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
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Singapore, King Of Saxony Bird Of Paradise, Jurong Bird Park, 2008, IMG_9488 - Twenty five years earlier, the highlanders of New Guinea wore the feathers of the King of Saxony bird of paradise in their headdress. This elusive bird is most easily seen at the Jurong Bird park. But even then, such a view requires patience. Their feathers, when viewed up close, are remarkable, each "branch" in itself comprised of smaller versions of itself.
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United Arab Emirates, Sharjah, Wall And Dome, 2000 - One Emirate seemed to fade into the next. It was difficult at first glance to see what distinguished one from the other. Here, sharp architecture made Sharjah stand out.
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Antarctica, Jeff Shea at South Pole in Globe with Plane, 2001- This is a photograph of myself and the international flags at the South Pole reflected in the marker Globe. In the background is the DC-3 which carried me from Patriot Hills.
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Papua New Guinea, East New Britain, Spider, 1983 - Kelly Soma and I camped on the top of the extinct volcano above Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. This spider startled us, and I used Kelly's tobacco pouch, a shoe, a pen, and a cup as props to show its size. While we were camping there was an enormous earthquake (magnitude 6.5-7.6 at its epicenter more than 100 miles out to sea), making the mountain feel like rubber.
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Turkey, Balikesir Prov, Mosque
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India, Oxen And Camel Working Water Well, 1984 - I walked from Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, across the Indian countryside to the Taj Mahal in Agra. I saw many new and interesting sites. Here, farmers use teams of oxen and a camel to turn the water wheels. Some villages had pumps, but the endless, deafening racket created by their engines destroyed the otherwise serene atmosphere.
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Vietnam, Phu Tho Prov, Night River
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China, Xizang (Tibet) Prov, Altitudes Of Everest North Ridge Route
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Nepal, Ama Dablam, 1983 - Ama Dablam is said to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It was on the back of the Nepali one rupee note. I met a man who had just climbed this peak, a difficult climb at that. He had slipped and saved his life by reaching out and grabbing a rock on his way down. I asked him why he risked his life. His reply stuck with me to this day. He said that after an experience like that, his life was worth ten times more. Many years later I was able to have a similar sensation. Risking my life on Everest was like going through a portal into a new reality. Life is not always about being safe. Doing things without a "safety net" could be a growth experience. This is not only true about climbing. This principle can be applied to daily life and to emotional experience, like allowing oneself to fall in love.
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Slovenia, Grosuplje Prov, Fields