Glen Eden Not So Nice This Time

[1Ace]

My wife and I have been visiting Glen Eden for about two years now but, last weeks stay was very weird...

It started with my morning walk after my coffee as I was stopped by a groundskeeper and asked who I was. I asked why and he said someone had reported me as suspicious, I said for walking on the road like everyone else on their morning walk! He then said he knew I was a guest and said the person who called didn't know I was staying there.

I continue on my puzzled way and am now by the main entrance and I guy comes zooming up in his golfcart wearing a USMC baseball cap and again I am questioned as to who I am. By this time I am a little upset that I am being considered "America's Most Wanted" as I have now been here for three days! I respond back by telling him why as I am a guest here, he then states he didn't know who I was. I said you are the second person who has stopped me today and asked me this, and you residents here sure have a funny way of making people seem welcome! He then says he is sorry and drives away as I say you should be.

Now it's checkout time and I proceed to the office to drop off our key and get a refund for our days grounds fee as I don't really feel like staying the day after the morning walk. The girl at the desk tells me she is sorry but they only issue refunds if you check out two hours before checkout time at 10am. I say isn't that a contradiction of having a 12am checkout time, of which she said I am sorry but that's our policy.

Not the best visit we have had and I informed them we would not be back for awhile, Olive Dell is closer for us anyway...

[Sanslines]

Write a very clear and detailed letter outlining what you just posted above to the general manager at Glen Eden. This is highly unusual and is not at all typical of how people are treated at GE. Good Luck!

[Wcstflyer]

The reception you got at Glen Eden sounds more like you stumbled into a secret Blackwater military commando compound where they go around blowing up things and spouting slogans like "Death to tyrants...Apocalypse now...Cold lead and warm women..." That was a nudist resort?

We've always been kind of neutral about Glen Eden. It's a short drive from our Orange County home but has sort of a rural cliquishness about it. Although we've never been hassled I can visualize them rounding up a posse to corral a stranger new to "them parts."

You weren't walking nude down Indian Truck Trail were you?

[FireProf]

I visited GE several years ago. I thought it was nice and the front office personnel were friendly but got a cold reception at the pool area. I figured it was par for the course because I was there alone. I visited several times after that and was treated the same way.

Short side track; one of the nice things about being a nudist is that you are accepted for who you are and your naturist philosophy and or way of life. Clothes are an added barrier and being nude strips those away.

Back on track; once several people at GE found out what I did for a living, their personalities changed and I was not only accepted but introduced into other circles of couples and single males and females.

I thought it didn't matter what we did but who we were.

Sorry this happened to you and I'm glad you spoke up to tell those of us that live very close to GE about this. We plan to go and I wanted to become a member but their policies and the people there need to get back on track with pleasing the customer and making guest feel welcome.

[Sanslines]

I visited GE several years ago. I thought it was nice and the front office personnel were friendly but got a cold reception at the pool area. I figured it was par for the course because I was there alone. I visited several times after that and was treated the same way.

Short side track; one of the nice things about being a nudist is that you are accepted for who you are and your naturist philosophy and or way of life. Clothes are an added barrier and being nude strips those away.

Back on track; once several people at GE found out what I did for a living, their personalities changed and I was not only accepted but introduced into other circles of couples and single males and females.

I thought it didn't matter what we did but who we were.

Sorry this happened to you and I'm glad you spoke up to tell those of us that live very close to GE about this. We plan to go and I wanted to become a member but their policies and the people there need to get back on track with pleasing the customer and making guest feel welcome.

I have always enjoyed the facilities at GE and have found many people to be very friendly. The important thing to do at first is to be very open and friendly with others and then they will warm up to you. It also helps to have common interests with others. The water volleyball group is an especially friendly group that is always open to others. Just take a colored key and wait your turn to play. The outdoor court volleyball team is competitive as most are A level players and so if you are a great volleyball player, then you will fit in. If nothing else works, you can always hike the trail and if you prefer to do this with company, you can inquire at the front desk about the early morning hikers. There are a few early risers who routinely hike the trail. It does take some time to get to know others and others do need to get to know you. Even though a place like GE is protected and somewhat insulated from the problems of the outside world, many people do come from areas such as in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles where there are crime problems. Such individuals do not automatically turn off their wariness at the front gate.

[FireProf]

Having been a participant in social nudism for eight summers now, I'm well aware of the need to be friendly, open and to get involved. You have to be or at least feel like those you are trying to get to know want to get to know you or let you into their circle. This was not the case until I told them what I did for a living.

GE is a very nice place and most people there are very friendly. I went through an extensive interview before being allowed to enter. Many questions were asked but the key to my being able to enter was when I told the manager what I did for a living and proved it to her.

There also needs to be some flexibility by the members and their willingness to allow others, who are not "A" players, play and get involved and have some fun. Make no mistake, I can hang with the "A" players in and out of the water but some other are not that skilled. I don't mind toning down the play so others can enjoy the fun.

I'm sure we are all aware that the clubs make up consist of people from all over the city and state. They don't need to automatically assume that someone is bad until proven otherwise. Why don't we assume everyone we allow in is good until they prove otherwise.

I'm not knocking GE. I'm simply stating a fact that occurs even though we want everyone to know that being a nudist or becoming a nudist doesn't always mean you'll be treated fairly and always with open arms, "by the most friendliest people we know."

[Sacramento Jesse]

Sad to hear. I've never visited G.E.. I don't know why someone reported you as suspicious. I would definitely write a polite letter letting them know how you felt harassed and remind them of your continued business over the past years. I would also ask them to send a newsletter reminder to the residents that if they think someone is suspicious not to engage the guest directly. This puts off a feeling of guest not being wanted.

Hopefully you can get a discount for the next visit since you didn't get some sort of reimbursement.

[PascoDoug]

I think your experience, while obviously annoying, just goes to show that nudists are a very watchful and protective lot. This is what makes nudist resorts the safe place they are - especially for children.

[Sanslines]

There also needs to be some flexibility by the members and their willingness to allow others, who are not "A" players, play and get involved and have some fun. Make no mistake, I can hang with the "A" players in and out of the water but some other are not that skilled. I don't mind toning down the play so others can enjoy the fun.

That's great that you are willing to tone down your level of play to make the game enjoyable to others who may be just starting out. Many others are not so willing. I have played at all levels and have noticed that many at the upper level (ie A level) tend to look down on beginners and do not want to be lowered to their level of play. Many at the A level are very competetive players and get nothing out of playing jungle ball. Competetive play does indeed scare off many new players - especially women players.

[Sanslines]

.......I went through an extensive interview before being allowed to enter. Many questions were asked but the key to my being able to enter was when I told the manager what I did for a living and proved it to her.........

Yes, every new person is heavily screened (including a nude tour) before they are admitted and their name is added to the 'safe' list. Had you been a card carrying member of AANR and a member at another club, you would have had no problems. I am a bit surprised that they were so intereted in what you did for a living as I have never heard or experienced any situations where what a person did for a living made a difference as to whether they could gain acceptance to a club or were accepted by the members within that club.

[nunne]

About a month or so ago, I went for a day visit to GE. I am a member of TNS, and that always makes a big difference when I go into a nudist resort for the first time. I found the staff at GE to be extremely friendly and helpful. While lounging around the pool by myself, folks were freindly enough, but tended to stay to themselves or with their own group. This is, of course, not unusual in either a nudist or textile environment.

Shortly after the water volleyball game started, I joined in. What a great time I had! Everyone, guests and members, just enjoyed the play and each other. Due to some travel restrictions I had to leave earlier than I wanted to, and regret that I did not have more time to spend there.

Hiking around the grounds, enjoying the pools, and playing the water volleyball were all great experiences for me, and I can hardly wait to go back when the opportunity comes to be in the area once again.

[FireProf]

Yes, every new person is heavily screened (including a nude tour) before they are admitted and their name is added to the 'safe' list. Had you been a card carrying member of AANR and a member at another club, you would have had no problems. I am a bit surprised that they were so intereted in what you did for a living as I have never heard or experienced any situations where what a person did for a living made a difference as to whether they could gain acceptance to a club or were accepted by the members within that club.

At the time of my first visit to GE, I was a member of both TNS and AANR and had been for about 3 years. I thought I'd visit beaches first before getting into the club scene. I also thought that having been a member for a few years looked better than someone that was visiting for the first time was also a member of these org's for a very short time. We lived with a 1/2 hour of GE for about 20yrs at this time. We'd known about it but my wife was not ready for social nudity.

I was also surprised at the managers line of questioning but knowing what I know now, about clubs and resorts, I wouldn't expect anything less. What does surprise me is that club all over a hurting for money. They need it to exist, to improve and to maintain. Treating people, guests, potential members and frequent visitors is not the way to bring in more revenue.

One of the friendliest places I've visited for the day was Deer Park in Devore, CA., about 10 mins from our home. The very first visit two young women, sister's, came up to the pool deck for some sun. I was the only visitor there that day. They sat and talked for a while and then began talking to me out of the blue. They invited me to come over and sun by them and I accepted. We talked about the club, the members and about all kinds of different subjects and issues. Before I knew it, it was cooling down and they suggested we go into the rec room and get in the hot tub. We did, continued our conversation and at the end of the day we shook hands and agreed to meet up there in the future for more conversation. Turned out that the youngest of the two was a student at the college where my wife worked and knew of her but did not have her as a professor.

Deer Park was too rustic for my wife but I enjoyed it and the friendly people there. Too bad because it was so close to our home and would have been a nice place to become a member. We still live within a 1/2 hour of GE and my wife has agreed to visit with me in the near future. She's become a bit of a nudist snob and prefers resorts and doesn't care for the camp ground atmosphere anymore. I think once she sees GE in person, she'll change her mind. I'm hopeful that we don't encounter a simular incident like the original poster or she'll be turned off completely.

[Sanslines]

At the time of my first visit to GE, I was a member of both TNS and AANR and had been for about 3 years. I thought I'd visit beaches first before getting into the club scene. I also thought that having been a member for a few years looked better than someone that was visiting for the first time was also a member of these org's for a very short time. We lived with a 1/2 hour of GE for about 20yrs at this time. We'd known about it but my wife was not ready for social nudity.

At one point, GE was trying to encourage and welcome new people. There was a lady who conducted the tours and was part of the social committee. She would take the prospective visitor on a tour and ask about the person's interests. Depending upon the interests, she would introduce the visitor to members, residents, and frequent guests who had the same interests. This helped immensely as it can be really hard for a person to show up at GE and try to socialize with new people. Especially in Summer, the swimming pool area can get very crowded and it is easy for the visitor to get lost in the crowd.

[FireProf]

Not sure if it was the same woman but after checking in and having my interview, I was told that I would be taken on a tour and that I would have to be nude, I said "no problem." The woman came out to my car several minutes later, I was on the other side of the vehicle and my body was blocked by my truck. The woman looked at me and said, "you have to be nude on this tour, didn't they tell you?" I finished slipping off my sport shirt, closed the door of the truck and walked around the truck completely naked. The look on her face was funny. She said, "oh...I see you're all ready!"

We talked about the club and then my occupation took over most of the conversation. She talked about a local fire station coming to the club annually and playing softball with the club members for a charity drive. The firemen were dressed but the club members were not. I asked if they had recruited any of them and she stated that after the team left, one guy returned and wanted to join but wanted it kept a secret. Not sure what happened to that guy after all.

I'm hopeful my wife like GE when we do make it there. I'd very much like to join and get involved in some of the festivities and the community functions they are involved in. Our current backyard is not as private as our previous one and having GE 30 mins away will allow us to enjoy the outdoors like we did at our previous home.

[Sanslines]

The sad thing about GE now is all of the development that has been constructed all around GE. If you hike to the very top of the trail hill, you can see development occuring everywhere. It might only be a matter of time before someone complains about seeing naked people on top of the hill. Once upon a time, GE was very isolated with nothing but empty space all around. As time marched on and development encroaches, the day will come when GE will become completely boxed in.

[Croydon]

My wife and I have been visiting Glen Eden for about two years now but, last weeks stay was very weird...

It started with my morning walk after my coffee as I was stopped by a groundskeeper and asked who I was. I asked why and he said someone had reported me as suspicious, I said for walking on the road like everyone else on their morning walk! He then said he knew I was a guest and said the person who called didn't know I was staying there.

I continue on my puzzled way and am now by the main entrance and I guy comes zooming up in his golfcart wearing a USMC baseball cap and again I am questioned as to who I am. By this time I am a little upset that I am being considered "America's Most Wanted" as I have now been here for three days! I respond back by telling him why as I am a guest here, he then states he didn't know who I was. I said you are the second person who has stopped me today and asked me this, and you residents here sure have a funny way of making people seem welcome! He then says he is sorry and drives away as I say you should be.

Now it's checkout time and I proceed to the office to drop off our key and get a refund for our days grounds fee as I don't really feel like staying the day after the morning walk. The girl at the desk tells me she is sorry but they only issue refunds if you check out two hours before checkout time at 10am. I say isn't that a contradiction of having a 12am checkout time, of which she said I am sorry but that's our policy.

Not the best visit we have had and I informed them we would not be back for awhile, Olive Dell is closer for us anyway...
My suggestion is call your credit card company and dispute the charge.

Whenever I receive bad service somewhere, I first let the business know and try to work something out. If they refuse, I always call my credit card company and dispute the charge. In most cases, the credit company will take your side and refund the charge

[1Ace]

Wow! Let me see if I can reply to all of these… I was going to send an email to management but it looks like all emails go to the same address. I think I am getting more mileage from this posting and I am sure it will get back to them. The water volleyball players were very friendly and asked us to play with them next time. Be careful when hiking the trail to the North end, there is new construction ongoing and you will find yourself in a no nudity zone. Since I am in law enforcement I did inform the clerk when leaving that residents should contact the office or police if they truly have a concern about someone and not make contact themselves. If I had been a bad guy it may not have been a good day for the gentleman in the golf cart…

[Sanslines]

........The volleyball players were very friendly and asked us to play with them next time.......

We assume that you mean the water volleyball players. Yes, they certainly are a very nice, friendly, and welcoming group.

[Bicycler]

The sad thing about GE now is all of the development that has been constructed all around GE. If you hike to the very top of the trail hill, you can see development occuring everywhere. It might only be a matter of time before someone complains about seeing naked people on top of the hill. Once upon a time, GE was very isolated with nothing but empty space all around. As time marched on and development encroaches, the day will come when GE will become completely boxed in.

Sad but true. They have recently posted a No Nudity Beyond This Point on the North Trail that leads to the area nearest the new construction. This used to be a nice naked loop trail but no more. Too bad.

OTOH, you can start at the South end and hike to the top of the hill sans clothing. That is still OK as far as I know.

[Sanslines]

Sad but true. They have recently posted a No Nudity Beyond This Point on the North Trail that leads to the area nearest the new construction. This used to be a nice naked loop trail but no more. Too bad.

OTOH, you can start at the South end and hike to the top of the hill sans clothing. That is still OK as far as I know.

Past the hill summit, and along the trail, there used to be a fence and a gate. At one time, it was ok to hike beyond the gate for I believe that the property to the north was owned by someone who was not opposed to nude hiking use. Now, with the new development, everything has changed and sadly I am sure that the trail path will have to be changed to avoid any problems with residents of the new north development. It is going to be a tragedy if more of the trail is lost, for I always enjoy sitting on the little bench on top of the hill and looking down into the valley at the GE complexes including the swimming pool and volleyball court. There is also the wonderful view towards the lake and moutain across from I-15.

[DoctorSurferDude]

I'm admitantly very biased, since I was a member.....but Olive Dell is way better :)

[FireProf]

I also visited Olive Dell about 3 times. I found the people there very friendly and welcoming.
They've also done lots of work to spruce up the place. I'd like to return with the Prof one day soon. Too bad the Doc and his wife are in Florida now.

[PhotoBuff]

As a relatively new and single nudist, I find it distressing to hear stories such as that related by 1Ace. I've been to two resorts thus far, Desert Shadows and DeAnza Springs, and had good experiences at both. But with each visit to a new place there is still some concern regarding how I might be perceived by the regulars and other visitors - as if anxiety about just being naked weren't enough for a newcomer. FireProf said in one of his posts that "one of the nice things about being a nudist is that you are accepted for who you are and your naturist philosophy and or way of life". I definitely agree with this as a nice ideal but, in practice even amongst nudists groups, often people are not (at least readily) accepted unless they fit a predefined demographic. In my experience, and from most of what I've read, it is quite obvious that both couples and single women are much more readily accepted, and subject to much less scrutiny, then are single men. While I do understand that there may be very valid reasons for this, I also think that it is is a shame.