Nine Thousand Miles To Adventure: The Story of an American Boy in the Philippines

This is a true account of an American boy in the Philippines between 1972 and 1975. As a Boy Scout, the author finds himself camping on islands, chasing monkeys, and evading capture in steamy, tropical jungles; however, it was his unending quest to find artifacts from World War II that led to many of his most exciting - and dangerous - adventures. The book includes a dramatic kidnapping attempt and escape, the exciting discovery of an unexploded bomb left over from the war, and a front row seat to a live gunfight between American security forces and an unknown enemy. Along the way, he learns a thing or two about the Fall of Corregidor, the infamous Bataan Death March, a civil war and an ongoing war just across the South China Sea...and to never, ever drink the water. Most importantly, it's the author's realization some 20 years later that the greatest adventure of all was to share those memories with his children. In the case of the author, this book is a belated thanks to his parents, and God, for blessing and protecting one lucky kid through three years of seemingly non-stop adventures and a testament to his love for his own children. If you were ever a young boy, the parents of one, a Boy Scout, or just somebody who likes adventure, then this book is a must read. It is a story to be enjoyed by all ages and is especially well suited for reading aloud.