Mazo beach was amazing

Posted June 20, 2009 8:41 PM | 5 Comments | No TrackBacks

I'm completely sunburned from "tit to tail," and my thighs hurt a lot, but I am so happy.

Thursday, Steven, a newer friend, asked if I'd be interested in going to Mazomanie, Wis., about a half hour outside Madison. There on the Wisconsin River is Mazo Beach, Wisconsin's only public nude beach. I think I had heard of it, but I had no idea it was so close, and the thought of going intrigued me, so I agreed. It was a fabulous experience.

When we pulled into the gravel parking lot, I was blown away by the number of cars. At least 50 vehicles, including a road tractor, carried their owners from Iowa, Illinois and cities throughout Wisconsin. I didn't spend long looking at plates, but I'm sure other states were represented as well.

Steven and I walked the scenic trail through about a mile of forest to get to the beach. We battled flies and mosquitoes, but we made it. I took a moment to read over the Department of Natural Resources sign board, and then I entered the beach. Never before was I so fascinated by people in public.

We walked over near the gay area and laid out our towels and then skinny dipped for a while. The river was great; all the rain recently caused the water to be cold, high and relatively clear. Every time I submerged my body, the intense temperature difference nearly made me scream, but I loved it. The powerful current made it impossible to swim upstream, and nearly so to walk. I didn't get carried away, though. ;-)

Once we returned to the towels, I spent some time just looking around. Some people brought their dogs, and others their kids. I couldn't believe entire families went to the nude beach, and nude nonetheless! It was great to see people so comfortable with themselves. Admittedly, Steven and I were probably the youngest ones there except the children with their parents, but I hear some days it's not just older people. It was about half people in their 30s and 40s and about half people in their 50s and older. Quite a few people were both old and decent looking, but overall I learned you simply can't prevent the ravages of time. I'm definitely going to think twice before I ever think I'm unattractive again. Young people in general cannot complain, but at the same time, I was incredibly inspired to see so many older people comfortable being themselves, showing themselves off, flabby skin and all.

Well, I shouldn't say "showing themselves off," because that's not really what this place is about. Yes, some people come to look at the others, and some people come to find sexual release (albeit in secret due to DNR regulations), but overall, the beach is just a place to go and be comfortable being yourself.