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
Pacific Ocean, Jeff Shea with Mahi Mahi, 1982 - On my voyage across the Pacific Ocean in 1982 in Boysie Day's 41-foot ketch, we used rags, a three-pronged hook and surveyor's tape to catch Mahi Mahi off the stern. As Boysie said repeatedly, "Mahi Mahi is one of the best eating fish there is." In this photograph I hold on to a large Mahi Mahi. Kelly Soma, our cook, fixed it for lunch; Kelly and I fell in love on the boat.
Thailand, Lopburi Prov, Cranes
Taiwan, Kaohsiung County Prov, Rifinery Stacks
Djibouti, Lake Asal, 2002 - Lake Asal in Djibouti is the saltiest body of water in the world, having a salt content ten times that of normal seawater. In 1984 I floated in the Dead Sea in Israel, noting my body was half out of the water. In 2002, I floated in Lake Asal and noted that my body was more than half out of the water! I had to wash off my body when I got out, as the salt crystals began to cake on my legs.
China, Anhui Province, Blind Man Plays, 2008, IMG_9516 - A blind man plays a wooden flute on the street.
Estonia, Harjumaa Province, Tallinn , Doll In Window, 2010 - A typical Estonian doll.
Ecuador, Jeff Shea And Santo Domingo De Los Colorados Indians, 1979 - The Indians of Santo Domingo De Los Colorados had interesting customs, as is evidenced by the man's hair on the left. The Indians come to market in Otavalo, 129 km from Quito. This photograph was taken of me with the first camera I ever traveled with, a second-hand Kodak instamatic using 110 film. Twenty-seven years later, I scanned it and had it touched up.
Vietnam, TienGiang Prov, BoatStreetVendor
Tokelau, Seascape 4, 2001 - The skies never ceased to inspire me.
Philippines, Masbate Prov, Boat