USAnudist.com

In this day of high-end resorts, sometimes it’s a treat to get back to the basics. Star Ranch is one of those places. A family nudist club in the classic sense, members treat each other as family, and in fact many of the members are actually family.

There are multi-generation families here that actually met and married among the membership.  There are neighbors that treat each other as siblings; not so unusual, since many of them grew up together.  The closeness radiates from these people in a way that can only make you want to be a part of the family yourself.

One of the first things I noticed was the large proportion of children and teens, and then realized that these kids actually enjoyed being here and participating. Their maturity was striking as kids as young as 13 years actually took a responsible part in doing things for the club.

One of the young Fathers related that the members had made it a priority a few years ago to make Star Ranch an ideal place to raise a family, and they were succeeding in this effort.

The club members, known as Sanhoans (The Healthy One), voluntarily take responsibility for operating the Nekkid Cafe, the office, organizing activities, and all the other duties that make up running a successful travel destination. Star Ranch provides a healthy happy place to take your clothes off and enjoy traditional nudism.

Weekly activities include volleyball, tennis, petanque, playground, horseshoes, pool table, ping pong, hiking trails, dances, and karaoke. If you like a more sedate style, just kick back under the large shaded pavilion at the outdoor pool, or relax in the hot tub and heated pool inside the Clubhouse, Tara Hall.

Tara Hall also provides a community kitchen, small library, TV room,` Free WiFi, games, puzzles, and the Nekkid Cafe. Reasonably priced meals are available on weekends during the Summer.  A very comfortable sofa group is a great location for reading, computing, or just conversation. A large outdoor veranda accommodates the smokers and a shuffleboard court.

With 111+ shady acres there are many places available to just throw up a tent, or you can rent cabins, sleeping rooms, or an RV space with hookups and dump stations. Whatever your price range, Star Ranch can accomodate you.

While they describe themselves as having “rustic” facilities, the definition of rustic here does not equate to run-down. The grounds are well kept and you can feel a sense of pride in their club from each of the members.

My thanks to the Sanhoans for a wonderful stay at their beautiful Star Ranch.
Star Ranch

P.O. Box 845 McDade, TX 78650

512-273-2257      or      800-705-5978 Email:

Info@StarRanch.net

Set your GPS for 166 Eely Rd.  McDade, TX

Office Hours:

Saturday
through  -  9:00 - 12:00 & 1:00 - 5:00
Thursday

Friday     -  9:00 - 12:00 & 1:00 - 6:00

Last Year AANR established a new world record category for the most people skinny-dipping at one time.  AANR clubs and nude beaches all across North America gathered together 13,648 nude swimmers to be documented. 

An attempt to break the previous record will be held on July, 10, 2010 at 3:00 PM EDT.  Check the videos below then scroll down to find a location where you can be a part of this effort.  It’s not only a record; it’s fun.

Find an AANR World Record Skinny-Dip location near you

Porter, Texas
Abbotts Glen Jacksonville, Vermont
Alpine Resort Millersburg, Ohio
American Association for Naturist Family Recreation San Pedro, California
Arizona Wildflowers Phoenix, Arizona
Aurora Gardens Hixton, Wisconsin
Avalon Paw Paw, West Virginia
Avatan East Bethel, Minnesota
Bare Backers Boise, Idaho
Bare Oaks Sharon, Ontario, Canada
Berkshire Vista Resort Hancock, Massachusetts
Black Hills Bares Custer, South Dakota
Bluebonnet Alvord, Texas
Bonita Nudist Resort Candor, New York
Camelot Des Moines, Iowa
Carolina Foothills Chesnee, South Carolina
Cedar Creek RV Park Pelion, South Carolina
Cedar Trails Nudist Retreat Peebles, Ohio
Chaparral Resort B&B Weatherford, Texas
Cherokee Lodge & Resort Crossville, Tennessee
Chicago Sun Club Wasco, Illinois
C.M.R. Club Framingham, Massachusetts
Coventry Club & Resort Milton, Vermont
Crocus Grove Sun Club Patricia Beach, Manitoba, Canada
Cypress Cove Nudist Resort & Spa Kissimmee, Florida
DeAnza Springs Resort Jacumba, California
Deer Park Devore, California
Desert Sun Resort Palm Springs, California
Drakes Ridge Bennington, Indiana
Edun Lake Naples, Florida
Emerald Lake Resort
Empire Haven Moravia, New York
Fern Hills Club Bloomington, Indiana
Forest Hills Club Saranac, Michigan
Forty Acre Club Londedell, Missouri
Fraternity Snoqualmie Issaquah, Washington
Friends of Gunnison Sandy Hook, New Jersey
Friends of Little Beach Puunene, Hawaii
Glen Eden Sun Club Corona, California
Great Lakes Area Natural Tans Society Chicago, Illinois
Green Haven Sun Club Balgonie, Saskatchewan, Canada
Green Valley Bath, Ohio
Gulf Coast Resort Hudson, Florida
Healthy Hides of Houston Houston, Texas
Helios Nudist Association Tofield, Alberta, Canada
Hidden River Sanderson, Florida
Hidden Springs Portland, Oregon
Hippie Hollow Skinnydippers Texas
Juniper Woods Catskill, New York
Laguna Del Sol Wilton, California
Lake Associates Recreation Club Mount Vernon, Washington
Lake Bronson Club Sultan, Washington
Lake Como Lutz, Florida
Lake O’The Woods Club Valparaiso, Indiana
Las Vegas Bares Las Vegas, Nevada
Living Waters Spa Desert Hot Springs, California
Lupin Lodge Los Gatos, California
Maine Coast Solar Bares Bremen, Maine
Maryland Area Naturist Association Linthicum Heights, Maryland
Maryland Health Society Davidsonville, Maryland
Mira Vista Resort Tucson, Arizona
Mountain Air Ranch Indian Hills, Colorado
Mountaindale Sun Resort North Plains, Oregon
Natural Horisun Boling, Texas
Natures Hideaway Osage, Oklahoma
Natures Resort Edcouch, Texas
North Carolina Naturists Charlotte, North Carolina
North West Nudes of Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nevada
Northern Exposure Sun Club Clifton Park, New York
Oaklake Trails Depew, Oklahoma
The Oasis Lutz, Florida
Olive Dell Ranch Colton, California
Olympian Club Canyon Lake, California
Paradise Valley Dawsonville, Georgia
Pine Tree Associates Crownsville, Maryland
Playa Sonrisa Mexico
Ponderosa Nature Park Puslinch, Ontario, Canada
Prairie Haven Scranton, Kansas
Roadrunner Naturists Albuquerque, New Mexico
Rock Haven Lodge Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Rock Lodge Club Stockholm, New Jersey
Rogue Suncatchers Medford, Oregon
Rooster Sauvie Volunteers Portland, Oregon
Sahnoans McDade, Texas
Sandpipers Resort Edinburg, Texas
Sandy Terraces Associates Marstons Mills, Massachusetts
Sanibel Naturists Ft. Myers, Florida
Sequoians Castro Valley, California
Serendipity Park Cleveland, Georgia
Shangri La Ranch New River, Arizona
Silver Valley Sun Club Newberry Springs, California
Skinnydipper Recreation Club Surrey, British Columbia
Sky Farm Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Solair Recreation League Woodstock, Connecticut
South Florida Free Beaches Haulover Beach, Florida
South Valley Travel Club Bakersfield, California
Southern California Naturist Association Calabasas, California
Spruce Hollow Campground Mesick, Michigan
Squaw Mountain Ranch Estacada, Oregon
Sun Meadow Resort Worley, Idaho
Sun Ridge Resort Sterling, Connecticut
Sunbirds Sun Club Dallas, Texas
Sunchasers Travel Club Ludlow, Massachusetts
Sunny Haven Recreation Park Granger, Indiana
Sunny Rest Resort & Campground Palmerton, Pennsylvania
Sunny Sands Resort Pierson, Florida
Sunshower County Club Centerville, Indiana
Surrey United Naturists Association British Columbia, Canada
Tallahassee Naturally Tallahassee, Florida
Terra Cotta Inn Palm Springs, California
Travelites Columbia, South Carolina
Triangle Area Naturists Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Turtle Lake Resort Union City, Michigan
Utah All Natural Recreation Jordan,Utah
Valley View Recreation Club Cambridge, Wisconsin
Van Tan Club Lonsdale, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Whispering Oaks Oxford, Michigan
Whispering Pines Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
White Tail Resort Ivor, Virginia
White Thorn Lodge Darlington, Pennsylvania
Wildwood Naturist’s Resort Decatur, Texas
Willametttans Marcola, Oregon
Wreck Beach Preservation Society Wreck Beach, British Columbia, Canada

E-Bulletin

Countdown To Skinny-Dip

The locations are now online at aanr.com for clubs, beaches and public lands participating in the second AANR World Record Skinny-Dip on July 10. For information and updates leading up to the event and to find a location near you, click here. Read AANR President John Kinman’s article “Do You Skinny Dip?” by clicking here.

Celebrate World Naked Gardening Day

Saturday, May 8 is the fifth World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD). According to the WNGD website, people across the globe are invited to shed their clothes and tend to their portion of the world’s garden nude, as nature intended. Gardening in the nude is fun, healthy, costs no money, reminds us of our ties to nature and contributes to the well-being of the environment. For suggestions on how you can participate at your club, public lands or in your own backyard, visit the WNGD website by clicking here.

Virginia Seal Gets A Makeunder

Reminiscent of John Ashcroft covering nude statues in the Justice Department, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli provided pins to staff members of the Virginia state seal–with one difference. The original seal depicts Virtus, the goddess of virtue, dressed as a warrior holding a spear, her foot planted on the body of a warrior lying on the ground that symbolizes the figure of tyranny. Her left breast is exposed. Cuccinelli’s version of the state seal featured on the pin has Virtus’ breast covered by an armored breastplate. The original state seal was designed in 1776 by George Wythe, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. A media frenzy followed in print media and the blogosphere, and Cuccinelli issued a new pin depicting the Civil War. Read the whole story here.

The Skinny On Beaches Down Under

Embrace Australia brings readers a list of the best nudist resorts and beaches across the continent. For those traveling to Australia, it seems the perfect location for nudists with its warm, sunny weather, beautiful beaches and cool water. Social nudism has existed in Australia for over 80 years. Today, there are private resorts and dozens of beaches that cater to nudists, as well as private clubs. Planning a trip down under? Click here for the best vacation spots Australia has to offer.

Countdown To Skinny-Dip

The locations are now online at aanr.com for clubs, beaches and public lands participating in the second AANR World Record Skinny-Dip on July 10. For information and updates leading up to the event and to find a location near you, click here. Read AANR President John Kinman’s article “Do You Skinny Dip?” by clicking here.

Celebrate World Naked Gardening Day

Saturday, May 8 is the fifth World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD). According to the WNGD website, people across the globe are invited to shed their clothes and tend to their portion of the world’s garden nude, as nature intended. Gardening in the nude is fun, healthy, costs no money, reminds us of our ties to nature and contributes to the well-being of the environment. For suggestions on how you can participate at your club, public lands or in your own backyard, visit the WNGD website by clicking here.

Virginia Seal Gets A Makeunder

Reminiscent of John Ashcroft covering nude statues in the Justice Department, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli provided pins to staff members of the Virginia state seal–with one difference. The original seal depicts Virtus, the goddess of virtue, dressed as a warrior holding a spear, her foot planted on the body of a warrior lying on the ground that symbolizes the figure of tyranny. Her left breast is exposed. Cuccinelli’s version of the state seal featured on the pin has Virtus’ breast covered by an armored breastplate. The original state seal was designed in 1776 by George Wythe, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. A media frenzy followed in print media and the blogosphere, and Cuccinelli issued a new pin depicting the Civil War. Read the whole story here.

The Skinny On Beaches Down Under

Embrace Australia brings readers a list of the best nudist resorts and beaches across the continent. For those traveling to Australia, it seems the perfect location for nudists with its warm, sunny weather, beautiful beaches and cool water. Social nudism has existed in Australia for over 80 years. Today, there are private resorts and dozens of beaches that cater to nudists, as well as private clubs. Planning a trip down under? Click here for the best vacation spots Australia has to offer.

Why Your AANR Membership Matters

“When I was elected as an AANR Club Trustee in 2006, I was further enlightened to the importance of AANR membership. Membership dues make it possible for AANR leaders to spread the word and lend a credible voice to social nude recreation both to state and federal regulators. And when a beach or state park is in danger of losing its nudist friendly status, AANR is on the scene to protect our rights to enjoy these lands and beaches naturally. Support of this credible voice is made possible through my membership–through YOUR membership.” Nancy Tiemann Read the full column in the June issue of The Bulletin.

Former president Bob Mogliore looks out over the pool at Crocus Grove Nudist community. (QMI Agency file photo)

WINNIPEG - No more will everyone just hang out at a Manitoba nudist campground, as the park’s owners try to better cover their costs by limiting their exposure to hefty water improvement bills.

After more than four decades of a “clothing-optional” attitude, what’s been known as Crocus Grove Campground is changing its name this month to keep in step with a shift away from nudity among its users.

The newly named Sandhill Pines RV Park and Campground, about 40 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, is requiring campers to begin wearing clothes when out and about at the facility, so that its owners can try to attract more customers and maintain their site’s viability.

“It’s too bad that it’s had to go this route. That’s just the way it’s happened,” Susan Ryynanen, who owns the park with husband Ray, said Thursday.

“We’ve had declining numbers in terms of clothing-optional campers, and we have to do something differently.”

The 60-campsite park is asking users and guests to wear clothes for the first time since it opened in 1969. The owners say it’s because of new federal and provincial regulations requiring that facilities like private campgrounds chlorinate their tap water and undertake related engineering studies.

“The cost is going to be between $15,000 and $50,000, depending on the size of the campground, to comply,” explained Susan. The Rynnanens had continued to allow nudity since purchasing the park in the Rural Municipality of Brokenhead more than three years ago.

Because their revenue potential is “extremely limited” by appealing to a naturist niche market, Ryynanen said, it’s necessary to woo a wider array of campers.

“We just have to cope with the additional costs, and maintain the same size of campground,” she added at the park on Provincial Road 317, where the couple live.

“So we need to go public and expand our horizons.”

To distance the park from the nudity image, she said, they’re using advertising and signage under the Sandhill Pines name and “don’t have any affiliation with Crocus Grove at all any more.”

The end of Crocus Grove’s nudity, however, doesn’t mean campers can’t go naked anywhere in that region east of Lake Winnipeg. Ryynanen pointed out that the Patricia Beach area, a short drive north, continues to maintain a “clothing-optional” section along the lake.

The shift doesn’t appear to be steering users away.

After talking to campers who have regularly used the park, Ryynanen said about 98% have indicated they’ll hang around — even if not hanging out.

“They understand. They’re here because they love camping,” she said.

“Everybody is sad and disappointed that we can’t maintain the clothing-optional status, but the reality is that the big draw here is camping and being out in nature. It’s a bit of a change, but not a complete change.”

ross.romaniuk@sunmedia.ca

E-Bulletin

What Are You Doing for Earth Day? Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Clubs affiliated with AANR carry out a multitude of green activities throughout the year. It’s a natural fit, as the affinity between the naked body and respect for nature makes every day Earth Day for nudists. What are your plans for Earth Day? Take our Earth Day poll here. Media Coverage Continues Many media outlets, spurred by an AANR press release, continue to carry stories about overcoming airline baggage fees with a “nakation,” increasing the coverage to a much greater level last week. ABCNews.com released a story after running prior website “teasers” with pictures of naked travelers and mention of AANR. Click here to read. By Tuesday evening, the Fox Network extended an invitation for AANR Executive Director Erich Schuttauf to appear on the nationally syndicated Your World, hosted by Neal Cavuto. Although the host played devil’s advocate at times during the interview, Erich had an opportunity to mention www.aanr.com on the air, as well as facts and figures about the nude travel market. The local Fox affiliate extended the interview in a local story. View the Cavuto show interview here. Allure’s Nude Issue Hits Newsstands Allure magazine’s annual Nude Issue hit newsstands this week. Inside six celebrities pose nude and according to the article, “gained serious body insight.” American Idol judge and songwriter Kara DioGuardi and singer Colbie Caillat both described the experience as “liberating.” DioGuardi describes her struggles with binge eating and depression in her 20s, so posing nude was “something of a personal triumph.” Other celebrities featured in the issue are Regina Hall, Emmanuelle Chriqui, a pregnant Jessica Capshaw and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Click here to read more and view photos. World Record Skinny-Dip Update Plans are continuing for the AANR World Record Skinny-Dip, a Guinness World Records Challenge, on July 10. A new Skinny-Dip T-shirt is being designed for the event. Locations are pouring in to the AANR office and will be posted on the AANR website in May. Keep watching the AANR World Record Skinny-Dip page for updates and information. Springtime Means Nude Racing It’s spring, which means it’s time for the AANR-Southwest Nude Racing Series. Now in its 13th year, this unique series consists of 5K cross-country events sponsored by different AANR-Southwest clubs that began April 17 and continues through October 2. Find information, registration forms and event calendar here. Join AANR on Facebook . . . and Win! AANR’s Facebook page now has almost 300 fans. The page is a place where nudists can connect, discuss, keep on top of news about AANR and nude recreation and be automatically entered in drawings. Once we reach 500 fans, one lucky person will win a Nakation in a Box, valued at $75 and containing a plush “I’m on Nakation” towel, a copy of the North American Guide to Nude Recreation and much more–everything that’s needed for a weekend or week at your favorite nudist location. Click here to access the page and click “Like” to join today or suggest to friends!

**********************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ADVISORY
**********************************************************************
http://www.naturistaction.org
**********************************************************************
Copyright 2010 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content.
Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or redistribution of
this message, provided
that it is reproduced in its entirety and without alteration.

DATE: March 20, 2010
SUBJECT: Ticketing at San Onofre
TO: All naturists

Greetings.

This is an advisory from the Naturist Action Committee (NAC) concerning
ticketing for nudity at San Onofre State Beach in California.

The single citation was issued to an individual recently by a lifeguard
at the far north end of the traditional clothing-optional area.

ORIGIN OF THE CITATION

During the afternoon of March 17, a peace officer lifeguard issued a
citation for nudity at Trail 6. The victim has indicated that he and his
female friend were seated near the peace sign at the north end of the
clothing optional area. The officer drove up quickly and told the
gentleman to get dressed. No warning was given. His female companion was
wearing a bikini bottom and had her top covered with a wrap. She was not
ticketed.

The victim was cited under section 4322 of the California park
regulations. He has indicated he will fight the citation. In close
coordination with Friends of San Onofre Beach, the local TNS-affiliated
beach user group, the Naturist Action Committee is working to assist
with legal issues. It is our intent to assist persons who are cited for
nudity at trail 6, while they are nude under appropriate circumstances.
The specific nature of that assistance will likely vary from case to case.

WE MUST NOT ABANDON SAN ONOFRE BEACH

Friends of San Onofre Beach, the Naturist Action Committee and naturists
across the globe need your assistance. First and foremost, we must not
abandon our beach. If we do not maintain our presence at Trail 6, the
Parks Department will have successfully imposed the intolerant will of a
tiny handful of bureaucrats on the large numbers who enjoy responsible
clothing-optional recreation on public land. We cannot let that happen.
The naturist community is depending on us to stand our ground.

A citation for violating section 4322 of the California park regulations
is a misdemeanor and is certainly a legal issue that must be addressed.
However, it is not as serious as many other crimes and is absolutely NOT
a sex offense. A conviction under section 4322 DOES NOT require sex
offender registration.

Allen Baylis is a California attorney, a NAC board member and President
of Friends of San Onofre Beach. He considers San Onofre to be his home
beach. As Baylis points out, “If our founding fathers had been afraid of
a little legal trouble, we would still be a British colony.”

WHOM TO NOTIFY OF FURTHER TICKET INCIDENTS AT SAN ONOFRE BEACH

If you witness an incident at the beach (e.g., ticketing, harassment -
official or personal -, user misbehavior, or shallow burial of a large
marine mammal in a recreational area), please contact Allen Baylis by
phone at (714) 962-0915 or by e-mail at rab@baylislaw.com

Alternatively, you may contact NAC Executive Director Bob Morton by
phone at (512) 282-6621 or by e-mail at execdir@naturistaction.org.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Throughout the ongoing ordeal with the California DPR, the members of
Friends of San Onofre Beach have done an extraordinary job of pulling
their own weight for the beach they cherish. To donate to Friends of San
Onofre Beach, you may send a check to:

Friends of San Onofre Beach
P. O. Box 6283
Huntington Beach, CA 92615

WATCH FOR INFORMATION FROM NAC

Watch for NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this and other
important issues affecting naturists.

You may also stay informed by checking the following websites:

www.naturistaction.org/sanonofre

www.friendsofsanonofre.org

Get on the email list of Friends of San Onofre Beach by sending your
request to:

info@friendsofsanonorre.org

PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!

The Naturist Action Committee remains committed to issues of body
freedom. Activism on behalf of naturists can be expensive, and NAC
relies entirely on the voluntary financial support of people like YOU.

Won’t you please send a generous donation to:

NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903

Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 (8AM-4PM, Central Time, weekdays) to
donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use
your credit card to make a convenient online donation:
www.naturistaction.org/donate/

Thank you once again for choosing to make a difference.

Naturally,

Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee

————————————————————————-
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton       - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Allen Baylis       - rab@baylislaw.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick  - naturist@sunclad.com
————————————————————————-

The opening reception will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2010, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., and coincides with the grand opening of the new Patchogue Ferry Terminal.

For more information, contact the Friends of Fire Island National Seashore at www.ffins.org.

http://www.nps.gov/fiis/parknews/friends-of-fins-call-for-artists.htm