Rules, rules, rules–government bureaucrats and officials always want to make rules.
Now we find that Swiss bureaucrats want to ban nude hiking. Here’s the naked truth of the story:
Climbers in the Swiss Alps last autumn were confronted with more than just stunning mountain panoramas. A group of nudist climbers were enjoying the fresh air, much to the surprise of their fully clad counterparts.
But their antics riled the authorities in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, who now aim to stamp out the fledgling trend. If a law proposed on Wednesday is passed, those found trekking in the nude will be fined 200 Swiss francs (about €135) starting this year.
Melchior Looser, justice minister in the scenic northeastern canton, pressed for new measures to deter those with a taste for au naturel walks. “We have do something to prevent this objectionable behavior before the weather gets warm again,” he said. “After all, children also spend time in the mountains in the summer.”
I freely admit that I spend time nude at lakes in the high mountains, but they’re fairly secluded and there’s rarely anyone about. I do try to be respectful of others’ wishes and will ask other lake visitors if they mind. There’s also the practical aspect: I don’t want to schlepp a swimsuit in my daypack and then have to pack it out wet.
What’s your take on nude hiking, or being nude in general in the wilderness? Do you like nature al fresco?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
all I can think of is blisters.
(yeah, no imagination…)
Apropos.
Twitter: @TheJohnSoares
I think about potential sunburn, and then needing to have sunblock everywhere. And then there’s insect bites…
I can hardly stand hiking with clothing on.
Twitter: @TheJohnSoares
I always hike in comfortable clothes, and in layers.