Richmond Sauna

Event: Fred's "Art of Bodycasting" - Sat. Jan. 21 Opening reception

2012-01-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Fred is a man of many talents. He can be found at the sauna every tuesday night, faithfully tending to the fires in our sauna stoves as well as taking excellent care of customers. He is a master fudge-maker and baker, crafting unexpected flavors and new textures in both his bread and fudge. Animal lover and farmer are two other hats he wears well. But his artistic passion runs highest for an original art form that he has invented and perfected over the past four years - the art of bodycasting.

He is as absorbed in the process of making the casts as he is in the final finishing touches he applies. I was one of his first guinea pigs, back when he was just experimenting, not sure of what could be created. It was fun. Soon his delight in the endless variety of body types and personalities made him realize he was really on to something! Now with more than 40 bodycasts completed, he is still as interested as ever. He thinks of them as "history in the making", as his bodycasts represent the body at different stages and different ages of life. He would like to do a project (or projects) that entail multiple casts over an extended time. He recently did a cast of his 19 year old niece, and hopes to many more over the course of years. The oldest has been 63; he would love to do one on a 99 year old. "I think I've done bodycasts for people that seem to make them feel better about their body." He likes to work on several casts at the same time and currently has a sculpture in progress "Bumbles" of many many butts. "I hope to have the largest collection of butt casts in Maine". Good luck Fred, we're sure you will.

Join us on saturday night, Jan. 21 for his exhibit. Refreshments provided.

Roll in the Snow - First snowfall of 2012

2012-01-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

We've been waiting for it - and here it is. The first snowfall of the new year. Snow is falling fast and furious and the ground is quickly being covered with a fresh blanket of virgin snow. And virgin snow is THE BEST for rolling. Did you know that when you roll in fresh snow you get good karma? Yes, it's true, those hearty souls who brave the frigid frosty feeling of snow crystals attacking the skin as they submit to the time-honored tradition of snow-rolling are rewarded with good luck for their courage under snowfire. Why you ask? Because you prove to the universe that you are resilient enough to withstand extremes, knowing - never doubting for even a moment - that there is a reason and a reward in store for your seemingly insane actions. For the moment your reward is a climactic grand finale of a dip into the pool which feels like bath water after you run screaming shedding snow off your tingling body. Giddy with laughter, you float effortlessly, as endorphins surge throughout your body in the warm amniotic bath of the blue lagoon. And when your senses are pleasured with the healing waters of our heated pool, the good karma that you have set into motion will be unleashed out into the physical world, like ripples in a pond, going out and coming back. Now, if that's not enough new-age mumbo jumbo for today, just show up tonight and give it a try yourself just for the hell of it!

Maine magazine mentions Richmond Sauna in this month's issue

2012-01-03T20:48:00.000-08:00

Well I really wish they had called me beforehand, that way I could have cleared up any misconceptions they may have had. Seriously, they did a nice job talking all about the health benefits of taking a sauna. It's nice to hear all the good news again with a new spin. Even though there is one paragraph that bears more than a passing resemblance to a paragraph in my webpage about the sauna. I'm sure it's just a coincidence. Here's what they did say: "If you want to go native in every sense of the word, Richmond Sauna (richmondsauna.com) has been in operation since 1975 and boasts a wood-fired sauna that was hand built by Richard Jarvi, the sauna's owner. Fair warning: everyone will be naked, as this facility is clothing-optional and very groovy." Very groovy? Really? Cool, man.
Thank you, Maine magazine. You're very groovy too.

Thank you from Richard and Ginny at the Richmond Sauna

2011-12-22T06:39:00.000-08:00

As the old year draws to a close, and a new one is on the horizon, we must take just a moment to say "thank you" to everyone who comes to our place, supports us, and gives us invaluable help. We could not do this without you. Fred, our beloved long-bearded body-casting artist, fudge-maker and truly jack of all trades, we are so grateful for your help, week in and week out. Your creativity inspires all of us and brings new delight to the place. And Paul, you are truly awesome. You have found your calling, giving new meaning to the term maitre d'. You know the name of practically every person who shows up at the door, you do a fabulous job getting everything ready for showtime, cranking up the fires in the stoves and keeping them nice and hot. Plus your towel display is just a work of art. Thank you for taking such good care of everyone. Dick, thank you so much for running the sauna on all those Sunday nights and for keeping our supply shelves well stocked. The Sunday night crowd just loves you and so do we. Jeff and Guy, thank you both for your help in taking charge of the B&B in our absence. I know it can be quite a challenge, because Murphy's Law is always in effect; that is, if anything can go wrong, it usually does. Thanks to everyone else who helps stoke the fires, or who does any number of important tasks that make the sauna a unique experience.

To our guests and customers - thank you one and all. Richard has always said that the place is like Christmas every day; you never know who'll walk in and surprise you. I am lucky to be part of this crazy wonderful world, where just about anybody can be sitting next to you in the hot tub. The sauna is truly an amazing social network of its own, in real time, with real people just being themselves, without clothes!

The Christmas Tree Project

2011-12-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

Fred has come up with a brilliant idea for Christmas ornaments - nipple castings in gold and silver finish. We have many but he would like even more. We would love to have our bright pink tree covered in silver and gold nipple ornaments and we need YOURS! It's fun and takes only minutes.

Jingle Balls, Jingle Balls, jingle all the way.....oh what fun it is to ride...

2011-12-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Now that's what I call holiday decorations! From our archives of Christmas Past. I know the photo is out of focus, but what the heck, just use your imagination. I'm actually having trouble this year finding blue lights, everyone seems to only have white or multi colored but I expressly want moody blue. We are always having a party here at the sauna. And you know what? It takes a village to make the party, and that means we need YOU! We are hoping for a white Christmas, but at least some snow to roll in and make snow angels. Funny how the only two snowstorms of the year came on (or before) holidays; Halloween & Thanksgiving but here it is December, and nothing. Well we can hope.

It's the I

Halloween Party - Sauna style

2011-11-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

When some pictures are off limits words must suffice to paint the picture
Eerie purple lights suspended above a tangle of spider webbing
The Gatekeeper - sinister, silent sentry of the Dark Room standing guard
The Monk - dark eyes, brown hooded cloak, a mystery
The Dictator from afar and his ice-skating Queen - irreverant take on Gadaffi in camo; a lovely lady in fur and velvet
Return of the Dogs - mom and pop in oversize heads, fluffy tails; brown, white, tan fur and fun
The Saloon girl - fun-loving floozy, lowcut black ruffly, gown, garters and black mesh stockings with jewels at her throat, feathers in her hair
The Beautiful glowing jellyfish - other-worldly mystical creature, silent, beautiful, suspended within her transparent globe, separated from us, white lacy covering clinging like seafoam to her luscious curves
The Ghoul - frightening blood-stained mouth, penetrating eyes, hair black as midnight, slick, long dark cape
The Cat Women - two different takes on a classic; one with golden and black leopard markings, matching gloves, whiskers; the other small and slinky, black lace, short skirt, cat eyes and cat ears peeking through hair
Bad Ass Bikers - a hotter than hell couple in black leather just rode in from LA (that's lewiston-auburn)
The Corrections Officer - handcuffs any
one? Bright pink hair short, low cut uniform, sitrring up more trouble that the misbehaving guests she was trying to control with her weapons of ass destruction
Big Penis Man - size matters, so does the glitter, the purple mask, and body jewelry
Dreadlock Jamaican - a first timer who got frisked by the Corrections Officer who then got frisked by him
Wolf in Grandma's nightgown with Little Red riding Hood - full length flannel gown over wolfish fur; Little Red looking so innocent, but naughty and even brought a basket of home made cookies
The Caveman - leopard skin to match his Cat Woman,
Jerry Garcia - full length brown and orange caftan, headband, multi colored round glasses straight out of the 60's
Masked Slave Girl - golden coins jingling from a swirl of pink-scarved swaying hips, is your wish my command, or is my wish your command?

The Dark Room is held over due to popular demand....for a limited time only

2011-10-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings my friends. Because I know you enjoy the unknown, the unexpected and the unusual we invite you to discover the surreal experience of visual sense deprivation.

So many of you were fascinated by this space that we want you to come again to the darkest of dark.

I, Gatekeeper, have left the building.

But you, Seeker, are still in the building and have my permission to explore The Dark Room mysteries.

ARTfest

2011-08-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I think there are moments when you need words to tell the whole story.

For four days many artists and many art voyeurs came together For four days there was wood carving, on-site sketching, and extraordinary installations being built and sculpted while we watched. Paintings, drawings, (some erotic), photography and sculpture (definitely erotic) became the backdrop for the evening. There was live, original performance .

The very air was electrified with a flow of energy riding on the exchange of ideas between artists and artists, between viewers and artists. And the power of the art itself. Everyone felt it. It took me two days just to come back down to earth when it was over.

He's got a big one....a REALLY BIG ONE!

2011-08-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

Jimmy "the Vermont Woody" Mullens arrived on Saturday with his precious cargo intact. 250 lbs. of carved basswood shaped into a large erect phallus totem pole. He got many stares from passing cars who noticed the big 7 foot penis sticking out. It was almost too much to take. but three men managed to wrestle it out of the truck and set it up in our courtyard. Imagine seeing that thing comin' at ya! Jimmy will be here to give it some finishing strokes for our ARTfest. He will also be bringing many other fantastic and unusual carvings to show and sell.

Greetings from the Blue Lagoon - Is it a midsummer night's dream?

2011-07-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

A dream or not a dream...that is the question. Is this the mysterious blue lagoon of exotic lands, or is it a figment of imagination? Come with me and then decide.
It is a warm misty night and dusk is falling. The sky is azure blue with the first stars just appearing. Night birds call from deep in the woods. I walk on wet grass all around a field and bask in starlight. Crossing the lawn back to the pool I see steam rising above the hot tub, and although I hear voices and laughter, no faces are visible in the blue mist. I continue on to take a swim. The air is fragrant and moist with flower scents. A spell of mystery beckons me to immerse my body in the cooling waters of our blue lagoon. Other bathers glide past. A couple near the deep end are entwined in eachother's arms, unaware of our presence. The dim light provides a cloak of mystery that allows for the unexpected to happen. A touch, the meeting of eyes, the flash of a smile, an invitation? We are so far from home that an encounter with a stranger is all too possible. The heartbeat quickens, the tingle of excitement begins. Will you swim away, or will you stay? Here in my blue lagoon anything is possible.

Showing our Pride Colors - Gay Pride Parade Portland June 18 2011

2011-07-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Portland Gay Pride Parade is a favorite event of mine because its such a party-on-wheels. Nothing beats stepping out onto Congress St. to the roar of the crowd, cheering, clapping, hooting and hollering when they spot our Richmond Sauna - "Be Who You Are" sign. Five of us 'came out' (just a pun) to walk in the parade and I'm grateful to my friends who were part of our group for this event. Tia's outfit won the Parade's Best costume award, and she was featured in the newspaper. She spent hours sewing sequins on the sleeves of hubby Charles' business suit jacket. Thank you everyone for being part of this fun event. It's our way of saying thank you to the Pride Community for their great support of the Richmond Sauna all year long. Plus it's just a blast!

"Life...

2011-06-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

...may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should pole dance!" (HH)

I can hear the background music now. I can see the flashing disco lights ashing my body as they cut the darkness. I can feel the beat.

Dance. Just dance to it.

To dance is to immerse oneself in the pulse of life itself. The good, the bad and everything in between.

Because we you dance you forget all of it and you are lost in the present moment.

Which is all that matters, really, isn't it?

ArtFest - August 18-20-Invitation - Environmental, Performance, Fine Art

2011-06-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Who Will be there: Jimmy the Vermont Woody will be carving a 5' tall wooden penis. He will display many of his carvings including an incredible mermaid.

Fred: Village of Fairy Houses - on the rock wall of the courtyard. He may be also working on his installation of the buttocks castings sculpture.

Robert: Wood Assemblage sculpture or archway, may be painted, not sure at this time

Land Art - or Environmental Art - is a creative process using found materials - some natural, some man-made - installed on a outdoor site integrating the landscape as part of the art. We invite you to enter into this experience. Bordering our sunning lawn so that many people can watch the process, we will provide multiple sites on a broad pathway into our woods as potential areas for your creation. Materials available: scrap boards and wood, old fencing, pine tree stumps 2-3', old rocks from a heritage rockpile, tree branches, misc. salvage found objects, moss, lichen and your imagination. Wheelbarrows and garden carts provided. Please bring your own tools, gloves, workboots and protective clothing.

We invite artists, painters, sculptors and crafters to exhibit their work in our gallery for the weekend and next week or so. Performance artists are welcome to be part of the event. Please come and be part of the fun.

Royal Wedding Cake

2011-05-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Crafted by our own Royal Bakers, this version of the Royal Wedding cake wasn't from Buckingham Palace, but it tasted just as good

yes, the hats stole the show in Richmond too

How often does the world get to witness a royal show of regal pageantry? Not since Charles and Diana has a fairy tale wedding so captured the heart of the world. I loved the wedding so much, I just had to have our own Royal Reception in honor of Prince William and Kate, his new Princess. "Let them eat cake, I say" So we had our own Royal wedding cake for the Prince and new Princess. What a beauty...Kate may not have been born royalty, but she held the moment like a true Princess. And those hats... who knew those stuffy Brits were so stylish?

A surprise for Paul

2011-04-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

Live from Richmond....it's Paul's 50th!

the unsuspecting victim

the bait

Live from Richmond.....it's saturday night and we are all here celebrating life

There are lots more great photos from our surprise party for Paul. Come to the sauna and see the rest. Everyone had a hand in this party which I'll describe as a lot of behind -the- scene conspiracy all focused on making it a surprise. Special thanks go to Tammy for being the actual bait. No one but you could have so perfectly lured Paul into the poolhouse and completely distracted him for those important 5 minutes so the rest of us could arrange the balloons, put up the giant Happy Birthday card, get the cake and light the candles, all while you were having your way with him. Couldn't have done it without ya!

Water Ballet anyone?

2011-04-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

Floating on the bubbles

Footsie foreplay for a foursome?

Fashion show for foxy feet?

Fourteen feet fit for a fandango?

No, it's just us fooling around in the hot tub floating and floundering feeling fairly foolish but having a tubfull of fun. Well, we had to do something while we were waiting to pull off Paul's surprise birthday party. More on that later....

Just to let you know, he was surprised, yes, totally surprised and thank God for that. There's nothing better than pulling off a good surprise party for an unsuspecting victim. Stay tuned for the details and pix. In the meantime, paint your toenails and join the water ballet party. We can use a few more frolicking floaters.

First day of Spring 2011 - Sunbathing Season is almost here

2011-03-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's just me doin my chores around the sauna. And no, those are NOT Bud Lite empties in the bag, you all know we only drink non-alcoholic drinks at our place. (Reply to Mr. Anonymous: how can you be more interested in the cans in the bag than the can under those sexy panties? I mean, really, get a life) And that sun does feel great on the skin, even if it is still March. Only about a month to go, and we'll be romping on the lawn putting sunscreen on. I can't wait to get in that first game of badminton for the season. Maybe we should have a naked badminton tournament this year, mixed doubles. And someone else suggested we hold the Richmond Sauna Naked Olympics. We'll need a few volunteers for that one. But I don't think it will be a problem, do you?

Paul Tells All

2011-02-23T18:23:00.000-08:00

You all know him...you all love him....and now it's time to get up close and personal with him.

With his amazing knack for knowing names, his meticulous "towel art" and affable smile, Paul greets you at the door with genuine warmth and makes it his personal mission for your evening to be everything you hoped for (and more!) Whether it's putting wood in your stove or an extra playmate in your room, he's the go-to guy for all your needs, wants and wishes. Here's what Paul had to say about the crazy world of being the maitre d' of the sauna.

SNM: What's the most important aspect of being the sauna Maitre d' ?

PG: Making sure that everyone who comes here is treated equally and respectfully. Making sure they have a good time and want to come back.

SNM: How long have you been around?

PG: Since the late 80's after a bad breakup. At first I only came intermittently and I didn't see Richard that much because he was traveling a lot and Adrien was running things. Adrien and I bonded right away. After that I was pretty much a regular every week or so. It's been about three years now since I learned the ropes from Richard about taking care of the stoves and the customers. Now I'm the bona fide sauna bitch. I say that proudly.

SNM: Are things different now from back in the 80's?

PG: Absolutely. Richard's philosophy of tolerance and respect is the same, but there's much more nudity than before. It was a family place back then, and people were wrapped up in towels and there were kids at times.

SNM: Are people's attitudes different now?

PG: Yes. Even though the first customers here in the 80's were counter culture and hippies, they were pretty granola. Lots of bush, it was before the shaved landing strip era. There was a sensual undertone, both straight and gay, but nothing was overt. There's been a shift in people's attitudes and behavior since then. Now people are more open, willing to experiment, and they're a lot more into social nudity.

SNM: What's in it for you?

PG: I'm here cuz I like social nudity. I feel part of it and I like to contribute. I'm grateful to Richard for providing this place and this is the best way I can show gratitude and say thank you for being here.

SNM: We understand that your nickname is Mr. Paul, the sauna booty daddy. How do you manage the constant conversation about all the hidden agendas?

PG: You have to watch body language, voice, inflection and body positioning as well as how they present themselves. The people who are adventuresome are more overt and open. You get a feel for it after a while. I've got a good handle on things. I'm a veteran of this place. I've been around a long time and seen a lot of people come and go but mainly I just love to see them come.

SNM: Any last words, what's the best part of the sauna?

PG: The ass, definitely!

SNM: Thank you very much, Mr. Paul.

PG: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.

Don't try this at home.....

2011-02-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

These folks make pole dancing look easy. People, this is definitely NOT easy. Trust me, I've tried it. It wasn't pretty.

This is the ghost of dancers past.

yes, yes I can actually do this....oh wait, I'm slipping.....

...here I go again. Just let me get warmed up....

Ok, what was I thinking? Hey, what do I do for an encore? More important, how the hell do I get down?

Pole Ballet - the new performance art - only availble here for a limited time - so get yourself over to the sauna and give it a go!

Something about that pole.....

2011-01-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

What was it about that pole?

It was a magnet. A fun, sexy magnet disguised as a 7 foot brass pole.

Guys, girls - it didn't matter. Everyone wanted to do it. And the guys were soooo good at it. It was like they had been practicing their whole lives, and then finally when the chance came along - bam, they were all over it. Moves I had never even seen before.

Me... well I just don't know what happened. Blame it on the throbbing music or the hypnotic colors of the rotating disco ball. I felt like that pole had unleashed my inner dancer. Strobe lights flickered over my breasts, arms, legs and my body became a vehicle displaying my feelings. Pure, uninhibited movement, naked and free. It felt as good as a cool drink on a hot day.

It got even better when everyone else got into the act.

It was the anonymous dance floor of semi-darkness and strobe lights.

Bodies in motion, fluid, like a heart with many chambers beating as one.

The Art of Naked Skiing

2010-12-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

Outside temp 22 degrees with wind chill didn't stop these brave souls from their xc ski run into the woods

the blue lagoon at 83 degrees makes for a nice apres ski dip

"And so this is Christmas"

2010-12-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hear John Lennon's Christmas Song

http://www.links2love.com/christmas_songs_happy_xmas_lennon.htm

peaceful co-existence

vote for your favorite shoes contest

2010-12-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

the Valentine spike

the sauna stiletto

the classic Bean boot

Thanks to 2 vigilant blog readers for alerting me

2010-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hi and thanks to you who alerted me that the blog went missing sunday morning. I immediately went to the source and was informed it was taken down temporarily for some unusual activity (?). It's been fixed (no kidding) and I just wanted to say thanks for letting me know asap.

The Return of the Wood Nymph

2010-12-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

The lovely wood nymph made a rare appearance the day after Thanksgiving, just after snow showers covered the ground with a blanket of wet, slushy snow. Dancing, twirling carrying her trusty umbrella, the wood nymph reminds us a bit of Mary Poppins, and we wonder if a good gust of wind will pick her up and she will fly off into the woods. More likely she'll fall on her ass.

Halloween Party 2010

2010-11-22T16:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday Morning Coffee...the "edge" of social nudity & the erotic

2010-11-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a recent comment from a reader on the subject of social nudity. Do you agree? Disagree?

"This is an important topic. I'm so tired of people being false. Clothes people say its "wrong" to be nude or go without bras & panties, the nudist pretend that being nude is not erotic so they fit into society better and dont get sued. I would love to know a group of people that are honest and can say being nude is fun and erotic. To just bask in the pure joy of being nude in ALL its facets and glory. Why cant we just be what we are without "pretenses" and formalities. If someone finds me beautiful there is no reason I should be offended of have them having a look or a problem if it arouses someone. Nor should I deny them the right to take care of themselves."

Halloween at the Sauna - The Dark Room multi media experience

2010-10-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Update:

The Dark Room will be made available from 8 to 10.

There will be a gatekeeper, a very tall, masked gatekeeper, who will escort groups of no more than 5 at a time, into the room for their encounter.

What happens in The Dark Room, stays in The Dark Room.

Be prepared for surprise.

The Darkroom: featured 8-10 pm on Oct. 30 includes performance art at 9:00

2010-10-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

We've changed the time to 8 pm til 10 pm for our experiential feature, the DarkRoom, so guests can arrive and enjoy the potluck buffet first. And we've included something else......performance art inside the DarkRoom.

That's right....performance art.

Picture this: complete, cave blackout darkness surrounds you. Suddenly tiny bits of light appear and enter the room. What 's happening? You don't know exactly what this is. They move. They ....what?....dance? Dance together? Touch each other? The glowing bits come toward you, then move away. It is a fascinating performance, but what is it?

That's the mystery ---- don't miss it!

Sunday morning coffee/conversation - the edge of social nudity & the erotic

2010-10-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Continuing our previous chat about social nudity....

(photo by Richard Jarvi)

Sunday morning coffee....mmm, so good....so relaxing. Out on the back porch we all got to talking, once again, the subject of social nudism came up.

One 40-something Jewish woman, outspoken, free-spirited, felt that for her, there was definitely an element of the exhibitionist/voyeur present in the air when nudists take it off. She liked to show off, and also like to see others. Definitely a turn-on.

"...yeah, people may say they do it cuz it feels good, but don't kid yourself, it's not just about feeling good."

She urged - don't kid yourself - don't pretent that there isn't an element of sexuality when there is. Now I know that not everyone feel this way. I'm sure in a family setting - which our place is not - the nudity is more about feeling free and natural. But in the setting of Richmond Sauna, for many of us there is surely an erotic charge in the air when people are naked. This isn't wrong, it isn't right, it just is.

For me it can be both. Natural, just feel-good sun-on-your-bun warmth and freedom. Sometimes. Like when I'm gardening, or doing chores naked. Other times there's the pure pleasure of enjoying the view of others being gloriously nude, and uninhibited. And the pleasure of showing off my own naked ass!

The Mask - just one of the naked Halloween happenings at the sauna

2010-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

"When you put on a mask, you take off a mask."

Seems like us grown-ups are getting a second chance to have fun at Halloween again.

And I don't mean bobbing for apples (boy, that dates me) or seeing who got the most Hershey bars.

What I love about Halloween now is the freedom to put myself into some crazy costume and try on a different personality. Last year, I changed my gender from girl to boy (that's me on the right) and I got to look at the world from the male point of view, through a man's eyes. People who knew me really well actually didn't recognize me as a man, that's how different I looked.

Being a man was an eye opener. I found myself dancing completely differently than I did as a girl. I felt so conscious of that thing hanging down between my legs. I was sort of swaggering with a cocky kind of gait. I felt aggressive, powerful. I looked at women with new eyes, predatory eyes. To put on a male mask I had to remove my feminine one. You'd be surprised how many guys came up to me, turned on by the whole thing. I could have taken numbers.....

A similar thing happened to me years ago when Richard and I were in Venice, Italy for Carnivale. I put on a Venetian mask and a velvet coat and became a man behind the mask. I had a tricorn hat, and fancy suede boots and it was very strange catching the eyes of all the women who were also in masks. Electrifying, that moment when you look into another's eyes with hidden intent.

You should try it sometime.

Halloween Party - featuring "The Dark Room" Oct. 30 from 6 to 10 pm

2010-09-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year - days are shorter, leaves are turning and nights are getting colder. But it's perfect weather for the sauna and hot tub. Join us on the 30th for a costume or costume-optional pot luck party at the sauna.

This year we're featuring a special "Dark Room".. what is that? you ask, well, two of our guests went to New Orleans for a Lifestyle Convention - imagine, the group of 2,000 took over the entire Crown Plaza Hotel on Bourbon St., anyway, one of the attractions was the Dark Room. It's completely blacked out, no light WHATSOEVER, like cave darkness, the darkest, blackest, dark you can imagine.

It's the experience of sensory deprivation, and it's wicked fun. Without having your visual sense makes all the rest of your other senses super sensitive. Sound interesting? Well, come and try it out.

Nude & natural yoga - Beautiful couple - naked in the sun

2010-09-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

It was late afternoon, a warm and beautiful summer day, as I caught a glimpse of two buff tan bodies out on the back field. Stretching, reaching, twisting as they turned toward and then away from eachother, their movements flowed with an ease and familarity that longtime lovers have.

It was beauty in action in perfect sync with eachother.

It's no wonder these two embody physical sensuality, just look at them. I thought how wonderful it would be if more couples who came to stay here could also do yoga together. Maybe I should find a yoga teacher to come and teach a yoga event.

Yoga does such wonderful things for your body...and your mind. Sometimes after I've done yoga outside, naked in the sun, the sexual energy and surge of erotic feeling is so strong, it's almost like foreplay. Lovemaking after yoga becomes like a dance where you can be in any position imaginable and it is enjoyed with ease, with awareness. A true union of body and mind. What a gift to enjoy this heightened sensuality and share it with your lover.

Let's talk about social nudity

2010-09-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

What does social nudity mean to you?

Think about it.

Last Sunday I threw out this question while we were hanging out on the porch drinking coffee.And I decided to blog about the different answers I got, to really put out there what people think.

"There is an absolute joy in the freedom of being nude" was the first and most common feeling expressed. Along with the simple enjoyment of shedding one's clothes comes a feeling of also shedding one's public persona, that social mask we all wear day to day.

That's the real freedom. Freedom to be and to express who we really are. Without the window-dressing of clothes, aside from our possessions, apart from our jobs and outside obligations, when you take off your clothes, you can shed (for a while) all the external trappings that keep us from ourselves.

And just be.

That's it. Freedom to just be.

.....to be continued.... please please send us your comments on social nudity.....thanks!

Nude sunbathing, nude swimming, nude hiking anyone?

2010-08-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

These folks need to even up their tan. White buns are totally out of place at naturist and nude resorts. Should I tell them or not? Do they know how awesome it is to feel the sun kissing and caressing all the curves of the body? And what is the deal with those hats? Someone should tell them to go around the B&B house over to the Richmond Sauna where the tanning and sunning lawn is filled with lots of open minded nudists and naturist guys and gals who are working hard to even up their tan. Summer sure won't last forever and when the leaves are falling and fall's crisp air takes the place of hot, lazy summer days, these guys will be wishing they were lying out on a nice green sunning lawn doing absolutely nothing but working on their tan. Or going for a dip in the pool, playing bare ass badminton, or strolling down the trail in the woods wearing nothing but sneakers, just please say "yes" to feeling that gorious sun on your buns You will be sorry when the snow flies that you didn't.

Highlights of the 2010 Naked Garden Tour

2010-07-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Greetings and welcome to our garden tour. Everyone else in Maine is having a garden tour, so why not Richmond Sauna? Our gardens are almost as good as all those fancy ones, maybe even better. Why? Because besides colorful flowers in all colors of the rainbow, you don't have to keep your shorts on for our tour. All you need is a really big hat. There are several gardens to see: the main garden in front of the house, the heritage hollyhocks, the water lilies, the rose garden, the Buddha shade garden and the field lawn which turned out to be perfect for an impromptu yoga session, as you'll see.

Grill your buns - Potluck Barbeque Aug. 7

2010-07-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Join the party Saturday night August 7 for a midsummer gathering at the sauna. We'll be chillin' and grillin' - so come and be part of the party. Bring grill meat and/or a side dish or dessert to share and enjoy the food and festivities.

Be Who You Are - at the Pride Fesitval & Parade

2010-06-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

A very big THANK YOU to our five parade participants - Cynthia, Steve, Tia, Robert, and Bob - for your pride spirit, enthusiasm and fab outfits who made our float a walking party! There were a total of six of us in our "walking float" where everyone dressed in a singular color of the Pride rainbow. Strong winds almost blew my butterfly wings off and I expected to take off at any moment, but my "wing man", Robert, kept me from flying away. Great crowds, lots of cheers and applause greeted us all the way from Monument Square to Deering Oaks Park.

All smiles - Cynthia and Tia

Lots of visitors passed through our booth where we displayed a collage of photos about the sauna - then and now - and Ginny's drawings and candy-covered body cast.

Sunbathing Virgins

2010-05-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Don't be shy all you folks who have never laid out in the sun bare naked.

Once upon a time we all were virgins.

But comes a time when you just have to cast off the clothes - along with your inhibitions -and just GO FOR IT

"Food As Art" Pot Luck update

2010-05-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

Introducing - the elegant, beautiful and also edible - "Food As Art".

Just a sneak preview of what's in store for you at our next week's

Pot Luck Buffet.

Traditional pot luck dishes and food are welcome, and "Food As Art" is also welcome and encouraged just for the fun of it.

Grills will be lit around 5:30, for those of you who want to bring grill food.

Kala, the Poet, is coming back in August!

2010-05-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

We don't know the exact date yet, but Kala wants to make a repeat performance of her erotic poetry. She has just finished her first feature movie, House of Babylon, and is enthusiastic to share about that with us too. Check back for dates of this year's ArtFest, which will be in August.

June 5 - (not your mother's pot luck) The Art of Buffet

2010-04-13T05:02:00.001-07:00

Update: May 5, 2010: Ok, so here's the deal. The idea of the Art of Buffet is not going over too well, so, we're going to have our tried-and-true standard pot luck barbecue. When Fred and I dreamed up this idea, we thought it was great....oh well....good try....but, for all you creative, fun people out there who still want to do it -- go for it! For everyone else, just come, bring something to share, and enjoy the company of fun, naked people for a early summer's gathering!

Here is the original idea, which I posted back in April:

Imagine a buffet with different foods -- fruits, pastry, salads, delicacies. Picture all those items on a table -- a mouth watering, colorful, multi-textured, fragrant pot luck potpourri.

Now imagine if some of those treats were presented -- not on a table -- but creatively displayed on the human body. Perhaps bunches of grapes are hung all over. Or small cupcakes are placed on an apron-shelf, remember the cigarette girl of the 50's? I bet you can invent spectacular ways to offer chips and dip.

Get the picture? Join the party on June 5. It's a twist on potluck barbecue. Sort of a update on a classic. Artful Food will be served from 6 to 7. Also, we welcome all traditional potluck specialties, and the barbecue grill will be hot.

Please come and bring whatever you want. All food is appreciated and welcome at our party, whether it goes on the table, on your back or however you decide. Make it over the top or not, but be part of the party.

Just come and have FUN!

June 19 - Be in the Gay Pride Parade with us!!!!!

2010-04-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Be part of the parade. Save the date!! June 19, 9:30 a.m. is the Annual
GayPride Parade and Richmond Sauna will be in it for the third year.

Join us for the fun walk from Monument Square to Deering Oaks Park (about a mile, it's an easy walk)
Spectators line the streets and cheer when you walk by - it's totally a blast!

This year's Pride theme is "Who I Was Born To Be", and our group will be wearing colorful outfits of all colors of the rainbow, the Pride rainbow.

Help us salute the Maine gay community for their wonderful support of our place. We also plan to host a booth at the fair, so come and see us there, too! email or call me if you want to walk.

5 days in Mexico is not long enough

2010-03-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Color and pattern are everywhere, bright, vivid colors reflect the intensity of the landscape, the azure and turquoise sea, the exotic flowers, and jungle birds

I jumped into a cenote and swam around as waterfalls cascaded down onto my head, and I sawm in and out of sun and shade with vines hanging down 60' into the blue, blue water. Cenotes are are sunken waterfilled round lakes formed when the aquifer erodes and makes a hole.

I pondered the mystery and magnificence of ancient Mayan ruins

An unexpected afternoon squall on the island of Cozumel sent us running for cover and ice cream

Finding a cool, secluded courtyard with palms and vines inside a hotel courtyard

Strange women and fun at the Jaguar Bar

the intrigue of the balcony

Our last night in mexico

perfect 10

2010-03-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

Who needs the red carpet?

We sure don't! Hollywood can't hold a candle to our Maine women.

A funny thing happened on the way to the sauna --you just never know who's going to walk in the door wearing nothing but a spectacular pair of stillettos.

These shoes are hotter than our fires!

today's sauna report: Fairy spotted in trees

2010-03-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

I saw something white flitting around the pine tree. I grabbed my camera and quickly snapped this photo. She looked down at me and furiously threw a pine cone at my head. The little white fairy then fluttered her wings and flew away in a huff, muttering fairy profanity as she disappeared into the woods.

March Madness - Mar. 20 Pot Luck Party

2010-02-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

It's almost here - Spring, that is. This gathering will be our way of saying goodbye to Winter and Hello to Spring. Bring a dish to share, a dessert, side, whatever, and let the party begin. Fred will be showing some of his new bodycasts.

Poetry and Valentines

2010-02-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

---Robert Frost (last stanza of The Road Not Taken)

Wild Nights --- Wild Nights

Wild nights --- wild nights!

Were I with thee

Wild Nights should be

Our luxury!

- Emily Dickinson

I met a Lady in the Meads,

Full beautiful, a faery's child,

Her hair was long, her foot was light

And her eyes were wild.

I made a Garland for her head,

And bracelets too, and fragrant Zone

She looked at me as she did love

And made sweet moan.---John Keats

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

---Lord Byron

A Red, Red Rose

O my luve's like a red, red rose.

that's newly sprung in June;

O my luve's like the melodie

that's sweetly played in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,

So deep in luve am I;

And I will luve thee still, my dear;

Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear;

And the rocks melt wi' the sun:

O I will love thee still, my dear;

While the sands o' life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only luve,

And fare thee weel awhile!

And I will come again, my luve,

Though it were ten thousand mile.

Robert Burns

Valentine's Day XC SKI Run- sat. and sun. at 2 pm

2010-01-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

It's friday and I have been out skiing for the past 2 days and it's AWESOME !!! The best trail ever. Packed base with 2" granular powder and nice and wide enough for 2 to ski side by side.

The trail slopes downward slightly so it's an easy and fun run to the end. It winds around and criss crosses a few springs which are running so you have to be aware. Coming back it's a little uphill but a great workout.

Everyone is welcome - come a join us for a great xc touring trail. With or without clothes, or however you want, shorts, t shirts, anything goes. After we'll soak in the hot tub and have some hot chocolate.

SKI NAKED with us for Valentine's Day fun -2/13&2/14

2010-01-18T12:51:00.001-08:00

We're skiing (or snowshoeing) on saturday and sunday - join us for a quick dash into the woods then a hot soak in the tub afterwards. The fun run starts at 2:00 and (weather permitting or not) we'll go as far as we can down the trail which will be groomed by one of Maine's most gorgeous woodsmen with his snow machine. Hot tub and heated pool will be open at 3 on both saturday and sunday. All this for only $5. If you're also coming to the sauna, it's complimentary. (free) At night we will have a Divine Decadent Dessert Bar, so feel free to bring any special goodies you want to share.

Is anyone interested.......?

2010-01-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

As an update: The cost for the entire workshop as they plan it costs $330. This would be for couples. Since I'm not sure this idea will fly, however, there may be an opportunity for a shorter, maybe girls-only afternoon session. They may be in the Boston area for another workshop and can possibly fit in some time to come up here. But to make it worth their while in coming from Canada, they need a minimum of 10 couples at the $330. I'm not sure we can get that kind of support here in Maine.
http://www.sexualawakeningcentre.com
Two tantric sexual divas are offering to do a workshop on some interesting sex topics. This is their website. Check it out.

I would like to hear from whoever is interested.

If there is enough interest, we can have them visit us here on a weekend in May or June.

Get back to me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and a fun New Years Eve

2010-01-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

I just love it when guests get creative with Mardi Gras decorations in their room!!!

Black lace, red satin, black mesh for New Year's!

Fire and Ice sculptures for New Year's Eve and body painting galore....this year the eyes had it.

Lots of people came to the sauna for the New Year. The place was packed and there was a party in every room! We had pretty snow, lots of great food, and hot fun for everyone. Even new people who had never been to the sauna before showed up and partied down with us. It was a time to forget about any new year's resolutions and do it all before January 1st.

Remembering 2009

2009-12-27T14:43:00.000-08:00

As we sit before a blazing open fire, or under the night skies in our hot tub, as 2009 comes to a close, let's ponder just a few of the highlights that kept us talking. How did any of these moments affect you? Or did they?

I'm not sure which was the bigger thrill, watching Barack Obama take the oath of office with all of America and the whole world watching, or witnessing Susan Boyle's stunning first performance on Britain's Got Talent. Both events gave me goosebumps and made me cry. And both were larger-than-life moments that connected and inspired everyone who watched them. As the inauguration unfolded and we saw the past presidents and their wives being heralded and introduced to the millions of viewers, I had the feeling of witnessing an era passing away - and a new era being born. I had a most profound sense of being part of that event. Even though I was at home, I was compelled to stand up and become part of the crowd of Americans who were actually present. Susan Boyle's glorious moment of sudden fame can be watched at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lpOIWv8QZY
Another event which had us glued to the tube was the Balloon Boy hoax. Just another example of the lengths some idiots will go through for a little fame. Sadly we said goodbye to liberal lion and Camelot Catholic Ted Kennedy, an impossibly tough act to follow. And our love/hate relationship with MJ has given way to only love, as we sadly say goodbye to the King of Pop. Thankfully, his last show has been captured on video and shows what a genius Michael truly was. Watch video from a rehearsal of his last show, "This is it" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qE22UOlQts. Notable comeback of the year, Sarah Palin, with her book "Going Rogue: An American Life. Not that it matters, but Kim Kardashian has displaced Paris Hilton in our national obsession with the rich and famous. Here's a quote from Kim, "my family comes with a lot of baggage...but it's like Louis Vuitton baggage...you always want it." My kind of girl.
And last but not least, Tiger Woods, another fallen idol.

Anyway, those are just a few of 2009's big moments to pause and ponder. I don't know why I wanted to share them with you, but I guess it's because events can punctuate our year. Events give us a reference point in time. Like the holidays, they force us to pause, to stop and wonder about things, if even for just a moment.

Kodak moments from Halloween

2009-11-11T17:22:00.001-08:00

Words fail me....storm troopers, witches, aliens, body painting - you shoulda been here!

Halloween Party & Medieval Gallery Show

2009-10-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

Medieval Portraits by Daniel Paulding - now at the Sauna Gallery for a few weeks. Daniel's fantasy paintings are pure delight as they tantalize both our eyes and imagination.

Dan has created twelve medieval portraits in his series and they are available for purchase. Contact us at the sauna or please visit his website at http://www.danpaulding.com.

More photos from ArtFest 2009

2009-10-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some more images from our fun art weekend. I've tried to include a little bit of all artists' work who shared their creations with us. Some of the works are offered for sale, so if you are interested, please inquire. Our gallery will be open during evening sauna hours for a few more weeks for your viewing pleasure. The space formerly known as the massage room is newly christened as The Sauna Gallery. Which means we still will be offering massage, but the focus of the space will be more towards ART. It is possible that artists will bring new works to be exhibited from time to time in our new venue. We'll see how it goes. Please give me your feedback on this idea.

ArtFest 2009 is a big hit - A Gallery is Born!

2009-09-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

For everyone who came to the show, or who shared their artwork, thank you, thank you, thank you. Our very first ArtFest was great fun for all. There were tents in our field. Fabulous weather. And besides terrific art, how often do you also get to see an artist at work? Watching our very own Fred create a bodycast installation "Bumbles" was exactly that - an Art in Progress - he's not done, so stay tuned for the finish(date to be announced) Great variety of many types of paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, woodcraft and glass art was exhibited throughout the sauna, in the poolhouse and in our all-new Sauna Gallery. But the highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated live naked poetry reading with belly dance accompaniment. To the beat of live drums, Kala Joy and Temple Dancer Asharah Imperia performed a combined show of belly dance and original poetry before a rapt audience. Weaving her way through a mesmerized group, Asharah's swaying hips and flashing eyes intrigued and excited us as she set the stage for Kala Joy's intimate erotic poetry. The two women danced in each other's arms, whirling, twirling, embracing and-with a kiss- parting. And then, there she was - standing proud, beautiful, and naked - the lovely Kala. Her voice was as enchanting as she was. Soft and tender, proud and deeply resonant - her words stirred our souls and the images she described made us shiver with delight. Thank you, Kala Joy and Asharah Imperia for giving us a unique and intimate performance to remember. Please visit www.HouseofEcstasy.com for more from Kala and her partner, Shiva.

A Belly Dancer is Coming to the sauna....!

2009-09-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

Elise, a friend of Kala who is performing her Naked Poetry on Sept. 19, will be adding her talent and beauty to our Art Show Reception. Elise is a Belly Dancer who will dance for our group on Saturday night, the 19th. Please join us for the festivities.

Any artists out there who want to share their art with us, please let me know. We would love to include your creations in the exhibit. This group exhibit celebrates inspiration and showcases the creativity which lurks everywhere. All art will be secure during non-show hours. Please provide your own signage.

New Toys for Big Girls and Boys

2009-08-23T08:38:00.001-07:00

Who knew? It's STILL FUN playing on a raft, even if you're all grown up. Never mind that there's just no easy way to get on the darn thing. It's totally undignified, and makes you burst out in giggles and shrieks as you splish and splash your way around. It's our own wave pool and it's just waiting for you to come try it out. Also good for a new approach to a little romance.......

Richmond Sauna Commemorates Historical Moon Shot

2009-08-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Moon Shot.

One small step for (a)man
One giant leap for mankind.

Kala will present a Naked Poetry Reading

2009-07-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Meet Kala.
She will be performing selected poems from her book,
House of Ecstasy. As part of our Art Show, Kala is performing her art - original erotic poetry - at the sauna on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 pm.

Kala and her partner, Shiva, are co-creators of an adult film company, House of Ecstasy. You can visit them on the web at http://www.houseofecstasy.com.

Please enjoy one of her poems.

Finger

Slip a finger in.

Let it sit and ponder
the feeling of wet
warm delicacy.

Let it wiggle,
inspire giggles.

Let it dance in the pink
folds of her deepest secret.

Let it move to her music
slow and slower
and in between
enjoy letting light stream
from the tip into
her core.

Let it quiver with tropical
adventure and melt
into her rain forest.

Let it explore deeper,
darker to the button hole
and slide back out
free from on water fall.

Let it spiral forward
and away from
her center.

Hold her with an arc
as she pours, spills,
lets herself gush
over and down

the hand of God.

August 1 Pot Luck Mid Summer Party

2009-07-03T08:10:00.001-07:00

What's missing here? You!!! Whether you come for the sun or the fun, join us for naked pot luck party. Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy the fun-loving crowd on Saturday night, August 1 from 6 til 10.

Gay Pride Parade 2009

2009-07-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

It was a mad dash to put together my one-girl-float just moments before the parade stepped off on Congress St., but between Richard and me, we got all 24 helium balloons tied on without losing any!!! What a thrill to see familiar faces in the crowd of enthusiastic onlookers who cheered us on all along the way to Deering Oaks Park. More photos of the event to come.....belly dancers, buff guys and ladies, and all others who are "out" and celebrating Maine's beautiful DIVERSITY!!!

Art Show at the Sauna 9/18/09 & Call for ART

2009-06-24T05:26:00.001-07:00

Share your art with us!!! Whether it's painting, sculpture, crafts, photography, drawing, poetry or peformance - we want you!!! Anything goes!!! Artists are invited to submit 2-4 works (space is limited) for the 3 day show 9/18, 9/19 & 20. All artwork will be secure during non-show hours. Please provide your own signage. See Ginny or email us at info@richmondsauna for more info.

Drop off for art will be the weekend before the show, on 9/12 and 9/13. Please provide a 4"x6" card/sign for each piece of art work and this should contain: the title of the piece, the name of the artist, and the date it was completed. I will mount the card next to each work. Also a short bio or artist statement would be great to accompany your work, which we will also mount on the wall.

Thank you for your interest and willingness to share your personal creations with us.

Kala, of House of Ecstasy will be presenting a naked poetry reading of selected works from her book, House of Ecstasy, on Sat. Sept. 19 at 7 pm.

Summer Games 2009 Let the Fun Begin

2009-06-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

The sunning lawn has been extended and we are
in good shape for The Summer Games. Come and join us for a 2-some, 4-some, 6-some or 8-some (otherwise known in Badminton jargon as a Badminton Orgy). No clothes, no net, no rules other than just hit the gosh darn birdie! Lots of laughs as we gyrate to return a volley. Also known as stunt badminton.

Only at the Richmond Sauna

Ginny and Richard in Costa Rica

2009-02-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

Fire and Ice

2009-02-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

For a sensory thrill of contrasting hot and cold, bring an icicle into the sauna and glide it over your body. (picture not available, but coming soon)

A Mysterious Nymph from the snowy woods

2009-01-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

One picture is worth a thousand words. As I was walking through the woods just after a snowstorm - lo and behold - I came upon this snow angel, dancing naked and knee deep in snow. What sort of creature is this? She is unaware of my presence, listening to her own inner music, dancing with joy. Suddenly she sees me, and in a moment.....she is gone. Will she come again, I wonder, this beauty of the snowy woods? Maybe she only comes out in snowstorms, and I will wait until the next one.

The Sauna in a blizzard

2009-01-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

Picture yourself in this scene - you're sitting in the hot tub while the wind whips your face with snow, swirling masses of flakes cascading down all around. Your body is enclosed in hot and steamy bubbling water, but your face and head feel the sting of the cold winter wind. The familiar sense of time fades away, and you are rooted in the present moment. Mother nature is putting on her best winter show and you are her captive audience.

Dashing through the snow.......

2008-12-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

(Sing to tune of Jingle Bells)
Dashing through the snow
On foot not in a sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way

Balls and boobs all bounce
As we run and roll in snow
What fun it is to feel those flakes
They make my privates glow
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.......

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS,
HAPPY HANNUKAH AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year - New Year's Eve Party

2008-12-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

Join us for a naked new year's eve celebration at the sauna. Bring a dish to share for a year end party from 6 til ? Come soak in the hot tub, have a cold plunge in the pool and make sure you don't miss our own Richmond Sauna version of Naked Twister. Happy New Year!

Halloween Party on Sat. Nov. 1 Pot Luck 6-10pm

2008-10-13T04:52:00.000-07:00

Are these 2 ghosts haunting our sauna? Find out for yourself on Saturday Nov. 1. Please join us - with or without costumes - for a fun fall Halloween gathering at the Richmond Sauna. Bring a pot luck dish to share and a fun outfit to wear. We will be getting together from 6 til 10 for our celebration. Hope you can come.

Naked Hiking for Fall

2008-09-05T18:32:00.001-07:00

By popular demand, we will be grooming a 3/4 mile long old logging road for hiking which will be available soon. Now that mosquito and black flies are pretty much gone, it will be fun taking a stroll in the buff in our private woods. Check with us for updates about trail progress.

Pot Luck at the Sauna - Saturday Sept. 20

2008-08-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

The bright blossoms of summer are fading, the daylight hours are shorter, nights are cooler. All the better to appreciate the pleasures of a hot sauna. Join us and our friends on Saturday Sept. 20 for a pot luck at the sauna. Bring your favorite dish to share, as we put the Richmond twist on a new england traditional pot luck supper - "the naked pot luck."

Sunbathing Update - July 15, 2008

2008-07-15T05:47:00.001-07:00

What a way to start off your day - catching some early morning sun. Usually by 11 or so there's a good crowd of sun worshippers sprawled all around the sunning lawns, taking a dip in the pool every so often to refresh. Hot fun in the summertime - relaxing, playful conversation, fun folks - working on their tan.

Virtual Tour of our upstairs 2 room efficiency

2008-07-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Upstairs in our Maine country house B&B, you'll find a simply furnished, rustic and intimate little hideaway. One or two couples can comfortably stay in the 2 room efficiency. With a queen size bed in one room, and a queen size futon in the other, this space features a private entrance, private bath, kitchenette with a view from the window that peeks out onto the water gardens and waterfall below. Cable TV, VCR/DVD, AC, and a vintage collection of paperbacks and magazines await your enjoyment.

About our saunas

2008-04-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Traditional Finnish sauna has a wood fired stove with some rocks on top. We start the stoves an hour or two before we open so they are nice and hot, about 160 degrees more or less. The air has a nice smokey smell to it. You may want to throw a ladle of hot water on the stones to make steam. This will increase the room temperature as the invisible wall of steam moves across from stove to bench and you will feel it. I like to do two or three rounds of hot sauna alternating with cold plunges into the pool in between. Some good things to bring to your sauna may include salt scrubs, brushes, soap as you want to do a thorough scrub down towards the end of your sauna session to really clean your skin. The heat and sweat make for good exfoliating, and the oils that come to the skin surface will make it satiny smooth, even without any lotion. You will sleep like a baby after a sauna, and don't forget the gatorade and pretzels!

A hot tub on a cold night

2008-02-25T08:28:00.002-08:00

Tired of February's wintery chill? There's nothing like a steamy soak under the stars in a 102 degree hot tub. We watched last week's eclipse from right here, marvelling at the reddish shadow of the sun as it moved across the bright moon. Snowbanks are growing higher and higher - all the better to enjoy the heat of the sauna, or hot tub. As you can see here, there is plenty of snow around in case you wanted to do the real Finnish traditional roll in the snow after a sauna. Believe me, we really do that and it is an incredible rush of hot-cold sensation filling your whole body with pins and needles after a snow roll! You really feel alive and kickin'! Then it's the perfect time for a plunge in the pool, which feels like bath water when you're covered with snow.

Happy New Year - Pot Luck New Year's Eve party

2007-12-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

Join us as we count down the minutes til midnight with our sauna friends. Maybe we'll play some Naked twister, or disco dance around the pool till that magic moment of midnight when we say goodbye to '07 and welcome '08. It's a pot luck, so bring a dish to share.

Tropical Poolhouse - our Blue Lagoon

2007-11-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

The water is a balmy 78 degrees and tropical plants are blooming - adding their fragrance and visual beauty to our newest addition. Slip into the water and take a nude swim after a hot sauna or steamy hot tub. Our blue lagoon is your playground. To the right of the pool (just out of camera range) is our poolhouse fireplace for basking in warm fireglow at night.

Summer Games 2007 - Bare Ass Badminton

2007-11-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

The game of badminton is alive and well at Richmond Sauna. It's our favorite summer game and we play it all season til the snow flies. Here are two players showing off their perfect form as they attempt a return volley. 2, 4, 6 and even 8 players can have a game of badminton out on our sunning field - the 8 player game is referred to as the badminton orgy, for obvious reasons. If you've never played before, you've got to give this game a try!

Halloween Fun

2007-11-29T08:05:00.002-08:00

What a blast! Disco dancing in the halls, yummy pot luck gourmet treats, and even Little Red Riding Hood showed up to the delight of all big bad wolves, bringing us a basket of sweet goodies, along with escort Dr. Feltersnatch. If you missed the show, some of the other fab characters were the Naked Dogs, Father Mark and his schoolgirl sweetie, a Naked Maitre'D and ZZ Top Fudgeman who indulged our sweet tooth with his home crafted treats. A dominant brunette Corrections Officer attempted to keep order, brandishing a few weapons, but the crowd just wouldn't be tamed. Finally costumes were tossed off as partiers slipped into pool or hot tub.

A New Poolhouse!

2007-08-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

After 15 years, our old wooden poolhouse was showing its age. This past winter some major breaks in the wood arches prompted us to begin designing a different structure. Our new poolhouse is actually a greenhouse, similar in shape and size to our old one, but stronger, bigger and - hopefully- warmer in winter. Construction is underway and should be done by mid October. We've gotten tons of help from our sauna community in erecting this structure. We're building the new framework right over the existing old wood arches. It's been kind of like a barn-raising where folks pitch in to help. In spite of the typical construction setbacks, we're making progress every day, while keeping the pool open for swimming at the same time.