There’s a really interesting article in the Washington Post about outdoor showers–and their growing popularity.
“I think the best thing is taking a warm shower while it is raining,” says Carol Cissel, who this time of year showers outside in a weathered wood enclosure by the screened side porch of her Victorian house in Berwyn Heights. “That’s just about as close to nirvana as one can get. It feels like you are in an old-growth forest in Oregon and have discovered a secret waterfall all for yourself.”
An outdoor shower usually seems like an indulgence reserved for the beach, stationed outside the back door so that sand doesn’t get tracked all over the floor. But some in-town enthusiasts, inspired by the carefree hedonism of beach showering — also known as being naked outside — have discovered that there is more to an outdoor shower than keeping grit off the floors. Showering outdoors, according to devotees, is a way of life.
One gentleman who lives on Capitol Hill opted not to use a privacy screen with his shower because it took up too much room on his back deck. He warned neighbors, and, since it’s semi-privately nestled in a back corner, feels there’s no problem. The best line in the entire story?
The Post did not attempt to contact his neighbors for comment.
The story continues:
Dick and Carol Cissel have no such privacy worries with their outdoor shower in Berwyn Heights. The space, constructed of weathered wood fencing, is connected to their Victorian house next to a screened-in side porch. Large holly bushes add to the seclusion and screen the shower from the yard and street. It is plumbed for hot and cold water.
The shower serves a practical, as well as a sybaritic, purpose: easy cleanup after gardening or hiking. Muddy family members trek right into the shower instead of tracking dirt and mulch across the house.
I dunno. It just seems weird too much. Slightly reminiscent of a summer camp and the beach, but more weird than anything. I wouldn’t want to take a shower outside for the whole world to potentially see.
Tags: Outdoor Showers
Hello pretty blog. I agree with your thoughts on those showers.
What about the bugs?
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If it was completely secluded and warm outside, then maybe. But I can’t see the benefit to showering outside if you’re still in an enclosed shower. Why not make your indoor shower look like wood paneling or something?
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