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
Germany, Baden-Wurtenburg Province, Traditional Clothes, 2008, IMG_6087 - This Staufen couple said they were celebrating the 1000 year anniversary of a nearby village. The woman sewed all the clothes. She showed me her embroidered stockings. She took me by the hand and led me through their garden, showing me the tomatoes and flowers. Their energy was 100% good and pure.
Cambodia, Phnom Penh Prov, Cobra Wine
UK, Pembrokeshire Prov, Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber 500 BC
Slovenia, Trebnje Prov, Latch
Bangladesh, Brahmanbaria Prov, People
UK, Halton Prov, House
Nepal, Yeti Tea Shop, 1983 - Here is a simple photograph, a small sign indicating a tea shop near Kala Patar in the Solo Khumbu. Notably, the name of the tea shop is the "Yeti." Yeti is the local name for what we know as the Abominable Snowman. Ancient lore in this part of the world refers to the Yeti. (Supposedly, in Pangboche, not far from this tea shop, there was a Yeti scalp on display!) Many people, including Judith, the Dutch woman who I wooed there, believe in the Yeti to this day. Note the sign. This is the way to Everest Base Camp.
Myanmar, Mandalay Prov, Detail Riverboat Scene -
Estonia, Valgamaa Prov, Totem -
Nepal, Chitwan, Rhino I Approached on Foot, 1984 - Gabrielle, Ed and I were in a machan in Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal near the border with India. Chitwan is famed for its large population of Indian One-Horned Rhinocerous. I told Gabrielle and Ed I was going down on the ground to get a close-up of the rhino. When I got to the base of the machan, they called down to me not to go near her, as she had a baby. I thought they were just trying to scare me from going, so I crept closer. When I was within about twenty-five feet of her, I saw the baby rhino. As the camera shutter snapped, the rhino reared her head. As rhinocerous are almost blind but with an acute sense of hearing, she listened to assess the danger. I had two choices: stand still or run barefoot. I chose to run. So did the rhino. She was actually running for the safety of the forest but I thought she was running after me. Fortunately she wasn't. She passed me going off in a slightly different direction. Rhinos run faster than humans. I wrote, "I felt, for the first time in my life, afraid for my life, afraid for my life because of a wild beast."