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
Slovenia, Sostanj Prov, Wheels
Cameroon, Village Celebration, 1989 - On my way through Cameroon, I came upon this village gathering. The men played home made instruments. They made antics as they made music.
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.
Estonia, Harjumaa Province, Tallinn , Doll In Window, 2010 - A typical Estonian doll.
Vietnam, Binh Dinh Prov, Night Roadside Shrines
Slovenia, Tabor Prov, Hanging Corn
Vietnam, Nghe An Prov, Noodle Bowl -
Papua New Guinea, Mumu Preparation, 1983 - Mumu, the traditional form of cooking, is prepared. Rocks are made hot in a fire then laid in a hole. A bed of banana leaves is placed over the rocks. Pork and vegetables are placed on top of the leaves. Then more leaves are placed on top, covering the food. Here, coconut milk is poured over the top leaves. Earth is placed on top of the leaves. The food is thereby steamed by the action of the heated coconut milk.
Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat Prov, Shell
Seram, Suku Terasing, Lubai, 2006 - In Indonesian, the term "Suku Terasing" roughly means the "lost tribe." We waited for days to make contact with them. At first, they refused to allow photographs, but then they agreed to one. One turned into many. I was disappointed that they wore normal clothes. But there was something different about them. They lived away from contact with the government in north central Seram in the Seti area. I found out after a week there that the topographic maps available - the only ones I found were on the internet - were completely unreliable. Before I was allowed to communicate with this group, we had to have a ceremony of eating beetlenut.