The Secret Naturist Handbook

[Greenbare Woods]

Back when I was in college in Seattle there was this ravine that cut through one of the many hills, and about 1/2 mile north of the University. It was designated Ravena Park.  Two bridges crossed the ravine.  At the bottom a small stream flowed with a gravel walking path beside it.  The path was wide enough for park department trucks.  There were a couple of side paths leading up to the streets where bridges spanned the ravine.  Sometimes when I was up late at University I would do late night naked exercise running down the path from end to end and back. Total about 2 miles.  I don't still remember if I ever passed any other pedestrians or not.  It was half a century ago. 

[jbeegoode]

We had a covid date last light, enhancing the mission to take photos to illustrate a post about a stroll that we took a few weeks ago. We ordered sushi on the phone and went to pick it up.

The park has a pair of benches at its labyrinth. We decided to have a sundown picnic there.
When we arrived, there was a young woman walking the labyrinth, back straight, looking down in contemplation.

We spread out the first sushi that we have had on a couple of months. It was heavenly with the miso soup in a tall Styrofoam container.

The view is pleasant. The girl left  with her dog; dusk came.

The light of dusk is much more obscure, not dark, but dim enough, as to mess with details, especially at a distance.
We were sitting, so it helped to see how we were dressed. People don't wear so much and often odd outfits here in the summer.

There was a mesquite tree keeping us from being spotted on a couple of sides and no paths behind us. I was in nothing but a kilt, so all I had to do was undo it and let it flop to the side. I then felt "back to normal." DF had a baggy dress and dropped it down. It became a very pleasant nude picnic. A couple of walkers and a colorful "paint" horse walked by. The white patches the only detail to see. I doubt that they even noticed us, at all across the labyrinth, in the dim and away from the path.
After feasting, we sat quietly for  a few minutes, to catch awareness and listen for the normal sounds and people who would bring something new into the mix, to get a feel for it.

DF broke the moment to tell me that she would like to get the pictures done during the lull. This sounded good to me, we got up as I adjusted the camera and she pulled her dress off to leave behind.

I instructed her where to walk and which way to face.

I had trouble seeing her in the dim image through the camera. I set the direction and framing as best that I could and then pulled my face away to see her. We knew that the flash would be a problem, darkness to daylight in an open place, if anyone noticed and got curious. I listened and looked around after each take. We had minimized the odds first and now kept vigilance and made it all happen as quick as could be. She seemed more relaxed than me.

We checked the results on the screen as we sat on the bench, “Good enough.” After that, she posed me.

We sat quietly once more, but we still wanted to accomplish a walk while we were there. I just continued nude. DF decided to just leave her dress rumpled at her waist, easy to pull up, if need be. This is a spiritual meditation and we don’t want to have to break it to quickly grab something to wear. I just figured that I would see where the flashlight was before I was seen and if no light gave them away, the moon was small like a bowl, so darkness and assumption would hide me.

We each had our business, our question/intention to work on.
 
As I walked, I was concerned that there could be too much distraction as I listened. I couldn’t hear silence for the crunch of my own feet in the sandy loam. Every so often I would pass into the light from a street post, more illuminated and it would initially bother me, but I looked down and could see that the light still wasn’t discernibly strong on my body.

We met in the middle, embraced, raised our arms to the air and added more prayer.
 
It was a nice night to be nude, comfortable air, openness, and peaceful as I walked back to the car.
Jbee

 

[nuduke]

I really don't like sushi.  It's the sticky rice I find a bit cloying and nauseating.  I know many folks love it but its something I have never really got to like.
John

[Greenbare Woods]

I really don't like sushi.  It's the sticky rice I find a bit cloying and nauseating.  I know many folks love it but its something I have never really got to like.
John

I'm with you John.  I don't much care for most fish anyway and the thought of raw fish is beyond my tolerance.  I've given up carbs too, and rice is pretty much all carbs.  Lots of other good things to eat.

[jbeegoode]

There's always sashimi Nuduke. I like to dip my rice into a goo of wasabi and soy sauce. I usually eat my fish purely by itself. The rice gets in the way of the savoring. Great omega 3's, oil, and fun tastes. I had a Japanese mother-in-law long ago. I had to learn to love it. Miso with its probiotics, green tea with its good health and those green edimoni beans for protein and roughage. The sashimi cuts are top on the line and with care.

Oh, Bob, all of that fresh Northwestern Salmon going to waste!
Jbee

[jbeegoode]

Quarries: From "The Secret Naturist Handbook"

A quarry might not seem like the type of location where you would want to get naked but you would be quite wrong. Let me explain this by example.

Not far from my home exists a large partially disused quarry complex used for the extraction of limestone to produce cement and other similar products. The quarry is mostly disused and visitors are infrequent, both factors making this location suitable for outdoor nudity. The quarry itself is below the level of the surrounding countryside and the winds that can be quite severe in the more open surrounding farmland are much reduced down in the quarry. This makes nudity possible here on occasions when more exposed locations are out of the question. These micro-climates are sometimes well worth seeking out, not only in quarries but other habitats as well.

By their very nature, exposed rock faces and bare rocky terrain, quarries offer something different from the more normal locations such as woodland and coastal trails. From experience of being naked in these places, I have often found that the feeling of exposure in large quarries can add considerably to the overall degree of nakedness. You tend to feel vulnerable and your nudity more pronounced.

Many people feel that quarries, both working and disused, are just too dangerous to visit and in some instances this can indeed be the case. You obviously have to give some thought to safety when visiting quarries and other similar locations such as rock outcrops and sea cliffs. There is always a risk of falling rocks and the easiest way of dealing with this is to stay clear of the cliff face itself. You could wear a hard-hat but that tends to defeat the point of being totally naked.

As well as the usual factors that need to be taken into account when planning your visit to a quarry, this type of habitat also has a few unique points that need to be considered. The first is that access and exit points tend to be limited in number, sometimes as few as one or two may be found. This might present a problem should you need to exit the location quickly, perhaps after having heard people or a vehicle approaching. Another is the nature of the terrain underfoot and some form of footwear will almost certainly be required. You may also find that the ability to detect anyone approaching is severely limited by the quarry walls and that people are far more likely to see you before you see them.

One the good side old quarries, and indeed working quarries as well, may often offer items of interest. As well as the geology of the area itself, there may also be items of plant and equipment that might be investigated with some care. You may even come across underground caves or mines which may also be explored, although extreme care and caution should be exercised at all times. You may also find ponds in the lower areas of some quarries and while they might invite a skinny dip on a hot summers day I would advise caution as all manner of dangerous debris can lurk under the surface.

Another habitat similar to quarries are sea cliffs. For the secret naturist looking for a quiet spot for some covert nudity, seeking out coastal cliffs can be well worth the effort. Ideally you want a location where access is difficult and where walkers and other visitors tend to stay away. Such locations can be ideal for the secret naturist and all manner of things to do can be found. For skinny dipping you have the sea and rock pools. For the more adventurous you may find sea caves and large rocks and boulders along the shore can make for interesting nude scrambling. The main problem with this type of location is the tide and you should always make sure you will not become stranded at high tide.

[jbeegoode]

We both are curious about the archeology of old mining towns, ghost towns or the mines themselves. How did people live? We project ourselves back into time with the clues and what we know, a puzzle to solve. This is mostly what is to be found in Arizona.

The open pit mines are just huge, barren, uniform and useless. Some are somewhat re-vegetated, in a half ass manner to simply comply with environmental law and fake PR. Once you plow over a piece of desert, it takes hundreds of years for it to come back like the surroundings, so it is still not an real ecology.

I could imaging one on a cold day, breaking the winds and sun radiating to warm the rocks and barren dirt. Still, these mines tend to wipe out the most beautiful unique areas, so the surrounding country is more attractive to a walker. When you find the most incredible awe inspiring spot, it is usually mineral laden. It is often more remote, too.

Southern Arizona has been a copper bonanza, still the major producers in the country,but these places are gigantic and ongoing and especially ugly.

A friend of mine owns a pit that was used to extract fill dirt for the highway in a floodplain. It is generally an eroding dirt. At the bottom, the water collects and there is some plant life coming back, some mesquite. When the rains come there it proves to be a sanctuary for Colorado river toads. Their mating "bra" can be heard in mass, echoing out. Very funny for an orgy.

Once a year, we have a piano burn down there, remote, deep enough that flames can't be seen, pallets, pianos and old dry Christmas trees mostly. A surf band and potluck and dancing to the flames.
Jbee

[BlueTrain]

In my college days of about 50 years ago (I graduated in 1971), I used to do a lot of four-wheeling in some local worked-out strip mines in the northern part of West Virginia. I don't know when they were last mined (there were also drift mines, too) but not in the time I lived around there. Being a four-wheelers, I really didn't do much hiking and I never had any more time than when I was still working for a living. But they were great for driving around. But on my last visit to the area, probably at least five years ago, some were fenced off and that would have been the end of four-wheeling. There were lots of backroads to explore, too.

There was a place mentioned in one of the old World Guides to Nude Recreation that I think was described as a quarry. It was a pond, though, and I'm not sure it had ever been a quarry. I did visit it a couple of times, as well as another place close by but across the Potomac River in Maryland. However, the pond was actually on the grounds of a private girl's school and in reality, you were trespassing. Since then, a building has been constructed that not only overlooks the pond but also the other place across the river. I think it may have been a phys ed building because the windows looked rather high. Anyway, nude people beware.

[jbeegoode]

Rivers: From The Secret Naturist Handbook

When looking for suitable places for secret naturism, rivers and the larger streams should always be considered. Why, because such locations will often have well formed trails and footpaths running along one or even both sides. These can make good routes for nude rambling, running, air-bedding or even mountain biking and you always have the possibility of skinny dipping as well!

Finding rivers with such trails is not difficult and you need only find a river that runs through a town or village and there will be a good chance that you will find a suitable footpath. Of course, being so close to habitation means that you may have a challenge finding a suitable time for nudity but this should not put you off and visits during secret naturist times may prove fruitful.

Where riverside trails come in their own is when you leave built-up or urban areas. Once into the countryside you often find that opportunities for secret nudity become greater. By way of example, at my previous residence in the Scottish Borders town of Peebles, there was a designated walk called the Tweed Walk, which ran for some 8 miles up and then down the course of the River Tweed. With some careful planning almost this entire route can be done naked. It�s just a case of getting out there and doing your groundwork.

When you've found what look like a suitable riverside trail carry out your first walk though fully clothed and examine all points that would affect your ability to walk that same route naked. As you walk take note of where you are visible and where you are concealed. Look for junctions along the trail and investigate where they lead to and also who is likely to use those parts of the trail. Examine the trail itself and you will gleam some idea of how well used the route actually is. Generally, the wider the trail the more use it gets. Of course, hiding places and escape route must also be given due consideration.

Riverside trails also have some unique characteristics that secret naturists need to take into account. The first is the likely presence of fishermen, who can be about at any time of day or night, as are water bailiff's and the people they are trying to apprehend, the poachers. You might also give some thought to those who use the river itself, such as canoeists who can come upon you suddenly and silently.

From experience, I've found that outings along riverside trails are best done during the summer at first light. At this early hour few people are about and you also find there the variety of birds and other wildlife is quite amazing. I once planned a nude outing to place me in some woodland beside a river just as the dawn chorus burst was in full swing. It was quite a memorable occasion.

Finally, a few words of warning about riverside trails. Take care when the river is running high, perhaps after heavy rain, as parts of the trail can become undermined and dangerous. It's also usually best not to fall in regardless of the river conditions. Many low-lying rivers, particularly those that meander, can have treacherous muddy banks which can trap the unwary. Exercise caution at such locations.

[jbeegoode]

Not much in the way of rivers in Arizona. We have some creeks that are called rivers. Most are dry. They have often bike/walking paths in urban areas, which a frequented. There are bicycle police, also. Late at night, without a full moon, flashlights are necessary, because of tripping and rattle snakes.

Cyclic nude will work, especially with painted on bike shorts and a handle bar light that blinds on-comers.
Jbee

[ric]

things have progressed in the uk which make the secret aspect largely redundant for the confident free range naturist.  now weve got police acceptance of the fact that naturism isnt illegal more freerange naturists are not bothering to hide when meeting public in rural locations this in turn is leading to occasional press reports which now are publicising police non reaction which in turn is leading to more public awareness.   this all makes the clothed recon less of an issue , if a path looks suitable just go for it.

last week i was out delivering a mower , came back through the lanes , stopped for lunch in a bit of a layby that had a public footpath heading accross a grass paddock into the extensive woodland of the stourhead estate.   the herd of cattle in the paddock were more of a concern than the possibility of meeting humans.   the cattle watched but couldnt be bothered to move to investigate this strange apparition in their domain.  in my hours naked explore i met 4 humans but though i had a wrap in the camera bag i didnt bother with it .  it all builds public awareness.

[Greenbare Woods]

I am glad public awareness building in the UK Ric.  Sounds like a good afternoon meeting people on a trail without problems. 

[jbeegoode]

I mentioned on "how was your month" that we were surprised to see so many hikers, runners, of all types on a usually empty trail, over 35 people encountered. Nobody cared, they were more concerned with social distancing. One stripped with us, took a photo opt and continued nearly nude after our influence. I'd imagine that it is at least the same in UK and the polls tell odds of objections are even more unlikely.

We still wore covering, Kilt and skirt, along the first mile a nearly always frequented track.

There are more frequented river walks in the UK as is described. Are people naking those? Urban areas along rivers?

There is a fire approaching that wonderful area that we were just at, as I type this. I very concerned. I just spent a couple of days in the Penalenos to see what was left after the fires there two or three yeas ago. It was very sad, I found myself in a hard cry at one point.
Jbee

[jbeegoode]

Tracks: From The Secret Naturist Handbook

No matter what type of habitat your secret naturist outings takes place in you will likely be following a track, trail or footpath and the main problem is that so will anyone else who visits that location. Obviously this can be a problem for the secret naturist.  Although you can try to seek out and make use of less well known routes through a patch of woodland or whatever habitat you are in, this is not always possible and you need to keep your wits about you at all times.

When walking naked along a well-used trail, the secret naturist should concentrate mostly on what is ahead, as this is the most likely direction that someone will appear suddenly. As you have already covered the area to the rear, this is less of a problem but should still get some attention.

There are various other areas of high risk found along tracks and trails with crossing points such area as gates and styles, where people naturally head to cross a barrier such as a hedge or wall, being where the highest vigilance is required. Crossroads should also be treated with respect as they increase the number of avenues of approach from two to four. Blind brows are also places where people can appear suddenly as a person can be hidden from view until they are almost on top of you, giving little warning.

Some thought should also be given to which part of the trail you actually walk along. For example, keeping to the right when approaching a left-hand bend gives you a better view of what is ahead. Keeping to the left for a right hand bend also applies. You might also want to keep to the side of the trail offering better cover, particularly when approaching a hazard such as a junction or gate.

As part of your reconnaissance prior to your outing, you should be aware which part of the trail present difficulties, from the secret naturist viewpoint. Plans should be made to cope with stretches that are open to view and where you may be seen from afar.

As a matter of policy, all secret naturist should try and improve the condition of the track or footpath they are following. This can be done by removing fallen branches from the trail, picking up large stones that would be a hazards to walking barefoot and generally clearing forest debris from the trail surface. I would also suggest some careful pruning along overgrown trails, taking out overhanging branches and young saplings that are creating obstacles. This must be done carefully and with respect to the woodland and damage and cutting should be kept to a minimum. Any branches should be removed away from the trail and hidden out of sight.

[jbeegoode]

When I come to a crossroads, in moments, I'm on another trail. Things don't actually double up, like Lookee's math; its more random. I like to know, or have an educated idea what factors are present adding, or subtracting the odds of being disturbed by another walker. Day of week, how far the trail goes and through what, how remote, or popular, for example.

The most important thing left out is the use of ears. I hear people advancing, more often than see them. So, many hikers team up to talk constantly.

Instead of being out in the open and vulnerable, I feel that seeing people at distance will alert me and I can choose to coverup and when. I am not concerned if they know that I'm out naturist walking, I'm more concerned with adhering to the law.

Around here, people are looking down most of the time, to prevent injuries. Many are out to exercise, being inside their bodies more than in their broader world. "Out of view" may mean a roadway, or house nearby, but those are more predictable than people on a track, or trail.

He talks of tracks, but I see no mention of "tracking", fresh tracks, their direction and broken foliage, etc.

I'm covering miles usually, so stopping to prune isn't happening. I do take clippers, just in case there is a need. I do trim, when it is becoming a problem, for everyone, as a service. The Forest Service budgets trail maintenance have been slashed by austerity, small gov philosophies and free market capitalist exploitations. There are spots where being naked on a remote unofficial trail is pretty sticky/scratchy, like bushwhacking nude. Some trails, I wish to not encourage people to use.
Jbee