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
Azerbaijan, Mingacevir Prov, My Lunch
Thailand, Chanthaburi Prov, Roof Detail
UK, Hampshire Prov, White Horse
Myanmar, Mon Prov, Mount Zwegabin Sentawshin Temple From Mon Division
Nepal, Wedding Dance, 1984 - A young woman, Gabrielle of New Zealand, invited me to go on a hike east of Katmandu. We fell in love on this trip and made a decision to meet in Africa a few months later, which we did. In the small mountain village of Kakani, we were lucky enough to see a traditional mountain wedding. They threw rice. After the ceremony, the husband carried the wife off on his back.
Congo Zaire, Jeff Shea with Leopard Tooth Necklace, 1984 - A pygmy in Mt. Hoyo in eastern Zaire sold me this leopard tooth necklace from around his neck for scarcely a dollar. I proudly sported it. It did not occur to me in those "innocent ages" of the connection to preservation of wildlife. It is not recommended to buy any animal parts, for that reason. With that said, loss of habitat (by deforestation for example) is by far the greatest threat to animals. I was told in Cameroon in 1999 that the bush meat market in Africa was thriving. I was told that even gorilla meat was popular. There is an enormous disconnect between Western ideologies and the reality on the ground, especially when hunger is involved. The answer is to preserve large tracts of land in great World Parks, one on each continent.
Touareg Woman with Children, 1987 Mali, Mopti area - 6x6cm West Africa 1987
Uruguay, Maldonado Prov, Jeff Shea On Mirador Nacional
Azerbaijan, Qazax Prov, Two Trees
UK, Bournemouth Prov, Wave 105