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
Thailand, Prachin Buri Prov, Wreath Seller
Papua New Guinea, Bank Teller, Mendi, 1983 - The bank in Mendi in the Highlands of New Guinea encouraged its employees to dress up in their traditional garb on this particular day.
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.
Pastel Terrain, 2010
Chile, Antofagasta Province (Región)
Slovennia, Turnisce, Bird With Feathered Feet, 2006 - On the side of the road was this bird wit feathered feet. I had never seen such feet on a bird, ever. I snuck up slowly to get as close as I could.
Nepal, Chitwan, Rhinos Below Me, 1984 - About a week after running from a rhino on foot, I was with a guide in Chitwan National Park on a path. We were following a mama rhino and her baby. Just then, the rhino got the idea to do an about-face on the path. Startled, we climbed a tree! The rhino stood under the shaking branches, hearing us but not seeing us, just six feet below! The photo was not in good focus, but it still illustrates my predicament!
Papua New Guinea, Gera Chief Castrating Goat, 1983 - Gera's chief castrated this goat. Although this photograph is grotesque, I felt it was important. The villagers clearly enjoyed the proceeding. At first I thought they were cruel and primitive for expressing joy while the poor animal screamed. Then I reflected that in my own modern society, many animals are slaughtered for food, but I am insulated from it. It takes place on ranches and in meat factories, far from the sensibilities of everyday people. In Melanesian society, the realities of survival were dealt with directly. It really was not more primitive, just more direct, hence more realistic. This was revelatory for me.
Lao Cai Woman with Umbrella in the Rain, 2008 Vietnam, Lai Cao Province - 8x10 film
Vietnam, Lao Cai Prov, Lower Landscapes
N Ireland, Limavady Prov, Country Road