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, Destrnik Prov, Aging Plaster, 2006 - Finding beauty in the ordinary, or even finding beauty in decay....
Slovenia, Kobarid Prov, Landscape
Solomon Is, Kwaio Woman Weaving Straw, 1982 - This woman seemed curious about one of our possessions, so we handed it to her. She took this to mean that we gave it to her. The Melanesian people were generally very generous with possessions, possibly an outgrowth of the wantok system. Wantok came from the words "One Talk", meaning one's villagers or greater family. I was told that a person's wealth was based not on how much they had, but how much they had given away. This was a revelation to me. I realized that we strive so much not only to have, but to impress others and to gain their approbation. I developed the concept of Status Structure. Beyond the essentials of survival, people are motivated by what increases their status. So, depending on the Status Structure of their society, one would be motivated in very different ways. Whether the idea that one's wealth was determined by what they had given away was true or not is secondary. What is important is to realize how much nicer our human world would be if we held and lived out the belief that giving was greater than having.
Slovenia, Luce Prov, Blow Brush Field And Old Building
Greenland, North Coast, Arctic Knot Chick, 2007 - This arctic knot chick was one of four chicks that came out occasionally from under its mother's belly. The chicks ventured close to me, within about 8 feet, after I'd been there for awhile. The mother seemed to trust me. I moved very slowly for a good half hour. The markings are incredibly beautiful. This is taken at the landing site at Bliss Bugt. (Ref: Birds.)
Italy, Pisa Moon, 1989 - On a return trip from Africa in 1989, I drove from Sicily to Holland. On the way, I stopped by Pisa, Italy for the first time. I rushed to get there before nightfall, but was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, a moon rose, presenting me with an opportunity for an unusual photograph of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Slovenia, Skofljica Prov, Rain Gutter
Slovenia, Mozirje Prov, Village
Vietnam, TienGiang Prov, BoatHouseScene
Slovenia, Hodos Prov, Chopping Block