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, Konya Prov, Landscape
Slovenia, Sezana Prov, Storage Sheds
Nepal, James's Frostbite, 1995 - James Allen was the youngest member of our Everest team in 1995. He became the youngest Australian at that time to summit the mountain. On the famed Second Step (near where Mallory met his end), James took off his outer glove for one minute. Even though he still had on his inner gloves, he got frostbite. They say the after-effects of frostbite are very painful. James lost only a small portion of his two frostbitten fingers.
Cambodia, Kampong Chaam Prov, Bicycle Tires
Latvia, Bauskas Prov, Meduskuka, A Cake -
UK, Northern Ireland, Derry Province, Choking On Oppression, 2008, IMG_5545CU1 - Going to Free Derry can be an emotional experience. One cannot help but be moved by the terrific fight the inhabitants put up in the quest for self-determination.
Thailand, Opium Smoking, 1984 - On my first visit to Thailand I took a short trek in the hills outside of Chiang Rai. At night our porters smoked opium on the floor of our hut. On the second night, Lode Vanhoot, a fellow trekker from Holland, and I tried smoking with them. A long conversation took place. I did not feel high. But when we tried to stand, it was as if our bodies were drunk, although our minds felt clear.
Day 9: Self-portrait on Arrival in Haunted Estación Valencia at Night, 2012 Chile, Antofagasta Province (Región)
UK, Devon Prov, Landscape
Cambodia, Baat Dambang Prov, Landmine Victim