* 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
Author Biography:
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.
