Usenet 1994 October/usenetsourcesnewsgroupsinfomagicoctober1994disk1.iso/answers/nude-faq/beaches/North-America

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From: [e-mail] (Richard M. Mathews)
Newsgroups: rec.nude,rec.answers,news.answers
Subject: REC.NUDE FAQ: Naturist Site Reports: North America
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Followup-To: rec.nude
Date: 1 Dec 1993 09:24:59 GMT
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Summary: This posting is a list of Clothing Optional beaches, hot springs,
    and parks frequently mentioned in rec.nude.  This list is far from
    being a definitive list of Clothing Optional locales, and postings
    to rec.nude asking about other such locales or presenting "trip
    reports" to such locales are highly encouraged.
Originator: richard@astro
Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.nude:19866 rec.answers:3165 news.answers:15252

Archive-name: nude-faq/beaches/North-America
Last-modified: Nov 22 19:09

  This is one of four volumes of the "REC.NUDE FAQ: Naturist Site Reports".
  These are posted on the first of each month.

  The purpose of this FAQ is to list some brief information on a variety
  of clothing optional locales that are frequently mentioned on rec.nude.
  This FAQ cannot be a replacement for a more thorough source such as the
  World Guide (see the REC.NUDE Frequently Asked Questions, Part II of II).
  As you can see from this FAQ, there are CO locales all over the place.
  If you don't see one near you here or want more information about these,
  feel free to ask the rec.nude assemblage (the maintainer of this FAQ is
  not an especially good source for such information, but he'll gladly
  post such a request to the net anonymously if you desire -- just make
  it clear in your request that you do want it posted anonymously).

  The maintainer of this FAQ takes no responsibility for the accuracy of
  the information contained herein.  Updates to these entries are greatly
  appreciated; this FAQ is only as good as you make it.

  Many FAQs, including this one, are archived on the site rtfm.mit.edu in
  the directory pub/usenet/news.answers.  The name under which a FAQ is
  archived appears in the Archive-name line at the top of the article.
  This FAQ and its companions are archived in the nude-faq/beaches
  subdirectory.  These may be retrieved by anonymous FTP or by sending
  e-mail to [e-mail] with a line such as the following
  in the body:
  send usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches/whatever

  Additions, deletions, and changes from last month are marked with +, -,
  and | in the first column.

  (c) Copyright 1993 Richard M. Mathews.  Copyrights for contributions
  to this document may be retained by their authors who may or may not be
  named below.  Permission is granted to freely distribute this in whole
  or in part provided that it is without profit or service fees and that
  this notice remains attached.

  This volume covers the United States (except for California) and Canada

  In this issue:
      KALALAU VALLEY BEACH, HI
      SECRET BEACH, HI
      DONKEY BEACH, HI
      LITTLE BEACH, HI
      WRECK BEACH, BC
      ROOSTER ROCK, OR
      SAUVIE ISLAND, OR
      HIPPIE HOLLOW, TX
      GRACY COVE, TX
      PLAYALINDA, FL
      ASSATEAGUE, MD
      SANDY HOOK, NJ
      CHAUTAUQUA GORGE, NY
      GAY HEAD, MA
      THE LEDGES, VT
      MEECH LAKE, Que
      MAZO BEACH, WI


  KALALAU VALLEY BEACH on Kauai is mostly nude (at least sometimes) and
  very gorgeous.  It takes 11 miles of grueling hike (typically over 2
  days) each way, but it is worth the pain.  You can also hike most of the
  11 miles nude (except for hiking boots).  For the less ambitious, you
  can stop after about 2 miles at Hanakapi'ai; but nudity is not allowed
  there or on those 2 miles of trail.

  To get to Kalalau, you take the Na Pali (literally, the cliffs) coast trail
  from Haena to Kalalau.  Na Pali coast is a narrow, undulating strip of land
  between the ocean and the cliffs that tower above.  Sometimes the trail is
  along the water and sometimes it ascends 1000 feet above the ocean.  There
  is a lot of slippery rock and almost no level ground at all.  It dives
  into several canyons as it follows the contours, offering opportunities
  to visit tropical waterfalls and sample wild guava and mountain apples.
  Other places, the trail provides breathtaking views above the water.  It
  ends up at one of the most idyllic beaches in Hawaii.  The trip in and
  out follows the same path, unless you opt for a helicopter or boat ride
  one way.

  Seasoned mainland hikers report being surprised by the degree of difficulty.
  It took a distance runner, somewhat experienced backpacker, and lover of
  being pushed to the limit about seven and half hours to walk the 11 miles
  on the way in with a full pack (supplies for 9 days), and five hours to
  walk out.  For a motivated hiker, Kalalau is heaven.  This is not only
  because of its pristine jungle and rugged beauty, but because the trail
  is so difficult.  Beyond Hanakapi'ai one finds only other motivated hikers.
  This is a very pleasant change from the typical Hawaiian tourist scene.

  Permits are necessary for the three campgrounds on the Kalalau trail,
  and only five nights out of each 30 day period are allowed.  No more
  than one night at Hanakoa and Hanakapi'ai at a time. Permits are free
  and are available in advance from:
      Dept. of Land & Natural Resources
          Division of State Parks
          P.O. Box 1671
          Lihue, HI 96766
          [phone]

  Memorial Day to Sept. 15 is high season on the trail.  After 9/15 it's
  no longer legal, due to rough seas, to land boats on the beach at Kalalau.
  This restriction seems to significantly reduce use of the trail, because
  it's no longer possible to take a boat into Kalalau and then walk back
  out, a popular practice.  Also, the threat of autumn rain seems to scare
  people off.

  All that said, if you're reasonably fit and have a sense of adventure,
  it is a place you don't want to miss.  Consider giving yourselves 2 days
  to walk in, 2 to stay at Kalalau, and a day or a day & a half to walk
  out.

  Bring the following: Broken in hiking boots with ankle support, tent with
  rain fly, ensolite pad, hiking staff, umbrella or rain gear, flashlight,
  bug juice, rucksack, first-aid kit, water bottles, and food.  A sleeping
  bag is not necessary; a good substitute would be a cotton sleeping sack
  such as for Youth Hostels.  Expect frequent rain, maximum temperature of
  80 F, minimum temperature of 65 F, and high humidity.

  Drinking water should be treated by boiling, iodine, or filter.  Expect
  to drink up to a gallon per day because of the heat and humidity.  Clean
  cuts promptly since infections are common in the tropics.  Be wary at
  stream fordings, as the water level may rise rapidly.  It also lowers
  rapidly.  If the crossing looks threatening, just wait.  When crossing
  use the hiking stick as a third leg.

  Hanakapai'ai beach is a 90 minute, 2 mile hike from the trailhead.  From
  there it is 4 miles, 4 to 5 hours, to Hanakoa.  From Hanakoa it is 6
  miles, 4 to 6 hours, to Kalalau beach.
      [This was pieced together from contributions
      from many people, but thanks in particular to
      Alex.Sobolev ([e-mail])
      for collecting much of this information]


  SECRET BEACH is on the north end of Kauai, west of the Kilauea Lighthouse.
  It is the most lushly foliated beach I found on the island, with the
  sheer cliffs adorned with hundreds of different species of fern, moss,
  epiphites, and others.  The beach itself is rather clean, but very
  inhabited by "homeless" counterculture types - there were thirty or so
  tents and tarps dotting the beach, but only about twelve people (sexes
  mixed equally); of these, only five appear to be residents, the rest
  people on vacation and a few well-heeled locals.  The water is playable,
  but quite rough; the path to the beach is very slippery, muddy and steep.
  You pass through a guava grove and are assailed with the sweet smell of
  the tropics.  No directions prepared me for the change that seems to have
  occurred there - the land 'on top' has been developed:  Take the Kilauea
  Lighthouse road to Kauapea Road... there are now two plots of land with
  gates, fences and "KEEP OUT" signs... but (!!), these people have left a
  ten-foot public access path to the beach!  You will see the gap between
  the properties and continue at your own risk!  Wear knobby-soled boots.
      [Original from Carlo Milono ([e-mail])]


  DONKEY BEACH was almost as striking, but our experience was a bit
  dampened by some local gawkers in a pickup... this place is *much*
  more accessible.  It is also (it seems) a gay beach, so my wife felt
  a bit like an intruder.  The water is very rough so only attempt to go
  in with a group - we are both strong swimmers, but it was intimidating
  anyway.  To reach this beach, head north from Kapaa through Kealia toward
  Ahahola... just before the 12 mile marker, you will see a guardrail (now
  being replaced)... park just before this and you will find numerous trails
  through either a gully or through a cane field.  There is a dirt road
  that you will intersect and head south... there is the beach.  There
  were eight others on the beach, consisting of four male couples.
      [Original from Carlo Milono ([e-mail])]


  LITTLE BEACH (or Little Makena) is a bit south of the town of Kihei on
  the south west coast of Maui.  Very laid back, a mixture of nude, gay,
  and textile.  Currently no law enforcement problems.  Sandy beach,
  moderate waves, wooded backdrop.  Gawkers and harassment are rare and
  are dealt with by the regulars.  Many local people as well as tourists.
  No lifeguards.  No showers.  A toilet on the nearby textile beach.

  Support group:
      The Friends of Little Beach
      PO Box 483
      Kihei,  Maui,  Wawaii  96733
  They put out a newsletter at irregular (aproximately quarterly) intervals.
  Write for a subscription.  (Donation for postage (at least) suggested).

  To get there:
  * From Kahului (airport area): Take Mokulele highway (route 350) south
  toward Kihei, and then turn off onto Piilani highway (route 31).
  * From the Lahaina, Kaanapali or Kapalua areas (northeast Maui): Take
  highway 30 south toward Kihei and join Piilani highway south as above.

  Next:
  From Piilani highway, turn right at the end onto Kilohana drive and left
  onto Wailea Alanui drive.  Note: If the proposed extension of Piilani
  highway has been finished, Kilohana drive may no longer be the end.
  Follow Wailea Alanui Drive (which becomes Makena Road) past condos,
  golf courses, and hotels.  Exactly one mile after the Maui Prince
  Hotel, look for a turnoff to the right.  There is a small parking
  area at the end, but unless you are very early or fairly late it will
  be full.  Park wherever you can and walk to the beach.  This is "big
  beach", a very nice beach in spite of being textile.  Walk toward the
  right until you get to some rocks.  Depending on the state of the tide
  and beach erosion, the water may be well back from the climbing spot or
  you may have to get wet getting there.  The climb is about 12-15 feet
  and very easy to make.  From the top, there is a gentle slope down to
  little beach.  ENJOY!!!  Please take your trash out with you.

  Suggested place to stay if you don't like resort hotels (Personal
  endorsement from Rich Greenberg):
      Contact Roberta Dalson
          PO Box 1698
          Hihei, HI  96753
          808-879-7818
  She has several houses (2 to 4 people), and several single rooms to rent.
  Located at the south end of Kihei.  Two of the houses (adjacent to each
  other) are private enough for nudity in the yard.

  Aproximate drive times:
  From north end of Kihei to:
      South end of Kihei - 10-15 mins
      Kahalui, airport - 20-30 mins
      Lahina - 20-30 mins.
      Kaanapali - 30-40 mins
      Kapalua - 40-50 mins
      Little Beach - 20-30 mins
  Kihei is a few blocks e-w, several miles n-s along the coast.  South
  Kihei Road is the main n-s road thru town.  Piilani highway parallels
  it just east of Kihei.  Kihei is NOT a major resort area as is Lahina,
  Kaanapali and Kapalua.  Its a pleasant place to visit, shop, eat, or
  stay.
      [Original from Rich Greenberg ([e-mail])]


  WRECK BEACH--University of British Columbia campus, Marine Drive.  The
  main beach is often rather crowded but not oppressively so.  Definitely
  worth a visit or several!  When crowded, the atmosphere is quite festive.
  On cooler days, and especially during the week, it is more subdued.  Food
  and drink (and many other items) are amply available, including a wide
  selection of beer despite the fact that its sale and consumption are
  illegal here.  The sand on much of Wreck Beach *other than* the main
  beach area has been washed away; all that's left are round, fist-sized
  rocks.  They won't cut your feet or anything, but you might twist your
  ankle walking on them if you're not careful.  And of course, they're
  terrible for sunbathing on.  This is not to say that there aren't spots
  of wonderful sunbathing sand; but these tend to be in little alcoves,
  surrounded by boulders or logs.  Nice and private, though; however,
  there may not be room to stretch out, and overhanging trees, etc. may
  cast shadows.

  The main beach is at trail/gate 6 (near the intersection of Northwest
  Marine Drive and University Boulevard, directly opposite Place Vanier
  Residence).  You can pick up one of UBC's glossy, colourful visitors'
  maps; and the trails to Wreck Beach are indicated.  Park in the visitor
  (pay) lot.  On weekends, some staff parking lots are available (free)
  to the public; read the signs.  Go down the steps, a little steep but
  no big deal, past the official-looking signs informing visitors that
  clothing is optional (the signs on the way back request that you wear
  clothing beyond this point).

  Heading west from Spanish Banks Beach to a point below the cliffs takes
  you to the limit of the Wreck Beach CO area.  This is, by far, the most
  accessible part of Wreck Beach; as the road in this area is almost at
  sea level.  Just where NW Marine Drive starts uphill to the UBC campus
  there is a small parking lot at the roadside.  From this lot follow the
  trail west along the beach.  A short walk takes you across a tiny bridge
  to the CO section.  It should be marked by signs.  It is possible to
  walk all the way to Trail 6 from here, but it is quite a long distance
  under the cover of trees.  This beach suffers from being in the shade
  all morning.  Note: if the parking lot is full, there is usually ample
  parking back by the textile beach.

  There is a more secluded, smaller (especially at high tide), and very
  rocky area at trail/gate 4 known as Tower Beach.  It is mostly couples
  here.  No food or drink is available.  It is near the intersection of NW
  Marine Drive and West Mall (yes, that's the name of the road).  Trail 4
  begins behind the Museum of Anthropology.  Like trail 6, it is steep and
  tiring to climb back up.  The Towers area is immediately at the foot of
  the trail and extends to the left.  Not a great place if you want to
  swim, but for those of you who go solely for sunbathing it's probably
  OK if you want a quiet place.
      [Original from Robert Paolino ([e-mail]),
      Keith Lim ([e-mail]),
      and Bill Arnett ([e-mail])]


  ROOSTER ROCK STATE PARK on the Columbia River is located 20 miles east
  of Portland on Interstate 84.  The CO area is marked with signs.  Just
  drive in the main gate and turn right (east).  Follow to the end of the
  parking lot.  At the end of the east parking lot is a restroom.  About
  40 feet from the restroom is a stairway.  Draw an imaginary line along
  the stairway down to the river and up the bank and to the south.  The
  state sanctioned CO section is on the east end of that line.  There
  is a sign on the stairway noting that.  You have the trees for walking
  through the trails (yes there are insects), plus several miles of beach
  (you can walk completely around the island during low water...  which
  we have this year.....which is about a 3-4 mile walk).  It is all sand,
  also.

  Rooster Rock has lots of parking ($3/day in 1993) patroled by park staff
  and state police, public restrooms with running water which are cleaned
  at least daily.  Rooster Rock has it's own exit off I-84, a boat launch,
  picnic facilities.  In short it is a beautiful park in a beautiful place
  used by anyone and everyone that wants to visit, just like any state park
  in any state of the country.  Except for one section, the beach area on
  the east end of the park is CO, has been for years, maybe forever.  It
  is allowed to be CO because it is not illegal to be nude in public in
  the state of Oregon.  We like it that way.
      [Original from Jim Boland ([e-mail])
      and David Haight ([e-mail])]


  SAUVIE ISLAND is about 20 miles NW of Portland on US-30 to Astoria.
  Drive across the bridge and follow signs to beaches....specifically
  Reeder Beach.  Go past it.  Go past the moorage to the store.  Stop
  at the store to get a parking permit.  You'll need it.  You will pass
  a beach that has a "dike" on the river side and parking on the left.
  You will go up a rise and the road turns to a gravel road.  This is
  about 12 miles from the bridge.  Go about 1/2 to 1 mile.  You will see
  a parking area on the left.  Park there.  Cross the gravel road.  There
  are several places to go through the trees.  Go through.  Walk 100+ yards
  and you will be on the beach.  Several Miles of CO sand beach.
      [Original from Jim Boland ([e-mail])]


  HIPPIE HOLLOW is about 16 miles out of downtown Austin on Lake Travis.
  Follow 2222 West from Austin to 620.  Turn left, go about 1 mile, turn
  right on Comanche Trail at the flashing light (look for a sign directing
  you to McGregor Park/Hippie Hollow Park).  Follow Comanche Trail down
  toward the lake, past the "Oasis" Restaurant, about 1 mile.  The park
  entrance will appear suddenly to your left.  Travis County now runs it.
  It is situated on the lake facing south with wonderful rugged flat rocks
  that step down into the lake.  In the summer the average temperature of
  the air is in the mid to upper 90's.  The water averages in the lower
  80's.  It is a wonderful place to go.  About half of it is developed
  (1990).  The undeveloped half is largely considered the Gay beach.

  There are regular patrols in the area looking for troublemakers.  Most
  of the patrols are county workers who call in the law when trouble arises.
  The nudists keep the area clean and nice for the next visitors.  The
  park is fairly large and is attended by a wide variety of people. Many
  families, singles, couples, young and old.  There is a problem with
  gawkers, and some overt sexual activity. It is usually crowded enough
  for everyone to be safe, but sometimes the gawkers and activities can
  be offensive.  Park employees filtered through the area several times,
  picking up rubbish, and making us feel good.  The Sheriffs' boat comes
  by occasionally.  Cost is $5/car (1993 price; good for all Travis County
  Parks that day).  The gates are open until 9 p.m. (May to August),
  6 p.m. (November to February), or 7:30 p.m. (the rest of the year).
      [Original from Bil Snodgrass ([e-mail]),
      John Hendry ([e-mail]),
      and George Durden ([e-mail])]


  GRACY COVE is a bit of a longer drive than indicated in the World Guide,
  but it is well worth it.  The entrance to the park is about 4 miles off
  Texas 71.  Be sure and get a map at the entrance.  Day visits cost $5/car
  (1993 price; good for all Travis County Parks that day).  Travis County
  Sheriffs Deputies are known to make visits to Gracy Cove to ticket the
  nudes.  Be advised to dress ASAP if you see a sheriffs boat.  Since top-
  less is legal, there should be no problem there.  If you think you might
  want to camp, check out Pace Bend Park.  It is a very nice area, and
  camping is reasonable.  (I'm sorry, I didn't get the price.)
      [Original from John Hendry ([e-mail])]


  PLAYALINDA is located near the space shuttle launch area at Cape Canaveral.

| NOTE: The Park Service, through concurrent jurisdiction with Florida,
| has been attempting to rid Playalinda of CO activity.  The NPS lost
| their mid-November test case on the basis that Florida law does not
| apply to mere nudity.  The beach seems to be safe once again, but be
| on the lookout for new citations.  Contact Steve Pierce (see below) for
| updates.

  Take the SR 406/Titusville exit from I-95.  Go east.  From Titusville,
  take Rt. 406 to Rt. 402 to the Canaveral National Seashore Turn left, and
  go for 5 miles to parking lot 13 or as far north as possible to avoid a
  long walk.  The nude area starts north of the last dune crossover north
  of parking lot 13, around marker 74.

  Playalinda is closed the day before, day of, and day after a shuttle
  launch.  If it is closed for a launch, try South Apollo, aka Klondike
  Beach.  Take the New Smyrna Beach/Highway 44 exit off of I-95.  Go east.
  From the intersection of Highway 44 and A1A near New Smyrna Beach, go
  south for 8 miles and park in parking lot 5 or as far south as possible.
  Walk to the right, south of parking lot 5, to marker 29, where the nude
  area begins.

  NOTE:  DO NOT walk in the dunes or carry glass bottles to the beach.
  Both will cost you a $25 fine if caught and ticketed.

  Call [phone] for more details.

  See also Steve Pierce's regular posting, "Florida CO Areas."
      [Original from Steve Pierce ([e-mail])]


  ASSATEAGUE National Seashore in Maryland is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive
  from Baltimore or Washington, DC.  Take US 50 east.  As you approach Ocean
  City, look for Maryland route 611 on your right.  Turn right onto 611 and
  follow signs to Assateague *State* Park -- at the bridge, go straight.
  Parking is $2.00/person (1993 price).  The beach itself is free.  At the
  bathhouse, face the ocean, turn left, and walk northward up the beach for
  about 45-60 minutes or until you see other nude people, whichever comes
  first.  The boundary of the CO area was demarked by the end of the sand
  fence along the dunes, unless it has washed away.  Previously there was
  a "National Park Service Boundary" sign, which is now gone.  Also gone
  are the telephone poles which served as markers in years past.  (The CO
  area is in the National Seashore, but you need to walk through the State
  Park to get to it.)

  Note that the Virginia end of Assateague National Seashore and the
  Assateague State Park in Maryland are off-limits to nude use.  It is
  the Maryland portion of the National Seashore which is CO.  As for the
  park police, unless there is a complaint they do not say or do anything.
      (Note: As of September, 1993, this beach is having problems
      with law enforcement.  Information is needed regarding
      whether the rangers who are harassing nude bathers are
      with NPS or with the State, what *specific* laws they
      say they are enforcing, exactly where you encountered
      the rangers, were there textiles around, etc.  Post
      info to rec.nude or mail it to the editor of this FAQ
      for anonymous posting.  It has been speculated that the
      rangers are hoping to put pressure on the nudists to get
      us to put pressure on some trouble-makers who have been
      flaunting their nudity in front of textiles.  If that's
      the case, it would be to our benefit to try to make
      sure everyone around us is being suitably discrete.
      To be safe, stay north of the 7.0 km marker or maybe
      go all the way up to the 4.5 km marker, be respectful
      of clothed visitors, and cover up if you see a ranger
      approaching.)
  In fact, they can't; Maryland state law says that, in effect, you cannot
  "indecently expose" yourself to a law enforcement agent.  According to
  an NPS ranger, there must be a third party involved.  If there is a
  complaint, they will come up the beach, take your name and address,
  and ask you to get dressed.  Nothing else will happen unless there is
  a *written* complaint to the state, which almost never happens.  I have
  been there several times and only once has there been a complaint.  The
  ranger responding to the complaint seemed sympathetic to naturism and
  was really just doing his job.  Other times when I have been there, the
  rangers drove/walked/boated by, waved to the nude people and the nude
  people waved back.  Pretty congenial.  By the way, this should not be
  taken to imply that the nude section is official; it is not, and the
  park service will not go on record as tolerating it -- but in actual
  practice, they do.  My advice is to not even worry about the authorities
  unless there is a complaint; and if there's a complaint, don't sweat it
  'cause almost no one ever makes the written complaint necessary to press
  charges.
      [Original from Mark Cornick ([e-mail])]


  SANDY HOOK is in the NE corner of the part of New Jersey which sticks
  into the Hudson River.  From the North take the Garden State Parkway
  to exit 117.  Follow the signs to Sandy Hook.  When you arrive, ask the
  ranger at the gate for directions to the nude beach (Gunnison), Parking
  lot G.  When you get to the beach, walk down and bare to the right.

  From the South on the Garden State Parkway, look for signs for Route
  36E, exit 105.  Follow 36E all the way to 1 block short of the ocean &
  turn left to continue on rt 36 to Sandy Hook.
      [Original from "unknown"]


  CHAUTAUQUA GORGE is a very scenic site near Westfield in the westernmost
  part of New York.  There are several small waterfalls which are very
  refreshing after hiking on a warm day.  There are also small pools for
  soaking or swimming a few strokes and level space along the creek for
  sunbathing.  Sandals are recommended as you may have to cross the creek
  a number of times along the way.

  Directions: From the New York State Thruway (I-90), take the Westfield
  exit (No. 60).  Follow state route 394 a short distance south to the
  center of Westfield.  Turn right onto U.S. 20.  After crossing a
  bridge, turn left at the first street, Chestnut Street (county road
  21).  Follow C.R. 21 south for about 3.3 miles and then turn left onto
  Ogden Road.  Follow Ogden road 1.5 miles and then turn left onto Taylor
  Road (a gravel road).  Follow Taylor Road a short distance to the dead
  end sign where there is a small parking area on the left.  A very rough
  road continues down into a deep valley.  Follow this until you reach the
  creek, then turn left (downstream).  Soon you will see a sign painted on
  a rock saying "nudist area next one mile".  From there, if you follow the
  creek, you will pass several small waterfalls until you get to Skinny Dip
  Falls.
      [Original from Jeff Riddlebaugh ([e-mail])]


  GAY HEAD is a set of high clay cliffs at the western end of Martha's
  Vinyard, named for the bands of color in the clay.  The beach at the
  base of the cliffs sees a fair amount of nude use.

  Take Moshup Trail Road to Gay Head Cliffs, and park in the lot.  From
  the beach entrance, go to the right (to the cliffs).  It is about a 10
  minute walk down Moshup trail to the beach.  This brings you to Moshup
  beach, where nudity is NOT permitted.  Hike to the right at least 0.3
  miles and you will be off of Moshup beach, below the cliffs, and in the
  right place.  The first portion of CO beach you find is extremely rocky;
  however, if you keep going all the way around the head, around past the
  lighthouse, it is claimed that the beach becomes sandy again.

  Martha's Vinyard can be reached by ferry from Wood's Hole.  Bringing a
  car on the ferry is expensive and requires reservations.  Bike and moped
  rentals are available on the island.  Taxis and busses also run to Gay
  Head.  The AYH hostel is 8 miles away.

  Lucy Vincent beach, a few miles to the east is available to residents or
  those who are renting houses in Chilmark.  It is CO as well.  Reportedly,
  they don't make a big deal about the residency requirement if you don't
  come by car and act low-key.
      [Original from Jeffrey L Bell ([e-mail])
      and Mike Leibensperger ([e-mail])]


  THE LEDGES is a set of flat granite outcroppings at the Harriman Reservoir
  in southern Vermont.  There is a cliff to jump off of when the water level
  is high.  Some people have been known to go nude waterskiing.  The water
  is cool and clear.

  The crowd is a good mix of singles, couples, and families, who are
  extremely outgoing by Vermont standards.  Most of them visit regularly,
  and make it a habit to pick up litter.

  To get to the Ledges, find the three way intersection that is the junction
  of Rt9 and Rt100, located a mile east of Wilmington, VT.  Travel south
  on 100 for about a mile until you come to a side road that bears to the
  right, labeled "NEPCO Picnic area".  Travel one mile to the end of the
  dirt road, walk down to the water.  Turn right and Walk through a picnic
  area and onto a well used path into the woods.  After about 5 minutes
  there is a small stream.  The Ledges are a short distance further.

  It takes about 3.5 hours total to get there from a Boston via Mass 2 to
  I-91 to Vt. 9.
      [Original from Jeffrey L Bell ([e-mail])]


  MEECH LAKE is located in Gatineau Park, just across the Ottawa River from
  Ottawa in Quebec.  It has a couple of beach areas that are frequented by
  nudists.  These beaches are not officially CO, but they have existed for
  a number of years and no one seems to make a fuss.

  Pick up Highway 5 in Quebec and follow it to the town of Old Chelsea.
  After exiting the highway, turn left and proceed into Gatineau park.
  The road you are on will take you directly to the lake, although some
  park signs may suggest that you take a longer route.  When approaching
  the lake, you may see a small government sign for "O'Brien House".  A
  few yards later is a parking lot for "O'Brien Beach".  This is the lot
  that you want.  Parking is $5.50/day (1992 prices), with summer passes
  also available ($30.00), but it is limited and does fill up.  Alternative
  parking is hard to find, and cars parked illegally tend to disappear.

  The path leading directly to the lake (at the far end of the parking
  lot) leads to O'Brien Beach, a typical textile beach.  The path you
  want crosses the gravel road leading to O'Brien House and proceeds up
  a large hill.  It then runs alongside the road for a few yards before
  turning into the woods.  You will eventually come to a very steep hill
  leading down to the lake.  The gravel on the hill is maintained a bit,
  but you will probably want good shoes for this part.  Also remember that
  you are going to have to come up this hill at the end of the day.  At
  the bottom of the hill, a wooden bridge crosses a small stream.  This
  stream flows between the main lake (on the left) and a smaller sub-lake
  (on the right).  There are CO beaches on both of these lakes.

  The main area used by sun lovers is at the far end of the smaller
  sub-lake, at the ruins of an old mill (the Carbide Wilson Ruins; worth
  exploring).  A few yards past the bridge there is a small path leading
  off to the right.  Though this goes to the place you want, second right
  after the bridge is a better path.  This path is wide enough for vehicles
  (only maintenance traffic is allowed and it is rare), and is much easier
  going.  Since this beach is mostly rock, many people bring air mattresses
  to make things more comfortable.  These are also good for floating around
  in the lagoon and the far end of the small lake.

  The second area that is used by nudists is on the main lake.  After
  crossing the wooden bridge, take the first path to the left rather
  than to the right.  This will lead to a very small sandy beach and a
  small grassy area.  This space will only hold a handful of people, but
  it is a nice place to sit and the entrance to the water is very gradual.
  This is the area I like to take my kids to, and they love to play at the
  water's edge.  This area has only recently been used by nudists and you
  are more likely to encounter clothed people here.  This has never been
  a problem, however.

  Remember that this is real forest area.  You are not going to find toilets
  or a Coke machine.  You should be prepared to clean up after yourself and
  carry out whatever you carried in.  What you will find are some beautiful
  lakes and wilderness to enjoy, naturally.  The stores near the highway
  are a good (but expensive) place to pick-up last minute supplies.
      [Original from Andrew Patrick ([e-mail])]


  MAZO BEACH, on the Wisconsin River near Madison, is a lovely, peaceful,
  respectful little sandbar among the willows, the loons and the gentle
  running water.  Across the river are tree lined bluffs, and a hundred
  feet away, across a shallow soft-sand strait, is another little sandbar.
  Unfortunately, the water is rather shallow, in some places barely enough for
  swimming, in other places little more than ankle deep.

  Take US 14 out of Madison to Mazomanie (check your cheese state map).
  When you get to the town, take a right onto County Y.  After about 4
  miles, turn left onto Laws Road, which leads to a gravel road.  You'll
  know it by all the cars driving into or out of it.  You'll definitely
  know it when you see all the cars parked along the side of the road.
  The road ends in a small parking lot.  The river is to the right.
  You'll see just a few people when you first get onto the beach, but
  keep going to the right of where you came in.  Don't plan on finding a
  space in the lot unless you go late enough in the afternoon that some
  people have started to leave or early in the morning; otherwise, grab
  a spot roadside when you find one.
      [Original from Bill Pfeiffer ([e-mail])
      and Robert Paolino ([e-mail])]

     Richard M. Mathews            D efend
                     E stonian-Latvian-Lithuanian
    [e-mail]          I ndependence