Reading the following two articles will provide some insights into the nudist experience for those who have never experienced social nudity. The AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation) Web Site www.aanr.com . "First timers" might want to read the following article on the AANR site: http://aanr.com/top_experience.html

Nearing the end of the film Zorba the Greek, Zorba dances by himself. His arms are spread out and his hands are open toward heaven. He shouts, "everybody needs a little madness." Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I had just spent five days camping at a Good Sam Rally in Centreville, Michigan. Although the staff members were most welcoming, the participants warm and friendly and there were plenty of activities and lots of entertainment the rally seemed endless. The temperature soared to over 95 degrees every day with a humidity index that pushed the temperature to above 105 before noon. To add to our misery we were not permitted to use our air conditioners because of insufficient power at the fairgrounds. My camper became a mini-sauna. If horses sweat and men perspire and women glow? … then I became a Christmas tree in July.

It was our last morning. I had had my coffee and said my good-byes to a few new acquaintances. I was waiting in a slow-moving line at one of the two dumping stations. During my hour-long wait I perused the plastic box sitting on the hump in the center of my truck containing my CDs, maps, a couple of dollar-off coupons at various campgrounds, and low and behold, a one-day pass to a nudist colony in Michigan. It had been sitting, gathering dust, for over a year.

Michigan is a big state. I decided to check it out on the map, just to kill some time. Union City, by all my calculations, looked about fifty miles away and in the direction that I was heading. I had one extra day before having to be at my next appointment. Before modesty could take hold, my brain went into overdrive and all I could think about was diving into a cool swimming pool ..naked.

Madness, I tell you. It was sheer madness. I have never done anything like this, nor have I really seriously contemplated doing anything like this. I called the campground and discovered that the pass was still good and "yes, I could camp there overnight." The drive was on main highways and since I suspected that they did NOT have billboards advertising their whereabouts, I called when I reached Union City and got specific directions. I was amazed at my calmness. I still believe that my moistness was due to the weather and not anxiety.

Not knowing what to expect, and knowing full well that I wouldn't run into anyone with whom I was even slightly acquainted, I felt I would probably go (largely) unnoticed as most over fifty, gray-haired, bespectacled, (pleasingly) plump women do. After arriving and checking in I was given (fully clothed by a fully clothed guide) a tour of the facilities. The volleyball court, indoor swimming pool and hot tub, lake with boats for rowing and fishing, a sandy beach and outdoor conversation pool were first rate and inviting in my book.

For my first venture or should I say "adventure" I decided on the conversation pool.

(A) The first thing that struck me funny was that when I went to strip off my clothes in my camper I was tempted to close the blinds.

(B) Everyone that passed me on the path greeted me and smiled. They gave me the once-over like I was still twenty years old. This was done with a look and a smile. There was no ogling or leering or smirking. I, of course, did the same.

(C) In the conversation pool I was immediately acknowledged and made comfortable enough to join into the conversation. I confessed that this was my first "nudist" experience and I was admired for my bravery. From the conversation pool a group, myself included, went to the mud bath. Another first experience. Chivalry prevailed. A hand was extended so that I wouldn't slip. Conversation flowed as it had done in the pool. We scrubbed and rinsed off in the lake and unfamiliar hands gently washed the mud from my back.

That afternoon in front of the wide-screen television set in the lounge I was approached by familiar faces.

"Hi," the couple said, "had we known that you were a nudist we would have spoken to you about it at the camping rally this morning. "This morning," I responded, "I wasn't a nudist." (So much for not running into anyone I know.) That evening I danced, totally uninhibited, to music on the new jukebox with friends I had met in the pool.

The experience, on a scale of one to ten, was easily a twelve. I am still an over fifty, bespectacled, gray-haired, (pleasingly) plump woman who mostly goes unnoticed in a crowd. Thanks to the one day at Turtle Lake Resort in Union City, Michigan I'm back to feeling the way I should ..feminine, beautiful and desirable. The toughest thing about my one-day of madness occurred the next morning when I had to put my clothes back on and go out into the big, anonymous world.

Would I do it again? In a minute ..as soon as the sunburn stops stinging.

Joei Carlton Hossack © July, 2001

Joei Carlton Hossack, a full-time, solo RVer is the author of Restless From The Start, Everyone's Dream Everyone's Nightmare and Kiss This Florida, I'm Outta Here. All 3 books available through Amazon. Com or book 2 and 3 through Alexander Distributor by calling 1-(800)-472-0438

Turtle Lake Resort is a family oriented, nudist resort. Women who visit the resort often have questions regarding social nudism, and feel more comfortable asking another woman about certain sensitive issues. Women usually find that self acceptance and body acceptance come quickly. They realize that nudists are all builds and not a 10 as most people imagine. Acceptance of yourself leads to acceptance of others. You will find the freedom you experience is a wonderful stress reducer.

First time women visitors can be assured that no one will pressure them to remove  their clothes. The only nudity required is when using the pool, hot tub, or lagoon. Any single woman who visits the resort for the first time, receives a complimentary pass for a free visit when mentioning this letter. You will receive a guided tour of the resort and all your questions would be answered at this time.

However, feel free to call us at (866) 321-4710 if you would like to personally discuss your concerns about social nudism.

Naturally,

Turtle Lake Resort