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
Vietnam, Tuyen Quang Prov, Night River
Slovenia, Solcava Prov, Mountain House
Close-up of Tiger Heron at Jaguar Falls, 2014
Venezuela, Bolivar Province (State)
It took me a half hour to stalk this bird in order to photograph it, as I only had a 24-120 mm lens. I crawled over rocks, stopping frequently, until I was within about 20 meters of it.
"Uganda, Mountains of the Moon, Peak, 1984 - On September 26, 1984 at Nyabitaba Hut (2651m), I wrote, ""The trail is ?real bush,? the first such kind since New Guinea."" This photograph shows the ruggedness of the terrain in the Ruwenzoris. On September 30, 1984, I wrote, ""On my way past the Granite of immense proportion to Mt. Baker, I heard the terrifying whir of a rock the size of a soccer ball dropping 500 meters. I turned away as it smashed a giant groundsel down. I flailed for cover. Painful toes to Kitandara, Gabrielle proposes marriage to me. Evening drying clothes and eating. Made love. It?s all good!""
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Papua New Guinea, Gera Chief Castrating Goat, 1983 - Gera's chief castrated this goat. Although this photograph is grotesque, I felt it was important. The villagers clearly enjoyed the proceeding. At first I thought they were cruel and primitive for expressing joy while the poor animal screamed. Then I reflected that in my own modern society, many animals are slaughtered for food, but I am insulated from it. It takes place on ranches and in meat factories, far from the sensibilities of everyday people. In Melanesian society, the realities of survival were dealt with directly. It really was not more primitive, just more direct, hence more realistic. This was revelatory for me.
Haiti, Les Cayes Province, River Beauty, IMG_5198 - In the village river, the people play in the rapids, using inner tubes, dunking each other or jumping from the overhanging tree. The sun bears down. A market place hugs the wide bank of the river. The people are friendly. I walked down to the river side and jumped in!
Turkey, Artvin Prov, Landscape
Map of walk showing route from Socaire to Tilcara Chile
UK, Wiltshire Prov, Nomansland
Iran, Esfahan, Mosque Tiles, 1984 - The mosques in Esfahan are famous for their remarkable tiles. This photograph illustrates the brilliance of the architecture, workmanship and superlative tiles.