Underground nudity

[John P]

Recently there was a dedicated "Nude day" at Howe Caverns in New York State. For a mere $65, you could go there and have a drink, and be issued a bathrobe, then go down to the cave via elevator and walk around for an hour or so, at a temperature of 52F. A lot of naturists have said that this was a wonderful example of acceptance of nudity in a place where it's not normally expected. I'd like to join the general approval, but the problem is that the management chose to make it an adults-only event, and accompany the nudity with various suggestive jokes--ironically, although kids were kept out, it comes across as pretty juvenile. So altogether, I'm not sure whether it was a good thing or not. Something new, anyway. A new twist on "outdoor nudity", and you can be sure no neighbors were offended by accidentally seeing what was happening.

I'll add a link to an article from a local paper, which I think gives you an idea of what it involved. A quote is "Along the way, Howe Caverns staffers in bathrobes held up thought-provoking and humorous signs to ease any tensions. Things like, "Happiness isn't size specific," and "A wee bit nipply." ([The manager] told me the event was initially going to be called "Nips and Nubs," but that was dropped because of the sexual connotations)." Finally, everyone got handed a medal saying "You're a sexy beast! Howe Caverns Naked in the Cave 2018."

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/expo/news/erry-2018/07/1ab4de65643098/i-went-naked-in-a-cave-at-howe.html

[BlueTrain]

It sounded like they went out of their way to make it an adult activity, which is bad for the cause of nudism. They have, excuse me for putting it this way, perverted nudism. I think sophomoric is a better word to describe it. Drinks afterwards, with topless waitresses?

In our contemporary American society, anything having to do with nudity, at least mixed nudity, is nearly always treated as an adult activity with a heavy dose of ribald humor, which apparently goes over well in most places. So-called "gentlemen's clubs" seem to do well in places with a lot of churches. Alternatively, it is seen as something exceptionally immoral and threatening to the very fabric of society, especially in places with a lot of small minds. But there are exceptions.

[Greenbare Woods]

I generally applaud events where nudists can participate naked.  The more venues are willing to host naturists and the more often they do so the better.

However, a cave that is 53 degrees F is very cold for me to be comfortable without a jacket. 

[John P]

The temperature is part of the natural environment! I'd certainly say dealing with it might involve clothing if it were a regular thing, but when we're able to be free in a place where we usually can't, I'd try my best to keep the textiles off.

But Bob, what about the "Nips and nubs" stuff--are you willing to just ignore it? BlueTrain, you're obviously seeing this aspect of the event as a problem, and I agree.

[BlueTrain]

I hate to admit it but it does sound like a fun thing to do. The low temperature would be tolerable if you were active enough. Caves and caverns (and mines) are damp, though, but there's no wind--but there had better be a draft.

Nudity in low temperatures can be tolerated under certain conditions and can be quite exhilarating but there can't be much of a breeze and you need to be active. By low, I mean as low as 60 or into the 50s. But you should really get out for a few minutes when it's even colder now and then just to see how it feels. Can't say it will make you healthier or make you live longer but when you come back inside, it will feel nice and toasty inside. Years ago, before people started flying off to the Caribbean, nudist magazines loved to show nude people outside in the snow.

[John P]

I was never in any nudist magazine years ago!

[BlueTrain]

It's never too late.

[nuduke]

I agree with Bob that for any venue to put on a naturist event is a good thing for the emancipation and understanding of naturism.  I trust the over 200 turn out was a "good house" for the

organiser

.  However the Ooo-err jokes are a bit offensive and make the erroneous assumption that naturism is about sex.  I hope someone in the visitor party pointed out to the organiser that this very clumsy attempt at humour was inappropriate.  This is I think a particularly American thing of needing to add unnecessary enrichments to an otherwise enriching experience.  That's why you get cheese on everything in restaurants!!


As to 52 degrees for an hour being too cold...Humbug! We have to put up with that sort of temperature for half the year in the UK!!



John

[BlueTrain]

Cheese? I thought it was bacon that improved the flavor of everything.