Throughout his 36-year career in the Canadian Army, the author saw some wonderful sights and met hundreds of interesting people, some of whom appear in this collection of anecdotes. From the first sergeant major at cadet camp to the witty and erudite professor at the staff college, they all enlightened and amused the impressive youngster who grew into an ancient and, at times, cynical old colonel. Along the way there were adventures galore at places with unusual names: Canoe River, the Imjin, Shilo, Kophinou and at others better known: England, Labrador, Ottawa and Washington. Those adventures are the stuff of stories that old soldiers tell when they gather in the mess and the emphasis is on the good times. These are the stories.