#17 Bruce Kirkby on the Adventure of Life, Devotion to Purpose, and Lessons of Autism

My guest in this episode is crazy, and that is just one of his many strengths. Bruce Kirkby does not take life sitting down, unless he is exploring remote coasts and waterways in a canoe or kayak. His idea of a hike is not a loop in a nearby forest but instead a trek across jungles and deserts and entire landmasses. He plans 6-month rustic, transcontinental excursions with less stress than most people plan a plush weekend getaway.

I devoured Bruce’s recently-released book, Blue Sky Kingdom, which details his family’s ambitious and arduous overland and oversea journey from their home in British Columbia, all the way to a remote Buddhist village in Northern India nestled in the Himalayas between the borders of Pakistan and Tibet. Here his family lived in a monastery and slept in a room the size of a closet for many months.

With journeys spanning more than 80 countries and 2000 days, Bruce’s accomplishments include the first modern crossing of Arabia’s Empty Quarter by camel, a raft descent of Ethiopia’s Blue Nile Gorge, a sea kayak traverse of Borneo’s northern coast, and a coast-to-coast Icelandic trek.

Bruce is a prolific writer and photographer and is incredibly likable. His rich storytelling is valuable as both mental fodder and soul medicine. He guides us along many inspirational and shocking stories in this episode. He also vulnerably shares personal struggles and triumphs in his life, including an unhealthy relationship with his phone, a life dedicated to purpose, and fathering a son on the autism spectrum.

This episode is itself a journey of many lessons of life, with wonders around every mountain switchback. Please enjoy this conversation on Salish Wolf with Bruce Kirkby.

Episode Links:

brucekirkby.com

Blue Sky Kingdom by Bruce Kirkby

“Big Crazy Family Adventure” on the Travel Channel

Anchor Point Links:

Bow Building Retreat at Anchor Point Expeditions