Yesterday hike -31-08-2024 Lower blue Mountains, Sydney - NSW Australia

Yesterdays hike was more than just a physical journey through the rugged beauty of the Australian landscape; it was an experience of profound freedom and connection with nature. Originally planned as a 30km trek with 20km to be hiked nude, the strong winds led us to revise our plan, reducing the hike to 20km. We parked as close as possible to the gate closing the fire trail, set on a path rated as Grade 4 by NSW National Parks, ready to immerse ourselves in the natural world. For the first time in over a decade, I wasnt hiking alone. Wayne, a newcomer to my hikes, joined mea pleasant surprise. With a few others having backed out in the days leading up to the hike, it was just the two of us. Wayne proved to be a great companion, an excellent hiker with whom I could discuss a wide range of topics, making the entire hike more enjoyable. His company brought a new dimension to the experience, and I hope he will join future hikes. As we started, we noticed another car already parked, likely belonging to early birdwatchers. With them in mind, we decided to keep our clothes on until we had passed them. After about 3km and no birdwatchers in sight, we finally stripped off. At that moment, the sun had just begun to rise, casting its warm rays through the hills and trees, and we found ourselves temporarily sheltered from the wind. It was here that the true essence of the hike began to unfold. Walking nude through the bush, with the sun warming our skin and the earth beneath our feet, there was a profound sense of freedom, a connection to the environment that is difficult to express in words. This wasnt just about the absence of clothes; it was about stripping away the barriers that often separate us from the natural world. In those moments, we were more than just hikerswe were part of the landscape, feeling a deep communion with the earth, the trees, and the air around us. For about 5km, we walked in this state of raw connection, until the strong wind found us again, bringing with it a biting chill. To avoid potential hypothermia, we decided to cover up with shorts and t-shirts. Barely two minutes after getting dressed, we encountered two women walking back towards their car. They claimed to have stayed in the park overnight, which isnt permitted, and given the small size of their backpacks, it seemed unlikely. We suspected they were bluffing, but didnt press the issue. Continuing on, we reached a large white gate on the trail. It was locked, but there was a small pedestrian access point on the side, so we squeezed through and continued our hike. From here, the path became more challenging, with steep ups and downs on loose stones, adding an element of caution to our steps. After about two hours and 9km of hiking, we arrived at our prizea beautiful river with pristine, icy water around 4C. The scenery was breathtaking, and while our photos captured some of its beauty, they couldnt fully do it justice. Its a place that must be experienced in person to truly appreciate. We crossed the river and found a sunny spot with some shade. Once again, we stripped off and enjoyed a leisurely meal, took photos and videos, and then indulged in a refreshing skinny dip. The cold water was exhilarating, though it felt like sharp needles on the skin, especially on the genitals, so my swims were brief but invigorating. But even in the chill of the water, there was a sense of being fully alive, of experiencing nature in its most honest and unfiltered form. After our dip, we lay on sun-soaked boulders, feeling like lizards basking in the warmth, still sheltered from the wind. There, in that moment, we were not just in nature but a part of it, experiencing a deep sense of belonging and communion with the world around us. The boundaries between ourselves and the environment seemed to dissolve, leaving only the pure, unadulterated joy of being fully present in the moment. As we chatted and enjoyed the tranquillity, Wayne noticed a red-bellied black snake, about 90cm long, slithering to the waters edge just metres away from us for a drink. Its shiny black scales and vivid red belly were captivating. Wayne had initially passed close to it without seeing it, but when he turned to take photos, he spotted the snake moving towards him. Handling the situation with care, he backed away and made a detour to retrieve his gear. We observed the snake from a safe distance as it watched us in return. At one point, it seemed curious about us, lifting its head and tasting the air, perhaps trying to determine if we were a threat. We spent over an hour and a half resting by the river, during which I enjoyed a quick meditation near a small waterfall. It was a moment of deep reflection and connection, a reminder that we, too, are creatures of this Earth, sharing the same space and energy as the wildlife and the landscape around us. When it was time to head back, we took our time, walking slowly to savour the beauty of nature and capture more photos. The 20km hike took us just over 4.5 hours, plus the 1.5 hours we spent resting by the river. It was a day of physical exertion, yes, but also of spiritual renewal. Theres a unique freedom in being nude among nature, a sense of returning to our roots, of reconnecting with the world in its most authentic form. It was a memorable experience, made even better by good company and the stunning Australian landscape.