This book feels like the end of a trilogy, but I sincerely hope there will be many more in the series.Along the Templar Trail: Seven Million Steps for Peace completes an amazing trilogy. In Yak Butter Blues, Wilson dealt very deftly with lofty themes exemplified by China usurping the independent existence of Tibet. He redeemed a slender, but significant stripe of that tragedy by allowing people with nothing left to lose to sustain him in his spiritual journey. In Dead Men Don’t Leave Tips: Adventures X Africa, he repeated the themes, this time for a whole continent, and did so in bolder and more practical terms. The etching of the message became clearer: Ordinary people, however poor, are generous and good, and they want nothing more than they want peace and a wholesome future for their families. Along the Templar Trail writes the message in brilliant, even blazing letters: Peace and shared 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.
Truth be told, Wilson doesn’t call the three books a trilogy. That’s just how I see the series so far, and you can certainly read the books in any order. Still, if you read one of these nonfiction, trek-adventure thrillers, I’m sure you’ll go on to read them all.
The earlier books took us from Lhasa to Katmandu, over the Himalayas on foot, then across “the dark continent” from the Mediterranean to the tip of South Africa by every close-to-the-ground transport, including the ol’ feet. Along the Templar Trail is more overtly spiritual, an all-walking, 2,600-mile pilgrimage from France to Jerusalem following in the long-ago footsteps of the Knights Templar.
Take a moment to think about this. What would cause you to undertake a 2,600 mile walk—aches, blisters, blazing sun and all, always hoping to find food and water when you need them—even though perfectly good airplanes are willing to carry you to your destination? Wilson’s answer is both simple and profound: He walked for peace.
In the beginning, as Wilson and his friend meet in France to set off on their pilgrimage for peace, it’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion. You know the funny Frenchman is not attuned to the purpose, not prepared for the hardships, not “into it.” Without overdoing any comparison of the author’s trek to Jerusalem and Christ’s walk to his crucifixion, the companion became “Brandon’s cross to bear,” for me as I read. The story enthralls, its high ideals are impressive, but I thought a Higher Power must have decided the experienced trekker-author needed a burden greater than weather and distance—and “blessed” him with a partner who could make crossing Europe appropriately difficult. Sooner or later, you know that “Émile” will turn back… or worse.
For the sake of the peace-purpose of the pilgrimage, the walk had to attract attention, and it did. Starting in Sombor, Serbia, television and newspaper reporters take notice.
“What do you hope to accomplish by this trip?” a reporter asked.
“First, we’re taking this journey as a personal pilgrimage,” Wilson answered. “But more than that, it is a journey for peace. Countries, and especially the common people, have suffered too much. There have been too many tears shed by mothers for their sons, wives for their husbands and children for their fathers. Yes, it takes courage to face an enemy, but it requires just as much bravery to say ‘No’ and refuse to capitulate to war. The time has come. This is now a global imperative.”
Four public libraries will host a “Meet the Author” program to introduce the book. Wilson will read aloud selected passages, lead a discussion and conduct a slide presentation at 6:30 p.m. at: Wailuku Public Library, Thursday, Feb. 14; Kihei Public Library, Tuesday, Feb. 26; and Kahului Public Library, Tuesday, Apr. 8. These one-hour programs are suitable for all ages. Admission is free.
5 out of 5 Shakas
Along the Templar Trail
By Brandon Wilson
Pilgrim’s Tales Inc., Jan. 1, 2008
Paperback, 328 pages
ISBN 978-0-9770536-8-1