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, Ha Giang Prov, Dusk Village
Slovenia, Podlehnik Prov, Village Scene
UK, Monmouthshire Prov, Smoker
Slovenia, Nova Gorica Prov, Street
Slovenia, Vitanje Prov, Boy In Window
Vietnam, An Giang Prov, Tricycle Driver
As we sped away from Bouvet Island after an exciting visit, the sky took on a lustrous light. Not only were we fortunate enough to land, but we were also the lucky beneficiaries of some beautiful panoramas of this, the world's most remote. Bouvet is one of the most forbidding islands in the world. - March 10, 2006
Slept in ship off the coast of Bouvet Island
Today was one of the best days of my life. In the morning we approached Bouvet. We anchored off the beach about 3/4 mile. Many of us were on the upper deck or at the stern, taking photographs and video. The island was quite clearly visible, though the peaks were covered with clouds. Jan announced we'd have a short lunch. He drew names for the first and second Zodiacs from a cup. Mine was on neither of them. So, before he had finished, I rushed upstairs and packed in a panic. I was out the door, forgot something, went back in, then raced downstairs. I was third in line for the third Zodiac. It went quickly. Soon, we were down the gangway and onto the Zodiac. I shot videos the whole way in. I was advised to put away my video camera, but I said that I did not care. I wanted to film it to the beach. The landing was easy! My feet were on Bouvet. It was a thrill. (Continued on record for photo, “Bouvet, Zodiac Attempt to Depart, 2006.)
Thailand, Pattani Prov, River Scene
Vietnam, Long An Prov, Canal
Falkland Is, Port Stanley, 2006 - On the way back from a brief moment on shore, I took this photograph from the Zodiac, going back on to the ship. I had heard long ago, in a book by Galen Rowell, that these phenomena are called god beams.