So, it's the hottest day of the year and temperatures well into the nineties, and what do I do? I go on my first SOC naked walk!
We met near Arundel in Sussex at 11.45 a.m. and after a few introductions 18 men and 1 woman set off into the woods. Shorts were off after only about 20 yards and back on again twice within the next 250 yards. After that it was pretty much naked all the way.
Fortunately for me, there was another 'newbie' on the walk and we soon fell into the pattern of walk and chat. Everyone was so open and friendly it really was a delight to be with them. As the other newbie said, have you ever met another naturist/nudist that was unpleasant?
The going was fairly easy, along wooded trails and across golden fields, some of the views especialy over the downs to Bognor were pretty spectacular.
We stopped for lunch below a huge oak in a field. It was really very pleasant, photos were taken and the temperature rose.
The second part was more serious, following a roman road then crossing back into the forest (euroforest?). The leaders decided not to cut short the walk to 5,6 or even 8 miles because of the heat and we continued on to the full 10.8 miles. I must admit, the last 3 miles were mostly uphill and had me seriously doubting I could get to the end, especialy as my water had run out.
But finish we did at 6.15 p.m., it was then a mad dash in the cars to Climping beach to cool off in the sea, before heading to the pub for food and drink.
I did enjoy my day out, and the aches and pains have not yet materialised. Having drunk several litres of water during the night, I dont even have a headache now.
On the whole it it was very pleasant, nice people and lovely countryside. I think I suffered mostly from the heat and perhaps the next one in cooler conditions might be even better. My only criticism was that towards the end, the pace picked up (even though it was quite speeply uphill) and there was no-one checking on people like me, that we were a; with the group or b; that we were OK.
Still, I was and I finished the hike. I will try another one later on before deciding if I should join the SOC. If there are people out there wondering if it is for them, I say, give it a go, you will have a pleasant day out.
Click here to read more - if you want to be a part of ITB, sign up it is free to sign up and chat on line