NIGHT SKILLS: From The Secret Naturist Handbook
Going out at night makes a lot of sense for the secret naturist. Not only does it allow you to visit locations that would otherwise be impossible during the day-time, you also don't have to worry about getting too much sun. Something to consider in today's climate of ozone depletion and an ever increasing number of skin problems such as cancer. Many will suggest the whole point of not wearing clothing is to get an all-over tan. I would suggest the whole point is to enjoy being naked outdoors.
At night when its dark, the secret naturist is practically invisible and most, if not all locations that would be impossible for nudity during the daylight hours, are now available. Not only does darkness provide concealment for the secret naturist but few people are about and you get the place to yourself. Locations that are very popular during the day are deserted. Busy picnic spots, acres of popular sandy beaches, miles of forest walks and even main roads are all there for the taking.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of after dark nudity is the silence, broken only by the hoot of an owl or the barking call of a deer. On clear nights, when far from the light pollution of towns, far more stars are visible to the naked eye, you feel totally relaxed and at one with the earth. Try it, it's a great feeling.
Outdoors at night, away from towns, it never really gets totally dark. Light pollution from many miles way will often reflect off an overcast sky providing enough light to see your way and if you pick a night with good moonlight to help see your way, getting about is quite easy.
Taking a torch is always a good idea and I usually carry the Tikka on night outings but try to use it as little as possible. You can often see more without it. Using a torch after dark will also advertise your presence over a considerable distance and someone might come and investigate. Red filters fitted over the lens will also help preserve your night vision.
A few points on night vision. Try and preserve it at all costs. If, after you have been out for more than an hour, your eyes will have adapted as best they can to the lower light levels. As soon as you switch a torch on, no matter how briefly, you will have lost your night vision. You will have regained some within a few minutes but it can take up to 40 minutes for it to be completely restored.
Off centre vision is a trick to help you see better at night. Using this method, you look off to the side of what you want to focus on. It's not a natural way to look at things, so it can take some practice. An exercise you can try is to allow yourself to adjust to the dark, then try staring at something, you will find that you can hardly make it out. Now look off to the side of what your were looking at and you'll notice you see more details on it than what your looking at now.
Just because it's dark, does not mean your will be alone. Many others also enjoy the night. Keep a watch out for other nocturnal wanderers such as poachers, fishermen, dog walkers, naturalists, and of course, other secret naturists!
Even if it's a full moon, walking under a woodland canopy will be very dark indeed and a torch will almost certainly be required. To preserve night vision, keep it low and pointed at your feet and avoid looking at the torch itself. One good tip to see where you are going is to look slightly off-centre from the object you are looking at. It will still be hazy but you will get a general idea of the terrain, enough to see by.
Many people are afraid to be out alone at night but there is nothing in the British countryside to be scared off - just your own imagination - except alien big cats, abduction by hostile aliens and all manner of trolls, goblins and devils. But what are a few evil creatures of the night to a seasoned secret naturist!
When walking late at night, watch and listen for approaching people - you may not see them in the dark if they are not using lights until too late and know where to go to duck out-of-sight if required. You should have already allowed for this during your planning stages of the outing. You should also know the location of obstacles such as fences and ditches.
On the matter of vehicles, it may seem odd but you can actually see better than car drivers - who are restricted to the "island of light" cast by their headlamps. Just so long as you do not get caught in the beam, you should not be seen. And finally, be sure you can find hidden clothing on your return. The spot may look very different in the dark.
