Jeff Shea

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

Turkey, Antalya Prov, Corn Vendor
Romania, Generations, 1997 - A few months before I took this photograph I had driven through Romania. I fell in love with Transylvania, with it rolling fields. It seems so suitable for walking, and I yearned to get out of the car. Shortly after I planned a walk. I purchased a used Rolleiflex in Munich. Carrying all my gear in a minimal pack, and toting the camera and a small tripod, I set off on foot from Cluj Napoca and walked by compass point to Brasov. On the way, I stopped to take this photograph of children and their grandmothers, generations apart. Walking in Transylvania was spectacular. I walked through fields, forests, across streams, always following my compass. The people were friendly. (6 cm format)
USA, Wake Island, Beach
Slovenia, Slovenj Gradec Prov, Church On Hill
Mexico, Yucatan, Chichenitza, 1993 - The Mayan ruins of the Yucatan in Mexico were phenomenal. I overheard a guide telling his group about the games they played, much like basketball, where the object was to throw the ball through a rock hoop (part of the construction that is still visible) in the wall. He said that at the end of the game, the lead player of the team would be sacrificed to the gods. The guide posed the question, 'Which player would be sacrificed to the gods, the winner or the loser? Only the best would be sacrificed!" The idea that the leader would try to win the game knowing that his fate would be death posed a somewhat humorous contradiction in my mind!
UK, Carmarthenshire Prov, Sheep Mating
UK, Hillingdon (London) Prov, Sikh
Latvia, Valka Prov, Landscape -
Estonia, Jarvamaa Prov, Fence -
Slovenia, Solcava Prov, Hockey Field