Ohio, the Heart of it all.

[nudewalker]

Another day of travel was followed by another hike after supper. Even though it was a Friday the area was sparsely populated and sneaking off into the woods with only shoes and bug spray was easy. In fact by the time I returned near dark it seemed the other campers had already gone to bed. The next morning the area sounded like a bee hive as we found out why everyone was in bed early. All the campers were fishermen so they were heading out on the lake before dawn! Now that my sleep was disturbed may as well make coffee and plan the day.

So I headed out to a wildlife area I knew about from friends who hunt and fish there. I did visit the area a few weeks ago so seeing that the boat ramps were quite busy moved off to the wilderness areas away from the water. Without hesitation and seeing the back roads deserted I left the clothes in the vehicle and armed with my trusty camelback set off on an adventure. I spent most of the morning roaming the area following the mowed pathways ( about the width of a one lane road) and walking along the cornfields (planted to supplement the wildlife's diet). One swath had been cut so that the corn was on the ground and evidence of deer abounded. There were some deer to be seen however they stayed toward the wooded areas staying out of the sun's rays. In fact, being out in the open as I was the morning became quite warm and thankfully there was not the burden of unwanted clothing.  When heading back in the early afternoon the decision was made to take the kayak to the lake. So I reluctantly put on my tan through suit before the drive to the boat ramp.

By this time most of the fishermen had left the lake so after putting in it was easy to slide off the bathing suit and enjoy a peaceful paddle as not only was the lake quiet but I was able to find a deserted cove for a refreshing dip in the water. I had gotten caught up in the whole experience and the spell was finally broken by the misses who wanted to know when I would return. After all I had promised dinner at a quaint little place we spotted on the drive into the camp.

I have attempted to post some pictures so you can see the pathways mowed for walking and the row of corn that was cut.

[nudewalker]

The next day was spent in the same area once again as I couldn't get enough of the wide open spaces. I found another area to explore and it was much of the same; open fields surrounded by woods and a patch of corn field for the critters to feast on when the food source dried up. Only this time I took time to hike toward the lake with the hope that like yesterday most people would be gone around the noon hour. No disappointment either as I made it to the shore to look out over the calm water. This time most of the pathways I found were under the cover of trees and little sunlight penetrated the thick canopy. Once again, although nothing special happened to write about, it was another day of excellent free range time.

[nudewalker]

Monday arrived so it was time to pack it up and put the camper away until the next trip but I just could not resist one last foray into the woods before leaving. Just a nice easy walk so I could air out the body before being confined in the tow vehicle for a few hours besides it is not often that I can break camp in the nude. I finished the walk with a return to my childhood as the lure of the swing couldn't be resisted.

[jbeegoode]

You've stimulated fond memories of back east.

Feeding deer is a new one for me. Do they do anything for them during the winter, too?

My neighbor just got back from a trip to NY. She commented that the rivers here are creeks there, the rivers ten times that and more. She thought Lake Ontario was more an ocean.

You mentioned "wide open spaces." was that hilltop views or just elbow room enough to roam?

AND thanks for the report. Great stuff and lots of opportunities looked for and then taken, informative. Good timing to avoid the textiles.

Jbee

[balead]

Yes, thanks nudewalker, seems like a great trip. Although I must say I'm surprised to see what appears to be a white bum. 

EDIT Just realised that could be misinterpreted over there. I think "butt" is what you call it.

[nudewalker]

I'm glad to have stirred memories Jbee, just as you have done for my two visits to Arizona years ago. As far as I know from the information gleaned, yes the corn fields are planted and left all winter for the animals to forage. The areas I frequent now are old farms that the state bought to preserve so there are hilltop views as you mentioned and most of the valley area is wooded. Besides the cornfields most of the open space is brush about four feet high with the same pathways cut through them. The first area was 2,200 acres so plenty of elbow room.

I remember someone visiting here was impressed when they crossed the Ohio River here to enter from Ohio. As a youngster the river wasn't as impressive before the Army Corps built the lock and dam system. There was a canal system in Ohio before railroads were built, much like the one's John posts. Some of the lakes I kayak on were built to hold water for use in the canals.

Balead you observation is correct the bum is white in relationship to the rest of the body. This spring was not kind to a sun worshiper and then I got too carried away with the kayak to expose it for any tan. I am trying to remedy the situation by hiking more and grabbing sun time.

[tanman]

Thanks for your Ohio trip reports, nudewalker.  My wife and I also RV camp and flat-water kayak, and similarly we launch then make our way around the shore to find secluded beach areas we can enjoy (me) naturally.  You mention a running kilt and tan-through shorts ... is that kilt from runningkilts.com?  I just bought one of those this summer and it is quick becoming my standard, non-business, uniform.  Previously, my standard was a pair of loose fitting, navy colored, nylon swim trunks with the net cut out.  But, I'm really liking this running kilt.  Who makes your tan-through shorts?  I'm not the 'sun worshiper' my wife accuses me of being, but, I DO really enjoy having an allover deep tan, and that DOES require a lot of naturally clad sun exposure!

You're having fun camping, kayaking, and hiking, naked!
Larry (tanman in Texas)

[nudewalker]

I'm glad  you are reading the reports Larry. Although I lack the writing style of Jbee or the photo skills of others such as JOhn Duane or our hosts; the attempt is there to share my exploits. Now to answer your questions; yes, the kilt is from Scott at runningkilts.com. In fact I liked it so much that I took sewing lessons at JoAnn Fabric to be able to make my own. So I have two more now; one of digital camo and a black one. I was so proud of the digital one that I sent Scott a picture and he sent me the Runnungkilts.com labels to sew on! Now the tan through shorts are from http://www.cooltan.com/. I do like the extreme light weight but they do snag and run easily.  They also say they are equal to an SPF 6 but as much as I have worn them it may be higher after I referenced the comments made by balead. If you buy the board shorts in a larger size you fit in with the textiles at any beach. ;)http://freerangenaturism.com/forum/Smileys/default/wink.gif

We have been RVing for a number of years but the kayak is a new experience for me. It seems that as I get older and into this retirement thing more places are open to free range naturism than once thought. Now I'm trying to take advantage of the gap between the beginning of school and the start of hunting season.