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
PH, Pampanga Province, Traffic Cop, 2008, IMG_1610r0a - I was impressed by this traffic cop in the Philippines. He performed his work like a ballet. A Jeepney passes by him.
Turkey, Igdir Prov, Landscape
Bangladesh, Kishorenganj Prov, Street Fruit Vendors
USA, Three Guys Top Golden Gate Bridge, 1980 - I stand in the middle. The two guys we met up top are on either side of me. Jeff Clymer snapped the photo.
Taiwan, Penghu Prov, Stone House Detail - Find delight in detail.
Laos, Xekong Prov, Young Woman
Slovenia, Kostel, Girl With Flowers In Rain, 2006 - On my Spring 2006 trip to Slovenia, I went to every one of 193 obcina (or municipal districts) in Slovenia, my grandparent's homeland. Kostel Obcina was one of the more out-of-the-way places to visit. I was walking to a high point lookout, as mists, clouds and sunlight moved across the sky, slithering into the crevices and valleys. A big rain came, I hurried to the top, then walked back. Here, a girl, still wet from the rain, walks with flowers.
Slovenia, Hoce Slivnica Prov, CD Wind Chime
Latvia, Bauskas Prov, Houses -
Tibet, Everest Summit, Lhakpa Gelu, Cornice Taken At 8830m, 1995 -
Lhakpa Gelu reached the summit first. I took this photograph of his second ascent of Mount Everest and his first ascent from Tibet. I was standing at about 28950 feet. We all used oxygen that day. But my oxygen bag was often blocked with ice! If you look closely in the lower left quarter quadrant of the photograph, you can see the old summit pole. Because the jet stream drops down on the summit, the cornice rolls over, over time. Once you reach the summit plateau from Tibet, it is a gentle walk to the top of the world. Nevertheless, you cannot let your guard down. Two days after I reached the summit, a climber lost his balance here, slid backwards and upside down and caught his hand on a rock just before plummeting 10,000 feet down the North Face.