[Paradoxodarap]

Just outside the town where I attended college, a complex of abandoned limestone quarries served as swimming holes for university students and townies alike. Deep, clear, cold water and clean stone slabs on which to sunbathe were an irresistible combination. Since the property was privately owned, nudity was perfectly legal and widely practiced. The quarry denizens weren't trespassing; they were welcomed by the property owner, an elderly gent. Wearing his customary denim coveralls, green plaid shirt and wide-brimmed straw hat, he made an occasional appearance to sit and visit with the lovely young ladies running around in their birthday suits. I earnestly believe that's what kept him kicking well into his eighties.

The quarry property had eight separate holes filled with water, each with a name befitting its unique character; Long hole, Mill pond, Icebox, Sundown, Half moon, Full moon, Rosebud and Goldfish. The holes were widely dispersed on the forested 200 acres (give or take) and connected by decrepit gravel service roads and a network of foot paths crisscrossing the property. On sultry summer days, scores of people were in attendance, each relaxing at the quarry hole of their choosing.

Throughout the 70s and into the early 80s skinny-dipping reigned but in July 1981 it all came crashing down when the elderly gent passed away and his middle-aged son inherited the property. He promptly locked the gate across the access road and had the sheriff arrest anyone who dared defy the brand-new signs, stating: NO TRESPASSING. The party was over.

The economic boom of the mid 80s spurred demand for building stone and the quarries reopened. Icebox was drained and stone extraction resumed. Sundown and Full moon became dump sites for tons of new slag: fractured overburden and blocks not suitable for milling. What had been a hippie haven became a mining moonscape.

The dawn of the new millennium brought more change; in 2002 a four-lane divided highway was built across the property, burying part of Long hole, half of Mill pond and all of Rosebud. Now, whenever I visit my alma mater and cruise my Camry over the graveyard of memories, all I can do is sigh. Time changes everything and not always for the better. Today, the spirit of the quarries lives on only in the hearts of those who loved the place and in photographs.

These photos, taken between August '79 and July '81, are guaranteed *not* reposts and in fact, are making their internet debut right here on OCC.

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Sundown Quarry. A congenial crowd on the eastern slag pile. This hole was the most popular for several reasons: It was one of the largest in the complex, had multiple access points for easily entering/exiting the water and had dozens of prime limestone slabs sunbathing. The aforementioned eastern slag pile and another, smaller, on the west, provided space for bathers to gather in groups. Additionally, on the east end, an 18-foot-tall cliff allowed those inclined to dive into the deep.

Sundown. After diving off the cliff, this young lady's swim brief needed realignment. Had she gone bottomless as well, such bother could have been avoided. But clothing optional means just that: personal choice.

Sundown. At the eastern slag pile, getting ready to climb aboard an air mattress. Her left foot is on a very popular sunbathing rock.

Sundown. This girl attended three times (to my knowledge) before she summoned the gumption to take off her top. After that, never again were her breasts denied sunshine.

Sundown, eastern slag pile. The parking lot was about a quarter-mile from Sundown. Carrying a beach bag and wearing sandals, this girl always hiked the distance nude. Those in attendance could see her advancing down the trail in all her natural glory and at day's end, her shapely bare buttocks returned up the same trail.

Sundown, eastern slag pile. Backgammon.

Half moon Quarry. Usually, this girl wore only a bikini bottom but on this day, she wore a black one-piece which she rolled down, creating an impromptu thong.

Sundown. The two individuals on the left had just finished swimming and were messing with their hair.

Goldfish Quarry. Climbing out onto her limestone perch. This was the last exposure on my roll of Ektachrome and I forgot to bring a spare. Damn! She and a girlfriend (unseen) settled down to sunbathe and all could do was curse my negligence.

Sundown. The rock this couple is sitting on is an island. The scene reminds me of Adam & Eve after the fall from grace. Downcast eyes tells the story; yes we have sinned.