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
Congo Zaire, Jeff Shea with Leopard Tooth Necklace, 1984 - A pygmy in Mt. Hoyo in eastern Zaire sold me this leopard tooth necklace from around his neck for scarcely a dollar. I proudly sported it. It did not occur to me in those "innocent ages" of the connection to preservation of wildlife. It is not recommended to buy any animal parts, for that reason. With that said, loss of habitat (by deforestation for example) is by far the greatest threat to animals. I was told in Cameroon in 1999 that the bush meat market in Africa was thriving. I was told that even gorilla meat was popular. There is an enormous disconnect between Western ideologies and the reality on the ground, especially when hunger is involved. The answer is to preserve large tracts of land in great World Parks, one on each continent.
Slovenia, Zetale Prov, Ramshackle House
Azerbaijan, Shamkir Prov, Turkey
Thailand, Chumphon Prov, Truck Down
Vietnam, Thanh Hoa Province, Dong Chung Mountains, 2010 - This scene made me think of Shangri-La.
Tibet, Everest, North Face From Rongbuk Base Camp, Fall, 1998 -
This photograph was taken from Rongbuk base camp in the Fall of 1998. It shows the mountain after the monsoons. See other photo on this site in the spring, when the same view is much more rocky. In the center foreground is Changtze. The North Ridge route begins from Rongbuk, winds left around Changtze, then up the North Col. In this scene, the route is hidden from view until it emerges in the left middle of the photograph at about 8000 meters.
Azerbaijan, Dashkasan Prov, Throwing Out The Trash
Vietnam, Lam Dong Prov, Drying
1993, SouthKorea, Cheju Do, Cheju Rocks - Cheju Do is a fantastic place to visit.
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Khayaing Tong Temple