In the spring and summer of 1957, after being released from the army and before going to graduate school, author Oakes A. Plimpton embarked on two incredible journeys into different parts of Mexico.

First, he joined the Puritan Expedition (so named for their schooner, the Puritan) to Baja California organized by the American Museum of Natural History. He was to assist four scientists who were collecting specimens of mammals, reptiles, mollusks, fossils, and coral. Following the successful conclusion of that research voyage--which resulted in a number of scientific papers--Plimpton took another trip that summer to Huautla, Mexico, with Gordon Wasson, to research the hallucinatory mushroom. That adventure included his own experiences with the sacred mushroom rite of the local tribe.

In this personal coming of age story, Plimpton presents the journal entries he made during that period, recalling the events of his journeys and reflecting on the knowledge and wisdom he gained along the way.