Jeff Shea

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

USA, AZ, Grand Canyon, Red Cactus Flower, 1988 - I admired the detail in this cactus flower.
Latvia, Riga City Prov, Old Woman Dancing -
Turkey, Zonguldak Prov, Ship Hull
UK, Newham (London) Prov, Young Woman With Black Sequined Hat Denise Emmanuel
Vietnam, Thai Binh Prov, Bicyclist
Thailand, Opium Smoking, 1984 - On my first visit to Thailand I took a short trek in the hills outside of Chiang Rai. At night our porters smoked opium on the floor of our hut. On the second night, Lode Vanhoot, a fellow trekker from Holland, and I tried smoking with them. A long conversation took place. I did not feel high. But when we tried to stand, it was as if our bodies were drunk, although our minds felt clear.
UK, West Sussex Prov, Seagull With Blue Eyes
PH, Maguindanao Province, Relaxing House, 2008, IMG_9173 - The family relaxes in this house in the evening. I didn't quite figure out how they avoid the displeasure of mosquitoes.
Slovenia, Sveti Jurij, House Mural, 2006 - It is not uncommon for houses in Slovenia to have murals like this painted on them. (This was taken on the border of Sveta Jurij and Radenci Province, though I am not exactly sure which was it was in.)
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.