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
Argentina, Jujuy Prov, Jeff Shea After First Eight Nights Across Altiplano, 2010 - In 2012, I walked across the Altiplano of South America, from Socaire, Chile to Paso de Jama, Argentina. The first week took me through a completely desolate area from 10,000 feet to 14,500 feet of elevation. There is no rain here. It is nearly devoid of ground water except for vast salar lakes that are filled with brine that feed one of the only living things: flamingoes. I feared death, as after four days, I was running out of water. I pulled water in a cart, as the 40 liters of water was too much to carry on my back. I finally found brackish ground water, including a salty-tasting stream. I took this photo when I reached Paso De Jama, Argentina, a small windy outpost high up in the Andes. My hands were swollen and blistered from constant exposure to the sun. My lips were also blistered. Two days before this photo was taken, my eyes had large bags under them, presumably from the salty water I’d drunk. From there, I continued on foot, a trip of a total of about 500 kilometers on the ground (but not as the crow flies), terminating in Libertador, Argentina. 
Thailand, Sukothai Prov, Sukothai Standing Buddha With Stars
UK, Devon Prov, Row Houses
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. 
UK, Bridgend Prov, Churchyard
Tibet, Everest Summit, Lhakpa Gelu, Cornice Taken At 8830m, 1995 -
Lhakpa Gelu reached the summit first. I took this photograph of his second ascent of Mount Everest and his first ascent from Tibet. I was standing at about 28950 feet. We all used oxygen that day. But my oxygen bag was often blocked with ice! If you look closely in the lower left quarter quadrant of the photograph, you can see the old summit pole. Because the jet stream drops down on the summit, the cornice rolls over, over time. Once you reach the summit plateau from Tibet, it is a gentle walk to the top of the world. Nevertheless, you cannot let your guard down. Two days after I reached the summit, a climber lost his balance here, slid backwards and upside down and caught his hand on a rock just before plummeting 10,000 feet down the North Face.
Pacific Ocean, Mahi Mahi Sashimi, 1982 - We caught Mahi Mahi off of the stern using a three-pronged hook camouflaged by white rags. A quarter inch line was tied to the stanchion, and the line was looped with surveyor's tape. When the fish struck, the tape would snap, making a sound that notified us of a catch. Our cook, Kelly, had a child by a Japanese man. She had lived in Japan for ten years. She said that a great delicacy was to eat sashimi from the fish while it was still alive. So we tried it.
Tanzania, Threatened Elephants 2 (Lake Manyara), 1984 - The threatened elephants mentioned in the other photo by this name found an escape route and ran off en masse.
Thailand, Mukdahan Prov, Phuphathoep Rock Formation
Turkey, Adiyaman Prov, Valley North Of Adiyaman