(It does not take a Tolstoy to figure out the possibilities for adventure.) Gerry sells nothing so the two outdoor refrigerators are stacked with privately owned stashes of goodies, from beer (don't bring Acme since their containers are not recycleable) to sodas, fruit, nuts and munchies.

The key to Wildwood is freedom to indulge in your humanity (lots of sensuous massage going on all the time-reaching out, touching). There is open and honest sexuality when the mood strikes and after sundown one thinks of a vivid Shakespearean idyll. If you're at Wildwood you are beautiful because you feel beautiful, inside and out, and if you wish to express your beauty with another beautiful man (or two) you are free to do so. But you are never pressured to do anything-social, sexual or otherwise. Some couples come for their private commun ion with eachother and nature and are respected.

The main "lodge" houses every game known to the Emporium, a fireplace, books, pillows, music, and a constant perking pot of good coffee. The site has been blessed by more shooting stars than one could think possible. One vista is campingly signed "Julie Andrews Point" and breathtaking in its majesty.

But we keep coming back to people, and this, after all, is what Wildwood is all about. I am not a San Francisco bar person-and, while I admire and lust after so many of the men who inhabit this city, something turns me off, at the same time. It is the hard looks, the coldness, the self-protective shell that envelops men who are beautiful and together enough to know their beauty. I see the key chains, and the pocket handkerchiefs, and the leather jackets, and the jewelry, and the scarfs, and the boots, and the heels, and I am sure it all means some-

thing beyond simple decoration, but I'm not sure, and I'm not comfortable when I'm not sure. Meeting these same men in a naked environment and getting into their non-defended heads in a supportive situation was fascinating when, during the evening meal, several donned their "costumes," which then were meaningless because I knew who they really were and the symbols were just that-symbols.

I learned that the most beautiful were as uncomfortable as I was while hunting on Castro or Folsom Streets. Thus, Wildwood is a form of escape from having to be and do certain things. They were as interested in digging into personhood as

I was, but how the hell do you get through to the person in a dark bar with blaring music polluting the environment? So they reject it (as I do) and head for Sonoma and after a 11⁄2 hour drive arrive in the wilderness and open up-yes, flower-into exciting, enigmatic, interesting, attractive, sexual human beings who are in a position to be whatever they wish-totally, confluently and I felt encased by protective love and respect.

Is this what gay brotherhood is about? Again the fear of the members is that Wildwood will "go popular" and the trip will be spoiled. Gerry and Ken are determined not to have this happen, and both clientele and, especially, members will be limited. So the trip will remain as it is. I am proud and honored and very much humbled to have been touched by Wildwood. It's impossible to "drop in," and, since there isn't a phone on the property (Ma Bell wants $750 to hook them up and for that amount of money Gerry feels he'd rather hire a runner), one must call early in the week to make a reservation, and, if it's for the weekend, even then it's doubtful one will get in.

My concept of being gay and male

in San Francisco is going through a flip-flop of philosophical change. My ideas about a gay lifestyle are also in painful change. For that I both curse and bless Wildwood Ranch..

-Richard Piro

Located 69 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge atop the Russian River, Wildwood Ranch offers you the incredible beauty of nature and a chance to really relax and enjoy life. Here you can meet new friends or get closer to someone special. Call or write for free inspection trip. No obligation, of course. (415) 864-8446

1975 RATES: Your camper or tent: Bed in bunkhouse: Tent with mattress: Extra days:

$15

$18

$20

Special 1 weekend membership, each:

$10

Regular Annual membership (member & guest)

$65

And what can I say to and about my "special" who pulled it all together, took my hand, and we gathered stars?

VECTOR