Well its been a while since i managed a naturist walk adventure. What with work and dark mornings/evenings and cold temperatures the chances of getting naked have been limited.
However this mornings wander provided the opportunity and I embraced it happily.
With a heavy mist settled over the woods and still plenty of snow lingering at these higher altitudes it was a cold scene that greeted me as I approached in the car.
I haven't been able to visit this woodland recently as the snow plough had piled up banks of snow up to 5 or 6 feet high in places. Mostly where its possible to park the car off the road.
Today though there was enough space to get off the road and wrapped up against the biting wind here I wandered into the still cool air of the woodland. My dog immediately was off to see what had changed since his last inspection and I wondered about the fallen branches that had been felled by the weight of the snow on them. The path littered with sizable branches made a natural barrier in places across the path.
Still enjoying the still environment I wandered off the path and into the trees, where even on a summers day it is cool and dark. Today was no different apart from a lower temperature at just above freezing.
Shedding my clothes took minutes and I walked on with a happy feeling that can only be experienced by being naked in the open air.
Cold drops of water falling from the trees were a light shock on my skin, and underfoot with still plenty of snow my feet felt the immediate shock of cold. Having walked in the fresh snow fall a few weeks back I now know that getting over that initial freezing feeling is the key. and finding places that were not snow covered I immediately noticed the difference in temperature.
trailing bare footprints in the snow, where no other footprints were to be seen I walked on. The snow covering at least confirms my experience that no one appears to visit this spot as the snow has been here for weeks and despite lots boot prints back on the path. Away from it no one appears to have ventured.
Enjoying the wonderful feeling of the cold air on my naked body I walked on marvelling at the size of some of the fallen branches. There has obviously been a massive weight of snow to wrench some of these away from the tree.
I walked on for about 20 minutes until I felt I had pushed my bare feet far enough for today. As it happened I had reached the part of the woods that at this time of the year lacks a certain amount of cover to the open field beyond the wall. in the summer I can walk right up to the wall whilst remaining invisible, but a lack of leaves makes a difference at this time of year.
An unhurried walk back to where I left my clothes that cool calm feeling washing over me like a warm blanket I strolled happily through the snow.
On getting back to my clothes, only my feet and fingers were informing my senses of the chill. The rest of me happily comfortable in the winter air.
So donning by walking boots i retraced my steps back to the wall whilst t carrying my clothes in a bundle.
A diversion about a hundred yard from the wall until I followed its route in parallel brought me to a path that would return me to my starting point. Still happy enough to be undressed i walked the length of this path in that state before picking up the path back to where the car was parked.
A heavy mist still lingering over the field it is still the depths of winter up here. back down in the city there is little sign of the recent snowfall apart from the mass of rock salt littered on the roads, but out here in places where i love to be naked what ever the season its still a long way until the first spring lambs frolic in the fresh shoots of green grass.
No bears in these woods apart from a bare me. in fact very little sign of woodland life today, the usual over winter stayers in the bird life, a few rabbit tracks in the snow and my bare footprints now added to that collection. But a lovely experience that will see me through a few more dark winter days.
Mark.
the soft wind on my naked body and the cool earth under my bare feet
I note you are barefoot in the snow in these pictures. I often only wear a pair of crocks in snow (no socks) but must admit to being unhappy with my bare skin on the snow. I am aware that birds shut off blood to their feet and have no sweat glands. Moist skin will stick to snow. I am in contact with several barefooters but not a fully convert myself. Just like I am nearly naked when wearing a hat and shoes I am nearly naked with me crocks 🙂
"We are creatures of light; why cover our radiance with clothes?"
just seems the right thing to do for me. I'm in now a hardened barefoot walker, in fat I'm probably a bit of a "tenderfoot" but I like to feel utterly in contact with the ground under my feet 🙂
Mark.
the soft wind on my naked body and the cool earth under my bare feet
As a yoga teacher I am aware of the connection with mother earth that you feel. Being naked also allows our skin to function as nature intended and feel our environment through the largest sensory organ of our body (unobstructed by clothes). I see you also tend to hug the odd tree as well.
"We are creatures of light; why cover our radiance with clothes?"
forgive the spelling in my previous post!
yes Trees are fantastic
Mark.
the soft wind on my naked body and the cool earth under my bare feet
No problem I can 'c' you are not fat that is a fact.
I combine my work with the spine with my love of trees as this picture shows. Perhaps this should be in humour.
"We are creatures of light; why cover our radiance with clothes?"
Good on you! I have been out in the snow naked and it has felt good and refreshing,alas no pictures but a member recalls his affinity with trees. I also absolutely love trees and hate it when they are felled I think they are one of the nicest and most necessary creations on our planet!
A great report Mark, not sure about being barefoot in the snow too cold for me but it looks like you had a great time.
Liz
I wouldn't choose to go barefoot in the snow, for obvious reasons 🙂 but I'm sure it was fun. Personally I'd be inclined to go more for the full boot approach, if not much else:
Rich.
i wish i was this brave
keith
(hiding behind the sofa)
Never mind the snow! Its summer - we had a good July but August has been very changeable, but this morning I had a lovely walk in local countryside among the semi-wild ponies, wonderful! 🙂
that wouldn't be grenoside woods would it? used to walk up there regularly (clothed) with my dog before he died love it up there
Hi Aardvark. Sorry - only just seen this reply.
No its not, I'll tell you where if we get to meet up at a swim.
🙂
Mark.
the soft wind on my naked body and the cool earth under my bare feet
I note you are barefoot in the snow in these pictures. I often only wear a pair of crocks in snow (no socks) but must admit to being unhappy with my bare skin on the snow. I am aware that birds shut off blood to their feet and have no sweat glands. Moist skin will stick to snow. I am in contact with several barefooters but not a fully convert myself. Just like I am nearly naked when wearing a hat and shoes I am nearly naked with me crocks 🙂
Just came across your quote, RB. Saying you are nearly naked in a pair of crocs is like saying you are nearly naked in a pair of shorts! Mind you, in the light, powdery snow before Xmas I found even crocs on the refreshing side, as the light snow blows straight through the vents.
I am definitely a convert to being barefoot, but currently only when it is above freezing. My feet obviously need some more hardening off... Only tried v brief forays in the snow barefoot, which usually convinces me to keep it that way 🙁
Tread lightly upon the earth