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
Vietnam, Lai Chau Prov, Hazy Valley
Azerbaijan, Agcabadi Prov, Patron
Taiwan, Changhua Prov, Municipal Worker Girl
Germany, Neuschwanstein, 1990 - Neuschwanstein Castle, south of Munich, may be the most picturesque castle in the world. It was built by Mad King Ludwig, who may have met his end by foul play. Although history books say that he drowned, this may have been at the hands of foes who wanted to put an end to his castle-building. For many years, I promised my grandmother that I would buy this castle for her! We put a photograph of Neuschwanstein on her kitchen wall. The photograph was taken from this vantage point, but I did not realize how difficult it was to reach it. I had to climb down the chasm opposite the castle and then up a rather steep mountainside.
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Old Woman Pipe
Slovenia, Bled Prov, Clarinetist
Chile, Antofagasta Prov, Flamingo Mountain
Slovenia, Moravske Toplice Prov, Tractor Scene
Indonesia, Bali, Dancer In The Dark, 2005 - Witnessing Balinese dance must be one of the highlights of any travelers experiences. The fluid grace of the beautiful women is truly incredible. Here, completely unprepared for taking photographs in this light, I sat my camera on a high ASA and braced the camera on top of a wall.
Peru, Lilly, Gary Cappa, Monyo And Jeff Shea, 1979 - In 1979, I went on my second great adventure: travelling mostly by land from the USA to Argentina. Gary and I met Lilly and Monyo from Lima. Lilly was his girlfriend and Monyo was mine. They treated us like kings. The only problem was that, being a good Catholic girl, I never "knew" Monyo in the 'biblical sense.' Gary complained of the same problem with Lilly. They were affectionate but it only went so far. After I returned to the USA, Monyo's letters seemed to indicate a greater willingness, but I never saw her again. Monyo's name was really Mono with a tilde over the n. (Photo 110 format from Jeff Shea Travel Archives)