QUOTES 10/31/2016

“My neighbors have told me to feel free being naked as much as I want.  They seem to be interested in trying nudism themselves.  They have a 2-story house next door with a 15-year-old daughter.  The daughter and the parents can easily see into my backyard, but I've told them if they ever feel offended or the daughter is embarrassed or offended, I will be more private.  Each time they tell me it’s not a problem. . . I'm 64 and I don't give a shit what people think about me and my nudism. . . I want to be liked of course and am a very friendly person to all, but if they don't want to be friends because I'm a nudist, then it's their loss.” – DogstarD, https://www.truenudists.com/groups/view.php?action=viewthread&id=8684&idt=103301&vpage=1

“The practice of meditation au naturel is priceless. . . Mediation is vital in my opinion, for anyone who wants to get more ‘self’ control.  Without this control, I find myself ‘reacting’ rather than responding with considered reasonableness.  And, it often happens that I can listen better, let it wash through me without having it stick within me like some nascent cancer.  To meditate skyclad outdoors in sunshine is the ultimate experience for me.  However, even nude meditation indoors is treasured.  And when there is no opportunity for either experience, even clothed meditation works on allowing me to be more present and more pleasant in my interaction with the universe.” – Skyclad, http://rglongpre.ca/naturistlens/2016/07/13/meditation-au-naturel-2/

“I'd venture to say that the line women are so often meant to toe — sexy, but not too revealing; modest, but not too prudish — creates particularly strong sentiments regarding nudity.  How much nudity is too much?  How much is not enough?  The truth is that there probably isn't ‘too much.’ . . . There's nothing gross or immoral about nudes.  We get naked every day, after all:   we shower, when we have sex, sometimes when we crawl into bed at night.  It's how we came into this world, and there's nothing uncouth about owning your natural state.” – Marie Southard Ospina, http://www.bustle.com/articles/160293-9-reasons-not-to-be-ashamed-of-your-nudes

“What I like about being nude at home, including working at home, is the sheer comfort of it.” – JimShorts, http://www.truenudists.com/forum/viewthread.php?id=100881

“Body shame will never end so long as our society treats clothing as mandatory.” – http://thenakedtao.tumblr.com/post/144688130487

QUOTES 10/30/2016

“There is no greater honor than to be the bearers of God’s image.  It is not something to be ashamed of.  And God did not intend for it to be always hidden from view . . . We must always treat the honor of our image-bearing with the respect and dignity that it deserves.” – Pastor Ed, http://mychainsaregone.org/articles/the-imago-dei/#sthash.DOQ4d6TF.dpuf

“Two Femen protesters were arrested after baring their breasts at a controversial conference near Paris on the role of Muslim women. . . Two fundamentalist preachers were discussing the question of ‘whether wives should be beaten or not’ when the activists . . . ripped off their Arab-style cloaks and jumped on to the stage on Saturday evening. . . The protesters, aged 25 and 31, grabbed microphones and shouted feminist slogans in French and Arabic before being roughly bundled off the stage by about 15 men and handed over to police.  Video footage of the incident shows a man apparently kicking one of the women. . . some of the men shouted ‘dirty whores’ and ‘kill them’. . . One speaker at the conference has reportedly posted calls on social networks for women to veil their faces or risk hellfire and sexual assault in the afterlife. . . Twitter posts called for the protesters to be stoned or collectively raped.” – “David Chazan, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11862220/Topless-protesters-disrupt-Muslim-conference-on-women.html

“Arriving at the top of a ridge, the breeze cooling your bare skin, the beauty of the valley below, pausing for a prayer of gratitude - what could be more spiritual” – Ken Freehiker

“. . . my sister in law and her husband became caretakers of a gold mine . . . Situated on a river below Reno Nevada . . . One day I decided to hike to the actual mine site . . . The sound of the river, the birds, the forest, no clothes - it doesn't get any better - it was a pioneer experience - a week of bare hiking and bare living.  I did great gold panning . . . even better . . . naked. . . I have been to resorts with my wife, but it is the call of the Wild to walk and hike in creation, to . . . leave no trace. . . I am drawn to. It is breathing and feeling the power of nature as it penetrates my senses.  Enjoy your days my friends; they won’t come again. - Naken

[Bare Burro 5k]  “It was quite an event, and a finish for me I still can't believe happened, or was even possible - among other issues, surely I'm much too old for that sort of thing by now.  Winning a 5k, and for the first time ever, at age 46?!  I'm not sure I've ever even had dreams that incredible.” – Lee

QUOTES 10/29/2016

“Seriously consider starting a local non-landed naturist club . . . a good area for nude camping and hiking.  But clubs can also be formed that mostly meet at members’ homes – especially if several members have private backyard pools or spas.  It isn’t really much effort to start and operate a naturist club, provided you know or can meet enough other naturists who’d be interested.  Really, such a club is just a bunch of people who like each other and have a common interest. . . And if you need any further motivation to make the modest efforts required, think of the benefits.  You’ll create many more opportunities for enjoying social nudity at the homes of like-minded friends.  You’ll be able to organize carpools for traveling to more distant locations for nude activities.  And an active group will give your family more opportunities to make friends with other naturists (for mutual support and encouragement).” - https://naturistphilosopher.wordpress.com/2014/03/21/naturisms-apathy-problem/

“I live in the country and have a privacy fence, so my girlfriend and I can be nude anytime we want when its warm. . . I will work around the house and yard nude, but she mostly just tans nude.  She doesn't like the bugs getting on her when gardening.” – Widgeon, https://www.truenudists.com/forum/viewthread.php?id=2938&page=8

“I was told about nude camp.  Was interested!  Did not go the first year but the next I did go.  What a freeing experience!  I joined AANR the very next week and this year became an Associate member!  I enjoy it so much that I do proudly say I am a nudist!” - Deb S., Minneapolis, Minnesota, http://aanr.com/first-time-nudist-experience&page=35

“Years ago when I was into sailing I kept my sailboat at the marina north of town.  My favorite days were the middle of the week when boats and people were sparse.  I would sail out a short distance and get nude.  Most times I only saw a few boat pass by as I sailed along and usually wouldn't cover up.  When it got hot would drop the sails and jump over the side or find a island and drop the anchor.  Several times at the island while skinnydipping other boats would arrive the first couple times I would slip back aboard and put on a suit.  Finally, I just stayed nude and had no problem when other boaters were there.  I think most boaters are skinnydippers anyways.” – gabare, https://www.truenudists.com/forum/viewthread.php?id=1089&page=1

“And nothing but nakedness fit comfortably.” – Bailey Gaddis, http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a48738/walk-around-naked/

Honest Photo Session

Last night (10/27/2016) Amy and I went to our church to have our photos taken.  While taking photos, the young 24-year-old photographer asked what we do for fun.  I said, “We like to run around naked in the woods.”  Amy said “Ken’s not kidding.”  He laughed, but after the shoot while selecting the photos, he asked, “What’s this about running naked in the woods?”  Amy explained that we were naturists and I shared what that meant and told several stories.  He said he didn’t understand why nakedness was such a big deal and told us about sharing a sweat lodge naked with others.  He said he’d be in touch with us.  Perhaps a convert?

QUOTES 10/28/2016

“Clothes are one of the primary social divisions.  Nudism, on the other hand, unites us. . . One of the primary purposes of clothing is to segregate people by altering their appearance as well.  Clothing highlights the differences in gender, race, culture, wealth and social status, which proves that clothing is one of the primary instruments in social divisions.  Clothes create inferiority in terms of social class.  This is why it’s important to have nudity in our lives.  Nudism helps bring us closer together as a species, far more than any nationalism, language, or religion ever can. . . Without clothes we’re all equal.  We are really not different from others.  Nudism means unity.” - https://rfgjga1992.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/lets-do-all-this-to-promote-nudism/

“But if everyone got naked, we might do away with all war, because there would be little that seems worth arguing for.” - https://kauaiartist.wordpress.com/2015/10/16/if-everybody-were-naked/

“There was a time when women’s breasts were not sexualized or fetishized in Africa, parts of the Americas, South Pacific, South East Asia and Polynesia.  There are still indigenous communities in Africa where the women walk around bare-chested and free. . . I imagine that urban men respect these women because ‘it is their culture’.  If men are capable of respecting . . . ‘tribal’ women’s bodily integrity and autonomy, then why can’t this respect translate to urban women?  Why are women forced to hide our body parts in order to protect ourselves from men who can’t control themselves? . . . I am taking my own steps to free my breasts.  I haven’t worn a bra in a week and it has been the most liberating experience . . . April is going to be a bra-free month for me.” – Zawadi Nyong’O, https://digitalubuntu.wordpress.com/2016/03/30/is-it-time-for-a-nipple-revolution/

“. . . shake things up by adding some nude statuary or other objects to their yards.   This would make nudity a topic of conversation and, perhaps, get people to think differently about natural nakedness. . . what about nude cherubs near a small fountain?  Or a figure laying, contemplatively, in the grass with only their backside showing?  Or one of those sign cutouts designed to stake into the ground and to look like someone is standing near the corner of a home or garden au naturale? . . . Usually there's more flexibility with what we do with our back yards.  And one can definitely take liberties when they have installed a non-offense fence.  Besides, it's hard to issue citations to a nudist who is made of granite, wood, or resin . . . Go reasonably crazy.  Try to avoid violating your homeowner association covenants or zoning regulations in the process.  But have some naked fun too!” – Bare Platypus, http://bareplatypus.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-call-for-naked-yard-ornaments.html?spref=tw

“Our prevalent rape culture with its victim-blaming practices not only places the responsibility of avoiding violence on women, but this very practice rapes the victim again, murders them again, makes them a victim again, takes away their dignity again, sabotages the probability of some form of recovery and ultimately abuses them in the most cruel of ways – by crippling them emotionally and psychologically. . . each time that a woman is raped and we attribute the cause of attack to her outfit or to her being out late at night, rather than demanding that the monster who believed that he had rights over her body is brought to justice, then we too, engage in victim-blaming. . . victim-blaming is also a colossal disrespect and insult to men, for it inherently assumes men to be irrational, mindless and animalistic monsters who are controlled only by an appendage dangling in their pants . . . we assume that men are stupid and cannot think? . . . a sexy outfit is not an invitation, nor should nudity automatically be assumed as sexual.  Our officials need to understand the necessity in distinguishing between church and state, and they must understand that their duty lies in implementing human rights, rather than imposing subjective views on morality.  There are tribes in the Amazon and Africa – you know, the ones we call primitive – that live in perpetual nakedness, yet rape is not an issue there. . . They also do not attempt to make women feel ashamed of their bodies as we do in the western world.  When you consider things holistically, you come to realize that the restrictive ways in which we define masculinity (and consequentially oppress femininity) is often reason for much of the negatives we face in society. . . Women in turn, must understand that what a woman chooses to do with her body is her choice and it is unacceptable to degrade and judge other women in order to validate oneself.” - D. Thomas, https://unimprisonedminds.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/rape-culture-misogyny-and-a-misguided-mayor/

Mingus Freehike

Today (10/27/2016) Amy and I hiked the Mingus Freehiking Trail (nude of course).  The weather was very nice.  Amy judged the trail as easy, except for some rocks that I will remove in the future.  She thinks any of our members could hike it now, even those whose balance is a little questionable, as long as they have a hiking stick.  It is only about 1 ½ miles (total) in and out.  (In the future I’ll extend it further.)  It’s mostly shady, and the scenery is beautiful!  One doesn’t need to worry about meeting anyone on the trail – it hasn’t been hiked by anyone for years - so it’s wonderful for freehiking.  I leave my clothes near the start of the trail and hike it without any net.  Because it is so very private, it would be a wonderful trail for introducing a reticent spouse to beautiful nature and nude hiking.  (I’m amazed how great freehiking feels, and am so sorry for those textiles who never experience the fantastic feeling of a mild breeze on their entire body.

 

QUOTES 10/27/2016

“When you're around a bunch of naked people and you're the one wearing clothes, you feel like an idiot.” – Eddie Matz, https://toplesspulp.com/2016/07/31/keeping-us-in-suspense/

“. . . on a nude beach, men and women are both naked and equal.  On every other beach . . . it seems to me women are expected to ‘show off their goods’ while men are modestly covered in long trunks, and as often as not, a t-shirt as well.  Given all the rhetoric about the sexual implications of mixed gender nudity, the swimsuit inequality simply doesn’t make sense.” - https://meanderingnaturist.wordpress.com/2015/08/

“The Sharia, Islam’s canon law, is traceable to Koranic verses and edicts (45:18, 42:13, 42:21, 5:48; 4:34, 5:33-34, 5:38, 8:12-14; 9:5, 9:29, 24:2-4), as further elaborated in the ‘hadith’ - the traditions of Islam’s prophet Muhammad and the earliest Muslim community - and codified into formal ‘legal’ rulings by Islam’s greatest classical legists.  Sharia is a retrogressive development compared with the evolution of clear distinctions between ‘ritual, the law, moral doctrine, good customs in society, etc.,’ within Western European Christendom.  Sharia is utterly incompatible with the conceptions of human rights enshrined in the U.S. Bill of Rights.  Here are some liberty-crushing, dehumanizing Sharia sanctions: open-ended jihadism to subjugate the world to a totalitarian Islamic order; rejection of bedrock Western liberties - including freedom of conscience and speech - enforced by imprisonment, beating, or death; discriminatory relegation of non-Muslims to outcast, vulnerable pariahs, and even Muslim women to subservient chattel; and barbaric punishments which violate human dignity such as amputation for theft, stoning to death for adultery, and lashing for alcohol consumption.  Compounding these fundamental freedom and dignity-abrogating iniquities, ‘matters of procedure’ under Sharia are antithetical to Western conceptions of the rule of law. ‘Evidentiary proof’ is non-existent by Western legal standards, and the Sharia doctrine of siyasa (‘government’ or ‘administration’), grants wide latitude to the ruling elites – rendering permissible arbitrary threats, beatings, and imprisonments of defendants to extract ‘confessions,’ particularly from ‘dubious’ suspects.  Clearly, Sharia ‘standards’ are intellectually and morally inferior to the antithetical concepts which underpin Western law.” – Andrew G. Bostom, https://pjmedia.com/blog/shocking-polls-show-what-u-s-muslims-think-of-u-s-laws/

“We know our neighbors, the only next door neighbor we have, have seen us naked in our backyard.  We've entertained our close nudist friends many times and at any time, there can be between 4-8 naked people walking around or lounging in the sun next to the pool.  I'm out there every day, most of the day and these neighbors finally closed their shutters to give us the privacy we deserve.  The previous owners of this neighboring home saw us naked and the woman didn't like it but her husband told her ‘then stop looking!’ . . . He, on the other hand, loved to talk and he'd hear me in the back and he'd look over the 5.5 ft fence and . . . I'd stand there naked and he'd be on some concrete block or some stool so his head was well above the fence line.  I think he wanted to join in . . . Our neighbors across the way have seen me/us and they just smile and wave.  The ol' guy across the street with a second story outdoor patio off their master bedroom was out on his patio the other day and I'm pretty sure he was naked.   He's seen me so many times and he's always waving and he talks to me all the time but the subject never comes up.  He got up the other day to walk in their house and unless he's taken to wearing his pants down low like the kids ... I'm pretty sure he was naked up on his balcony.  Maybe we've rubbed off on him.” – AndyDi, https://www.truenudists.com/groups/view.php?action=viewthread&id=92&idt=102588&page=last

“There’s a noticeable difference in the gaze of the naturist eye—it looks at others without judgment. . . Being a naturist is to unflinchingly see the bare truth in so many ways.” – Keegan Wallis, http://www.themindfulword.org/2015/living-naturally-without-clothes-naturist/

Mingus Freehiking Trail Preparation

Wednesday (10/26/2016) I worked for a short time cleaning up the Mingus Freehiking Trail in preparation for freehiking it with Amy.  As always, working naked in nature was great!

Naturist Friends

(Reconnecting Naturism with the Young)

“Naturism is aging, and may even disappear if younger people don’t get involved.  Why don’t younger people seem to be interested in naturism anymore?”

Much discussion has revolved around this topic.

Recently, I explored the current interests of younger people with one of them, a younger person who explained that they simply communicate do it in different ways.  For example, some younger people use the computer and internet to communicate with people from all over the world.  (Something the older generation mostly overlooks.)  Then she explained that ‘some’ younger people are now realizing that these newer ways of interacting are not enough, so are looking for ways to get together in person.

So, might I suggest this simple solution to involving younger people in naturism:

1.       Develop a group of ‘Naturist Friends’ that meets regularly via Skype, Zoom, or Facetime.  (Clothing would be optional of course, and another advantage is that nakedness would be easier for those who are reluctant to accept in this safer, remote manner.)

2.      Anything could be discussed of course, but an agenda would be sent prior to each meeting that includes particular ‘naturist-related’ topics.  This form of remote interaction might be enough for some – still they would be involved in a way and come to accept naturists as normal, friendly people, and this could evolve to more interpersonal interaction.

3.      One topic that would always be included would be actual naturist activities that people had recently done – resort visits, social events, freehikes, gardening, at home naturism, etc.  Photos. slide shows, and videos could even be shared.  Again, this would encourage group members to participate and share.

4.      A second topic would include planning and invitations about up-coming naturist events (for those close together).  This might also include advertisements about planned naturist events and locations/reviews (resorts, bed & breakfasts, cruises, swims, camps, hot springs, hikes/trails, bike rides, gardening events, etc.), especially for more distant group members.

5.      Finally, the group could provide naturist dating recommendations (something more personal and real than that offered by current internet dating services).

Getting a group like this started begins with a website for younger people interested in naturism.  It need not re-invent those technologies that already exist like Skype, Zoom, or Facetime; blogs, photo/video sharing services; or dating services.  Instead, the website would be a hub for coordinating these services for younger naturist interested individuals.

Here is one possible website: http://kensunwalker.wixsite.com/mysite

Any interest in being involved in this?

QUOTES 10/26/2016

“Starting off the new year nakedly right - Jan 2 was sunny and 30s and a great day to try out some new snowshoes.   So I picked a favorite trail 15 miles out of town, and had the place to myself almost the whole time.  I spent as much time nude as practical, looking over a waterfall and some winter woodland scenes.  It's a very different experience being naked in the cold air and snow.  But it is so great to feel winter sun bathing my body even if it has to be brief” – Al, https://www.truenudists.com/groups/view.php?action=viewthread&id=132&idt=93514&vpage=1

“I would not be the confident, courageous woman that I am now without my clothes free life. . . I would not have the guts to tell my friends ‘no’ when I don’t want to do something.  I would not be able to stand up to folks of a superior position and hold the line with regard to policies and procedures at work.  I would not have the courage to shut up and just listen, without defense or excuse, when others share their honest painful feelings about me.  I would not have left unhealthy circumstances.  My clothes free life has shown me that I don’t need the love and acceptance of all these people.  I stand firm on my two feet, in my body as I am today . . . My clothes free life is not . . . about you.  It’s about me.  My clothes free life is about exposing myself to myself.  And through my clothes free life, practiced authentically from the heart, I reclaim the ultimate sacredness and goodness of my body and soul.” – Hontouniheart, http://clothesfreelife.com/2016/01/22/woman-why-do-you-need-to-be-naked/

“I am Indian so I grew up in a conservative society but my neighbors are very much open especially one aunty who walks nude in her home. . . Every day and night I walk nude on top of the roof of my house and the breeze gently kisses my nude body which is very pleasant.  I also want to enjoy it under open sun and in water but in our country I cannot.” - Joydip Kundu, http://aanr.com/first-time-nudist-experience&page=5

“God creates new born naturists every day.  Sinners create clothes to hide God's creations.” – Rodos, http://rdsnatnat.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/trying-to-explain-naturism.html?zx=e43a9d1d9d057a93

“No other organs of a fully clothed man endure worse than the private parts of his body. For example, testes in males are meant to suspend down from the body and that is why they are sacked in separately. However, with our habit of wearing tight fitted clothes, they remain for most of the time closely in contact with the body and thus, affect the sperm production.  Similarly keeping the vagina behind folds of clothes, leads to the buildup of bacteria in the surrounding area. .” - http://drprem.com/health/sleeping-naked-could-bring-benefits-to-your-health

Worked on the Mingus Freehiking Trail

Today (10/25/16) I worked several hours nude on the Mingus Freehiking Trail.  I finished cutting several trees out of the path, and cleared it further up this quiet mountain valley.  The scenery is so beautiful, and the trail so peaceful – I doubt you’d ever run into anyone on the trail.  It's really a perfect naturist trail.  The yellow oak leaves have about ½ fallen.  It would be nice to have company though.  Let me know if you'd like to join in,or even just walk it.

QUOTES 10/25/2016

“Raising a family of nudists is absolutely a great idea . . .” - https://cloptzone.wordpress.com/2014/11/08/the-best-film-for-the-entire-naturist-family-to-see-together/

“Advice on healthy sun exposure needs to be reconsidered . . . The older population are particularly sun-deprived as shown by low blood levels of vitamin D and lack of outdoor activity.” – Dr. Richard Weller, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3570267/New-research-reveals-sun-benefits-AREN-T-linked-vitamin-D.html

“I’m not cured of my body image issues after one . . . [nude yoga] class, but I’m now aware of a world where clothes, weight, and body bashing serve no purpose.  After that class, I felt so strong, beautiful, and confident. . . I’m finding new confidence in my words when I speak.  I’m more comfortable in a women’s locker room . . . I’ve realized words like ‘biggER’ or ‘fattER’ only exist in the world of comparison.  How can I ever be happy with my body if someone else is always ER-ier than me?  I’ve spent so much of my life obsessing over my external ‘imperfections’, ignoring my internal beauty and self-worth.  My body is far from perfect.  And that’s what makes it perfect.” - https://sobrieteaparty.com/2016/04/14/fully-exposed/

“There are rules for being a nudist.  It's not enough to drop your trousers and waggle your genitals in the sunshine.  That might be fun – or, depending where you are, get you arrested – but it's not nudism.  You can take off your clothes and run across a football field, but that's not nudism, that's streaking.  Jump in a lake and frolic naked with several of your friends?  That's skinny-dipping.  Fun, but not nudism.  Even bathing in a Japanese onsen isn't nudism.  Yes, you're naked and with other naked people in a hot spring, but after you've cleaned and refreshed in the cold plunge, you get dressed and go out for ramen.  A nudist would eat noodles naked, with other naked people. . . nudism is a social activity.  If you're alone, you're just naked, but if you are in a mixed group of men and women engaged in the conscious practice of standing around in the buff, then you are a nudist practicing nudism.” – Mark Haskell Smith, http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/nudist-cruise-ship-whats-it-like-on-a-boat-with-2000-people-not-wearing-clothes-10436100.html

“Even in societies whose members ordinarily wear few clothes, it is said to be customary to dress up for dancing ceremonies and other occasions on which sexual interest is likely to be aroused.  It is often said that dress enhances sexual attraction because it both reveals and conceals the body.” - Elizabeth Wilson, https://theconversation.com/no-youre-not-hardwired-to-stare-at-womens-breasts-53449

Weekend with Naturist Friends

This weekend (10/21-23/2016) we enjoyed the company of friends from Southern Utah.  We met at Shangri La, sang nude karaoke together, and then enjoyed a nude breakfast at the Bare Buns Café.  I worked on the trails Saturday morning.  Later we walked to trails together.  Then we traveled north and walked our nature and meditation trail in Dewey.  We then traveled to Jerome for a nice dinner.  They will leave our place Sunday, but it was certainly enjoyable spending time with naturist friends.

QUOTES 10/23/2016

“The United States of America is an insane place, where you can legally carry and conceal a gun, but risk imprisonment should anyone see your genitals. . . under the banner of free speech, YouTube permits the hateful Mohammed video which offended and outraged billions of Muslims throughout the world, but Facebook censors a mother breastfeeding . . . we live in a world where the Westboro Baptist Church can rally at a gay soldier’s funeral with signs that read ‘God Hates Fags’ as police stand idly by, but should a man or woman show up in nothing but the body we are all born into, they would promptly be arrested for ‘indecency.’” - http://writersdisease.net/naturism/

“Americans . . . live in a society that has separated our emotional self from the physical.  Though we have evolved in many ways during our short time occupying these lands, we still hold Puritanical beliefs about the sinfulness of the human body.  Society tells us early in life that nakedness equals dirtiness and sexuality even though desert and tropical peoples have shown us otherwise, as do nudists in more temperate regions.  A friend told me that a Swede she knows has said she cannot believe how uptight we are about the human form.  When the message of fear and distaste is so ingrained in the culture, how should we expect ourselves to react?” – Chris Webb, https://www.truenudists.com/groups/view.php?action=viewthread&id=2925&idt=14836&page=2

“Naked Cyclists in Germany” (Video) - https://vimeo.com/30545818

“I had a boss who always talked about his nude experiences so I decided to go to a nudist resort in northern Indiana with him and his girlfriend.  At the last moment they had to change their plans and couldn't go, so being the brave girl that I am, I decided to go alone. . . I knew what to do once I got there so I got out of my clothes and went to the pool.  Immediately people introduced themselves and they started to introduce me to people they knew were from my home town. . . That was a bit awkward for me for about one minute then I realized we were all nude and suddenly I felt right at home.  My new friends also introduced me to another couple from a nearby town and we all became the best friends for the last 27 years.” - -Pamela
Anderson, Indiana, http://aanr.com/first-time-nudist-experience&page=40

“I have been driving nude for over 30 years now and so far have never had a problem.  I always have a towel or a pair of shorts to put over me when going past a bus, motor home, large truck, etc., but rarely have to use it.  My most recent nude drive was this morning. I had to drive from my home in the San Fernando Valley to Rancho Cucamonga to pick up some items for work.  I then drove from there to Burbank to pick up some additional items.  From there I drove to a customer in the Simi Valley to make a delivery and from there to work in Valencia.  The four legs of my trip added up to a total time of two hours and 53 minutes and a distance of 173.7 miles driven completely nude.  The longest time was one hour and 52 minutes sitting on the 210 freeway from Rancho Cucamonga to Burbank, a total of 52.3 miles.  I left the house at 6:11 AM and got to work at 11:39AM.  Now obviously I had to get dressed at each of my stops.  I will either pull into a parking lot or park on the street a short distance from my destination to either dress or undress as the case may be.” – TotalTanJim, https://www.truenudists.com/forum/viewthread.php?id=860&page=7

Mingus Freehiking Trail Surprise

Friday (10/21/2016) I was surprised to find time to work on the Mingus Freehiking Trail.  (We had to wait for some things to be delivered before leaving for Shangri La.)  It was great to spend time in the mountains working nude.  Here are a couple of photos of this fantastic canyon trail:

 QUOTES 10/22/2016

“As more people pose nude, the variety of examples for others will also increase and it will become difficult to perpetuate negative stereotypes of the past when your friend, cousin or mother has posed nude.  As more individuals pose nude, it also becomes easier to separate nudity from sex, as many cultures outside of the United States do.” – Jsoh Zykeiwicz, http://www.theonlineclarion.com/opinions/2015/05/11/posing-nude-can-teach-you-about-body-image/#sthash.wCIkWm7w.dpbs

“I hate a wet and soggy bathing suit that you have to constantly adjust.  It takes all the fun out of swimming…so when it is acceptable, I just don’t wear one!  Problem solved.  Thank goodness we have our own pool so I can spend the summer skinny dipping.  It just seems so silly to wear a suit in your own pool!” - http://nudisuzie.com/page/4/

“We have a right to be human, even nakedly so.  In a secular society, does anyone have the right to tell someone else that certain parts of other people’s bodies offend them and must be covered?  The human body is decent and wholesome.  If a person has some hang up about it, that is their issue, not mine.  I hope they find help for it, but - not my issue.  I’m tired of living my life so that others won’t be offended by the sight of my unclothed human body.  I’m getting too old to cater to others’ capricious whims or to subject myself to centuries’ old morality laws that have been left unexamined and unchanged.  Please - be offended by cruelty, by violence, by hatefulness.  Offended by human anatomy?  I’ve stopped caring.  Life is fleeting.  There are no second chances on getting life right.  I’m doing this on MY terms now.  And, yes, that means, by and large, I’m doing it naked.” – http://thoughtsonnaturism.tumblr.com/post/139906235525/we-have-a-right-to-be-human-even-nakedly-so

“Living according to a philosophy is highly personal.  Like naturism, also stoicism and druidry are philosophies.  It is up to the individual how she or he wants to give that philosophy a practical presence in life. . . Naturism doesn’t mean you have to be naked in nature 24/7.  It means that you should find or create the option to do so or do whatever you feel comfortable with while keeping the respect for other people’s opinions. . . Think outside the box.  Think outside the clothes.  Be nude when you can.” – Paul, http://clothesfreelife.com/2016/04/03/how-to-live-a-philosophy-guest-contributor-author-p-z-walker/

“It was a usual balmy night and I too was naked in my rooftop terrace garden too last night.  Swept up the tree litter . . . Watered the thirsty pot plants without a need to worry about getting wet . . . Once the plants were attended to I was able to sit and look at the distant city lights whilst the breeze caressed my body and I listened to the multitude of musical renditions from the numerous cafe's and food stalls that have multiplied around our home so rapidly over the last12 months.” – Ausmanvic, https://www.truenudists.com/groups/view.php?action=viewthread&id=92&idt=97581&page=last

Mingus Freehiking Trail Yet Again

Yesterday (10/20/2016) I continued clearing the single track Mingus Freehiking Trail.  The scenery is spectacular!  The oak leaves are turning a beautiful yellow.  It’s marvelous to work naked in the woods on a fall day.  I cleared the trail past a great area for naturist camping; perhaps it can be called the “Old Juniper Camp’ since it sits at the base of an ancient juniper tree.  I’ve still had no visitors; this trail is clearly seldom used, so it is a perfect location for private freehiking.  Everyone is welcome to help the clearing or simply walk what has been cleared.

QUOTES 10/21/2016

“To us, France is synonymous with family naturism. . . I understand what you’re looking for, and you’re not going to find it on American soil.  You need to take your family to France!” (Valuable review of French naturist places) - https://meanderingnaturist.wordpress.com/2014/06/

“This morning I took Hazel for a walk before I went to work.  As usual, I did not dress for the walk as I was already perfectly attired when I woke up.  This morning, I decided that we would walk in some woods about 5 miles from home. . . it was 15C and dry although there was fairly heavy cloud cover when I arrived at the car park at 04:38.  I got out of the car, opened the boot and let Hazel run free . . . We had a really enjoyable, warm walk through the dawn chorus, seeing a number of owls, a fox and a few deer as well as the usual woodland critters that I expect to see.  Hazel spent most of the time trying to intercept squirrels before they could reach trees they could climb. . . I was approaching the car, I heard a twig break behind me and, looking over my shoulder, saw a jogger with a couple of dogs coming up behind me.  He was about 30 yards away and so I decided that he had probably already seen me and there was no point in dressing so I continued, greeting him with a cheerful ‘Good morning’ as he passed.  A few yards further on he stopped and called for his dogs then looked at me and asked ‘Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?’ . . . replied that I did not need them, which seemed to introduce an element of confusion to his life and after a couple of seconds, during which it seemed he was trying to remember how to breathe, he said ‘My wife walks through here’.  I don’t think my response of ‘And?...’ was quite what he expected.  He stood with his mouth open for a second or two and then, apparently at a complete loss for words, turned and jogged on, calling his dogs as he went.  I don’t particularly enjoy being caught out like that . . . However, the confusion introduced to the jogger’s brain made it all worthwhile and had me chuckling all the way home.” – Ian, http://freerangenaturism.com/forum/index.php?topic=32.120;topicseen

“I hate clothes, for one thing.  I’ve always hated clothes . . . It’s freedom, and you don’t sweat at all.” – Diana Cratty, http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2016/07/10/arizona-nude-games-shangri-la-ranch-new-river/86902520/

“Public baths have become a flashpoint in the German refugee crisis as strictly Muslim men have become aroused at the sight of scantily clad females and seen their attire as an invitation for sex.  Many pools across country have been forced to put up signs warning refugees that bikinis are not an invitation to a come-on from over-stimulated men.” – Allan Hall, http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/681783/germany-nudists-cover-up-asylum-seekers-migrant-centre-opens

“Let's all: Get Up, Get Naked, and Get Outside.  Enjoy the warm sun and nature naturally, young, old or in between.  Naked is Natural.” – Syd, https://twitter.com/OnlyGoNatural/status/740687927353724928

Mingus Freehiking Trail Again

Yesterday (10/19/2016) I continued clearing the single track Mingus Freehiking Trail.  I must have cleared nearly a mile.  It's looking great!  I've seen no recent of of visitors; it is clearly seldom used.  It will make a perfect location for private freehiking.  Everyone is welcome to help the clearing or simply walk what has been cleared.  Contact me for directions.

QUOTES 10/20/2016

“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

“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.”

I took one final freehike the last week of our stay in El Paso.  I spent several hours walking the dirt roads and overgrown cuts that had once been someone’s plan for a housing area in the desert east of El Paso, until I reached a private property fence and turned back.  This hike was a nice conclusion to our stay in El Paso.  Hiking naked through the desert is so wonderfully freeing, relaxing, and enjoyable.” – Ken Freehiker

"I was raised in a family that frequented nudist clubs and beaches.  I have fond memories of Cypress Cove and the original Sunny Palms.  And nudity around the house was rather common.  For me, it was a great gift to grow up that way - a gift my wife and I are giving to our own kids.  So from personal experience raising kids as nudists can be a good thing.  As an aside, I also know that there are people in the world that would abuse that notion, but then, many ways of life are subject to the same abuse.  I wouldn't abandon my way of life because someone else does something evil in the name of nudism.  To me that person was never a nudist in the first place.  It's the same argument many Catholics say about the church, just because a few priests engage in, err, uh, ‘Catholic’ behavior with kids doesn't sway them from the church." - The Naturist Journal

“Finery is no less alien to virtue, which is the strength and vigor of the soul.  The good man is an athlete who enjoys competing in the nude.” - Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Discourse on the Sciences and the Arts

Mingus Freehiking Trail

Yesterday (10/18/2016) I continued clearing the single track Mingus Freehiking Trail – nude of course.  The more I clear, the better it looks!  The scenery is beautiful, wild nature with many mature evergreen trees and beautiful rocky areas.  The sun drops below the west side of the canyon so the trail will be shady and cool even on a hot summer afternoon.  It is clearly seldom used, if ever, so will make a perfect location for private freehiking.  Everyone is welcome to help the clearing or simply walk what has been cleared.  Contact me for directions.

QUOTES 10/19/2016

“I feel connected to my surroundings more when I am nude in nature.  I have had so many encounters with wildlife from deer to coyotes and once a moose.  It seemed as though the animals didn't quite know what to make of me.  I have also encountered clothed hikers and in almost every case they have been positive.  For me a solo nude hike in a remote forest is a spiritual experience.  It renews my soul and fills me with joy.  I take my time and I seem to observe my surroundings more.  I feel the wind and sunlight on my body I am getting the fullest experience I can.  A nude walk during a gentle rain is an experience difficult to top.  It is something difficult to explain it's like explaining ice cream to someone who has never tasted ice cream.  I know that this is a minority within a minority of the population but there is something so incredible, so wonderful about it that only those of us doing it can know.  I encourage you all to get there and give it a try.” - Alan

“I've always wanted to run free in a safe environment.  I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to more events like this [Bare Burro 5k].  I specially wish to participate in a challenging nude bike ride.  I also wished to have body paintings done.” – Muni

“You haven’t lived until you’ve hiked naked! . . . Hiking nude may be the ultimate experience of freedom.  Nothing between you and the air allows you to totally relax and become one with the environment.” – InternationalNudist

“I had a great naked hike in the Mark Twain National Forest on Sunday afternoon.  No vehicles at the trailhead and nobody on the trail; I could have just left the shorts in the car.  (You know you get TRIPLE Naked Hiker Miles for that, DOUBLE if you just do it trailhead-to-trailhead.)  Followed by a two-hour naked drive back to St. Louis, of course! . . . My friend is over from Scotland and so yesterday we went on a hike in a big 6000-acre state park about an hour south of here [Orlando].  We did two different trails and saw nobody the entire day.  Dang - could have left the shorts in the car and gotten DOUBLE Naked Hiker Miles.  Good sun and not too hot.  Lots of deer, a flock of turkeys, and several armadillos . . . What's not to like about naked hiking? . . . My hike today was awesome!  Yesterday did the Appalachian Trail, naked of course. . . And then drove across the border to NY and did Taconic State Forest, then a two-hour naked drive home.  The AT crossed three roads and four streams. MAN, was it cold! . . . Take care, hike bare!” - Budd

“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

QUOTES 10/18/2016

“I feel I have nothing to be ashamed of in my body.  I’m happy with the way I look, and I think why should we be ashamed of our body when everyone has one?  We should celebrate ourselves rather than feeling like we have to cover up and hide the way we look naturally.  I think it’s insecurity that causes people to be prudish about nakedness.” - https://naturallynaturist.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/surveys-show/

“Everyone is subconsciously and consciously pressured to conform to societal beauty and body ideals.  The constant barrage of negatives messages and images that we are fed via the media has fundamentally resulted in generations of people who believe they aren’t perfect and therefore should hate who they are and the way they look.  [A nude swimming event is a great] way to have fun, relax and promote positive body image by simply embracing your own bodies.” – Jessica Smith, Paralympic Swimmer, From Tom Pine’s Special Report, file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/The%20Naked%20Truth%20Naturists_vol_16_Special%20Report_no_03.pdf

“The discomfort I felt the first time at the Naturist Foundation was non-existent on the occasion of my second run there.  Not only was I now familiar with the surroundings and the procedures, there were many familiar faces (and bodies!). . . To warm up my body and joints I went on a warm up lap of the course.  I’m still much more comfortable running on flat ground.  The site for this run is relatively sloped, so it really helped to do that lap and warm up. . . there were about 80 runners . . . (ranging from ages 8 to 73).  At 11:30 we were off. . . This race felt completely different to the previous 5k naked run.  That first naked race was almost terrifying. . . the situation exceptional and new to me . . . It was tough.  I pushed myself and felt it.  This time the entire run felt comfortable.  I was very aware how much my fitness had improved. . . After the initial burst of setting off chaos, I wasn’t over taken by any other runner while I over took a few runners, especially in the last kilometre where I knew I could push myself harder.  Importantly, I felt that glorious beauty of the fire in the belly for most of the run.  I could enjoy the sensation and stoke that fire without worrying about where the course went next or if my breathing was telling my body I was going to collapse.  It was pure enjoyment.” - http://nakedmanrunning.me/2015/11/02/naked-run-8-2nd-5k-naked-run/

“An invigorating swim in the mountain waters of Lake Tahoe is, for many, a great highlight of summer.  But for some, what makes it even better is to swim in Tahoe’s crystal clear waters without the limitations of those pesky bathing suits, and afterward lie au naturale in the sunshine.  In fact, Tahoe’s remote east shore beaches have been a favorite hang-out for naturists for more than 75 years.  With an enticing combination of granite boulders, soft white sand, the meeting of emerald green and deep blue waters, and an off-the-beaten-track location, these lovely little beaches are irresistible. . . As to public nudity, there is no law against it on federal lands. . . as long as people without clothes stay on the more remote beaches and off the trails, the sheriff’s office doesn’t enforce it. . . If you are heading to the east shore beaches, you are advised to come early during the summer months, as the two small parking lots often fill up by 10 a.m.  The stunningly beautiful beaches along the east shore are a unique resource.  Not only are they part of the longest stretch of undeveloped lake frontage at Lake Tahoe, but for decades they have been a place where a live-and-let-live attitude among government agencies and the public, combined with a group of dedicated volunteers working to encourage proper use of the resource, have kept this place as a spectacular place to visit.  (Tahoe Area Naturists is a small organization providing a newsletter with information on the east shore beaches. Email tahoeareanaturists@gmail.com.  secretcove.org is a website which provides useful information on the east shore’s clothing• optional beaches.  East shore beaches include Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor which are under the purview of the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and a several mile stretch of land from the Thunderbird Lodge to Whale Beach.  North to south, you begin with Chimney Beach, then Secret Cove, Boaters Beach, Secret Harbor Creek Beach and Whale Beach. Sand Harbor is not clothing optional, and Chimney Beach has transitioned from mostly clothing optional to mostly clothed.)” – Tim Hauserman, http://www.sierrasun.com/news/17391771-113/going-tahoe-streaking-a-look-at-the-history 

“My winter depression (SAD) certainly has been eased by hiking naked, and I have discussed this with my psychiatrist.  He approves and is intrigued . . . I wonder whether he would consider writing me a prescription for ‘the cure’.  Now that's ‘thinking outside the clothes . . .” - Dan