Walking in the nearly forgotten footsteps of the legendary first Knights Templar, an American and a 68-year old Frenchman embark on a mission all their own. Traveling simply and trusting in the kindness of strangers, they set off to carry a message of peace along a route historically used for war.Their incredible journey leads them thousands of miles across eleven countries and two continents toward Jerusalem. After the outbreak of war, everything is uncertain - except for their steadfast and perhaps life-threatening resolve.ALONG THE TEMPLAR TRAIL weaves a richly detailed Chaucerian tapestry of characters, intrigue, and adventure with personal growth and social commentary.Their poignant tale is a powerful testimony to the courage of the human spirit and an affirmation of the dream of peace still very much alive in the world today. It also provides a signpost for those who dream of making a similar journey along this trail; one destined to become a path of peace for people of all nations, cultures and faiths. 328 pages; 44 photos, maps and illustrationsReviews:
"A fascinating testimony of faith and gumption that inspired two men to take seven million steps for peace. A must read..." -Arun Gandhi, M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, University of Rochester, NY"A vivid and eye-opening blend of history, adventure, religion, mysticism and modern conflict... Simply one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time..." -Richard Bangs, adventurer, author/host of the PBS tv series Richard Bangs' Adventures With Purpose, co-founder Mountain Travel Sobek
"If we want peace on earth, we must make the effort to embody peace with each step. Brandon Wilson's inspiring journey, told beautifully in this book, is a living example of peacemaking." -Cindy Sheehan, Peace Activist
"...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 of The Art of Pilgrimage and The Book of Roads
"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..." ~ MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
"Brandon Wilson is strictly fast-forward in his exhilarating Along The Templar Trail: Seven Million Steps for Peace... He movingly describes the divorce between power politics and ordinary Arabs and Israelis: the "wall," the threat of war and the hope for peace dominated their conversation... Wilson's remarkably attractive account will galvanize couch potatoes..." ~ ForeWord Magazine
Along the Templar Trail is a Book of the Year Award Finalist, ForeWord Magazine.
Named 2009 Best Travel Book (Gold), Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition, Society of American Travel Writers Foundation