My First Gathering
By Bob Melanson
The Gathering is not necessarily something I would have attended several years ago, but when I found myself suddenly single after a 40 year relationship, my perspective on life changed. I was not a big nudist. I teach men’s nude yoga, attend the occasional nude pool party and even less often, visit the nude beach. My friends, Brian Becnel and Kevin Kriegel, told me about The Gathering and urged me to attend. I figured it would be as good as any effort to explore who I am as a widowed 68 year old gay man or as one friend calls it, Bob 2.0.
Traveling with Brian and Kevin on Friday to New York and taking the bus to the camp included the usual travel hassles of delayed flights and Friday afternoon traffic delaying the bus. But getting to camp and being greeted by Pickles and friends was a joy and set aside any reservations I had due to the travel problems. Other friends who had attended in the past advised me to take my clothes off immediately on arrival even though it was possible to keep clothes on until Sunday when The Gathering officially started. We got settled into the cabin, met the cabin mates, got some dinner and the week started.
For guys new to the week, my advice would be to get as involved with the activities as quickly as possible. I was fortunate to be asked to teach several yoga classes and took a few classes taught by other yogis. It was a great way to meet people who were universally friendly. I did the offsite, clothed, river rafting which was also great fun. The nightly entertainment was, well, entertaining. The disco was hopping. Pool time was relaxing. The equipment in the gym, I’m told has been upgraded although working out naked was a new and inspiring experience. There is plenty going on so to never get bored. And when I felt the need to temporarily check out, reading on the cabin porch was always an option.
I feel that my friendship with Brian and Kevin had an opportunity to deepen and I am very grateful for their advice before and during the week. I forged immediate bonds with my other cabin mates and easily made other friends. I look forward to attending next year and for many years to come.
