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
Mali, Mopti Area, Bozo Girl, 1987 - When I was in Mopti I hired a canoe to take me to an island in the middle of the Niger river. In 1987, the area around Mopti was still very old-world. The women were bare-breasted. I have always thought that women should not be restricted to wearing clothes to cover their breasts. It seems natural that they should be able to decide for themselves, and it it gives them more freedom and comfort not to wear a top, they should have that right. Wasn't it part of nature's plan that one should enjoy the beauty of women's bodies?
Myanmar, Yangon Prov, Monk Hin Khaa - This is delicious!
Vietnam, HoChiMinh Prov, StreetBikes
Turkey, Balikesir Province, Bee
Nepal, Yeti Tea Shop, 1983 - Here is a simple photograph, a small sign indicating a tea shop near Kala Patar in the Solo Khumbu. Notably, the name of the tea shop is the "Yeti." Yeti is the local name for what we know as the Abominable Snowman. Ancient lore in this part of the world refers to the Yeti. (Supposedly, in Pangboche, not far from this tea shop, there was a Yeti scalp on display!) Many people, including Judith, the Dutch woman who I wooed there, believe in the Yeti to this day. Note the sign. This is the way to Everest Base Camp.
Congo Zaire, Riverboat Sunset, 1984 - In 1984, my girlfriend at the time, Gabrielle, and I traveled from Kisangani (formerly Stanleyville) to Kinshasa on the Zaire (Congo) River. The steamboat was a lively place. As we passed from port to port, awaiting barges tied themselves on to the main boat, creating an increasingly large convoy as we neared the capital. I called it the Moving Zoo. People danced on the roofs, there was a market, fights broke out, etc. This photograph was taken from the steamboat railing during a beautiful sunset.
Cambodia, Krong Kaeb Prov, Hanging Basket House
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Farmer
Azerbaijan, Agcabadi Prov, Lamb About To Be Slaughtered
Lithuania, Klaipedos Prov, Highway -