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
Indonesia, Bengkulu Prov, Strange Fruit
Mexico, Yucatan, Chichenitza, 1993 - The Mayan ruins of the Yucatan in Mexico were phenomenal. I overheard a guide telling his group about the games they played, much like basketball, where the object was to throw the ball through a rock hoop (part of the construction that is still visible) in the wall. He said that at the end of the game, the lead player of the team would be sacrificed to the gods. The guide posed the question, 'Which player would be sacrificed to the gods, the winner or the loser? Only the best would be sacrificed!" The idea that the leader would try to win the game knowing that his fate would be death posed a somewhat humorous contradiction in my mind!
Turkey, Samsun Prov, Beach
Atlantic Ocean, Total Eclipse, Third Contact, 2006 - As the sun passed out of the eclipse, there is a singular moment when, without protective eye covering, one can see Bailey's Beads, a purplish light shining refracting through the mountains of the moon, and the first light of the sun. Instantly, it becomes blinding and one must turn their eyes away again.
Thailand, Lopburi Prov, Cranes
Dusk at Village Mosque, 1984
India, Rajasthan Province (State) - 35mm film
Slovenia, Cerkno Prov, Bee In Flower Closeup
The Truck Gets Stuck in the Sand, 1988
Algeria, Sahara Desert South of Ghardaia
Sometimes the truck got stuck. Then they would bring out the metal racks. They wedged them under the tires to free the vehicle.
UK, Torfaen Prov, Woman With Horse
Turkey, Giresun Prov, Island