I visited the Cove on Monday at 5:30 and stayed for about 20 minutes. It was getting a little cool by then as the sun was going down but I still couldn't resist the chance to be nekkid outside in February. There is a lot of beach and it's much nicer than all last summer. I was alone the whole time, except for the birds.

Good for you - proves even here in the midwest you can't rule any month of the year out as a possibility.

Glad you made the trip and raised a flag for year round use of the Cove. I visit from time to time in winter - just for the quiet setting and on the best of winter days it's warm enough for some February sunshine. The angles sure seem different don't they? That low sun in the south instead of the high overhead sun we know in June. But the days are getting very noticeably longer now - early March - so the seasons are a changin'.

Thanks for the report on the water and Cove.

Dick

Iwould like to visit the cove where is it

Hello Don,

The Cove location's no secret but it's also not on any roadside signs. Heartland Cove is on the west side of Smithville Lake, the nearest town is Trimble Missouri but for most of us driving up from Kansas City the landmark town is Smithville itself. The Cove is about seven miles north of Smithville.

US 169 north through Smithville to County Route W - right or east about 1/4 mile on W to Route F then left or north on F then just past the "Clinton County" sign you'll see a street sign for King Road, a gravel road. Take King Road to your right and follow King for one mile. The sharp left turn, a ninety-degree turn, in King Road is the last landmark and it's near a wire rope gated entrance to a lane and hay field. Visitors can park there or proceed to the turnaround where King dead ends and that area is designated for parking and public access.

Access to the Cove itself is by foot down the gated lane near the last sharp left turn - it's about a seven minute walk - less than half a mile to the Cove. Please stay suited or dressed until actually in the Cove area itself. The lane and the trail to the Cove are all visible from King Road. I would not drive into the field even if the gate happens to be down or open. It's possible to get locked in if you drive in - either by the tenant or by law enforcement.

The Cove page has more detailed description of the location: http://www.cirrus.kcsky.net/cove/>; with a few photos and the beach etiquette guide.

Our use isn't officially sanctioned - the Cove is on Corps of Engineers property with the land leased out for farm use. A hay crop is taken off the field in mid summer. It's up to users old and new to be responsible - keep the Cove, the lane and the parking areas free of trash. Pack out what you pack in: bottles, cans, paper bags, anything.

Also keep Cove behavior "Sunday School squeaky clean" - assuming you attend a clothing optional Sunday School. Basically go to enjoy the sun, the beach the water and leave the rest to your home, motel or RV.

Any improper use jeopardizes our future use of the Cove which as mentioned isn't sanctioned but it is known and we do have occasional visits and patrol by law enforcement. To date that's all been in the nature of a courtesy patrol and I actually welcome that as a move toward keeping the Cove a safe place for everyone.

Ladies - do not go alone. The place is just too isolated for that to be a good idea.

If there is an meet up with Park Rangers or Sheriff's Dept deputies be polite and comply with any requests. If non-nudist users come into the Cove and you feel your presence may be of concern - I recommend covering up at least minimally so as to avoid offending anyone. The Cove is open to all and fishermen on foot or by boat do sometimes come into the area. The better neighbors we are to others the longer we'll likely be left alone.

It is helpful to try to note who you're speaking with if you do have a conversation with a Park Ranger or Deputy. When swimming keep in mind there is no help at hand - it's best always to have someone else around if you're in the water. Cell phones are dicey although my Sprint PCS phone works from there most of the time now.

Thanks for asking - it gave me opportunity to post the "spring reminder". Do visit and report - everyone enjoys reading news from Cove visitors.

George - anything to add?

Dick Williams

Hi Dick,

Nope nothing to really add, just a couple of clarifications on things.

As Dick said do not drive down into the field under any circumstances as the park rangers and county patrols WILL write you a ticket and if they don't see the vehicle you will find yourself locked in by law enforcement if they find the lock unlocked. This happened to three non nudist fisherman last year who found themselves locked in and unable to get out until the park ranger came by to unlock it for them and ticket them at the same time (they were repeat offenders and the ranger was not to happy about them being in there again).

Stand up for proper behavior/ ettiquette by all down at the beach, if someone is getting out of line politely tell them to knock it off or lay off it as their bad behavior could threaten everybody's use of Heartland Cove.

Pick up and carry out all items you brought down with you to the Cove. Take an extra walmart sack to cart out trash left behind by others (most users are good about picking up their trash and taking it with them but there is always one or two who aren't) If you see trash on the trail down to the cove or on SW Kings rd on the way into the cove stop and get it and put it where it belongs in a trash bag.

The shore, shoreline, and lake are not an ashtray please don't flick your smoked cigarette into or onto any of these areas, bring a pop can or something with you to put it into to take back out with you.

If anyone is interested in having a laminated ( 4 X 6 size at the largest) notecard with directions to the cove on one side and the beach ettiqutte and general information about the Cove on the other just send me an email by clicking on my name and let me know how many you would like to have and I will mail them out to you. No Charge for getting these just your good behavior.

Sincerely,

George Franck, Heartland Naturists President