Well, Jbee, maybe its just me.
This last time didn't involve a report to the authorities, there was no complaint, but I'm appearing before a federal magistrate November 5th to argue citations received for being nude on land patrolled by the federal parks and wildlife. Well, that's part of my defense. I was on State property, the beach, when cited, not on federal property, the McFaddin Wildlife Refuge that abuts the beach. And of course I was cited under State law, because I wasn't violating federal laws, I wasn't violating the state laws either, btw. My attorney is confident the case will not see the light of a courtroom. But then, justice is blind, especially in this great state.
I was reported earlier in the year, on the beach, in another wildlife refuge, the Padre Island National Seashore. There is a part of this park that is blocked off from traffic and can rightfully be called federal property. You can only hike, bike or ride a horse into this part of the park. It has long been a favorite spot for the barefoot all over types.
The custom is to remain covered until you pass the families and other textiles that may congregate near the pilings that separate the park from the public beach. There weren't many out that particular day, but I wrapped my sarong around my waist and proceeded down the beach. I came upon a family; mom, dad and young daughter not too far into the park. They were enjoying the wonderful day, looking for shells and watching the shore birds. I always keep a pleasant demeanor, not wanting to look odd or suspicious in any way. They greeted me as I approached and we each commented on what a great day for the beach. I never strayed from my path at the water's edge and simply continued on, thinking nothing out of the ordinary of our interchange.
Several yards further down the beach was a twenty something female with a large Labrador. She was throwing sticks and generally playing with the dog. The dog ran over to me as soon as it noticed my presence. The young lady followed yelling at the dog to come back. I was petting the dog when she got close enough to clip on the leash. I explained that there was no reason for concern, I have a similar dog at home. We chatted a bit, before I continued my trek.
Okay, maybe I was feeling a bit of overconfidence, maybe enjoying the experience a bit too much. Anyway, I had put some distance between me and the parties I had passed. They could certainly have seen that I had removed my sarong, if they were paying close attention, and maybe noted the consistent color of my body, but they couldn't have seen that I wasn't wearing a thong or other discrete cover. I didn't give it any thought and expected them to be in the same frame of mind.
I walked maybe a mile down the deserted beach, laid my sarong on the sand and proceeded to enjoy the sun, sand and salt air. At one point I decided to venture further down the beach looking at shells, driftwood and other things populating the beach. There was no one in sight. I carried a sock to cover my genitals, just in case I encountered others. On the way back to my sarong I noticed a male walking my way. He was wearing typical board shorts and appeared to be in his 30's. I figured he wasn't used to running into naked gentlemen so I donned the sock. I noticed that something behind me had gotten his attention, turned around to spot a park service truck headed toward us.
When they got up to me, they started to ask me about my attire and if that was all i had to wear. We weren't far from my sarong, so i led them over to show it to them. They searched my belongings and asked if I had spoken with anyone since I arrived at the beach. I described my 2 earlier encounters, then they asked if I would be surprised to learn that a complaint had been received on me. Apparently, the family stopped at the park entrance guard and reported a naked man on the beach.
By that time I was wearing the sarong and they asked if that was how I was dressed at the time I spoke with them. I said 'of course'.
'Why would they report you then?'
'I don't know!'
I brought up the encounter with the lady further down the beach (with the dog), that would certainly have played out differently if I was naked.
Anyway, they proceeded to grill me, detain me and threaten me before asking for my vehicle description (so they could run the plates). They said that they were going to contact the family and track down the lady with the dog. If anything in my story didn't check out, they would come back before i could leave the beach. The last thing they said was, 'this is not over!'
That was the last I heard from them.
So, we are being harassed in certain areas where nudity is quite harmless, but severely frowned upon. I think the statistics work in most areas. Those statistics match my experience in and around Austin, rural streams and lakes and the like. They don't work in areas with a reputation for illicit nakedness (whatever that means). The McFaddin Wildlife Refuge has seen some issues with cruisers and exhibitionists. There are messages painted on driftwood and park signs advising kids to stay out. I avoid those areas, but the reputation stains all.
I will continue my advocacy of simple public nudity in non-threatening locations. I will fight the injustices and enjoy my naked bike rides and wild swims.
~Safebare
