kenfreehiker

Nude Fun

2012-02-16T05:48:00.000-08:00

"The problem with many nudists is that they are stuck in some mindset that nudists and naturists are somehow not allowed to have fun and express themselves like much of the rest of society. Petanque tournaments and pot luck dinners are not the sort of activities that most people find fun." - Nudiarist

I agree totally with Nudiarist - naturism is "fun". Something I wrote a few years ago about the fun of naturism follows. Exploring the topic of naturist fun is a great winter activity. I can think of so many activities that are more fun done nude - hiking, camping, karaoke, and gardening to name just a few. Anyone else experienced activities that are more fun done nude?

Ken

Naturism Can Be Fun

“Modern cosmetic pharmacology focuses so heavily on eliminating depression that it entirely misses one essential point: depressed people are suffering from a lack of fun. Nobody ever describes depression as a ‘Fun Deficiency Syndrome’, but lack of fun is clearly the root cause of all depression. It is impossible to be depressed when you are having fun, yet modern therapies for depression seek only to minimize depressive symptoms while doing nothing to maximize the daily intake of fun. . . Everyone likes to have fun - no, we love to have fun. When we are having fun we forget ourselves and become one with our actions in a moment of pure playful enjoyment. Having fun goes beyond being happy. Happiness implies a baseline level of contentment and good feelings but it does not include the amusement, exhilaration, laughter and joy associated with fun. If depression is the illness of our age, fun is the cure. . . Fun is always more fun when it is shared with other people. This is why partying is an essential human behavior for regulating feelings of self-esteem and social worth. Having fun with other humans in a social setting stimulates serotonin and oxcytocin, two neurochemicals essential to feelings of security and being loved. So if you’re feeling depressed and nothing seems to be working, the only solution is to call some friends and go out and have some fun. It is clinically proven to make you feel better.” - h+ magazine

“Any kind of recreation can be enhanced with the removal of clothes!” – Bare-Belly

“You’ll never grow old as long as you remember to play in your birthday suit.” - NUWD

Put simply, naturists have more fun! . . . naturist activities are harmless, healthy, and fun, and the more people who realize this, the healthier in both body and mind people will be.

Nudity is not an activity in and of itself. It's simply my preferred choice in dress as I do other things I ‘want’ to do. There isn't anything people do that couldn't be done – in the right location – nude.

Most naturists seem to gravitate towards sunshine and water, so sunbathing and swimming are a given. But fun naturist activities certainly don’t stop there. Basically anything that can be done in clothing can also be done nude, with the exception of climbing Mount Everest perhaps.

Naturists play basketball and horseshoes, they bungee jump and bike, they sing karaoke and even fly kites. The list can go on and on: act in theater, barbeque, bike, bowl, build sand castles, canoe, cook, do archery/ballet/crafts/gymnastics/hobbies/household chores/martial arts/yoga, do yard work/carpentry/plumbing/painting, eat, exercise, fish, garden, golf, hike, hot tub, ice skate, surf, jog, kayak, do laundry, do photography, picnic, play cards/games/baseball/basketball/softball/tennis/volleyball/ping pong, play music and video games, read, ride horses, rollerblade, sail, scrapbook, sculpt, shop, sew, skateboard, sleep, snorkel, sunbathe, surf, surf the internet, swim, talk, walk, walk the dog, wash the car, watch movies, weight-lift, windsurf, wrestle, write. Naturists bowl nude, camp nude, yacht nude, dance nude, and some even work a regular job nude. Love some specific activity? Naturists do it in the nude. Oh, those wacky naturists.

There are so many fun things to do nude. As you consider the possibilities, perhaps you’ll be inspired to try these fun naturist activities as well. I hope so.

(More to come.)

Why Hike Naked?

2012-02-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

"For people who have already experienced an entirely natural walk in the woods, the question, "Why hike without any clothes on?", is easily answered. . . Clothing is just a mask . . . By wearing clothing in the wilderness we're staying in the car and looking out the glass. We aren't experiencing our animal nature directly. Wearing a bathing suit in the middle of nowhere when nobody else is around is what I call the 'civilization reflex'. By wearing clothes, you deny that your body is part of the natural environment, and you can't hack pure nature. . . There are two ways that clothing conflicts with our experience of nature. The first way is the fact that an anchor of civilization (otherwise known as 'civilization infrastructure') has come with us into the wild. Clothing isn't always critical gear . . . It allows the wearer to separate himself from the natural state of wilderness. What makes wilderness natural is the fact that you are immersed in the natural world. Once you put clothing on in a deep woods spot, you aren't part of the wilderness anymore, you are in direct touch with civilization. You are wearing a mask that protects you not just physically, but also mentally from the wilderness. Hence, through your actions you have broken the idea of wilderness and cannot experience it directly. It's as though you're sitting in a car, eating a burger, and drinking a coke while parked at a scenic overlook and looking out the window at the scenery. . . second and more important . . . When you elect to wear clothing when unnecessary in the environment, you unwittingly tell the world (and yourself in a subliminal way) that a sense of nature is a problem for you that you need to overcome. The natural world as it exists isn't really what you like and you need to counter nature's reality by introducing something to shield and comfort - and this is the important part - not your body, but your mind. This is a kind of sabotage of the direct experience - like the bars on the cages at a zoo. . . Getting out for a walk and a little recreation is great, but shouldn't we be trying to get more out of our experience in nature? To go higher and entertain greater goals? I like my walks to be a more sophisticated venture where the type of recreation and its effect both mentally, spiritually, and environmentally are considered in order to produce an outcome. I like my walks to take me somewhere special, not just out and back again through some kind of tree museum. To have a full understanding of nature and your part in it, you have to understand that it is there for much more than just recreation. It is, in fact, your natural habitat. The habitat of the animal of man. . . NO, I don't expect you to go exposing yourself all over the countryside. . . Some discretion is warranted . . . You must use some sense in all of this and understand what you're reaching for." - Shane - http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/hiking/sections/naked/bodymind.htm

I couldn't agree more!

Ken

12 Tips for "Hiking Naked" by Mark Storey

2012-02-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

"I have become an unabashed advocate of nude hiking. I've been day hiking and backpacking all my adult life, but when I started doing it nude a few years ago, I was changed forever. There is not much that can beat the physical and psychological satisfaction of hiking nude up a long, hot, sunny alpine trail, of finding an icy, glacier-fed lake, of quickly jumping in, of leaping out even faster, of bragging to any Gray Jay that will listen of your superhuman ability to withstand the most Arctic of water temperatures, and of baking dry on a nearby flat piece of warm granite. Such activities were meant to be enjoyed nude, and I encourage all men and women to experience them." - Mark Storey

From 12 Tips for "Hiking Naked" by Mark Storey: http://www.bodyfreedom.org/guide/essays/hiking.html

If you don't like it, don't look.

2012-02-13T03:41:00.000-08:00

"I think it is great that people of all shapes and sizes can get together and enjoy feeling happy and free without clothing. If you don't like it, don't look. They are not doing anything dirty and I certainly don't think it's vulgar to be naked. I am not a naturist but I am open-minded and I know that naturism has absolutely nothing to do with sex. . . I have no problem at all with my children seeing a naked body, whether it is mine or someone else's. It's perfectly natural. What I do have a problem with and what I think is much more hurtful for young minds, is being exposed to violence, drunkenness, and plain bad taste. . . So what if we would encounter a group of nudists on the beach who are doing nothing more than enjoying the sunshine and having a swim? If the kids would ask me if that is normal I would probably say no, it's not the norm but there is nothing wrong with it either. They are just people like you and me, the only difference is that they are not wearing any clothes. It's unusual , but totally harmless. . . Goodness me! What's to be embarrassed about? The human body is a revelation of natural beauty. If you are that offended by the sight of something as natural as the human body then you're the one with the issues. Find a quiet isolated beach and try it just once. Then tell me you didn't enjoy the warmth of the sun on your body." - Martine Rolls

Winter Snowshoeing Video

2012-02-12T04:52:00.001-08:00

French video of men snowshoeing. Has anyone else freehiked in the winter?

Link: http://dai.ly/zR8x4L

Ken

Winter Freehiking

2012-02-11T04:05:00.000-08:00

"We had a nice snowfall followed by a warming trend so I could not pass up a trip to the farm. . . So on a bright sunny day while there was still snow cover a trip and walk was in order. I hesitate to call it a hike because there was not much distance involved and it was still a little cold to spend outside naked for long. So after a drive where the uniform of the day were coveralls, hiking boots, hat and sunglasses I quickly lost the coveralls at the farmhouse and began to explore. Since we haven't really had much of a winter the pond only had a light covering of ice with bare spots at the inflow and outflows, much of the old roadways had melted in the sun leaving a muddy trail. . . So for a little over an hour I walked back and forth from the truck to different areas I wished to see in winter. Not wanting to get dressed again I reluctantly pulled the coveralls on again since the return trip would mean passing buses as school was about to be dismissed. My apologies for not being able to describe a full on hike but even a short period of naked outside time was enough to lift my spirits. Hopefully, some others of you also." - NudeWalker

Nude walker expresses well the desire to freehike even when the weather is cold. I've enjoyed freehiking in the snow, and as long as the sun is out it's easy to get used to hiking naked with temperatures in the upper 30s.

Has anyone else experienced winter freehiking?

Ken

We Continue Sharing

2012-02-10T05:02:00.000-08:00

PJ and I have shared our feelings about naturism with all of our family and most of our friends. I even wrote a book about naturism for my kids.

Only two lady friends and one man have joined us, and all loved it. One drove from Dallas to Glen Eden in California to experience naturism. For years she referred to this as the best experience in her life.

Another lady was a co-worker who visited us several times. I remember the first time she visited. PJ picked her up at Olive Del's gate, and drove to our trailer where I was busy working naked on our deck. I could tell she was a little embarrassed seeing me nude for the first time, but as we toured around the park and introduced her to others she became more comfortable. By the time we reached the hot tub she was ready to join in. She never looked back - a natural nudist.

Finally, a man I hadn't met communicated with me about naturism on the Internet, and tried it on his own. He became a great friend and often came to visit us at the resort. His wife visited as well. We even stayed at their house where we met the family.

Recently, we invited a girl friend in Phoenix to join us at Shangri La for nude karaoke. She said she'd love to attend. That would be great fun. Hopefully she will.

We'll continue to share whenever it seems the right thing to do because we firmly believe naturism is very good for some people, like us. Has anyone else had similar success sharing?

Ken

Here are a few more experiences concerning sharing naturism with others.

“I knew for a long time that I enjoyed nudism before finally letting everyone know. It first came about because my parents and two young nieces accidentally caught me naked in the backyard from a distance. I managed to put shorts on before they got to me but the secret was out. I really hadn't tried to hide it, just had never admitted it to anyone. After that I thought 'why worry about who knows?' and I even felt that nudism was such a great way of life that I wanted to spread the word to others. So after that I would casually let others know I'm a nudist when discussing things like how warm it is, how good the sun feels, soaks in the hot tub, hiking, etc. It's really easy to just mention something like 'I've recently found out that I like hiking nude much better than clothed.' Or maybe, 'Yes, the sun feels great but I don't like tan lines so tan without clothes.' Then, of course, they ask why I do it . . . So we now try to tell everyone about nudism and have gotten mostly very positive feedback. My girlfriend's daughter has even stated it's fine if we are naked when she comes over (which we do now). And while recently staying with us a few days while recovering from surgery I noticed her walking down the hallway nude, so we are helping others get comfortable with their bodies. . . everyone we know, knows we are nudists and only one family member had any kind of negative reaction, and she got over it in time. So I really think we worry way too much about what others will think when we announce our nudism choice to others. Just present it with confidence and knowledge and it will go fine.” – Guy, CO

“. . . it wasn't until about 10 years ago, when we experienced our "first" social nude outing, that we began to appreciated what nudism is all about. Well, after a trip with two other nudist couples to Tulum, Mexico, I was showing pictures (clothed) of our trip to Mom. I did tell her that the beaches were clothing optional. Then she asked me if we went naked. It was then I told her we were nudists and showed a couple of pictures of us. Then she said "GEORGE ROBERT . . . if I could have only gotten your DADDY to do that!" Then she told me how she would be nude when we weren't home - Love you, Mom.” - Robert, SC

“I started going to nude beaches when I was in the military after I came back from the Gulf War and it changed the way I look at life. . . I told her [my sister] there was a beach I wanted to go to and that is was a nude beach. Well, she had never heard of it and was kind of interested. When we got to the parking lot she kind of got worried and asked if she had to be nude. I said no keep as many clothes on as you like but I am planning on going nude. Is that okay? She was fine with it and we had a good time when we got back to her house she proudly told her husband she had been to her first nude beach. I had still not told my mom or dad but I am pretty sure that sis took care of that. Some time later my mom began dropping hints . . . Anyway the whole entire family now knows and they don't think anything less of me, so far as I know. Every time one of my nieces or nephews likes to run around naked they say they take after their Uncle Alan, which is great for me!” – Alan, WA

“While my closest family members knew [I was a nudist], many other family members didn't know until this past summer. At that time I said something on Facebook about going camping. A half-sister asked where I liked to go camping and I mentioned Juniper Woods, telling of the beautiful grounds and wonderful people. Within 20 minutes I received a message from her telling me that she didn't know that I was a nudist. Other messages from friends and family members soon followed. None were judgmental; all of them simply said that they didn't know. Telling others that I'm a nudist never includes a drum-roll or fanfare. It's a statement of fact, just as my favorite color or work situation are statements of fact of who I am. With this way of telling people I haven't had lots of drama as a result. There are often questions, which leads to wonderful discussion. Sometimes I even find someone who wants to try the lifestyle on for size!” – Melissa, NY

“I love to skinny dip and was lucky enough to grow up in a household where my Mother loathed doing laundry. She especially hated to wash clothes that had Kansas river mud deeply ground into the fabric. But my Mom had the answer - skinny dipping. We went camping every weekend, almost always to the same location on Fall River in Butler County, Kansas, so we grew to know the other campers that frequented the area. One summer early in my life, my wonderful mother went around to each of the campsites and lamented her dislike for washing river mud from our clothes and swimsuits. She found several of the other mothers were like-minded on the chore, so she suggested we make the camp area "clothing optional" for all children under the age of 10 or so. Surprise, surprise, thereafter my brother, sister and I were naked from Friday night arrival until Sunday afternoon's departure. I honestly do not remember anyone complaining about us; even new campers seemed to just go with the flow. Life was good. I skinny dipped with the local children up until about the age of 12. . . Thank God for my mother . . . I have never, since that day, gone more than a few days without removing my stress by letting my skin come out to breathe. . . By the way, Mom still hates to do laundry.” - Randy, GA

Still More Sharing

2012-02-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

“[I] . . . became a home nudist-the second I got home from work the clothes came off. My friends knew this and even though some of them were not nudists they expected that when they visited my house I would not be wearing any clothing nor would some of my other guests.” - Mark P, MI

“One day I had titled on my email profile "home nudist" and a few days later my 68-year-old mother sends an email asking what I meant by that. To say the least it caught me off guard so much that I did not respond for a couple of days! But those days were actually helpful as it allowed me to think how to present my nudist lifestyle in a positive way. I came back telling her that I have indeed attended a nudist club, and have so much fun being with people of all ages and shapes, from kids to people her age. I think she accepted that explanation, as I did not get a rebuke in reply! Facebook also has been a great tool for starting conservations with friends and coworkers, and so far the reaction has been very positive. Some have asked me about my "clothing optional" vacation plans, and another admitted she would love to visit a nudist resort. By letting others know I am a nudist, I am able to educate them about the wholesome, fun lifestyle that allows you to meet others who enjoy just being without clothes, whether it's at a BBQ, a volleyball game, or a get-together dinner, the activities are endless.” - Rod N., OR

“How would they [parents] react to a surprise? If they take surprises well, you may allow yourself to be caught nude in your room or going to/from the bathroom, and such. Leave the bedroom door open at least partially. Carry the towel instead of wrapping yourself in it going to/from the shower. From there, you can expand. Not dressing immediately after a shower, but staying wrapped in a towel for longer and longer intervals, eventually unwrapping altogether. Are your parents easy for you to talk to? If so, you might mention something to gauge a possible reaction. Maybe something on TV or in a magazine might give an opening.” - Doug H.

“This last Sunday, after the morning service, I found my wife talking with our (female) senior pastor. She was enthusing about the naturist holiday we have just booked for March, in Lanzarote, and encouraging her to visit Infiniti on Fuerteventura in one of the non-naturist weeks. She then started talking about the clothes-optional days we enjoy at Abbey House Gardens. All this time, someone else from the church family was standing just to one side, waiting to talk with the pastor. So I think there is now someone else who has a fairly good idea of our interests and activities in this area.” - Sanuachap

“I recently had a few friends over to swim in my pool. Three were other girls and one was a guy. One of my girlfriends knew I liked going naked in my backyard. She said to me that if I was more comfortable naked, that she didn't mind. I asked her if she would be interested in trying it also? She said sure, but what about the others. So I got up the nerve to tell my friends that I enjoy tanning nude and if they wanted to try it they could. At first they all giggled, but to my surprise they were all in agreement. One after another, they began to take off their swim suits. But what I thought was a real turn on was seeing John, the only guy in our group take off his pants and go completely naked with four girls. What a sight! We spent hours playing in the pool and tanning. What a great experience.” – Sally S.

More Sharing Naturism

2012-02-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

“I am very open about being a nudist. I feel it is important to let people know and to get rid of all the ideas that people have about nudists. . . I am very open with my family, friends and co-workers about me being a nudist and love introducing newbies to the experience. Most people are shocked at first, but always seem to come back with questions about the lifestyle. Most questions are from people being curious or they comment on their own body and that they feel that they would be uncomfortable in that situation. I always explain to people that it's not about how you look, but being able to accept your body as it is and as a nudist, you get to meet all types of people and body types and you get to know the people for who they are and not by how they look.” - J Anderson, CA

“I tried to "show-and-tell" one morning when I was still in high school. I walked to the kitchen to have something to drink in the buff. Didn't get a good response and [my family] didn't talk about the incident after that. Silver lining in all this is that they sometimes, very rarely, joke about it. They might know or think that I am just odd. But I have been giving hints every now and then. So I think everyone in my family might know... or not.” – Talvi

“I grew up in a VERY conservative mid-western town and at age nine had the shock of my life. A new family moved down the street and had three sons, one my age, and we became friends. My parents were going out of town one weekend and I asked if I could stay behind at my new friend's house. I arrived Friday after dinner, we played outside for a while then bedtime came. As we walked up to my friend's bedroom his older two brothers came out of their room not wearing a stitch of clothing. I just stared at them and didn't say a thing then we got to the bedroom and my friend took off everything, looked at me and said "Aren't you going to get undressed for bed?" I said "You mean naked like you?" He just looked at me funny and said "Yeah!" So, off came my clothes. We woke the next morning and he goes running downstairs, still naked. So I just followed. We get downstairs and there stands his mother in the kitchen, his brothers and father at the kitchen table and none of them had any clothes on.” - Mark P, MI

“Perhaps the "nude" revolution will be one person at a time. Since the time I was discovered nude by my wife's girlfriend there has been a more open dialogue with some of our closer friends about our home nudity. In fact it has met with more approval than I expected. Small steps toward a more perfect world. . . I had another moment a few days ago. In order to prepare to work an all-night shift I took an afternoon nap. The alarm was set so Mrs. Walker and I could spend some time before leaving for work, so not hearing any noise in the house when I awoke I just strolled into the living room. Before the wife could say anything I walked in on her niece and husband. So, after a brief discussion; there are two more in the family that know and at this rate by year’s end everyone will know!” – Nudewalker

Sharing Naturism with Parents

2012-02-06T03:49:00.000-08:00

Within the past year our parents finally found out that PJ and I lived at a "nudist camp". They were the last in our family to know. They just couldn't understand.

Even though we (and they) are older, they were still the most difficult people to tell - strange.

Has anyone else had this difficulty?

Here are thoughts from others about sharing naturism with parents:

“I can say this from experience, if you're caught, that is a perfect opportunity to tell the truth. I was caught about a year ago, but I was one of the people who "backed off at the moment of truth," but had I not I would probably have told my mom the full truth by now. If I had told my mom the truth then, instead of acting embarrassed, I probably would be naked right now . . . Just don't panic. I was actually planning on being caught eventually, but when it finally happened, I panicked. Remember what your plan is if you get caught, keep your head when it happens, and then things will turn out OK.” – 1Nick

“When I told [my parents I was a nudist] I had a giant lump in my throat but I got over that pretty fast. I still get a fright when they just walk in but I'm slowly getting used to it. . . Anyway long story short they laughed but said they didn't care what I did in my room. So that's awesome.” – Nudezealand

“When told [by parents] you must be home by a particular (way too early) hour on a weekend (or some other matter of discipline), agree without a fuss. Once you give in without the usual resistance they will be primed for the follow-up. "Oh, and I'm sleeping in the nude these days." Don't be snarky, just polite and informative. To me this is a more adult way to bring out your views than slipping into and out of the bathroom with or without clothes. If nudity is a dignified way to be it deserves a dignified discussion on the merits (which you can present) rather than something you "get away" with doing.” – Paleface

“I was 15 when I told my mum about my desire to be nude when she walked in my bedroom. She was really cool about it - we just sat on my bed and chatted and she said she had no desire to be seen nude which was ok. Now I have a two year old little girl and when she has a bath with me and my mum is round she comes in bathroom and baths my daughter.” – Stu43

“. . . for me, another important part lies in the type of language you choose to use. "I am a naturist," is a statement about your identity, your nature. On the other hand, "I like to go around without clothes," is just a statement about something you enjoy. "I am" is very strong language; "I like," and "I prefer," are much gentler and less threatening - especially to parents, who probably have quite a strong idea about who you are and what they want you to be. . . People find it hard to tell you you are wrong when you are only telling them what you like, what you enjoy and what you prefer.” – Sauna Chap

Success Sharing Naturism

2012-02-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

Here are thoughts and advice from three people who have had success sharing naturist beliefs with others.

Ken

“I have been a nudist for about 50 years from my early teens. When I was 16 or 17 I visited our local naturist club to ask about membership. Not a problem all I needed was a letter from my parents giving permission, with my parents not a chance. Fast forward 15 years by which time I was married and the proud father of three children. As a family we joined the club I had enquired at years before. What wonderful weekends we had out there, the kids enjoyed the pool and we all made some great friends. During those 15 years I had lost my father and we had bought a house with a 'Granny anex' for my mother. My mother started asking questions as to where we went at the weekends. I dodged the truth for a few months until my wife told me that I must tell my mother where we went on the weekends. Plucking up all of the courage I could muster I went into her lounge and told her that we were nudists, that we all enjoyed being without clothes and pointed out the some of our friends who visited were also nudists. Her reply came as a real shock. She said that it was fine that we enjoyed the nudist lifestyle and asked that we respect her friends when they visited meaning keep your clothes on. If we wanted to live nude at home that was not a problem and her parting comment was that if my father was still alive he would have loved to come to the club with us. So my parents were accepting of nudity and how would my life have changed if I had had the courage to ask them for permission to join the club back when I was 16/17?” - Badger

“. . . at the end of the day only you have some idea as to how your parents might react. If the relationship is good, and you frequently sit down and discuss things, then that could well be the way to go. If that's not the way it is, then the "disappearing clothes" option is probably best. Try walking naked with your towel in your hand from bathroom to bedroom (but not if you have to pass your parents' bedroom), leave your bedroom door open just a bit after a shower, but don't stay undressed for too long. Loose clothing or less clothing perhaps than you have in the past, but nothing too revealing; keep your underwear on. . . For me, the transition to home nudity was easy. It came with the arrival of a backyard pool for my wife and I. Our two grown-up daughters were living away from home, so skinny dipping seemed the logical thing to do - and my nude time just expanded from there. As a father, what would I have done if one of my daughters, when fifteen years old, had to come me . . . ? Sadly, I think I (and certainly my wife) would have confined her nude time to her own room - and worried about her a lot, because until I became a nudist, I never gave home or social nudity any thought.” - AussieIan

“For many years I've suffered with lower back problems, and for much of that time received chiropractic treatment. Four years ago we moved home. At that time my (female) chiropractor, who knew I was a nudist, suggested that I would benefit instead from regular remedial massage. Once we had moved, I selected a massage therapist from the local phone book, and have seen her regularly ever since. From Day One, she also has known that I'm a nudist. I lay on my stomach, she lowers my undies, and proceeds to massage my "glutes" (bottom), and then work up my spine - standard practice in the treatment of lower back pain. We have often discussed my penchant for nudity - home and social - and my visits to nude beaches and other venues. On my most recent visit I left her a copy of "Australian Sun and Health" magazine to browse. Prior to gaining the qualifications to be a massage therapist she had been a nurse who, in her own words, "always had a passion for anatomy". She has never had the least concern that some people, like myself, do go naked from time to time.” – Aussieian

Raised as a Nudist

2012-02-04T05:23:00.000-08:00

This thought illustrates how nice it would be to belong to a naturist family. I wish I had been raised this way. Could this be real?

Ken

"I love being nude and try to be as much as possible. I am a 25 year old, African American beauty married for 7 years. I was raised a nudist and my family is very much on board. We have a family tradition of being nude at home. When friends came over they were shocked to see us all nude. But they soon accepted and join us. . . [when] we moved to a new city in the South. . . We openly told people that we don't wear clothes at home. Most laughed and thought we were joking until they came over and realized that we were telling the truth. Again, most accepted and even joined in, although some didn't. I met my husband during my high school years and I fell for him instantly but I was nervous about telling him what my family does. . . But one day I just decided he had to know and told to come over my house and, of course, I was naked along with my mom and sisters. He looked shocked but soon relaxed. He soon met other family members who are as diverse with nudity as we are. We ended up getting married. . . Then we finally moved to the house of my dream where we could go nude anywhere on our property. I love it and my neighbors' just had to get used to it. My family and friends are welcome to disrobe as soon they come over. Unlike my parents I want my husband to share in the nudity as well. . . I told my husband in 2012 I will be fully nude at home no matter what and no matter who comes over and when we have kids I will raise them like I was raised. Our family is great and I thank God for my parents and my upbringing.” – KaTrina, TN

Share Naturist Beliefs

2012-02-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

"Take every opportunity you can to get your duds off in public settings (barring those times when you would face arrest, unless on purpose) . . . Sure, we run the risk of someone discovering us, but it might just give us an opportunity to state our views on simple, social nudity. Peter, in the New Testament, wrote (I paraphrase), “Be ready at all times to give an answer to the faith that lies within you.” How about it, naturists? Can you state your naturist ideals in twentyfive words of less? Would that explanation make sense? Do you understand it yourself? A good friend of mine used to challenge me to elucidate my beliefs clearly, stating that most people didn’t even understand their own position on a subject! If we can’t argue convincingly to ourselves, how do we expect to persuade others? . . . Don’t miss opportunities to put in a good word for social nudity. Be proud of those naturist venues you attend. If you live in a naturist/nudist community, don’t hide it. I’m not saying you should stand on a soapbox, handing out leaflets, but don’t lie about where you stay. . . Is there a cost to this? In some cases, yes, but, if we really believe in our naturism, shouldn’t we be willing to accept that?" - Tom Pine

I agree completely with Tom. How about you? What have you done or what can you do to share your naturists beliefs?

Here are a few others who understand how important it is to share naturist beliefs with others:

“Most know [we are nudists] already but we have a significant wedding anniversary coming up and my wife has collected a load of photos to put up around the place. Although none are full frontal, anyone, friend or family who sees them will be left in no doubt! Should be a fun party!” - Barelee

“Basically, I feel like the more you and your parents get along and treat each other with respect, the more likely they are to be cool with you being more naked around the house. If they are cool with it, I would suggest pushing things a little bit at a time. Maybe stop wearing bras at home. Then, if they don't complain, after a while, stop wearing pants/skirt/shorts/whatever, but leave your panties on. If that flies, take your shirt off, and then go completely nude. They will probably ask why you're doing this. Just say honestly why you like to be naked. Hopefully they'll listen and not have a problem with it.” - Nia

“When I first started going to a nudist resort in my area I did not tell any of my friends or family members about my becoming a nudist. However, I soon felt I wanted them to hear the story from me in the way I wanted to tell it and at a time that I was comfortable telling them. . . I also did not want them to get the impression that I felt that I was doing something wrong of something I was ashamed of. So one time when I was visiting one of my sisters and my Mother (along with other family members) the subject of my tanned arms and face came up. I told them that I had been going to a place where I could sit in the sun and get a tan as well as swim and I had an all-over tan (no tan lines). My other sister found out from me sometime later and she thought it was absolutely great. Again, she would not participate in it herself but she not only accepted it but on a later visit (when the weather was warmer) invited me for a swim in her pool. The pool was in an area secluded enough so I did not need a suit even though she and her husband did wear them. I now live in a clothing optional community where (weather permitting) I can go around nude as much as I want. Both my sisters and their husbands have visited me where I live now and are glad to see how happy I am here . . .” - George W., WV

Healthy Naturism

2012-02-01T04:06:00.000-08:00

"I am a retired mental health professional. I have always considered Naturism to be one of the most therapeutic activities human beings can do for mental health and feelings of well-being. Stripping off all the encumberments and restictions of clothing enables us to rid ourselves of many psychological burdens as well. We become more in touch with our bodies and our place in Nature as we experience anew the exhilaration of all of our senses. The experience of social nudity brings a unique joy to participants. Looking at human beings just as they are, naked as God made them, and allowing others to see us the same way breaks through all kinds of defenses and barriers. We allow ourselves to be open and vulnerable, and therefore more trusting, communicative, caring, warm, respectful and protective of each other. We share much more of ourselves, having literally nothing to hide. We become more capable of loving other human beings." - Naturalswede

Amen! I'm positive that naked activities and exercise and the vitamin D gained during nude recreation has improved my health, even aside from the fact that normalizing the body fixed my head. Has anyone else experienced a healthier life because of naturism? - Ken

Nude Painting

2012-01-31T02:28:00.000-08:00

“Another thing which is much more convenient in the nude is painting. If there is any painting to be done then it’s much better to be doing that in the nude and if paint does get on you, then you just jump into the shower afterwards. Much better then covering up and getting it all over your clothes.” - Paulo

Am I Really Fat?

2012-01-30T13:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a great article about body image. Go to the link to see photos and the entire article.

Ken

Am I Really Fat?
Shannon Bradley-Colleary
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shanno...b_1240083.html

I've been the same weight for approximately five years. 140 lbs. . . Clearly I'm in a healthy weight range. So I've decided to do something radical. I'm not going to lose weight. . . Well I'm done with it and this is why. [The photo of me -] 25-years old . . . 125 lbs. . . a size 4. . . doesn't like her body. She's broken it down into parts as if it were a car. Some parts are acceptable, others she hates. She thinks she has cellulite on her bum. . . She is me. 21 years ago. With a media-induced case of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. . . I look at this girl now and wonder, "Why did she even wear any clothes? She could've just walked around naked all the time!" Whenever I get the chance I show everyone my nudes. Henry just sighs and says, "I see you've managed to get your nudes out again." My mom's group is sick of my nudes. The Jehovah's Witnesses have stopped coming by. Even the neighborhood realtors don't leave their flyers in our gate anymore for fear I'll chase them down the street with my photo album shrieking,"Look at my nudes! Wasn't I gorgeous?!" (And of course I won't be running for public office anytime soon ... wonder if they'd let me put my nudes up in the Oval Office?) . . . I don't have the same body I had in my nudes. But ... not bad. . . In 21 years from now I'll look back at this photo and think - I looked great. Why did I worry so much about sucking in my soft round belly? It barely showed! And my kids loved to snuggle on it, my husband too. Why didn't I enjoy the way I looked and especially the way I felt, which was extravagantly healthy? . . . Any woman worth her salt knows all about the photo-shopping and air brushing that runs rampant in the advertising industry, accosting us relentlessly with fake perfection. . . We all know that advertisers make it their business to manipulate us into hating ourselves so we'll buy their products. Still an image [nude] is worth a thousand words. As a society we are brainwashed into the perpetual quest for perfection and it's just NOT POSSIBLE. So I won't be losing weight. What I'll be doing is: Developing a healthier relationship with food. And maintaining a healthy weight.

Naked Cooking & Eating

2012-01-29T05:44:00.000-08:00

Have you ever enjoyed cooking and eating nude?

PJ and I are home nudists so often cook and eat nude at home. We love dining nude at resort facilities. Most resorts schedule great nude potluck nights. We even enjoyed a wonderfully memorable Thansgiving meal with naked friends. Cooking and eating is certainly a great way to enjoy naturism during the cold winter months.

Here is a link to photos of home nudists, many who enjoy cooking and eating naturally: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/homenudists

Here are quotes from many people who enjoy cooking and eating nude:

"I do love to bake in my buns! . . . Every day's a party, when ya cook in your birthday best! . . . I had a roommate for a time that used to love to sit and chat while I raged about in the kitchen. She was never one to be nude socially, but rather enjoyed my naked expression. We still joke about telling others that we had the most delicious "Naked Lobster" last night! Really, they ask, how do you make it? Well, naked of course." - Truro-n-free

" Treated the wife to breakfast in bed with whole wheat English muffin sandwich including egg, cheese and bacon (fried earlier textile and stored), coffee and OJ. Prepared by a naked cook and served by a nude waiter. Great way to start a Saturday morning." - Nudewalker

"I always cook whilst nude at home (after washing my hands of course!). I'm been fortunate so far and had no dramas." - Nude-Not-Rude

"I cook naked quite often but always wear an apron. I know it's not completely nude but at least I'm naked underneath!" - Mark

"Well, I've never found lack of clothes more dangerous than with. I do occasionally wear an apron if splashing is likely, just like when dressed." - David K.

"As all of my time from when I get home is spent nude that also includes cooking. If care is taken there are no accidents." - Badger

"Will and my mom do most of the cooking here and more often than not, both do it nude. I, however, have been known to assist whoever cooks and am usually nude." - KC

"As the first thing I do when I get home is strip off. Invariably I will cook naked." - Steve P.

"When I do cook I usally cook in the nude. So far no accidents, knock on wood. Just have to be careful and that applies to either being clothed or nude while cooking." - Larry

"Baking nude is fun, at least the part of preparing the doe. No need to worry where all the flour goes. Easy to clean up afterwards, including a quick shower while the bake is in the oven!" - Cony

"I often cook naked - most splashes clean off skin easier and cheaper than from clothes. If there's a risk of painful splashes - hot water or spitting fat, perhaps - I'll put on a plastic apron." - Peter

"A t-shirt won't stop you from getting burnt if you spill boiling water or oil on yourself, which I thankfully haven't done yet. When cooking or washing dishes, however, the occasional stray droplet can stain otherwise nice clothing, so it only makes sense to remove them." - Nemo I.

"There's a lot of naked cooking at our place. Jen and I really don't give it much thought as it just fits into the routine. We don't fry many foods, but when we do, we take some precautions. Otherwise, cooking is a household task, which like all the others, is more comfortably done in the nude." - Rhonda

"As I do 90% of the cooking in our household, in warmer months sometimes you'll catch me nude. My wife always asks if there's anything she can do to help? Occasionally I say yes, but if I'm nude I stipulate she must be dressed in a similar fashion. Once or twice she's surprised me by doing so." - NudeGuy

"I do a lot of cooking while nude. Just recently I was at Lighthouse Beach "nude section" on Long Island NY and BBQ'd chicken. Anybody that passed by was offered a piece. The chicken was gone in a matter of minutes. One couple had brought a steak and asked me to cook it for them, which I did. If I am cooking something that splatters like fried chicken or bacon, I make sure I have something on." - Barewrabbit

". . . when in a naturist environment I do cook nude. I barbecued nude for about 30 people at the club, except for the glove - that charcoal gets damned hot. I prepared a meal for friends at Cap d'Adge in the nude, in fact everything is done nude there so that doesn't really count. If the conditions are right and the opportunity is there I'm generally nude and there is little point in getting dressed to prepare dinner!" - Pete K.

"If I'm nude when it's time to cook something, I'll put on an apron, just as I do when clothed, to protect whatever is under the apron from drips and splatters. . . I did some naked cooking today. Nothing spectacular, just a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich (actually sliced cheese product and tomato) on pumpernickel bread. A little mayo on the tomato side, a bit too much pepper, some dried basil, celery salt; and butter in the frying pan. All without apron or any other article of clothing." - Naturgesetz

"Today was the day the church group prepares meatloaves and baked potatoes for the soup kitchen (each in his and/or her own home). . . I had about 3 1/2 hours of glorious nudity while I prepared and cooked three meatloaves according to the recipe on Lipton's onion soup mix packages . . . and then baked 18 potatoes. Had to put clothes on to deliver them to the collection point." - Naturgesetz

"I often do baking nude though it also depends on the general home temperature. Certainly with baking there is little or no hot fat risk but a great deal of "mess" potential while mixing ingredients. It's simply much easier to wash just me than to wash my clothes as well. The same rule applies to household chores and gardening. Obviously you have to be mindful of hazards and neighbours but if it's warm enough most things are better done in the buff. . . I do housework and cooking nude whenever it is warm enough and I'm on my own. Why? Simply because cooking is often messy and it's much easier to wash me than my clothes. Housework because that requires physical exercise and sometimes involves stretching, clothes just get in the way. The other reason is simply because I enjoy being naked and it's just another chance to be that way. . . My wife thinks it strange but generally tolerates it." - Freecospirit

Christina Hendricks

2012-01-28T05:36:00.000-08:00

Almost the right attitude:

"I’m a very comfortable naked person. Not in front of other people, but at home and in front of my husband, I feel good not wearing clothes." - Christina Hendricks, Actress

Nude Geocaching

2012-01-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

Nude Geocaching - Sounds like a great way to enjoy freehiking. Anyone else geocache nude like campnbare?

Ken

"I geocache nude quite often. I tend to look for caches away from town that require significant hiking. On warm/hot days, not too many folks go hiking, so that works pretty well for me. I have Central Florida's only designated Clothing Optional Cache." - Campnbare

Link to cache description: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache...7-2e5ed0c6481b

What TV Harms Children More

2012-01-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

I agree! Anyone else?

Ken

What TV Harms Children More: Seeing a Person Murdered or Seeing a Person Naked?

Judge H. Lee Sarokin

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judge-h-lee-sarokin/fcc-vs-fox-television-_b_1206380.html

As the Supreme Court (FCC v Fox Television Stations) once again wrestles with government control of profanity and nudity on broadcast television, I marvel at the focus. Children can watch murders, rapes, kidnappings, stabbings and beatings a hundred times a day, but it appears they need protection from profanity and nudity! In considering the difficult First Amendment questions, should the Court be asking whether there is a need or justification for the regulations? The statute and regulations creates a "safe haven" -- safe from what?

The network that allowed Janet Jackson to bare her breast for a millisecond was fined $550,000. The supposed basis for these regulations is to protect our children. How are children harmed by seeing a bare breast or a naked behind? I am not talking here about pornography or obscenity - which also have their own definition problems - but language and nudity. What happens to the children of the country after seeing a breast or even an entire naked person? When we were kids we called them "dirty pictures" and somehow we have incorporated that concept into law (and survived and even enjoyed the experience). Every child has or will see someone naked during their lifetime. Are they somehow traumatized by seeing them when they are young?

And to me, the concern about profanity is even more ludicrous. How are children harmed by the old label of "curse words" a la George Carlin? If children hear those words and their parents don't want them to use them, they can say so. But there is no intrinsic harm in hearing them. All of us would draw some lines when it comes to what should be available on TV - broadcast and cable. "We know it when we see it," but that standard is different for everyone and too vague to provide guidance. The availability and competition of cable makes the restrictions even more problematic. It's like a father saying: "We don't allow that kind of language here - go next door if you want to hear it!"

Also, there is the irony of those who insist on regulating profanity and nudity on TV. Although many favor it, the social conservatives are the moving force - advocates of family values. But those are the same persons who insist that government should stay out of their private lives, and, at the same time, want it to tell TV broadcasters what they can say and show and families what they can see and hear. I am all for protecting children where they need protection, but my view is that far more harm comes from the barrage of violent, criminal activity on TV rather than from profanity and nudity.

Finally, if the Court should determine to allow "fleeting expletives" on TV in the name of free speech, it certainly will not cause anywhere near the harm to children that Citizens United has caused to the entire country.

Fantasy Fest Cruise Reprise

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

PJ and I took a nude Fantasy Fest Cruise last November and I posted a number of photos of that crazy event at the time. Since then we've met with several friends who went on the cruise with us and gathered their photos as well. So here is our compilation, not naturist, certainly nuts, but still lots of fun and definitely worth a visit if you get the chance:

http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/fantasyfest

Ken

Celebrate Benjamin Franklin's Birthday (Nude)

2012-01-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

". . . did you know that in January patriotic nudists celebrate Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father, inventor, statesman and nudist? Known as "The First American," Benjamin Franklin is certainly one of the most revered figures in American history. From his many inventions including bifocals and the lightning rod, to his accomplishments as a politician and diplomat, and as a Founding Father of the United States of America, Franklin lived a colorful and highly influential life. . . Benjamin Franklin is only one of a number of famous nudists (or naturists) in history. Others known to have enjoyed skinny-dipping or other nude activities include John Quincy Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau. In popular culture, Helen Mirren, Drew Barrymore, Alanis Morissette, Elle McPherson, Alicia Silverstone, Woody Harrelson, Heidi Klum and many others have indicated that they too enjoy shedding their clothes. . . So what are you waiting for? It's Benjamin Franklin's birthday on January 17, go ahead and honor his life and legacy by spending some time in your own birthday suit!" - Cedar Trails Nudist Retreat

PJ and I will celebrate Ben's birthday for sure. How about you?

Ken

Sharing Quietly Again

2012-01-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

Here are some more thoughts about Sunbunny's Sharing Quietly suggestion on nudistclubhouse:

"Let's All Talk NUDE Quietly and Begin to Change the World! Apparel and other items with fun nudist/naturist related slogans are a PERFECT way to talk nude with non-nudists or closeted nudists." - Sunbunny

“At the gym, as I was walking out, I saw a woman wearing a T-shirt that said "Life is short. Play Naked". If I see her and the T-shirt again, I will ask her if that is her life style or if she just inherited the T-shirt. We'll see where it goes from there.” – Billygoat

“A few years ago in Northern Michigan and along Lake Michigan my wife spotted a shop that she just had to go into. It was just north of a small town in the country with nice grounds around the shop. After waiting a while I entered the shop and spotted an American Sunbathing Association decal on the side of the cash register. Minutes later finding the owner alone I complimented him on displaying the decal and this led to a very pleasant conversation. Once he learned that we too were members he told me that behind the tall solid privacy fence, about 300 feet from the shop was a large private area where friends, and select locals could come and enjoy the pool, lay in the sun and even enjoy the beach on Lake Michigan. Yes, we were invited but unfortunately we had to move on to meet friends further up the road. No, we never went back to avail ourselves of the offer to enjoy the facilities. Years later now in a higher position in the company, along with a senior status and a head of white hair, mentioning to others that we were nudist, usually invited extended conversation about nudism and several people, usually ladies who had complimented my tan, would join us at a nudist club/resort no matter what part of the country we were in. Being open, casual, not forceful, and not embarrassed that you are a nudist most usually bring on a positive response from those who do not know the truth about nudism. I even got my 78 year old mother to join me at a club in Florida.” – Gene P.

“When I owned my retail shop, I placed a Naturist Society sticker on the display cabinet glass right by the cash register. The sticker was in place for about 5 years, and must have been seen thousands of times, yet only one person in all that time made any comment to me about it. He said something like this: "Naturist Society? Nice magazine" with a lascivious grin on his face.” - Mike

“I was wearing one of my nude 5k t-shirts when I flew back from Florida (and the cruise) this past November. When I got on the plane going from Atlanta to Salt Lake the (apparently Salt Lake-based flight crew) stewardess asked me quite bluntly as I boarded the plan if I "really ran that race naked". She asked so openly, loudly, and bluntly even I was a little taken aback for a moment. But, trying not to act too startled, I simply replied, "Yes, I did". Then another passenger said something about doing it with the bulls (I'd guess they heard about the whole Spain tradition that way) and I replied "No bulls, I'm not that crazy". That was the end of it. There's only so much time when boarding a plane, but I found it interesting. I've noticed most, especially in Utah, don't dare say much about my nudist t-shirts, and if they do they usually just laugh, assuming they're jokes. I guess that's why I didn't expect quite that bold of a question. But, I guess everyone nearby on the plane knew after that. Nobody said any more about it, however.” – Lee

Sunbunny asked the following question - any suggestions?

"I am trying to think of something I can have printed on a T-Shirt that speaks to this almost backdoor approach. Anybody have any ideas?"

Sharing Quietly

2012-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Recently on nudistclubhouse, Sunbunny made the following suggestion:

"Let's All Talk NUDE Quietly and Begin to Change the World! . . Apparel and other items with fun nudist/naturist related slogans are a PERFECT way to talk nude with non-nudists or closeted nudists."

She then asked the following question - any suggestions?

"I am trying to think of something I can have printed on a T-Shirt that speaks to this almost backdor approach. Anybody have any ideas?"

Here are a few responses from the site:

"I have some nudist resort t-shirts that would only be meaningful to anyone who knew of the resort, but I have been wearing some of my more obvious Naturist Society shirts out of the house lately." - Gynostim

"I . . . have . . . been asked a about a tee shirt that was provided by . . . the bare necessity cruise. That . . . was all I needed to open the conversation about nude recreation and the lifestyle." - Terrytan

" I have a sign posted on my door - Nudist lives here, dare to Bare T-Shirts, and bumper sticker and when asked if I am..." REALLY a NUDISY OMG!!!" I always smile and ask the person to join me sometime at the local nude beach...its a slow process...one person at a atime." - TexasnNewd

"One of the other things we do to . . . is to leave our naturist publications out and accessible to those that visit our home. . . they are in the magazine basket in the "powder room" all our guests use when they visit. . . We know that many people, including her mother, have used this bathroom and have seen our naturist publications but have yet to have anyone emerge from the bathroom with one to ask us about it." - Fireprof

"We have . . . our wallpaper picture on our laptop! . . . Just lent our laptop to my sister and her husband a few weeks ago, to look up some information and check their email while they were staying with us for a couple nights. Our brother in law commented on the picture and asked..."did y'all go skinny dippin' someplace together!?" I said, "yeah, the Caribbean!" He wanted to talk about it more but was interupted by his kids and never got to..except to say...."wow, y'all's pretty progressive!" - Fireprof

"I often wear a blue polo shirt with the logo from Cypress Cove and the words "Cypress Cove Nudist Resort and Spa. " I'm perfectly willing to discuss it with anyone who raises the issue. A casual, "Oh, we went there once," is enough to start a conversation if the person is interested. . . A favorite "discussion starter" of mine is to casually mention, "Oh, yeah, we spent the weekend at a really nice resort near Tampa called Paradise Lakes (or whatever). If the person is "into" the idea of nudism, he or she will recognize the name and same something like, "I've heard of that place . . ." and the conversation rolls on." - Nudesuncpl

"I have three t-shirts that I like to wear in public . One is my AANR nature trails t-shirt,the second one is a bright green clothesfree.com shirt and my newest shirt is from Ocoee River Rafting which my brother-in-law gave me and it says RAFT NAKED it adds color to your cheeks which is also bright green. I've had a few people talk about them at work and I tell them I'm a naturist. Some will joke around about it, one lady said she has gone to nude beaches, but most were not interesred in trying it. So I can say I do some quiet advertising." - Cnbaresall

"One of our favorite T-shirts has a goofy bear and underneath are the words. "Bear Naked in Canada" It sure gives people a chuckle. We are proud as punch to wear it whether we are in the U.S. or home in Canada. " - Oddbutterfyl1

"A friend of mine over the weekend gave me a fridge magnet that I have now proudly put on the camper van dash. It says, "If I can't do it naked, it ain't worth doing." - Fuzzybare

"At work I have a scenic picture I took at Deep Creek Hot Springs as the screen saver on my computer. It does not show any people but it does show the beauty of the area. I have had two customers ask about where the picture was taken as it looked like a nice place to go to. In both cases I told them about the hot springs and how it is traditional for people to be nude there. The first person I told responded that would be fine and would have no problem going nude there. The second person was not comfortable with the idea and said that there was no way he would consider going there. I suppose that having a 50% positive response rate is good . . ." - JP

"I just received my AANR shirt today. . . It says live free live nude and I'm going to wear it everywhere." - Troy2012

Living Nude

2012-01-03T06:09:00.000-08:00

". . . if society would allow people to be nude when they want to be, it would become a big, fat, nothing, zero, zed, null. After all, society has adjusted to less clothing. Just look at how people went about in public in 1906 as opposed to now to see what I mean. I see no less happening were nudity approached in this way. Eventually, everyone would incorporate it into the everyday scheme of things. . . just visit . . . nudist parks across this country and you’ll find people going about their day like any other people, only without clothing. That’s right; gardening, barbecuing, strolling, cycling, playing sports, swimming, reading, socializing—all without a stitch on. You’ll be “underwhelmed” by how normal the whole scene is once you get past the simple nakedness—just people going about their lives. And don’t go citing something bad that happened at a nudist park—something the media loves to do—as if those kinds of things don’t happen in a clothed environment. They happen, not because people are naked; they happen because people are people." - Tom Pine

Merry Christmas Outdoors

2011-12-24T05:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas is nearly here; is yours going to be white?

If so, maybe these photos of people camping and hiking and having fun while being naked outdoors will inspire you to think about warmer days to come: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/freehiking

PJ and I wish you all a Merry Chhristmas and Happy Holidays.

Ken

Naked Gardeners

2011-12-18T03:17:00.000-08:00

Naked gardeners are a unique type of home nudist, since they often have to bare the (potential) ridicule of neighbors. Dispite this however, naked gardeners persist because naked gardening just feels sooooo right!

Backyard naked gardening it is perhaps the most commmon nude activity. In fact a special day, World Naked Gardening Day, is set aside for those who enjoy digging and planting and mowing and cutting naked in the back yard.

PJ and I love naked gardening so much that we now design and develop large gardens at nudist resorts - first at Olive Del Ranch and now at Shangri La Ranch.

In the future I'll send more desccriptions and photos of our current naked garden in New River, AZ, but for now, here is a link to some naked gardening photos: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/wngd. Perhaps these photos will inspire you to plan and plant a naked garden this coming spring.

Does anyone plan on doing that?

If not, why not?

Here are a few more throughts from people who enjoy being nude at home:

“My husband began going nude by not getting dressed after he got out of the shower. I was more cautious, afraid that the neighbors could see through the windows, though he swears their house is too far away, and if we can't see in their house, how could they see in ours? Then he began doing some of his yard work in the nude. . . Over the last couple years, our landscape plants have grown and unless the neighbors are standing on the property line, we've got a fair amount of privacy. I took it by steps, doing my gardening in just a long t-shirt, then a shorter shirt, then doing the mowing in just a t-shirt. Last year I finally got the courage to remove the t-shirt and now the two of us spend all our at-home time nude. . . Back in late April we had a really warm day and my older daughter brought out a huge plastic swimming pool. She and her husband were, by that time, aware that we were always naked at home. She really surprised us when she, her husband, her sister, and both her toddler daughters arrived completely au naturel as well. The only cloth items they had brought with them were towels! . . . today, our July 4 barbecue will be completely nude.” – PrincessCleo

“. . . we are 99.9% home nudists as well as; social nudists, driving nude nudists, backyard nudists, chore nudists, vacationing nudists...the list is endless. It's such second nature and so much a part of our lives that...the Prof is sick and has been for the last couple days but...when she got home from work, today, she immediately stripped off her clothes to be comfortable...even when not feeling well. I had the window washer guy here this morning and wore a pair of shorts while he was in the house...but when he went outside...I took them off and just cracked the door when he was done to hand him the check. I couldn't stand wearing clothes any longer in our home!” - FireProf

“It is very relaxing to spend the entire day nude. I try to do so as often as possible. I was off work yesterday and today and I only got dressed to go out and mow the yard, and to go to the gym; I got naked again as soon as I finished these activities. Now that the weather is warmer and the kids have moved out, I spend as much time naked at home as possible. My wife is getting used to it and is even coming to expect it now, the other day I got up and put on some shorts and she wanted to know where I was going because I had on clothes!” – Eagle59

"I worked from home today. Did my work on the patio under the gazebo, nude the whole time. I'm probably clothed at home less than an hour a week and that includes waiting for my Sweetheart to get ready. I don't get dressed until she says "let's go," I know I still have 10 minutes! . . . About the only time I'm clothed at home is when I'm about to walk out the door to go someplace! My Sweetheart and I love being clothes free. We purchased a double chaise lounge for the patio and a gazebo to shield from the neighbors second story windows. We can pull the lounge partially out from the gazebo in the mornings to get some sun without exposing ourselves to the neighbors (I don't really care but trying not to offend anyone and be a good neighbor). Enjoying coffee and talking to each other like this in the mornings is about the best way to start a day I can think of. I generally take the trash out, do light yard work and clean up after the dog in the nude. Don't know if I've been spotted but haven't had any complaints either.” – Greg

“My husband and I are fortunate to live in a place where we can safely be nude both inside and outside year round. Our property is not a resort but it feels like it thanks to years of hard work planting bamboos, pines and other trees. My husband hates wearing clothes and since he rarely leaves the property, he seldom has to. I tend to go out more often and therefore wear clothes far more often than he does. Can't complain, though, we have created and enjoy a wonderful naturist working/living situation. – SimplyLiving

“This weekend was nice and sunny, so I spent the entire weekend out doing some yard work, cleaning the pool, and tanning nude. Wife joined me on Sunday. Yesterday while cleaning the pool I saw my neighbor and her boyfriend out in her yard they didn't act like they saw us but we didn't care.” – Deleted

Home Nudists

2011-12-15T15:51:00.001-08:00

PJ and I are home nudists. The first thing we do when we get home is take off our...yuck clothes!

How many of you are also home nudists?

Here are photos of some home nudist activities: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/homenudists

And some thoughts from other home nudists follow.

Ken

“I am retired now and am living in a retirement community that is textile. I have to wear clothes when I am outside my apartment but when I'm inside my apartment I live naked all the time” - Patrick C

“My outdoor nakedness changes as the weather does. Obviously, in fall and winter I can't be nude outdoors. In fall, depending on weather, I may be able to go for a nude hike as it may be warm enough for it. That being said, in fall and winter, I remain nude at home just as I do in spring and summer. If my apartment is too cold, I may turn heat up slightly. A few x-mas ago a friend made me these really great heavy wool socks that keep my feet warm but I also own a heavy flannel shirt with sleeves cut off and that keeps me warm when it is cold.” - Croydon

“I am nude at home as often as I can. I`ve done laundry, cleaned house, watch tv, just hang out nude in my home all the time and visit next-door nudist neighbors for coffee n` chatting in nude. It`s just as normal as doing chores with clothes on, only I feel more at ease and comfortable. I seem to get more done in the nude. I live in a clothing optional Apartment- some of tenants are nudists, too.“ – Pirateman

“I am always naked at home. It is my home, why would I be uncomfortable in my home? Everybody that would come over knows I am nudist, anyway. But there are various salesmen and repairmen, and I just tell them if they have a problem with me being naked, I`ll do business with someone else. (hasn`t happened yet) It`s just rude to expect someone to conform to your rules in their house.” - Fatnudist

“I`ve been naked a number of times, out in the garden or the barn, especially, when visitors have come over, and won a big smile. (These are people, male and female, that I know - not the UPS guy.) They like the at-homeness and evident comfort of it. The sense that they are in a special, protected, space. That they are trusted. The reminder, for people my age, of free-er times past.” – Steveikona

Water and Nudity

2011-12-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

Water and naked - they just go together, naturally. Bathing costumes have never been appropriate at the beach or in the pool or at a hot spring or while boating and participating in other water sports.

People in the water are always happier naked as can be seen from these photos: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/waterbeachactivities

Ken

Naked Sports

2011-12-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

What sports do you enjoy?

Do you play your sport naked?

Why noy?

These people do: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/sportsgames

Did you know that most every sport can be enjoyed even more if played naked?

Ken

Get Naked After Work At Therme Erding

2011-12-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

"Some people go to the local bar after a long day at the office to unwind, but how about getting naked with your co-workers instead for some after work decompression time? On the outskirts of Munich, in a place called Bavaria, co-workers aren’t heading out for drinks on a Friday night. For 40 euros or $55.00US, they’re heading to Therme Erding, Europe’s largest thermal spa where clothing is not allowed in the largest section of the 36-acre playground called Vitality Oasis where an electronic bracelet gets you through the gate of this Eden."

I love this idea and simply have to visit some time. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a US version?

Read the rest of the article at http://www.bangstyle.com/2011/12/get-naked-after-work-at-therme-erding/

Ken

Is textilism a disease?

2011-12-02T05:26:00.000-08:00

I've notice, even at a nudist resort, that one person clothed quickly leads to two, then to three, etc., until most of the group becomes self-conscious, and gets dressed.

Because textilism causes this reaction, I think Clothing Optional just doesn't work.

People innocently introducee cothing optional policies thinking this will help newbies be more comfortable until they get nude. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. The more common reaction is for others to get clothed. It's much better for newbies to just join in - taking off their clothes.

How do you feel about clothing optional policies?

Here's an interesting article that illustrates the power of textilism:

HAMILTON: My naked truth about Niagara’s YMCA

“Hearing of the news . . . made me think back to what we believed to be the innocent days of our own youth; back to the days when boys swam naked in school and social organization’s pools and didn’t feel threatened by so doing. . . I will start by talking about my personal embarrassments and one of my favorite places — the Niagara YMCA. . . the Young “Men’s” Christian Association. . . in those days, because it was an all-male organization, most of us swam in the nude. . . I’d shower and enter the pool for my laps. But then, something slightly unusual occurred. While in the shower, a man and his young son came out of the pool wearing swim trunks. Sometimes, some of the more modest guys would wear trunks. I dismissed the two as that being the case. . . My routine was to run into the mostly empty pool room and immediately dive from the diving board and into the pool to immediately overcome the shock of the temperature change. Then I would do my laps. Thusly, I raced in to do what I always did on that particular Wednesday . . . I opened the door and ran out onto the diving board. Despite the rough surface of the diving board, I slid nearly to the end of it before coming to a complete stop, nearly falling into the water before I turned, horrified, and raced back into the sanctity of the men’s shower room. There was a different atmosphere in the pool that day. Usually there were just a couple of nude swimmers taking their laps or lounging in the Jacuzzi; but this time, the room was unusually filled with both color and noise. There were blues, yellows, greens, reds, pinks and purple one-piece and two-piece bathing suits, both in and out of the water. The underlying noise consisted of the bass laughter of men and boys - while the shrilling voices of soprano mothers, and the alto shrieks of their little girls echoed and amplified off the room’s tiled walls. It was Family Night at the “Y,” and there I had stood on the diving board, as the saying goes, as naked as a jay bird. . . That was the most embarrassing moment of my life and it took me months before I returned to the Y. But I did return, and always with a pair of swimming trucks.” – Ken Hamilton, Niagara Gazette

The Vitamin Myth

2011-11-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

While on the road I picked up a 2007 Reader's Digest and read an interesting article about vitamins. Here's a summary. Any thoughts?

Ken

The Vitamin Myth
Neena Samuel
Reader’s Digest – Nov 2007

- Antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, Beta Carotene, E, and C) can increase a person’s risk of dying by up to 16%. (Journal of the American Medical Association)

So avoid these 10 vitamins:

- A – Too much can blur vision; cause headaches and vomiting; and lead to liver, bone, and central nervous system problems.

- Beta Carotene – Can lead to lung cancer in smokers and three times the risk of aggressive prostrate cancer.

- E – Can thin the blood and lead to a risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

- C – No evidence it prevents colds, heart disease, cataracts, or cancer.

- Selenium – May result in higher risk of diabetes.

- Folic Acid – Useful during pregnancy, but no evidence for it preventing heart disease, cancer, depression, or Alzheimer’s.

- B (Niacin) – May treat high-cholesterol under a doctor’s care, but may cause liver damage.

- Lycopene – No cancer fighting protection.

- Iron – Can worsen ulcers.

- Zinc – May weaken the immune system, interact with certain drugs, and reduce HDL (good cholesterol).

Real benefits:

Vitamin D plays an important role in the absorption of calcium and bone health, and reduces cancer and other diseases. “There seems to be little downside to . . . vitamin D . . .”

Obligation

2011-11-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

Comment: To tell you the truth, I don't feel "obligated" to do anything in the nude. I just do so because I like it.

What an interesting dicotomy presented in the above comment, as if the only possible positions were the "obligation" to practice naturism, or just "liking" to be nude. What about being a naturist for physical or social or mental health reasons, or because it's good for the family, or because it's a better moral stance, or to protest something, or to be an example for others? And thinking about these reasons, I suspect practicing naturism just might raise to the level of an "obligation?"

Does anyone out there besides me feel an "obligation" to practice and share naturism?

Ken

Legal Confusion Over Naked Hiking In Switzerland

2011-11-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

It would be so very sad if Europe, the birthplace of modern nudism/naturism, gave in to textile craziness.

Ken

http://www.businessinsider.com/in-switzerland-it-is-definitely-illegal-to-hike-naked-2011-11?utm_source=twbutton&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=europe

A Swiss court has upheld a fine issued to a man for hiking naked past a family picnic in the region of Appenzell, reports the BBC.

The man was fined 100 Swiss Franks ($108) for his naked stroll but appealed the decision since there is no law against public nudity in Switzerland. There is, however, a law against public indecency and this court decision will set a precedent for the whole country: naked hiking is illegal.

However, The Local reports that the court was split over the decision against nude hiking. The publication also published a conflicting report to the BBC saying that the activity is only banned in Appenzell and not in the whole of Switzerland.

NASWE Anyone?

2011-11-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

In a previous blog I asked “Why don’t we have a NAWK (Naked American Walking Tour)?”

This would be much like the NEWT (Nude European Walking Tour).

One reason is it would have to be named NAWT not NAWK, and NAWT sounds like it can’t be done.

But I was serious in asking that question.

Let’s dream for a moment.

Because it would be held in America, it would have to be less open than the European version (that’s just how American culture is) so it couldn’t very easily be a “tour”. But it easily could be a naked campout with a series of freehikes in a remote area of a beautiful wilderness destination.

For example, would anyone attend if the nude camp and freehike were along the rim of the Grand Canyon?

I know of an area where that is entirely possible.

Logistic-wise, those who attend from far away could fly into Las Vegas and enjoy a few interesting days before being picked up for a three hour ride to the campsite. (Perhaps some attendees would enjoy riding naked during this part of the event – entirely possible in this more remote area of the US.) Some might rent a car and visit other nearby red-rock attractions like Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park after the camp/freehike.

Whichever, attendees would spend a week camping nude and freehiking and photographing the fabulously scenic Grand Canyon.

As far as a name goes, maybe it could be named the NASWE (Nude American Southwest Experience). (Any suggestions for a better name/acronym?) It could be held at a different location each year. The Grand Canyon would just be first.

Perhaps next June would be a good time?

What do you think? Would you attend?

2011 Naked European Walking Tour

2011-11-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Video of day five of the 2011 Naked European Walking Tour: http://dai.ly/nKqSss

Wow, beautiful scenery. It looks like lots of fun with many smiling faces, at least until the authorities showed up. (They seemed to be understanding.) The hike seems to have grown a lot larger.

I hope PJ and I can attend next year. It will be held the first week in July: Sunday 1st July to Saturday 7th July 2012, in the Austrian Alps south of Munich. To register your interest (and to join the mailing list) simply send an email to Rich at: newt.2012@naktiv.net . PJ and I registered.

Anyone know if English only speakers get along okay?

Anyone else interested in going along with us? We’ll keep everyone informed.

Ken

PS – Why don’t we have a NAWK (Naked American Walking Tour)? It would have to be less open than the European version, but there's no reason it couldn't take place. We’d certainly attend.

PPS - A more detailed review of the planned NEWT hike can be found at http://www.naktiv.net/newt/plan-english.html

Our Nakation Cruise - Part 5

2011-11-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite on-board activities was dance lessons. We signed up for salsa (two classes) and rumba (two classes), along with about twelve other couples. For some reason we were about the only ones who attended nude. (Clothism is a disease that spreads, but real nudists resist being intimidated by textiles.)

The instructors were excellent. They patiently taught us the basics of Latin dance. As a result I’ve finally learned the Latin hip sway so feel much more confident when dancing to Latin music.

We spent one night dancing naked to disco music in the Frankenstein room. It too was mostly clothed.

Monday we docked at the Grand Turk islands. This was a clothed excursion day. We took a bus tour and learned that the local economy had been based on slave labor producing salt. Large brown, brackish salt evaporation ponds still cover large areas of the island. We also visited a lighthouse.

The island was not impressive, but the surrounding sea was beautifully sparkling clear, so when we returned from the bus tour we immediately got our swim suits (yuck) from the ship, rented equipment, and went snorkeling. Wow, what an enjoyable experience! We saw barracuda, sting ray, squid, flounders, parrot fish, and dozens of other species of sea life. It was gratifying to be able to introduce snorkeling to our friend Lee. Snorkeling at Grand Turk was definitely memorable. (See photos at http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/grandturks.)

That evening the ship sponsored a Halloween party. PJ spent hours creating a costume using the beads she’d gathered at Fantasy Fest. We spent the evening partying, walking the ship, dancing, and generally having fun. PJ participated in a pumpkin carving contest. Even though she didn’t win, I loved her pumpkin. (See photos at http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/halloweencruise.)

At the end of the evening we enjoyed a tasty pizza meal with friends before hitting the sack. Tomorrow would be our last day at sea.

Before concluding this report, I’d like to share a few observations about the people. I will cast these thoughts within the context of my understanding of naturism.

The cruise was advertised as “clothing optional”, not just naturist, so there were few actual naturist events (perhaps only the beach excursion at Half Moon Cay and basking in the sun on lounges around the pool).

When eating, attending shows, partying, singing, dancing, and wandering around the ship the majority of people stayed clothed. Oh, a few people, including PJ and I and our friends, stayed nude most of the time, but that was the exception.

We ate with one couple who said they were definitely not nudists; they had only joined the cruise to attend Fantasy Fest. Skimpy, sexually suggestive clothing was commonplace. The majority wore everyday vacation clothing.

The staff remained clothed of course. They had been given special training about naturist beliefs before the cruise.

It was interesting to see a few dedicated naked people mixing with clothed people of all stripes. While fortunately not obvious, we noticed some cabin doors suggesting swinger-like activity.

In general, while there were people with many different lifestyles, only a few appeared to be “real” naturists. I’m sure some were first-timers with an incomplete understanding of naturism. Many of our fellow cruisers had been to naturist resorts a few times, and many practiced naturism situationally like in the pool area, but few were “members” of a nudist resort or chose to live as naturists.

I suspect a nude cruise would be a great venue for sharing naturist history, philosophy, and practices. There were workshops on many topics, including Tantra (divine sexuality) so why not one about naturism?

This cruise has persuaded me even more that a person’s “intention” is most important to being a naturist. Practicing of naturism naturally normalizes the body, so promiscuity and related sexual agendas are reduced. It was evident that some cruiser’s “intention” was sexual in nature – their biggest agenda item. Clothing was used to broadcast that intention. As one guest put it, clothing is not only for protection but also for drawing attention to certain body parts. I asked this scantily clad guest what he intended – silence.

While not a conclusive guide, and perhaps too judgmental, nudists tend to like being nude in most circumstances, whereas wearing clothing, particularly sexually-oriented clothing, indicates intensions that are not naturist.

Of course naturists enjoy sex with committed partners, but sexuality is not the main focus. Rather, naturism is counter-sexual because it normalizes the body.

But enough philosophical thought, the final day at sea PJ and I arose early to enjoy a pleasant nude breakfast on the top deck. The sea was rolling calmly, the ship rocking gently.

We visited the photo gallery (we purchased quit a collect of photos that I will share in a future post).

Then we enjoyed a relaxing morning without friends. I liked that.

We spent the afternoon taking our final dance lessons. We love dancing together nude. It’s interesting how quickly nude becomes comfortable, normal.

After the dance class we soaked our feet in to pool where nearly everyone was naked – what a relief.

Then we returned to out room to pack. It was sad to think that this was the last day of our cruise, but then again, after eight days we felt tired and ready for a change.

We ate a clothed meal for the last time in the formal dining room – outstanding as normal.

Then PJ and I got ready for our last professional photo – nude.

After having our picture taken, we returned to the room to finish packing, followed by one last meeting with friends at the all-night pizza bar. Then off to sleep.

We debarked Wednesday morning, the end of a marvelous nakation, the return to the abnormal textile world. Oh well, I suppose all good things must come to an end. We had enjoyed living life with many like-minded people of our own species, shopping and eating and singing and dancing and attending entertainment nude, relaxing on a sunny beach and boat nude, snorkeling nude, as well as experiencing Fantasy Fest – our weirdest experience ever.

We fondly look forward to our next nakation. One thing for sure, we enjoyed cruising nude much more than cruising clothed. Hopefully, nude is how we’ll always be able to cruise again.

Our Nakation Cruise - Part 4

2011-11-11T04:23:00.000-08:00

In addition to enjoying some sights in Key West (see photos at http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/keywestexcursions ), Saturday morning found us sailing nude on a large catamaran out to a reef for nude snorkeling. Naked, we waved to naked passengers on the ship as we left the dock.

On the way out we sunned on the top deck and took photos (see http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/keywestsnorkeling ). Crew girls even got topless!

Then, splash, we were snorkeling naked. The water was choppy so not as clear as we’ve experienced before, but holding hands with PJ as we snorkeled together pointing out fish, naked in the sea, was special and exciting. We even saw a shark! A little scary!!

We returned shortly after lunch, just in time to get ready for Fantasy Fest.

Our Nakation Cruise - Part 3

2011-11-10T04:26:00.000-08:00

Key West Fantasy Fest is unforgettably crazy!

Friday afternoon the ship docked at Key West. We disembarked for the first of several visits to Key West Duval Street and the Fantasy Fest weekend.

It’s all about crazy people - walking everywhere, nearly unclothed, in body paint and crazy costumes.

Saturday afternoon we prepared for the actual Fantasy Fest celebration and parade. We left the ship wearing very little. I wore shoes and my short hiker kilt; PJ wore a t-shirt and panties. Soon we were both wearing hats with dreadlocks, and PJ was topless and covered with beads (something that grew more extensive throughout the day and into the night).

We walked up and down Duval Street all afternoon, taking photos of the crazies (including ourselves).

As the sun began to set, we positioned ourselves at a convenient spot and waited for the parade to begin, then enjoyed 1.5 hours watching crazy floats.

We returned to the ship just as the rain started. (I know some people’s body paint washed off leaving then illegally nude.)

Fantasy Fest is its own weird experience - certainly not a naturist event - and impossible to fully discribe. I suppose the only way to get close is to share photos of some of the crazier things we saw: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/fantasyfest

Nakation Cruise Part 2 - New Photos

2011-11-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

I've added many new photos to the Half Moon Cay section of our Nakation Cruise Part 2 report. You can check them out at www.imageevent.com/kenandjane/halfmooncay

Our Nakation Cruise - Part 2

2011-11-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

It’s surreal!

October 25, 2011 - Tuesday morning was spent getting on the ship – the Carnival Miracle. By lunch time the entire world had changed from textile to nudist. We discovered 2000 people of our own species. The experience was at the same time freedom and shock – so much to take in. How to describe it? Maybe with a few snippets of what we experienced:

We walked up to the top floor to watch the ship depart. We were required to remain clothed until entering international waters. I could feel peoples’ need to be free of clothes. I expected an announcement followed by a cheer from the crowd. Not so. People, us included, just got fed up with waiting, and got naked. By the time the announcement was made the only people still clothed were those who didn’t seem to care. No cheer. Oh well.

We toured the ship. It was unbelievably decorated as can be seen in these photos www.imageevent.com/kenandjane/cruisingcarnivalmiracle.

Shopping nude was wonderful! PJ and I visited the shops – no shirts, no bottoms, not even shoes – nothing – just a wonderful freedom. The shop clerks mostly seemed oblivious to helping a naked couple. We shopped several time nude; it’s the only way to shop.

Clothing was required in the Fancy restaurants. For that reason Lee and others usually choose to eat at the less formal buffet on the top deck where clothing was always optional. PJ and I often chose to eat dinner in to textile restaurant because the food was prepared and served with such flair, but we ate most of the other meals in the more relaxed top-side buffet. We loved dining with old and new naked friends.

We sang nude karaoke several nights. What more can I say than “I love nude karaoke!” PJ and I share such a loving connection when singing nude together - songs such as Strawberry Wine and Jackson.

We didn’t sun much on the many lounge chairs on the top deck – that’s just not our style. But many people spent much of their time lounging in the sun. That’s when everyone got naked – I suppose even those who were reluctant.

The second day of the cruise was spent at Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay. This beautiful island experience was indescribable. We were ferried from the ship to the beach (clothed – I don’t know why). Hundreds of people basked in the sun, splashed in the warm sea, and walked along the soft sand as warm tropical breezes caressed their nude bodies. Our friend Lee ran miles along the beach amazed at this fantastic naturist experience. We took a number of photos (see www.imageevent.com/kenandjane/halfmooncay). We enjoyed a naked buffet lunch. We swam with and fed sting rays (in swim suits to avoid losing dangling parts), and snorkeled. We even swooshed down a water slide – naked. Bare bodies on a Caribbean island beach – what could be more relaxing and romantic? The day could have lasted forever, but too soon ended.

Back on the ship, we played several rounds of miniature golf on the top deck (see photos at www.imageevent.com/kenandjane/nudeminituregolf ) as the sun warmed our naked bodies. The artificial grass got quite hot. I scored a 21. It was tons of fun!

We also swooshed down the ship’s spiral water slide. What a blast! (See photos at www.imageevent.com/kenandjane/cruisewaterslide ).

The second day at sea we had time to look for new friends. The cruise directory listed people’s first names and home city. We put notes on the doors of those who lived near us, and decorated our door with photos and a note pad. (Note: next cruise we’ll come prepared with door decorations and personal cards.) We met and visited with several people; some we may retain as friends as they come into our lives. However, I’m not sure this exercise was worth the effort; we found that a cruise is not ideal for gathering new friends.

However, it’s amazing the difference cruising nude makes to making peoples’ acquaintance. On a clothed cruise we hardly met anyone. On the nude cruise we constantly introduced ourselves to discover where people were from.

One evening we volunteered as contestants in a game show – three stands with an announcer asking trivia questions. (Now this was a new naturist experience for us.) I won a first place trophy and a second place medal, and PJ won a second place medal. (I would have won first both times but the announcer favored the nude gal next to me - I was sent to stand with my nose against the wall, once she grabbed my hand and put it on her breast just as the question was read, and a second time she reached over and tickled my but just as the question was read.) The entire experience was great fun!

What else? We attended a number of shows put on by the ship’s performers – singers, dancers, and comedians. They were great. The Beatles show was fantastic. Being part of a naturist audience is very nice.

There is so much more about a naturist cruise, the entire experience is nearly incomprehensible, though I’ll try to describe more in part 3. You must try it for yourself. It’s just – well – surreal.

Our Nakation Cruise – Part 1

2011-11-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

October 20, 2011 - Our nakation has begun!

Thursday morning we flew from Phoenix to Ft. Lauderdale to meet up with our good naturist friends, Larry and Kitty. Friday was a clothed day spent enjoying the scenery and shopping.

Then, Saturday we picked up another naturist friend (Lee) at the airport and drove north to Sunsport Gardens ( www.sunsportgardens.com ), a small nudist resort owned by Morley Schafer, where we enjoyed walking the jungle-like trails, soaking in the pool, and sunning. We’d visited Sunsport before last-year’s cruise (See http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/sunsportgardens )

At Sunsport we met several new naked friends including Ed and Susan who were cruising with us. Naturists always amaze me with their openness and willingness to share.

Friday night we attended the resort’s nude dance. It was a fun, small crowd. We left early for a restful nude sleep.

Sunsport’s cabins are perfect for a relaxing nakation. The resort has a very nice lake with kayaks and other facilities like tennis courts. The vegetation and flowers were spectacular, amazing for two naturists from the desert southwest. It had a Garden-of-Eden feel.

Even though relaxing naked at the resort was wonderful, PJ and I couldn’t resist traveling to Miami Sunday to visit Jungle Island. It was a textile place of course, but it was a place of wonder and education about animals. We visited again after the cruise. We’d recommend everyone visit this informative zoo, especially those with children. (Fun photos we took before the cruise, including Jungle Island are found here: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/nacationcruisept1 )

We returned to Ft. Lauderdale to stay Sunday night with friends.

Monday we drove back to Miami and spent the day at Haulover Beach. Haulover is astonishing! After parking, and walking the boardwalk through a smelly, swampy area, we suddenly reached a heavenly beach stretching from nearby high-rise towers on the left, down a sandy beach to distant towers on the right. About ½ mile of beach is officially designated clothing optional, so we quickly stripped naked. (As is always the case, the clothing optional section of the beach was packed while the clothed section was empty. You’d think that other places would get that message, if only for financial reasons.)

A Bare Necessities booth was set up specifically for the cruise. PJ got two free Bare Necessities patches – one on her breast and one on her lower back (see photos). We arranged our towels on two rented lounge chairs and basked in the sun for a short time.

Then, for several hours we explored the beach, picked up sea shells and chunks of coral rock, and splashed and bobbed in the warm Atlantic waters. Being nude in nature was exquisite!

We visited with a food vendor while buying lunch. I asked if he ever participated with the surrounding naked crowd. He said he wasn’t against it, but was so busy working every day. His children had visited, but the day after his nine year old daughter had asked why some men wore penis rings. Embarrassed, he had excused it as a life-style choice. I commented how wonderful it was that naturism had fostered this open, educational experience with his kids. Then he explained that his wife (Jewish) was too “conservative” to visit – reluctant spouse syndrome strikes again – too bad, so sad, so many missed opportunities for sharing experiences. I’m so grateful PJ and I don’t miss out.

Too soon our day at Haulover Beach ended – time to rinse off in the outdoor shower with other nude bathers, dress, and return to Ft. Lauderdale. There is always a feel of freedom-lost when returning to the textile world.

That evening we jogged/walked for about seven miles from the hotel to the beach shops where PJ bought several cruise-dresses, an athletic end to a wonderful day. We fell asleep with dreams of the next day’s nude cruise. (The report about our nakation will continue.)

AANR WEST FALL FESTIVAL AT SHANGRI LA RANCH

2011-10-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Last week, PJ and I spent five days at our home at Shangri La Ranch extending the Nature Trail to Dinosaur Island. (You can see photos of our efforts at http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/shangrilaoct.) What do you think of our efforts so far?

During that time Shangri La hosted the fall AANR West Festival. Lots of nudists attended. Here are a few things we noticed at the festival:

• Naked people were everywhere doing very little besides lying in the sun and soaking in the pool. I once knew a naturist who quit the lifestyle because he said it made him lazy. That’s not true for us. PJ and I can’t sit still or soak for more than 15 minutes or so before it’s time to get out working on the trail. We “can’t” understand how people can enjoy lazing about for as long as many seem to do. And looking at naked people quickly gets boring. How do you feel about being lazy in the sun?

• A few people were involved playing games – water volleyball, horseshoes, etc. We should have gotten more involved in that. Do you enjoy playing games/sports nude?

• There were no workshops like one sees at TNS gatherings. Too bad - a little education is always nice. Do you enjoy nude workshops as well?

• Friday karaoke was fun, even though it wasn’t a large crowd. In fact, karaoke is always more fun when there’s a small crowd because you get to sing more, so karaoke was great! Do you enjoy singing nude karaoke?

• I noticed the dance was crowded, and mostly clothed (sexy). PJ and I missed it, having lots to do finishing up the trail before leaving for work Sunday morning. We didn’t feel like we missed much; dances at resorts just don’t seem to measure up to naturist principles. How do you feel about dances at resorts?

• We noticed just a few people walking the trails. They did comment on what a nice job we were doing. That was gratifying. Still, I wish more would walk and enjoy them. Do you like walking the trails at nudist resorts?

Many Nude Driving Miles

2011-10-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

The end of October we drove from Phoenix to Midland, TX. I was nude almost the entire way. PJ stayed bottomless much of the way (she’s afraid those in high profile vehicles might see her topless – a legitimate concern).

Several weeks later I again drove nude most of the way from Midlands, to Las Cruces, and then north to the Denver area.

On our way back from Denver to Phoenix we remained clothed. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s because we started driving in cold weather country?

Anyway, as a naturist I still feel a responsibility to drive naked, and I love PJ for understanding this need. Here are a few others who enjoy nude driving:

“Clothing is a legal nuisance!! I wear it because I have to. I don't when there is no purpose. I just drove a motorhome about 70+ miles in the nude and there's really NO reason for me to have worn clothes to drive it. Clothes don't make you drive safer...but I can honestly say...driving naked made me drive safer! . . . On the drive home...I did get out of the motorhome twice and slipped on a pair of shorts. Walked into Starbucks for a drink on the way home and then into a dept. store to pick up something for my wife. Wouldn't it have been just fine to walk into Starbucks naked, order my drink and get back in the motorhome, drive to the dept. store, park, walk in, get the pair of pants and leave? There's really NO purpose for the clothing. People get embarrassed too easily and if they were honest...it really doesn't harm them or bother them...they are just saying those things so no one will think they are perverted, creepy or some sort of sex fiend!” - FireProf

“I started out Saturday morning about 7 am to drive to Dear Park nudist camp. When I got in my car I thought about the naked driving . . . so I got nude for my hour drive down. Did not have to cover at any time, and it was a great way to start the weekend. Made it all the way to the gate, checked in, and made my way to the little cabin I got for the night. Met some great people . . . Stayed naked all day and night, go up the next morning and set out for Deep Creek. I continued on being naked, had to throw shorts on to get gas (major bummer). Other than that I stayed naked all the way to the little check at Bowen Ranch. Parked close to the trail head, got out and met some textiles who were kind of shocked when I got out bare pickle. On the trial came across a few people, and a family. Only got good mornings, no attitude from anyone. Plenty of people at the bottom being Sunday and all. Had great time relaxing and swimming around. Hiked my way out (not as easy getting out as in) got in my car and headed for home. I had to throw some clothes on to stop at Carls for a burger. But undressed in the car and made it all the way to my garage. I already am thinking up another weekend trip that I can try. I must thank my lovely wife who does not enjoy the freedom as I do, but who is extremely understanding and supportive!” - td2hike

“Last Saturday was the first time in my car, I drove completely naked. The trip went from home to my naturist swimming lake. That is about 40 kilometers. The ride was through villages and a small town. I am already a little proud that I had the courage to do it. There was not any problem. I drove in the morning. I had the feeling of inner freedom. Easy to make what you want. If you have also the desire, do it. But dump a towel next to you, so you can cover the most important thing of you, if you must do it! I will drive again! This is sure!” – Purnatur

“After a failed attempt to visit diamond fork on this recent trip, facing a four hour drive, and remembering the recent talks of driving nude, I decided to try it for the first time! After all it was getting dark and in my vehicle no one could really tell what I was or wasn't wearing on the highway! Prior to leaving I . . . thought, this would be allot nicer trip without clothes. So I just put on some light easily removable shorts, flip flops and a T-shirt, in order to get out of the place and gas up, etc. After gassing up I could hardly wait to get naked, I was excited for this experience so I removed my shirt before leaving the gas station. Soon thereafter on the outskirts of town I was able to slip off my shorts. It was great, relaxing and comfortable. In fact after a while I forgot I was naked, and almost stopped and got out of the car before realizing it! It was so nice that I didn’t even want to stop for bathroom breaks for fear of having to put back on clothes. I avoided clothes even at bathroom breaks by finding a very quiet deserted rest stop running in quickly with nothing but flip flops, and of course i carried my shorts, just in case - not needed. . . for the first time ever I was disappoint to actually arrive at home because I had to get dressed in order to walk up the driveway into the house. All in all a great experience and I will definitely try to travel that way as often as I can!” - Southern Utah Nudist

“I have been a nudist for years, and weather permitting, when its warm weather, I enjoy driving COMPLETELY naked - not even any shoes on. I am a long distance truck driver, and I often get the opportunity to see others driving in various states of dress, or undress . . . driving topless, bottomless, and of course COMPLETELY NUDE! If you have often wondered what it would be like, try it at night, when it is rather difficult for anyone to see you are naked, then after you feel more comfortable driving naked at night, do it in the daytime too. I, of course, keep a small hand towel on the seat beside of me, to cover up, when I need to, and a pair of shorts to slip on such as when passing a school bus full of kids, or a church van, or any other circumstance, where nudity would be considered LEWD - I'm NOT into flashing children, nor do I try to flash everyone, I just enjoy the feeling and freedoms of driving naked. Everyone should try it, and most likely you would enjoy it, and do it more often. . . next time you see a big truck, and the driver isn't wearing a shirt, he MIGHT be driving naked, as I have seen lots of others in big trucks driving naked over the years. Get out and ENJOY driving NAKED!” – Nudeisnotlewd

Working at Shangri La Ranch

2011-10-09T04:05:00.000-07:00

If you haven't kept up with us (I know it's difficult), PJ and I moved from Olive Dell Ranch this past July, and now maintain our home (trailer) at Shangri La Ranch in New River, AZ. Horst, the owner, loves having us re-create our park, etc. He gave us a golf cart and allows us to use all of the resort tools.

It's wonderful working together naked in the sun, and taking a work-break nude in the pool.

Unfortunately, we can only be at the resort a week or so a month because our textile job takes us all over the southwest, and beyond. Although that has advantages as well - we visit naturist reorts every chance we get when traveling. (We'll probably visit Mountainair in Colorado tomorrow.)

During September we spent several weeks working at Shangri La Ranch. We built a storage shed, took delivery of a load of old wood we'll use to build a decorative wall, finished cleaning up the cactus garden (though we still have many features to add), and finished the first portion of the Shangri La River Walk (all in the nude of course). We have many creative ideas about the Ranch and lots of future work to do. Here are a few photos of our progress so far. http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/shangrilaseptember

One Last Freehike - Photos

2011-10-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

I came to understand that I was a naturist as I began freehiking. I suspect a person can't fully appreciate naturism until he or she tries freehiking - a nudist, maybe, but not a naturist. It's a type of conversion - the feel of the elements around your entire body is simply amazing.

The freehiking season is nearing the end (except for those of us crazy enough to freehike in winter - one winter I freehiked 18 times in January), but it's not too late to get in one more freehike before the snow flies.

Here are some photos of people freehiking that might inspire you to take that one more freehike(http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/freehiking), or perhaps even your first. If you do, I promise you'll love it.

Is anyone with me?

Ken

Show Up At Show Me Acres

2011-09-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

If you’re ever even near Missouri, be sure to show up at Show Me Acres. It’s the classiest small nudist resort PJ and I have ever visited. It’s only open on weekends, and only the owners live there full-time, but wow!

The gate isn’t even locked. The camping areas are great. The pool is wonderful. The freehiking is fabulous (about 400 acres covered with nature trails). The clubhouse and apartments are the best we’ve ever seen. And, the people? Well they’re naturists, so they’re great too.

The owners are building something very special in the central Missouri hills.

Be sure to visit this “highly-recommended” small resort if you get the chance.

Has anyone else had the privilege of visiting Show Me Acres?

Here are some photos: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/showmeacres

Ken

Nude Home Sweet Home

2011-09-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

PJ and I can hardly wait to finish work, go to the apartment, and take off our clothes. Nude at home is the right way to be as the following individuals agree. Do you also love living nude?

Ken

“When I was around 17 years old, I started as a home nudist . . . It all began when I went to shower . . . I noticed there was no wash cloth in the shower, so I stepped out . . . and walked down the hall to retrieve a wash cloth from the closet. . . at that moment . . . I turned and saw my mom standing there with a wry . . . 'hah I caught you" kind of expression. . . So I just said to heck with it . . . and walked back into the bathroom to have my shower. . . It wasn't long after this episode that my mom started walking to and from the shower naked as well as the rest of the house casually (something entirely new), save for a towel wrap around the head. I had a nice chat with my mother shortly after that, specifically about nudity at home, telling her that since she had already seen me in my full glory and since she had become more care-free, I was going to stop worrying about it, and walk around nude as I wish . . . and to this she had no objection, and has joined me in doing this (she even convinced my father and little sister . . . by telling them that by being nude at home, we could save on washing clothes, and that we are just family, so we really shouldn't worry about it). Since that fateful day, I have happily been a home nudist primarily, although we have had a few nude family outings, as well as the occasional skinny dip (the most memorable of which was at a hotel pool, in which another family came in, saw us naked and asked if they could join us . . .“ – Bobbeee

“As far as I can remember, I've always slept in the nude. When I was 19, I got my own apartment, it didn't take very long for me to get lazy and not get dressed when I got up. So nude I stay until time to leave. I got so used to it that I striped down as soon as I walked back in. At the age of 28 I meet my wife. We spent lots of time together naked . . . I can now be nude around our home all I want, keeping a housecoat close by case one of the kids or anybody shows up unexpected.” - OilcanJack

“I am naked almost all the time I am home. I haven't worn pjs since I was 14 and I don't dress in the morning unless I'm going out. When I get home, the clothes come off. If the doorbell rings, I check who is there through the peep hole and most times I don't cover up before opening the door. There is a sign saying "CLOTHING OPTIONAL PAST THIS POINT" beside the front door and hooks inside for those who care to join me to hang their clothes on. Some of my callers undress and some don't, but most of them know I am a home nudist and just act naturally either clothed or naked.” - phph

“My sister and I were raised by our mother (our dad passed away when we were very young). She had made it a practice to walk around nude most of the time. My sister and I would go nude when the mood struck us. . . I still walk around the house nude all the time. My wife . . . was raised the same way and doesn't see a problem with it. So whenever my sister comes over we all hang out and sunbathe or just visit nude.“ – Playnaked40

“What's the point in wearing clothes when you are in your place? My husband and I both regularly walk around our place without clothes - both inside and outside. It's natural, and makes it so much easier when you don't have to worry about putting on something.” – Addiebaby

Austrian Skinnyhike Report

2011-09-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

"I drove from Munich to Warth, Vorarlberg in Austria, on the Sunday afternoon with Polly . . . The day dawned blue and we set off from the Hochkrumbachpass at 10:00 towards the Widdersteinhuette. I quickly stripped off my t-shirt + shorts and we were heading steadily up the slope towards the hut above when two middle-aged women came trundling down and passed us with a minimal exchange of good cheer. Another walker, and more uphill, and after an hour or so, Polly and I reached the traversing trail from the hut which goes along the base of the soaring cliffs of the Widderstein above us. Here we had a stupendous view of the Salopaner ski region, a remote lake and mild forests tucked away on the other side of the valley.

We met our first "Gormley", a metal man built and installed by the British Artist Anthony Gormley who specialises in placing these "installations" in interesting positions around the globe. He has a naked man on Waterloo bridge, and several in the Vorarlberg region. We were going to "pick up" a few on our way around the high traversing trail which snuck under the steep cliffs above, and wended it's way to the end of the ridge, a Gormley half-way along the flat path below, and another on the shoulder of the ridge ahead of us.

Two more walkers, one descending from the Widderstein itself. We saw a number of mountain gophers, or Murmel-Tier to the locals, or heard their high pitched peep-peeping, as we approached their dry holes in the ground.

Polly went tear-arsing after them, and of course they nipped under ground just before she got too close. I managed to stop her a couple of times with a well-timed "Frisbee" distraction call. I managed to get quite close to one particular gopher for the camera.

We strode on, with Polly taking a dip in a snow lake and the opportunity for a refreshing drink. Another couple, and a small family, and an exchange of pleasantries, before I headed across the valley to the ridge on the opposite side.

One more Gormley, right on the shoulder again, where I broke my camera trying to get a clever shot of us, Polly, the Gormley and I, by precariously balancing my camera on top of my rucksack, on a loose and rocky slope... with predictable consequences.

Walking along the ridge was simply gorgeous, a view down to Schroecken on one side and across to the Braunarlspitze massife, the Widderstein behind us, and all around huge rocks pushing their way up through the mountainous turf, a gentle breeze to accompany the bright warm sunshine at 2000m.

We kept along the narrow ridge, passing two male walkers, another couple, and finally a man and two fairly mature ladies. The first lady exclaimed with a smile when she saw me: "my goodness, a naked man - what are we two 'jungfrauen', (young girls, implying maidens/virgins), to do - we have never seen such a thing!" I had to laugh, and they passed with otherwise good grace, but who knows what they made of the equally naked metal Gormley they were about to encounter on the cusp of the ridge we were all walking along.

I reached the top of the Hoeferspitze (2131m) at approx 13:00 and time for a short lunch break. At the actual summit was the customary cross and sign-in book, and an appallingly high number of what appeared to be bloated flying ants, so we tucked down on the windy side for a bite.

The views were glorious, the position serene, but when one's walking, one has to keep moving. Polly and I set off to retrace our steps along the ridge back to the last Gormley (which the maidens would have passed quite recently), and then followed the brow of the hill more or less back to where I'd parked the car, just off-road (to avoid paying the fees for the vast ski-car-park at the pass. Returning to the B&B for an early shower I stayed the night as I was a tad dehydrated from the high sunshine, and exertions of the day." - Rich

Naturist Photo Collection

2011-09-24T05:56:00.001-07:00

I like to collect photos of naturists in action. Not just photos of nude people, or sexually oriented photos, but photos of real naturists. I think there is much to be gained from viewing real people in natural situations. Occasionally I share my collection - here is a link. I know many probably carry copyrights, so don't use them in print situations. Just enjoy.

Photo link: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/nphotos

(By the way, how did I do at gathering "real" naturist photos?)

Ken

Driving Nude from Phoenix to Midlands

2011-09-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days PJ and I drove nude from Phoenix, AZ to Midlands, TX. Driving nude is always so much more comfortable - clothes bunch up and bind. And once you get naked you don't even think about nude driving being unusual; it is just right! Who else out there enjoys driving naked like PJ and I and the following people?

Ken

“. . . the CHP officers, Sheriff's and local PD officers, that I spoke with, all said "they got better things to do then chase after someone that's just driving naked. If they are being lewd, that's another thing but just driving naked...I don't care." With regard to tinting...their responses were pretty much the same but most stated that "they didn't want to have to go to court and answer to a judge about the tint on their cars so...unless they are stopping someone for something else, they don't bother stopping a vehicle for just window tint." So...if you tint your windows "medium" and obey the laws and drive, like we ALL should drive, you shouldn't have any problem with law enforcement...down here anyway!” – FireProf

“On public lands in the west (BLM and Forest Service) there is no prohibition against simple nudity outside of developed areas, and most of these lands are undeveloped. There are over a million miles of roads and jeep trails on these lands where you can (and I have) driven naked. No problem. Cover if you head into town or a developed camping area, but otherwise `suit yourself`. But be prepared - these are vast open spaces, miles from services, and often no cell service.” – Daves_ndt

“Hey friends, today weather in Germany is fine. It is hot. The temperature in the cars is more than hot. The right weather for driving nude. I hate it, when I sweat in my clothes. One has to adapt to the circumstances, whether it is allowed or not. That is freedom.” - Purnatur

“I`ve been driving home nude (40 miles) from the nudist resort for a long time. No one has bothered me and if it`s illegal in Florida that's surprising given my license plate is NOODIST, which draws a lot of attention. I look in my mirror at stop lights about 3-5 times a week seeing girls with their phones out taking a picture of the plate. I have to admit that the wonderful feeling I had when I first began doing this has diminished over time. But it still feels right. The guard at the nudist resort and the people that work there have seen me get in my car nude and drive off. They`ve never said anything about it either. Maybe I`m just lucky.” – Ult1lar

“Over the past 8-10 years, I have been spending more and more of my time behind the steering wheel nude. At first it was a rare thing, something I occasionally did while on vacation in Florida - and then only on the highway. . . I have become more and more bold as time has gone on. First, I began to spend virtually ALL of my highway time in Florida (I go there several times each winter) nude, and then more and more, I did so in my home state of Kansas. Then I began to drive nude in town once-in-awhile, and now, I am nude when in my car probably a minimum of 85% of the time. And what has become clear is that no one notices It would be different for women as 1) their breasts would be more easily seen and 2) men seem to look around them much more than women. But I have now spent literally thousands of hours driving completely nude and I'm certain that at most, only one person has ever noticed. So, the good news is that one can enjoy the sensual freedom of being totally nude behind the wheel with no real concern of being "pinched" by the humorless police, or upsetting a prudish individual.” – ThomasWM

Living the Good Life as a Nudist

2011-09-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Living at a nudist resort (Shangri La Ranch in Arizona), being without clothes becomes so natural that it’s hard to even think about what to write to describe everyday life. Still, I want to share our naturist life in hopes that some are helped. So here are a few experiences from the last few weeks since we’ve taken a break from work:

PJ and I spent a week building a shed so we could move the rest of our stuff out of an expensive storage area - a week measuring, sawing, hammering, etc. It was hard work, but doing it nude made it much easier. Has anyone else built something while nude?

We spent the weekend with naturist friends from Utah. It was a blast visiting and singing karaoke and dancing with wonderful naked friends.

PJ told her oldest daughter about our naturist lifestyle – the last of our children to be informed. It wasn’t accepted well. The daughter was especially upset because we hadn’t told her for some years, after all “didn’t we trust her?” Frankly “no” - we received the negative reaction we knew would result. How can people, especially religious people, be so very judgmental? Some people refuse to understand. No one is so blind as a person who will not see.

The lesson here: tell your friends and family about your naturist experiences as they happen. If you don’t, they’ll assume you are ashamed of being a naturist and become even more upset when they discover this than if you’d been open about enjoying naturism from the start.

A fellow with several friends (one a girl) delivered a load of stressed barn wood that we will use to enclose our deck. They weren’t naturists and seemed somewhat embarrassed to be at the resort. They declined taking a dip in the pool. (We often notice textiles such as mailmen and UPS and Federal Express drivers delivering things to the resort; I wonder what they think and if this just becomes commonplace for them.)

We worked a week cleaning up, building rock-lined trails, and decorating the Shangri La Cactus Garden and the River Walk. The garden is nearing completion. The river walk needs lots more work. (I’ll post photos of our efforts in the future.)

It’s paradise to take a shower and pool break after a few hours working nude in the hot sun.

Friday night PJ visited a friend in Phoenix. I spent the evening singing karaoke - I just love singing nude. PJ’s girlfriend said she’d visit the resort to sing karaoke in the future. She may not get nude, but said she loves karaoke. We’ll see how long she remains clothed when she visits; I’ll report back.

On Saturday we met a nice couple (B & J) while soaking in the pool. “B” explained that they first visited Shangri La while taking a motorbike ride in the spring. They’d heard about Shangri La and always wondered about naturism, so when they drove by and discovered the resort they thought “Why not give it a try?” While playing nude water volleyball, they ran into their next door neighbors who they didn’t realize were naturists. “B” says it has become a real joy having naturist neighbors. They joined the resort and now visit whenever they can.

Saturday evening we enjoyed a nude taco party on Judy Mac’s deck. Eating great food with naked friends is the best!

At the party we met a 78 year old gentleman who had just discovered naturism. He’s vacationing at Shangri La for a few weeks and loves it. He’s always been curious about naturism, but had been afraid to experience it for most of his life. Now he’s really enjoying life nude. Unfortunately his wife of 50+ years won’t participate so he’s vacationing on his own - how truly sad. I’ve experienced this reluctant spouse syndrome myself and just can’t comprehend how two people who supposedly love each other can fail to see how naturism can draw them closer rather than further apart. If only the reluctant spouse would give it a try they’d understand. After all, getting naked with your spouse is so easy.

I enjoyed my first haircut at the resort. Me and the female stylist were both naked. Afterwards, I just rinsed the hair off with the garden hose. When was the last time you’ve gotten a nude hug from your barber? This was an enjoyable first for me. Just one more aspect of living life the way it was meant to be.

What else can I say? The nude life is good. Everyday nude people drive their carts and walk their dogs past our trailer, or just walk past and wave. Nude visitors come and go. We enjoy sitting on our patio nude watching the nude birds. (Hundreds visit the tree over our deck to eat the seeds we’ve provided.) We love being naturists and living the good life, but tomorrow it’s time to head back to work and the textile world – oh well.

Ken

Time for Another Skinny Road Trip

2011-09-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the following people, I think it's about time for PJ and I to take another Skinny Road Trip. How about you?

Ken

“I drive nude or as near nude as possible every opportunity I get.” - Jim

“I'm not sure I can stop driving nude! It's just about become a normal way to drive, when I can. I will drive nude from home to Home Depot, the market, drug store, Starbucks...it doesn't matter how close or far. I get irritated when I can't drive nude or if I have someone in the car/truck with me where I can't drive nude. Just attended a wedding for a family member. Talk about irritated; I drove to the wedding ceremony in a suit! I pledge to continue driving nude...til they take my license away...then I'll "passenger nude!" - FireProf

“I live out in rural [Utah] . . . but I go to work each and every day at 2:00 a.m. in the morning. I distribute newspapers to carriers and business . . . I have been driving nude most mornings now for about a month and I love every moment of it. I dress as I am driving just outside of [town] . . . and strip at about the same location on my way out. Since it is still very early and DARK when I am dropping off bundles at my first few carriers, I don't bother to redress until I'm just outside of [another town] . . . where my first business drop is. I wish I had thought of it sooner. And since my car has a great heater, bring on the winter!” - SonnyK53

“When I have to travel long distance, esp. when I go away to visit home, I rent a car. On those occasions I do take the opportunity to drive nude. On my last trip home last month, I rented a car and drove from DC to Boston in the nude. Just last summer I took a week trip to FL. I started out spending a few days in Miami and drove to Tampa, Orlando and back down to Miami. A lot of time was spent on the road and I found it easy to drive nude. I love driving nude because it really is enjoyable and relaxing. That being said, I do it while being cautious of my surrounding. For example, I only drive nude during long distance drives. I don't drive nude where there is a heavy chance for stop and go traffic (i.e. stop lights). I also don't go way over the speed limit. I drive at the same flow of the rest of traffic. I also have a pair of shorts nearby in case I have to leave the car, which is normally to fill up on gas. I make sure the shorts are the type that i can easily put on and take off. I find short running shorts do the trick as they have no buttons or zippers.” - Croydon

“During my recent nude driving experience, I was driving a 4WD pick-up truck. I was returning from a mountain bike excursion and had taken my clothes off because they were soggy with sweat. I wasn't worried about other drivers seeing me below the waist. My observation is that I rarely can see what color pants someone in another car is wearing, even when the window line of the car is low. Men driving shirtless seems to be common in my area during the summer, so I don't think I raised much suspicion. My concern about being pulled over by a police officer was probably overblown. Even if I did get stopped, I don't think I would be charged with indecent exposure as my lower anatomy was not readily visible from outside the truck. If I used the excuse that my clothes were sweaty from riding my mountain bike, the officer would probably laugh it off. Having the mountain bike in the truck bed and the stinky bike clothes on the seat next to me should be adequate proof of my story.” – Mosquito Bait

“With driving naked, the individual doing the driving seems to see more - seems to be more observant of their surroundings - more observant of laws - more observant of others. Doesn't it make sense then to allow nude driving? Better drivers on the road, and more appreciation of the world around us.” - Kevin

Will Music Videos Attract Younger People to Naturism

2011-09-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Maybe music videos such as these will encourage younger people to get involved in naturism. What do you think?

Ken

The Nature Zone: http://dai.ly/ghqrMz

Whole Day Nude: http://dai.ly/ntzX6o

Changes: http://vimeo.com/21700420

Gobbledigook: http://vimeo.com/3987450

Bumping Into People While Hiking Naked

2011-09-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

The following great freehiking advice is reposted from hikingnaked.com:

"It has been my practice over several years to continue naked as if it was as normal as hiking clothed. My theory is that the more often people see naked bodies and nothing bad happens, the less uptight they are about seeing naked bodies. When some majority of people have occasionally seen naked people and it becomes "ho hum" then being naked will not be shocking or illegal.

Over the years I must have encountered a couple hundred clothed people while hiking naked. Most of the time I just "howdy" them as I walk past naked. Reactions are mixed.

One woman who was sitting to rest as I came past said, "I wish I could do that." I stopped to chat and she explained that I looked so free she wished she was brave enough to take her clothes off.

Three women walking the other way through a large open field moved about 10 yards off the trail so as not to pass too close. They didn't say anything.

Two teenage men held their tongues until my wife and I had turned a corner and then made crude teenage comments to each other.

Most clothed hikers just respond with a "Good morning" or some such greeting much as they would for a clothed hiker.

If I look "guilty" and embarrassed and lurch into a cover then I'm guilty and embarrassed and ought to have been covered. If I'm confident and naked and project normalcy while naked then I'm usually accepted as a version of normal. Its important to PLAN to act naked and normal, or you will have to figure out what to do when suddenly confronted and it won't work out very well.

Having fun naked" - Bob Knows

Busy - Driving Naked

2011-09-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

I've been super busy building a shed (nude of course) so haven't had time to write. So in the meantime, here are a few more naked driving experiences:

Ken

"I have driven nude many times - miles must be 100 thousand over 15 years. Day or night no difference. I drove from NH to SC, stopping only for gas in 9/2005, 994 miles in 18 hours! I have a kilt, which has a waist band with belt loops and hook and loop to fasten it about your waist. I also have a towel I leave in truck with a belt sown to it to hold it about my waist if I need to get out for any reason. I live at a resort full time and when I am ready to leave the gated place I wrap the towel about my waist and hold it while getting comfortably seated then let it drop when door is closed. This way I can close or fasten the belt if I need to. It also keeps the seat clean as my bare skin isn't in contact with seat material." - NudistJohn

"I drive about 25 miles to work every day. . . About two days or so a week I . . . am naked from waist down but have pants right there in driver side floor in case I need them in hurry. . . no way am doing this to show off (dark) it is just very freeing and a wonderful way to start day. . . upon arriving at work parking lot I pull pants on and go to work. This is a similar feeling of freedom to hiking naked. . . I am sure to drive within the speed limit, and obey all traffic rules so as not to draw attention I don't want." - Mtn Hike Nude

"I've been driving naked for a few years, every time I'm on a long trip. I wear a shirt though, so no-one but a truck or a bus would see anything out of the ordinary. I sit on a towel and keep my shorts at my feet for quick coverup, and when passing trucks follow the advice I saw on a double-trailer truck, "If you wanna pass, better haul ass". I've driven across the country, Michigan to California and back, and recently down to North Carolina and back, mostly naked except for gas stops." - Bob X

"I have driven naked many times. . . most of my commute is on back roads so not much traffic at that time of day. I keep a towel handy in case I need to cover up, having only to do so only once while at a stoplight when a semi stopped next to me. I am always the first to arrive at my work and open the place, so I can dress in the parking lot or as I like to do I'll go in and start my morning routine in the buff and wait to dress just before the others start arriving." - Nakkidnfl

"I've been stopped by the police twice while driving naked. In both cases, I had plenty of time to get dressed (well, dressed enough) while they were running watches and warrants on the plates. . . I NEVER try to remove or put on clothing while driving. About as bad as a cell phone. I take the clothes to the car at home and throw them on the passenger side seat and dress in the parking lot when I get where I'm going. Then I undress in the parking lot and drive home and carry my clothes in to the house. Did it just yesterday." - R.O

"I love to drive naked. I do so most every week. I recently drove the Blue Ridge Parkway naked. It was beautiful and the freedom of driving naked in a convertible was great! I simply keep something handy to cover up with if passing a truck or SUV that may be able to see into car. Being naked while driving is fun, but we must respect others who would not want to see us." - Mtn Hike Nude

Continue driving nude!

2011-09-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

Do people ever get tired of driving nude? I don't; I love it. Continue driving nude!

Ken

“Regarding "Driving Naked," I drove the 33 miles from home with just a tee shirt on. Route was along interstate 81 then state and local roads passing through three small villages. On the way back, I dispensed with the tee shirt and had on only my hiking shoes. All told, I was able to be naked for about 6-1/2 hours between the driving and hiking.” – Cynoutdoors

“I . . . now drive nude whenever possible. Doesn't work when running down to Home Depot, but on trips it’s my new norm. Recently went to Mountain Air Ranch for 5 days and drove both ways nude. Carla couldn't drive nude on the way there due to possible exposure, so we bought her a stick up sun blocker they sell for keeping sun off kids and was able to ride home naked.” - Guy & Carla

“Got more naked driving in today! Played golf with a few friends today about an hour away from home. After the round everyone wanted to go home so I planned for this and parked my truck out in the corner of the parking lot. They all got in their cars and drove away. I walked out to my truck, loaded my clubs in the back and then turned on the engine to get the A/C going and...stripped off in the parking lot and got in and drove home!“ – Fireprof

“I was driving into the city, nude of course, on a warm day just enjoying the drive. I passed a similar sized vehicle (SUV) being driven by a good looking girl with a passenger (also female). They paced me for a while, and I was beginning to get concerned that they might be calling the cops. I slowed a bit and changed lanes, and they slowed even more. I thought nothing more of it as I continued down the relatively open highway, when their vehicle came alongside to pass me. BOTH girls had stripped naked, and gave me some big smiles and a wave as they went by!" - Txbiker

“I drive naked all the time. But, to avoid being arrested, I never do it in the city. NEVER. I only drive naked out on the expressway or country back roads when it is hot. Hot muggy days don`t draw any suspicion seeing a shirtless male driving a car. Love it!” – Nakeddcboy

Wife Learns to Love Freehiking

2011-09-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

The following thought by Picgirl reminded me of PJ's first Freehike. We had hiked clothed into the hills above Cedar Fort, Utah. When we were out of sight of the houses, we paused to undress. PJ was nervous and a little reluctant, but as soon as she undressed and felt the breeze and sun on her shin she smiled broadly and literally skipped up the trail. "This is wonderful", she said. And she's never looked back; now we both love freehiking.

Has anyone else helped a spouse understand how wonderful freehiking can be?

Ken

“I always got naked in my apartment after work or when I felt like I didn’t want clothes to bind me. I also had a few naked experiences while I was growing up, but I didn’t really know what nudism was at that point. I met my husband and he was honest and upfront with me about being into nudism. I thought the idea sounded wonderful. I have to admit I was a little nervous about the whole thing when he and I first did it together. We always go to outdoor nature settings and go skinny dipping or hiking. I love the way the body feels when you’re out of your clothes. It heightens your senses on a much deeper level. It has also helped me with self -esteem and body issues that I have had. One of my favorite experiences was when my husband and I went fishing down by the river nude. It came up a huge rainstorm, the water on my body felt wonderful. When the rain hit my body it was like no other feeling in the world. When I went on my first nude hike it was a feeling like no other. Just the feeling of the breeze as I walked hand in hand with my husband. The way the sun felt beating down on my skin was a whole new feeling. It feels wonderful to be naked in places you wouldn’t normally be. I was so nervous about getting caught, but I enjoyed it so much. I have no regrets. I love everything about nudism.” – Picgirl

My “Click Moment”

2011-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thinking back, I suppose I’ve always been a nudist – I just didn’t realize it until I was almost 50 years old. Through the years I’d run around the neighborhood nude at night, enjoyed home nudity, sunbathed nude, skinny dipped, and searched Internet sites looking for nude photos and stories. But through all those years I had misunderstood this need to be nude as some type of unique-to-me sexual addiction, and so lived a guilt-riddled life, hiding from myself.

Then I experienced my personal “Click Moment”. Perusing the Internet, I ran across stories of people who enjoyed hiking nude and began to fanaticize about doing this myself. Then one day I discovered a site written by naturists from my own conservative religion! At that point it really didn’t take much courage to drive to a private location in a nearby forest, strip, and take a naked hike - “Click” - I realized I wasn’t a pervert, I was just a nudist.

Of course, it took a few years and many experiences to “fully” accept that I was a nudist and that being one fixed my head and made me a better person. It was very difficult finding a spouse who understood and was willing to live the nudist lifestyle with me. And as I’ve learned more about living this lifestyle, I’ve come to classify myself as a naturist rather than a nudist. I’ve become much more open to sharing this approach to life with others, including my family.

My only regret is that my “Click Moment” didn’t come years earlier.

Many people have a "Click Moment" as illustrated below. Tell us about your personal “Click” moment.

Ken

"I always liked being nude but the magic moment 'Click" was my first visit to Elysium (now closed and long gone) as I was sitting on the gentle slopping lawn late afternoon. It was so peaceful and natural, so removed from the madness and demands of the world, pure and fresh... that is when I woke up to my place in the world and said yes this is how I want my life to be. Mid 70's I think, it has been so long ago but I still remember the moment as if it were yesterday. . . What/When was your "Nudist Click" moment when you accepted nudity and the desire to live nude as part of your life?" - SunBunny

"Working in the yard last year, digging it up, I began to shed my shorts until I eventually decided to not even put them on anymore. I came inside one day, showered and just decided not to get dressed afterward. Have not been the same since. I love this way of life." - Jim

"I was working on the John Deere in the dog pen, sweating my butt off, when I discovered that I could see nothing but sky and fence. I thought, why not get comfortable and work on it naked? After that, I was hooked. I put up a sign that said nudist zone." - Dave88

"I had been skinny dipping, sun tanning, and soaking in hot tubs nude for a long time, but had never considered just being in the house naked. Then one year on my birthday I decided to try to wear just my "birthday suit" all day. That did it. " - BareOnTheCape

"Summer of '75 I had just moved to San Diego, and a work friend asked if I wanted to check out Black's Beach. Once I dropped my suit, and jumped into the Pacific, that proverbial "lightbulb in my head" clicked on and I thought, "this is so natural, this feels so good, this is so right, this is the way it's supposed to be"! Jump ahead to the mid '90's, and after a few month's dating, I revealed my naturist beliefs to my future wife, and convinced her to give it a try at Elysium with me. At the end of a wonderful day, she didn't want to get dressed and said "I can't believe I've never tried this before". We've never looked back since." - SoCalNudist

"I have always liked to be naked as much as possible. I went to Orvis Hot Springs, Ridgway, CO, a few times with a friend and really enjoyed it. However last Sept. I spent three nights at Mira Vista. I wanted to cry when time can for me to get dressed and on down the road. I got gas and coffee and hit the road. Tucson was still in my rearview mirror when it hit me. I said to myself, "Don, your a nudist." It didn't surprise me but that was the instant I knew." - dkk

"I have always enjoyed being cloths free in my house & often skinny dipped with friends growing up. But I realized that I was a nudist when I started meeting other people in NY at the Mohonk Nature Preserve. I saw a sign while hiking That said" You may encounter nudity beyond this point. It was Winter & so I laughed at the time. I was drawn like a magnet so when the weather became nicer I went back with a friend. She wasn't interested in being cloths free but for me it was that AHah moment. I met other people there & became fast friends with many of them. The Sun & the breeze & dunking in the cold mountain water had me. I began to explore Nude Beaches & Nude locations. At first I only went to natural locations but in the past few years I have included Resorts in my nude recreation. I believe I was alway a Naturist/Nudist but had just never put the label or name to it." - Earthgal

"The day that being a nudist "clicked" for me was my first time I was nude infront of people other than my boyfriend. We were invited to visit another on-line nudist chat couple. That perticular weekend they had their 3 children, another couple with a child and a single male, younger than us. We went with another couple we had just met a few days earlier, that were also nudists. It was a nice day and we were having a BBQ in their yard and home. Since I had never done anything like this before I walked around with a huge towel wrapped around me until I got to the hottub. While sitting in the tub I noticed that everyone was sitting around (in the nude) and were visting with everyone, and no one was looking at the new nude person. It finally clicked and I learned to relax, and talked to everyone there to find out more iformation. It was so great. I have never looked back from then." - OddButerfly

"I do not remember the date, it was somewhere in the late 70’s, there was a news story about Black’s Beach. I do recall that it was late August when I decided to drive down to San Diego to see what it was like. This was long before the internet and the only information I had was that Black’s Beach was south from Torrey Pines State Beach.
Well long story short, I found the nude area after a long walk along the beach. I was wearing a shirt, blue jeans (I did not own a pair of shorts, let alone a bathing suit) and tennis shoes. I am glad to say it took me less then a minute after arriving there to be completely nude. I had never felt so free and at the same time so comfortable before.
I knew from that day on that I was a nudist." - JP

"I think there was two clicks. The first was my first social nude experience. I was nervous, took off my clothes in the car, and walked off into the resort. I'm skinny, but have a gut, so I sucked in my gut. Then I saw nude people of all shapes and sizes. CLICK. I relaxed my gut and realized I can just be myself. Later on I was walking around the resorts residences. I looked down and realized "I'm naked in a residental area, and no one cares!"
CLICK. I was hooked. I am a nudist." - Armadliio

"I was at a state park lake in my home state of Maine. I had just returned to the public changing building after a swim. The building had no roof so there I sat, naked in the sun and warm summer air. It felt so good and it was very relaxing. I just knew that this was the way it should be. By the way, I was about 10 years old at the time." - Jetman

Even More Nude Drivers

2011-08-29T05:01:00.000-07:00

“Yeah, nude driving is fun. I always make sure to have a XXL t-shirt on hand, or something similar that I can quickly throw on in case of police attention.“ - Alexdranda

“Yes I have [driven nude]. . . it started with a skinny dip at a beach one night and while swimming my clothes and towel etc. got soaked by a wave, and I had nothing else dry around, so I decided to drive home which was about a 60 km trip and through country and suburbs . . . I drove right on the legal limit so that no cops would stop me . . . I got home no problem. Then I did it regularly - my longest time was 900 km . . . I do keep a towel or a wrap to quickly cover up if have to. But is fun to do.”

“I sometimes did drive nude, and co-driving as well, most of all at holiday trips. Very comfortable and sensual, sometimes a bit thrilling. Usually I care to have something in reach to cover up in case of need (police control etc.), but never had to make use of by now. “ – Pixy

“I enjoy driving nude, especially during long trips. Being nude is just more comfortable. I am mainly nude at home. I don't have a privacy fence, so I am limited to inside the house when I'm home. But driving gives me a chance to extend my boundaries a little. I have driven nude to the post office to drop off mail. I have driven nude to the ATM to get cash. I once rented a storage shed and when I learned it had a place to drive up and drop off the monthly bill, I decided to do that too. But I found out the slot for the dropoff is not in a place where you can actually drive right up to it. I had to quickly get out of the car to complete my mission. I got more comfortable doing this once I realized there were never that many people around the place.” – CME360

“When it's dark out, I don't bother putting my clothes on when I go for a drive. I roll down the windows and feel the wind on my whole body.” – Hadakari

“I decided to go for a drive naked. It was about three am. I walked out to my car completely nude. I did put some clothes in the back seat. I then started my car and drove through town, then got onto the freeway. The place I went to was two hundred miles away. When I pulled into the parking lot it was daylight . . . I then grabbed my clothes and put them on and walked into the restaurant and ordered my breakfast.” – Texad

The Question - To Cover Up or Not

2011-08-28T04:22:00.000-07:00

Here are interesting thoughts from two freehikers about covering up when encountering textiles on the trail. Does anyone else have advice about covering up?

Ken

Thoughts by Milt: Except when hiking in very remote and little-used areas, I usually carry a pair of shorts in my hand as I walk. When I get wind of textiles approaching, I turn around (since buttocks are seen as somehow less offensive than genitals) and quickly slip on my shorts. This is easy enough for me since I hike in sport sandals rather than heavy boots, but loose-fitting shorts should even work with boots. Most times when I'm hiking alone, I am fast enough that the approaching textiles don't realize that I was nude, but even if they do realize it, they don't react strongly and respond appropriately when I turn back around and give them a cheery hello. Whatever may have been "wrong" in their minds has been quickly "righted" and they are not terribly offended.

Recently, however, I went walking in the woods with no shorts or anything else, and unfortunately got lost and ended up out on a road where I encountered a woman walking her dog. I explained, as I asked for directions, that I was terribly lost and had intended to stay on private property, and apologized for any offense, but it seems not to have worked because she later called the police (according to a newspaper account of the police log). How I wish I had had my shorts in my hand that time.

Some naturists argue that one shouldn't rush to cover up when surprised by textiles because it implies that we were doing something wrong. In fact, according to the laws in most jurisdictions, and in the opinion of the vast majority of textiles, hiking nude is in fact "doing something wrong." Dressing quickly minimizes the sense on the part of the textiles that something is wrong or even sinister.

Sometimes the encounter happens so quickly that you can't put on shorts. Whether to scramble to cover up minimally at that point depends, for me, on whether there are children, older women, etc etc. It is a judgment call.

Lately I've been hiking with groups of naturists, several of whom are not prepared to dress quickly if approached by textiles. That changes the dynamic -- unless all get dressed, there seems no point in anyone getting dressed, and perhaps then it is best for all to brazen it out as though part of some unusual hiking club.

Lee's Thoughts: I have managed to avoid nearly all encounters entirely in recent years, and very much by design, but remarkably I did have one a couple of weeks ago. It was on a trail that I've considered "safe", sufficiently safe that I've taken groups there. . . I was walking along carrying my wrap . . . and was rounding a corner in a very shaded/dark canyon bend in the trail. As I looked forward I thought I saw something that seemed out of place, but I couldn't see it well enough to identify it. Once I got probably within about 10 feet that "something" said "hi". Since I couldn't see much, or gauge reaction, I decided to stop and put my wrap on (presumably right in front of whoever it was). As I walked toward them and into the shadow, I realized it was an older guy (Dad, I'd guess) and two young boys (sons I'd guess). I followed my philosophy of making the best of it and greeted them warmly after putting on my wrap and walking right by them, and to which Dad (presumably) responded quite warmly. One of the sons (presumably) was laughing. Still, I just went with it. I worry about the legal ramifications, but I'm surely not embarrassed by it. I think stopping like that and putting on the wrap sends the message that I'm both not there to shock them and I'm also not scared of my own naked shadow. Hopefully that gets realized. There usually isn't a lot of time to try to make a positive out of the encounters. I carried on my way and hoped they wouldn't get my license plate (which given everything, they might could have, but I have no idea what direction they were even going on the trail, since they were just laying down in the shade on the side of it). Nothing came of it, so I guess it ended okay. In fact, I'd say considering, that "Dad" seemed surprisingly unbothered.

A Good Way To Spread Freehiking

2011-08-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

Isn't the power of example interesting. Perhaps if more of us were less concerned about being seen freehikng, others would join in as shown by the following example. Has anyone else been able to share freehiking by being seen?

Ken

“I saw a guy hiking nude a couple weeks ago on a popular trail here in Altadena, California which I regularly frequent. I was hiking back down close to evening on a weekday and saw a nude hiker and said "Hey buddy I've been thinking of trying that myself" but kept walking because for some reason I was a little shy. But it was the truth I had been reading about it and wanting to try it for months now. So the very next day I hiked about halfway up the trail and disrobed. Just my luck less than probably a minute after I started walking again two young couples are coming down the trail at me. I was thinking uh oh but kept my cool and one of the girls giggled a little but the guys didn't look really thrilled about it. I said hello and moved on and came across another couple with much the same reaction. So I have gone naked hiking on the same trail like three times since last week all during the week mid-afternoon to evening. . . the only way to change people's opinions of doing this is for textile hikers to see it more often and I agree. I will go out of my way to avoid families and weekend hikers though.” - NaturalHikingDude

Would you pose for a nude portrait?

2011-08-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

I did at 45... and it was one of the unexpectedly liberating experience of my life

By Kate Battersby

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2030222/Would-pose-nude-portrait-I-did-45--unexpectedly-liberating-experience-life.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

(Perhaps this is a way to help introduce a reluctant spouse to naturism? - Ken)

Alan seemed a pleasant enough chap. I had known him for precisely 25 minutes when I took all my clothes off in his house and stood in front of him entirely naked. He gazed at my body in frank assessment . . . Before you dismiss me as a shameless hussy, let me assure you it really isn’t what you think — I am about to become one of an increasing number of women who pose for a nude portrait.

. . . when I was 45 . . . when I decided to have myself painted nude. The idea of a regular portrait had appealed to me for a long time . . . To see ourselves as others see us — I loved that idea. Moreover, I had just spent two years losing four stone. For the first time in a decade I felt confident — joyous, even — about how I looked and I figured that pretty soon everything would be heading south. I had always thought that nudes were beautiful and I was feeling about as near to beautiful as I was ever likely to. Above all, I knew that my readiness to be painted nude had a lot to do with the mental freedom of being in my 40s. In my 20s I could never have contemplated the idea, so lacking in confidence was I, even though I now realize that I looked as good as anybody my age. Women are all too good at finding reasons to loathe their bodies. It seemed to me that having my portrait painted nude wasn’t about raving narcissism but more a case of making peace with my physical self.

Artist Cloe Cloherty says . . . ‘Everyone I’ve painted nude — mostly women, but a few men — has said it’s a completely positive experience . . .’ These aren’t people with Hollywood bodies, but they find affirmation in the process and the result. ‘For example, I was commissioned to paint a woman nude because her husband had died the year before. She did it in a sense of renewal.’

Fellow artist Sam Story agrees: ‘It’s definitely a rising trend, and most of the nudes I do are women in their 40s. It’s never about narcissism. Some clients don’t like how they look in clothes, but love the results when they see a portrait of themselves nude.’

. . . I chose an artist by going to a big art fair, where I liked the watercolours and charcoal drawings of Alan White. . . His only concern was to reassure me. All I needed to do was bring a robe, and not be nervous. . . That isn’t quite how it was for me. For one thing, I spent hours beforehand on hair, make-up, nails, and even tanning, even though I knew the style of Alan’s work meant that none of these details would matter. It lent me an armour of pretend poise . . . Some people are so nervous they turn away at the front door, apparently. Others, according to Alan, decide not to go ahead when a partner vetoes the idea. At least I turned up.

His wife Judy was there . . . I was directed into a room where I changed into my robe, and went into Alan’s studio . . . Alan smiled encouragingly. ‘Shall we start then?’ he suggested. . . ‘Do I take my robe off?’ I asked . . . Alan smiled again. ‘That would be best,’ he advised. Yes, I thought. Get on with it. I looked at the ceiling. I looked at the floor. I took a deep breath, then I took my robe off. The sky didn’t fall in. The world kept turning.

Alan asked me to stand with my back to him, my face in profile. Within one minute, I realized that the difficult part in all this wasn’t being stark naked, but keeping still — really still, for almost any length of time. When you can’t shift your weight gently from foot-to-foot, your muscles start to seize up bizarrely quickly. . . After 15 minutes, he told me to relax. I put my robe on again and went to look at the results. There I was, on paper in charcoal. I loved it. Alan . . . worked on some details for five or ten minutes while I had a rest, and then I posed for another portrait. This time when I dropped my robe it wasn’t quite with Samantha-esque nonchalance, but the nerves were gone . . .

Self-consciousness about perceived imperfections is, of course, the female norm and something nude portrait painters are very familiar with and expert at addressing . . . in [Sam] Story’s experience, some of her subjects choose to celebrate their bodies in a way that puts to shame my own pathetic concern about a bit of tummy flab. ‘I have painted women nude who are post-operative breast cancer sufferers,’ she says. ‘They want to be painted as they are, not as they were, to find new beauty in themselves.’

. . . Lorraine Price, a company secretary . . . was far from confident about herself when she commissioned Story to paint her nude at the age of 46. ‘I used to be a size eight and now that I’ve had three children I’m a 14 . . . It wasn’t a lifelong ambition to be painted nude, but a girlfriend had it done and I liked it, so I went ahead and I loved the result. It made me think about myself differently. It’s a large canvas in oils, perhaps three foot by five foot. The picture hangs in the family room at home, where my friends see it and my son’s friends also. You can’t tell at a glance that it’s me, but if anyone asks I always say. ‘My son was 14 when I had it done and he’s cool with it.’

As for me . . . Two hang on my bedroom wall at any one time. Those who see them are usually startled, always intrigued, and never negative. . . Personally, I didn’t have the pictures done for anyone else to say anything. They were, and still are, about me and for me. And I couldn’t be happier.

Montana Freehiking Encounter & Lesson

2011-08-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

I've also learned this same lesson about not over-reacting when encountering others while freehiking. How about you?

Ken

“We strapped on our water-packs and headlamps for a night hike. The moon was rising bright as we walked down the road chatting. We hadn’t gotten too far when we realized there was a silver truck behind us about 200 feet on the sharp turn of the road. We scattered like naked chickens looking for cover with no good hiding place. The woman passed with her hand to the side of her face to block the view this naked man who inadvertently was moving in her direction. After the disruption of our peaceful walk, the conversation turned to the appearance of the truck. We decide that we should have just moved the road a bit and waited for them to pass. The run and hide act was a clear statement of being in the wrong. . . By the time we reached the valley meadow it was night. . . We lost the trail so we turned back hiking up the somewhat steep mountain slope. Never once turning our lamps on to see the trail, because of the bright clear moon light. It was a glorious clear starry night. Once back at camp we sat for a while and talked while looking at the stars until it got too cold. . . My flight response is quite strong and I don't like encountering automobiles when I'm nude because I can't communicate with the passengers, nor can I discern anything about the age and gender of the occupants. So, when we were surprised by a pickup stealthily rounding the bend in the road behind us, we both took off into the woods like frightened deer. It was, we quickly discovered, a quite stupid move as there were no trees or underbrush to hide our naked bodies - at least nothing nearby. We must of looked comical to the driver as we scrambled for cover, but judging from the hand she held to the side of her face, she didn't find much humor in the situation. Oh, well....there was a valuable lesson in the encounter for us hikers. Next time, we decided, we'd step to the side of the road, continue walking, and give a polite nod and brief wave as the auto passes - just as if walking along the road in the nude is the most natural thing in the world - because, really, it is.” - Beltcreek

East Kansas – The Perfect Skinny Road Trip

2011-08-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

PJ and I enjoyed a wonderful, nearly perfect Skinny Road Trip through east Kansas, visiting two naturist parks along the way. We started from the Kansas City area where we were working, and headed South on the 35. After a ½ hour or so we branched onto the 59, a pleasant two-lane highway that follows the old Santa Fe Trail route, passing through the green hills and fields of this beautiful area – perfect from nude driving.

We stopped at a stained-glass shop along 59 and talked with the artist – interesting guy – beautiful stained glass and unique windmills.

Eventually we reached the 75 South and continued into Lyndon, KS for a delicious hamburger at the Smoke Shack BBQ (very reasonable prices).

It was a short four miles to Prairie Haven (http://prairiehaven.org/), a smaller 30 acre resort. Calling ahead is required because the office is often unattended. Our visit started with a guided golf-cart tour. We sunbathed, showered, and soaked in the relaxing pool for about an hour, talking with several members. (We found this resort very friendly.) Then we took our own walking tour, noticing the well-kept lots/trailers/decks. We had a very pleasant walk along their short-wooded nature trail. We met and talked with a very nice couple about the resort, and enjoyed watching radio-controlled cars running the resort’s track (something we’ve not seen at a naturist venue before).

We returned to the pool for one last soak. A group of ladies doing water exercises invited us to join in, but we declined explaining we just wanted to soak for a few more minutes before heading down the road. The water on our naked bodies was especially nice after working up a sweat on our walking tour of this small, but highly recommended resort. (See a few photos at http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/prairehaven).

We then drove north on the 75 for about a half hour and stopped at Lake Edun (http://www.lakeedun.com/). This wonderful naturist paradise in Topeka, KS is a must visit for those wanting to commune with nature the way God intended. Only one other car was parked in the gravel parking lot. We walked down the well-groomed trail through the trees to the small shed where we registered, made a donation, and lockered our clothes.

At the first boat docking area we met and talked with the only other visitor – a local man, fairly new to naturism. We explained that we were making a short visit, and headed off around the picturesque lake. Lake Edun’s well-groomed, tree-covered trails wind all the way around Lake Edun, making for a relaxing and private nude hike. (This would be a great place to introduce someone to the feeling of being naked outdoors.) Several canoes were available, but we didn’t take the time to use one – next visit for sure. We took several photos along the way (see http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/lakeedun). We dressed again on returning to the shed to walk back to our car (a club requirement), leaving paradise as a sign on the path out said. There is no naturist paradise quite like Lake Eden – with all the local political pressure we hope it can remain just like it is.

Soon we were skinny driving again back on the 70 towards the Kansas City area. (Nude driving is such a refreshing way to travel, especially if one is hot and sweaty from a naked hike.) We covered up only briefly with towels as we passed through two toll booths on the turnpike, but had no concerns. Too soon we arrived at our destination in the “real” world where clothing was again required, the end to a perfect Skinny Road Trip.

If you live in the Kansas City area and haven’t taken this Skinny Road Trip, you’ve truly missing a wonderful experience.

Anyone else have a Skinny Trip Report to share?

Ken

Oaklake Trails

2011-08-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

PJ and I stopped overnight at Oaklake Trails (http://www.oaklaketrails.com/OLT/Welcome.html) on our trip from Little Rock, AR to Phoenix, AZ. We found that this wonderful resort has all the amenities – entrance house, rental units (nicely kept), clubhouse, pool, spa, picnic facility, children’s play area, and even a full-size, four-hole golf course. The resort is situated on top of a high hill, providing the well-kept permanent residences with gorgeous views of the surrounding, tree-covered countryside. We enjoyed a nice soak in the pool (though the visitors that day were not as friendly as we normally experience), and enjoyed a fine walking tour. We especially liked the extensive hiking trails that wind through mature trees past pretty lakes. The trails are certainly one of the best aspects of this beautiful wooded resort. Interestingly, a sign near the gate announces that this resort had been selected by the local Chamber of Commerce as the Business of the Month. We agree. Except for the high humidity (and probably cold winters) we would certainly consider this resort as a great place to live free as God intended.

Here are a few photos from our visit: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/oaklake.

Ken

Home Nudists Even On Sunday

2011-08-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

I've found Sunday a great day to be a home nudist - how about you?

Ken

“Sundays are usually my "naked day". I try not to plan doing anything, so I try to stay undressed the whole day. This past weekend, I didn't put a stitch on all day, not even my wrap around. Felt great.” – Nude M

“I feel great after a day of being nude. Now that we're "empty nesters" I spend more time nude. When I get home the clothes come off and if I'm lucky enough to not have to run errands I don't get dressed until the next time I work. Living nude makes me more comfortable and relaxed.” - Papanudist

“I am Earl M, a home nudist for several years. I became a home nudist by accident, installing a ceiling fan one very hot summer day. Disrobing helped me cope with the heat.” – Earl M.

“Having been raised in a household that was very casual about nudity, I too, wonder at some that 'require' even young children to hide in the bathroom to dress/undress. Unless you live in a glass house, downtown, in a city of prudes, there should be no reason to wear textiles at home. My daughter put it very succinctly when she stated (at age 5) "Boys peedle, girls potty, and everybody poops!" Not that it can't be fun to dress up in a costume (read this ANY clothing) to go somewhere, but we were born naked, and no one should be ashamed of that, especially in their own home.” - Rick

“I believe that home nudism is the most popular of the [nudist] life style, and the most accepted by the generally non-supportive spouse." - Doug R

“I am also naked indoors at home most of the time. I enjoy the freedom and comfort it gives me. I seem to be doing a lot less laundry since I started that habit!” - Jaimee

Are You a Home Nudist Too?

2011-08-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

PJ and I are home nudists, as are the following people. Are you a home nudist too?

Ken

“I have never liked clothes. When I do go clothes shopping it takes me hours. I just don't like them. When I get home from work the clothes come off. I love the feel of my naked body against the nice crisp clean sheets and the air coming in through the window onto my naked skin. We live out in the middle of nowhere and we have warned the ranchers in the area that if we are outside when they come up to yell so we can get something on if we are out in the back pasture. My husband shares this with me. We will run around the farm all day long in the nude. We have a pond we are trying to get started and I can't wait to go skinny dipping. Going out into the rain in the nude is great too. The human body is so beautiful I don't know why any of us have to wear clothes anyway.” – Rondat (woman)

“I too love to relax without clothes and often do. I own a house and have deemed it a clothing optional place. Everyone is welcome to dress or undress to their comfort. We mostly relax, talk, watch TV without wearing clothes. It is too bad society prevents this. I believe if nudity was legal, people would have much less hang ups.” - Nudydude

“I’ve hated clothes since my teenage years and that’s a while back (40 years!). I regularly go walking in our lovely countryside shoes only (and sometimes barefoot too!), and am nude at home - can't see any logic in wearing clothes indoors.” – Naturistmike

“I have been a closet nudist since I was a teenager. I slept in the nude and when I got home from school. If I was alone, I would spend my after school hours completely naked while I did my homework, read or worked on my hobbies. I continue to shed my clothes the minute I get home.” – Laidbacknudist

“I walk around the house naked. I sleep naked. If I could I would go to school naked . . . I'm mad that guys can walk around shirtless, but us females have to suffer. I'm hittin those nude beaches every day! I mean we came in this world naked right; well I want to be buried naked, even if I am an old saggy wrinkly old old old lady.” – Princesschanel

Nude Diving is Comfortable

2011-08-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

Like the following people, I also find nude driving more comfortable. How about you?

Krn

“Last year my wife and I spent a week at PennMar, which has a MD address but is physically in PA. When we left there we drove to White Thorn which is located west of Pittsburg. I drove the distance of about 250 miles naked. It was in the daytime and we were in a 27 foot motor home which is the height of a truck. I put my towel wrap, which has a velcro waist snap, on the seat so that if necessary I could close it. Only once when going through a toll booth did I feel it necessary to cover up. Actually I was high enough so that the lady in the booth could not see into the vehicle. It was fun to get out at White Thorn properly dressed for the resort.” – Camera

“I have driven nude several times to the local park where I play soccer and tennis. I find that it is a lot more comfortable. I have never been pulled over by the police, however, I am lot more conscious about my speed and driving carefully when I am nude, so as not to get pulled over. I also happen to have a black car with tinted windows that are very dark, I'm not sure I would be comfortable doing it any other car.” – Jack4611

“Drove north up the eastern side of CO nude. Not much around and not much traffic. It was enjoyable and helped keep down the boredom.” - Knude

“On my recent trip up to Vermont for a week long naturist vacation, I drove in the nude both ways, except for the first few miles [on] the eight lane commuter road that encircles Boston - too much traffic there that requires my full attention - a distance of around 200 miles each way. Most definitely, a pleasant way to spend the miles and get into the mood for not needing any clothes for a week spent with five other like-minded folk. . . it is difficult, while approaching another vehicle, to observe with any detail . . . Only when one is directly alongside, and generally only from a very tall cab like that of an 18 wheeler tractor, and then most likely for only a fleeting moment if the angles are exactly right, is it possible to see into the laps of occupants of a normal hardtop vehicle. And most travelers probably don't make a practice of scrutinizing the interior of passing vehicles . . . So for us guys, not too much of a problem from a practical everyday standpoint. Perhaps a bit different for the women, but probably not insurmountable. Anyway, I was comfortable and the drive was uneventful.” - FreewalkerMA

“Just returned from a vacation where I drove approximately 470 miles each way to and from my destination naked. I only pulled shorts up/on for rest stops and refueling. On the way to my destination, I was surprised as I think I was passed by another naked driver. I saw him appear to reach for a cover-up as he passed me, but he was definitely shirtless like I was. A combination of traffic and a bad storm prevented me from verifying that he was also naked, but I am fairly sure he was. It was fun to have run across a like-minded driver. Had no other encounters or incidents on either leg of the trip and it made the long drive a little more enjoyable.” - NBD

“After we packed the van at the club in Idaho, we headed back into WA state. Being that I had been nude for the past 8 days, the last thing I wanted to do was get dressed. So I didn't bother. The several hour drive from N. Idaho into central WA was great. The only time I got my shorts and T-shirt on was when we stopped for fuel and lunch in WA. Finally put shorts back on when we were just about to enter the campground in WA which was textile. Felt good to drive in the warm air nude, as it always does.” – Fuzzybare

Hot Springs, AR

2011-08-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

The last week of July 2011, PJ and I took the 45 minute drive from our work location in Little Rock to visit Hot Springs, AR - a totally unique, turn of the century town – now a National Park. The town felt old – it was. Tourist shops lined the west side of the old main street. Six or so old bath houses lined the east side, set against beautifully wooded hills.

The largest bath house is now maintained as a museum by the Park Service. It demonstrates an amazing array of old-style bathhouse facilities.

It was so unique we decided we had to “take the bath”. Two of the bathhouses were still operating. We decided to visit the less expensive Buckstaff. We paid our $30 each fee and entered our separate bath areas (the male and female areas are separate).

Attendants led me to a stall to undress. I was given a sheet wrap that I soon found unnecessary, and was led to a large porcelain tub just filled with hot water. An old fashioned motor (it looked a lot like a outboard trolling motor) created a relaxing whirlpool effect. After about 20 minutes the attendant scrubbed and rinsed me, and led me to a sitz bath where I soaked my bottom for about 10 minutes.

I was then led to an extremely hot steam room for about two minutes (all I could stand), and then wrapped in hot towels on a padded table for another 10 minutes.

Finally, I was led to a cool-down room where I enjoyed a nude time relaxing on a comfortable padded lounge, before returning to the stall to again dress, and to return to the lobby to meet PJ who had had a very similar experience.

The bathhouses had been very popular from the late 1880 to the early 1920s - yearly attendance was nearly 68,000 baths. Now they are hardly used at all. At least part of the reason is that people today are frightened of nakedness – even in a bathhouse. I was talking about our experience with a female Manager and she was amazed that we got naked to take a somewhat public bath. I explained that it was a bath – didn’t she bath naked? Crazy!

While not a real naturist experience, we highly recommend “taking the baths” when visiting Hot Springs, AR. It was by far the best part of our visit.

Here are our photos: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/hotspringsar

Here is a link to more information about Hot Springs, AR: (http://www.hot.springs.national-park.com, http://www.buckstaffbaths.com)

Always More Nude Drivers

2011-08-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

"I try to drive naked as often as I can in the warm weather. Living in New England the seasons do limit you somewhat. But when I do drive naked I have found that no one really even looks at you for the most part. I don't think people can see you inside. I have a smaller SUV, but there are many more vehicles higher than mine, especially big trucks. It's a great feeling of freedom." - Dalancino

"I love driving naked! . . . I visit Blacks Beach during the summer and after spending the day naked I can’t help not driving home naked. I sit on a beach towel just in case I have to cover up. It's a two hour drive back home and I also have to pass through the Border Patrol check point. I figure if I was to be stopped. I'll just warp the towel around me and explain that I just spent the day at the beach and didn’t want to drive home in a wet swim suite!" – Rudedog

"I went down to New York today and on my way back, right after I passed back over the border into Canada, I pulled off on a side road in the country, got out of my truck and stripped down naked right in the road, and drove all the way home like that. It felt awesome. Sun was shining brightly. When I was off the highway, I had the windows down too to enjoy the fresh air." - Always Naked

"One time I was driving naked in a VW with a sun roof. I was stopped at a stop light when a trucker pulled up beside me. He could look directly down from his cab through my sun roof. He laughed and told me I looked pretty comfortable. Usually I have a towel on the seat beside me, but hadn't expected a situation like this. I just laughed and said, 'yep.'" - BobBare

"Last summer I was doing the bi-weekly commute from the Willamette valley to Fresno. That piece of I-5 thru the Central Valley can get HOT! Then my A/C failed. Nothing to do but roll down the windows and strip off. And who ever heard of getting arrested in California for being nude? After that it became the routine for the trip and as I usually arrived after dark I never bothered to dress when walking into my apartment either." - Rancid

"Well, got my first naked driving in for the year. Since it was wet outside this morning, I took the truck to work . . . since it was warm out I decided to do it au-naturel. Grabbed some clothes & shoes, along with my lunch, and I jumped in the car. I drove the speed limit & made sure to come to complete stops everywhere, just to avoid getting pulled over for some stupid reason. . . at work we have to park a bit away and take a shuttle bus in. Since I was naked, I pulled into the far end corner of the parking lot so I could get dressed first. This of course adds time onto my trip home, since I have to go all the way to the back corner, but worth it for the drive in." - RoofTop

Guido's Naked Triathlon

2011-08-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

"I had the opportunity to get away for a nice 'Naked Triathlon' on Tueaday, the triathlon consisting of driving, hiking, and biking in the buff. . . Pulled out of the driveway and took off my pants before I got to the freeway. Drove naked all the way up to the mountain, where I had to wear pants for a few minutes . . . Then I crossed the street to start my hike, and the pants came off again soon thereafter. . . I ran into a hiking couple. We were all startled because we met at a bend in the trail where we could not see or hear each other beforehand. They didn't say anything. An hour or so later, another group of three came my way, so they also got to see some 'wildlife'. They said hi and continued, and so did I. . .

The trail then continues through the campground . . . where I had stashed my bike. I packed all my clothes into the backpack and returned biking nude, a first for me. . . When I rode along the big lake, I stopped on a high spot to take a look around and enjoy the completely deserted area. But hey, what about those three folks across the lake from me that were starting at me? Well, I guess they saw some wildlife, too. . . I finally arrived at the car, naked the whole time, even on the county road. Packed up my bike and returned driving nude all the way to my driveway.

An afterthought: Different from all previous hikes, I wore a pair of small sports shorts rather than hiking shorts (much less fabric), so I was able to tuck the shorts under the hip belt of my backpack. That way they would be available quickly if I needed them. It turned out that, instead of making me feel more comfortable, this actually made me more paranoid about human encounters – just because I had access to the pants. The shorts are usually inside my backpack and thus more difficult to get to. And because it takes longer to retrieve the shorts from the pack, I usually can't do anything anyway when meeting people, so there's less reason to worry. Strange logic, but that's the way I feel about it. Will keep the shorts in the backpack next time." - Guidoh2

Pondarosa Resort Skinny Report

2011-08-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

July 2011 PJ and I visited the Pondarosa Family Nudist Resort not too far from our work location in Tyler, TX – once just visiting for a weekend morning/afternoon, and the second time staying overnight before traveling to our next assignment in Little Rock, AR.

Pondarosa in Wills Point, just east of Dallas, TX (http://www.pondarosaresort.com/), is a small resort on ten acres. We visited their wonderful clubhouse (one of the nicest we’ve ever seen) and soaked in the relaxing pool.

Our small cabin was very well kept and furnished. We enjoyed several naked walks around the grounds, appreciating the nicely maintained residences.

During our weekend visit we enjoyed soaking and visiting with 26 new naturist friends (12 women). During the week it was naturally quieter, but we still enjoyed soaking and talking with a resident couple. Everyone we met was open and friendly.

We highly recommend this small resort. It is an ideal first-timer resort.

Here are a few photos from our visit: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/ponderosa

Simple Things - Driving Nude

2011-08-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

“I support the philosophy that, as naturists, we should promote, educate and participate in our lifestyle and be nude wherever and whenever possible. That's why I also drive nude 90% of the time. We are currently on vacation and I have been driving nude most everywhere. There have been a couple times, on this trip, that I have had to wear clothes the entire time, such as, driving from our hotel room to the restaurant for dinner. But anytime I can wear something that is easily slipped on and off, I'm driving naked most of the time. . . it's just who I am and how I prefer to be - all of the time! . . . believe 100% in your lifestyle and it's unharmful nature . . . doing simple things, like driving nude . . . [shows] who we are and what we do every day as a normal way of life.” - FP

British Nude Driver

2011-08-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

“I’m a nudist and have been for as long as I can remember, and as a nudist I love driving in the nude whenever I can, and as my job is driving I drive naked quite a lot during the summer . . . I'd just keep something handy to cover me in slow moving town traffic. Last summer I drove to the south of France for a holiday at a nude camp site, I couldn’t stay naked on the ferry between Britain and France but I could at least drive to and from the ferry in the nude, and did just that. . . It was mid-afternoon when I pulled into the quiet filling station . . . I stopped for the night in a quiet layby and managed to have a meal and a hot drink at the open boot of my car in the nude, I then opened up my sleeping bag and lowered the front passenger seat and settled down for the night. Early the next morning I went to the boot again and made myself a hot coffee still naked and drank it before filling a flask and setting off to complete my journey, arriving at the campsite mid-morning, as this was a nude campsite there was no problem checking in naked and I spent the next two weeks enjoying the sun at the site and the nearby beach completely naked.” - Barearse

Nude Diving - An Obligation

2011-08-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

Nude driving feels wonderful, both physically and mentally. But nude driving is much more than just feeling good. Whenever possible, I drive nude because I feel obligated to do so. Why? Because I am a naturist.

Naturists believe that the body as God created it is good, not something of which to be ashamed. Clothes are unnecessary distractions. Naturist practice normalizes the body physically, mentally, and spiritually, so it’s very healthy. Beside naturism is fun and relaxing.

Of course, so as not to infringe on others, PJ and I turned our car into a traveling nudist resort - installing window coverings and having cover-ups close at hand to keep people from looking and being shocked by our naturalness. We're naturists, not exhibitionists after all.

So recently I drove nude from Little Rock to Rogers, AR, and also from Tulsa, OK, to Phoenix, AZ. As a naturist I felt obligated to do so - just one more aspect of being true to my beliefs about living life as it ought to be lived. But it was of course much more than an obligation. It felt wonderful.

Ken

Lots of Nude Drivers

2011-08-05T04:16:00.000-07:00

Do you get the feeling that nearly everyone wants to drive nude? I at least wish it were so. Here are even more people who love the experience.

Ken

“I drove 348 miles naked. When I had to stop for gas my girlfriend put her clothes back on and I just put a towel over me till we left. When we got home I just wrapped the towel around me till I got in the apartment. It sure was fun and relaxing.” – Thifes

“I have driven nude several times (at least once a week). It really feels great to not have any constrictions except for a seatbelt. When I drive nude I am much more aware of my surroundings!! I love the feeling!!!!” – Txpopi

“I love driving naked whenever I can, although I am being very careful, there are lots of 4-wheel drivers, trucks etc., and they can all look down on you! But the feeling is sensational, I just love it. I always keep a towel handy . . . But when you are on the open road or on a highway, there is nothing better!” - Peter

“I got the late night munchies so I ran out to McDonalds. On the way back I was driving down the two lane road with no cars so I slipped off the shorts. It was nice to drive in the cool night air in the buff” – Jasonbb

“I enjoyed a 2 hour skinny road trip today, only dressed for about 5 minutes to walk in and get parts for truck. then removed clothes again for return trip. Slid a shirt over my lap when a officer was directing traffic on the Yellow line at a construction sight. I believe he had more things to worry about than me at the moment. With traffic, 95 degrees outside and sweating like, might I say "a pig" little ole me staying cool was not on his list of priorities.” – NudistJohn

Anyone else enjoyed driving nude this summer?

2011-08-03T02:44:00.000-07:00

“Driving naked need not have anything to do exhibitionism. I've driven naked in the past and very rarely, if ever, can anyone see that you are naked or bothers to look. Most drivers are paying more attention to the road or their cell phone. I've taken a towel with me to cover when I feel like a truck passing on the left might be able to see me. Anymore, I just don't see the point.” - Roger

“I recently drove nude from Heber to Las Vegas. Unfortunately I was alone but it was still very enjoyable. I kept a pair of shorts and a T on the seat beside me just in case, and for the two stops I made along the way I stopped short of the gas stations and got dressed. I highly recommend the experience to others.” - BB

“You know you were right about people not noticing another person in another car. Most times it’s a glance and then Back to driving. I've been driving for a few years now with nothing on - going to and from work. It is the most aware time I have in my hectic day. I keep something to cover up But I do things to make it so that happens less often - always find roads less used - two lanes are preferable. If you need to go on a wider road, stay in the outside lane. Always wear a seatbelt. Maintain your speed to the speed limit. Be courteous of others. When you’re not making a scene, and drawing attention to yourself, the law and others leave you alone to go about your business. I’m lucky in that I have a truck. I sit up higher than most. It has a fold down middle console so when I don’t want others seeing in, I put it down. I’ve driven in big cities, busy cities, on the freeway, etc. As long as I am aware of others. I've had no problems. I feel that Naturists have a responsibility to be aware of others.” - Kevin.

“My friend Kelly lives less than a mile from me. She will drive over here nude. Last year, She would drive home wearing just a towel. Toward the end of last summer, she would just drive nude. Since the weather has been warm, we are able to sunbathe. She now just drives over nude. She does have a cover-up just in case. They built a pool at her house, so later today I will drive over to her house nude too.” - MidGANudist (Woman)

“I've driven in a car for 30+ miles bottomless while my wife sitting next to me was completely nude as was her older sister in the back seat. When we got home we all got out and very casually walked inside our house after chatting for a bit outside in the front yard (it was mostly dark out) without even covering up and of course we stayed nude once inside. Driving nude, either partially or completely, is awesome!“ – EP User

“I lived in PA and worked in NY City for 3 years. At first I took the bus everyday but when the company gave me a car I would drive. With traffic it would take almost 3 hours going home. I am a nudist and decided why not drive nude. I started to disrobe as the sun set and would drive nude most nights. I always wondered if anyone knew but since I only did that at night then I guess not. I have driven nude during the day since but not from NY.” – NakedMarine

Whatever Happened to Tolerance?

2011-08-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

“. . . why is it that certain people, who might refer to themselves as tolerant, bridle and dig in their heels the second I appear in the nude around them? Why can’t they tolerate, in the spirit of coexistence, the simple fact of my naked body, a body that they possess? I’m not asking them to accept my public nudity, or agree with my naturist philosophy, I’m just asking them to tolerate my nudity, within certain boundaries. What boundaries? I shouldn’t masturbate in front of them, try to coax them to have sex with me, or have sex with their partner, stand with my buttocks in their faces, or provide them a close-up view of my genitalia. Those are the boundaries I mean. Does all of the above sound reasonable? It should, because we tolerate many things, throughout the course of every day. . . why is the sight of a naked human being such a problem? . . . to say that a nude person is engaged in the sex act, or is likely to engage in the sex act, is to say that someone is eating, or likely to engage in eating, just because we see his or her mouth! . . . I find an instantly adverse reaction to nudity puzzling. To be fair, most people tolerate nudity in many instances. They may be amused, or shocked (pleasantly), or annoyed, but it never occurs to them to call in the police. . . it’s usually one or two who make the most fuss. Why then, do the police shut down the nudist activity, especially when the majority doesn’t have a problem with it? In other instances, one or two complaints don’t constitute legal enforcement or an infringement, so why is nudity an exception? . . . all nudists have ever asked of the society around them, is tolerance. . . Yet, in the past, police raided nudist parks and camps, where nudists practiced their preference behind fences! How can this be, in a society that is supposedly free? . . . All the inflamed hysteria over simple nudity only serves to foment more inflamed hysteria. . . if we just let naturists/nudists alone, nudity will soon become a non-issue. And we’ll find that so many of the side issues—prurience, unbridled lust, inappropriate behavior and pornography—will proportionately lessen as well. . . I hope I live to see this kind of tolerance happen.” – Tom Pine

Me too. Anyone else agree? Ken

A Dream of Freedom

2011-07-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

I totally agree with this thought from Danielle, and intend to act on her suggestion. Anyone else on board?

Ken

“The only way some of us will ever live in what we consider to be a perfect world is if those of us who promote nonsexual nudism keep spreading the word that there is no reason that we should ever, ever, ever, ever, ever be ashamed of our bodies, and what God gave us! . . . I feel like maybe if I say it enough times, the right person will hear it or see it, and help me and all the other nudists around the world take action. Let's try taking our clothes off for something other than sexual activity! . . . when you're a nudist, living in a society with a whole bunch of people who were trapped in the textile world, explaining to them the freedom and liberation that comes along with being a nudist can seem pretty daunting . . . The solution is going to require all of the nudists around the world to band together and fight for what we believe . . . It's my hope that one day when I get ready to have kids I'll be able to tell them that they don't have to wear clothes if they don't want to, and they will still be accepted and loved by society just as everyone else is. . . will that happen in my lifetime? Maybe, maybe not. Who knows. I can tell you one thing for sure though. We've got to start somewhere. . . I truly believe that if we fight long enough and hard enough for what we truly believe, we just may see a change. If we don't fight, and we just accept that this is the way a society is, will we ever know whether it could have been different?” - Danielle

Even More Nude Drivers

2011-07-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

“Saturday I drove 1.5 hours to Cherokee Lodge in Crossville, TN. It was my third time visiting so I was familiar with the place. Nice time there, got some work done on the laptop, went in the pool, laid out just a little bit, had a walk. Good time. Decided to drive home nude on the interstate. FIRST TIME ever doing this on the interstate. Figured no one could see as cars were only passing me and my windows are tinted. Drove this way for 60 miles when I look up and suddenly see what appears to be a cop car behind me. I freak out thinking someone saw me naked and called police. Luckily, the car passed me and it was a fire station car (car for fire dept.). Continued driving until I got into heavy traffic and I slipped my clothes on. “ – Jozimmer

“I have often driven naked. Since we are in the midst of a heat wave I have had a couple of opportunities to drive naked recently. I have an old two seater rag top and last night I was craving a twilight drive to cool down. I had a wrap at the ready and as I headed out of town, I rounded a corner and there were some people on the side walk. One of the individuals started jumping up and down. It seemed like he was trying to get a look in the car at my lap. I'm sure I past too quickly, but it made me think, that person actually thought I might be naked!” – Eddie

“We'll have a short SRT starting tomorrow. We are visiting friends and will do some naked driving while going to their home. It's a couple hours away but it's better than nothing and I love to drive naked for extended periods of time! That's why I'm looking forward to our trip up to NorCal after this short drive. 5 hour minimum naked drives with stops in between to enjoy a little leg stretch, au naturel, is what I'm talkin' bout!” - FireProf

“My used Jeep Wrangler came with after-market tinted side windows which makes it more difficult for fellow motorists to peer into my vehicle. Combined with the higher profile, I can drive comfortably and confidently nude. It doesn't have air-conditioning, so being naked inside is a bit of a survival necessity on these hot summer afternoons. For the record, I always wear my seat belt; I feel vulnerable (i.e. 'naked') without it.” – Au Naturale

“I had to take a trip of considerable distance so I started to play a game of trying to see how many drivers were actually wearing seat belts. Opposing traffic moves so quickly that it was almost impossible to tell unless the seat belt contrasted with their clothing. So being that difficult I reasoned that I may as well lose the shorts so a quick pull over was in order. As usual the drive was much more pleasant as always when unencumbered by clothing! The conclusion for anyone who is contemplating a nude drive but is still unsure, it would seem that the only ones who could see you are next to you traveling the same direction in a vehicle that is quite a bit above yours. I even tried to look into other vehicles on this trip and only one little sports car was I able to see from my pickup truck. Let’s get naked and drive!” - Nudewalker

“Lately I have been picking my wife up at her job driving there and back nude. It is after dark and about 20 minutes away, feels good not having any clothes on while driving, more comfortable and relaxed.“ Nimrod

More Home Nudists

2011-07-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

Anyone else enjoy at-home nudism?

Ken

"I am naked almost all the time at home. Although the wife does not join me, she is fine when I do it. I am just really more comfortable. I do have to put shorts on when I work out in the yard. Such a shame especially on nicer days." - Behr

“My wife and I got a tai chi DVD as part of our new commitment to getting into better shape. We did not, however, invest in new workout clothes. We try to follow the workout three times a week and of course we do it nude.” – Glasgif

“I . . . am a nudist that gets naked at home because I really like getting nude at home. I don't go to nudist resorts because I don't have the time to go and I don't have any nudist friends to get naked with, so I just stay home and get naked.“ – Tampabaybucsfan

“For many years I have been interested in Nudism but as I do not have a partner with the same interests I practice nudism at home. It feels great - the freedom of no clothes, the air, and sun in moderation. Early sun is the best, but not for long. Doing everyday chores in the nude is a wonderful feeling. I always have a pair of shorts handy when the doorbell rings!” – Sorbent

“I love it when the sun shines and I can shed my clothes. I'm lucky to have a garden that as only one window overlooking it so can quite often sunbathe nude. I’m also lucky that my neighbor is totally ok with it, as I discovered a couple of summers back. I had my clothes off outside to catch some rays, music was playing and I was quite at peace with the world, I had my eyes closed when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Opening my eyes I was astonished to see my neighbor looking back at me, “Hi” she said “you look like you’re comfortable. Have you a bowl I could borrow”. I tried to cover up but she laughed at me telling me not to be so shy as she had no problem with my nudity. I stood up and quickly found the bowl she required, thinking she would want to leave, but no she asked if I was going to offer her a coffee, so we sat and chatted me naked her fully clothed. I told her I always had her down as a prude to which she replied although she would never get naked herself she could see no harm in other enjoying a nude lifestyle. . . We have now become close friends and she will often come for a chat on a hot summers day . . .” – Gibo1

“I . . . would have the house to myself when I got home from school and as soon as I got home all the clothes would come off. There was also an old gravel pit just outside the city, it had a wonderful man-made spring-fed lake . . . It was a great place to get naked and feel the warm summer breeze flowing over your skin. There is no better feeling than swimming nude, nothing digging into your skin, just total freedom. . . I keep my blinds closed so no one can see in . . . I think it is a great way to live and if you have never tried it, you should.” - JeffreyA

Home Nudists

2011-07-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

PJ and I love living nude at home - it's the best way to live for sure. When we're working, we drop our clothes as soon as we enter the apartment, and we sleep nude of course. Clothes are just plain uncomfortable. The only disadvantage of home nudism is the need to keep the blinds closed and the apartment dark. That's one reason it's so nice to get back to our home at Shangri La resort whenever our work assigments end, so the sun can shine in.

Ken

Here are a few other people who enjoy home nudism. Would anyone else like to report about living nude at home?

"We are naked so much, at home, that it actually feels strange to wear clothes here at home. . . We've gone on vacation and will check in to hotel room. Walk through the door and start stripping to settle in and unpack. I find I can't really think unless I'm naked!" - FireProf

"If I am at home I am nude, till the weather turns cold. I try to work from home one or two days a week which gives me a little more nude time." - Mokayaker

"Me and the family live nude at home almost all the time. If the kids make plans for friends to come over, obviously we all put something on. It isn't well known around the kids schools that we're nudists. Other than that, living in Southern Cal. does allow us to go nude year round. " - Cocalsonice (woman)

"During the warm days I do everthong in the nude. I would just wear a towel to get my mail. Once in the safety of my home off the clothes go. I water my lawn and do my yard work in the buff " - Cencali

"I work out of my home office so I am nude all the time. Most of my friends know I am a nudist so if they drop by it is no big deal. For those that just knock on my door there is a sign stating.."Nudist lives inside , enter at your own discretion"..if they come in great if not great.. " - TexasnNewd

"Living alone I'm nude all the time, I see no reason to ever wear anything in my own home. If I have company and they are not nudist I will dress but all are wlcome to get nude and relax and enjoy." - NudeAdam

"I'm naked 15 seconds after coming home. I work and do the pool area upkeep naked. Neighbors don't mind. Even the cleaning ladies don't mind. It's a great life. . . I'm nude nearly 100% of the time. I work at home and sit out by my pool naked most the day. If I go out my clothes come off the second I get in the house. I live with my wife and 14 year old. She's a school teacher and is naked at home but my son only swims naked. . . The house is on a golf course and so far (7 years) the golfers don't mind but a hedge blocks most of their view anyway. The neighbors, lawn treatment, and landscapers don't mind. I routinely stand talking to my neighbor while being naked. I am careful not to be seen in the front of the house though. . . But the deck and lanai are our sanctuary." - LarryB

"Always nude at home on my days off and in the mornings before I have to go out. Our property is bordered by mature trees and bushes so I can freely enjoy the backyard, the pool, and do yardwork in the buff also. " - BareNBoop

"I am nude 100% of the time at home. Well, maybe 99.99% because I do throw a dress on if someone comes to the door. I rarely get visitors, but when I do, I put something on to answer the door. " - Ages (woman)

"I'm retired and have a naturist friendly apt. I spend most of my time nude, sleep nude, do household chores nude, cook nude. I'm happy to say I spend days at a time without putting on a stitch. I hate clothes although sometimes I'm forced to wear them when I go out on errands which fortunately doesn't happen much. I find that clothes itch, bind and pinch and anymore I can't wait to get them off! . . . I live alone for now, and there's no regular job to report for and most of the work I do now is benchwork at home so nudity is a normal state of affairs for me. In fact I am so used to being nude most of the time, when I do have to go out I find wearing clothes almost unbearable and can't wait to get home and be myself again." - Uriel2

"I'm nude all the time I'm home. I have some non nudist friends who will come over. They know I'm always nude at home and they accept it. If someone that is not in our social circle, neighbor etc., I just go into my room while my wife will talk with them. The only time I get dressed is when I go out to work or take my wife shopping or some out door activities. " - Nudycg

"I get comfortable almost as I'm walking through our gate after work unless it's chilly out. I'm nude most of the time in the house. If I'm chilly, I find that if I put on slippers (dearfoams), I am warmer. If worse comes to worse, I put a robe over my shoulders. . . Today my husband asked if he could take a look in my car to find something that he's misplaced. I just handed him the keys. I can usually get away with going out to where I park the car as there is much foliage. " - Cheri

"As soon as I get home I like to get nude and stay that way as much as possible, since I live by myself I don't have to worry about offending anyone. I travel to make a living so I enter a hotel room, lock the door, and get naked. " - Lv2BNaked

"I am nude at home whenever I can be. In the morning after my shower I am nude until I have to get ready for work, and when I get home off comes the clothes, I plan on retiring next year and plan on being free all the time " - nvnudedude

"I am nude at home any chance I get . . . I have always slept nude as long as I remember. My clothes fall whenever we are alone and I roam freely in the house and back yard area which is bordered by woods and private. Nudity is a sure thing especially in the deck area, spa, and pool when we are alone. Clothes are off so much that I can immediately feel irritated by fabric all over when I wear clothes. My wife laughs about when we come home from somewhere, the clothes fall off entering the back door! " - Nudepops

"We are lucky enough to live in Florida and we have a private backyard with pool, jacuzzi, and all of the trimmings. We're always nude at home in in the yard unless some textile friends come over. (We always tell people to call first!) Many of our friends are nudists as well, and we enjoy nude home parties with them, either at our place or theirs." - Nudesuncpl

"We are a nudist family at home - the kids and all. We have some rules that have to be followed, but bottom line, some one is nude at our home always - its just however you feel. Sometimes every one is nude which for us is just a normal day." - sarw15

". . . we're nude all the time at home - inside and outside in our backyard. There are times when we have friends and family over and have to remain dressed but when it's just us or our immediate family, we are nude - most of the time. Our family (children/spouses and grandkids) are well aware of our lifestyle and have partaken in being nude here with us on a few occasions . . . It doesn't matter how long I am home, I strip off every second I can." - FireProf

"Since I started working from home 6 years ago I am naked pretty much 24/7. The only time I am dressed for any length of time is when my wife and I have non-nudist guest, which most of them are. My wife is a nudist too but doesn't stay naked as much as I do." - Nakedfiddler

"Whenever I come into the house the clothes come off. I have been this way for over 20 years, Even at the college family housing I would be nude in the apt. I am a big guy and do not like wearing clothes because they feel too constraining for my comfort overall." - Ladyhawkseagle

July's Been a Nude Month

2011-07-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

July has been a wonderfully naked month for me and PJ!

The first week we drove nude from Las Cruces, NM, where we had worked, to our new home at Shangri La Ranch in New River, AZ. Nude is the only way for a nudist to travel. We love the feeling. Along the way we noticed so many wonderful areas to stop for a picnic or freehike, but we were too concerned with continuing on to our destination, though we did stop to see the “thing”, so I guess this was just a nude drive, not a real Skinny Road Trip.

Over six days we worked 72 hours building our new nature park/trail at Shangri La. It was wonderful getting up early before the heat became oppressive, working together nude, and jumping in the pool on occasion to cool down and relax from the heat - paradise. The owner gave us a golf cart to haul things; PJ is painting it.

Saturday we attended the Canyon State Naturists pool party. Naked fun was had by all who attended. The local Phoenix area naturist community is very active. We discussed planning some freehikes and starting an egroup to help with communication.

By Wednesday, we were on the road again for work. We drove nude all the way from Phoenix to Odessa, TX where we stopped for the night before continuing on to our assignment in Tyler, TX.

This past Saturday we visited the Ponderosa resort in Wills Point, TX. It is a small resort on ten acres, but has a wonderful clubhouse (one of the nicest we’ve ever seen) and a pleasant pool. We enjoyed soaking and visiting with 26 new naturist friends (12 women). (Naturists are always the nicest, friendliest people.) We highly recommend this small resort.

We ate at several fun restaurants and went to see the new Harry Potter movie. My only regret is not making the trip to Ponderosa a full-blown Skinny Road Trip – oh well, next time for sure.

We’re back to work, unfortunately clothed, till the end of the month. I'll report on our continuing naturist adventures then.

Even More Nude Drivers

2011-07-17T03:46:00.000-07:00

“I have on several occasions done nude driving returning form my local nudist park- Most of it was via interstate and took about 50 minutes or so travel time. I just got into the car at the nudist park and drove home. I would keep a pair of shorts at my feet to slip on if I needed to-- So much fun!!!!” – Byron

“Have not taken a skinny road trip as such, but have driven nude on a number of occasions. They did all happen to be at night so the chance of being seen was very minimal, and they were on routes that I frequently travel that become rather desolate after dark. The most comfortable thing for me is the cool air across my body whether from the A/C or what nature happens to offer that evening. Add a nude walk back to the car after spending nude time at the beach, and you can have a pretty nice day.” – Nudeyooper

“Friday I left Colorado for SLC and decided to drive nude down I80 across Wyoming. I took all my clothes off and kept my shirt handy just in case. The sun was out it felt so good on me. I have tinted windows although they are not that dark. I must admit it was very invigorating to be passing, and to be passed by other cars and the semi -trucks completely in the buff. I loved it! There was construction going on and at one point I had to drive slowly past a flag man, which made me a bit nervous. It was all good though and I can't wait to drive naturally again. This is my summer vacation and I have deemed it my nude adventure. I plan on doing some nude atv'ing and free hiking near Zions and then with a newly met naturist friend near Escalante.” - John

“I have enjoyed "skinny road trips" without a specific destination, in the past. I will dress briefly only when necessary . . . when stopping to stretch at the more public places, while staying nude when stopping in secluded places. . . my kilts just lay open and flat on the seat much of the time. They wrap with Velcro, so that I can have one on in a flash if necessary. I highly recommend both the kilt and the skinny road trip, as comfortable and versatile extensions of the naturist life style.” - Dan

“My work involves driving all over England and Wales, and whenever possible I am naked. I often give guys lifts, and most of them strip before I drive off. Only one guy has refused a lift, leaving the passenger door wide open and shouting "Pervert!" – Carl c-s

Fire Prof's Skinny Road Trip

2011-07-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

Here's another great Skinny Road Trip reported by Fire Prof. Does anyone else have a report?

"Our trip to Lake Havasu was great. Stopped for fuel and Starbucks. Once onboard with our morning snack and coffee, off came the clothes and turned up the heater in the truck! I was completely nude, the Prof was semi - she's still not completely comfortable being totally nude while in the vehicles.

5+hrs of naked driving. It warmed up pretty quick after we were on the road. Had to turn off the heater once we were in Palm Springs area. Even had to turn on the A/C for a while cuz it got hot out in the desert. I would have left it off and opened the windows but the Prof was working and didn't want her papers flying all over the place.

Arrived in Havasu and got into our friend’s home. They were out and left the house open for us. We settled in and they arrived soon after. We visited for a while and before ya know it, all 6 of us were nude enjoying each other’s company.

Left Havasu a few days later. Stopped right after we left our friends home for fuel and Starbucks. Got in the truck and off came the clothes. Nice ride home again. Drove through a State Agriculture check point in the nude. Talked with the Inspector - he didn't come close enough to the truck to be concerned.

Had to stop once more for fuel and a potty break so I slipped on the shorts and flip flops and went inside the gas station. Got back to the truck, NO ONE around on this intersection, slipped off the shorts, put the hose back in the pump, pushed the "no receipt" button, got back in the truck and drove off!

Got home, backed half way into the garage and unloaded the truck in the nude. Looked around for the neighbors - very quiet and no one out - window blinds closed - I parked the truck in the driveway and got out nude and walked inside the house.

What a great trip!" - Fire Prof

Skinny Road Trip Report

2011-07-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

Jaybirdsen reports an enjoyable Skinny Road Trip below. Would anyone else like to do the same?

". . . the other day I decided to take a naked road trip up into the mountains above San Diego. While still in the city I drove with a shirt on and removed it as I entered the foothills on a beautiful very warm clear day. I drove with the windows open and the rear slider of the pickup open too. The hot air bathing my body was terrific. I passed several hamlets with egg farms, wineries, apple pie etc. I discovered a . . . beautiful country road that meandered through scrub oak divided into old farm pastures with old farm houses. . . The road eventually led on a winding path down hill through oaken glens with a beautiful view of a high desert lake below. I merged back onto another highway along the lake and eventually back to the spot of my time departure. It was a wonderful short day trip and I got dressed only to stop in a coffee shop for an early supper.' - Jaybirdsen

More Nude Drivers

2011-07-10T06:12:00.001-07:00

"I have driven naked many times. I have also been seen many times too. First time seen I was driving I-10 into Pensacola, Fl. and suddenly found myself in rush hour traffic. I was driving a small Toyota truck and I had a big RV get along side of me. I didn't cover up and a moment later the RV go in front of me and slowed down. So I passed it when I looked over the driver was trying hard to see me, so I let him. I got a thumbs up and noticed that his female partner had seen me first and must of told him. Another time a woman was driving a pickup truck and her husband was asleep. We were on the same level and she stayed along side of me for several miles smiling and looking before turning off. I have noticed that women in general are not upset at all about male nudity as long as no one catches them looking." - GANude

"I enjoy driving naked and when it is after dark on a hot day in the desert, driving sans clothes is an enjoyable aspect to what usually is a boring aspect of our lives. The last time I drove back toward LA from Palm Springs, I found driving nude made the trip far more comfortable. Since I have been pulled over only 3 times in the last 20 years, I don't worry about the CHP. During the day, if I am driving by myself, I will place a small piece of cloth over my loins - just enough to cover any Truck driver's view (not that they really look). With the air vent, this still provides enough air circulation around my genitals to make it more comfortable. If I am riding with my wife, she understands that should we be driving a significant distance, I will wear only a very thin pair of shorts. As she says, as long as I am covered and she does not need to drive, what does she care? So keep driving in the natural state!" - SoCalFreehiker

"I skinnydrive a Silverado to work nearly every morning. To my knowledge no one has noticed I am nude, even when it is too cold to be shirtless. I sometimes drive home that way as well in traffic and daylight and no one notices. Mine is not the tallest vehicle by any means, but it is taller than most cars. I stay in the right lane and make sure to stop where taller vehicles are not directly opposite me. It took some getting used to but gradually I realized that most people are intent on watching where they are going and not looking into other peoples vehicles." - Hymie

"The pleasure for me comes from driving totally naked, which I do often on long trips . . . I always keep light tan, wide leg shorts on the passenger seat which I can slip on in about two seconds, and flip-flops in the passenger floor well. On four lane highways, I'll momentarily place the shorts on my lap for a passing vehicle during the day. Someone looking down into the car sees me "wearing" shorts. I've actually driven all the way through metropolises that way, but it gets a little cumbersome in heavy traffic. When I'm with other naked passengers, we figure out some other strategy. . . Never had a problem, and have never covered up. . . Driving naked is a sensuous experience. Very relaxing and refreshing, if done carefully." - Al

"I drive naked every chance I get. I prefer to do it during the day but I drive naked at night as well. I always keep a pair of shorts handy in case a family pulls up in an SUV. Have never had a problem with truckers - in fact have had many sound off their horns as I pass them and/or give a thumbs up." - Lovetobenaked

First Skinny Road Trip

2011-07-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting first Skinny Road Trip experience:

“I was inspired enough today that on our trip to explore some campgrounds I decided to enjoy myself and do a Skinny Road Trip. Ok, the wife was upset at first; what if we get stopped, get in a wreck, or a trucker sees you. I told her before we left to try to see in the SUV with the window tint we have and she relaxed. So soon after climbing in the kilt came loose, shirt came off and the pleasant drive began. Most of the drive was on four lane roads, only a short time in an interstate highway, and only one small village to drive through before we reached the park. A quick cover up at the check in station and the park office crew gave us a map and told us to enjoy ourselves and pick out our favorite spots for camping. We drove and marked the map with the sites that we thought would accommodate our camper. When we left the campground proper a long road led to a picnic area overlooking the lake. From our vantage point we could see the beach which was sparsely populated due to the rain and a secluded table was found to enjoy our picnic lunch. Of course the kilt was off by this time and the wife joined in by being topless! We drove back by using mostly rural roads so we never bothered to dress, and the steady rain provided enough privacy to enjoy ourselves. It seemed all too soon that I was reaching for the garage door opener, pulled into the house and ended what was a perfect ride. Thanks Ken for the brilliant idea, and the link to the pictures as now I think the wife is intrigued!” - Nudewalker

Why I Drive Nude

2011-07-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

I made a conscious decision to drive nude more often just several months ago as one aspect of a larger decision to be more fully a nudist. Prior to that nude driving was an occasional activity. Since, I decided I needed to be true to my nudist calling - an example to others. I was driving lots anyway, so I decided it was only right for a nudist to “drive” nude. My wife, PJ, understood and encouraged me.

I've enjoyed thinking of ways to drive nude without bothering or shocking or even being seen by others, and without getting caught and offending the authorities – naked driving needn’t be exhibitionistic.

I got the idea of creating my own nudist resort inside my car - a safe place to drive naked. Since, I have purchased window curtains, towels, and even an extra body pillow (the perfect device for passengers to block the window view or comfortably cover up when needed). I've redesigned a pair of shorts so I can sit on the back half (using it like a towel), but drop the front half for naked comfort, yet quickly Velcro it back up when needed. PJ has been sewing an equally easy outfit for women to uncover while driving, and quickly re-cover when needed.

People seem to have lost the idea of the "Road Trip" - driving the back roads and stopping to see the sights along the way, without caring about the distance traveled, without rushing down the highway from point A to point B. Skinny Road Tripping reintroduces leisurely travel.

Drive leisurely on the back-roads and you'll notice many places to stop for a freehike or nude picnic - hidden places to get some all-over sun.

And naturists of all ages can enjoy driving nude - Skinny Road Tripping needn't be only for the young crowd.

It's easy to find companions to share a “social” Skinny Road Trip. Yesterday, while floating in the pool at Shangra La resort, I mentioned taking a Skinny Road Trip to a visiting couple. After a few questions about the safety of driving nude, they quickly agreed that it would be a fun naturist activity to share. I suspect we'll Skinny Trip together soon.

Skinny Road Trips are a perfect, new way to enjoy naturism. It's really just the reverse of normal naturist travel. Instead of driving to a destination clothed and then undressing, you "travel" naked and dress when needed to gas up or to visit interesting sights. And you might also stop and remain undressed to enjoy the outdoors.

Skinny Road Trips are a great way to be more fully nudist. Try it and you'll like it. I sure do.

Has anyone else out there enjoyed a Skinny Road Trip?

Ken

More Naked Drivers

2011-07-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's very interesting how many people enjoy driving naked. Some perhaps tend towards exhibitionism. If so, they definitely need naturism to fix their heads - from experience I know that works. Anyway, here are a few more people who enjoy driving naked:

"Enjoy driving nude whenever I can. A week ago I had to go out of town for business. On the way home that night I decided to shuck the clothes for the drive home. Was a great 70 mile drive." - Gwn Tulsa

"I drive nude quite often. A lot of times I will leave my shirt on so as to not attract attention to myself. People glance and see somebody dressed from the waist up and usually don't take a second look. I take a lot of drives in the very early AM. . . The freedom and the feeling of the breeze on my body just makes the stress melt away. I'll be taking another drive here in about an hour." - BillyJoeJimBob

"I was lucky enough to drive from AZ, Phoenix area to near Ft Worth, TX weekend before last. I was naked at least from the waist down most of the trip. My wife was naked at night. The whole trip seemed so much shorter that way. That is a long boring drive and to be able to go at least half naked is a bonus." - Rhinestonekevin

"I drove across the Mojave desert naked - real nice - Hot! I got out to take a picture of a flowering cactus and a car went by - no problem. Ate lunch off the side of the road naked and enjoyed the day immensely. I got stopped by the Kansas highway patrol and had to get dressed quickly but all was fine. I am always looking to see if I can see in anyone's car and can't so I don't worry." - Bruce B

“I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but driving naked has always been a thrill to me. I guess that it started small and grew from there. Maybe I was dared by one of my friends to drive without panties while wearing a mini-skirt; or it could have been me running late again and I could have forgotten my bra. Well, whatever it was, it was just the beginning. . . [On the way to my first day of school] I decided to just take off the skirt and blouse . . . When I got to school, I jumped out of my car and ran over to the passenger side and got dressed there. . . Ever since that day, I would get up early and put my clothes into the car and drive wherever I was heading totally nude. . . It's always given me a big thrill. I still do that to this day. My husband loves taking trips with me.” - Ciao.

What Do You Think About Driving Nude?

2011-07-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

When I first considered driving nude I wondered if I had wandered too far from true naturist practice into exhibitionism. Yet. as a practicing naturist, driving naked never felt exhibitionistic, especially as I prepared my car to be a traveling resort so it was difficult for people to see in and easy to cover up. Now, having studied nude driving, I'm surprised how many nudists enjoy doing it. I'll post more nude driving experiences in the future, but here are a few to get started:

"I have driven clothesfree many times in the summer, the longest being about 70 miles to and from a nudist beach. It’s a wonderful feeling wearing just a seat belt (yes not even shoes!)." - NaturalAlien

"I'm particularly law-abiding, sticking right at the speed limit and letting the cell-phone go to voice-mail, when I'm driving naked. Getting pulled over or having a fender-bender is simply not an option. I think nakedness makes me a better and safer driver." - Bob X

"I have a sport kilt that wraps around and secures at the waist with Velcro. I put that on, sit down in the car, then open it up...voila, I'm naked! If I need to cover up, I just close it up in an instant." - RoofTop

"After spending an enjoyable naked afternoon at Bluff Creek Falls in Alabama, hiking around the place, I decided to do something I have never done before - drive home naked! It is about and hour and 15 minutes to my home and the only time I had to cover up was when I went through the drive-through at McDonalds . . . It was great and the fresh air was wonderful. I plan on doing that again real soon." - Garfield42

"I always drive to the Keys naked. . . Beyond Marathon the road is almost all 2 lane. I wrapped a sarong around me, got out and put the top down, secured my shorts in the armrest compartment and my sandals in the glove compartment. Once I got going, the sarong came off. What an amazing feeling. The breeze was fantastic, and the scenery was that much more beautiful - water more azure, trees greener. Wow. Actually, it's pretty much the same sensation as when I hike naked. My senses were heightened - no doubt about it. I am not foolish about these things, and when I went through one inhabited area that had a stop light, of course I wrapped the sarong around me temporarily. But the fun part was that I only had to do that for a minute or two the whole way. Redressed just before Key West." - Al

What's your opinion of driving naked - naturally nudist or too exhibitionistic or somewhere in between?

Skinny Road Trip to Visit White Sands

2011-07-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

We’ve driven nude many times for many miles, but Thursday, June 30, 2011, PJ and I took our first “official” Skinny Road Trip. It was fun and exhilarating.

Our Skinny Road Trip started from our apartment where we are currently living in Las Cruces, NM. Within a few blocks we were nude. Nude driving feels so nice – the sun shining through the windows and the cool air blowing across our naked bodies. A Skinny Road Trip is the reverse of driving clothed to a naturist venue. You drive nude, and put clothes on as needed to visit the sights along the way. A Skinny Road Trip is more about traveling and sightseeing and socializing in naked comfort than any destination. It’s not about exhibitionism. Naturists really don’t think about being nude while traveling; it just feels natural, the way life is supposed to be - great!

We drove naked for an hour across a mountain pass and along the highway through the barren and flat White Sands Missile Range to White Sands National Park. Just before the park entrance we had to dress quickly to pass through a Border Patrol Checkpoint.

Stopping at the Park gift shop, I just wore shorts and PJ wore shorts and a top. We asked a visitor from Florida to take our photo by the Park sign to document our visit.

Soon we were naked on the white sand, taking photos of our adventure. One lady on a distant sand dune probably saw us, but we didn’t care. Who knows what she thought; probably jealous of all the fun we were obviously having. PJ said she could spend hours walking nude and barefoot across the white sand, getting an all-over tan, but I persuaded her we needed to move on to our next destination.

So, we left the Park and drove naked, back along the same route towards Las Cruces. After crossing the mountain pass, we took a side road south along the base of the Organ Pipe Mountains. We had planned a short freehike on an improved trail we had noted the day before, but a car was parked at the trailhead, so we continued down the road a ways and stopped to take a few photos. No cars could be seen in either direction, so I didn’t bother to get dressed; I just jumped out of the car nude so PJ could take my photo with the rugged mountains in the background.

We then continued into Las Cruces. After arriving, we dressed and remained clothed the rest of the trip to eat at the Cracker Barrel and visit Old Town Mesilla where we shopped (purchased several dresses and a hand mirror showing a naked fat lady, and two statues for our new park at Shangri La Ranch), visited an old catholic church, and ate again at a wonderful Mexican restaurant – La Posta.

After a fun day and a half tank of gas, we returned to our apartment and undressed - the end of the first of many wonderful Skinny Road Trips.

We’d recommend this Skinny Road Trip to everyone. Our photos are posted at: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/whitesandsroadtrip

Is anyone else planning a Skinny Road Trip? Would anyone care to share a past Skinny Road Trip?

We will soon return to Phoenix where we plan to take some Skinny Road Trips with other naturist friends. We’ll share more then.

Driving Nude Advice

2011-07-02T04:18:00.000-07:00

"I've driven naked several times and it's a fairly safe thing to do provided you obey the rules of the road and don't draw attention to yourself. Just think for a moment, when you're driving in your car, do really notice the other people in the other cars around you and, more specifically, what they're wearing? No! You do not. . . On the highway or rural back country roads, with the vehicle in motion, someone in another vehicle, or by the side of the road, would be lucky to get even a fleeting glimpse of your nude body. And even then it would only be the head, shoulders and chest . . . If you have tinted glass on the side windows it is even less likely that someone will see you. . . It is wise, however, to have something that you can quickly wrap yourself in, should the need arise. A solution to this problem, for guys, would be a kilt that has a waistband that buttons together on the side. With nothing on underneath, you could simply undo the buttons, throw the front part over to one side and remain sitting on the back part of the kilt while driving. When the need arises to cover up, just pull the front part over and do up the buttons. Velcro would probably work quicker than buttons, but may not be as secure when walking about in the kilt. It's your choice. For women, a tube dress made of stretchy Lycra/spandex could work quite well. The dress could be completely removed or pulled all way down to her ankles while sitting on the passenger side and could be quickly pulled up, if need be. There is no front or back to these type dresses, really, so she won't have to fuss around very much to get it on just right. If the woman is driving the car, the dress should be removed completely. If left around the ankles it could interfere with the operation of the pedals and that could be dangerous. Store it in the map pocket on the door or someplace where it can be reached quickly. Plan your route carefully, turn off the air conditioning and open the sunroof, if you dare. Happy Motoring!" - NakedNewf

Options for Nude Living

2011-06-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

• Be an “at home” naturist: It’s simple to live naked at home – just get undressed and do everything you usually do. For example, Desert Rat lives naked most of the time . . . “Since I`m retired, I`m reluctant to get dressed in the morning. [I dress] to go out and do whatever things that I have to do; I take the clothes off as soon as I can after I get home.” Nude Allen says that . . . “Every afternoon after work as soon as I get in the house I get nude. What a good feeling getting those jeans off. I do all necessary housework and cook supper in the nude, and stay nude until next morning.” Salmongetter says . . . “I usually am nude within about three minutes of walking in the door and unless I need to go someplace or have non-nudist company show up, I am nude until the next time I need to go out and after Thursday pm I don`t have to get dressed until Sunday if I don`t want to.” Baltic says . . . “Getting naked is the very first thing I do when I get home. It`s freeing. And at home there is no need to make a statement with any kind of clothes or expensive wristwatches.” Finally, Nude Dude says . . . “I have found that doing some chores and housework nude is very relaxing and therapeutic; especially after a long day`s work. It`s so nice to come home, strip down, and if I have chores to do, I am naked. Nothing better.” - Nude Dude

• Be a “backyard” naturist. The best advice for backyard naturists is to be open with your neighbors. Visit them in advance, and explain you’re a nudist and don’t like clothes. Vix711 does this: “. . . my wife and I wander/sunbathe naked all summer weather permitting in complete privacy, well almost! . . . [my 80 year old neighbor] . . . has one daughter in her early fifties who comes and mows her lawn once a week on her sit down mower. She invariably pulls up by the fence and never bats an eyelid whilst chatting about the weather, politics, whatever. We have even invited her round but she says it’s not for her . . .” MontanaNude summarizes this saying. . . "My neighbors know that I am a nudist. Those who are OK with it come without calling. Those who have a problem, call before coming over. . . I gave up hiding and coming up with one-liners years ago.”

• Become a “nude party” host: Why not invite friends over for a meal, or a game of cards, or a karaoke night, or a pool or spa party? Your house can be the most popular naturist gathering place in town. People arrive, strip down, and enjoy a naked activity with friends. PJ love hosting nude parties.

• Create a traveling nudist resort: Prepare your vehicle so you can travel nude without concern for getting “caught”. Install window and seat coverings, and wear easy to slip on and off clothing when necessary. Then you can strip down with your traveling companions, drive naked to see local attractions, stop to eat a picnic and take a walk nude, take photos of you and your naked friends standing by a road sign, talk, laugh, and just have some good naked fun in your own car or truck.

• Create a naturist home park: Eric reports that . . . “Around 1996 we moved into our house in the country. . . We had a neighbor only on one side and we could come out the back door and sun bathe nude, but we could never venture more than a couple steps from the back door. . . Eventually we made our first big purchase and bought a hot tub. If we were quick and careful we could go out nude . . . As years went by we were not satisfied with that and needed more than these few square feet to be nude in. In addition to that we wanted a pool and did not want to wear a suite. We planted fast growing hedges and built privacy fencing from rough sawn hemlock from a local saw mill. Over the course of a couple years we were able to become perfectly private from the road and our neighbor. We now have a large deck, hot tub, pool, horse shoe pits, bocci, and volley ball, and we use them all nude. We garden and mow the lawn in the buff. Soon I will be starting to build the pentaque court (ever nudist place needs one). We love our yard it’s our very own naturist park! We love having our nudist friends over and enjoying all it has to offer and some great food!"

• Live at a nudist resort: PJ and I do this. A small resort is a bit of a Payton Place. But it’s great to be nude outdoors anytime we want, to eat in the restaurant nude with friends, to sing karaoke or dance nude with others in the clubhouse, to swim in the pool or soak in the spa without a suit, to hike nude into the hills right from the trailer. Many advantages, but it does restrict the people who drop by. But then maybe that’s a good thing as well?

Living a naturist lifestyle is probably a progressive thing, moving from home naturism to resort living. At what stage are you?

Freehiking Photos

2011-06-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here are a number of photos I've collected over the past few years that help show just how wonderful freehiking can be - alone or with a group: http://imageevent.com/kenandjane/freehiking?n=0

Naked Hiking Day Report - Appalachian Trail

2011-06-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

On the spur of the moment, I decided on Monday evening to head up to Vermont to join the Naked Hiking Day (i.e. summer solstice, June 21) hike on the Appalachian Trail. It was announced on HikingNaked.com. Arriving at the trailhead at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, I found the organizer named Ed and a congenial group of 5 other nude hikers. We hiked from near Wallingford, VT, down the Appalachian Trail to near Danby, VT. Along the way there was a waterfall and later a great overlook atop a sheer granite wall affording expansive views of the valley to the west. After about 8 miles we arrived at Little Rock Pond, and took advantage of the opportunity for a skinny-dip in the warm waters. After 2 more miles we reached the end, where we had prepositioned some of the vehicles. We met a few through-hikers, who did not seem offended by our nudity, and (at the pond) one grumpy family who clearly was offended. They went around to the other side of the pond, keeping their distance, clearly afraid that we would traumatize or corrupt their 5-year-old daughter.

One of the hikers, FreewalkerMA, said he had planned to stay an extra day to do more freehiking, so I altered my plans and decided to join him. The next day it was raining, but the temperature stayed around 60 degrees and we were warm enough as long as we kept moving. We did a 5.5 mile hike over Bromley Mountain, and then a four mile hike to Griffith Lake. We topped off the day with the short hike from the parking area to the nude area on Harriman Reservoir (AKA The Ledges, Vermont's "nude beach"). Once again we finished off the day with a skinny-dip, washing off the trail dirt and ignoring the continuing soft rain.

All in all, two fantastic days to celebrate the summer solstice. And, as at the ENG the week before, I was lucky enough to find a kindred spirit in FreewalkerMA who has the time and the interest to do some serious freehiking here in New England. Life is good!

Stay nude and enjoy the summer,

Milt

Skinny Road Trips

2011-06-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Nude on the road again. Driving naked down the road again. Skinny Trippen with my very best nude friends. Just can’t wait, we’re nude on the road again. (With apologies to Willie Nelson)

So where can nudists go to be nude?

Home and the back yard? Great, but this tends to get boring, though it helps to invite friends over for food or games or karaoke or a pool party, but where else?

A nude beach? Sure, but nude beaches are too distant for many naturists.

A nudist resort? Resorts have become low rent or pricy or both, and besides, visiting the same places over and over can again get boring?

Maybe the area has a pool that can be rented for nude use. Even so, this can be expensive and get old. So home, backyard, resort, beach, pool – where else?

PJ and I have driven literally thousands of miles naked the past few months, and that got us thinking. Why not take a Skinny Road Trip with friends this summer? Yes, go traveling nude with your nudist friends. Not skinny dipping, skinny tripping. What could be better?

Drive naked to see local attractions, stop to eat a picnic and take a walk nude, take photos of you and your naked friends standing by a road sign (now there’s a different tourist photo), talk, laugh, just have some good naked fun.

Advantages for nudists?

• Close location for everyone
• Lots of different things to see and do
• Lots of excitement and fun
• Very social
• Good for any age person
• Low cost

A Skinny Road Trip is much more interesting than owning an isolated cabin lot for sunning and hiking nude; visiting the same spot over and over can be boring, and a nudist can Skinny Road Trip along the way to the isolated location anyway.

Even if money isn’t an issue, nudists can Skinny Road Trip on the way to nearby resorts and beaches, and find many more interesting things to do.

The Disadvantage?

What if they get caught? Someone like a truck driver may see. The police may show up.

Preparation is required to overcome this problem. The vehicle can be organized as a traveling nudist resort with towels and window shades. It makes sense to take some clothes along for stopping to see attractions, and it’s a good idea to wear something that can be easily slipped on and off while driving to keep from being seen. Ladies may want to wear something on top; men usually don’t need to worry about that. Of course, always obey traffic laws. With preparation, naked driving is safe and fun.

So How Would It Go?

The Skinny Road trip would be scoped out in advance – how far to go, what to see, what to do, where to stop for privacy, etc. Then the trip could be advertised to local naturist friends.

Attendees would gather at a specified location to car pool.

Once everyone is ready and the vehicles prepared, everyone gets in, off come the clothes, and down the road they go. Taking off those sweaty clothes, the feel of breeze from an air conditioner and the sun through a window on a naked body – ah nudist heaven!

Along the way people talk and share and enjoy conversing in the friendly way only naturists can.

Occasionally people will stop and get dressed to see attractions, or eat at a restaurant, or get gas and a snack. A Skinny Road Trip is backwards. Instead of driving to a nudist location to take off clothes, the participants take off the clothes to drive to places where they will need to put clothes on.

After a fun day sharing naturism, everyone returns safely home, satisfied with a wonderful time nude. Don’t believe it? Try it for yourself. PJ and I will. Just like naturism in general, you can’t understand until you try it for yourself.

Has anyone out there ever taken a Skinny Road Trip? If so, share a report.

Ken

Other Backyard Nudists

2011-06-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

Here are several reports about sharing backyard nudism. Anyone else have an experience like this?

"I'm naked in our backyard about 99% of the time. The other 1% - textile parties and gatherings. Our neighbors have seen us several times and because of that I don't cover, run for cover, or come up with one liners either. They've looked over the fence, seen us completely nude, full frontal and smiled and waved. I don't think they'll join us but at least they are accepting or tolerant." - FP

"Mr Pointon is open about his naturist lifestyle . . . "All my neighbours know that I do my lawns and gardening in the nude, . . I've approached all my neighbours and and told them 'this is me, this is what I do', and they are fine with it." One of his neighbours told the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend Mr Pointon was a "lovely neighbour". "He did tell us he likes to do a bit of nude sunbathing in his garden and that's his business. It's not my cup of tea but I would rather live next door to a naturist than a P lab, . . I don't think it's a big deal. It gave me a bit of a giggle. People get in a stew over it and say 'oh what if children see', but in my opinion there are more pressing worries about the kids, like bullying or teen drinking." - Ellen Irvine