Don’t you just love it when someone starts to say something about nudism (or anything else they know nothing about) with, “I like to think that I’m pretty open-minded…” or “I have no problem going topless on European beaches…” then follows it with an ignorant statement like “I just feel that it’s potential fodder for a [...]

Do I have to get dressed in order to visit a nudist resort?
Almost every club has a reception/registration area near the entrance where clothing is required before entering the grounds, proper.  Since I often drive nude when ever I'm out of the city, on the highway or country roads, does that mean upon arrival at a nudist resort that I have to put on clothes to check-in before a can get nude again and enjoy the facility?  Seems like a contradiction of the intent and philosophy of nudism.
In all fairness, I do understand the 'whys'.  But the thought always gives me a little chuckle . . . especially when I have to hunt around in the back seat to find the shorts I've so nonchalantly tossed back there once I'd gotten onto open road.

If you ever thought that all nudist clubs and resorts have mostly the same amenities, you would probably be right. Every one is guaranteed to have at least one hot tub, a volley ball court and a swimming pool as a minimum. What distinguishes Sunny Glades, located in Bothwell, Ontario (Canada), from most other clubs [...]

Lake Bronson Family Nudist Park near Sultan will host the hike June 2 from 1-5 p.m. on its 320-acre forest. The park, run entirely by volunteers, has about 200 members and gets 150 to 200 additional visitors on warm weather weekends, said past president Randy Hoppenbrouwer.
“The Northwest has lots of wonderful scenery, but the one unique feature Lake Bronson offers that no one else does is that we can hike safely and legally NAKED in a beautiful, family-friendly environment,” read a statement released by the park.
The hike will be 3.5 miles along the Lake Bronson trail near the Sultan River and Marsh Creek Falls.
“The hike is scheduled for later in the day to allow the forest a chance to warm up. The guides will be nude, weather permitting, and participants are invited to also enjoy the forest au natural on this
nude hike,” the statement reads.
An orientation will take place before the hike and refreshments will be served afterward. Park entrance fees are waived for the hike.
Lake Bronson Family Nudist Park is 85 years old. Participants must register in advance and a background check will be conducted on all participants, resorts officials say, “because we are a family nudist park.”
For more information and a registration form visit lakebronson.com
Read more here: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure/2012/05/16/washington-park-will-hold-nude-hike-for-national-trails-day/#storylink=cpy

Two recent nude hikes as I take advantage of the weather and some time off.  The first one is a revisit to the abandoned road off of the Index-Galena Road up Bitter and Boss Creeks.  This completely reveted road was once to be the access road for a planned, exclusive residential community up in the alpine valleys of the Cascades.  Landslide problems, washouts and permits finally convinced the developers to sell the private in-holding property to the Forest Service for inclusion in the new Wild Sky Wilderness.  That area is protected forever now.  Since the road has been left to deteriorate and is gated with room for only one vehicle to park, this is a great area to hike nude within . . . especially once you reach elevation and the watershed valley of Boss Creek several miles in.
Exploring a small ice cave on the Boss Creek landslide.The area is remote in that there are few officially-designated trails within the new Wild Sky Wilderness yet.  Thus what remains of the existing road/trail is often overgrown by succulents and young alder saplings.  It is also a place to get the chance to see wildlife as I did with a rare (for this area) lynx in the upper valley several years ago.  On this trip I had another one of my 'Bear and Grin It' meetings with a black bear inhabiting the path ahead of me while munching of young plants.
Black Bear near Boss Creek in the Wild Sky WildernessEncountering the bear was fascinating.  It didn't notice me at first and I got the chance to bring the camera up and focus on him (or her).  Then it did a quick glance, stood there as if trying to figure out what I was . . . until a swish of my hiking staff through the bushes woke it out of a trance.  The bear bolted in a flash off-trail and way down the slopes.
After-hike wanderings of the Skykomish
The next day I went up to Scenic to check up on conditions and to see for myself the damage and vandalism thieves had done.  since the Forest Service road still had some snow on it I parked in the BNSF/Surprise Creek area and hiked an obscure back route up to Scenic.
Most of the snow is gone from the lower, clearcut stretches, but once you reach the higher, shaded areas of the trail, proper, two to three feet of hard-packed snow still remains.
The remaining snow pack up at ScenicI love to hike nude on snow when the sun cooperates to warm the skin.  Sunglasses are a must . . . the snow is a giant reflector bouncing that glare into your eyes and all over your body.  Good thing I don't sunburn easily.  If you wanted to work on a tan . . . hiking nude over a snowfield under bright sunlight is just the thing.  And it ain't cold at all.
There was a couple that managed to sneak in when I arrived at the springs.  I gave them the lecture about asking for permissiom first and then we all had a great soak.  The Lobster Feeds were still down, but beginning to recover.  Bear Den was it's usual toasty temperature.  We cleaned and scrubbed both tubs and started the refill process after draining them.
As for the vandalism . . . well, one trail cam gone . . . the honor box vandalized but unbroken into (I removed it for major repairs).  Losses close to a thousand dollars.  Some old attitudes still persist at Scenic.
The hike back down was inconsequential except for a slip on a mossy boulder that left me ten feet down into an icy-cold pool at the base of Scenic Falls.  No damage except to my dignity and wet boots.
Getting close to Scenic Falls just after scrambling back up
from a slip on the moss-covered granite.
  Follow the hike within Google Earth

Something new to amuse me:  The images plotted to a Google Earth KMZ file so you can see where I went.  The link to the KMZ file to download and launch in Google Earth is here.  Below is a screenshot of what you should be directed to within Google Earth.



The above KMZ file opened in Google Earth
Now, on to the actual Photo Albums.  I can't imagine getting out into nature and not taking pictures to remember, relive, and share with everyone the joys of hiking au' natural.



The Bitter Creek Hike (direct link)





The photo album of the Scenic Hike (direct link)

The following is a guest post from James Agate, author of the Love Cyprus blog.
Christmas is over and the January blues start to set in… the reality of getting back to the daily routine and our minds start to wander towards our summer holidays. Sunshine, sea, sand, tasty food and a private spot to enjoy nature - free from clothing.

Cyprus is just one destination that is perfect for all nudists. The beautiful scenery, crystal clear waters and near year round sunshine makes it the perfect destination for a clothes free holiday. Here are the 5 must visit nudist beaches on the island of Cyprus:

Agios Georgios Coves - The coves and beaches south of Agios Georgios are a favourite spot for nudists – they offer privacy, warm azure waters and picturesque scenery. The best beaches to relax near the Agios Georgios bay which is a series of three covers offering privacy, tranquillity and crystal clear waters. Don’t stray too far otherwise you risk ending up on the luxury Cyprus villas development of Cap St Georges where I suspect you will be less than welcome.

Cape Greko - Close to Ayia Napa, the Cape Greko is located on the eastern side of the island. Unlike Agios Georgios, Cape Greko is more of an official spot for nudists. This has its advantages in the sense that you meet many likeminded individuals here but on the other hand, there have been a few reported incidents of ‘peeping toms’ so my advice would be that if you are not yet ready for the world to see you in all your glory then you might consider one of the other beaches mentioned here.

Melissi Beach - This spot is a little harder to reach but is very much worth the walk. If you leave the road just after the Melissi Beach restaurant and head uphill for a short while, you will come a blue flag beach which is accessed by quite a few steps. Make your way down these and once on the beach, make a right and walk along the shelf on the rocks until you come to one of the many coves and perches which are often frequented by nudist couples.

Governor’s Beach - Described unofficially as ‘The Official Nudist Beach of Cyprus’ so if you are planning a trip to the island then the Governor’s Beach is not to be missed. In the peak of summer, it isn’t unusual to see this stretch of cost almost entirely free from clothes but if you want a little more privacy then consider making a walk down the beach to an area known as White Rocks where there are less people.

Avdimou - Collapsed rocks now mean that the beach at Avdimou offers great privacy for nudists. The effort it takes to get to the beach is rewarded with spectacular views, clean beaches and lovely warm, clear waters. A word of warning though as some areas of the coast in this region belong to the military base and as such fall outside of the Cypriot jurisdiction and fines are not uncommon so be sure to avoid areas marked ‘no nudists’.

Learn more about naturism in your country online and more on Cyprus and things to do in Paphos.

For those ladies reading this blog who think often about wishing they could express themselves more and shedding those clothes, or for those women who are simply exhibitionists, Nic Green might be your answer.

Nic Green has been getting a lot of media coverage since her show at the Edinburgh Festival and this weekend several newspapers including this weekends UK Sunday Times and the Guardian a week ago (read about Nic Green) have discussed her latest performance.

With 3 live performances of Nic Green's play Trilogy coming up, up to 100 clothess free local women in each venue will get on stage and perform a dance routine to the audience. The show comes in three parts in all and with the play about feminism and the expression of women, as a women you can participate in this event or watch it. Nic Green is becoming the UK's equivalent of Spencer Tunick, in that she is dedicated to the human form in a way intended for art and expression.

Get ready to shed your clothes for the latest Spencer Tunick mass photo shoot. Spencer has been quiet in recent times but he is back on March 1st 2010 in Sydney.

Full details of the photoshoot and how to participate are included on the Sydney Mardi Gras website. Following the link above and you can find the sign up form to participate in the photo shoot in Sydney in 2 weeks time.

If you are new to Spencer Tunick - you can see his work on the official Spencer Tunick website.

Update: New info added about Barcelona naturism on the Barcelona Culture website online.

Spencer Tunick was real busy last summer with a number of photo shoots including at the Big Chill in the UK. Over the winter there has been no news about new installations but alas, in the last few days news home come out of 2 new locations for mass photo shoots.

I know I have mentioned Spencer Tunick a few times in but it is well worth checking the photographs and art from Spencer Tunick - an artist who uses dozens and sometims hundreds of clothesless models to pose in different locations worldwide. His latest 2 photo shoots and which you can participate in if you wish:

Belgium - Spencer heads to Gaasbeek Castle on Saturday 9th July 2011 and you can sign up as normal through the Tunick site.

Dead Sea, Israel - This shoot has apparently been years in the planning and this should be quite a location and make for some great photos. If you live in Israel, this will be a unique chance to get involved in one of Spencer's world famous photo shoots.

New page: 5 Naturist beaches in Sweden that you might want to visit.

Many of you often write in asking about Airport Transfers to Cap d'Adge and the guys at capdagdefrance.co.uk have now added a Cap d'Agde airport transfers page so that you can get a quote.

Pictures, general pricing and more information will be added shortly and these transfers are with an officially registered couple Andrew and Melanie. Transfers to Cap d'Agde naturist resort include from all local airports in and around Cap d'Agde and also as far afield as Barcelona Girona aiport. Airport transfers so far include from:

• Agde Train Station
• Beziers Airport
• Narbonne Train Station
• Montpellier Airport
• Carcassonne Airport
• Perpignan Airport
• Barcelona Girona Airport
• Marseille Airport
• Barcelona Airport
• Toulouse Airport

More information soon...

Many of the very same questions come up time and time again for people going to a naturist resort for the first time. Every resort is different given the variation in location and size of the resort. Below though 5 very often asked questions that people ask me about Cap d'Agde - using this resort as an example.

1. What do I need to pack - This is a popular question I think both for the fun element in that what exactly does one need in a naturist resort :) and from a genuine pov. Not as much as on a clothed holiday for sure. Many of the Travel accessories naturists you will need are the same as for a clothed holiday i.e. sun glasses, spending money etc. Be SURE though to include warm clothing. Many people do not pack for cold weather and in resorts even in places which are hot in the daytime, it can become quite cool late at night and you might need to wrap up.
2. Can I take Photographs - For the most part, the answer is no. If you take photos of others then you could get in trouble. Taking pictures of your partner or yourselves is normally considered perfectly fine.
3. Can I avoid clothes 24 hrs a day - Some people manage to avoid clothes for the full 24 hours and for 7 days a week on holiday. The truth though as discussed under what to pack is that evenings can often get chilly and putting on something to keep warm is often needed. So 24 hrs a day is not easy to do.
4. Do you have to be a member of an organisation - It depends on the resort in question. Quite often you can purchase any needed membership on the 1st day if needed. Best way is to check with the specific resort.
5. What age and type of people do you normally come across - It is true that there are many older people who are naturists as popular opinion goes. The truth though also is that you can people of all ages from 18 through to 80 and of all shapes and sizes. Every shape, size and age - and no one seems to worry about how they look.

Find more resort faqs and questions people often ask.

There are plenty of options for those who enjoy naturism and want to be able to express this during their professional life. Below are just some of the jobs suitable for a naturist.

Hotel Manager
There are many hotels around the world which are specialist naturist establishments and, as such, it is often preferred that the managers of these hotels also embrace the naturist lifestyle as it helps to make the guests feel comfortable and at ease with their surroundings.

Bar Worker
With so many naturist resorts now existing there are increasing numbers of bar jobs arising for the naturist. There are bars in hotels, in the street and on beaches which will happily employ a naturist as a way of making similar minded tourists and visitors feel welcome. You may find that there are associated health and safety implications and you should brush up on the relevant regulations to increase your chances of gaining employment. More on the bars at Cap d'Agde, France.

Swimming Pool Manager
Being a swimming pool manager at a naturist resort gives you the opportunity to enjoy your natural state whilst earning money and also sitting outside in the nice weather if the facilities exist.

Tour Guide
If you have a particular passion for an area you could seek a job as a tour guide for other naturists visiting the area. Again, you will have the opportunity to mix with like minded people and also enjoy being outside for large periods of the day.

Beach Lifeguard
Naturist beaches are considered by many to be the flagship location for those who enjoy this lifestyle, so with so many people enjoying this environment it is natural that there are jobs available to protect them.


Cap d'Agde camping siteI hope you have all had a wonderful 2011 and are also looking forward to 2012. I am not sure about you but I cannot wait for another summer in Cap d'Agde and for the chance to visit 1 or 2 naturist resorts. I am still trying also to make it myself to one of the Spencer Tunick photo shoots. If you have ever been one of the people in his photos, you are welcome to send us a write up on the experience so that we can include it as a guest post on this blog. If any of you by the way, have a naturism post you want to submit, let me know.
Quick updated: New pages now added to provide more detailed information on Cap d'Agde and now live you can find:

In English

• Guide to the fitness facilities and classes at Cap d'Agde, France.
• Accommodation Reviews: A look at reviews of the Ann and David James Agency.
• Best month to visit cap d'Agde? Is September any goor or too late?

In Italiano

• Johnny Wokkers bar pub inglese.
• È sicuro il villaggio naturista di Cap d’Agde?
• Lots of great info also from Cap d'Agde travel portal.

More pages on both sites being added according to the webmaster of both sites.



A lot of people often email me to ask me about the best way to get to Cap d'Agde and in terms of flying, Beziers Cap d'Agde International airport and Montpellier airports are the 2 most common and popular options.

Beziers airport is the closest airport but only has flights from a few locations around Europe. Montpellier airport on the other hand, has connections to cities worldwide and thus is a more attractive and affordable option for many people flying to the South of France, for the worlds largest naturist resort. We have added detailed information on travelling between Montpellier airport and Cap d'Agde online now to help make the info easier to find.

Taxi should be EUR 130 to EUR 150. So quite expensive. The less expensive option:
is:

1. Taxi from airport to Montpellier train station (EUR25-30)
2. Train from Montpellier to Agde (EUR8)
3. Taxi from Age train station to the Naturist quarter (EUR20-30)

You could of course make it even less expensive by using buses instead of the taxis mentioned, but the bus from the Montpellier airport does not go all the way to the train station, so you have to walk for about 15 minutes. Also, as previously mentioned on this forum, buses from Agde train station to the
Naturist quarter are notoriously slow and unreliable - it can easily take an hour once the bus shows up.

Are you planning to visit Cap d'Agde this summer? Despite the economy, bookings this year seem yet agbain to be up and getting accommodation is getting harder despite the new hotels and options in recent years.

Some sunshine, lots of threatening clouds, snow, rain, wind . . . but a day free to myself and a chance to get out hiking.  What other excuse do I need?
The day started out with a meeting in Monroe with the other steward for Scenic Hot Springs. We were going over plans for a class on Map Reading and Compass Technique that we are planning to offer this coming summer.  After the meeting . . . since I was already 30 miles closer to Scenic than when I started out, I decided to continue on into the mountains.  In Monroe, the skies were somewhat overcast but comfortable with frequent outbreaks of sun.  The forecast for the afternoon called for general clearing and more sun.  So, a hike looked like a good idea . . . especially since all of the coming week was tied up in mundane, but important issues.
Scenic was decidedly too cold with threatening clouds when I arrived at the base of the mountain slope.  I can take a lot of cold when I have sunlight bathing down on my bare skin but that was not to be today . . . at Scenic with record amounts of snow to navigate on the way up.
On my way back down I turned on a lark onto the access road leading to the Deception Creek trailhead.  I really didn't expect to get too far in . . . expecting lots of snow to be remaining on the Forest Service road once it was under the shade of evergreen canopy.  Much to my surprise, it was clear all the way to the trailhead.  And, there were no other cars there.  I had the place to myself.
Road clear but trailhead shrouded with remaining snow cover.
Deception Creek wends a low, forested valley for miles . . . actually descending quite a bit before making its' PCT connection rise to 5,000ft at Deception Gap, midpoint through the Snoqualmie-Mt Baker National Forest between Highway 2 and Interstate 90.  During summer it is a convenient shortcut to cut across the National Forest, though the full trail is not a simple day-hike.  It is a pretty popular trail, especially on Saturdays like today.  However, during winter and into late spring, snow . . . deep and unwieldy . . . is going to hamper even the most die-hards after more than a couple of miles.  Snow is still covering half the trailhead parking area (at about 2,000ft).  A peek beyond the trailhead sign reveals deep piles of snow protected by the shade of the canopy.  Not my idea of getting a healthy dose of vitamin D.
But standing nude in the empty parking area with the sun coming out from behind the ever present morning and early afternoon clouds, it felt good to soak it all in.  Three pm . . . much too late for anyone to be arriving for an arduous hike into Deception Creek.  On previous visits to this trail I've considered a spur road splitting just before the trailhead and heading up into the clearcut of the BPA corridor.  The network of maintenance roads spiders quite high on the slopes for servicing the upper towers.  That is doable and it is in the open . . . so I should be able to enjoy as much of the afternoon sunlight as is available.  So, backpack on, off I head . . . up and to the east in the clearcut.
On topos, these maintenance roads are shown to eventually connect with the western-borne maintenance roads originating out of the Surprise Creek area.  That has often intrigued me because I've hiked the entire length of those roads from the east and run into a deep, impassable ravine at an evident end to the road.  I wondered if there was once a connection with evidence from the western side over the northern flank of this unnamed mountain.
The hike up was extremely enjoyable in the lower stretches.  Some snow, easily walked upon in my boots . . . more surprisingly, the number of detours around slid areas I had to make.  This maintenance road is in dire need to repair if they ever expect to service the BPA towers up there, but for me it means I can expect no surprises as right now this is walk-in only.  Tire tracks reveal where some off-roaders have tried and given up.  Beyond the first detour through fallen trees and deadfall, I have the entire slope to myself.  It's a great feeling to switch your antenna from listening for others to attuning to the stimulus of what nature offers.  everything is beautiful up here . . . even the rubble of seriously eroded roads.
As far as I can go from this direction.  There is no more road.Halfway up the rain starts.  And then as I crest the mountain flank, the winds.  It was 45F when I began (I always do a mental comparison to a refrigerator at 40F when thinking of nude hiking temperatures).  But I had some sunlight and the exertion from hiking to keep me warm.  But now those threatening clouds from the west were overhead . . . shrouding nearby peaks like Windy Peak.  And the wind was substantial.  I considered turning back.  Instead, out came the rain suit.   Two parts but the pants are a pain to put on over boots.  I stuck with just the jacket.  Enough to keep most of the rain off my torso.  On I continued, actually stopping and opening myself up completely to the bites of wind blasting over the crest of the flank as I neared the last tower in the vicinity.  I got there, explored about and confirmed.  No continuation of this road onto Surprise Creek.  I could see far off over the gorge where I'd come up from the east in years past.  But there was no connection between the two.  I dawdled about, identifying several nice looking camping area and then eventually headed back down to Deception Creek.
An impromptu umbrellaRemember, us nudists are always reticent about having to wrap ourselves back up in the trappings of modern-day society.  I really didn't want to get back in that car . . . as comfortable as the idea of a seat and warmth sounded.  Out in the open I felt unconcerned and unfettered.  Every part of the body is taking in sensation from the environment.  I even went off freehiking (i.e., sans backpack and any clothing) for a short distance into the deep snow of the Deception Creek trail, itself . . . returning to the open area of the parking lot to a fresh rain shower and an impromptu umbrella of the plastic sheeting of the trailhead sign.  I could have made a quick dash back to the car out of the rain but this was a much more enjoyable way to wait out the sprinkle.
Eventually I did make it back to my car and just as I'm reaching in for a towel to dry myself off with, here comes a Subaru with a couple and their dog in it.  Surprised the heck out of me but I was caught like a deer in headlights so I didn't bother to duck . . . continuing to towel my arms.  They seemed nonplussed . . . not entirely sure where they were going.  They circled around the parking lot, waved and then head up onto the maintenance roads.  Little did they know they wouldn't get very far.  For me, the spell was broken.  Into the car (naked, of course) and off I drove, slowly, wondering where I could go next to exploit as much of the daylight as I could.  Entering Highway 2 at the base of the FS road I wondered if we were again playing Western State . . . there was an inordinate amount of traffic headed east toward Wenactchee on the highway.  I headed west . . . back towards Seattle with my mind thinking of possibilities in the waning light.  Short of Skykomish I made a last minute decision to head down the Beckler River Road and maybe check out some campsites beside the river.  I love rivers and campsites beside river.  Some of the most scenic locations around.
Unfortunately, this is a Saturday and every campsite I pass is already occupied.  So it's up the forest service road following the Rapid River.  Less well known and traveled, there are a lot of great locations to wander about along this stretch of remote road.  One such location is a large, multi-car campsite three miles in but when I arrived there the blue tarp gave occupancy away.  I turned back.  Halfway back I stop to check out a new waterfall eating away at the roots of a tree by the side of the road.
That tree isn't going to last long with that new watercourse at its' roots.This time of year, before foliage fills in and hinders complete view of the meandering Rapid River, it doesn't take me long . . . standing there on the other side of the FS road before getting back in the car . . . to notice a barren spit of riverbank through the barren branches.  Golly . . . that looks like a beach.  And even better, the late afternoon sun is full upon that pebbled spit of land forcing the river into a sharp bend.  Only problem was . . . how to get down there.  I could see no trail . . . only the riff-raff of twisted tree limbs and upended trees from some sudden flash flood.  But they call me Banged Up Shins for a reason . . . and I managed to add a few more cuts and scratches to my legs by the time I navigated my way on down to the river from the road above.
A secluded riverside beach
Secluded it is.  Right now it is just visible from the road above (if you know where to look), but during summer this little beach is going to be obscured by thickening leaves and branches.  There is no trail but it is obvious that someone knows of it . . . a campfire ring.  The beach is heavily pebbled with a few patches of warm sand to lie about on.  The beach is low . . . definitely within the floodplain of the river, so I wouldn't want to be camping out there in times of rain.  The Rapid River got its' name for a reason.  But for right now, that little beach gave me what I wanted.  full-exposure to some more sunlight to make my wanderings about pleasant.
Back at the car, another vehicle that had passed me on the way in comes back out and stops.  Full of teenagers looking for a place to camp.  I guess they didn't like my first suggestion and were looking for a specific campsite (maybe to meet up with friends).  I gave them my breakdown of available sites and think I identified the right one.  On their way I followed at a distance.  There was one last campsite I wanted to visit . . . one right by the river and road yet shielded by a dirt berm.
A step back into a rain-forest campsite by the riverThe sun was dropping, daylight soon to be gone.  I so love this campsite because I can park by the side of the road, walk twenty feet, and I'm in an open, protected camping area by the river . . . and you can't be easily seen from the road.  The campsite is well above the river and a delight to wander about the brightly, moss-covered boulders some quite some distance in either direction along the river banks.  There is much to enjoy here . . .  but it is getting cool and dark.  Time to head home after a great day.



Direct link to the photo album:  http://www.anthonians.org/5-5-2012_Deception%20Creek%20Powerlines-Rapid%20River%20Campsites/

Some sunshine, lots of threatening clouds, snow, rain, wind . . . but a day free to myself and a chance to get out hiking.  What other excuse do I need?
The day started out with a meeting in Monroe with the other steward for Scenic Hot Springs. We were going over plans for a class on Map Reading and Compass Technique that we are planning to offer this coming summer.  After the meeting . . . since I was already 30 miles closer to Scenic than when I started out, I decided to continue on into the mountains.  In Monroe, the skies were somewhat overcast but comfortable with frequent outbreaks of sun.  The forecast for the afternoon called for general clearing and more sun.  So, a hike looked like a good idea . . . especially since all of the coming week was tied up in mundane, but important issues.
Scenic was decidedly too cold with threatening clouds when I arrived at the base of the mountain slope.  I can take a lot of cold when I have sunlight bathing down on my bare skin but that was not to be today . . . at Scenic with record amounts of snow to navigate on the way up.
On my way back down I turned on a lark onto the access road leading to the Deception Creek trailhead.  I really didn't expect to get too far in . . . expecting lots of snow to be remaining on the Forest Service road once it was under the shade of evergreen canopy.  Much to my surprise, it was clear all the way to the trailhead.  And, there were no other cars there.  I had the place to myself.
Road clear but trailhead shrouded with remaining snow cover.
Deception Creek wends a low, forested valley for miles . . . actually descending quite a bit before making its' PCT connection rise to 5,000ft at Deception Gap, midpoint through the Snoqualmie-Mt Baker National Forest between Highway 2 and Interstate 90.  During summer it is a convenient shortcut to cut across the National Forest, though the full trail is not a simple day-hike.  It is a pretty popular trail, especially on Saturdays like today.  However, during winter and into late spring, snow . . . deep and unwieldy . . . is going to hamper even the most die-hards after more than a couple of miles.  Snow is still covering half the trailhead parking area (at about 2,000ft).  A peek beyond the trailhead sign reveals deep piles of snow protected by the shade of the canopy.  Not my idea of getting a healthy dose of vitamin D.
But standing nude in the empty parking area with the sun coming out from behind the ever present morning and early afternoon clouds, it felt good to soak it all in.  Three pm . . . much too late for anyone to be arriving for an arduous hike into Deception Creek.  On previous visits to this trail I've considered a spur road splitting just before the trailhead and heading up into the clearcut of the BPA corridor.  The network of maintenance roads spiders quite high on the slopes for servicing the upper towers.  That is doable and it is in the open . . . so I should be able to enjoy as much of the afternoon sunlight as is available.  So, backpack on, off I head . . . up and to the east in the clearcut.
On topos, these maintenance roads are shown to eventually connect with the western-borne maintenance roads originating out of the Surprise Creek area.  That has often intrigued me because I've hiked the entire length of those roads from the east and run into a deep, impassable ravine at an evident end to the road.  I wondered if there was once a connection with evidence from the western side over the northern flank of this unnamed mountain.
The hike up was extremely enjoyable in the lower stretches.  Some snow, easily walked upon in my boots . . . more surprisingly, the number of detours around slid areas I had to make.  This maintenance road is in dire need to repair if they ever expect to service the BPA towers up there, but for me it means I can expect no surprises as right now this is walk-in only.  Tire tracks reveal where some off-roaders have tried and given up.  Beyond the first detour through fallen trees and deadfall, I have the entire slope to myself.  It's a great feeling to switch your antenna from listening for others to attuning to the stimulus of what nature offers.  everything is beautiful up here . . . even the rubble of seriously eroded roads.
As far as I can go from this direction.  There is no more road.Halfway up the rain starts.  And then as I crest the mountain flank, the winds.  It was 45F when I began (I always do a mental comparison to a refrigerator at 40F when thinking of nude hiking temperatures).  But I had some sunlight and the exertion from hiking to keep me warm.  But now those threatening clouds from the west were overhead . . . shrouding nearby peaks like Windy Peak.  And the wind was substantial.  I considered turning back.  Instead, out came the rain suit.   Two parts but the pants are a pain to put on over boots.  I stuck with just the jacket.  Enough to keep most of the rain off my torso.  On I continued, actually stopping and opening myself up completely to the bites of wind blasting over the crest of the flank as I neared the last tower in the vicinity.  I got there, explored about and confirmed.  No continuation of this road onto Surprise Creek.  I could see far off over the gorge where I'd come up from the east in years past.  But there was no connection between the two.  I dawdled about, identifying several nice looking camping area and then eventually headed back down to Deception Creek.
An impromptu umbrellaRemember, us nudists are always reticent about having to wrap ourselves back up in the trappings of modern-day society.  I really didn't want to get back in that car . . . as comfortable as the idea of a seat and warmth sounded.  Out in the open I felt unconcerned and unfettered.  Every part of the body is taking in sensation from the environment.  I even went off freehiking (i.e., sans backpack and any clothing) for a short distance into the deep snow of the Deception Creek trail, itself . . . returning to the open area of the parking lot to a fresh rain shower and an impromptu umbrella of the plastic sheeting of the trailhead sign.  I could have made a quick dash back to the car out of the rain but this was a much more enjoyable way to wait out the sprinkle.
Eventually I did make it back to my car and just as I'm reaching in for a towel to dry myself off with, here comes a Subaru with a couple and their dog in it.  Surprised the heck out of me but I was caught like a deer in headlights so I didn't bother to duck . . . continuing to towel my arms.  They seemed nonplussed . . . not entirely sure where they were going.  They circled around the parking lot, waved and then head up onto the maintenance roads.  Little did they know they wouldn't get very far.  For me, the spell was broken.  Into the car (naked, of course) and off I drove, slowly, wondering where I could go next to exploit as much of the daylight as I could.  Entering Highway 2 at the base of the FS road I wondered if we were again playing Western State . . . there was an inordinate amount of traffic headed east toward Wenactchee on the highway.  I headed west . . . back towards Seattle with my mind thinking of possibilities in the waning light.  Short of Skykomish I made a last minute decision to head down the Beckler River Road and maybe check out some campsites beside the river.  I love rivers and campsites beside river.  Some of the most scenic locations around.
Unfortunately, this is a Saturday and every campsite I pass is already occupied.  So it's up the forest service road following the Rapid River.  Less well known and traveled, there are a lot of great locations to wander about along this stretch of remote road.  One such location is a large, multi-car campsite three miles in but when I arrived there the blue tarp gave occupancy away.  I turned back.  Halfway back I stop to check out a new waterfall eating away at the roots of a tree by the side of the road.
That tree isn't going to last long with that new watercourse at its' roots.This time of year, before foliage fills in and hinders complete view of the meandering Rapid River, it doesn't take me long . . . standing there on the other side of the FS road before getting back in the car . . . to notice a barren spit of riverbank through the barren branches.  Golly . . . that looks like a beach.  And even better, the late afternoon sun is full upon that pebbled spit of land forcing the river into a sharp bend.  Only problem was . . . how to get down there.  I could see no trail . . . only the riff-raff of twisted tree limbs and upended trees from some sudden flash flood.  But they call me Banged Up Shins for a reason . . . and I managed to add a few more cuts and scratches to my legs by the time I navigated my way on down to the river from the road above.
A secluded riverside beach
Secluded it is.  Right now it is just visible from the road above (if you know where to look), but during summer this little beach is going to be obscured by thickening leaves and branches.  There is no trail but it is obvious that someone knows of it . . . a campfire ring.  The beach is heavily pebbled with a few patches of warm sand to lie about on.  The beach is low . . . definitely within the floodplain of the river, so I wouldn't want to be camping out there in times of rain.  The Rapid River got its' name for a reason.  But for right now, that little beach gave me what I wanted.  full-exposure to some more sunlight to make my wanderings about pleasant.
Back at the car, another vehicle that had passed me on the way in comes back out and stops.  Full of teenagers looking for a place to camp.  I guess they didn't like my first suggestion and were looking for a specific campsite (maybe to meet up with friends).  I gave them my breakdown of available sites and think I identified the right one.  On their way I followed at a distance.  There was one last campsite I wanted to visit . . . one right by the river and road yet shielded by a dirt berm.
A step back into a rain-forest campsite by the riverThe sun was dropping, daylight soon to be gone.  I so love this campsite because I can park by the side of the road, walk twenty feet, and I'm in an open, protected camping area by the river . . . and you can't be easily seen from the road.  The campsite is well above the river and a delight to wander about the brightly, moss-covered boulders some quite some distance in either direction along the river banks.  There is much to enjoy here . . .  but it is getting cool and dark.  Time to head home after a great day.



Direct link to the photo album:  http://www.anthonians.org/5-5-2012_Deception%20Creek%20Powerlines-Rapid%20River%20Campsites/

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: mother's day, naturist, nudist, nudist mother, nudist mothers day

“I’m getting tired of being singled out because I am a single male.” How many times have you heard that?  How many times have you said that?  It’s so unfair that single men are discriminated against because of their gender, isn’t it? Well, yes it is and…no it isn’t,  for  a number of reasons.  For [...]

Here’s the show we were all waiting for: a serious mainstream media report on naturist families! Well, ok, maybe they weren’t exactly the average nudist family, but at least the topic got a fairly evenhanded treatment, especially considering it was sharing the bill with ‘Dr.’ Phil, an 8 year-old monster truck driver, a child bull-rider [...]

“Get ready for the Sixth Annual World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD)! People across the globe are encouraged, on Saturday, May 5, 2012 to tend their portion of the world’s garden clothed as nature intended.” World Naked Gardening Day Filed under: Blogs Tagged: naturist, nudist, WNGD, world naked gardening day