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
Latvia, Cesu Prov, Castle -
Java, Borobudur, 1983 - In 1983, after my epic New Guinea adventure, I took a ship from Jayapura, Irian Jaya, New Guinea to Jakarta, Java. Kelly Soma and I traveled to Borobudur on the way to Bali. Borobudur is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world, famed for the high quality of its stone reliefs. It is over 1000 years old.
Latvia, Alusknes Prov, Aluksnes, Orchid -
Vietnam, ThanhHoa Prov, Young2Girls
Taiwan, Taoyuan Prov, Fiberglass Worker
Thailand, Phichit Prov, Landscape
Cape Verde, Girl Dancing On Beach, 2006 - On the island of Santiago, I saw a group of young people dancing on the beach. I wanted to take a photograph, but I needed a central figure. As I approached with my camera, a young man told me I could not take a photograph of her. A moment later, he waved me towards her. Nothing was said, but I understood: If I wanted a photograph I needed to dance too. With my pack on my back, I danced with her for a half minute, to the delight of those looking on. I needed to catch the next bus to town, to return to the ship on time for departure. I said, in English, since I didn't speak Portuguese, "I've got to go. Now I will take the photograph." She was OK with it.
Taiwan, Hualien Prov, Taroko Gorge Bus
Thailand, Chachoengsao Prov, Broom Bike
IN, Sulawesi Province, Schooner At Dusk, 2007, IMG_8204 - A schooner on the coast of Makassar in southwest Sulawesi.