June 24th, 2010. Six members were able to schedule time for the hike – again all guys, because PJ got sick, but I’m sure we’ll have the ladies in the group join the next hike. (Sorry others were unable to attend; we’ll try to vary the days from now on to include more members.)

I arrived at Bowen Ranch a little late, but most were waiting, naked in the parking lot when I arrived - thanks.

The two mile hike down to the springs was easy. The weather was nice and warm, with a cooling breeze – not a cloud in the sky. The high desert scenery along the way was beautiful. I noticed and photographed a few flowers.

We passed one clothed couple on the way down. As they passed, I mentioned to them that it seemed too warm for clothes, but they didn’t respond.

When we arrived, we sat on rocks to remove our shoes in order to wade across the stream to the hot pools. The water was perhaps two feet deep and very peasant – not cold at all.

We first gathered in a shady area to eat our lunch and talk.

Then for several hours we soaked in the hot pools, swam in the river, and talked. It was very enjoyable.

We met several locals who shared some other areas we might freehike in the future. I’ll take a little time to visit these areas so we can schedule them if they look good. Anyone interested in joining my explorations?

Perhaps 50 people were at the springs, though the area is large enough so it didn’t feel crowded at all. At least half of the people remained clothed, especially the younger visitors – strange – but no one mentioned our nudity, or seemed to care.

Mid-afternoon, we decided to leave. The sun was hot but the breeze blowing past our nude bodies kept the temperature just right for the freehike out.

We passed several other clothed people on the way out. None commented about our nakedness, though they didn’t stop to talk.

A special thanks to Ron of Deep Creek Volunteers fame who led the hike.

Gil volunteered to lead out next hike. It will be to the Idlewild area, on probably Friday, July 9th. He’ll get back to us with the exact time, location, directions, etc. Hopefully all will be able to attend. It is such a wonderful experience, freehiking with good friends, being one with nature.

Here is a link to a few photos from the Deep Creek hike: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/deepcreekhike2010

Arizona Hot Springs Freehike and Camp

“I had a great naked hiking and camping experience last weekend at the Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs, downstream from Hoover Dam. . . There were three of us, a 62 year old woman, a 46 year old man, and me, a 59 year old man. We had never met but we bonded quickly and formed a pretty good team. . . We hiked in nude from the highway to the river (about 2 miles), then along the river to our camp spot below the main beach and camping area. We encountered several groups along the way, but as usual, our nudity was not a problem. . . We spent the weekend getting in and out of the cold river, hiking to and soaking in the pools, and just generally hanging out in a beautiful area. We were generally casual about our nudity and were seen by many people, including passing boaters, with no incidents. At one point, a guy came walking down to where we were hanging out at the beach. We invited him to join us, and he dropped his shorts and sat with us for a while. . . All in all, a great celebration of nudity and good companionship in the great outdoors!” – Canyon Hawk

Freehiking Naked Woods

“Tramping naked through a deep carpet of rusty leaves in some places, and new snow in other places, was an exceptional experience. The woods looks completely different when it is naked, taking on a different color pallet of longer shadows, muted greens, an infinite number of shades of browns and grays, contrasted with an azure sky, and the deep blues of the distant Lake Willoughby while the low angle sun lent a warm glow to everything not seen in the summer. Again, I was acutely aware of a different kind of quiet broken only by the sound of a different kind of breeze cutting through the naked trees, the hammering of several woodpeckers fattening up for the coming winter, the chatter of some crows announcing my presence, and the distant warmth of the sun on my skin.” - FreewalkerMA

Wife Suggests Freehiking Trip

“My wife enjoys backyard and nude beach naturism but is not into nude hiking as I am, though she appreciates the difference in my outlook after a trip to Deep Creek hot springs for example. She must have noticed my stress level lately and surprised me when she suggested I needed a hiking getaway to the mountains and told me to get lost for a week or until I got it out of my system. I packed lightly and headed north to the Sierras east of Fresno. I've free hiked many areas in the national forest over the years but never on such an extended trip.

I couldn't wait to reach my destination before getting started. I stopped at a rest stop north of Bakersfield on Hwy 99 took off my shirt and shoes and shorts and drove naked staying mostly in the right lane until the next stop some 40 miles north. After stopping for supplies at a market in the foothills above Fresno, I again drove nude up into the mountains until reaching my destination.

. . . The next several days were spent nude driving, hiking and mountain biking in the sierras between 5k and 8k elevation. After coffee and breakfast on the deck feeding the bluejays I'd start my day. The weather warmed up and was beautiful. I didn't really keep track but I was nude most of the day every day. . . The next morning I drove out to the area early and nude. Seeing no other cars I left my shorts in the car and with hat, keys and walking stick took off nude down the trail. . . This trail was beautiful, meandering through meadow and forest through gradual hills for what seemed miles and miles. For me there is no greater recreation activity then walking nude in the sunshine through a forest and meadow like this. . . on the return trip to my clothes I noticed a granite ridge overlooking a small dell. I walked out on the granite and stood overlooking the pine covered area below. I was standing in the sun under a thin canopy of tall Jeffery, yellow and sugar pine trees. You can't get this with clothes on. I stood there eyes closed slowly breathing the pine-scented air, sun warming my body (about 75f) with a gentle warm breeze wafting up from the ground around my legs swirling around my body as if mother nature were giving me a wonderful hug. I looked at my body, the body of a lone creature contrasted against the granite, ground, wildflowers and trees of this area. I felt dwarfed by such a magnificent spectacle as all the worldly stress of everyday life melted away in insignificance compared to such beauty. Thank you God for this moment and day.” - Jay

Unconscious Naturist Living

Living full-time in a naturist community is a totally different experience than visiting a resort or beach or freehiking a trail to experience social nudity, and then returning to the clothed world. A naturist ‘experience’ provides excited anticipation, the feeling of naked freedom, and a clothed release. A person remains self-conscious, especially when nude with dressed people. In contrast, naturist living becomes unconscious - the normal, natural way to live. One is not self-conscious even when with clothed people. I prefer ‘living’ as a naturist.

Freehiking's Spiritual Connection

“I have thought about this for awhile, looking for a way to express how I feel about hiking, the outdoors and being naked. . . I have often thought that there is a spiritual feeling from being in nature. Yesterday’s USA Today had an article in the life section that spoke of a preacher, rabbi and scholar who give more or less sermons in the great outdoors. How one can open up and loose all connection to the outside world and let nature direct you to God. Most important to me was the fact that before churches God spoke to his people through nature and even Jesus did most of his teaching outdoors. I don't pretend to be overly religious but I often feel that connection when I am alone in the woods. . . Being naked . . . just comfortable shoes and your true self to connect with nature and your God.” – Nude Walker

Announcing Deep Creek Freehike

ANNOUNCING
SoCal Freehikers Next Freehike to
DEEP CREEK

Next Thursday, June 24th, the SoCal Freehikers will hike nude into and out of Deep Creek Hot Springs near Hesperia, California. Everyone is welcome!
Please respond to this email if you are able to attend.

Deep Creek Hot Springs is a popular, clothing optional, skinny-dipping spot on U.S. Forest Service land, with hot springs, a cold creek, beach-like areas and rocks to hang out on, and other people - men, women, children, with clothes on and/or off.

The trailhead to Deep Creek is about an hour north of San Bernardino. The last 6 miles of driving is on a dirt road, though four-wheel drive is NOT required.

For carpooling, we will meet and leave from the far corner of the parking lot (nearest corner to the turn off the main road) of the San Bernardino Walmart (4001 Hallmark Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407). Here is a Mapquest link to it: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Colton&1s=CA&1a=26520+Keissel+Rd&1z=92324-9330&1y=US&1l=34.003077&1g=-117.228954&1v=ADDRESS&2c=San+Bernardino&2s=CA&2a=4001+Hallmark+Pkwy&2z=92407-1876&2y=US&2l=34.163445&2g=-117.335724&2v=ADDRESS

We will depart from Walmart promptly at 8:30 am, in order to arrive at Bowen Ranch and start hiking in by 10:00 am.

If you'd prefer to organize your own driving, you can find driving and hiking directions at this website: http://www.deepcreekvolunteers.com/directions.htm

We will park at Bowen Ranch which is private property (and also clothing optional). Parking costs $5 per vehicle.

The spot where we park the vehicles is about half a mile past the Bowen Ranch House. From there it's a 2-mile hike, descending 900 feet, to Deep Creek Hot Springs. This means your return hike will be two miles with a 900 foot ascent. Good for the heart.

If this is your first time to Deep Creek and you are not hiking with the group, you should be aware that as you near the springs the trail will fork. While it is very tempting to take the left fork, which obviously leads directly down to the springs that you see on your left, you actually want to take the RIGHT FORK for a much safer, easier descent.

Getting to the hot springs themselves requires fording the cold creek. Water may be several feet high. It is a good idea to change to water shoes to cross the creek and get around to the different hot springs.

You should bring drinking water, food, something to sit on (a towel is good enough), sunblock, gas money for carpooling, a five-dollar bill for parking, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to try to carry out some of the litter left behind by less responsible people.

Your departure time from Deep Creek is whenever you and the carload you came with wants to leave. If you decide to leave in the early afternoon, you will be making that 900-foot ascent with a full sun beating down on your back. It’s more comfortable to wait until the sun gets closer to the western horizon, even though it means driving home in the dark.

Remember to respond to this email if you are able to attend, and email me with questions at kenfreehiker@yahoo.com

SoCal Freehiker’s First Hike – Olive Dell Ranch - Report

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Hiking Naked - What's the Appeal?

Very nice, short audio interview with a naked hiker: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2010/06/100608_naked_hiker_et_sl.shtml

Ken

Freehiking a Lake Shore

“Got my first naked hike of the year in today. It was in the mid seventies and sunny, I was able to canoe to a remote part of the local lake. Since there were only three boats on the entire lake (and since you can hear them a mile away), I was able to go nude and hike around the shoreline from 11:00 am till 5:00 pm. It felt great, such a stress free feeling of freedom. Now I'm sitting here nude, sipping wine and looking forward to more warm weather.” – Maturewvcouple

Freehiking Yosemite National Park - Meeting Ladies

“I was in Yosemite National Park a few Springs ago . . . a beautiful day, sunny and looking to get warm . . . by the time I got to the top of the falls it was mid-morning and I reckoned this was about the place that most tourists stop, take their pics and head back for home. . . I wondered if I dared risk taking off my clothes. . . But I hadn't seen anyone for a while so I reckoned I should just give it a go. No sooner had I got my clothes off then I heard steps behind me. A woman with her young daughter were walking up the path behind me . . . I got the shock of my life but did my best to keep my cool and told them I hoped I hadn't startled them. She . . . suggested . . . that my clothes might have got soaked in the spray of the waterfall on the way up. . . She even said they had taken their own clothes off through that part . . . Then off they went. . . I can't have been going for more than a few minutes when I heard someone else behind me! No time to cover up, so I turned to brazen it out. It was a female park ranger! Now I was really busted! But she wished me good morning with nothing more than a smile... and a warning that she was about to meet a bunch of teenagers waiting round the next bend and I might want to cover up. . . from that point on, for the next five or six hours, I walked up and back along the valley trail, completely nude, without meeting a single person. . . I'm very grateful to the two women I bumped into for being so chilled and not scaring me out of my first proper hike!” - Greystoke

Olive Dell Ranch May 2010

In addition to many exciting adventures such as leaving our jobs and taking a vacation up the Central California coast, May at Olive Dell Ranch was so interesting that the month just seemed to fly by. We worked hard weeding and cleaning up Dellymaze Park and the Olive Dell Nature Trail. (They are both in great shape for a visit.) We helped make the resort’s traditional Memorial Day Pirate’s Weekend a success, and had lots of fun.

Each morning we tried to take time to freehike the hills above the resort. Freehiking is such a motivating way to exercise.

We got together with friends many times, including flying model planes in the meadow above the resort – nude of course. All in all, May was a rewarding month. Here are a few photos from the May 2010: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/olivedellmay2010

Ken

Canuding and Nude Rafting Video

Alex Nackt's video/slideshow of canuding and nude rafting on the Isar River Bike Ride in Germany: http://www.vimeo.com/10604316 .

It sure looks fun, and the textile onlookers don't seem concerned.

Naturist practice in Germany is pretty amazing.

Ken

Freehiking - Minimalist, Primativist

“. . . when you are nude and have managed to not take along too many things, you can practically float along the trail. Not just smooth, flat trails but any trail. You can manage pretty well by leaving more things behind. It might be minimalist but it is also primativist . . . And it's more fun - but mainly because you're naked.” – Blue Train

Isar River Bike Ride Video

Alex Nackt's video/slideshow of a Isar River Bike Ride in Germany: http://www.vimeo.com/10335825

It's pretty amazing how little clothed people react to those on this naked ride.

Ken

San Onofre North Beach (Gaviota Nude Beach)

On the last day of our May 2010 vacation up the California Coast we left Solvang and headed south on the 101. Just after leaving the canyon, we passed Gaviota Beach State Park, and a little further on, after passing the refinery on the left, we pulled off at a dirt parking area by railroad tracks. This is the parking lot for the San Onofre North Beach.

It was just a short walk down the trail to the beach. The sun was out as was the tide and the air was warm, but it was very windy, so few people were at the beach. We walked south (the beach extends both directions) and enjoyed photographing amazing rocks. There were a few splashes of tar on the rocks that naturally seeps from the ocean bed at this location. The Indians used to use it to seal their canoes.

I got nude for a while, but it was too windy for PJ. One the way back we met a few people, including one other naked guy who confirmed we were at the nude beach.

On a less windy day this seems to be an ideal nude beach. We’d definitely visit again.
Here are a few photos: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/sanonofrenorth

Here is a link to a review about it: http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/clothingoptional/p/sbgaviota.htm

2010 SoCal Feehiker’s Calendar

For planning purposes, the SoCal Feehiker’s schedule (until it is revised as a result of meeting with other members) will use these guidelines:

· Freehike the 2nd Thursday of each month.
· Freehike the last Thursday of each month.
· Camp/freehike one weekend each month (for those who can stay) at a place corresponding to one of the Thursday freehikes.

Details for each hike including exact meeting places and times will be published each month on the new email group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreehikeCA/ . Please join this group as soon as possible so we can reduce the number of emails that must be sent, and comment there on this email.

Based on the guidelines, here is an initial schedule:

Thursday, June 10, 2010
9:00 – Olive Dell

Weekend, June 10-13, 2010
Camp/Freehike at Glen Eden during the ANAR West Summer Festival (book reservations NOW!)

Thursday, June 24, 2010
9:00 - Deep Creek

Thursday, July 8, 2010
9:00 – Olive Dell

Thursday, July 29, 2010
9:00 – Somewhere in the high CA desert

Weekend, July 29-August 1, 2010
Camp/Freehike in high CA desert for those who can stay.

Thursday, August 12, 2010
9:00 – Olive Dell

Thursday, August 26, 2010
9:00 – Lake Mead Nude Beach

Weekend, August 26-28, 2010
Joint camp/freehike in Southern Utah with Utah Freehikers group for those who can continue traveling.

Thursday, September 9, 2010
9:00 – Somewhere in CA

Thursday, September 30, 2010
9:00 – De Anza

Weekend, September 30-October 3, 2010
Camp/freehike at TNS Convention in De Anza for those who can stay.

Thursday, October 14, 2010
9:00 – Somewhere in CA

Thursday, October 28, 2010
9:00 – Olive Dell

Weekend, October 28-31, 2010
Camp/Freehike at Olive Dell for Halloween.

Thursday, November 11, 2010
9:00 – Palm Springs

Weekend, November 25-28, 2010
Camp/Freehike at Saline Valley Hot Springs for Thanksgiving.

Thursday, December 9, 2010
9:00 – Olive Dell freehike and evening Christmas Party