I have always loved the outdoors. As far back as the age of 5, I can remember climbing the mountains in Durango, Colorado with my dad, trout fishing in crystal clear streams, and sleeping under the stars. That love affair continues to this day! I’ve now logged over 8,000 miles on trails around the world including Patagonia and Machu Picchu in South America, and all over the United States on the Appalachian Trail and the High Sierras. And most of those miles were done with my best friend, Mark, or my son Zach.
I started Born 2 Be Wild, an outdoor adventure guide service, in 2003 after reading the book, “Wild at Heart” by John Eldridge. It’s a must-read for every guy on the masculine journey. The common paths, pitfalls, and purpose that every man experiences. And it struck me that the best place to help men on their journey would be in the great outdoors! A chance to get away from the comforts and stresses of life, and connect with God, nature, and a few other men. And it struck a chord. Many of the men who first hiked with me back in 2003 have continued to take new adventures with me to this day! (In 2016, I began leading co-ed hikes, and now have as many women as men going on trips.)
It’s interesting to me that in the creation story, when God created man and woman, he didn’t put them in a house or a building. He put them in a garden. He put them outside. We were made to be outside, an immersive experience engaging all five senses, connecting with God and nature in canopied forests, on rocky mountains, by rumbling streams and clear lakes.
Maybe you’ve wanted to get outside, do a hike or backpacking trip, but didn’t know where to start. That’s where I can help. I offer a Walls of Jericho Backpacking 101 Adventure in the Spring and Fall. This is an overnight backpacking trip into the Walls of Jericho, less than an hour from Huntsville, Alabama. If you’re new to backpacking, or never done it at all, this adventure is for you. We can provide all the gear you need, meals, and training on how to do backpacking right.
The Walls of Jericho is an easy downhill hike of 3-½ miles to Turkey Creek where we setup camp, then explore all the wonders that the Walls of Jericho has to offer: limestone cliffs, spectacular rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and depending on the season, wildflowers in the Spring, and brilliant autumn colors in the Fall. The following day we break down camp and have a moderate 3-½ mile uphill climb out of the walls back to the trailhead.
You can find our more at: born2bewild.net
I hope to see you on the trail. Get Outside!
BIO: Bruce W. Martin is a sought after international keynote speaker and outdoor adventure guide! He’s the founder of Born 2 Be Wild, outdoor adventure company that takes people on 2 to 7 day spiritual transformation backpacking trips where people find God, community, and purpose in the backcountry. As far back as he can remember, he’s always loved the outdoors. And one of his greatest joys is taking people like you outdoors and helping you find the same joy!
When God created man and woman, he didn’t put them inside. He put them in a garden. He put them outside.