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
Papua New Guinea, Hut, 1983 - The roof of this low-lying hut is covered using the bark of trees.
Thailand, Lampang Prov, Constable Booth
Papua New Guinea, Koroba, Wigman Yellow Flower, 1983 - Each Huli seemed to create his own personal look. I heard that the Hulis tried to emulate the male bird of paradise. The female of the species was rather plain. It was the male that did feather displays to attract the female.
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Man Horse Carriage
Turkey, Canakkale Prov, Troy Walkway
PH, Kalinga Province, Mountain Valley Near Babalasan, 2008, IMG_2148 - The mountains of Kalinga province were one of my favorite places in the Philippines. There was sort of a Shangri La feeling there, fresh flowing streams, quiet, rice fields, devoid of the hustle and exhaust of the heavily populated areas, far above in the mountains, the whisper of cool.
Turkey, Malatya Prov, Shepherd
Papua New Guinea, Huli Sunglasses, 1983 - I don't think it mattered to this man that his sunglasses were missing a lens, just as many Highlanders wore wristwatches that were broken. Their interest was artistic, not practical. The Hulis had fantastic imaginations. I was impressed by the fact that they did not seem to differentiate between items from the forest and items from modern industry. Any item that could enhance their appearance was fair game. For example, this man's wig has both flowers and candy wrappers in it!
Papua New Guinea, Huli Wigmen with Woman, 1983 - This photograph was taken on my first day in Koroba, Papua New Guinea. The Koroba wigmen were friendly; here, they pose with a woman. The Huli wigmen were among the most colorful, imaginative people on earth. They were truly living art. (See other photos, including those in my 1983 journal.)
Touareg Woman, 1988 Niger, Agadez