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
Iran, Occupied American Embassy Anti West Slogans, 1984 - In 1984, the American Embassy in Tehran was occupied by The Ayatollah Khomeini's Islamic Guards. The walls were painted with the following slogans: "America is Worse than Britain, Britain is Worse than America. Russia is Worse than Both of Them. And Each One Is Worse and Uglier than the Other." After I took this photograph, one of the Islamic Guards ran out of the Embassy toting a hand gun. He waved me inside. Frightened, I raised my voice, yelling in English. A crowd gathered around. One man offered to translate. I lied, saying I had not taken any photographs. The man said the guard now would accept simply giving him the camera. I refused again. Somewhat miraculously, I was finally able to convince the guard that I had not taken any photographs, and I was allowed to leave with my camera and film intact.
Vietnam, Hung Yen Prov, Bottle Transport
Mali, Bankass, Dogon Falaise, 1987 - We arrived in Bankas shortly before sunset. I rushed to a Campenent and paid 500 CFA to leave my unnecessary baggage there overnight. They tried to convince me to take a guide for 6000CFA, then 2500 CFA out to the Dogon village. I preferred to walk to the Falaise (escarpment) by myself under the night sky and bright moon. One of the men sitting by said I could find it myself. The prospective guide walked me to the edge of the village and pointed the way. I stuck to my 2000 CFA offer hoping it would be declined.
A group of his friends stood by. It was suggested that I might encounter a sorceror on the road. It was also pointed out to me that I don?t speak Dogon. One man asked for my address. I said I?d give it on my return tomorow. He shook my hands, and with an eerie glint in his eye, he said in French, ""I might be dead by tomorrow or maybe you will be.? I thought, 'If that the case then there?s really no use in us exchanging addresses, is there?' All these forms of cheap intimdation only served to convince me I wanted to go alone. I bragged to them how I travelled in far more dangerous places, how I got by using hands and expresssions instead of language. I departed. It was very beautiful out there, quiet, moonlit. I had a cigarette, then started considering if there really were sorcerors and got just a tiny bit spooked. I came to a village. A man was crying out a chant loud and long, echoing into the muted sounds of women and chidren bathing at the well in the dark. After an hour, I stopped and fell asleep in the deep sand of the road. I awoke suddenly and peered to see a man and a donkey. He sensed my alarm! He wanted to put my bag on his donkey but I declined & he moved on. As I had planned, I walked until I thought I was within about two kilometers of Inde. I made camp in the sand. I had a few coffees and fixed dinner. After a hot chocolate I slept.
Turkey, Kilis Prov, Castle
Atacama Map Route, 2012
Chile, Antofagasta Province (Región)
This map shows my route across the Atacama Desert in 2012. Writer/Journalist John H. Richardson accompanied me as far as Camp 9.
Thailand, Samut Prakarn Prov, Churning Of The Milk Ocean Figures
Papua New Guinea, Pig House, 1983 - I had never heard of a "pig house" prior to going to New Guinea. In the Highlands, pig houses were common. Pigs were one of the mainstays of the economy, used for weddings, "compensation", items of trade and even temporary pets. Here, a piglet exits the door.
Azerbaijan, Lerik Prov, Window Detail
Grisel, 1998
Cuba, Havana Province - 35mm film
Turkey, Mus Prov, Field