This book is a reflection of John's life experiences and his journey from childhood disability to physical training specialist, from soldier to academic and on to retirement. It tells through the medium of poetry, short stories and photographs, of a life in search of adventure, challenge and learning. It talks of snakes, spiders, dragons, mountains, jungle, fern cloaks, poverty, education, life and death. It reflects on cause and effect, and experiences in many countries around the world including Europe, Africa and the Far East. The intention of the book is to make the reader think of his or her own life, the way they choose to live it and perhaps to write about it. All the stories are based on fact and the poems are designed to highlight the circumstances in which they were conceived. There is a little philosophical content to some of the work, but at no time is it patronising, misleading or dishonest. Any reference to religion is not orientated towards any particular faith, but towards the millions of people throughout the world who believe in the power of good.