Leeches: A Sneaky Companion on Nude Hikes

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a bit of my personal experience with one of nature’s stealthiest pests – leeches. If you’ve spent time hiking in damp, wet conditions or even gone skinny dipping in creeks or lakes, you might have come across these persistent little creatures. They’re particularly crafty when it comes to latching onto you, and they seem to have a knack for targeting all the places you’d least expect – or want.

My first encounter with a leech happened during a nude hike. I was feeling at one with nature, enjoying the cool breeze and serenity that only the forest can provide when I felt a strange tickling sensation near my ankle. I thought it might be some stray grass brushing against me, but when I glanced down, there it was – a fat, happy leech feeding off me like it was enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet. What made it even worse? I hadn’t even noticed it had latched on! Leeches are masters at being sneaky, especially when you’re lost in the moment of a beautiful hike.

But that’s not all. These little pests don’t discriminate – they’ve attached themselves to me in places you’d never think about until it happens. Behind the knees, under the armpits, and even (brace yourself) in more intimate regions like the genital area. Yes, it’s exactly as uncomfortable as it sounds, and the idea of one of those bloodsuckers enjoying a meal from such a sensitive spot is enough to make you squirm.

Leeches love damp, humid conditions, and they’ll actively seek out warm bodies like ours. Whether you’re trudging through wet, grassy paths or wandering through dense vegetation after a rain, you’re on their radar. They can detect your body heat and moisture from metres away, and before you know it, one might hitch a ride on your skin. If you’re hiking nude, the risk is a bit higher as there’s more “surface area” for them to explore, if you know what I mean.

Here’s the thing about leeches, though: they’re not here for the long haul. Once they’ve had their fill of your warm blood, they’ll drop off and leave you with a small bite that continues to bleed. That’s because they inject an anti-coagulant to keep the blood flowing – talk about adding insult to injury! The bleeding can go on for a bit, so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to minimise leech encounters on hikes, and I’d love to share them with you all. First off, I now wear compression socks when hiking, especially on long treks. Yes, even during a nude hike! Socks might not scream “nudist freedom,” but they sure do keep leeches from latching onto my ankles and toes. You’d be amazed how many like to hang out in that area.

Next, if you’re solo hiking, I recommend checking your body frequently, especially after walking through dense vegetation or wet areas. A quick glance won’t always do the trick, so I use my phone’s camera in video mode to give myself a once-over in those hard-to-see spots. If you’re hiking with someone else, even better! It’s like having a built-in leech check-up system. Once a leech is attached, you’ll notice it as it swells up after a meal, and they tend to drop off pretty quickly when they’ve had enough.

If you’re unlucky enough to get bitten, don’t panic. Carrying a small first aid kit with antiseptic wipes and bandages will help stop the bleeding and prevent infection. I’ve found that keeping things clean and covering the bite speeds up recovery. Trust me, it’s far better than letting the bite bleed out onto the forest floor while you’re trying to enjoy your surroundings.

So, to all my fellow nude hikers out there – stay vigilant, wear those socks if you must, and be ready to spot these sneaky little bloodsuckers. It’s all part of the experience, and with a bit of preparation, you can handle it without too much fuss. If any of you have your own tips or leech stories to share, I’d love to hear them!

Stay nude, stay safe, have fun... and happy hiking,
Vince