Great Dinner and Fellowship @ Sky Farm

Saturday night proved to be another great evening @ the Farm. Linda and her workers put together a classy evening of food, great ambience and tunes for the memberships’ enjoyment.

The cloth tablecloths, candles and flowers added to the outdoor setting on the deck accompanied by D. J., Serge’s dinner mix. The evening was topped off with dancing and a dip in the pool or hot-tub.

I especially enjoyed the company of my fellow Sky-Farmers. Sparkling conversation and good company. A family with two children enjoyed their well-prepared chicken breast dinner @ the next table. They even had left-overs to take home for Sunday.

It was one of the most pleasant dinners in recent memory. Granted I don’t get many Saturday nights off, but I’m sure glad that I got to participate in this one.

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The Hook

Sunday, July 11th, was the perfect day to explore the Gateway Recreation Area located @ Sandy Hook, NJ. Parking lot G is host to this tiny nudist treasure of the “Jersey Shore.” It was 90º and the water was blissfully refreshing, (although it looked full of paper pulp, like a paper mill had discharged it’s remains on the shore).

My spouse, an 85 yr old girlfriend (who is quite ageless) and I trekked down the long sandy walkway to the, “Clothing Optional” section of the beach.

I was mesmerized by the sheer variety of people there. So many Latinos, blacks, whites, every colour in between, couples, families with little kids, gay men and of course the gawkers in their Jockey shorts. What r they trying to hide, anyway? All u get is sand in your crack! That’s uncomfortable and can be easily avoided just by taking off your shorts.

Two very special things happened. The first involved my friend, Mico. She hadn’t been to the beach for several years, prior to her very successful hip replacement. The long, hot walk tired her. When she attempted to wade into the waves, she went ass over tea kettle and was unable to get up.

Pummeled by the onslaught of rough waves, she was rolling in a stew of seashells and watery pulp. Pete and I couldn’t rescue her in time. But alas, several charming and muscle bound men ran to her aid, righting her for the next wave.
She tried again and lost her balance. The muscle bound young Latino, again rushed to her side, followed by a 50ties something white guy. The Latino made it first. I kept thinking this guy must be a lifeguard somewhere, he’s so vigilant.

Of everyone hoping to meet someone on the beach that day, Mico was saved, twice. What a cougar. I’ll have to remember that trick should I wish a chance encounter and just hope that I don’t drown waiting to be rescued by my Romeo.

After Mico made it back to the towel, we witnessed the next remarkable event. A group of young colour-blind people were frolicking in the waves. One young woman carried another one in, depositing her in the surf, to the hoops and hollers of their friends. While doing do, the first lady lost her top in the ocean. There was a joyous roar. Suddenly, the girls were ripping off their bikini tops and the boys were catching them. The young men then began to drop their drawers. One young man was collecting the clothing and draping it around his neck, like Hawaiian leis. The group then enjoyed a group hug to the applaud of the folks on the beach. It was truly wonderful to watch these friends embrace their first nudist experience.

Two other unexpected things happened that day, both surprising to me. I have a 1000 watt smile, thanks to my dentist. Whenever I flash it, people reciprocate. Well, that wasn’t the case on Sunday. I smiled @ one gentleman, asking if the shade from my umbrella was shielding him too much. He grumbled that he appreciated being asked about being left alone. He never answered my question and we just moved as a group, to the other side of the towel. I also noticed other folks were equally, out of sorts, that day.

The second event involved beach etiquette. After trugging up the hot sand, in the height of a scalding afternoon, our fluid stores spent, I longed for the water fountain.

I arrived only to find a man bathing his armpits in the drinking fountain and then spitting on top of the spigot, that I suddenly didn’t want to enjoy. I was parched and despondent. My tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth.

I really doubt that he’s one of the 11 people who have read my posts, but gee folks, please keep in mind that it’s not polite to bathe in the drinking fountain. Especially when 6 showers are right next to it.

So cheers, enjoy Sandy Hook and the “Jersey Shore”.

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First Day of Summer @ Sky Farm, NJ

It’s the first day of summer and the pool is up and running @ Sky Farm. It’s beautiful and our new CareTaker, Bill has insured that it is pristine. Mark has landscaped the groups to resemble a French impressionist painting. It’s a breathtaking sight.

Especially now, since I have the lousy summer cold. Cough, cough… The weather cooperated, even though it called for scattered showers. The new canape is draped over the hot tub and 4 members were enjoying the waters when I arrived after work, tonight. It was just like my private paradise, with a few friends, thrown in.

This Saturday, we’re planning the June birthday party and since I’m a June baby, I’m looking forward to it. Next week begins the Fourth of July festivities with Wings on a member’s private deck, another private party and the July 4th Special Dinner.

We look forward to your visit and sharing Sky Farm, “naturally”

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Personal Impact of Nudism

Since I’ve been a nudist since my teenage years, it’s almost impossible to chart a BC vs AC, (or a before nude as opposed to after nude) version of my story. I can only do so, in the observation of others.

When I was in high school and college, I would listen to my girlfriends say things like, “Ugh, I would never go out without a bra, how do women do that?” My favorite was, “That’s so dirty.” I could never figure out what was so dirty about it. Nudists shower more than any people, I know. At our club, we MUST shower each time, prior to entering the pool. That’s allot of showers!

As I got older, some co-workers asked to see where I was going on vacation. I showed them the island of Bonaire and it came out on the website that there was a nudist resort on the island. A few snide comments were made with some inhibited laughing. It was a great vacation and I didn’t return to work at that location. So personally, it might not be the best career move to discuss personal nudism in the workplace.

Last night, at Sky Farm, I was interested in how fellow nudists felt about the Weiner e-mails. I was quite surprised at the range of reactions. Most people felt as I did, which is rather hypocritical, I guess. I don’t personally want to see unsolicited pictures of some guy with a ball of socks in his jockeys. Seemed like Michael Jackson grabbing himself and felt very ‘80’s. I felt that it was rude and intrusive.

One of our female members felt that it was perfectly ok. Most people thought about the matters the same way that I did.

So, what makes it ok to be naked in public and not ok to send someone an unsolicited e-mail of your naked body in bunny slippers? Let me know. People are complicated I guess and that’s what makes them interesting.

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A Personal Impact of Nudism

Since I’ve been a nudist since my teenage years, it’s almost impossible to chart a BC vs AC, (or a before nude as opposed to after nude) version of my story. I can only do so, in the observation of others.

When I was in high school and college, I would listen to my girlfriends say things like, “Ugh, I would never go out without a bra, how do women do that?” My favorite was, “That’s so dirty.” I could never figure out what was so dirty about it. Nudists shower more than any people, I know. At our club, we MUST shower each time, prior to entering the pool. That’s allot of showers!

As I got older, some co-workers asked to see where I was going on vacation. I showed them the island of Bonaire and it came out on the website that there was a nudist resort on the island. A few snide comments were made with some inhibited laughing. It was a great vacation and I didn’t return to work at that location. So personally, it might not be the best career move to discuss personal nudism in the workplace.

Last night, at Sky Farm, I was interested in how fellow nudists felt about the Weiner e-mails. I was quite surprised at the range of reactions. Most people felt as I did, which is rather hypocritical, I guess. I don’t personally want to see unsolicited pictures of some guy with a ball of socks in his jockeys. Seemed like Michael Jackson grabbing himself and felt very ‘80’s. I felt that it was rude and intrusive.

One of our female members felt that it was perfectly ok. Most people thought about the matters the same way that I did.

So, what makes it ok to be naked in public and not ok to send someone an unsolicited e-mail of your naked body in bunny slippers? Let me know. People are complicated I guess and that’s what makes them interesting.

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Nudism, personally

What does being a nudist mean? An existential question, but really, nothing at all. It’s just being like everyone else. It’s the spouse, snoring on the couch, it’s the dog on the floor and the one barking, outside. It’s nothing more, than what u want. Not wearing clothes.

Personally, it means not being encumbered by lots of linen. If I want a blanket, I can get one, to be warm. But, gee, I can just be me. I can be comfortable in my own skin. That’s being a person without the clothes. It’s essential and comfortable. Why not be comfortable in your own skin?

It’s the beautiful feeling of floating, nude in a sparkling clean blue pool on a 100º day. Feeling the warm sun on my skin and then seeking the cover of the shade. Gotta remember that skin cancer stuff.

I guess that I’ve been doing this so long, but it’s also having a conversation with a naked friend and not noticing that he or she is naked. It’s a focus on the person and their content, as opposed to how they look, fat belly and all. I don’t even thing about my belly or big breasts, because no one is staring at them. I think that I’m more comfortable with myself.

Being 55 yrs old and work in health care, I’ve learned that functionality, is most important. Can I walk, can I talk and swallow, I grab the things that I need? If my body works, that’s vital to me. That is my major concern. It all works, pretty well, so I’m very fortunate and that is what is important. It takes a long time to learn that, especially if you are born a girl.

On that uplifting note, go to an open house and enjoy the beauty of your body, watch and experience how it works and enjoy how other bodies operate. Let me know how it goes for u and any concerns that u have.

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By the way, I’m a Nudist….

On my recent trip to the Bay Area, a good friend of 25 yrs was mentioning tan lines. I remarked, “Or, not.” She just looked away. I think she knows my life-style, from my days in Oakland and history @ Harbin and Esalen, but folks are still not ready to accept the idea.

That’s ok. Everyone has their thing, mine is not wearing clothes or sticky bathing suits. Just being around me, going to a museum or out for innovative Chinese @ Lung Sang in the Mission, illustrates that I’m a regular person, too. I have interests other than running around naked.

Most of the naked people I know, have varied interests. At Cypress Cove, they have a weekly Mac Users Group and exercise clubs. Sun Sport has a drumming circle. Harbin and Esalen are spiritual, each in their own different way.

I didn’t get to Esalen this trip or to Ventana in Big Sur. I miss the fog lingering over the Pacific or being perched on a cliff overlooking all that beauty. The cool kiss of a breeze touching my skin with the warm sun taking away the shivering cold.

I did tell one friend that I stayed with in Salinas, Ca about the blog. Perhaps that’s why I have so few readers, I don’t talk about it. She thought that it was really cool and logged-in. She was a law professor.

I know nudists who are plumbers, electricians, physicians and lawyers. We come from all walks of life. At Sky Farm, I now see younger faces, which is welcome. Some of us are even unemployed or retired.

How do your friends react when u mention it?

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Kewl Nudist Beaches

My current favorite nudist beach would be Club Orient in St. Martin. My husband and I were fortunate enough to be guests at the resort in November 2010. It’s also been rated in the Top 10 Clothing Optional Beaches in the world, on yesterday’s TripAdvisor web site.

If you are lucky enough to be a guest at Club Orient, the use of the beach is included with your lodging. If not, it’s $8 US pp/ per day. It’s located on the French side of St. Martin, at the base of a breathtaking and life altering, hairpin-turn road. Really, you might encounter a goat or cow being herded or bunches of people standing in the road, while you’re trying to navigate the coastline. While there, I also learned that numerous cruise lines sponsor a day trip to the beach. Huge tour buses traverse this road, daily.

Not only is it the perfect beach, with fine white sand, it’s also well appointed with amenities such as garçons who set up your beach lounger underneath a cheery yellow umbrella. Food and drink are available, only steps away.

I’m a beach walker and the beach is several miles long. Several vendors operate various sites along the shoreline, for various prices and amenities. Little restaurants and grass roofed bars have a tiki-like motif. I found that I could easily walk to the next town and grab a croissant for breakfast with a latte.

Grand Case is a short car ride away. One can dine on fresh lobster and fine French cuisine at Le Cottage owned by the affable, Bruno. Tell him Sam sent u. Also, south of Orient Beach is Yvette’s, in Quartier D’Orléans, which has the best fish I’ve ever had prepared for me. It’s off the main road in a house, turn by the gas station. They just published a cookbook and it’s a down home experience and BYOB.

If u have any suggestions about things you’d like to add or see while in St. Martin, please share them. Also, if u have questions about our trip to St. Martin, please let me know.

I’ll be in San Francisco next week, so my next post may include details about my nudist adventures there.

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Typical Weekend @ Sky Farm

I can’t wait for the Memorial Day weekend. The weather begins to warm, the barbeques light up and Sky Farm officially opens the pool.

Kids will be noisily running around the jungle-gym,  mothers bobbing with their kids in the water and the adults will be solving the problems of the world, waist deep in the bubbling hot-tub.

We also have our annual holiday picnic, this year it’s the Memorial Day Appy Party. Anybody can rustle up a shrimp kebab or Swedish meatball & luckily, we’ve got folks that can engineer a NY Times recipe for kosher, vegan baked beans seasoned with cayenne and curry.

My personal weakness? Anyones grandmother’s homemade potato salad. I don’t care if your secret is chopped pickles, eggs or cucumbers. Whatever it is, as long as it’s a vehicle for mayonnaise, I love it. Sky Farm is blessed with terrific and generous chefs, as well as a professional green grocer.

Like infants, Farmers tend to feed every two to three hours. Following lunch, we have afternoon tea. Our patisserie sports cakes and pies as well as the popular summertime staple, Jersey Watermelon. Gallons of iced tea accompany desert, which is usually taken on the deck of the Clubhouse or on our meticulously manicured lawn with friends.

Back at the pool, for some more sun and problem solving before dinner. Some people prefer to sit in the shade of the Gossip Tree, while young parents typically mind their children by the River. Mini-ten is popular at the Farm, as is Petanque. We also have an interclub invitational volleyball tournie, every summer.

At 5pm, members often migrate up to their cabins to change for dinner and fetch a bottle of wine. We often have special dinners with dancing and D.J.’s on the deck or an intimate pot-luck with 20 or so fellow Farmers.

So, I’m off, to finish sharing both my bottle of a 2009  Sauvignon Blanc and this blog, by the sunny poolside.   What activities do u guys enjoy at your Clubs? I’d like to hear from u.

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Sky-Farm

In my first post, I neglected to introduce myself. I’m a novice @ this blogging . I am also succient by nature and profession, so I noticed that my Posts was not as descriptive as the others.

I’m a married 55 yr old female, healthcare professional. I was born in NJ, but my aspirations and a whole lotta luck, led me to Monterey, CA. Consequently, I landed in Berkeley, Ca and college, (Go Bears).  Moving on to PDX, Oregon. I was involved in the Free Clinic Healthcare movement for many years, first in  Berkeley and then Portland.   I consider myself to be from a working-class background.

My first experience with nudism began  with my former fiancee in a forest in NJ.  While in California, I stayed in a house in Big Sur and through the mentorship of a professor and his wife in Monterey and went on to study on scholarship very briefly @ Escalen. I then moved to Oregon to enjoy my profession and give white-water rafting classes via the Berg Frundy Hiking Club. Lucky life, eh?
I moved back to NJ in the ’90′s to be near my aging family, married my loving husband, Pete, continued my practice and now discover the Caribbean with the new-found friends from the nudist camp I currently enjoy.
Which, upon relfection, is my favorite clothing free resort  located just 6.8 miles from my home in Somerset County, NJ.  It’s SKY-FARM in Liberty Corner. Boy, am I LUCKY!!! I am a very proud member of the oldest nudist resort in the USA.   It’s 77 yrs old and you should look through the link to see why it’s been here so long. Sky-Farm is a rather conservative camp, very family oriented,  safe and friendly. You know who you’re meeting, because you’ll see those same members all here, the next day, the next week and the next year.

Back in 1996, I entered this gated Eden, unspoiled, chock full of trees and took off my clothes.  I knew that I didn’t ever, want to leave. I was home. Friends had just joined and said that I should check it out. So glad that I did. Wow!

Well, the wagons certainly circled around, literally, when I arrived, unexpectedly @ the gatehouse.   After entering the gated community and taking off my clothes, I was surrounded by a calvary of naked people in hats and sneakers on golf carts. I had to laugh, naive as I was from the Pacific North-Left, I didn’t know that I needed a “formal” invite.

I used to hiking 2 miles down a steep hill to a deserted hot springs or following a goat path to a little known beach. Here I was, a naked, single woman in her 30ties, (much slimmer than I am now),  staring @ a bunch of naked folks in hats and sneakers on Golf-Carts. What could I do?  I just said, “Hi, I want to join your club!” They saw that I was harmless, (Gee, I was naked), packed me up in and drove me around, in the golf-cart. I think someone handed me a sandwich. I found that eating is a large part of the Farm. You’ll never go hungry.  They Farmers were  flummoxed. But then again, I live in a world of of accidental wonder, so everything is new to me. As long as I can be in this world without my clothes.

The Farm provided that environment and close to home. As a single woman, new to Somerset County and coming with references and a membership fee, I was quickly accepted as a, “probationary member”.  I’m sure that having a check in hand helped.

I was given the “tour”,  advised about the obligatory towel by a very funny, white-haired, pink man named, Harold and his lovely wife, Kathleen, in the Golf Cart. Sorry, but I had never seen a Golf-Cart @ Escalen or Bagby and thought the whole thing quite, laughable.
The blue pool, was and is, sterling. Oh, and the grounds, are even more beautiful now, than they were @ that time. Beautiful flowers, everywhere. The gardens! I’m a flower-hound. An emerald manicured lawn, a hot tub and a club house with a huge deck for parties, every weekend. Wow!

I had found the Garden of Paradise, without a drive and an instant bunch of new friends. This was better than a sorority and I could drive here, after work. Totally kewl. I was hooked. Who wouldn’t be?

Members own about 30 private cabins @ the Farm. Some are rustic and some are more extremely comfortable. The owners can invite friends for dinner or parties @ their private cabins. But hey, in a club, everyone is a friend. None of the cabins have flush toilets but rather three “greenie” buildings with showers, intelligently scattered through out the Farm. Essential needs, can be easily attended, too.

It’s run like a German “Tourist House” concept and there is a small Inn for rentals.  The room are especially welcome after our weekly parties and dinners.

The Farm, has a method of governance, “The Board of Governors”, which is elected yearly, by the Membership. The Camp was originally started by German settlers to the USA and is rich in German nudist history.

Check out the link and come for a visit. Mention the Blog, when u call to make a reservation, so that you’re not met by the Circle of Golf Carts when you arrive.  Your blood pressure will plummet 10 degrees when u walk in the gate.

www.skyfarm.com

 

 

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