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
Turkey, Ardahan Prov, Two Women
A time exposure gave a pleasant color palette from barriers alongside the road.
Peru, Nazca, Spaceman Figure, 1979 - One of the amazing places in the world to visit is the Lines of Nazca, in Nazca, Peru. This is the site mentioned in the book, The Chariot of The Gods. Such figures as this "spaceman" are visible only from an aircraft, as there are no mountains looking down on them. The theory was that the Nazca Indians created these designs on these desolate plains so that creatures from beyond earth could see them. Even more spectacular designs can be seen in northern Chile. (Photo 110 format from Jeff Shea Travel Archives)
India, Rajasthan, Boy With Bells, 1984 - This was an inventive way to to be able to keep track of him while enhancing her son's appearance: this boy's mother tied a string of bells around his waist. This photograph was taken about a day's walk away from Jaipur on our foot journey to Agra. Judith Pollack of Holland accompanied me on this walk.
Nepal, Chitwan, Rhinos Below Me, 1984 - About a week after running from a rhino on foot, I was with a guide in Chitwan National Park on a path. We were following a mama rhino and her baby. Just then, the rhino got the idea to do an about-face on the path. Startled, we climbed a tree! The rhino stood under the shaking branches, hearing us but not seeing us, just six feet below! The photo was not in good focus, but it still illustrates my predicament!
Slovenia, Vransko Prov, Vine Leaf
Lithuania, Panevezio Prov, Field And Hay -
Papua New Guinea, Huli Bik Man, 1983 - This man is dressed up for a sing-sing at Lake Kopiago. He is wearing Red-Plumed Bird of Paradise, parrot feathers, cockatoo feathers, kina shells, a cassowary bone dagger and pig's tails.
Papua New Guinea, Huli Sunglasses, 1983 - I don't think it mattered to this man that his sunglasses were missing a lens, just as many Highlanders wore wristwatches that were broken. Their interest was artistic, not practical. The Hulis had fantastic imaginations. I was impressed by the fact that they did not seem to differentiate between items from the forest and items from modern industry. Any item that could enhance their appearance was fair game. For example, this man's wig has both flowers and candy wrappers in it!
Slovenia, Brezovica Prov, Table Float