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, Vinh Long Prov, Floating Market
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.
China, Anhui Province, Charm Sales, 2008, IMG_9520 - A man was selling these animal parts as charms. The bear claw was one of them.
Cambodia, Baat Dambang Prov, The Gods Pull Together
Myanmar, Mandalay Prov, Detail Riverboat Scene -
Thailand, Samut Songkhram Prov, Wall Of Light Closeup
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Old Woman
UK, Gwynedd Prov, Landscape
Greece, Santorini, 1987 - When I arrived in Santorini on my way to Africa with my father in 1987, I took off for a long walk. I walked all day, sleeping at a small place along a black beach. I wandered, one of my favorite activities. Why rush through life, being busy, for what? Life's most precious moments are those when we stop and do nothing, allowing ourselves just to soak in the surroundings. I avoided tours with a passion. I also avoided preoccupying myself with dates and names of places. Guidebooks were helpful but sometimes it was better not to "know" anything about a place, but simply to revel in it without purpose.
Singapore, King Of Saxony Bird Of Paradise, Jurong Bird Park, 2008, IMG_9488 - Twenty five years earlier, the highlanders of New Guinea wore the feathers of the King of Saxony bird of paradise in their headdress. This elusive bird is most easily seen at the Jurong Bird park. But even then, such a view requires patience. Their feathers, when viewed up close, are remarkable, each "branch" in itself comprised of smaller versions of itself.