I was out hiking earlier this week. Nude of course. I do that whenever I can. This time, I accidentally brushed a cactus and was stuck by a thorn in the back of my right thigh. Ouch. It was in a awkward place just below my butt cheek and very difficult to twist around to see. I think of myself as very flexible, but no bending, stretching, pseudo-yoga-pose brought it into clear view. I tried to locate it with my fingers. Every time I brushed over it, it seemed to stick me more deeply. Not OMG pain, but very annoying nevertheless. Being alone on this particular hike, I concluded that I just had to live with it until I could find someone later to help.
As I continued my hike, I thought about why I do this. I like being outdoors without clothes. I like the feeling of sun and wind on my skin. I like being active. I like being out in wide open spaces where I can see more of nature's construction than of man's (or woman's - I am not biased lol). I am comfortable with my body; OK I could tune up a few things, but does that really matter? I even like feeling a bit naughty when I meet textiled folks on a trail. (Yes, I do carry a pair of shorts or a towel for quick cover ups - don't want us all to get a bad reputation). But mostly, I think it feels very natural: we were all created or evolved nude, so why cover up unless the weather is bad?
The miles went by. I was lost in thought. Good thoughts about how nice the warm breeze felt. I was back at the starting point before I knew it. I checked the last few yards to the parking lot to see if I needed to cover up. Ah ha, two woman hikers pulling on tee shirts, otherwise no one in sight. I suspect they had been topless. I walked into the lot still nude except for a strategically held pair of shorts. A few pleasant words were exchanged but no indication of shock or surprise, so I think my suspicion was correct. I got into my car and drove away.
Funny, I had forgotten about the cactus thorn. It was still there and still annoying. I could have asked one of the women for a bit of help. But the balance of good thoughts about being nude so outweighed the bad thoughts about the risks, I had forgotten that thorn. Yes, I can also forget about the thorns of life when I am nude hiking. That is why I do it.
post log: I also enjoy the company of others on hikes. Anyone want to join me for the next one?
As I continued my hike, I thought about why I do this. I like being outdoors without clothes. I like the feeling of sun and wind on my skin. I like being active. I like being out in wide open spaces where I can see more of nature's construction than of man's (or woman's - I am not biased lol). I am comfortable with my body; OK I could tune up a few things, but does that really matter? I even like feeling a bit naughty when I meet textiled folks on a trail. (Yes, I do carry a pair of shorts or a towel for quick cover ups - don't want us all to get a bad reputation). But mostly, I think it feels very natural: we were all created or evolved nude, so why cover up unless the weather is bad?
The miles went by. I was lost in thought. Good thoughts about how nice the warm breeze felt. I was back at the starting point before I knew it. I checked the last few yards to the parking lot to see if I needed to cover up. Ah ha, two woman hikers pulling on tee shirts, otherwise no one in sight. I suspect they had been topless. I walked into the lot still nude except for a strategically held pair of shorts. A few pleasant words were exchanged but no indication of shock or surprise, so I think my suspicion was correct. I got into my car and drove away.
Funny, I had forgotten about the cactus thorn. It was still there and still annoying. I could have asked one of the women for a bit of help. But the balance of good thoughts about being nude so outweighed the bad thoughts about the risks, I had forgotten that thorn. Yes, I can also forget about the thorns of life when I am nude hiking. That is why I do it.
post log: I also enjoy the company of others on hikes. Anyone want to join me for the next one?