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
Slovenia, Luce Prov, Bridge To Mountain
Thailand, Singburi Prov, Temple Top
Slovenia, Prebold Prov, Vine Cultivation
Tibet, Everest, North Ridge Route, Camp 3, Showing Second Step, Summit Pyramid, 8200m, 1995 -
This photograph is taken from 8200 meters (26,800 feet) high on Mount Everest at the site of Camp 3 on the North Ridge route, adjacent to the North Face. The summit pyramid of Everest is shown at the right hand side of the photograph, about 2000 feet above. About two-thirds of the way across the photograph from the left to right is a bump on the ridge. This is the famous "Second Step." I arrived at Camp 3 May 23, 1995 without the use of oxygen. There, Lhakpa Gelu, Tsering Dorje and I slept and departed at midnight for the summit, reaching it in 9 hours. One of the tents is visible at the far left of the photograph. The rope holding the tent down runs across the foreground of the photograph from right to left.
Laos, Phongsali Prov, Young Woman
Iran, The Ayatollah and the Shah's Head, 1984 - Here, a mural shows the Ayatollah Khomeini walking into the sunset with the former Shah of Iran's head severed from the blow of an ax at his feet. These types of graphic demonstrations of "victory" are not uncommon in dictatorial states.
Turkey, Antalya Prov, Gardener
South Georgia, Gritviken, Looking Down From Peak Above Gritviken, 2006 - I had carried my pack to the base of the last buttress on this peak but gave up when I ran into unstable shale. I descended and noticed a gully off to the right. I soon saw the easy way up. I was very late on returning to the ship, but I convinced myself I could get to the top and back down in fifteen minutes. I dropped my pack and tromped up the loose volcanic rock. I crawled through the arch visible in the lower right of the photograph. The last few feet required me to lay down and climb up on my belly, grasping for any hand hold I could find. The wind blew. The harbor and a Zodiac are visible below.
China, Anhui Province, Yellow Mountain Morning, 2008, IMG_9583 - Yellow mountain inspires. 
Slovenia, Bloke Prov, Village