Our FKK Excursion To The Ledges and Abbot's glen in Vermont:
Last weekend, we did our first ever FKK meetup in Vermont. The intent was to see two areas we have never been to - The Ledges and Abbott's Glen Clothing Optional Inn & Campground.
It always seems to be a journey getting out of New York City on a Friday afternoon, but many of us headed up to Abbott's Glen to arrive that night. Of course arriving Friday also caused it to be simpler to have the full day at The Ledges on Saturday.
To begin with, there's one thing we all found that night that I feel I should mention - t here is little to no cell reception around Abbott's Glen. There's WiFi and landline telephones at Abbott's for those who have to connect to the external world. However when you're able to get away to the state and disconnect, I understand there is undoubtedly some attractiveness in that too.
Upon arrival we met the manager, Liz. Despite it being so late (around 10:30pm), she still gave us a warm welcome, checked us in and gave us a tour of the grounds.
As a group we camped together in their orchard next to apple and pear trees. (They also do have individual campsites.) It was fairly the chilly evening!
Saturday was when we really got to see the reasons and facilities, and the entire place surpassed our expectations. The grounds are so well-manicured and show off amazing Vermont nature. It would be tough not to feel at ease on the list of flowers, greenery, trees and the pond.
The little hut is a small bar with grills for outdoor BBQing
Inside their chief house is a 5-person hot tub, indoor showers and restrooms. The sauna is outside in its own small house, and it's simply perfect. It's the first time I Have ever seen a wood-burning sauna. They keep a pail inside to pour water, and you are able to almost turn it into a steam room. Across from the main house is their "Club Sugar Shack" where they've pool table and sofas and chairs. In the corner is a wood-burning stove to keep it cozy.
Most of us tented while a few others got fancier with rooms. I used ton't personally see a room, but from what I heard, they're ample, clean and cozy.
As a side note, I'm learning that it's not really common to find higher-class B&B's or nudist resorts in the U.S. In many places, room rentals are simply super, super fundamental and probably haven't been updated in many years. A lot of times you are blessed if the room smells okay and has an adequate mattress. Really the only time I Have seen resorts as nice as this one was in California. Areas like Meadowlark Country House and the Terra Cotta Inn. (Abbott's supplies bathrobes in the rooms just like Meadowlark.)
Back to the recap. So eventually we piled into cars and made our way out towards The Ledges, which can be just about 6 miles away from Abbott's. It's a curvy road with ups and downs, but Beth Nolan truly biked it! On the way we also stopped at the Jacksonville General Store to pick up lunch and snacks. It's a butcher shop with great meats and cheeses, as well as a little grocery store.
FKK group photograph at Jacksonville General Store
It is quite small, so it is great we carpooled. Unfortunately http://www.environmentalresourcesinc.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=x-nudism.com was still rather chilly out. We appear to have picked the coldest weekend of August to take this excursion.
We got on the trail to walk along the reservoir towards the section referred to as The Ledges. It is an easy hike, though there are lots of roots and rocks so good shoes are recommended. After several minutes hike in, we reached the magic sign that says "You can be nude now" in so many words.
Uncomplicated nudity is technically legal before and after these indications, as per Vermont state law. Nevertheless, this does not mean you can or should go naked anywhere and everywhere in Vermont. Particular towns have their own ordinances against public nudity, and The Ledges itself experienced a period of controversy during which nudity was prohibited for two years. Naturists should stick to nature places in VT, constantly be conscious of local laws and exercise care when going naked in non-traditional areas.
"Beyond This Sign You May Strike Unclothed Sunbathers" sign on the hiking trail to The Ledges
Some people could not wait and stripped down right after the sign. The trail led us into a clearing at the water, and we started to see other naturists. We knew we had reached The Ledges! On this particular span of the reservoir there's a sandy / rocky playa and then you'll be able to climb up onto the real rock "ledges." Despite the amazing temps, there was still a pretty big crowd of people there.
It is nice to bring a seat, raft as well as a yoga mat to have something soft to sit / lay on since it is all stone. We settled in and met some more FKK people who came to meet us there.
A little farther down the trail there 's a cliff jump and a swing. A number of folks went to jump or swing into the water. Despite read , many still went for a nude swim. The water was cold, but clean and deep. This whole region is pristine and lovely.
I went for a brief hike with a couple others and followed the trail about a mile farther until reaching the "you should put your clothes back on" sign. By hiking we understood just how huge this area is. The reservoir itself is 8 miles long, and the official clothing optional section is rather big. If people want more privacy and quiet, there 's plenty of coastline to find that. I think it is also important to notice the reservoir water level fluctuates throughout the season, so when it's high it reduces much of the available ledge place. In August the level is low, and it is the best time to go.
After several hours, the cloud cover increased, and we had had enough. We packed up and went back to enjoy another evening at Abbott's. On Saturday nighttime Lindy does music in Club Sugar Shack, and they clear an area for a dance floor. We played pool, games, danced and had lots of fun.
http://wap.3gbug.org/gourl.asp?ve=2&ff=&url=http_wwwvoy-zone.com was again cloudy, but it got a little nicer as the day wore on. We had no plans but to relax and appreciate Abbott's Glen before heading home. Beth also did a naked yoga class late that morning.
The North River at Abbott's Glen
Jordan and I researched the hiking trails and North River that runs through the property. It takes about half an hour to walk all their trails through the woods. The river water was clean and shallow, though I believe the owners mentioned some serious flooding going on a month or two past. Back here they have a little plage where you'll be able to relax and wade into the river.
A few more stayed around to enjoy a couple more hours as of this small VT haven. Suffice it to say we all thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Abbott's Glen and our experiences at The Ledges. We look forward to returning someday!
Young Naturists and Naturists America