Away from it all

Hiking nude or skinny dipping are some of my favorite outdoors activities. It's no wonder that these young men are enjoying the Great Outdoors in the their all together.   I always try to include a couple of days - here and there - in my vacation for some naked solitude.

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Upright men

Beginning a journey or ending an expedition of a lifetime requires a step of self-confidence and willing to display a prominent member. 

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Naked Hiking: Where you can do this nudist recreation?

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Gay Halloween in Tokyo, Advocates, Oct 30 9:00pm-2am

In Tokyo, Halloween is starting to become a bigger commercialized American 'festival' - of sorts. I am one of the few people who attempts to get gay-buds to dress up and go out on Halloween weekend.

However, it used to be a time when hundreds of costumed foreigners would gather at Shinjuku train station for a raucous ride around the green circle train, the Yamanote Line. At a designated time on the Saturday before All Saint's Day or Tous Saints (Nov 1) (or All Hallow's Eve (Oct 31), as many as 500 foreign residents would all board a late evening train headed counter clockwise around the center of Tokyo. At each station, approximately 2-4 minutes intervals, the whole gang would jump off the train car (actually more like a subway although mainly above ground) and then dash into another train car in a mad howling mass - before the doors closed. Of course, it causes chaos and a lot of local commuters were also pushed and shoved. So it used to be a kind of revenge act for all those other 51 weeks when we are involuntarily packed like sardines on our way to and from work every day.

People wore all kinds of simple and elaborate costumes, but I love to see the straight men wearing a yukata (summer kimono) with nothing on underneath, so their freeballing ended up becoming a point of departure for an interesting conversation over beers after the 'wild ride.' Invariably, you would meet a new group of mildly acquainted people and stay out in the bars and streets under the sunrise.

Because there was a lot of 'incidental damage' to the trains (broken light fixtures, trash, and people getting hurt - mainly some drunk participants slipping or getting caught in train doors), the police decided to put a complete stop to the shenanigans a few years back. So hundreds of them arrive around the suspected witching with shields and riot batons, ready to stand firm (and maybe 'erect' too) if a crowd of mainly white people in weird clothes shows up. So far no one has seemed to see that simply choosing another station on the circle or working in tandom with cellphones from various small stations would allow the 'Wild Ride' to go on. The problem is that 500 strangers don't usually meet up and then go in cohoots to plan what might be considered a urban terrorist act.

I'll be at the Gay Halloween Street Party that is starting to become a micro traditional in front of Advocates Cafe (gay bar) in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ni-chome district ( a 10-minute walk from the main Shinjuku Train station).

http://advocates-cafe.com/

If you are in Tokyo on Sat, Oct 30, then drop by Advocates (in costume or without) or you could try your luck for another spontaneous Wild Ride at Shinjuku JR Station at about 10pm that night. But beware the police will be out in droves to prevent it. Still....

Back in Shinjuku, I'll be dressed as a Greek Senator - in a toga, the one I described from N2N in an earlier blog posting. Stop by and give me a Trick or Treat, or just say hello.

Cheers,
Kelly sunbuns99 / sunbuns / sunbunz

Timberfell Lodge - backwoods home to a great gay community in Tenn

I promised (myself) that I'd write a review of Timberfell Lodge, the outdoorsy gay resort in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee.
Before the great memories fade completely, I'll try to get some of what occurred there during my first visit to Timberfell. It will definitely not be my last time to go.

SPECIAL NOTE: Timberfell would make a great venue for a Daddy-Boy Retreat, a CMNM Weekend, completed with circus tent for live role-plays and exhibitions. I think I'm going to try to get one started here for next year -- hopefully in August (between Mr. Timberfell Contest Weekend and Labor Day) -- perhaps in conjunction with these or other existing annual events.

Although it is located in rural Tenn, there is most everything you'd want to the resort grounds: dining room, variety of accommodations, plenty of men of all ages, body types, races, persuasions, and passions, lots of nooks and crannies for anonymous sex, great sense of community, isolated for complete nudity, reasonable rates, exciting home-spun events with enough technicality to be enjoyable,... and more.

There is still time this season (Summer 2010) to camp out - although they do have rooms and a bunk-bed dorm for the less outdoorsy.
Labor Day Weekend is one of their biggest events, and the last major one before the pool closes later this month, followed on by their annual Cocktobear-Fest in October.

What's hot and what's to do?
1) Bears galore - If you're into them, you'll have a large assortment to dazzle your fancy. There are other types of guys too.. like me (gray fox), and otters, panthers, and wily coyotes, too. There are NOT too many twinks, however (awhhh!).
When I attended the Mr. Timberfell Contest Weekend, there were only 4 young men (20s), who were there because one of them (a hunky stud) was competing for the title.
I'd say the average age is 45 - and there are plenty of older men, and quite a lot of younger ones 30 - 45. But only a few below 29. I did meet a 20 year old who was into older guys, and a 70 something into younger. It's all relative.. after all.

2) Location is isolated so you can go nude anywhere on the resort (except the dining room),
3) Festive atmosphere for the weekend events,
4) Bar is open to outsiders, day visitors, and to guests
5) Sex is not guaranteed but highly likely if you've got what it takes (smile). Public sex is not allowed but there was plenty going on in the private areas
6) Nice facilities - byob for wine/liquor, cannot bring beer but can buy it there, the food served is like home-style buffet - if you're not really a camp-style cook, pool and large sun deck, sauna, steam room can get active - especially at night - they open all night for your pleasure (smile).
7) Best thing was meeting the great guys - I had great conversations and still managed to get off at the right time

Costs: Check it out online - but campsite $15 for 1 person per night, breakfast $6, dinner $20, poolside beer $3, snacks $3
From camping (in a tent or camper), to a bunk in the bunkhouse, to a room with shared toilet, to a fine private room with private bath. It's all up to you! They have events all year long - even when it's too cold to camp outdoors.

ADDED Bonus: The events are not very expensive, and day-guests are abundant on weekends. Also, there is actually a community of gay men who live (and a few work on site) at the resort full-time, particularly in the summer months. There are rentable trailer and RV sites for those who want a live-in gay nude resort experience 24/7.

Find out more at:
www.timberfell.com/home/

You have to realize that Timberfell is way back in rural, Bible-belt America. If you drive passed it, (easily to do since its unmarked except for the street number), you'll end up in one of the most redneck parts of Tennessee, where the regular pastime could well be cornholing unsuspecting Yankee tourists, a la Deliverance (see film / novel of the same name) . However, Timberfell Lodge is a little gay oasis where bear-mauling truckers, silver-maned bikers, beefy jarheads, countryfied southern gentry, and white trailer trash all mingle rather happily, mostly naked around the pool or guzzling moonshine (not actually) in the dance-hall tavern-bar just up the hill.

Maybe we can get a group of interested people from Tribe.net to convene for some down-home fun and good times. Hey, ya'll come, y'hear!

Kelly (as originally posted on Tribe.net on Sept. 4, 2010)

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Previous Post about the Mr. Timberfell Contest 2010 Event to be held on Aug 13-15, 2010 at Timberfell Lodge in Greeneville, TN (actually near )



Come out to the woods and get naked, my friends. The weekend of the August 13-15 is the annual Mr. Timberfell Competition. Located on in rural Tennessee about

Tucked deep in a hollow of the Southern Appalachians is Timberfell Lodge, a paradise for men seeking either solitude or camaraderie with their gay brothers and where inhibitions are shed as easily as clothing…

www.timberfell.com/home/

What To Do at Timberfell?
After breakfast and conversations lingering over fresh-brewed coffee, guests head for the pool, hike the gentle or more demanding trails circling the lodge property, or do nothing at all. This is when camaraderie is strongest and new friendships are forged. If the thought of getting dirt on your dock siders or having your hair mussed by tree branches drives you crazy, there are a number of alternatives to a wilderness walk.

Swim in the large, 20′ by 40′ heated clothing-optional pool or simply watch while sunbathing. Relax in the steam room or redwood sauna. Towels are provided for guests’ convenience while at the pool.

You can to relax in a heavenly 20-man sauna or “plunk” on the oversized porch and watch the sun setting between the mountains. There are some music / party/ dance events planned (clothing required), as well as the special activities around the Mr. Timberfell Competition, with a Benefit Mixer (free drinks with $5 donation) on Sat, Aug 14 from 2-4pm.

The CMNM events that will be held at Timberfell are not sponsored or endorsed by the lodge, but are privately organized by the attendees. However, there are multiple acres of property and enough private areas (sauna) where CMNM interactions can occur. Some special events like strip poker, truth and dare, costume parties and role plays are planned during this weekend. Plus there will be plenty of time to enjoy the natural environment and the gay men's social events arranged for the weekend.
Paragraph Indent

SPECIAL EVENT: Sat, August 14 Mr Timberfell 9th Annual Competition Benefit Mixeer

Last year’s competition was the HOTTEST ever with more than 15 men competing for cash, lodging prizes and the coveted title of Mr. Timberfell. This a big weekend with great parties and music.

A benefit event, the Leather and Cocktails Charity Mixer, will be held from 2-4pm on August 14, entrance $5 donation, free drinks, silent auction, and music by Ft. Lauderdale DJ, Dr. D.

There are variety of accommodations from primitive camping to cabins or bunkbed dorm rooms. Book early to get your choice of rooms. Meal plans are available the including breakfast and dinner.
Beer is available for purchase or bring your own wines and hard liquor.
Interested contestants call our office or email Timberfell for details at their site:

www.timberfell.com/home/contact-us


Timberfell Lodge
Driving address: 2240 Van Hill Road, Greeneville, TN 37745 (actually about 2 miles or less from the US 81 interchange, north on Baileyton Rd).

Mailing address: 1416 Baileyton Main St, Greeneville, TN 37745
Paragraph Indent

Contact us by Phone or Fax:
Lodge: (423) 234-0833
Fax: (423) 234-8512
Toll-Free: (800) 437-0118
I'm staying in downtown Nashville the one night before driving northeast. Let me hear from you on Tribe.net, via email or thru grou.ps/cmnm

Location:
Timberfell Lodge (and Campground) is located about 65 miles further east from Knoxville off of Interstate Hwy 81. So it's about a 4-hour from Nashville, and roughly more or less 4 hours from Atlanta, Georgia or Charlotte, North Carolina. If driving, take Interstate 81 South to Exit 36 (Baileyton/Greeneville). Then drive north on Route 172 toward Baileyton to the Shell Station Truck Stop. From the truck stop, travel 2 mile, turn right at wide gravel drive, proceed through gate, follow driveway all the way to the main lodge approximately 3/4 mile.

Actual address: 2240 Van Hill Road, Greeneville, TN 37745

Japanese onsen and bathhouses: healthy, wet and gay?

Tue, August 10, 2010 - 3:58 PM

* Originally, some of this discussion was posted on a Dudesnude discussion forum in August 2010

Wondering if any of you have had any experience on trying the Japanese Onsen or hot springs?
by occa 10 Aug 2010, 21:52

Guys, wondering if any of you have had any experience on trying the Japanese Onsen or hot water spring? any tips or hints on what should you do in there? i could google it but I wanted to know and hear the first hand experience from all of you who had tried it. I heard that for uncut guys it is a no no if you keep your cock head covered with the foreskin...is it true?. Well, would love to hear from you as I will visit japan next month and might have the chance to try one of the onsen or bath houses. . First time experience for me to be naked around other men. Can't wait.

Follow up: Ernie
10 Aug 2010, 22:23

I lived in Japan for several years and it was a real treat to go to the Onsens/Sento. There's a lot of etiquette to observe but the main one is to wash before you get into any bath - doesn't have to be a thorough wash as you usually have a good scrub/shampoo after you soak anyway...but you never get into a bath without a bit of a 'token' wash.
Main thing is NO soap anywhere near a bath. 
I found the Japanese a little peculiar when it came to foreskin - it's considered infantile to publicly 'display' your foreskin so most men keep them skinned back - I didn't have to worry about that! I had Japanese friends who didn't care either way so don't fret about it.
I got so used to seeing knobs on display that a couple of times when other 'foreigners' were bathing, I got quite shocked to see long floppy skins!
Hope you enjoy it, it's great getting naked with other men and throwing water everywhere.

Follow up: jax2nola
10 Aug 2010, 22:57
Remember that Japan is still very much a closed society, not terribly tolerant of outsiders. At the mainstream onsens, you might not notice it much. There is a great one at Odaiba, a touristy island in Tokyo Bay, called Oedo Onsen that is made up to look like a Japanese 1800s village with huge indoor and outdoor bathing areas. At the gay baths (24 Kaikan in Tokyo was one we went to), you might feel a little ostracized. Also know that if you have tattoos you might not be welcome at all, as the Japanese associate tattoos with the yakuza or mobsters. Have fun!

Follow up: spunkhole
10 Aug 2010, 23:59
people take a small towel into the communal bathing area with them (leave your big towel outside in the changing area). most guys hold this over their cocks when walking around, though not always so careful to hide everything. a token effort is enough to be polite. this little towel is used to wash yourself and to wipe most of the moisture off before you leave. dry off in the cooler changing area. the baths are usually hotter than westerners are used to, so it takes a while to cool down a bit.

the onsen are great (so many to choose from), especially in remote areas and in winter when there's snow on the ground. the same etiquette applies here as in city bathhouses, which are also good for a visit. many now have saunas installed too,which gives a better opportunity for very discreet cruising.


Reply by sunbuns99

What the difference between an onsen, a public bath, and a gay sauna or gay bathhouse?

Let me remind you that there are several types of 'baths' in Japan.

There are 3 main types. The first two are for everyone - either for relaxation or healing as is the case of onsen, or for cleasing of the body, which is what 'sento' (or public bath) is for. The third are saunas (or health spas) while many are straight and just for relaxation or health self-treatment - a lot of these later ones are for sex -- some are for gay men.

-1. onsen 'hot spring' baths . There are both natural ones and man-made ones.
The owners pride themselves on the mineral content and temperature of their natural hot springs - so the man-made ones try to imitate those qualities.
These 'onsen' are normally (and almost always now) divided into male and female dressing rooms and the baths themselves are separate, but until only about 15-20 years ago, it was still possible to find conjugal ones (where men and women got into the same bath - after changing in separate room). I use to go to one like that at Ikuho on Mt. Haruna in Gunma Prefecture. Ikuho is one of the oldest commercially operated hotsprings resorts in Japan.

So you can travel to certain locations that are famous for their 'onsen' or you can sometimes find one in a major hotel or resort (man-made) - even in big cities. For example, there is an 'onsen' in the ritzy chic shopping district of Azabu Juban (not far from Roppogi).

One interesting variation is the 'rotenburo' - or open-air hot springs bath. In some onsen resorts (and even the man-made ones - like Odaiba mentioned above), part of the hot springs bath is in the open air (outdoors) - while usually divided by gender, that is not always the case so you'll need a towel handy to keep covered for modesty in mixed baths.
Noboribetsu in Hokkaido is a famous example, but there are some in most onsen resort locations (such as Hakone, about an hour by express train southeast of Tokyo).
One of my favorites was the free public open-air outdoor hot spring bath right on the beach at Shirahama, Mie (about an hour south of Osaka). It's really fun to be able to sit in warm water right next to the cool ocean water - or to take turns soaking in each. (P.S. I have no idea if it is still operating).

2) 'Sento' are public baths. There used to be one in every neighborhood but as times have changed and indoor plumbing virtually universal in Japan (except some places in the countryside), public bath (or sento) are pretty much few and far between.
Those that are still operating successfully have usually upgraded their facilities and offer onsen-like features like a dry sauna, and open air bathing or have installed mineral baths, which actually piped in artificially-made hot mineral water.

Yet, there are a few of the old-fashioned ma & pa 'sento' still around. In these, you pay when you come into the dressing room, where an older man or woman sits atop a high seat that overlooks both the male and female dressing rooms. Don't worry - he or she has seen it all a million times - meaning your nudity is not going to shock them - albeit you may be shocked to have to undress in front of a withered old woman or man. The 'sento' that do still operate are usually frequented by the old-fashioned types who just enjoy the naked camaraderie (or 'skinship') of a good soak in a large hot tub, but more likely by those who must live in cheap or communal apartments that do still exist even in Tokyo. They are young men (or women) with low paying jobs who probably couldn't finish high school, older day-laborers, or one of the few foreign blue-collar workers who lives cheaply in order to send part of his earnings back to his family in his native country.
I can't tell you how many times I have enjoyed watching one of these young hunky workers peal back his foreskin for a good cleaning or wash his butt hole. Somehow it always seemed that they were just preoccupied with their mundane chore to notice the wide-eyed onlooker sitting opposite them, partly hiding his growing erection behind the low mirrored partition that separated us.

3) The saunas or health spa ('herusu') are the third type. Of these, there are 3 basic types: A. a genuine sauna for straight people; B. a gay bath house; and C. a straight sex club where men can pay for sexual favors - usually a soapy hand job from a female 'attendant'.
I don't know much about the A or C, but I've been to the gay bath houses in Tokyo and Osaka several times. The major ones in Tokyo are the 24 Kaikan (there are several, but the one in Shinjuku is probably the best). I found Hokuokan in Osaka to be even bigger and better, but maybe it only because it was new for me (I rarely get to visit Osaka).

Info about the gay district in Tokyo on my own Travel with Sunbuns (blog)
sunbuns.blogspot.com/2007/06...kyo.html

Popular gay spots in Tokyo:
utopia-asia.com/tokymasa.htm

Info about Tokyo's 24 Kaikan (gay bathhouse):
www.juno.dti.ne.jp/~kazuo24...glish.htm

Info about Hokuokan gay bathhouse / sauna in Osaka:
www.gayscout.com/queerlife...-and-Sauna

That's enough info for now.

Kelly (sunbuns99)

My Favorite Places on the Big Island, Hawaii - naked or not

Naked Places on the Big Island of Hawai'i

First of all on my list are the places where you can shed your clothes without too much hassle from the public authorities or other people. While public nudity and naked sunbathing at public beaches is illegal, there are places where this law is not strictly enforced and a few where it is never enforced.



1. Kehena Black Sands Beach (milemaker 19 on Hwy 137, not far from Kalani).

2. Kalani Honau Oceanside Resort
Even if you are not a guest, you can arrange for a visit for breakfast, lunch or supper (organic buffet style). You may be able to use the clothing optional pool (4:pm- 11pm) by asking or by paying (or by taking tour of the new villas for sale (as a potential owner - you might be offered several amenities). There are also non-nude activities at the resort like yoga, massage, and volleyball (so that you can squeeze in a swim in the nude at the pool).


3. Steam vents scenic point -- located about 5 miles from Pahoa ( less than 1 mile after turn off to Leilani Estates on Hwy 130 (near milemarker 15) is a scenic point where the road widens for off-curb parking. Here there are natural steam vents that have created enclosed and open air saunas. One of the them is almost a perfect teepee shape and has a small entrance you must climb through, holding 4-5 people. Locals and visitors alike enjoy these usually (but not always) in the nude, and it's great on a cool evening. Sometimes gay cruising occurs, or the straight couple get in a romantic mood and tryst, but straight locals and tourists also mingle too, so be aware and courteous.


4. Beach 67 (near Wailea Bay (sometimes called Waialea) or Beach 69) is located in South Kohala area between Kawaiihae and Waikoloa. Wailea Bay Marine Preserve's two beaches are nicknamed 69 and 67 because of their identifying numbered telephone poles (not milemarkers). Beach 69 is the larger and is great for snorkeling and diving. Beach 67, on the north side of the bay, is smaller and frequented by naturists and gay men. On Hwy. #19 at Mile Marker 71, turn into Puako Village, then right onto old Puako Road.

Beach 69 is much larger and more beautiful, but it is NOT nude. You come to it first. You'll see lots of cars park at the entrance of Wailea Beach 69. To access clothing-optional Beach 67, go about 350 yards more up the roughly paved road to a higher place, then turn right onto the gravel road at telephone pole #67, drive out onward to the bluff, then hiking down to the beach. You can also park under the trees outside the fence around a private house. Nude sunbathing on the small white sand beach hidden by trees, brush.
There is no water but there is a rustic port-a-potty. So take everything you'll need.

[Partly taken from http://www.gayhawaii.com/ ]
NOTE: Never leave valuables in a parked car in a deserted place. Auto break-ins are very common everywhere in the Hawaiian islands. Some people even leave their windows open to say 'see, there's nothing worth stealing here.'

5) Honokohau Harbor and Kaloko-Honokohau Beach is located in the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on the Kona Coast, north of Honolokohau Harbor off of Highway 19. The north end of this yellow sand beach is a popular gay beach. Privacy is difficult to find here, and Federal Park rangers often patrol to enforce a ban on nude sunbathing. However, with its warm climate and good snorkeling, this remains a very popular nude beach. Go inside the harbor/marina driveway, turn right at first intersection, go 250 yards, park inside the free parking lot, and walk into the Park via the side gate. When you reach the beach, follow to far right. [Taken partly from http://gohawaii.about.com]

You can also get a boat rides for whale and dolphin viewing as well as diving/snorkeling with giant manta rays from this harbor.


NOTE: By the way, you can always get naked at deserted spots almost anywhere on the Big Island - there are plenty of places to hike up lava-coated hills or down the shoreline and find a nice quiet place to get naked - but do so with discretion.
There are a lot of such hiking spots along Hwy 19 between Kailua Kona and North Kohala. In Puna (Pahoa area), you can do so at spots along the coastal highway, Hwy 137 (Kapoho-Kalapana Road or 'red road' as it is still called locally), such as MacKenzie Beach Park.

At times, I've been naked at some of my favorite spots below:

-----------------
Other Sightseeing Spots

Of course, 1 - 5 above are some of my favorite places (because I can get naked in nature), but there are tons of other spots too.

6. Kapoho tidal pools (Hwy 132, turn right onto 137, take Kapoho Kai St into residential area, bear left to reach Wai Opai warm tidal ponds, great snorkeling spot, beware of sharp and slippery rocks, however,
There is a hot springs-fed tidal pool in a small park about 1/2 mile further down Hwy 136, Ahalanui Park, if you don't have time to snorkel.

]

7. Volcanoes National Park - Viewing the Kilauea Crater, walking through lava tubes, and seeing the current lava flows (under the guidance of park rangers)


8. Kalapana lava flow area (where it's possible to hike out near the current point where the lava flows into the ocean - but also highly hazardous). Access it from the near the intersection of Hwy 130 and Hwy 137 (coastal road).

9. Laupahoehoe Point (a county park, site of a tidal wave disaster in 1960s, and very beautiful beach park (with camping - by permit). Descend from mark entrance on the north side of Laupahoehoe Gulch (a couple of miles north of the town) on Hwy 19 about 25 miles north of Hilo.
Of course, you may want to stop at Akaka Falls on your way north out of Hilo.





10. Waipio Valley (great view, fairly strenuous hike back up). I (and I have seen other) people get naked in the far beach once you've descended to the valley floor.)
Honoka'a Town is a quaint little stop with and nice eatery or two (good place to stop on your way back from hiking Waipio)

11. Waimea (Town) - nice stop for refreshments and couple of cool shops

12. Hawi and Kapa'a small towns in North Kohala - Hawi has nice art boutiques and historical sites, I highly recommend Sushi Rock (cafe/restaurant). There are also nice lookout point at the far north tip of the island.

13. World-Class Beaches along Kona-Kohala coast -- Spencer Beach Park is a good place to stop for a swim or shower (or picnic/bbq),
Hapuna Beach, Mauan Kea Beach, Waikolao In some case, they appear to be private, but just being dominated by the big resorts. Citizens have access right to the public beaches ocated inside (almost anywhere in Hawaii) - so don't hesitate to drive in and tell them you are going to the beach. They can be crowded and full of tourists but they are worth seeing.

Puako, the Big Island's best spot for snorkeling and viewing turtles, tropical fish species, and coral is the Puako coastline. Just stop at any public access point along Puako Road found in between the multi-million dollar homes. Be careful when entering the water, as it can be tricky. You won't have to go far to see sea life, and it's also a great sport for scuba diving, too, from shore.

14. If you have time, then a drive around the southern tip of the Big Island makes a wonderful trip. Some people enjoy visiting Green Sand Beach at Ka Lae, (South Point), the most southern point in the USA. There are great sites along the route. However, traffic can get bad when you reach populated areas in south Kona because it's only a two-lane highway, so plan ahead.

An alternate route is to take the Saddle Back Road from Kona to Hilo via the moutain road that passes over the hump between the two main mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. It's great if you traveling at sunset (or sunrise).

Russian River - Cool and classy gay summer getaway

The Russian River resort and recreation area, located about 70 miles from San Francisco, California, has changed somewhat since I used to visit there regularly. Then there was the flood of 2006. Some establishments were just wiped off the map - so to speak. Others would recuperate after the expense of repairs and loss of business and have come back with gusto. Others decided to go 'straight' and clean up their act. However, the area is thriving both as a wine producing area that - to some degree - rivals its high profile neighbor, Napa Valley, and as a summer resort / recreation area which has a long tradition of attracting gay and lesbians day-trippers and vacationers. The main 'town' is Guerneville, CA - but there are a sprinkling of little hamlets nestled along the banks of the meandering Russian River as flows quietly to the Pacific Ocean or scattered through Sonoma County. Russian River remains a great destination for San Francisco residents to escape the urban din or anyone visiting the state or city who wants a more laid-back and pastoral travel experience. It offers a lot: canoeing or rafting on the gentle Russian River, vineyard visits and wine-tasting tours, outdoor recreation like hiking and horseback riding, and all with a hour or so from other great sites, such as San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, The Castro, and the Sonoma Coast Beach Parks along with Bodega Bay. See more info at: http://www.gayrussianriver.com/ Although I have been there recently since I did go for the Russian River Winegrower's Association Grape to Glass Wine Festival last year Aug 13-15, 2009, I stayed at Highlands Resort. It will be held again this year from August 20 - 22, 2010. You can find the details at: http://www.rrvw.org/grape-to-glass/ I just love that Russian River Pinot Noir! It's light red with a delightful bouquet of tastes given to it by the fog along the banks of the Russian River. It was actually my first time to try it, and I have been a big fan of it ever since. I've already mentioned Highland Resort allows nudity around pool and also at the jacuzzi. It is sometimes hard to book a room/cabin at either so make up you mind soon. Last year, I greatly enjoyed the Grape To Glass (Russian River Winegrowers Annual Festival). You can take part in three days of fine wine, food, music, art and recreation in the vineyards and neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley: Unique In Depth Tours • Virtual Photo Contest • Live Concert • Cycling & Kayaking • Hog in The Fog BBQ • Live & Silent Auctions • Sparkling Brunch I didn't attend all the events at Grape to Glass last year, but the private vintner tours and wine-tasting were very nice, especially if you get to meet the winemaker (and all the staff who help grow it). The Saturday massive wine-tasting party and barbeque, called Hog in The Fog BBQ, was quite nice as well. As far as I know, the only clothing-optional resorts are Highland Resort and The Woods. Highlands Resort http://www.highlandsresort.com/ Nudity is allowed at the pool and and in the hot tub. The Woods http://rrwoods.com/ The Woods resort allows nudity around and in the pool. There are other places listed here: http://www.gayrussianriver.com/ Fife's has changed hands, now known as Fern Grove Cottages is a gay-friendly resort. It seems the new owners wanted it to be a 'classy' place so they put an end to the camping (I used to try to be nude whenever possible), and also to the cruising (anonymous outdoor sex) that used to go on on its grounds. Too bad! However, things like that have a way of restarting - but I cannot vouch for that. RRR (Russian River Resort) is another popular gay accommodation right in Guerneville. RRR used to allow nudity in its enclosed hot tub area, but not at their pool, and it may still do so. You can probably still buy a day-pass to get in and use the pool. RRR was remodeled in 2006 after the flood. They have a new saline pool, hot tub, poolside bar/BBQ, indoor bar and piano bar. The resort also has the wonderful Triple R Bar & Grill restaurant. We are a host resort for many wonderful annual events as well as providing live weekly entertainment. See their website at: http://www.russianriverresort.com/ There is also a nude beach (of sorts) out on the river, but I have never been able to get anyone to explain exactly how to get to it, so I have never been there myself. It's not close to town evidently and takes a good while to walk (or drive). Horseback riding in the redwood forest (nearby) and winery (wine-tasting) visits, plus floating down the Russian River make for a great week (or weekend of fun). Armstrong Woods Trail Rides http://www.redwoodhorses.com/ See other activities links at: http://www.gayrussianriver.com/activities.html Sometime there are events at the gay bars that bring in more people, but it was mostly just a few people whenever I was there in the off weekend. There is a old theater in downtown Guerneville that hosts a repetoire of classic and kooky favorities plays and shows, such as The Rocky Horror Show, (or at least it had been doing so.) There are also a couple of jazz and rock music festivals and other events, like a airshow that happen throughout the year. For those who enjoy camping, you can camp out at Highland Resort, or at Johnson's a RV and tent campground riverside right in town. I recommend driving back from Guerneville to San Francisco via the Sonoma Coast (at least part of the way) and stopping along the road at Bodega Bay, which was a location of the Hitchcock film, The Birds. However, it's pristine coastline views are gorgeous (when the fog has lifted). That fog is what flows up the Russian River and adds to the makeup of flavors in the Russian River pinot noir grapes.

Looking for a fun place to go to and hang out nude with the guys

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Provincetown, Cape Cod's Diversity-Friendly Resort Town

U.S.A. : Virginia : Norfolk
stuart wrote:

I'm considering travel to Provincetown this summer and have some questions for someone that has visited there often or lives there. If that's you and you don't mind giving some helpful suggestions, send me an email.

Thanks

aussie_6661
Australia : New South Wales : Hurstville
Hey looking to do the same...perhaps they could post the suggestions here...

sunbuns99
U.S.A. : Hawaii : Pahoa

Since no one else has posted yet, I thought something is better than nothing.


I used to go to Provincetown every summer but haven't since 2005. This year I am thinking of making the trip sometime between Aug 15 and 20 (hopefully a buddy who lives in Cleveland can accompany me).


Main points:
 It's a very gay-friendly ocean-side resort town, plenty of night life and entertainment, bars & discos, as well as drag shows and theatre. Herring Cove is a lovely unofficial 'clothing-optional' beach (easy walking down from town); it was pretty cruisy when I visited it.
 I have camped before at a local campground but reservations long ahead are a must.

Most stay in hotels or at the local bed & breakfast - many of which are for gay clientele.
You can drive up Cape Cod to P-town, or take a ferry from Boston. There are also flights to the local airport - Cape Air (I think). A car isn't needed to enjoy your stay.

asshunter
U.S.A. : Pennsylvania : Philadelphia

Herring Cove is not a clothing optional..!!!
 Be aware of patrols on dune buggies. They will fine you if they will spot you naked on the beach or in the dunes.

aussie_6661
Australia : New South Wales : Hurstville

Thx for the posts... It looks like accommodation is tight around 18-22 Aug

sunbuns99
U.S.A. : Hawaii : Pahoa


Bummer! Herring Cove is no longer clothing optional? That makes P-town less attractive as a gay resort spot. Sorry to hear that but glad I was correctly informed before finding out the 'hard' way. Thnx, asshunter.

aussie_6661
Australia : New South Wales : Hurstville

PTown booked for par of Carnival week..18-22 Aug

ninth
U.S.A. : New York : Syracuse


I sent this directly to stuart last month but I thought I would post it for everyone:



I go to P-town every summer for 10 days since 1997. I may be able to answer some questions for you.

Probably the best place for uninhibited fun, although I have never stayed there, is The Ranch. I hear it is "bath house-like". Hmmm. Also, the Gifford House, right up the street from The Ranch. The accommodations may be simple and I only know things that I've heard.



Herring Cove has never been legally clothing optional however, people do lay out nude further down the beach. I have actually witnessed someone getting ticketed for laying out nude and I have also had friends get "scolded" by patrol officers for being nude. They were all rounded up, (a large group) and were read the riot act. That was two years ago. I have been nude there many times, and have had some sex in the dunes too. If you keep an eye out, or if guys with you do the same, there should be no problem. I think certain theme weeks have beach patrol beefed up, so to speak. Carnival Week, the week I'm going this year, tends to be packed in P-town so I think the police lay it on a little heavier that week. I would imagine Bear Week and Circuit Week are the same.



Here is a list of theme weeks for this summer but you can search Google for the Provincetown Business Guild and look more closely at the theme weeks.

Family Week and Women's week aren't as fun for gay men as some of the other weeks like Bear Week and Carnival. You may however, find a hot daddy who had to get away from his children one night! I went last year during women's week and we saw some famous people there since it was a low-key week. :) (My comments is parenthesis)



JUNE 2010

3-6: Women of Color Weekend

16-20: 12th Provincetown International Film Festival

24-27: Portuguese celebration & blessing of the fleet.



JULY 2010

2-8: Circuit Week, extended Fourth of July celebration. (Lots and lots of young, 20-something HOT men)

3-5: Fourth of July, Summer Camp Party

10-18: Bear Week (Lots of hairy men, many hot, some a little plump, but I hear it's fun)

21-25: Girl Splash (if you're into it)



AUGUST 2010

July 31-7: Family Week. (I would avoid this unless you're looking for a daddy who wants a little quick fun)

15-21: Carnival Week (Lots and lots of people, gay, straight, kids. Parade is later in the week and it's a riot! Dress up!)

19: Carnival Parade: Thursday; Largest summer event and parade on CAPE.
This year's Theme: Jungle Fantasy!



SEPTEMBER 2010

3-6: Labor Day weekend. To close the summer, and enter the “shoulder of the season,” Labor Day weekend offers the last drop of summer: Tea Dance, tours, sunbathing at the Boat Slip, dining, entertainment, art shows & galleries, or one last wink at summer tans.

11: 23rd Annual Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla

14-20: Gay Pilots Association

23-26: Tennessee William’s Festival: Join a diverse group of people as we celebrate the work, life and legacy of America's great playwright.

30-Oct 3: Mates leather weekend This is a big one - not to be missed for those bound for the best.

Hope that helps a little bit.

sunbuns99
U.S.A. : Hawaii : Pahoa

At first, I was really disappointed to hear that clothing-only rules were being enforced on Herring Cove Beach, but it sounds that the enforcement isn't so strict that you can't sneak in a bit of nude sunbathing if done discreetly. Actually, it's like that in many so-called 'nude beaches' - at least in the US.

The time (Aug 16-19) I was planning to go is seems to be a lot of great fun. I've never been there during P-town's Carnival Week.

Thanks for the great info, updates, and schedule of events, ninth.

Here is a link to the Provincetown Carnival Events: http://www.iamprovincetown.com/events/carnival/4.htm

World Naked Bike Ride WNBR June 12, 2010

The Northern Hemisphere's World Naked Bike Rides mostly take place this year on the weekend of 12th June. To get you in the mood, here's three pics from last year's Brighton ride, not previously posted by me. Brighton is vying with London this time for the largest UK ride.

Maybe you would like to take part. Details of rides can be found here:
http://wiki.worldnakedbikeride.org/index.php?title=List_of_rides

Needless to say, the WNBR events always have a wonderful set of participants, many of whom are young men who have a great zeal for saving the environment from automobile pollution and who want to promote bicycles as a alternative to cars, but also quite a few men who just enjoy the experience of being naked with and in front of so many onlookers.

The above photos were from last year's WNBR 2009.

Hopefully this year's events will bring out the best of those CMNM situations once again.

NOTE 1: I have added 'extra' photo on June 19, 2010 - the first one is the same guy in the second pic that you can see from a different angle. One thing that is certain: when a really hot, sexy and attractive guy participates in WNBR, there are always plenty of photos of him taken, often by several photographers. Some of these end up on the Net, and eventually make their way to blogs and other sites where they can be appreciated. It so happens that I located the 'second' pic of the big-dicked auburn-haired dude above (the one with the arm bandage) on a completely different blog.

NOTE 2: Some of the new photos, like the one below, of the latest WNBR held worldwide on June 12, 2010 are starting to be posted online. As time goes by, I'll collect some of the hotter CMNM situations and post them here.

(WNBR London June 12, 2010)

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For more info on the group, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/ymna?hl=en-GB.

---------- The above message and photographs of previous World Naked Bike Ride events were forwarded in a group email message from: atitlan on his [ymna] A Google group. ----------