swimming

(CHESAPEAKE BAY, MARYLAND, USA)

Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA

"It was late summer and the weather was getting colder, the days shorter. We had all been cooped up inside all summer and decided it was time to get out.  We got on the boat and saw nobody around.  We went swimming for a while then headed to one of the many dockside restaurants and had a great meal and drinks.  After tanning nude on the boat, we all jumped in and enjoyed the cooling waters of the bay on our skin.  We saw only one other boat that day and they seemed more interested on what they were doing than the skinny dipping happening not far away. It was a great day!" - Bradford Mamalas

Go : Get on a boat just over the far side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Kent Island in Maryland.  It's only about 20 minutes east of Annapolis.  Head south down the coast and in 10 minutes you'll find yourself alone in the beautiful clear waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy the day in your own private paradise.

Stay : Annapolis has plenty of places to stay from quaint B&Bs to more luxurious accommodations such as the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel or the Academy Bed and Breakfast.  On Kent Island there are more "mom & pop" vacation rental homes which are suited for large groups of 8-10 people rather than chain locations, although you will also find B&B options near by your local Hilton or Holiday Inn.

Eat : I'd recommend down town Annapolis for some quality night life after spending all day Skinny Dipping on the bay.  Plenty of local flavors.  Try the Oyster Shooters at O'Brien's.

Drink : Annapolis has great drinking options to choose from such as the prohibition chic lounge and restaurant Dry 85, or the Metropolitan Kitchen and Lounge – an American eatery with local cuisine. If you stay around the bay for the evening and have the opportunity to cruise by boat, be sure to try one of the infamous themed dock bars such as the Tiki Barge or watch the sunset at Hemmingway’s restaurant on Kent Island. 

(MUNDS SPRINGS, SEDONA, ARIZONA)

Munds Springs, Sedona, Arizona

"My husband and I were excited to escape the Arizona sun one Sunday this summer and thought the cool temperatures of Oak Creek Canyon and one sacred crystal water spring in particular would be the ultimate getaway. We timed it perfectly to greet the sun peaking down into the canyon just before 1PM. The best part about this spot is that it’s clothing optional and difficult to find. The cold spring waters of Munds awaken you to the core, firing off each respective layer of nerve endings one at a time until your whole being is alive. If there ever was a heaven, it’s Munds in Oak Creek Canyon in July." - Durrant Kellog

Go : Fill up your water bottle up the canyon at Sterling Spring, the highest vibrational spring water you can get next to Mt. Shasta!

Stay : At a creekside cabin along Oak Creek, stargazing from your own personal Jacuzzi

Eat : Grab an ice cold glass of local kombucha on tap and a bite to eat at Indian Gardens

Drink : Stop by Local Juicery for the best smoothies and fresh juices in the West

(SNAKE RIVER, GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WY, USA)

Grand Teton National Park

"We were a group of four women riding a 180 mile loop around the Tetons by bicycle. The Snake River lay just below our campsite on our second day of riding. It was our longest day on the trip. We rode for hours on a dirt road that climbed for most of the day and were relieved to take a dip in the river pre dinner. The water was freezing! We didn’t last long. Once the sun went behind the trees, we got out and piled on the warm layers… along with bug nets." - Camrin Dengel

Go : Grand Teton National Park

Stay : Outside under the stars!

Eat : Gourmet backcountry food

Drink : Wyoming Whiskey

(STILL CREEK, RHODODENDRON, OREGON, USA)

Oregon, USA

"We were staying with friends in an old steiner cabin just outside of Rhododendron, Oregon, that sits just off of Still Creek. We slipped away through the old growth forest to Still Creek. The water is fed by glacial runoff from Mount Hood, so it was quite cold this time of year, only allowing for a few shocking moments in the water." - William Imhold

Go : Head east out of Portland to the small Mountain Town. During the summer there are many hiking trails in the area and tons of beautiful forests and wildlife. Winter months this area sees a fair amount of snow and Mount Hood has many ski resorts.  

Stay : There is at least one inn in Rhododendron but I would highly recommend finding a cabin for rent. Sitting on the porch listening to the rainfall through the forest with a cup of coffee is a beautiful way to start the day.

Eat : The town itself is small but offers quite a few dining options. There is a steakhouse and Mexican place as well as some fast food options. I personally recommend heading up the highway a bit to the Skyway Bar and Grill. Their mac and cheese is phenomenal.

Drink : We went for several nice walks while we stayed in the area and found a wonderful coffee cart that is set up year round in the parking lot of Mt. Hood Foods. 

(NAS BEACH, IKARIA ISLAND, GREECE)

Nas Beach, Ikara Island, Greece

"Nas is a small, pretty, and sandy beach. Its name is taken from the river Nas that ends at the beach. My friends, a couple, and I came here on vacation to swim. Last winter, because of bad weather, the river overflowed and dragged some rocks and big trees into the sea. Because of this, the bottom of the sea was very interesting to look at and capture in photos. We knew that this was a nudist beach, but funnily enough we were the only ones there naked! Some of the people started to look at us like we were the strange ones. So we ran to the sea, feeling free and protected inside the warm and inviting water. " - Peggy Zouti

Go : The island of Ikaria is well known for the traditional local festivals (called Panigiri), which are organized every two or three days during the summer period, from May to October. The summer in particular attracts a lot of back packers and campers that are there to attend the festivals.

Stay : If you are a free camper, you can stay along the river Nas or if you prefer more confortable accommodation you can stay in one of the local beach hotels nearby such as the Villa Armenisti on Nas Beach Road, The Erofili Beach Hotel, The Cavos Bay Hotel, or The Ikaros Star Hotel.

Eat : Visitors can taste traditional Greek products, such as feta, tzatziki, and the local specialties, roasted lamb and fresh fish. 

Drink : It is also worth trying the local red wine, which is produced in several places in Ikaria and has a heavy taste. 

(Nevada Fall, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA)

January 2016

"I deeply enjoy nature because I can express myself and be myself without any judgments. I am a part of nature and a part of the universe, and one day I am going to return to it. When I reveal more, I have less to hide. When I have less to hide, I have less to worry about. That is the concept behind my picture. In astrology, I am a water sign, Pisces; I see water, and I blend in right away. Jumping toward Nevada Fall, a 594-foot high waterfall in Yosemite National Park, with wide-open arms is like asking for a permission to get a hug and be part of it. I kept my scarf on to show my identity because I was born in Lebanon. I love to free my mind, body, and soul from the worries that might come my way. "

-Ricardo Hurtado

Go : Take The Mist Trail – Yosemite’s signature hike - at Yosemite National Park 7 miles to Nevada Fall. Add another 1.5 miles if you walk from Curry Village instead of taking a shuttle to the trailhead. 

Stay : Find a good campsite and don’t forget your hammock because you de nitely don’t want to miss the incredible view of a sky full of stars. 

Eat : Keep lots of snacks and dry fruits in your bag, along with meals you can make on a camp re. 

Drink : Stay natural – drink water!