Jack Wheeler
Dr. Jack Wheeler, the “Real Life Indiana Jones” according to the Wall Street Journal, is both a professional philosopher teaching Aristotelian ethics at the university level, and a professional adventurer leading expeditions all over the planet for decades, via his company WheelerWindsor Expeditions.
Jack has three “first contacts” discovering tribes that had never been contacted by the outside world, retraced Hannibal’s route over the Alps with elephants, has the Guinness World Record for the first skydive onto the North Pole, and has had adventures in every single country in the world.
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler Expeditions at WheelerWindsorExpeditions.com.
Want to learn more from Jack? Check out Escape Artist Insiders magazine today!
Postcards
THE HANI RICE TERRACES
THE HANI RICE TERRACES
WODAABE MEN MUST LOOK BEAUTIFUL TO ATTRACT THE LADIES
The Wodaabe are a fun-loving, friendly, and hospitable people. You’ll meet them on the Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions Trans-Sahara Expedition when they are next able to operate one. (Glimpses of Our Breathtaking World #57 Photo ©Jack Wheeler)
WODAABE MEN MUST LOOK BEAUTIFUL TO ATTRACT THE LADIES
THE WORLD’S MOST UNIQUE BIRD
The Hoatzin is the Dinosaur Bird, the only bird on earth directly descended from the dinosaurs. It makes weird noises—grunts, hisses, groans and croaks—no melodious birdsongs. It emits an awful smell due to its fermentation digestive system, and tastes just as awful so no one hunts it for food. Yet it is distinctively pretty in a hyper-funky way. Spend enough time exploring the Amazon, and you may be lucky to see one. (Glimpses of Our Breathtaking World #186 photo ©Jack Wheeler)
THE WORLD’S MOST UNIQUE BIRD
THE RIGALEIRA INITIATION WELL
The Regaleira is a spectacular Gothic mansion with acres of gorgeous gardens built by a 19th century Portuguese-Brazilian millionaire, Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920). Jack loves that his exotic eccentric extravaganza, his Regaleira Palace, was built by a private capitalist with his own money—not some feudal king with money extracted from the peasantry.
Portugal really is a land of wonders, which I hope you’ll someday experience yourself. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Windsor-Wheeler Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick are leading Atlantic Paradises, a bespoke tour of Portugal from June 24 – July 2, 2022.
THE RIGALEIRA INITIATION WELL
THE GREAT BLACK OF MAKALU
You’re seeing the entire south side of Makalu in Nepal, while the north side is in Tibet with the border running along the horizon crestline. Makalu Base Camp lies below the bottom right corner of the photo. This was taken at over 20,000 feet on our approach from Everest and Lhotse—12 miles away—during the Wheeler-Windsor Himalaya Helicopter Expedition, or “HHE.”
Everyone is understandably entranced with Everest—yet the other 8,000 metre Himalayan giants are breathtakingly magnificent in their own right, and you can see why with Makalu. On the Wheeler-Windsor HHE, we go to them all! (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick are leading Atlantic Paradises, a bespoke tour of Portugal from June 24 – July 2, 2022.
THE GREAT BLACK OF MAKALU
THE DANCING FOREST ON THE CURONIAN SPIT
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick are leading Atlantic Paradises, a bespoke tour of Portugal from June 24 – July 2, 2022.
THE DANCING FOREST ON THE CURONIAN SPIT
THE WATERFALLS OF KUANG SI
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick are leading Atlantic Paradises, a bespoke tour of Portugal from June 24 – July 2, 2022.
THE WATERFALLS OF KUANG SI
MONTEZUMA’S CASTLE
For hundreds of years the Anasazi flourished, skilled agriculturalists and brilliant at constructing vast irrigation systems. Yet it all came to naught with a devastating megadrought with no rain for many decades, culminating in the collapse of the Anasazi culture and abandonment of their cliff dwellings by the early 1500s.
Another lesson is that nature control’s the Earth’s climate, not us. You’ll find Montezuma’s Castle above Beaver Creek south of Sedona. It’s a marvel not to be missed. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick are leading Atlantic Paradises, a bespoke tour of Portugal from June 24 – July 2, 2022.
MONTEZUMA’S CASTLE
THE CASTLE PRISON OF RICHARD THE LIONHEART
The story is well known of how Richard’s brother, John, had usurped the throne and impeded paying Richard’s ransom—and the legend of Robin Hood raising the money by pilfering it from thieving nobles. The ransom was finally paid in 1194, with Richard returning to be crowned King of England once again. The castle fell into disrepair, uninhabitable since the late 1600s. It is an eerie journey back into history to explore it today. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick are leading Atlantic Paradises, a bespoke tour of Portugal from June 24 – July 2, 2022.
THE CASTLE PRISON OF RICHARD THE LIONHEART
THE CAMEL MEAT MARKET IN THE FEZ BAZAAR
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick are leading Atlantic Paradises, a bespoke tour of Portugal from June 24 – July 2, 2022. Space is limited and time is running out!
THE CAMEL MEAT MARKET IN THE FEZ BAZAAR
NEGOTIABLE AFFECTION IN SKAGWAY
The Brass Pic (as in a miner’s pic & shovel) was one of many Houses of Negotiable Affection in Skagway that flourished until the gold panned out in 1900. It’s preserved as a museum today in fond memory of those days of commercially consensual delight. Skagway is a terrific place to experience, drawing over a million visitors a year. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick are leading Atlantic Paradises, a bespoke tour of Portugal from June 24 – July 2, 2022. Time is running out! May 24th is the deadline for registration to experience Portugal with Jack and Eddy!
NEGOTIABLE AFFECTION IN SKAGWAY
GRAND ESCALANTE STAIRCASE
The entire area is Navaho country, so it is no surprise their native religion is based on peyote, a cactus containing the hallucinogen, mescaline, with the Navaho belief that nature surrounding them was designed by the Peyote Bird.
However, it is not necessary to take any hallucinogen to achieve a sense of ecstasy being here—just a deep appreciation of what a wondrous world—a breathtaking world—it is that we are all privileged to be alive in. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack’s son, Brandon Wheeler, and Eddy Downpatrick are leading High Adventure, a bespoke tour of Indian Tibet from August 14 – 27, 2022.
GRAND ESCALANTE STAIRCASE
A MONUMENT TO CHRISTIANITY IN THE CONGO
The lesser known is the former French Congo, now Republic of Congo, or Brazzaville Congo after its capital. Brazzaville is on the north side of a widening of the Congo River known as the Stanley Pool, while right across from it on the south side is Kinshasa.
It is in Brazzaville that you will find this magnificent monument to Christianity, the Cathedral of Sainte-Anne, with its roof covered in gleaming green-turquoise tiles, huge copper doors, and soaring arched interior bathed in sunlight. The people of Brazzaville are joyously Christian, attending 5 pm Mass dressed in their most colorful finery. You’ll see Christianity truly come to life here. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack’s son, Brandon Wheeler, and Eddy Downpatrick are leading High Adventure, a bespoke tour of Indian Tibet from August 14 – 27, 2022. Jack intends on going, too!
A MONUMENT TO CHRISTIANITY IN THE CONGO
COURTSHIP IN THE GALAPAGOS
This is only one of many courtship displays among the birds and animals of these extraordinary islands. No wonder the Galapagos are called “evolution’s laboratory”. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack’s son, Brandon Wheeler, and Eddy Downpatrick are leading High Adventure, a bespoke tour of Indian Tibet from August 14 – 27, 2022. Jack intends on going, too!
COURTSHIP IN THE GALAPAGOS
A KHAN, AN EMIR, A SULTAN!
Could be—he looks ready to do either, doesn’t he?
Or is it me, dressed up as a Khan, an Emir, a conquering Sultan, just for fun? Your call.
Whatever you decide, this photo was taken in the fabulously exotic ancient Silk Road Oasis of Bukhara in the heart of Central Asia not long ago. And to have this same photo of yourself, come with me on my upcoming Central Asia expedition this fall. Stay tuned for details! You’ll have a life-memorable adventure if you do. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack’s son, Brandon Wheeler, and Eddy Downpatrick are leading High Adventure, a bespoke tour of Indian Tibet from August 14 – 27, 2022. Jack intends on going, too!
A KHAN, AN EMIR, A SULTAN!
ELEPHANTS IN THE SAHARA
The Milankovitch astronomical cycles that drive Earth’s climate produced a West African monsoon that greened the Sahara back then. When the cycles shifted ending the monsoon, the Sahara turned to dry desert as it remains today. Political cycles that permitted a peaceful crossing of the world’s greatest desert have also shifted, making this too dangerous now.
A Trans-Sahara Expedition is one of the world’s great adventures. Hopefully, one will be possible again in the not-too-distant future. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack’s son, Brandon Wheeler, and Eddy Downpatrick are leading High Adventure, a bespoke tour of Indian Tibet from August 14 – 27, 2022. Jack intends on going, too!
ELEPHANTS IN THE SAHARA
THE MYSTERY OF THE REEF OF HEAVEN
Micronesians say their ancestors called it Soun Nan-leng, The Reef of Heaven. Their name for it today is Nan Madol, the City of Ghosts.
On artificial islets connected by a series of canals are massive walls up to 25 feet high enclosing temples, tombs, ritual centers, and platforms for thatch homes—all made of giant columnar basalt stone. Eons ago, lava flows on Pohnpei cooled into vertical pillars. Over a thousand years ago, ancient Micronesians began hauling these basalt logs miles away to build this stone city. With an average weight of five tons, 10,000 pounds—and some up to 25 tons, 50,000 pounds each—how they did this remains unexplained. It lies deserted today, abandoned and lost for centuries.
Paddling a kayak through the canal maze of Nan Madol to clamber over these monumental stone complexes in solitary silence—for visitors are rarely here—leaves you in a state of unforgettable awe. (Photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and his wife, Rebel Holiday, are leading Ireland Dream, a bespoke tour of Ireland from September 1-10, 2022.
THE MYSTERY OF THE REEF OF HEAVEN
LETHAL BEAUTY
We really do only live once on this Earth. You do owe it to yourself to make the most of the one life you have been given. It is time to live your dream, to fill your soul with life-memorable experiences. Life lasts but a snap of the finger.
What adventures have you always dreamed of? Let us know and maybe you and Jack can make them become real together. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions.
LETHAL BEAUTY
THE WORLD’S REMOTEST INHABITED ISLAND
Tristanians are among the world’s most special people. Since the island was first settled in 1810, there has never been a single murder, abortion, or divorce among them. They are at peace with themselves, unfailingly cheerful, hospitable, and contented. If you are lucky enough to reach here, you may not want to ever leave. (Photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and his wife, Rebel Holiday, are leading Ireland Dream, a bespoke tour of Ireland from September 1-10, 2022.
THE WORLD’S REMOTEST INHABITED ISLAND
THE LIQUID RAINBOW
The colors are due to endemic riverweeds that grow only here, clinging to the rocks of the riverbed, and the crystal clarity of the water. It is not easy to get to—fly a light plane to an airstrip, take a boat upriver for miles, then walk a few miles more. But then you get to explore one of the most beautiful sights nature has to offer—replete with dozens of small fun waterfalls, surrounded by an uninhabited forest teeming with tropical birds.
No wonder National Geographic calls Caño Cristales “the River of the Garden of Eden.” Yet it is only one of the many extraordinary experiences in this huge country—for Colombia is larger than Texas and California combined. Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions will be conducting an exploration of Hidden Colombia in 2023. Hope you can be with us. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and his wife, Rebel Holiday, are leading Ireland Dream, a bespoke tour of Ireland from September 1-10, 2022.
THE LIQUID RAINBOW
SLOVENIA’S VINTGAR GORGE
Nearby is the gorgeous Lake Bled, with Bled Castle suspended atop a shoreline cliff. The medieval village of Piran, built on a spit of land projecting into the Adriatic Sea and encircled by a white sand beach is a short drive away. Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most utterly charming capital cities.
Most people have only heard of Slovenia as the birthplace of First Lady Melania Trump, but those who have been here understand it is one of the most entrancing countries on the European continent—pristine beauty, spotless environment, friendly and hospitable people, safe and very well-run. Whenever your next visit to Europe may be, try to include a few days or week or so here. You’ll never run out of fascinating things to do. A stroll through the Vintgar Gorge is an example out of so many. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and his wife, Rebel Holiday, are leading Ireland Dream, a bespoke tour of Ireland from September 1-10, 2022.
SLOVENIA’S VINTGAR GORGE
THE ISLANDS OF SERENITY
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, in the summer it’s so strewn with wildflowers the roads are known as “buttercup highways.” At every turn along them you’re stunned by the incredible scenery. The capital of Torshavn is so laid back the Prime Minister’s Office—the Løgmansskristovan—is a wood cabin with a green grass sod roof. Great beer from the Faroes’ two breweries is always flowing in the pubs, where the Faroese islanders welcome you like an old friend.
You can easily fly here from Edinburgh, London, Copenhagen, or Reykjavik, Iceland. A few days here will do wonders for your soul. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and his wife, Rebel Holiday, are leading Ireland Dream, a bespoke tour of Ireland from September 1-10, 2022.
THE ISLANDS OF SERENITY
THE LOST CITY OF DJADO
The only people who live near Djado in the vast desert wasteland where Algeria, Libya, Chad, and Niger come together, are the wandering Toubu nomads with no permanent settlements. It is an indescribable experience to explore such a wondrous lost city right out of an Indiana Jones movie that you have all to yourself. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and his wife, Rebel Holiday, are leading Ireland Dream, a bespoke tour of Ireland from September 1-10, 2022.
THE LOST CITY OF DJADO
HAWAII IN EUROPE
Everything grows here, cedar forest to giant tropical tree ferns, fruit from citrus to tropical, plants from corn to taro. Flowers are riotously everywhere. The sea swarms with fish being on the main Atlantic migration route for whales and dolphins. The islands are immaculately cared for by Azoreans, no pollution, air sparkling clear, weather in the 60s (16 Celsius) in winter, 70s (21 Celsius) in summer, so peaceful they are virtually crime-free.
Azoreans love drinking parties, cheerful festivals, and bright colours—with their charming homes painted the colour of key lime pie, raspberry mousse, or oceanic blue. They love liberty so much they’ve had this motto emblazoned on their coat of arms for centuries: “Antes morrer livres que em paz sujeitos”—”Rather die free than live in peaceful subjugation.”
This is one of our planet’s truly magical places. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions.
Stay tuned… more coming on the Azores soon!
HAWAII IN EUROPE
THE LAND OF THE DRAGON’S BLOOD TREE
Although it’s known as the most alien, strangest, weirdest, and bizarre place you can go to, it’s also completely safe and incredibly beautiful. Anybody who comes here returns saying, “You have to see it to believe it.” What is this place?
It’s the World Heritage Site of the island of Socotra, the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean,” 240 miles off the coast of Yemen and now secured by the UAE. It’s hidden, remote, and far away.
We were there in 2014, and it’s been almost impossible to get to ever since. But we’ll be back next April of 2023. Let us know if you’d like to go with Jack. (Photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and his wife, Rebel Holiday, are leading Ireland Dream, a bespoke tour of Ireland
THE LAND OF THE DRAGON’S BLOOD TREE
THE TIGERS OF SAMARKAND
It was centuries old when Alexander conquered it in 329 BC. For a thousand years as Central Asia’s great entrepot on the Silk Road between China and the Mediterranean, it was a cosmopolitan center for Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Nestorian Christianity. Incorporated into the Islamic world in the 700s, sacked by Genghiz Khan in 1220, rebuilt by the time Marco Polo in 1272 described it as “a large and splendid city,” Tamerlane made it his capital in 1370.
Colonized by Czar Alexander II in the 1860s within the Russian Imperial Empire, and by the Soviets in the 1920s within the Uzbek SSR, Samarkand is flourishing today in independent Uzbekistan. Come with me to explore Samarkand and so many other wonders of The Heart of Central Asia from September 18 to October 4, 2022. It will be like a dream come true. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Eddy Downpatrick will be leading The Heart of Central Asia this September.
THE TIGERS OF SAMARKAND
WHAT WOULD HE THINK OF US?
Having spent time in his village not long ago, I’m confident he would simply shake his head in bewilderment and say, “Please just let us live our lives in our forest, that’s all we want.”
True indigenous tribes who keep to their traditional way of life are so rare now in the Amazon or anywhere else where they once flourished. Each one is a precious living cultural heritage of humanity. It is such a privilege when they share their way of life with you. They deserve to have their wish granted, as my tribesman friend would express it. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and his wife, Rebel Holiday, are leading Ireland Dream, a bespoke tour of Ireland.
WHAT WOULD HE THINK OF US?
THE BLUE CITY OF CHEFCHAOUEN
Berbers – “Amazigh” (Unconquered) in their language, are the original people of Morocco having lived there for over 12,000 years. They are directly related to the reindeer-herding Lapps of Lapland in northern Scandinavia (they share the same mitochondrial DNA haplogroup U5b1b). Both are descended from the same stock of Cro-Magnon Ice Age hunters in Western Europe that split in two 15,000 years ago—one moving far north, the other south crossing the Gibraltar Strait to Africa.
One more reason why Morocco is so magical. Would you like to experience the Magic of Morocco with us next year? (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler Expeditions. Let us know if you want to go to Morocco with Jack in 2023.
THE BLUE CITY OF CHEFCHAOUEN
THE SANDS OF IWO JIMA
You can come here once a year at a commemoration jointly held by the US and Japanese militaries. Guests of honor are the few Marine veterans of the battle still alive. To be here on these sands and on the summit of Suribachi, where the memorial lauds them – “On Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue” – with these heroic men is an indescribable privilege. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Stay tuned for more postcards and bespoke trips coming from Jack soon!
THE SANDS OF IWO JIMA
THE NAGAS OF LUANG PRABANG
For centuries, devout Buddhists have been building beautifully ornate shrines and temples called Wats here in Luang Prabang. Every day at dawn, hundreds of red-robed monks living in the Wats parade through the city streets for donations. Since the Pathet Lao seizure of power in 1975, moving the capital to Vientiane, Luang Prabang is free of politics, preserved as a religious haven and treasure house of Laotian culture.
A few days here is not to be missed. As you enjoy a glass of good French wine at a riverbank café watching the sunset over the Mekong, give thanks to the Nagas who are still protecting this sanctuary city. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Stay tuned for more postcards and bespoke tours coming from Jack soon!
THE NAGAS OF LUANG PRABANG
THE ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES OF LALIBELA
Christianity was established in Ethiopia in 330 AD and has flourished ever since. Experiencing the devotion still so very much alive in one of the oldest Christian countries on earth is inspiring. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Stay tuned for more postcards and bespoke tours coming from Jack soon!
THE ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES OF LALIBELA
THE LEG ROWERS OF INLE LAKE
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Do you want to explore Burma with Jack?
THE LEG ROWERS OF INLE LAKE
THE MONSTER OF SEFAR
There are no roads—you must climb up here with pack mules carrying your supplies. No one lives up here, it’s uninhabited. You’ll be among spectacularly gigantic rock formations with over 300 huge natural rock arches, so geologically unique it seems unworldly. In the center of Tassili n’Ajjer known as the Tadrart is a vastly deep gorge, like a knife sliced open the mountain. Clamber down to the bottom and you will discover a forest of 2,000-year-old Saharan cypress trees—yes, a forest in the Sahara, remnants of when the Sahara was green millennia ago.
My son Jackson and I explored here in 2003. Perhaps it’s time to be here again. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions.
THE MONSTER OF SEFAR
SCOUNDREL’S VIEW OF MOUNT EVEREST
You must make another trek up the Ngozumpa glacier (longest in the Himalayas) in the Gokyo valley, where above the fifth Gokyo lake at 16,400 feet (4,999 metres) you get to call yourself a “scoundrel” for seeing what Everest trekkers do not.
High on the Northeast Ridge on the left horizon is the last place Mallory and Irvine were seen heading for the summit in 1924, and then disappeared. Hillary and Tenzing summited in 1953 via the Southeast Ridge over the right horizon. Everest Base Camp in Nepal is at the foot of the big snowy buttress below the West Ridge. Called the West Shoulder, it blocks any view of Everest from Base Camp.
On our Himalaya Helicopter Expeditions, we get an abundance of spectacular views of Everest, up close and personal—Scoundrel’s View is only one of many. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Stay tuned for more dates of upcoming adventures with Jack!
SCOUNDREL’S VIEW OF MOUNT EVEREST
MYSTERY LAKES OF THE GOBI
For in the hidden center of the Alashan is an area known as Badain Jaran, “Mystery Lakes” in Mongolian. There are some 140 of these small lakes surrounded by enormous sand dunes. The photo you see is of one of these lakes, taken in late afternoon on a windless day, with the giant dunes above reflected on the water.
We were there in October 2017. It won’t be long before we explore Inner Mongolia and the Gobi again. (Photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Stay tuned for more dates of upcoming adventures where you can join Jack!
MYSTERY LAKES OF THE GOBI
CLIMBING THE MATTERHORN AT AGE 14
This was my formative great adventure that set me on my life path. For over 40 years that path has been providing friends and clients with great adventures for their own lives. (photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler Expeditions. Watch for more information on Jack’s bespoke Portugal adventure in March of 2023 coming soon!
CLIMBING THE MATTERHORN AT AGE 14
THE FLATTEST PLACE ON EARTH
The brine underneath the salt crust contains 70 percent of the world’s lithium—critical to our battery-fueled global economy—produced in evaporation pools that are a kaleidoscope of colors.
You can stay here in relative luxury at one of the world’s most unique hotels—the Palacio de Sal, built entirely of salt: walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, sculptures. Being here is one of South America’s more astounding experiences. Let Jack know if you want a Wheeler-Windsor Expedition to take you there! (Photo © Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Rebel Holiday are leading Portugal Exploration, a bespoke tour from March 16 – 25, 2023.
THE FLATTEST PLACE ON EARTH
“THIS IS YOUR LIFE”
Without my knowing, they flew my guide for the Hellespont swim, Huseyin Uluarslan, from Turkey to LA, the same for my guide on the Matterhorn, Alfons Franzen, from Switzerland, to be on the show. Most amazing of all, they got the Chief Prefect of Police for Ecuador, Jaime Duran, to pick up Tangamashi (the Jivaro who adopted me) and his brother Naita by helicopter from their Amazon encampment, then fly them from Quito to LA.
I was dumbfounded. So there we are in the photo, left to right: Ralph Edwards, Jaime Duran, Tangamashi, Naita, a very young yours truly, and Ralph Ferguson, son of medical researcher Dr. Wilburn Ferguson who translated for Tangamashi. Quite a moment for a 17-year-old boy—and no doubt for Tangamashi! (Photo © Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Rebel Holiday are leading Portugal Exploration, a bespoke tour from March 16 – 25, 2023. Would you like to join Jack and Rebel in Portugal?
“THIS IS YOUR LIFE”
TIGER-LEAPING GORGE
Ever since, this place has been known as Tiger Leaping Gorge. Here you see Tiger Leaping Rock. Jack Wheeler was first here in July 2002 on his overland expedition across eastern Tibet. Last time 2015. Maybe again? (Photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions.
TIGER-LEAPING GORGE
A Father in Chad, by Dr. Jack Wheeler
Look into his soul through his eyes. Look at the tranquility and peaceful joy his soul feels in being the father of his two beautiful children. It is the same with me.
The Left’s purpose is to divide us into tribal differences of hate—white vs. “people of color,” rich vs. poor, employers vs. workers, exploiters vs. exploited, victimizers vs. victims, the anti-white racist hate of Critical Race Theory. Always, always, they focus exclusively on differences, to separate people apart, to hate others different than them. All in the ancient “divide and conquer” scheme to control people’s lives.
Yet the differences between us are so unimportant compared to what we all have in common, our basic humanity. The bond that I have with this man from Chad is so much greater than anything that separates us. Focusing on what we all have in common with our fellow human beings is the way to rid the world of the anti-human hate of the Marxist Left. (Glimpses of Our Breathtaking World #157, photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Rebel Holiday are leading Portugal Exploration, a bespoke tour from March 16 – 25, 2023. Would you like to join Jack and Rebel in Portugal?
A Father in Chad, by Dr. Jack Wheeler
The Jade Road
This is what the Jade Road looks like today, near the fabled oasis of Khotan. Save for the road being asphalted and the farmer’s cart being towed by a small tractor instead of a donkey, Polo would recognize it. (Glimpses of Our Breathtaking World #179 photo ©Jack Wheeler)
Jack Wheeler is Escape Artist’s World Exploration Expert. He is the founder of Wheeler-Windsor Expeditions. Jack and Rebel Holiday are leading Portugal Exploration, a bespoke tour from March 16 – 25, 2023. Would you like to join Jack and Rebel in Portugal?
The Jade Road