Bare Naked Cadey
Post categories: MacAulay and Co.
| 15:48 UK time, Friday, 4 May 2012
The yin and yang of being a roving reporter for MacAulay & Co was never more evident than it was this week. Allow me to explain further.
At the start of the week I made my way to at Dundee City Airport to discover just how difficult it is to get a pilot licence following the news last week that a 17 year old became a fully fledged pilot, if still a fledgling himself.
I met Jim, a top pilot/instructor/MD of the company and all-round good bloke to boot, and he informed me that the brisk North Easterly coupled with the grey clouds and showers were not really conducive to us taking to the air. Whilst disappointed, my fear of flying wholeheartedly agreed with Jim's decision. While we waited for the a break in the weather we killed time on the expensive and rather remarkable flight simulator. Amazing as this experience was though, it was nothing compared to the real thing and an hour and a bit later than scheduled we took to the skies in a four-seater single prop aircraft affectionately referred by Jim as the "Mondeo" of the skies.
It was still a tad breezy (I'm not just referring to the unfortunate consequences of my fear of flying) and there was more than a touch of turbulence. However, when seated next to a pilot as talented and experienced as Jim, my nerves soon evaporated and I relaxed and enjoyed the experience. After several circuits and about 15 minutes flying time, I was allowed to take control of the Piper Warrior as we flew directly over the River Tay and it was an indescribable thrill!
I did okay, but when Jim suggested that he regain control of the plane for the landing, I concurred gratefully. Despite the blustery conditions we touched down on the runway as if placed there by a giant unseen hand. Jim has trained hundreds of pilots over the years for all sorts of roles and he told me that new recruits can be flying solo after only 10 days' training! He didn't specify how long it might take me though - told you he was a nice fella.
Now the 'yang' part of the tale. It seems that Scottish naturist numbers are in decline. Surprised? No, me neither. And in an attempt to boost interest an open day was scheduled for Sunday 6th May by the . Why exactly do people enjoy frolicking about in the nuddy though? Best ask them, thought Mac & Co producer Lindsay. I was duly despatched to the home of a couple whom we shall call Gillian and John, for that is their names, to find out more. However, there was a twist. The interview was to be conducted with all three of us naked! They were clothed when I arrived, but quickly the blinds were drawn and off came the clothes. This was definitely not going to be an ordinary interview. I busied myself setting up the equipment and tried to look anywhere but, well, where they were.
I stripped to my undies and we waited to go live making small talk. No sniggering at the back please...The item began and Fred and I chatted to John and Gillian in the most surreal of circumstances. Then Fred asked me how I was feeling about a 'full monty'. I replied that I had cold feet, so I would keep on my socks, but with no more ado off came my pants. And there, the deed was done. The rest of the chat was conducted with the three of us sat on towels on their settee completely starkers. Bizarre, yes, much, but at the same time oddly normal and matter of fact.
It's not really for me though, this naturism lark. As I said to Fred, I suffer with hayfever and would have nowhere to put my tissues. Good luck to John and Gillian though and I wish them well with their lifestyle choice and recruitment drive. I wonder if will ever hang out with them again. I said no sniggering!
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