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, Mislinja Prov, Drying Rack
Taiwan, Tainan County Prov, Country Field
Vietnam, Son La Prov, Tribeswoman
Nepal, Porters, 1983 - This photo, taken on my walk back from Lukla to Jiri, depicts the life of the porters in Nepal. Unlike Sherpas basking in the glory of Everest expeditions, the common porter's life is a hard one, with poor pay and long hours of back-breaking work.
Turkey, Samsun Prov, Butcher Shop
Bangladesh, Sylhet Prov, Bathing In River
Vietnam, Quang Nam Prov, Roadway Prayer Place -
Vietnam, An Giang Prov, Cook Steam
Nepal, Judith Standing, 1984 - In Tengboche, Solu Khumbu, Nepal, I invited Judith to climb Island Peak with me. On the way back, we lost contact. On the way to Lukla, I saw her footprints on the path ahead of me. I met with her at a teashop. We spent the night there together. She insisted I take a bath. The woman running the teashop (essentially a stone house on the side of the trail) heated a tub of water, and I took my first bath in a week. Here, a week later, Judith stands outside the doorway to our room in Katmandu.
Philippines, Romblon Prov, Lady Of Fatima