The Russian bania is much like the Finnish sauna in the basic elements, but the construction and other details bring about a definite departure.  We in the Seattle area are lucky indeed to have a group of individuals that decided to create an authentic Russian bania, and hired architects and workers knowledgable in the traditional techniques to design and construct the facility known as Banya 5.   It is spacious, has very friendly and helpful staff, provides keyed valuables storage and a keyed locker.  Towel service is included and loaner flip-flops are available if you forget yours. They do require flip-flops or shower shoes when moving around the facility – not a bad idea anywhere.  Parking is reasonable to find, with a small lot plus on-street parking in the area.

As any good “sweat bath” facility should, Banya 5 has a cold (55 degrees F) plunge pool, and a relaxing room where you could lay down as well as a socializing room with tables and chairs.  In addition, there was a salt water pool just slightly cooler than body temperature.  This made a wonderful place to both begin and to cool down more slowly than the cold pool.  Within the same room, there were two “industrial strength” showers with water pipes about 1-1/2 inches leading to them.  The water temperature was controlled to a good shower temperature.  There was also a hot tub whirlpool – although fairly small. 

For those that like a true steam room, it has probably the finest steam room I’ve ever been in.  I normally don’t like steam rooms, but this one seemed somehow different.  Maybe it was a high quality steam generator, maybe it was the slight hint of Eucalyptus in the steam – whatever it was, it was the most comfortable and pleasurable steam room I’ve ever used. 

Let’s get back to the title – Nude night at the Bania.  Banya 5 reaches out to people’s comfort level by offering a nude night for men, a nude night for women, a family time on Sunday, and the rest of the time is Co-ed.  Unfortunately, there is no Co-ed nude time.  But – that was really the main reason for my visit to Banya 5,  to discuss with the partner and General Manager how we might get a designated Co-ed clothing optional time slot (Policy is officially "clothing is NOT optional" as of 3/16/2006).  What I found was that he was a card-carrying TNS member, and really wanted to have such a night – if only he could get a reasonable attendance at it.  I told him of the potential size of the market in this area, and that there was a pent-up demand for some sort of venue since the demise of the nude swims at the SAC in north Seattle. 

So, here’s the deal – they are willing to open one night a month for a co-ed clothing optional night – if he can get upwards of 20 people attending.  My part is to get the word out to all the naturist and nudist clubs in Washington, Oregon, and Vancouver, B.C. to see if we can generate enough interest to get his minimum need.    This is really a first in this area having a commercial establishment open up for nude use.  We are only advertising to established clubs (landed and travel – as well as at-large TNS and AANR members) – and not advertising to the general public. You must present a current membership card at the door for admission.  We feel that this will provide us a wonderful opportunity to develop a monthly nude activity.

Details - The first target night is Monday, March 28, 2005 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  It is located at 217 9th Avenue North - Cross street is John - and is a block north of Denny Park.  I know – Monday night isn’t the most convenient, but they are normally closed Monday, and this way he doesn’t impact his normal schedule or his regular customer base.  This is an authentic Russian bania – a high quality experience in a first class facility.  As such, it comes at a price - $25.00 – so we need to have some commitment of at least 20 people who will come to this first event.  Please email me at banya5night@slimetrail.org with your commitment to attend the March 28th event.  Or, if you don’t have email, please mail me at 1911 SW Campus Drive, #203, Federal Way, WA 98023, but please don’t just say “I’m interested” – we need a commitment on your part to make this work.  If we don’t have a sufficient number, it won’t happen.  I think once you try out the whole package, you’ll be very pleasantly surprised and hopefully want to continue it.  Ideally it will be scheduled monthly  – but give it a try this first time, and let’s see if we can’t get this to be a regular event.  Please note that to be admitted you must show a current membership card in an organized nudist club or a TNS or AANR membership card.

Third Landslide Reaches the Top

Origin of Slide: Closer to Marine Residences Construction.

December 9, 2004:  A Third landslide occurred on the cliff face below the UBC Marine Student Residences construction site.  Much larger than the previous two slides of June 21 and November 7, this cliff failure is the third since UBC began construction activities for the Marine Student Residences  in June . However, this third slide originated much closer than  previous slides to the top of the cliff, and thus, also closer to the construction site.

Prior to UBC beginning construction of Phase I of the residences in June 2004, there had been no documented slides for the past five years on that part of the cliff face!  The three landslides that have occurred since construction began demonstrate increasing frequency and magnitude.

The November  landslide wiped out  a considerable swath of cliff face vegetation.

The Wreck Beach Preservation Society and the Pacific Spirit Park Society remain concerned about permanent damage to the park including cliff stability, loss of viewscape from the beach, and impact on wildlife and birds posed by habitat loss and migration hazards.

Meanwhile, UBC continues construction with apparent disregard for the fragile bluffs and ecosystem.

Contacts:
Judy Williams, Wreck Beach Preservation Society Chair;
Pacific Spirit Park Society Vice Chair 604-856-9598 / 604-308-633
James Loewen, Wreck Beach Preservation Society Vice Chair 604-689-9697
Ed Chessor, Pacific Spirit Park Society Chair 604-224-0967 / 604-822-9707