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, Trzin Prov, Welcome To Trzin Obcina
Slovenia, Mozirje Prov, Bee In Flower
Papua New Guinea, Pig House, 1983 - I had never heard of a "pig house" prior to going to New Guinea. In the Highlands, pig houses were common. Pigs were one of the mainstays of the economy, used for weddings, "compensation", items of trade and even temporary pets. Here, a piglet exits the door.
Azerbaijan, Qax Prov, Brook And Bridge
Lithuania, Vilnius Prov, Colorful Lady -
Slovenia, Hrpelje-Kozina Prov, Ant On Leaf Closeup
Slovenia, Podcetrtek Prov, Old Window
China, Shanghai, Country Girl In Big City, 1995 - June, the young woman in the photograph, hailed from a factory in Anhui Province. She was typical of so many Chinese migrating to the big city to find their calling and their fortune. She was a lovely woman, with a certain innocence and a gorgeous body.
Vietnam, Binh Dinh Prov, Night Roadside Shrines