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The Westphalian Naturist Days took place for the second time in 2017: 9 days end of June / beginning of July.

► Sat 24 June: Nude walk along the Dortmund-Ems-Kanal [24 June 2017]

The first hike of WNT 2017 took place in Münster’s northeast. The 16 male and female naturists found the 21°C air temperature cool because their skin had had to cope with 35°C ambient temperature only a few days ago. The fresh wind with gusts up to magnitude 7 meant there was definite wind chill.

 

Nevertheless, the hikers had a lot of fun. They saw and experienced much variety along the canal, the marina, the Ems, a section of the canal no longer navigable, the aqueduct construction site, and in the forests and fields of the Bockholt Mountains.

► Sun 25 June: Hiking or swimming from the track in the Ems [25 June 2017]

On day two of the WNT the participants were able to replace part of the hike by swimming from the track along the Ems. However, the low water level in the river meant it was only a satisfactory swimming pleasure for those with the lowest draft!

Along the canal we went towards Ems At the edge of the asparagus fields the cover tarpaulins are stored for next year Today was not entirely clear of rain

Along the canal we went towards Ems. At the edge of the asparagus fields the cover tarpaulins are stored for next year. Today was not entirely clear of rain.

– Report: Rainer, photos: Tanja

► Mon 26 June: Nude hiking for 15 to 24 km in northwest Münsterland [26 June 2017]

The 15 participants could walk a full 24 km route or choose a shortened 15 km circuit. The rain from the west had stopped one to two hours before the start of the hike, and the rising sun soon heated the air up to 25°C. The landscape alternated between agricultural and forestry use. The tranquillity of nature was disturbed only by birdsong and human voices.

Nude walking in the northwestern Münsterland Manneken Pis in the garden of the restaurant Lintels Kotten

Dinner in Lintels Kotten was a welcome and necessary refreshment after the long hike. A local version of Manneken Pis fountain statue in the restaurant garden was an amusing and lively connection to real life.

► Tue 27 June: Nude walk through former Rieselfelder  [27 June 2017]

Sixteen hikers arrived to hike through the open countryside in Münster's northeast under cloudy skies, but with temperatures of up to 23°C. Our plan was to hike through the former Rieselfelder, which has today become a retreat for various waterfowl and regenerated plant life. The area has hundreds of species of shrubs, grasses, aquatic plants and wild herbs. From various observation stations we could observe the colourful activity of the animals and birds on water and in the air.

Hike past the Asparagus Farm View over former Rieselfelder On the nature trail through the reeds

The asparagus posters were still hanging, but the asparagus season was now over. The water provides a habitat for all – from the proud swan to the duck, water fowl and other birds. There were informative signs and posters along the reed trail.

► Wed 28 June: Drinking water production area at Hiltrup Lake [28 June 2017]

Yesterday, we had been at the former Rieselfelder northeast of Münster (Westf.). Today 21 aturists, male and female, met at the car park near the Hiltrup Lake and planned to hike the local water catchment area of the Hohe Ward [en: the higher ground overlooking the plain]. However, the old Germanic weather god Thor had instructed his apprentice Peter to demonstrate to the naked naturists that drinking water does not come from the earth but rains down from the sky! In view of this clear lesson the planned walking tour was shortened from 16 to 6 km. The rest of the afternoon was spent at Café 7 at the port of Münster where salad, lasagne and apple pies were eaten indoors, and in comfort, instead of at a snack car.

Assembling in the car park Teaching demonstration on drinking water production

► Thu 29 June: Nude hiking or cycling at Warendorf [29 June 2017]

The hiking and cycling groups both started a 18 km hike and a 50 km bike tour along the bank of the Ems and planned to meet again further on for a first rest together. There were overcast skies and a light breeze with occasional drizzle – not ideal conditions. The cyclists needed courage and concentration against the headwinds and their cooling effects. The air temperature rose from 19°C at the beginning to 21°C later. Despite this, at the first break, the numbers in the hiking group reduced from 4 to 3, and the cyclists from 6 to 5!

Two of the hikers let themselves float about 800 m down river on the Ems. Besides water energy, wind energy was the main topic of this nudevent. And, of course the naturists could see the progress being made in developing wind power in the Ems riverside fields region.

► Fri 30 June: Playing nude Kubb instead of hiking and cycling [30 June 2017]

Shortly before the planned start the weather was changeable and threatening. Therefore instead of their nude hiking and cycling the 9 naturists chose an alternative programme. In the garden they set up a Kubb pitch. This allowed them to come into the house if rain came, or to play a game called “Viking Chess” in the garden.

► Sun 2 July: Nude hiking and wading in the western Münsterland [2 July 2017]

After the activities for Saturday were cancelled due to cool, rainy and windy weather conditions, 9 naturists, men and women, came to the gathering point for the closing event on Sunday. In the late morning some heavy clouds were threatening to dump down cool drizzle. Therefore the day began as it would normally end – with a stop at the restaurant Haus Waldfrieden'. With soused herring or ice cream with hot cherries, the group’s calorie supply was supplemented until it could begin hiking a little later than planned. The drizzle eventually stopped and a warm breeze came up. This loosened the clouds and a walk under favourable weather conditions was possible.

After 5 km the group split into two smaller groups. One of these sub groups continued on and waded through Kannebrock Creek. Those who wanted to keep their feet dry, the majority, continued on dirt roads. Soon everyone’s feet were either dusty from the paths or muddy after emerging from the creek.

 

In the Waldfrieden House there was a delicious dinner at the end of the hike. At the close of the WNT the initiators, mic + Rainer, announced a small four-day programme to catch up on some of the events that were shortened or cancelled.

Statistics of the programme:
At this year's WNT in June / July, 101 naturist men and women hiked 1,695 person-kilometres in 7 days, there were 97 person-stops in local inns and restaurants, and 58 overnight stays.
 – Source: Mic + Rainer

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