This year has been slim for my outdoor activities.
March 1
May 1
June 2
From early March to mid June I was out 4 times. I had a couple impromptu naked-outs (taking a naked photo while traveling). Not much. Then came summer. In early July we had a family event that has only recently been taking less of our time. And of course there was the above average number of summer temps above the 110ºF mark. I can’t relate to you just how uncomfortable those temperatures can be. Temperatures too high can also cause cabin fever.
As a result, I am woefully out of shape. Not so much that I can’t get up to go hiking but my stamina is down. I needed to start my hiking again, not just because I enjoy it, but because it will get me to feeling better. So I picked an easy hike I have done before and decided to see how it went as I headed out on the trail.
When I got to my site at 8:00am it was clear and 80º. Perfect. A little windy, also perfect. There is nothing like focusing on the walk for getting you to leave behind the clutter of some hectic weeks. 3 months since my last hike, naked or otherwise, at least made the days hike that much more special. At 8:00am I was walking east and the warmth of the sun bathed me as the wind kept me from getting too hot. As I said perfect. As the morning progressed so did the wind velocity.
I was hoping to have the energy to make it to the spring in the valley located at about the 3 mile mark. With an overall drop of about 300 ft. over 1.75 miles, 3% grade, that’s my walk coming out. Should be easy. I made it to the spring in about 1-1/2 hr. A leisurely walk. Which was great.
Because of the wind I wasn’t seeing too many of the helicopters that normally plague the area. A benefit. The high flying airliners were the only intrusion. By the time I made to the spring the gusts were hitting about 35 mph. Some grit in the face was the only downside, but not too irritating. The wind and sand felt great and it was an additional benefit that I didn’t have to worry about getting sand down my shirt or shorts. No worries.
I spent about 30 min. at the spring, which I had to myself, laying on some large sandstone boulders soaking in the warmth from the sun and the stone. Nothing better. I knew the projected temp for the day was mid 90’s so I headed out. You have to remember that in the desert you lose water quickly. I had walked in with 3 liters and didn’t want to spend too long in the direct sun. Being in the desert is a total body reading of the environment. Sight, smell, touch, hearing and occasionally taste, when it’s windy.
You just can’t lose track of time and temperature when you have limited water.
The walk out isn’t hard, just a steady incline and a steady pace. It took about 2 hrs. to walk out even though I was not dawdling. I wish I could do the whole thing naked, but at the point where I can see the highway, I slipped back into my “civilized” clothes and headed for the car. After getting settled in I slipped them back off and drove the 25 miles back close to town before I put them back on.
3-1/2 hrs. naked hiking and another 45 min. of carnuding. A good return to my favorite activity.
Duane
