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, 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.
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.)
Thailand, Trang Prov, Field And Mountains
Vietnam, TienGiang Prov, LongBoatFoodScene
Thailand, Loei Prov, Chiang Khan Housefront
Turkey, Konya Prov, Landscape
Indonesia, Bali, Uluwati Dancer
Taiwan, Changhua Prov, Municipal Worker Girl
Lithuania, Kauno Prov, Tractor -
Slovenia, Kungota Prov, Lawnmower