Jeff Shea

This website illuminates my life and adventures. My longing for freedom has led me to over 2450 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, Mersin (Icel) Prov, Landscape
Azerbaijan, Qabala Prov, Boy On Wall
Philippines, Rizal Prov, Laguna De Bay
Cambodia, Kampot Prov, Temple Buddha
Galapagos, Blue Footed Boobies, 1997 - The bird life in the Galapagos was spectacular. Like in most places where man is not allowed to tamper with nature, it flourishes.
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!
Slovenia, Gornji Petrovci Prov, House Wall Painting
China, Langde, Guizhou Province - This is a simple scene of the everyday life of a Miao girl. I took this photo after a festival in the village of Langde, which is famous for its customs. Not shown here is the traditional Hwa Miao outfit. In this case, Hwa means bird, signified by their silver wing-shaped headdress, which is quite dramatic. Here is an excerpt from my diary: "We went into town. They had a festival going on. In order to get into the village, you had to go by a few 'guard posts.' The purpose of the 'gates' was to insure that no one entered the village without having a sip of alcohol. I mean, they didn't charge anything for that. So I thought 'What an awesome custom.' All bureaucracy should have such a noble purpose!" One girl was dressed in a traditional Hwa Miao outfit. In this case, Hwa means bird, signified by their silver wing shaped headdress, which is quite dramatic. (8x10 format)
Azerbaijan, Oguz Prov, Mountain Village
Slovenia, Gornji Grad Prov, Accordian Boy