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
Slovenia, Dobrepolje Prov, Pot Cactus
Thailand, Phetchaburi Prov, Seaside Temple
Argentina, Jujuy Prov, Jeff Shea After First Eight Nights Across Altiplano, 2010 - In 2012, I walked across the Altiplano of South America, from Socaire, Chile to Paso de Jama, Argentina. The first week took me through a completely desolate area from 10,000 feet to 14,500 feet of elevation. There is no rain here. It is nearly devoid of ground water except for vast salar lakes that are filled with brine that feed one of the only living things: flamingoes. I feared death, as after four days, I was running out of water. I pulled water in a cart, as the 40 liters of water was too much to carry on my back. I finally found brackish ground water, including a salty-tasting stream. I took this photo when I reached Paso De Jama, Argentina, a small windy outpost high up in the Andes. My hands were swollen and blistered from constant exposure to the sun. My lips were also blistered. Two days before this photo was taken, my eyes had large bags under them, presumably from the salty water I’d drunk. From there, I continued on foot, a trip of a total of about 500 kilometers on the ground (but not as the crow flies), terminating in Libertador, Argentina.
Seram, Mating Insects Closeup, 2006 - While on the walk back to Roho on my first abandoned attempt to hike to Manusela in the mountain forests of Seram, I saw these insects while crossing an area of felled trees. I stooped down to photograph. It was not until nearly 5 months later that I saw the photograph. I was amazed at the scene. The male was mounting the female and grasping her with his arms. Even his sexual organ was clearly visible entering the female. Their bodies were a lustrous metallic of different colors - aluminum, green and blue. I imagined how they saw each other. That they could find great beauty in each other seemed probable to me.
Latvia, Cesu Prov, Castle Towers -
Slovenia, Menges Prov, Target
Lithuania, Vilnius, Grafitti -
Tibet, Everest, Rabu La, Looking To Kanchenjunga, 1995 -
The Rabu La or Rabu Pass is a short walk, perhaps two hours, from Advanced Base Camp on Everest's North Ridge Route. The Kangshung Glacier heads off in the direction of Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, visible on the left of the photograph in the distance. This photograph shows only part of the view. If you can, go there. It is truly an amazing place.
Christmas Island, Coastline, 2001 - This is a view of the rugged coastline of Christmas Island, a dependent of Australia in the Indian Ocean.
Turkey, Canakkale Prov, Trojan Horse Replica (Troy)