MOUNTAIN LIFE - Coast Mountains | Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018 MLCM 115 “Driving topless is an opportunity to be free,” says 37-year-old Pemberton resident, Chantal Limoges, who chucks her bra in the backseat every chance she gets. “It’s an opportunity to be alone and confident with what you have. It’s the wind, the sun, and an openness to living life without worry for a moment. No judgement, no fear, and hopefully no hot coffee spills.” Chantal also views being topless – at the wheel or at the beach – as both a physical and political statement, a cry for equality with men who can hike, swim or bike with their tops off. “Equal nipple rights is a thing,” she says. “And driving naked is a way of saying I give zero f*cks about what you think. I’m going to love myself without any judgement from anyone.” Of course, being naked has its time and place. Frozen Canadian winter ‘nude-tripping’ sounds far less fun and one needs to be considerate of the public in any season. There are also some legal ramifications to consider, although there don’t seem to be a set of clear-cut guidelines. “There are several factors to consider for a police response to this situation,” explains Squamish RCMP Media Relations Officer, Corporal Sascha Banks. “Was there a complaint from the public? Did the person driving commit any motor vehicle violations? Is the vehicle that has persons without clothing located near a park, school zone, or place where children would gather? What would be the reasoning for such behaviour: protest, discomfort, under the influence of substances, or preference? There are multiple circumstances and components taken into consideration and it would be determined on a case by case basis.” Interpret that as you will, the key is probably to obey the laws of the road (distracted driving could take on a new meaning!) and be respectful. However, on a long drive on the open road, when your only task is keeping the tires between the mayo and the mustard, that’s probably the best time to let it all hang out. So embrace that impending adventure and the carnal simplicity of fresh air on bare body parts. Nude tripping simply enhances the excitement of road tripping. Just keep your eyes on the road, your hands to yourself, and your windows wide open. The contemporary history of public nudity in Canada begins in 1996 when the Ontario Court of Appeal granted women in that province the right to bare their breasts in public. British Columbia soon followed and these days, ‘Topfreedom’ is legal in Alberta and Saskatchewan as well. But each summer, a handful of women in Canada are charged for being topless in public. The Supreme Court of Canada has yet to weigh in, however, and societal prejudices still remain. Even in the seemingly liberal Sea to Sky Corridor, simply tanning topless can be complicated and controversial, with a number of women receiving fines last summer for being topless at public beaches. For most women, being topless in public isn’t about getting attention or showing off. It’s about the feel-good freedom of sun on skin. Especially on the open road, in a convertible, pinning it. I peeled off my jean shorts and tank top and drove all afternoon through the endless jack pines with sun-deprived nipples basking in warm, northern summer air. Pemberton: Where your roots have room to grow. It’s no secret that I love Pemberton. Born and raised here, I know the valley and the people and I truly enjoy sharing my love of Pemberton with others. Whether you’re buying or selling, put my over 13 years of real estate experience and lifetime of local knowledge to work for you. I am happy to help and just a phone call away. 604 698 5128 or email [email protected] REAL ESTATE PEMBERTON .COM TOLL FREE 1.877 242 2448 EXT .333