D / A · Impressions of a visitor from Ireland [21 September 2018]

This was my first time to hike in the Saxon Switzerland landscape.  It is a most attractive national park.  The river Elbe adds to the attractions of the hiking areas.  We were never far from the river which looked very benign in the pleasant summer conditions.  We know, of course, that it can be very menacing in flood conditions.

The hiking was of a good standard, fairly strenuous in the summer heat, but not as difficult as at NEWT.  Naturism seemed to be acceptable almost everywhere, and yet the only naturists I saw were the members of our own group.  Most clothed hikers, cyclists, ice cream vendors, etc, seemed to regard us as not exceptional.

Hiking through the caves and on the vertical ladders were a new and, at first, a somewhat frightening experience for me …”

SNT: John | 1

NEWT: John | 1

This was my third visit to NEWT, so I knew many of the regular attendees, and I knew what the procedures were in the mountain hut that we shared and hiking out on the mountains.

Alpine hiking, clothed or naked, is very strenuous because of the ascent and descent in mountainous terrain.  Non hikers do not appreciate how difficult coming downhill can be.  The ground is uneven and the hikers generally tired.  Most hiking accidents occur coming downhill.  When hiking naked more of the body is exposed to possible injury.  Being careful is essential.

NEWT 2018 was just as difficult as NEWT 2017…”