|
|
Boca Chica Status Report
by Marty |
|
|
|
I just returned to "paradise" after being away for a couple months.
Today I went and checked out Boca Chica and decided I should write a
little status for all of you that are familiar with the area, and for
those who may not be. Traditionally the next few weeks...those around
Fantasy Fest...are some of the busiest at Chica. Unfortunately the
news is not good, but its not all bad either ! So read on and I will
try to describe what I saw today. Please, I am not trying to discourage
you from coming, its just you should know what to expect and be prepared
to make the most of your visit!
Firstly, Boca Chica has never been a pristine beach. If that is what
you are looking for, you need to drive 130 mi north to Haulover State
Park. Boca Chica, located at MM10 ( there are detailed directions
elsewhere on the site, but watch your speed !) is about the only place
in the lower Keys left where you can be nude and not hassled by the
local constabulary. I like to refer to it as more of a wilderness area
than a beach. It ranges from quite nice to ugly depending on what
Mother Nature has bestowed upon us in the line of storms. But it is
Monroe County property for the most part, and as detailed elsewhere on
this site, there is no nudity ordinance in the County. There is one in
Key West and some of the other municipalities so be alert to where you
are!
As an aside, the Key West ordinance is usually "suspended" during
Fantasy Fest, but be smart, dont be lewd and if asked to cover up, do
so and move on ! Good advice for any beach !
Boca Chica is unique in that people from all persuasions seem to
visit frequently, and every one seems to coexist peacefully. Hell, it
is the Keys after all ! It is also the only place this writer is aware
of where you can go walk for several miles along a beautiful ocean
either dressed, topless, or totally nude and not be hassled ! That
alone is enough reason to come visit !
For those that know Boca Chica, here's the bottom line:
High winds from Gustav and Ike decimated a lot of the area. There is
a lot of sea grass at the moment, but it is disappearing daily. A lot
of the new fence erected by the Air Base after Wilma is gone, especially
in the area just past the end of the pavement. The stone house is pretty
much intact but a lot of debris around it. The Cuban "Freedom Boat"
that washed ashore a couple years back is there, but has been pushed
further up, and rotated so its bow now faces the ocean.
Walking gets tough once you get past the fence corner . There is a
lot of washout from here on. Be sure to wear good water shoes, and this
writer strongly recommends you wade thru the water in many places rather
than trying to walk along the old rock path past the salt ponds. Rocks
are loose, missing, slippery, and even at high tide you will not be in
more that 10 to 12 inches of nice warm ocean !
The large culvert that used to go under the roadbed is all but gone.
The telephone pole that used to form a bridge is washed up on shore.
Again, the bottom here is rather level and easily traversed. Just to the
other side of the culvert are several nice sandy spots where access to
the water is relatively easy. Most of the partial roadbed here is gone
however. There is little shade out here but it makes for a nice walk.
Out towards what I refer to as the "blue ball" rocks ( large, dark
bluish brown coral - they can be seen from quite a distance) there is
some new sand. Walking beyond here there are still a few nice spots for
those who really want to be alone, or for the explorer who just wants to
be able to walk along a beautiful ocean in the nude.
The old roadbed that veers to the right at the "rocks" is still there
and appears intact. It used to be a nice bike ride but right now you
will work up quite a sweat getting your "wheels" to this point.. Right
now, I think we need to wait for another storm to repair things.
Writers recommendations:
Just past the end of the pavement, there is a very sandy area
There are also several trees providing nice shade. Most of the
"locals" used to hang out here and the FKN picnics used to be here.
We moved down the beach a couple years ago when the "stone house" was
erected and became a popular tourist attraction. As the beach is so
eroded this year, I suspect the tourists will not be venturing out.
This is especially true of the weeks around Fantasy Fest. So, as soon
as you leave the pavement, expect to see nude sunbathers at any time,
and if you are not already nude, feel free to hang your backpack on a
tree limb and strip off ! You can make it to this point easily as the
old roadbed is intact. Its a 5 min walk or a short bike ride. There
is enough of the fence left to lock a bike to .
Remember, at this point, you can still walk another 1-2 miles if
you are so inclined...just be prepared. If you do venture beyond,
bring water and wear good water shoes. Having a cell phone along in
case of a problem is a good idea.
For the most part, people respect each others stuff, but don't be
dumb and leave your wallet an camera sitting out when you stroll down
the beach. bring a small plastic bag and take them with you.
Be polite. We will return the politeness ! Nudists always enjoy
meeting other nudists ! If you happen to run into someone who is
harassing you in any way, ask someone for help, or pull out your cell
phone and just say "policia"...Fortunately most of that element is gone
!
Hopefully this little dissertation will encourage you to come out for
at least a walk on the wild side, if not for a days visit.
Unfortunately the local officials in the Keys have their heads where the
sun doesn't shine when it comes to nudism, and we have few venues left.
if this disappoints you may I ask you consider doing 2 things...first
tell someone you are disappointed...tell the hotel or B&B you are
staying at. Note it on one of the many "comment cards" that you will
see during your visit. secondly, back up to the FKN home page and part
with the very reasonable membership fee. Join us so we can make your
voice heard along with ours !
Enjoy Boca Chica, and please, carry out whatever you carry in !
OK, OK, so you don't want to search for directions, so here !!!!
Go to Mile Marker 10 on US1. Turn Oceanside immediately past the
Circle K. Watch your speed and proceed approx 3-4 mi to the end of the
road where you will see barriers. Park and walk down the old roadbed
approx 1500 ft to the end of the pavement. The area recommended is
immediately off the pavement.
The stone house and the boat are around the bend about 500 yds.
|
|
