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
Latvia, Alusknes Prov, Aluksnes, Orchid -
Western Sahara, Beached Ship, 2000 - Western Sahara was a lonely sort of place, a lone outpost with an indefinite political affiliation. Morocco claims ownership of it, and it is listed under the International Standards Organizations as both a separate country and also as a province of Morocco. This beached ship was enormous and uncanny, sitting there, unattended on the shore near Laayoune (pronounced el-lai-yun).
Slovenia, Majsperk Prov, River Dusk
UK, Halton Prov, Stacks
Turkey, Burdur Prov, Landscape
Latvia, Ludzas Prov, Virgin Mary -
China, Anhui Province, Charm Sales, 2008, IMG_9520 - A man was selling these animal parts as charms. The bear claw was one of them.
China, Langde, Guizhou Province - This is a simple scene of the everyday life of a Miao girl. I took this photo after a festival in the village of Langde, which is famous for its customs. Not shown here is the traditional Hwa Miao outfit. In this case, Hwa means bird, signified by their silver wing-shaped headdress, which is quite dramatic. Here is an excerpt from my diary: "We went into town. They had a festival going on. In order to get into the village, you had to go by a few 'guard posts.' The purpose of the 'gates' was to insure that no one entered the village without having a sip of alcohol. I mean, they didn't charge anything for that. So I thought 'What an awesome custom.' All bureaucracy should have such a noble purpose!" One girl was dressed in a traditional Hwa Miao outfit. In this case, Hwa means bird, signified by their silver wing shaped headdress, which is quite dramatic. (8x10 format)
Vietnam, Quang Binh Prov, Water Buffalo -
Azerbaijan, Xanlar Prov, Persimmon Tree