This summer in Southern California is blasting us with sunshine and a little too much heat. However, I’ll take a warm day over a cold day anytime. Last week I went out for a solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail near mile 465 at the Bouquet Canyon Trailhead. It was about 11:00am when I started and the heat was already pushing 95F and no clouds were preventing the suns rays from baking me. Only one other car was in the parking area, a good sign, so I threw on my backpack and took off northbound. A woman, child, and dog were coming down the trail shortly after I began. Figuring they were the lone car owners I went a bit further and stopped at mile 0.89 and stripped off down to my hiking boots. Heading up the gradual climb was easy and the trail never really steepened until the 2 mile mark. The trail has very few shaded areas. Even though this is a mountainous area the desert plants just don’t get that tall. A few manzanitas were good for a bit of shade but that was it until about the 1.5 mile point. Here there is a big tree that provides great shade! You can’t miss it.

The trail is wide and easy to navigate. I could see way ahead and way behind on most parts of the trail. Being completely nude was awesome. Knowing the likelihood of running into someone was just about non-existent made it very relaxing. A gentle breeze blew occasionally and felt great. I was sweating a lot and keeping the water going into my mouth kept me going. The views to the southwest were great. The Bouquet Reservoir is nearby and can easily be seen. In fact the farther you take this trail the better the views get.

Unfortunately the heat was really starting to get to me. I had plenty of water and I was drinking consistently but I could tell that even as I ascended to higher elevation the heat was only getting worse. At mile 2.15 I decided to turn around before it turned into a possible situation. Heading southbound I took my time and didn’t over-exert my already taxed body. Being well aware of heat related health issues (how can you not know when you live in the desert?) I started to feel slightly overheated. I always bring a hat and my favorite sarong as a quick cover-up just in case. The sarong made a decent sun shade. I put it on my head, put the hat back on, and draped the sarong over my backpack and shoulders. Instantly it felt much better. If you’re not sure what a sarong is it’s a big rectangle of fabric that is worn around your waist like a towel when you get out of the shower. Common in many parts of the world they are great for lounging around the house. Best part they come off instantly when you need freedom! Back to the trail. I kept the sarong on my head and hiked down the trail. I made it to about 100 yards from the road and put the sarong around my waist. Traffic is light in the area but travelers consistently drove by. Heading across the rode back to my van I decided to head onto the PCT southbound to a big tree. Upon arriving at the gnarled up oak the shade was solid and was welcomed. That was it. The hike was over in just 4.30 miles but that’s ok. I had 3.5+ miles of complete naturist style nude hiking and that’s always good! As a bonus I hopped in my van and drove the 12 miles home completely nude. Driving naked is always fun and the swirling wind coming in the windows felt great!

Until next time!

Stay Naked!