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
Uganda, Jeff Shea in Ruwenzoris, 1984 - In this photograph, i am walking out of the Ruwenzoris after six days of hiking and a failed attempt to reach Point Margherita, the highest peak in the mountain range. On September 28, 1984 at Ejuku Hut (3962 m) I wrote, "Stoned out of my head here in the most incredible landscape imaginable. Forests of giant groundsels cling (above 12,000 ft.) to soaring peaks. Mist moves in and out of the valleys, thunder occasionally dominates the audible spectrum. Rushing water, waterfalls and creeks crash through valleys."
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UK, Hillingdon (London) Prov, Surgery_Prov,_Coronation_Stone,_2009,_IMG_3739-700x573.jpg)
UK, Kingston upon Thames (London) Prov, Coronation Stone
Thailand, Chiang Mai Prov, Light Painting
India, Rajasthani Farmer With Pipe, 1984 - Judith Pollack and I came upon this farmer's village as night was falling. We were given a "de-la" to sleep in, a primitive bed on stilts with a little roof over it. In the middle of the night, we were startled by voices. Fearing attack I looked up. It was the village men planting by moonlight. Here, the farmer smokes a Rajasthani pipe. It was cleverly crafted with a chamber for tobacco, one for water and one for a burning ember.
Slovakia, Spisske Hrad (Spis Castle), 1997 - Spis is the largest fortified castle in Central Europe. I just stumbled upon it as my then-girlfriend Paula Nguyen of Australia and I drove around Eastern Europe. Sighting it with no idea as to what it was filled me with excitement. It was magnificent. Sometimes not knowing about a country prior to going there makes it more exciting - the discoveries you make feel more personal.
Estonia, Viljandimaa Prov, Giant Street Strawberry -
Lithuania, Klaipedos Prov, Catch -
DK, Greenland, Bliss Bugt, Arctic Hare, 2007, IMG_3527CU1 - To get this photo I had to stalk the rabbit. Writer John Richardson from Esquire patiently accompanied me. We were on a walk. He thought I was nuts.
Thailand, Loei Prov, Chiang Khan Housefront