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
Turkey, Antalya Prov, Hookahs
Papua New Guinea, Bank Teller, Mendi, 1983 - The bank in Mendi in the Highlands of New Guinea encouraged its employees to dress up in their traditional garb on this particular day.
Tibet, Everest Summit, Jeff Shea Standing, May 24, 1995, 9 a.m. -
I stand on the summit of Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. Tsering Dorje is behind me to the right in the photograph. Lhakpa Gelu took the photograph with my small Leica pocket camera. I am grateful to Lhakpa Gelu and Tsering Dorje for their guidance on the summit day. They patiently waited while I took photographs and scooted across sections of the descent in a sitting position!
Myanmar, Kayin Prov, Grape Fly
Thailand, Loei Prov, Lone Paddler
Cambodia, Krong Pailin Prov, Old Woman
Papua New Guinea, Map of Trek, 1983 - The loop at the bottom center shows the hike to Lake Kutubu. To the left center, there is a hash mark, indicating Lake Kopiago. From there I traveled twenty-nine days on foot to Ok Esai, a tributary to the Frieda River. This is shown on the upper left by a another hash mark. From there, I rode on a bush raft made of logs and tied together with jungle vine (canta), down the Frieda River to the Sepik, and down the Sepik to the village of Ambunti, another ten days. The straight line at the top left of the map going north indicates the road to Wewak.
Laos, Vientiane Prov, Butterfly
UK, Caerphilly Prov, Country Road
World Map with the Altiplano shown in red Chile-Peru-Bolivia