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, Ravne Na Koroskem Prov, Rushing In
Myanmar, Kachin Prov, Detail Hut Scene
Turkey, Malatya Prov, Flower
Western Sahara, Beached Ship, 2000 - Western Sahara was a lonely sort of place, a lone outpost with an indefinite political affiliation. Morocco claims ownership of it, and it is listed under the International Standards Organizations as both a separate country and also as a province of Morocco. This beached ship was enormous and uncanny, sitting there, unattended on the shore near Laayoune (pronounced el-lai-yun).
Bangladesh, Sherpur Prov, Crowd Accosts Old Man - I didn't know what precipitated this, but - although not visible in this photo - a crowd of people followed these men. The older man was forcibly brought to a place where he was sat down, awaiting some sort of proceeding.
Thailand, Lampang Prov, Durians
Slovenia, Osilnica Prov, Rock Mountain
Rajasthani Water Pipe, 1984
Illustration of Rajasthani Water Pipe - (Illustration by Mike Taylor based on description by Jeff Shea)
Tibet, Everest, North Ridge, North Col From 8000 meters,1995 -
On my third trip up to the North Col, I went by myself to 8000 meters, using my altimeter watch. When I returned to ABC, Jon Tinker, the team leader, deemed I was ready to go for the summit. This photograph looks down on the valley we came up. The North Col is the base of the snow saddle in the lower center left of the photograph. A col is the saddle between two mountains; in this case Everest, on which I stood and Changtze, the mountain to the left, whose summit is not visible in this photograph.
Turkey, Sanliurfa Prov, Landscape