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Adventure Clothing – Compression Socks

Hello fellow Ducklings.

What great news – we can travel again!!! Lookout Mexico… Here we come!!! But before we hop on that six-hour flight to fun in the sun, there’s a few things we should consider and health and safety is number one, so lets talk about…
WHY YOU SOULD WEAR COMPRESSION SOCKS ON YOUR NEXT FLIGHT.


We all know how being cramped up on a long flight can cause ankles to swell and legs to ache. This is due to poor circulation from sitting in one position for long periods of time, preventing blood from flowing the way it should. Fortunately, compression socks offer a safe, simple, and inexpensive way to keep blood from stagnating.


These are specially made, snug-fitting socks that gently squeeze your legs, and help your veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. Graduated compression socks apply more pressure at the ankles and less pressure further up the leg which helps to fight swelling and discomfort.

Compression socks aren’t just for travelling though. Marathon runners, athletes, hikers, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet can benefit from increased circulation. Better blood flow increases the oxygen being delivered to muscles, helping them to recover quickly which reduces soreness and cramping.

In addition to the health and wellness benefits, companies such as Sockwell are now producing compression socks in a variety of colours and patterns adding flair and style while putting the spring back in your step. Check out the full line of Sockwell socks at Adventure Clothing, where Ducklings get a 20% discount by entering the discount code DUCK20 when going through the website checkout.

https://adventureclothing.ca/

By admin, ago

Nudism during the pandemic

Great article from CNN about what Nudist’s are during during the lockdown.

British Naturism’s commercial manager Andrew Welch tells CNN Travel there’s been a rise in naturism in Britain over the course of the UK’s lockdown.

He suggests that, for some, deciding not to wear clothing could be the natural next step to spending all day in your PJs or your sweats, no longer required to wear smart office wear.
Welch also connects this uptake to the shift to a slower pace of life and a growing appreciation of the sights and sounds of nature. Plus, Welch reckons that the naturist community’s pivot towards the virtual world has allowed more people to connect with like-minded individuals from across the country — and the globe.
Luft says he’s seen a similar shift in Paris: “People have been following our videos [and] sent emails saying, ‘You’ve inspired us to give it a go.'”

“When you’re feeling confined and closed in and imprisoned, if at least you can take off your clothes that is some way to free yourself a little,” he adds. “So, even in our tiny little Parisian apartments with no gardens and sometimes no balcony or anything, we still have that possibility.”
But while naturism may be gaining some new followers, both naturists say that a big part of the movement’s appeal is embracing nudity en masse.

For naturists, replicating that feeling online is tough — as is the realization that heading off to a nudist resort for a vacation is unlikely to happen for many this summer.
“When you are naked with other people, you are already showing yourself physically, there’s nothing to hide, no disguise,” Luft says. “And so, you tend to be more open, develop deeper relationships, and you talk more openly.”

With travel largely curtailed, vacation resorts across the world have been impacted by cancellations and complications.
Naturist resorts are, in some ways, no different — many naturist travelers and fully clothed travelers alike are being forced to cancel holidays and business owners are balancing the financial implications.
But naturist resort owners suggest that their resorts could bounce back quicker than average, because they offer something specific and attract fiercely loyal clientele.

Certainly, the naturist travelers who spoke to CNN said they’re keen to book a vacation as soon as they can.

“Naturism is something that you can do in your own house — of course you can — but actually, it’s much more about the fresh air and the sense of sunshine and the breeze on your skin. I think people will be craving those opportunities to go and do that within our community,” says Welch.
“There’s nothing like opening the door of your tent one morning or your caravan and just stepping out into the sunshine with nothing on, it really is the most wonderful feeling.”

French couple Martine and Pierre Dutray own Resort Naturista Grottamiranda, a naturist resort in Puglia, southern Italy.
Right now, the couple are in France and unable to travel to their resort, but they hope to return in June and reopen.
They expect their summer clientele will be largely local visitors — customers from the UK and elsewhere in Europe may struggle to visit this summer due to continued travel restrictions, mandatory quarantines and Covid-19 fears.

Martine Dutray says she’s not concerned.
“Our clientele is really very loyal,” she says, adding that many who canceled summer trips in February and March have rescheduled for the fall of 2021.

“You make some very genuine friendships that just don’t seem to happen in the clothed world,” says Parisian naturist president Luft, speaking about his trips to naturist resorts.
“I feel that every year when we go on a naturist holiday, we always meet some really interesting people that we just wouldn’t meet anywhere else.”

By Sue McGarvie, ago

 

We had a wonderful opportunity to visit Book Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort, in Puerto Morelos last week. From the short (25 minute) professionally handled commute (from Cancun airport) to the opening greetings by all the staff of “welcome home” we knew we were in for something special. Pearl is a small hotel but opulent. It has the wow factor. Its goal is to be the most exclusive couples resort in the Caribbean. In that it succeeds, at least in our experience.

The staff are superbly trained to be attentive yet give you the space you wish. Some guests wish to very interactive, some are looking for a holiday of solitude and reconnection. It is a hotel that pledges to encourage you to be whomever you wish to be. From the very sexy and flirty to the simply elegant and private. There are only 88 rooms, with 12 of them being elaborate suites, and the hotel boasts 240 staff. The room are very comfortable, well appointed and large. The grounds are immaculate and eco-sensitive. There are multiple restaurants serving a variety of meals. The resort has 5-star amenities throughout.

What differentiates Pearl from other resorts is the emphasis on couples. (Singles are not allowed reservations). Pearl attracts a very loyal clientele that wish to be sensuous. Nudity around the pool is common but very relaxed during the daytime. Restaurant dress code at this time of day is simple and casual. In fact, with the very active and engaged animation and bar staff, the resort resembles top end fun destinations throughout the Caribbean from sun up until about 4pm. However, after 4 the focus transfers to more adult interests. The large hot tub comes alive with a laughter filled happy hour (the swim up bar staff are fantastic). Couples still have quiet space if desired but most are actively engaged in conversation. While there are no clothes to be seen in the hot tub, dress is very elegant for dinner and many couples have complete costumes for the nightly theme dances that include nautical, western, and neon nights.

Dinner is very elegant if you choose the Pearl restaurant. You may also choose a very cozy gastro bar for tapas or a larger common dining room. No matter where you go, the clothing is eye popping. You end up knowing the names of the serving staff as the level of service and interaction is so high. The word we use to describe the staff best is charming. You simply want to get to know them better.

There are some deals to be had if you pick off-season or follow the website and watch for specials. Otherwise the rack rate is very high. This is not a resort for the budget conscious. There are enticing extras such as the spa services. Or you can order special meals including one that is served on the beach where somehow you end up having a sizzling romantic encounter at the end of it – on the beach bed. Use your imagination. In fact, the hotel specializes in creating fantasy encounters. They have a senior staff member dedicated to bringing them to life. (Kind of like a wedding planner, but just for those fantasies you always wished would happen, but you had no clue where to start). Everything is done amazingly well, but make sure you are prepared for the bill when you check out.

Desire sells the feeling. The feeling of attention to detail and that you are important. You also feel very safe in the resort. In fact, if you stay on the resort for your entire trip, we don’t have any reservations about saying that safety should not be a concern at all when selecting Pearl as a holiday destination. This area of Mexico is well patrolled and very tourist focused. There is a safe in each room and guards on duty everywhere. If you wander the grounds at night, the only sounds you hear coming from the bushes are small local animals, the most predominant being little raccoons. The resort also sells the feeling of community. Everybody wants to belong to a group and you quickly feel like the other guests are your people.

If you prefer to focus on your partner and just be silly, the Saturday afternoon foam party in the pool is not to be missed. Jello shots are distributed during the swim and it is an opportunity to watch a hundred adults turn into children again. Or you can find a quiet pool side bed and focus on your partner in other ways…..so many choices.

Like any destination, there are downsides. The hot tub can be overwhelming for a first timer just dipping a toe into nudism or lifestyle activities. Expect to be approached by folks who may be fueled by liquid courage and who may not display appropriate decorum. Also expect to see sexual activities front and center. (On the flip side, if you are trying to decide between Desire Pearl and Desire Riviera Maya, the people we interviewed were unanimous in stating Pearl was the quieter and less aggressive of the two resorts).

We would also recommend sandals with good tread. We found the tile and polished concrete around the pool area to be slippery after heavy rainfalls. The staff works extraordinarily hard in keeping the water off these surfaces but just be aware.

Pearl sells plans of pre-paid nights. We were very surprised with the number of guests who had purchased the plans. To a person, everyone was thrilled. They wanted to be part of something, and generally the story was the same. They had traveled around, tried a bunch of other places and decided Pearl was home. The feeling was if this is where they planned on returning annually (or more often), then it was better to have a discount and some perks. We truly could not find anybody with buyers remorse.

If you are looking for an opportunity to spark up your relationship in a big way, or dip a toe in the world of sensuous and flirty adventures then this is definitely the place. You are immediately surrounded by friends. As the manager told us “Mexico is about people”. Talking with hundreds of guests and staff over a week, at least in this gorgeous slice of the Yucatan, it would be very hard to disagree.

Sue McGarvie & Blaik Spratt

By Sue McGarvie, ago

5 reasons you need to try a nude beach. And soon.

1. You aren’t getting any younger. Naturism helps with body image, allows you to get over yourself. If you are holding out until you look better, you may not ever look better than you do right now.

2. Wet, sandy bathing suits are uncomfortable. Being naked gets rid of that. And the feel of the sun and wind on your naked skin is one of life’s great pleasures.

3. No tan lines. “nuff said”.

4. Sensuality. This doesn’t mane sex and many beaches are family friendly. But it does allow for incidental contact between consenting adults and a chance to start the horizontal dance of the ages/

5. Everyone is welcome. Getting rid of trappings like clothes and jewelry let’s you deal with people authentically. And everyone is welcome. Look for a beach near you or join one of the upcoming Duckling travel adventures to someplace safe, friendly and clothing optional.

By Sue McGarvie, ago

A great article about visiting a nude beach for the first time.

Like many people my friend D’s worry about being naked for the first time was being seen by someone she knew. The “what if I run into someone from the office and they see all of me” keeps lots of people from enjoying nature- without a bathing suit.

In this great article in the UK about a British couple tying naturism for the first time they had this to report when they took their clothes off for the first time in public.

“Your first reaction after disrobing is inevitable. ‘Is this OK? Is it legal? Am I going to get into trouble?’

You keep imagining a police officer suddenly appearing out of nowhere, covering you up with his truncheon (oo-er), followed by a public indecency prosecution.

What’s more, you find yourself glancing up at the people walking past, who are deliberately trying to avoid eye contact.

The British Naturist Beach Code (yes, really, it’s a thing) tells you to ‘avoid confronting or approaching textiles’ – the naturist equivalent of Muggles.

But soon you realize that no one is looking at you, just as you are not looking at them. The dog-walkers and strolling couples have eyes for the ocean, or each other. They’ve seen the warning signs promising Naturists Beyond This Point, and they’re still here – so they can’t care that much.” Read the full article here

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By Sue McGarvie, ago

Why being naked in nature should be one of your New Year’s Resolutions

There is a quote on the door of the outhouse at a nude camp in Canada that goes something like this:
“Nature is mean to be experienced without clothes. Until you feel the breeze on your skin and the earth beneath your bare feet you realize that life in clothes has been like experiencing the world through a dirty window.”

We absolutely buy into this philosophy. It has done a world of wonder for body image issues, in making friends, feeling alive, finding a community, getting rid of tan lines, and losing the uncomfortable, sandy bathing suits. There is a great list of why doing kind things for yourself should include a nude beach on pintrest. Have a read.
And know that it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“They basically have the same exact things going on as typical beaches, aside from the obvious lack of swimwear. Everyone, whether solo or in groups, was basically just doing their own thing. They were there to enjoy the sunshine, hang out in the water and feel the sandy beach between their toes… and everywhere else.”

If you want to try it with a group of kind, fun, happy people consider joining the Ducklings at Club Secret (and the nearby nude beach on Florida’s space coast) April 5-12, 2018. Here are the details.

By Sue McGarvie, ago