Naked Hiking Day tomorrow

DESERT SUN STAFF AND WIRE SERVICES • JUNE 20, 2009

Prepare to cover your eyes today as nudist across the country plan to shed their clothes for a naked hike.

The annual tradition – Naked Hiking Day – coincides with the summer solstice, which happens this year to fall on Father’s Day.

Local hikers, however, say a nude hike in the desert heat today is unlikely. In fact, none of the local hiking groups advertised a solstice hike in their on-line chat groups or Web sites.

“It’s too hot now to be doing day hikes,” said Ron Gilbert, a Desert Hot Springs resident.

Gilbert last nude trek was Wednesday, before the temperatures started eking close to the century mark. After enjoying some unseasonably cooler weather, the mercury is expected to top out at 101 degrees today.

The Hiking Naked in Palm Springs group has attracted as many as 35 hikers and has been hiking around the Coachella Valley for more than six years, Gilbert said.

Bonding with nature au naturel might be a liberating experience, but police warn an outdoor jaunt in the buff could result in an indecent exposure charge. Public nudity is a misdemeanor.

Managers of the Appalachian Trail, where the bare tradition is sometimes observed, also discourage nudity.

Ranger Tammy McCorkle, of the state-managed South Mountain Recreation Area in western Maryland, said she hadn’t heard of Naked Hiking Day until last year, when visitors reported seeing a group of naked men on the Appalachian Trail. By the time an officer caught up with them, all 10 were clothed; eight received warnings for disorderly conduct after acknowledging they had been nude.

“We’re aware it happens on the summer solstice day,” McCorkle said. “With through-hikers — people who hike the trail all in one season — it’s kind of like an unofficial tradition for them.”

Local law enforcement agencies say skinny dipping poses more of a problem in the valley than naked hiking.

“It’s new to me,” said Pat Pilcher, a ranger at Joshua Tree National Park.

Valley nudists, Gilbert said, prefer the isolated hikes in Mecca Hills where Ladder Canyon is tucked away.

Nude hiking is a European tradition, too. Not that it’s any more welcome there. Voters in Appenzell, Switzerland, passed legislation in April banning naked hiking after dozens of mostly German tourists started ambling through their region wearing only hiking boots and socks.

Nude-hiking advocates say they aren’t out to startle people. Nudity, they say, enhances one’s appreciation of nature.

Many nude hikers go out of their way to avoid being seen choosing to hike during the week or early hours when it is likely they will have the trail alone.

Hiking boots, sunscreen and insect repellent are all recommended, even if hiking in the buff.

“The thing you have to worry about this time of year is the snakes are out,” said Ben Guitron, Indio Police Department spokesman.

That, and where to carry your ID.

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Nude hiking: New meaning for ‘fanny pack’

Barry Lewis: Nude hiking:

 New meaning for ‘fanny pack’ Text Size:

 A | A | A Print this Article Email this Article ShareThisRespond to this Article Posted: March 29, 2009 – 2:00 AM

 I’m a klutz when it comes to spending time in the woods.

 Despite a genuine love for hiking and camping, over the years I’ve gathered enough splinters to build a bench and enough scratches to fill a pool hall.

 I had an encounter once with poison ivy that will forever remind me that leaves of three — better let them be.

 And there was the year I nearly cut off my thumb with a hatchet when I mistook it for a piece of firewood.

 OK, so at times I got a bit too close to the great outdoors.

But at least I knew there were boundaries.

Not like the folks I read about last week in the New York Times who know of no boundaries and really want to expose themselves to nature. They’re not happy hiking unless they can do so in the nude.

Suddenly, I had that leaves of three itch that I didn’t feel comfortable scratching.

 The article described the growing interest in nude hiking as fashionable.

 I guess, if you consider trekking around in your birthday suit in fashion.

 International Nudist, a Web site “dedicated to nudists and naturists,” says you haven’t lived until you’ve hiked naked.

Looking down at my thumb and considering the possible hatchet job I could accidentally perform on other body parts, I’m not sure I’d still be alive if I hiked in the nude. At the very least, I’m sure I would be scarred for life, as would any of the hikers I’d pass on my journey.

 The Web site also asked its visitors the question: Have you ever been walking along in the wilderness and thought, “Gee, this would feel even better without clothes?”

 Clearly, I’m not hiking on the same trails as those folks. Although I once had that same feeling walking through the mall.

 Not that I’m totally opposed to being au naturel.

 Au contraire.

 Who knows how many people, more than 30 years later, are still rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the sight of three gangly bare-bottomed teenage lads streaking across the campus at Brooklyn College?

 It was spring. It was a fad. We were young. Stupid. And back then, I ran a lot faster. Especially without clothes.

 So I’m not a complete prude.

 Just a realistic one.

 Nude sun bathing.

 Nude swimming.

 Nude volleyball — I get it. Although I’d be worried about someone spiking the ball.

 But these are activities done when it’s warm and usually in the privacy of one’s own backyard or at a resort where just the staff are in full attire.

 Hike nude in the woods, and there’s a good chance you’ll embarrass someone other than Mother Nature. Like some mother walking with her 6-year-old kid who now has to explain why a funny-looking grizzly bear had on a hat, boots and said, “Hi!” to them.

 Speaking about gear, how is it that you can wear a backpack and not clothes. And how comfortable is that backpack going to feel rubbing against your skin?

 Nude hiking does give new meaning to the phrase “fanny pack.

” Being free of clothes doesn’t necessarily free these folks from certain health issues.

 The obvious one is sunburn.

 There’s also the chance for mosquito bites in all the wrong places.

 And doctors say the best way to prevent Lyme disease while hiking is to tuck your pant legs into your socks. That’ll keep the ticks from getting to your skin. So much for tucking.

 I think there reaches a time when we have to admit that clothes — any clothes — can make the man a better-looking man. Same for the woman.

 For even if you can survive the ticks and the bites and burns, you can’t escape reality, age and gravity.

 Barry Lewis is the Sullivan County editor. He can be reached at 794-3712 or at blewis@th-record.com

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