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
India, Rajasthan, Boy With Bells, 1984 - This was an inventive way to to be able to keep track of him while enhancing her son's appearance: this boy's mother tied a string of bells around his waist. This photograph was taken about a day's walk away from Jaipur on our foot journey to Agra. Judith Pollack of Holland accompanied me on this walk.
Seram, Spider, 2006 - This species of spider was prevalent in the Kanikeh-Roho area of Seram. The specimen shown here is large, but not an adult. The adult grows to about four inches across.
Thailand, Pattani Prov, River Scene
Jeff Shea with Wigman’s Wig, 1983 Papua New Guinea, Southern Highlands Province, Koroba - 35mm Kodachrome film They urged me to put on a wig. To their delight, I complied!
Slovenia, Brezovica Prov, Table Float
Solomon Islands, Picking Lice Out Of Hair, 1982 - In some places in the world, picking lice out of each other's hair is a pastime. In some places, popping the lice into the mouth is considered sustenance.
Vietnam, Quang Binh Prov, Water Buffalo -
Kazakhstan, Sunset, 1998 - We camped out most nights on our drive across Russia and Kazakhstan. One evening in Kazakhstan, there was a fantastic sunset.
Slovenia, Nazarje Prov, Cat
Seram, Water Duck, 2006 - When I asked my guides what this bird was called, they said, "Bebek Air." This means Water Duck. In order to get this photograph with a 500mm lens, I had to stalk this duck by approaching it five paces at a time, making sure that I did not move side ways. This was taken on a river near Seti Iluana in the interior of Seram.