This website illuminates my life and adventures. My longing for freedom has led me to over 2600 of the world’s 3978 provinces, to every country on earth and to the summit of the highest peak on each continent (thank heaven for good weather!). In my travels, I learned to respect the intelligence and ingenuity of people of all races and callings both past and present. Come see the world as I see it: as a peaceful place, full of nature and beauty. With the right spirit and intent, we can make our world a virtual Garden of Eden.
DISTINCTIONS: BBC 2017 Travel Pioneer • Journal Articles • Explorer’s Club Flag Expeditions
World Parks Project • Walk Across South America • Jeff Shea Travel Map
Azerbaijan, Shaki (SAK) Prov, Fish Vendor
UK, Conwy Prov, Coast
India, Cremation, 1984 - In Varanasi (Benares), India, along the banks of the Ganges River, Hindus cremate their deceased relatives. Partially burned corpses were then tossed into the river. I read in National Geographic that people lacking money were relegated to disposing of corpses in the River without cremation. To my amazement, not fifty feet away from charred corpses, practitioners of Hinduism cupped their hands and put the water in their mouths.
Lithuania, Taurages Prov, Cow -
Slovenia, Prebold Prov, Sap
Slovenia, Mislinja Prov, Church
Thailand, Lampang Prov, Durians
UK, Cambridgeshire Prov, House And Fields
Norway, Spitsbergen, Mother And Chick Eider Ducks, 2007 - In the month of July on the island of Spitsbergen, the sun never sets. It rolls around the sky in a circular 360 degree fashion. Since there is no night, our habits change. I was on the way to my tent when I stopped to take photos of animals at 4 a.m. I was so impressed, I went back and fetched my 500 mm lens. I sat and delighted taking photographs of the ducks and the terns. I never knew ducks could be so flexible with their wings. But the Eider Ducks taught me differently, as is evidenced in this photograph. (Ref: Birds.)
Congo Zaire, River Boat with Barges, 1984 - After several days on the Congo riverboat, several barges had tied on. At each major port on the river, a barge would await. As the Colonel Ebeya pulled up, the barges would lash their ropes onto her, and we would proceed downriver as one. I called it the Moving Zoo. There was a market, dancing on tops of the roofs, a nightclub, and a steady stream of villagers in canoes selling monkeys, fish and fruits, etc. I was most impressed by the ease and grace with which the Zairois and Zairose danced. I had felt awkward dancing when I was younger. I was so inspired I danced with them. Later, I even took lessons in African dance.