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Conference moira::naturism

Title:	Naturism
Notice:	Site report index is in topic 7
Moderator:	GENRAL::KILGORE

Created:	Tue Jan 26 1988
Last Modified:	Wed May 07 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	457
Total number of notes:	3687

99.0. "Rock River, VT" by TOKLAS::FELDMAN (PDS, our next success) Wed Aug 24 1988 19:02

    The Rock River site is near Brattleboro, VT, in the south east corner
    of the state.  As distances from Boston go, it's in the same general
    vicinity as the Ledges -- roughly a 2-3 hour drive, depending on where
    you start.  I prefer it to the Ledges because a) I have a slight
    preference for streams over lakes and oceans; and b) I feel more
    comfortable in this sheltered valley than I do on a wide open lake.
    Of course, the three most important features are the people you're
    with, the people you meet, and the weather.  So your mileage may
    vary.
    
    There are several pools along the river.  The first is the textiled
    area.  It seems to be the deepest, and hence safest if you're into
    diving or jumping.  (Personally, I don't ever recommend diving into
    a stream without checking the depth first.)  It seems to attract
    the typical young crowd (older teens).  The two times I've been
    there, they've been well behaved, but expect the usual noise.
    
    The second pool upstream is the main naturist area.  This time of year
    there's a wide beach on the far side, which is perfect for sunbathing.
    I suspect that much of it goes below water during the spring thaw. The
    water in this area is flat and safe for swimming.  Depth varies, but
    there is plenty of room to stand at typical summer water levels.  As
    usual with running river water, treat it with caution, but this area
    seems about as safe as a small river can be.  Further upstream are a
    number of smaller pools along the same lines; these comprise the gay
    section, and are quite popular. 
    
    The water varies between clear and green.  There are plenty of fish
    in the stream, but I have yet to see any worth catching.  (I'm told
    they're there.)  The first time I went there, earlier this summer,
    there were hundreds of tadpoles.  The second time, just recently,
    there wasn't a frog to be seen.  Still, they must be doing some
    good, as there weren't too many bugs.  Bring the repellant anyway.
    There are a few houses way upstream, but I don't think they've caused
    any significant pollution.  I wouldn't make a habit of drinking
    the water, though.

    Since this is a Vermont mountain stream, expect the water to be
    cold.  The temperature does vary noticeably in different parts of
    the stream.  Because of the popularity and limited parking area,
    you should plan on getting there before noon if it's a scortcher
    day.  Otherwise, you may be forced to walk uphill, about a quarter
    mile, from the overflow parking area.
    
    This area was listed in the last World Guide.  Still, because of the
    small size, I'll play it safe, and not post directions. Contact me by
    mail if you want them. 
    
      Gary

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
99.1	Rock River Landscapes	GVAADG::RICE	Lillian Rice IS/ADG Geneva	`Thu Aug 25 1988 04:38`	36
	re : .1 >> The Rock River site is near Brattleboro, VT, in the south east corner >> of the state. As distances from Boston go, it's in the same general ah, memories...I first went there in 1979, but haven't been back since 1985. As a friend lived within a 10 minute walk from there, we spent a number of summer afternoons sunning...one of the nicer popular spots in Windham county. >> Since this is a Vermont mountain stream, expect the water to be >> cold. The temperature does vary noticeably in different parts of >> the stream. I have to admit that the water was always too cold for me to go in "all the way" (in any part of the stream!). >> Because of the popularity and limited parking area, >> you should plan on getting there before noon if it's a scortcher >> day. Otherwise, you may be forced to walk uphill, about a quarter >> mile, from the overflow parking area. This point sounds a bit understated...there is (or was in 1985) nowhere to park. NO PARKING signs had been erected along the roadside and unless you knew someone living close by, you were in for a hike. However, it was (and, I hope, still is) a lovely and fun place to go! Happy sunning, Lillian P.S. I take it that the police have calmed down a bit since I was there, as in the early 80's, they were making "visits" to "harass" the gay and/or nude people. As far as I know, there were no arrests, but they certainly weren't pleasant.
99.2	A very nice site	MOIRA::FAIMAN	A goblet, a goblet, yea, even a hoop	`Thu Aug 25 1988 08:53`	14
	We made one visit to Rock River. The parking was better than Lillian remembers, but not much: the parking space that we found was rather precarious. The only drawback was that the "beach" (or sand bar) is on the far side of the river from the trail, so you have to wade across. When we were there, I think that meant 2-3 foot deep water with a rocky bottom. Personally, we prefer the Ledges, but Rock River was an attractive site with pleasant people. If it was one hour to Rock River vs two hours to the Ledges for us, I expect that would make the difference. Ah, if only our biggest problem was having to choose between the Ledges and Rock River! -Neil
99.3		TOKLAS::FELDMAN	PDS, our next success	`Thu Aug 25 1988 13:53`	18
	The first time I was there, back when the weather was quite hot, we got the last feasible parking space. The second time, last weekend, it was less crowded and there was plenty of reasonable parking. It helps to arrive before noon. I'd guess there's room for twenty or thirty cars, pulled safely off the road. A few of the spots are precarious, but most aren't. My understanding from one of the locals is that the only time the police take an interest is when cars are parked illegally. The car must be entirely off the pavement. Even then, the police have been known to be quite pleasant about it, by giving the people time to toss on some clothing and run up to trail head to move the car. If you do get caught, you'll be stuck for the fine and towing charge. Apparently the Vermont police have discovered they have better things to do, like keeping the sons of former Vice-Presidential candidates locked up safely. Gary
99.4	parking tip	HYSTER::DEARBORN	Trouvez Mieux	`Thu Jun 01 1989 12:20`	7
	You can safely park on the opposite side of the road, as long as you do not park between the No Parking signs. I usually park just below the last sign and have never had a problem. Just make sure the car is fully off the pavement. Randy
99.5	Open for the season	HYSTER::DEARBORN	Trouvez Mieux	`Wed May 02 1990 12:43`	11
	I was up there last Saturday. It was over 80 degrees and beautiful. The water is still far too cold to enjoy tho. It looks like they have buldozed the other side of the road for better drainage, making parking on that side impossible. So, if you can't find a space, park at the bottom of the hill and walk up. Randy
99.6	Bad News	HYSTER::DEARBORN	Trouvez Mieux	`Sun May 19 1991 21:45`	19
	Bad news. I went up to Rock river this weekend. They have erected a guard rail along the side of the road, limiting the parking area to only eight cars. That means you will have to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up. Last year, they posted most of the parking areas at the bottom of the hill as No Parking, so parking will be really tough this year. I don't know who's brain dead idea this is. By erecting the guard rail, there will be a greater traffic hazard from people making U Turns. They should have taken the money and IMPROVED the parking area to make it safer. But no, its easier to simply try to keep those pesky naturists away. You might want to consider bringing a bicycle, parking at Maple Valley Ski Area and biking to Rock River (about a mile.) An entrepreneurs out there? How about starting a shuttle service from the bottom of the hill? Randy
99.7	All but closed now.	HYSTER::DEARBORN	Trouvez Mieux	`Tue May 28 1991 12:28`	12
	It gets worse: They have now put jersy barriers across the parking area. They have posted no parking at the bottom of the hill. There is still the small parking area on the other side of Route 30, but that is very small. As for using a bike, you run the risk of getting it stripped by the locals. Be ready to carry it down the hill with you to make it more safe. Randy