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
Slovenia, Velike Lasce Prov, Bee On Flower
Slovenia, Ribnica Prov, Rounded Door
Cambodia, Angkor Wat Monks, 1996 - Angkor Wat is one of the greatest temples of the ancient world. The reliefs are magnificent, largely dominated by the superlative Asparases, a female figure with almost superhuman voluptuousness. Don't miss it.
Vietnam, Thai Binh Prov, Orange Vendor
Myanmar, Ayeyarwady Prov, Temple
Nepal, Jeff Shea on the Summit of Island Peak, 1983 - In this photograph I revel in the accomplishment of reaching 20,000 feet for the first time. I celebrated by smoking a joint of ganja (marijuana). The truly fantastic thing here is the vast range of peaks behind me.
Thailand, Roi Et Prov, Artists House
South Georgia, Gritviken, Jeff Shea Top Of Peak Above Gritviken, 2006 - I avoided going on the tour of Gritviken. We had been on the ship for days, and I needed some exercise. The peak towering up above the harbor was the perfect solution. The last few feet required me to crawl up steep rock. It felt exposed, perhaps partially because of the wind. I was very late, as I was supposed to be back at the harbor at 6p and it was already 530p. There was no time to set up the tripod. I held the camera out from my face and took a shot.
Uganda, Mountains of the Moon, Valley, 1984 - This photograph of a valley in the Ruwenzori shows another, more benign, dimension to this incredible mountain region. Ptolemy (85 AD-165 AD) believed that the source of the Nile was in the Mountains of the Moon, the ancient name for the Ruwenzori. Now, that is no longer believed to be true.
Cambodia, Krong Preah Sihanouk Prov, Temple