Along the Templar Trail: Seven Million Steps for Peace

by Brandon Wilson, Brandon Wilson (Photographer), Bob Rich (Editor)

Overview

- 2009 Best Travel Book (Lowell Thomas Gold Award), Society of American Travel Writers

- Book of the Year Award Finalist (adventure), ForeWord Reviews

It was an idea born while hiking the famed Camino de Santiago across Spain. Two men shared a dream of trekking from Europe to the Middle East on the ultimate road trip. It just happened to be a path walked by thousands of Crusaders, pilgrims and merchants during the Middle Ages, a time when wars, unforgiving weather, wild dogs, and an ever changing cast of weird characters tested even the toughest traveler.

As they say, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Two modern-day travelers discover the truth when they take on that same ultimate challenge-to hike the Templar Trail across 11 countries and 2,600 miles to Jerusalem. Throwing themselves out into the universe with bad maps, blisters, but plenty of optimism, they face identical challenges in search of adventure, life's meaning and lasting peace. Proving that even today, there's nothing like a little war to shake your strongest resolve.

With 44 photos, maps and illustrations

"Simply one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time..." Richard Bangs, legendary adventurer, co-founder Mountain Travel Sobek

"More than the mere adventure of two brave men, it is a grand and noble quest for peace... Combines a marvelous sense of Zen with good humor, and his personal style makes you feel as if you were there taking part in it all..." Mayra Calvani, Midwest Book Review

"A travel lodestone - a magical quest, a warts-and-all journey... This is a special book hovering above its obvious travel-shelf slot into a spot of its own." Marilis Hornidge, Courier-Gazette, Maine

"Strictly fast-forward... Wilson's remarkably attractive account will galvanize couch potatoes..." ForeWord Reviews

"The vivid prose and passion for adventure makes this book an exciting read... You can live vicariously, although I must say I am more inspired than ever to walk each day." (5 stars) The Rebecca Review, Amazon Top 10 Reviewer

"Fast-moving and inspiring... Readers of Brandon's other books will be snapping this up. Great, touching and hugely interesting." Jessica Roberts, BookPleasures.com

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780977053681
Publisher:	Pilgrim's Tales, Inc.
Publication date:	01/01/2008
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.73(d)
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

Brandon Wilson is an American explorer and author of non-fiction travel narratives. A fellow of the Explorers Club, he has written books and essays about his extensive travels on foot as a pilgrim. In 2006, he pioneered the Templar Trail, recreating the route of the First Crusade from France to Jerusalem, as a pilgrimage path of peace.

Brandon Wilson is an American explorer and author of non-fiction travel narratives. A fellow of the Explorers Club, he has written books and essays about his extensive travels on foot as a pilgrim. In 2006, he pioneered the Templar Trail, recreating the route of the First Crusade from France to Jerusalem, as a pilgrimage path of peace.

What People are Saying About This

Dr. Bob Rich

"This is a book of passion and courage: it tells the truth regardless of repercussions . . . But also, this is a lighthearted book of humor and gentleness... Wilson's hope is that many other people will follow his lead and undertake their own peace march, along the trail he has pioneered. Whether you dream of following him or not, you will be inspired and warmed by reading about his journey."--(Dr. Bob Rich, award-winning Australian author)

Rick Chatenever

"A unique journey that sweeps you along with vibrant energy, day-to-day adventure, hopeful encounters with "angels" and a longing for peace that breaks down boundaries and unites us all as members of the same human family."--(Rick Chatenever, Entertainment & Features Editor, The Maui News (Hawaii))

Kathy Gower

"Brandon makes a very convincing argument 'that one person can still make a difference in today's world and that the time is now...' I feel empowered and moved by his tale and thoroughly enjoyed the resolve and intent of these two brave individuals as they spread the peace that we pilgrims know begins within."--(Kathy Gower, American Pilgrims on the Camino)

C.W. Gortner

"Written from the soul and salted in wisdom, Brandon Wilson's third adventure takes him and his companion along a centuries-old road haunted by the specter of war. Rich with descriptive detail, replete with humor and never lacking in the life-altering experiences of his previous journeys, Along The Templar Trail is arguably Wilson's most personal, passionate book yet - a resolute plea for compassion in an often intolerant world and a testament to the healing power of history."--(C.W. Gortner, author of The Last Queen)

Dan Austin

"The first chapter really grabs you, shooting you off down the road for a journey that sparks the imagination and inevitably inspires the desire to take your own long walk."--(Dan Austin, author of The Road Trip Pilgrim's Guide and director of True Fans)

Editorial Reviews

"A vivid and eye-opening blend of history, adventure, mysticism and modern conflict... we cannot resist being swept along with the fervor of this quest. Simply one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time..." Richard Bangs, legendary adventurer, co-founder Mountain Travel Sobek "More than the mere adventure of two brave men, it is a grand and noble quest for peace... Combines a marvelous sense of Zen with good humor, and his personal style makes you feel as if you were there taking part in it all..." Mayra Calvani, Midwest Book Review "...A rhapsody on the theme of pilgrimage. May Brandon Wilson's goal of fostering peace along the glory roads of the world inspire a trail of pilgrims to create their own sacred journeys in the interest of world peace." Phil Cousineau, author The Art of Pilgrimage "A travel lodestone - a magical quest, a warts-and-all journey... This is a special book hovering above its obvious travel-shelf slot into a spot of its own." Marilis Hornidge, Courier-Gazette, Maine "A fascinating testimony of faith and gumption that inspired two men to take seven million steps for peace. A must read..." Arun Gandhi, President, M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence "Strictly fast-forward... Wilson's remarkably attractive account will galvanize couch potatoes..." ForeWord Reviews "The vivid prose and passion for adventure makes this book an exciting read... You can live vicariously, although I must say I am more inspired than ever to walk each day." (5 stars) The Rebecca Review, Amazon Top 10 Reviewer "Fast-moving and inspiring... Readers of Brandon's other books will be snapping this up. Great, touching and hugely interesting." Jessica Roberts, BookPleasures.com

From the Publisher

More than the mere adventure of two brave men, it is a grand and noble quest for peace, as well as a spiritual voyage that will leave readers emotionally and intellectually replenished . . . I immensely enjoyed reading this book. His writing combines a marvelous sense of Zen with good humor, and his personal style makes you feel as if you were there taking part in it all . . . Though I had the pleasure of reviewing Wilson's two previous travel books, both fascinating, engrossing reads, I have to confess Along the Templar Trail is my favorite.
—Mayra Calvani,

Midwest Book Review

Brandon Wilson is strictly fast-forward in his exhilarating Along The Templar Trail: Seven Million Steps for Peace . . . Wilson's remarkably attractive account will galvanize couch potatoes . . .

ForeWord Magazine

A travel lodestone - a magical quest, a warts-and-all journey . . . Written with a sure touch, an appreciation of life's palaces and potholes, and an eye for the combinations of the real and the ridiculous that is unerring (plus a sense of humor which is always another name for a sense of proportion), this is a special book hovering above its obvious travel-shelf slot into a spot of its own.
—Marilis Hornidge

Maine Courier-Gazette

Along the Templar Trail writes the message in brilliant, even blazing letters: Peace and prosperity are undeniably possible, and they can come in our time...for all time. If only a few more ordinary mortals had the will and fortitude of this author, we would live in a very different world. (5 shakas)
— Joseph W. Bean

Maui Weekly