Author: John Foster

Hi my name is John. I have set up, in my wisdom, a trike touring company on Orkney. Where I have lived since 2012. I was brought up in England and spent a happy childhood in Lincolnshire. From the age of 12 I've ridden motorbikes and apart from a couple of years have always owned at least one. I've worked at many jobs but spent 34 years as a nurse, including 10 years in the ambulance service, with in the NHS. Taking early retirement due to I'll health. I burnt out mentally and at the same time I developed some heart disease. I'm ok now and I plan to be here for about 30 more years. If only to collect all that pension I paid into. I've never taken life to seriously and always see the funny side of things. Since being at school I've had an interest in history, especially WW II which I have been indulging in since coming to Orkney. Having been brought up in the country I also have a good background knowledge of natural history and all things agricultural. One of my ambitions is to own a tractor but Gill my long suffering wife isn't so keen. I now live in Deerness with Gill my wife my two daughter live in England and my son lives in Stromness. I keep bees and have done since the mid 80s, I am an angler and I hope to restart my golfing career this winter. In the past I enjoyed Scouting, rock climbing, mountaineering and skiing none of which I now do.

A place to contemplate life, the monastry on Eynhallow

Its history lost in time and now being rediscovered over the last 170 years when it was found to be a church, when the roof was removed.

Once a year a trip goes to the island in the evening and Gill and I were lucky to get on the trip this year.p It was over so quickly and the guided tour was fascinating, we worth the time and effort.

First time one of my passengers requested a swim.

First time for everything, had Franz and Michael on a tour and Michael wanted to have swim so we stopped at Scapa  Bay.

To cold for me to join him though.

He had a good sense of humour and although he was Austrian  he laid out his towel like a good German to save his place on the Trike. I just wish I’d  got a photo of it. He took one so I’ll post it if he ever sends it to me.

Top class lads and well into their whisky, apparently Franz has over 150 in his collection. Continue reading First time one of my passengers requested a swim.

Qualified at last.

I received my Scottish Tourist Guides Association certificate.

It was an intense course but enjoyable with a great bunch of people doing the course with me. Not forgetting all the lecturers, assessors and coach drivers.

I remember leaving school thinking no more exams for me! Little did I know 48 years later I’m still doing exams.