Ride My Seesaw 

Psychedelic drugs were a fundamental part of my life in the late 60s through the 70s. I started when I was 15 experimenting with a variety of Psychedelic drugs.  
I used Hallucinogens, recreationally at first, enjoying the body rushes along with the hallucinations. At times testing my resolve to not succumb to the drugs unpredictable effects. I can honestly attest to the fact that after numerous psychedelic experiences, I have never had a bad trip. Although there were some unpleasant events that occurred while tripping, but I never freaked out. 
I didn't adapt to Timothy Leary's philosophy of: 'Turn on Tune In And Drop Out. His statement seemed to me to be political instead of describing psychedelic drugs as an experience of heightening consciousness and cognitive enhancement. Also ignoring medicinal qualities of LSD. 
During my lifetime I've experimented with Mescaline, LSD, Mushrooms, Peyote, Psilocybin, Oxytropis better known as Locoweed ( don't ever do Locoweed ) and went as far as to lick the Colorado River Toad at the Church of the Toad of Light for Bufo. Later, when I was much older although not so much wiser, I took part in a couple of Ayahuasca ceremonies deep inside the Colombian Amazon Rainforest. The adventurous mayhem of one Yage experience is documented in my third book ' Quicksand Highway'. 
My introduction to psychedelics began on a warm autumn morning. After ditching my high school classes with two friends I was inaugurated into the psychedelic experience with a tab of Psilocybin. We planned the location for the event in Dan Ryan Woods Forest Preserve at 87th and Western Avenue South Chicago. We had named the spot Walden Pond after Henry David Thoreau's novel. It is where we usually went to smoke marijuana during our lunch hour. The area had a thin creek flowing which emptied into a small pool of water. Actually it wasn't as romantic as I'm making it sound. The pool of water was a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies. It also gave off a metallic type of smell but it was the best South Chicago had to offer at the time. The Oak, Elm and Maple leaves were starting to change color. And the best part was that there was not another soul around.
I was accompanied by two trusted friends, J.D. and Lester. They had both tripped before and assured me they would be there to help if it became too much for me to handle. I was somewhat apprehensive not knowing what was going to happen. When I inquired as to the effects of the tiny pill, my buddies were unable to come up with a plausible explanation. However, I wasn't afraid to partake in the experience. All I'm able to remember is that I left my earthly reality and returned as a different person. I brought back with me an insightful awareness I never realized existed within my mind. I enjoyed the experience which led me to take many more trips with my cohorts during those high school days. We went to movies, concerts, and amusement while under the influence of LSD. Later as so often happens we drifted apart and never made contact again. However I've never forgotten the unique comradery we once shared.
During my college years I was introduced to Doctor John Lily Author and Counterculture Scientist who created the Sensory Deprivation Tanks. He also authored a great number of books;"Altered States" "Day Of The Dolphin" "Center Of The Cyclone" "The Human Biocomputer" as well as many others. He experimented with LSD defining its medicinal values. Doctor Lily also worked extensively with Bottlenose Dolphins and through his research, created a language to communicate.
I learned and believed there was more to all of it than just getting high. I floated in Sensory Deprivation Tanks while on LSD quite a few times. In doing so, I discovered all the answers to all the questions pertaining to life on this planet. Unfortunately, I forgot them as soon as the trip was over.
I do reminisce on those memories of my psychedelic experiences. Still referring to them as vacations in my mind. Hoping someday to visit a psychedelic playground in my future where I can once again ride my seesaw.