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
Azerbaijan, Beylaqan Prov, Fish On String
Slovenia, Gornja Radgona Prov, Two Tractors Getting Gas
Turkey, Artvin Prov, Mule
Chile, Antofagasta Prov, Aguas Calientes Salar Mountain And River
Nepal, Looking Through My Legs on Island Peak, 1983 - This photograph was taken on Island Peak, my first snow and ice climb. It is an easy climb, but this photograph, taken between my legs looking upside down, gives some sensation of what it is like to be climbing on a snow slope. I have noticed many mountaineering photographs are deceiving. Places that are tricky can look easy and vice versa. I was asked at an Everest presentation why it didn't look so difficult. Later I realized that in the more difficult sections, I was less likely to take out my camera.
Turkey, Ankara Prov, Housing Development
Azerbaijan, Calilabab Prov, Kickin Around Shoes
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)
Slovenia, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah Province, Barnside, 2006, IMG_4953 - A patchwork barn roof.
Slovenia, Dobje Prov, Blowbrush