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
Thailand, Tak Province, Largest Krabak Tree In Thailand, 2008, IMG_3391 - This huge tree can be found at the bottom of a steep slope.
Vietnam, Binh Phuoc Prov, GirlCostumed
Islas Juan Fernandez, Large Leaf And Walkman, 2000 - One day during my stay on Robinson Crusoe Island, officially known as Isla Juan Fernandez, I took a walk up the mountainside. I was amazed to see an enormous leaf. In order to illustrate its size, I put my Sony Walkman in the middle of the leaf.
Slovenia, Kranjska Gora Prov, Flower In Snow
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.
Turkey, Kirklareli Prov, Mosque
UK, Birmingham, Birmingham Girls, 2009, IMG_7389 - These four young women were walking along on a chilly Birmingham evening, while I was taking photographs. I heard their lively voices as they passed by. Seeing I was a photographer, they asked if I could take their photograph. I was so happy to do so! Not only were they beautiful, but they were lovely as well. I didn't get their names, so I imagined them as four flowers, Lily, Violet, Rose and Flor (Spanish for flower).
Bangladesh, Sirajganj Prov, Girl Walking Palm
Bangladesh, Sunamganj Prov, Bridge Builders
Taiwan, Taipei (TW-TPE) City Prov, Blossom On Branch, 2009 - I found this rather unusual. I have seen blossoms directly on tree trunks (see Seram, Maluku Province, Indonesia), but these are directly on the branch. I don't know what they are.