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
Azerbaijan, Naftalan Prov, Distorted Girl
Tibet, Everest And Rongbuk Wide View, 1998 - In the foreground of this photograph is Rongbuk Monastery. In the background is Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. I first arrived here in 1995 when I climbed Mount Everest. But I returned in 1998 with my Russian friends, including George Kotov, Sasha and Alexey, having driving 10,000 km from St. Petersburg. The following year George led me and others to drive to the highest point ever driven. We reached a point of (5726 meters, or 18787 feet) in Tibet. George drove the final hill.
Turkey, Kutahya Prov, Gypsies
Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat Prov, Entrance To Town
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Tree
Thailand, Sukhothai Prov, Buddhas
Indonesia, Jambi Prov, Ant Eating
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.
UK, Dudley Prov, Gigantic Lion Figure
Vietnam, Hai Phong Prov, Incense Design