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, Vipava Prov, Landscape
Route Map Across the Atacama, 2012
Chile, Antofagasta Province (Región)
In 2012, I walked across the Atacama desert. For the first nine days, I was accompanied by writer/journalist John H. Richardson. This trip was designed to link the coast of South America at Antofagasta, Chile to Socaire, my starting point two years earler on my walk across the South American Altiplano. (See song Over for further explanation.) John and I pulled carts with water in them. Lots of water. We each started with 140 liters, which weighs 140 kilograms or 308 pounds of water in each cart. As soon as we hit sandy road, much of this was jettisoned. John and I had philosophical discussions on the way.
Bangladesh, Sylhet Prov, Fabric Detail
Vietnam, BinhDuong Prov, Hammocks
Slovenia, Komenda Prov, Man At 112
Slovenia, Nazarje Prov, Planting Poles
Trinidad, Girls In Rain, 1997 - On one of my many visits to Trinidad, I traveled south one day with my then-girlfriend, Nicole. These girls walked in the rain. For me, it was an evocative scene. I was never one to let weather influence me as to when I went to a place. I figure that all weather is a valid view of a country, so why only go when the weather is good?!
Nepal, Katmandu, Milk Baba, 1999 - Milk Baba was so named because he lives entirely on milk. No food passes his lips. He lives in a small room on the side of the stream at Pashiputinath, in the Katmandu greater city. He is one of the most memorable people I ever met. When he stood and let his hair down, it was longer than his body, falling to the floor and then some. He sat and began to play a hand organ. It was the most mellifluous melody I could imagine, combining beauty and mystery. He continued to play this for about ten minutes, and then, unexpectedly, he began to sing. The sound of his voice carried us away into another dimension. Being a good host, he asked us if we were wanted something to drink. Milk!!!
Mauritius, God, 2003 - This statue is in a temple area on the island of Mauritius.
USA, Midway, Albatross Breeding Season, 2002 - I was fortunate to come to Midway Island during the time when the albatross were breeding. Rather an incredible spectacle, here our group travels along a path bordered by thousands of pairs. Thanks to Charles Veley for including me in those he invited on this special charter.