Hike Naked: Germany Opens New Nude-Friendly Nature Trails

[Kevin Rooney]

From Time's online website.

Warning - some of the images aren't pretty ....

 

[Chugach001]

I'd prefer to see a bear.

 

[Snowflea]

Oh, ick.

Even worse than a hot yoga class...

 

[griffin]

I'd prefer to see a bear.

Try the nude-friendly trails in Provincetown

 

[Brambor]

no bugs

What? No black flies or mosquitoes?

I'd like to see them try this in Baxter State Park

From Time's online website.

Warning - some of the images aren't pretty ....

 

[Tim Seaver]

From the comments at Time...

As usual, it's the people who really shouldn't bare all, that are... and the people who you might look forward to seeing in the buff, aren't going to let you see.. It's an unfair world... REALLY!!

Sad but true.

 

[ColdRiverRun]

Does anyone else find it hilarious that the guy is naked..but wearing gaitors! Yeah, I would be less concerned about debris in my shoes than other places..

 

[TDawg]

I'd prefer to see a bear.

I'll go a step further and say....

I may even prefer to see a cub on my left, then immediately look on my right to see the mama!!

 

[funkyfreddy]

I got bit by a black fly on my belly button last weekend and that was a PITA.... I can only what a black fly bite would feel like on my _____

Naked hiking...... no thank you! I guess it takes all kinds to make a world

 

[TCD]

"There's a skeeter on my peter
whack it off whack it off whack it off..."



All these people are weirdos. Clothes are tools just like poles and shoes, that's why we invented them...

Maybe one of these people will post some advice on the sunscreen thread?

Say, maybe some of them will volunteer to have their Vitamin D levels tested?

I too would rather see a bear than a bare...

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Careful with the weirdo label. There are certainly naturist members on this board. You may even know some of them.

Tim

 

[TCD]

weirdo.

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Thanks!

Thanks for stickin' up for me, Tim!

From the comments:

"It is really sad that some people find the nude body disgusting or obscene. I am sure it is they that have the problem with themselves in the final reality."

And:

"The people who are repeating that tired old phrase that the wrong people are taking their clothes off really don't get it. You are sexualizing nudism. It isn't about sex. It's about body acceptance and feeling one with nature. Nudism is a wonderful thing. Try it."

KDT

 

[TCD]

Of course you're right, we've been sexualizing nudity for thousands of years. Obviously, clothing was originally developed as protection; from the elements, from insects, etc.. After that, we got crazy and decided to make a big deal out of it.

On the flip side, the functionality of clothing is still valid. Not wearing a sweater when it's cold (for naturism) is just as silly as wearing a sweater when it's hot (for modesty).

That's kind of where I'm coming from with the weirdo comment. Maybe they have no sunburn, or black flies, in Germany?

"Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear
...

(Where are my fellow poets and punsters? Paradox? Rickie?)

 

[Maddy]

Most every year I take a trip up to Lake Harriman in VT and hike to the Ledges. It was there that I awakened to the fact that we are not a very attractive group in the buff. I estimate approx 99% of the people would benefit from wearing clothes. Of course if we just accept that we are not raving beauties, we can just simply enjoy being naked for what it is regardless of our age, shape, or size.

From what I can see looking out my window the kids are going to school almost naked. Nudity continues to evolve and it appears we are going back to our roots. The fashion industry encourages baring it all.

The writing has been on the wall for some time. We all know the rest of the story. The best ( if you want to call it that) is yet to come.

It appears that we are returning to our roots. I think it very possible that withing the next 50-100 years, one will be able to shop for groceries in the buff.

I have most definitely seen nude hikers on trails, and more recently I have witnessed much more. Not often but it's coming. I am not disturbed by it. It is what it is and I want to just stand back and watch the show.
Evolution-change- is after all a major contributor to what makes the world go round.

Great article!

 

[DougPaul]

That's kind of where I'm coming from with the weirdo comment. Maybe they have no sunburn, or black flies, in Germany?

Nudism (or naturalism) is fairly popular in Germany. http://gogermany.about.com/od/historyandculture/p/nudism_in_germany.htm Extending it to hiking is probably not a big deal for them.

Some history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturism#Germany

Doug

 

[MichaelJ]

Perhaps more nudity or body exposure will lead to young people being more conscious of their bodies and reduce youth obesity?

 

[Maddy]

Mike...don't forget anorexia and bulimia.
We can't win!!!

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Maddy's post jarred a couple of grey cells, and I recalled reading about Montpelier's naked bike rides. Turns out it not just Montpelier - naked bike rides.

 

[Tim Seaver]

...Or the Portland Topless "Protest"

The organizer was shocked that people actually looked and took pics. Really!

Ty McDowell, who organized the march, said she was "enraged" by the turnout of men attracted to the demonstration. The purpose, she said, was for society to have the same reaction to a woman walking around topless as it does to men without shirts on.

Good luck with that.