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
Cambodia, Stueng Traeng Prov, Bramble Queen
Slovenia, Kungota Prov, Maypole
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.
Bouvet, Zodiac 2 Wave Crashes, 2006 - As they attempt to depart, a large wave crashes on the Zodiac.
Slovenia, Podvelka Prov, Village River
Cambodia, Otdar Mean Chey Prov, Mine Clearance
Taiwan, Ilan County Prov, Pedestrian
Slovenia, Zirovnica Prov, Man With Green Hat
Tibet, Everest, Altitiudes Of North Ridge Route, 1995 -
This chart shows the sequence that I used to climb Mount Everest over a period of six weeks of acclimitization. High altitude's low oxygen content shocks the body into producing more red blood cells. But the body cannot recuperate at high altitude. This means you have to descend and rest, then go higher again, then descend again.
Liberia, House In Monrovia, 2003 - At the airport in Liberia, a woman offered to give us a ride, but it turned out it was only part way. When we changed trucks, we were approached by a soldier with red eyes, a mean attitude and a gun. In order to get a tour of Monrovia, I arranged with a person holding himself out to be able to give me permission to take photographs. This scene was typical of the city, run down, but somehow picturesque.