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
Bangladesh, Narsingdi Prov, Back Of Bus - I find beauty in the textures and colors of simple things.
Flamingos in Flight, 2010
Chile, Antofagasta Province (Región)
To get a photo of the flamingos was not easy. They were far away and easily startled when I tried to get closer to them. My method of photographing animals is to approach them very slowly, not moving left nor right nor up nor down. True especially of birds, animals tend to look from only one eye. If moving slowly directly toward their line of vision, they are unsure if you are an an animal of prey or a fixed object.
Azerbaijan, Agstafa Prov, Horse Man Cows
China, Yunnan, Er Che Du Ma With Sunflower, 1994 - I visited Moshuo Lake on the border between Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. The tradition there was for the women to be the property owners. The man would call at the house at night, and as long as the woman answered, he had a home. Er Che Du Ma, the lovely girl in the photograph, was tending a small store. I asked her if I could photograph her. She enthusiastically ran home and changed into her traditional clothes. I shot about fifty 8x10 images of her. I felt I was in love with her for a long time after. I wrote to her. I think she wrote to me once. I was surprised to learn she was going to the city to study. Moshuo Lake was far removed from modern life in 1994. I eventually lost contact. I forget if I ever wrote to her that I loved her.
Five Himba Women with One Child, 2000 Namibia, Kunene Province (Region) - 8x10 film Africa 1999-2000
Slovenia, Krsko Prov, River At Dark
Thailand, Nan Prov, Temple Relief
Vietnam, Soc Trang Prov, Temple Bird Release
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.
I am always amazed at the ingenuity of people worldwide in maximizing use of the capacity of their vehicles. August 7, 2013: Slept in Trincomalee town, Trincomalee district, via Mannar, Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Vavuniya and Trincomalee provinces... Today has been good, I say, because now, at 1214a, I am in a very nice guest house, smelling the delicious aroma of food coming to the kitchen. It is almost like a home with its own cook. Clean, well designed, modern, the room is literally less than 2 meters from my chair and the kitchen just off to the right. But the day has been sort of rough. I feel uncomfortably hot, battling the heat and the air conditioning alternately or simultaneously. I am uncomfortable because of so many reasons, so many disappointments, not enough time, etc. But I am happy, in the sense I am alive and I am moving, I am able to walk and see and talk, etc. RETROSPECTIVE. I woke at 550a, feeling rather down as I woke up. We were actually on the road at 630a. We stopped at a place for tea. They had fish in a light curry sauce, so I had a vegetable-stuffed bun, a sweet bread, and several cups of sweet tea. We went out to a village by the beach. We practiced karate, then I took a very short dip in the sea with Ian. After getting back to town, we took the road towards Jaffna along the sea. It went through Kilinochchi. The road was being worked on, so it town many hours as the going was slow. It took about 4 hours to get to Pooneryn. Then, not far down the road, was the land's end and a long man made road that bisected the lagoon. There is military all over this country. I guess they have reason to be worried. Apparently the civil war only ended five short years ago, after nearly 3 decades. We got to Jaffna at about 2p. We had lunch there in a busy local restaurant. We passed back into Kilinochchi province, then Mullaittivu. There was a little temple there. I stood outside it recording on video the wonderful Indian (or Sri Lankan) song. The lilting voice and simple, pleasing chords and accompanying instruments made me want to take a break from life as I know it and learn how to play this type of music. The temple, although small, was quite interesting. I took the sacraments they offered. A man, possibly a priest, though dressed in plain clothes, put coloring on my forehead. Later, we passed into Vavuniya Province. There was not much daylight left at that point. i took what photos I could. We passed into Trincomalee in the dark. I typed away. I didn't pay attention to anyone but my "studies." I almost caught up as we rolled into Trincomalee in the dark. While looking for a hotel, we heard a street procession. Novita and I walked there. It was incredible. Men dressed as horses or goblins or other wild figures, dancing like crazy to the loud horn music, illuminated by a truck with lights and followed by a float with what I suppose was a religious icon. We finally found this hotel, the Blue Wave Hotel on a quiet, unassuming street. I asked for three rooms for the price of two and they allowed it. The driver and guide got one of those. Ian and Lani got another. And Mama, myself and Ryan got another. We waited interminably for dinner, and I thought it was going to be sooo good, but it was just OK. After, I went running. I called Venus. After, I went to the room and got ready for bed. I believe I made love to Novita.