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
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Hut
Vietnam, SonLa Prov, Tribeswoman
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.
Mexico, Chiapas, 1993 - I traveled to a small village in the Yucatan to see the life in the countryside. There was a small house where a woman sold hand made fabrics. Her daughter was named Firenze. Someone said she looked sad, but actually she seemed to be a happy girl. This was just a quiet moment while she posed for me.
In her village was a church. I went inside. In the back was an area where musicians kept their instruments. I had never seen some of them before. For example, there was a huge guitar. I felt like I had walked back in time. (4x5 format)
UK, Pembrokeshire Prov, Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber 500 BC
Chile, Antofagasta Prov, Jeff Shea At Site Of Land Mines
Slovenia, Vipava Prov, Landscape
UK, Cheshire Prov, Cheshire Dog
Ambon, Back Of The Becak, 2007 - In Ambon and all over Indonesia and other parts of Asia, the becak (pronounced be-chak) is used as a means of transportation. It is a three wheel bicycle, driven from behind. In Indonesia's many cities, one can find countless becak drivers waiting for a fare. Tourists are likely to be asked to pay as much as a taxi.
Slovenia, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec Prov, Mountain Village