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
Turkey, Antalya Prov, Coastal Mountains
Myanmar, Kachin Prov, River Long Boat Scene
Central African Republic, Pygmy Woman With Designs On Body, 2000 - This woman sports an imaginative hair styling, cut close to her head in geometric patterns. She also had sharpened her front teeth to a point, as is the custom of some pygmy women. One old woman in the village had a large hole directly in the middle of her upper lip.
Vietnam, VinhLong Prov, StoreSupplies
N Ireland, Limavady Prov, Farmstead
Ireland, Monaghan Prov, Farmhome
Cambodia, Otdar Mean Chey Prov, House
Jaguar Falls, 2014 Venezuela, Bolivar Province (State) Meseta de Ichúm Expedition 2014
Iraq, Marsh House, 2002 - In our eight days in Iraq, six months before the American invasion in 2003, we saw this traditional Marsh Arab house. We were on our way from Basra to Baghdad. I felt fortunate to see this exquisite example of construction from natural materials. It reminded me of Wilfred Thesiger, the author of The Marsh Arabs, famed British explorer who traveled across the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia.
Today was the most amazing of days, because today I took a photo of a leopard that fulfilled a premonition that I would take a great wildlife photo there. Woke at about 730a. Got ready. Rused. Had tea and a brownie. Drove to the park (Devali?) . On the way, a male lion was walking on the road. I took photos from a distance and then we got closer.. More photos. Maybe about 60 feet away at closest. We pooled our money, including Khan, to pay for the unexpectedly high entrance fee. 2400 for foreigners, 150 for locals. As we boarded the bus, the staff person in the white shirt offered us the shotgun seat left of the driver, which I immediately went to sit in. We found two female lionesses and one young lion. Although I had a good vantage, it was not dynamic, and the photos were only mediocre. An owl, antelope, a large waterbuck-like creature, etc. But when we got to the leopard enclosure, a pit about 300 meters in diameter with walls about 6m high, it was exciting. Other than in zoos, I have never seen a leopard. Although these were essentially in captivity, there was the sense they were wild. The driver adjusted the position of the bus. Two leopards headed down to the wall. The lead one suddenly stopped and looked right at me. The pose of its body was classic, exemplifying its sleek, powerful design. I took about six rapid photos. They were beauitful. This moment was one of the highlights of my life.